C O M M O N C A L L P R E S I D E N T S MESSAGE

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1 Oak Park River Forest Community of Congregations S E P T E M B E R C O M M O N C A L L I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Time to Renew 2 Celebrating Seniors Coalition Accepting 2014 Nominations Can Your Congregation Afford Another $50,000 Expense Events of Note 3 Our Neighbors to the East Proviso Food Pantry Fundraiser Like Us on Facebook 4 Fundraiser to Benefit The Sugar Beet Co-op Trends and Forcasts : What to Expect as America Transforms DowntoWn Abbey Garden Party Faith and Green 5 Renewed Congregations P R E S I D E N T S MESSAGE School has started, there has been a change in the weather. (Well, this summer, there has been a change every few days. I don't know what season it will seem to be when you read this.) The Jewish High Holidays (I prefer to call them the Holy Days), Rosh Ha Shana (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) are upon us. The High Holidays are earlier this year than they have been since they shift back and forth like Orthodox Easter. But regardless of when they come, I always link them in my mind with the start of school, or Labor Day. Each of those events signals new beginnings. The turning of a leaf, a new page. With the coming of the fall we get a chance for reflection and recommitment. And so, with our September 30 Community Meeting, the Community of Congregations begins anew as well. Our history is rich with community involvement. In the past we have reached across Austin a number of times. A number of now independent organizations were started by or nurtured by our organization. Among those serving the Austin Community today are The Food Pantry, Prevail (formerly the Walk-In Ministry), PADS, the Cluster Tutoring Program. Our September Community Meeting, "Our Neighbors to the East," will present a panel of speakers from those organizations and others based in Austin or the Greater West Side. Join us as we explore this often maligned community and how we can once again be of service. Please see the announcement elsewhere in this newsletter for a list of participating organizations and panelists. The list is still in formation and we hope to have one or two more speakers. I hope your new beginnings excite and challenge you and I look forward to seeing you on September 30. Leonard Grossman President

2 Page 2 Common Call T I M E TO R E N EW About 50 congregations in Oak Park, River Forest, and surround ding areas participate with the Community of Congregations through membership or support of our ministries like the Holiday Food and Gift Basket, Celebrating Seniors Coalition, and the Annual House of Worship Walk. The year is two thirds over. Has your congregation renewed its commitment? Please consider contributing at one of the recommended levels: Up to 25 members: $ members: $ members: $ members: $400 More than 200 members: $500 Feel free to send your membership dues to: Community of Congregations P.O. Box 3365 Oak Park, IL Please contact Katie Avalos with questions at oprfcoc@gmail.com. C E L E B R AT I N G SENIORS COALITION A C - C E P T I N G NOMINAT I O N S FOR 2014 Celebrating Seniors Coalition is requesting nominations for the Class of 2014 by December 31st this year. Please consider those you know who live in Forest Park, Oak Park or River Forest and who should be honored. The application is attached to the end of this newsletter. If you have questions about the process, please call Jill Wagner at the Oak Park Arms who chairs this committee at We welcome your participation and thank you for helping to honor members of our community who should be recognized. Submitted by Pat Koko C A N Y O U R CONGREGAT I O N A F F O R D A N - O T H E R $50,000 EXPENSE? We re proud to be able to feed all the families that come to Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. But we are only a fraction of their food budget. About half of our clients also receive SNAP benefits. (About 98% are eligible.) SNAP is funding low-income families receive in the form of a debit card that can only be used for food. Congress is trying to drastically cut funding for that program. We asked folks at the Pantry recently to weigh in. Here s what some of our neighbors had to say when asked What would happen to you or your kids is SNAP funding is cut? I would not be able to eat everyday. And some people would have to do terrible things to get some cash for food. Not everyone could eat or we would not have enough food for my brothers and sisters. The most recent budget put forth by the House of Representatives cuts SNAP by $40 Billion. If it passed, food pantries across America would be overwhelmed. The cuts to our local SNAP recipients would be so great that our Food Pantry and the Greater Chicago Food Depository combined could never make up the difference. Local congregations could not make it up even if they tripled their donations. In fact Bread for the World estimates that EVERY congregation in the country (Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist) would have to chip in an extra $50,000 to make up for such SNAP cuts. If you think that s wrong, you can: Call Senators Mark Kirk ( ) and Dick Durbin ( ) and ask them to keep our food safety net strong. Call Representative Danny Davis ( ) and ask him to reject cuts to SNAP in the House budget. Kristi and ask to be added to our Advocacy Action Alert List (you ll only get for advocacy alerts): kristi@oprffoodpantry.org. Making a phone call may seem insignificant but many small actions can have a profound impact. If no one speaks up, Congress feels like no one cares and can act with impunity. If you care, please consider making a phone call or two. Submitted by Michele Zurakowski (Executive Director) and Bob Haisman (Board member) Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry

3 Common Call Page 3 C O M M U N I T Y MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 30TH: OUR NEIGHBORS T O T H E EAST Recent publicity has presented a one dimensional portrait of the Austin community. In order to help us to get a better understanding of our neighbors and learn how we can meaningfully partner with them, the Oak Park-River Forest Community of Congregations will convene a panel of people involved with the community in a number of ways as our first Community Meeting this fall. The following individuals and organizations will participate: Bethel New Life - Rev. Edward Coleman Chicago Police and Firefighters Training Program - Lieut. Frank Brim Circle Family Health Care Network - Dr. André Hines 8th District State Representative - La Shawn K. Ford P.A.D.S - Lynda Schueler Prevail (formerly The Walk-in Ministry) - Christy Harris Austin Coming Together (ACT) - Rev. Reginald Bachus Cluster Tutoring Program - Kathryn McCabe Monday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. Ascension Catholic Church, 808 S. East Ave. in Oak Park P R O V I S O FOOD PANTRY FUNDRAISER F E AT U R I N G T H E PAMPERED CHEF The Proviso Pantry (which serves the communities that are a part of Proviso Township) has been an active provider in the area since 1986, supported by River Forest United Methodist Church and Cosmopolitan United Methodist Church in Melrose Park. On Saturday, September 14 at 1:30 p.m., there will be a Pampered Chef Demonstration at the River Forest church, 7970 Lake Street. Kitchen tools and products will be demonstrated: BBQ tools, bridal shower and wedding gifts, baking necessities, and everyday cooking tools--plus a tasty treat will be prepared with products and served to those attending. If you're unable to attend, you can place an order with Denise Costigan, (847) , or Laura Dillner, (708) , or the website, after viewing the entire Pampered Chef catalog on line at denisecostigan. Please place orders by September 14. Special shipping can be done anywhere in the U. S. The pantry will receive a fundraising check from the kitchen tools and products that are sold. Submitted by Jean Dillner River Forest United Methodist Church E V E N T S OF N O T E In the Spirit of Taizé September 6 at 7:30 pm Ascension Catholic Church 808 S. East Ave, Oak Park More information at taize.php World Day of Prayer September 12 at 7:30 pm Unity of Oak Park 405 N. Euclid, Oak Park For more info visit Movie Night: Introducing Neale Donald Walsh: God s Latest Scribe September 13 at 7:00 pm Unity of Oak Park 405 N. Euclid, Oak Park For more info visit Animal Blessing September 14 at 11:00 am Unity of Oak Park 405 N. Euclid, Oak Park For more info visit Taizé September 20 at 7:30 pm Euclid Avenue UMC 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park More information at Taizé at Unity Temple September 27 at 7:00 p.m. Unity Temple 875 Lake Street, Oak Park More information at

4 Page 4 Common Call L I K E US ON FACEBOOK We re now on Facebook. Like us to get updates on our events and the work of the ministries we support. Oak Park River Forest Community of Congregations: F U N D R A I S E R T O BENEFIT T H E SUGAR BEET CO-OP The culinary team at Inspiration Kitchen is preparing a 4-course menu inspired by the work of Chef Edna Lewis. Edna Lewis was born in a small settlement called Freetown in 1916, one of eight children. The farm had been granted to her grandfather, a freed slave. Growing, gathering and preparing food was more than just sustenance for the family; it was a form of entertainment. In her cookbook, "A Taste of Country Cooking" Edna recalls her childhood memories of seasonal celebrations with her family through recipes, which read like love letters Chef Kocoa Scott- Winbush and 4 guest performers will read excerpts of Chef Edna's writings from two of her highly acclaimed cookbooks, "The Taste of Country Cooking" and "In Pursuit of Flavor." Readings will be paired with the violin virtuosity of Samuel "Savoirfaire" Williams, a local, classically trained jazz violinist. Wine and beer will also be served. The proceeds of this unique event will benefit The Sugar Beet Co-op, a volunteer organization that provides educational experiences that celebrate local food. From canning classes To The Edible Garden Tour, The Sugar Beet Coop has reached over 3000 people in 18 months with positive and practical information about sustainable food choices that support local farmers, strengthens our community and feeds our bodies and souls. Saturday, October 5, :00pm until 10:00pm Inspiration Kitchens 3504 W. Lake St, Chicago Get Tickets here: m/event/ Submitted by Amy Henderson T R E N D S AND FORCASTS : WHAT T O EXPECT A S A M E R I C A T R A N S F O R M S A new era for America has begun. What is the purpose of this period and how was it predicted thousands of years ago? How can you best position yourself to work with all the new changes? Don t miss this exciting workshop filled with practical, thought-provoking information to help you gain a new perspective on what is really going on in the world. Gail Minogue is a Master Numerologist, author, TV personality and workshop leader. Suggested Love Offering $ Sunday Sept. 22, from 1:00 3:00 pm. Unity of Oak Park 405 N Euclid Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302

5 Common Call Page 5 D O W N T O W N A B B E Y G A R D E N P A R T Y S E T F O R S E P T. 1 5 T H Grace Episcopal Church invites friends and neighbors to a garden party on Sunday afternoon, September 15, 2013, beginning at 3:00 p.m., on the church grounds at 924 Lake Street, Oak Park. Proceeds will benefit the parish and its many outreach ministries. The theme of the event, DowntoWn Abbey Garden Party, salutes the popular PBS television series, Downton Abbey. The festivities will include traditional English tea fare including finger sandwiches and scones, musical entertainment, activities for children, a Downton Abbey trivia contest, photo opportunities with a vintage Rolls Royce, and a hat parade. Raffle items will include gift certificates to area restaurants, gourmet specialties, and other small luxuries. General admission is $20 for adults and teens; children under 12 are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at or at the entrance to the party. Sponsorships are also available in advance, as follows: Cousin Isobel Circle includes acknowledgment in program and one admission ticket. $50 Lady Mary Circle includes program acknowledgment, 2 admission tickets, and 5 raffle tickets. $100 Earl of Grantham Circle includes program acknowledgment, 4 admission tickets, and 10 raffle tickets. $500 Dowager Countess of Grantham Circle includes program acknowledgment, 10 admission tickets, 25 raffle tickets, reserved table with service. $1000 For more information: Website Facebook page graceop@sbcglobal.net, or telephone Submitted by Audrey Riley F A I T H A N D G R E E N What green values are important to you and your congregation? What activity are you most proud of toward meeting those values? What is your vision for future green activities? World Café small-group discussions will give you and others from the community an opportunity to share and dialogue around these questions, in a facilitated and focused deliberative democracy setting. The evening will be introduced by Clare Butterfield, founder of Faith in Place, an organization that helps 900 congregations of all faiths to better integrate their religious values and teachings with effective actions aimed at healing the earth. Also, an original skit, on the problem of climate change, will be presented by the Fair Oaks ACTS Drama Ministry. Wednesday, September 18 7:00-8:30pm Oak Park Library, Veterans Room For more information, or to RSVP, contact: Jim Babcock at jlbabck@sbcglobal.net or Interfaith Green Network First United Church of Oak Park, Environmental Stewardship Team Submitted by Dick Alton

6 T H A N K YO U T O OUR RENEW E D CONGREGAT I O N S Ascension Church Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church First United Church First United Methodist Church Grace Lutheran Church & School Harvard Family United Church Oak Park Friends Meeting Oak Park Temple Pilgrim Congregational Church River Forest United Methodist Church Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality St. Catherine of Siena St. Lucy St. Edmund Parish St. Giles Church United Lutheran Church Unity Church of Oak Park Unity Temple West Suburban Temple Har Zion Community of Congregations Executive Committee Officers: President, Leonard Grossman West Suburban Temple Har Zion Vice President, Joe McDonald Ascension Catholic Church Treasurer, Mike Prus Ascension Catholic Church Secretary vacant Past President, Lowell Eckberg First United Methodist Church At-large committee members: Bud Hayes First United Church Marrey Picciotti St. Giles Catholic Parish Jim Robinson Oak Park Temple Delegates Emeritus: Harriette Robinet and McLouis Robinet St. Edmund Parish To learn more please visit: If your organization has a special celebration or activity that you would like to share with the Community of Congregations network, please send your information to Katie Avalos at oprfcoc@gmail.com by the 25 th of the month.

7 St. Christopher s Annual Rummage Sale Saturday, Sept. 7, S. East Ave, Oak Park, IL 9AM- 2 PM Rain or Shine!! Items will be indoors as well as out! Come find a new treasure!!

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11 Learn About the Affordable Care Act And What it Means to You! Stronger Consumer Rights and Protection More Affortable Care Better Access to Care Stronger Medicare Pre-enrollment will be available after the presentation Oak Park Main Library 834 Lake Street Sunday Sept. 29th2013 1:00-3:00 pm Sponsored by

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