No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey You are welcome here! A SPECIAL WARM WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS! Thank you for joining us today! We hope that you feel the warmth of God s spirit here as we worship together! Please complete the form (in the pew) to let us know a little more about you and place it in the offering plate. As our guests this day it is the only offering we ask. If you should have a prayer concern or would like to meet with the Pastor please indicate this next to your name. Thank you! Following worship please join us in Fellowship Hall for an informal Continental Breakfast. Please note our worship services are online and televised, your participation in the service may be visible during these live ministries. If you should not wish your child to be on screen, please refrain from sending them forward during the children s time or have them sit directly in front of the pews in the front. Large print bulletins and hearing devices are available. Please ask an usher. An elevator is at your disposal for all levels; our west entrance has a ramp. Children are welcome in worship; however, should your child grow restless feel free to sit with them in the Parlor at the rear of the Sanctuary. Nursery/childcare is available for children up to age 2 and is located just off the hall of the main Sanctuary. Children are invited to attend Sunday School following the Children s Message. Classes are offered for all ages. Today s Sunday School: This week all children ages 3 years 6th grade will meet in the Chapel for Kid s Church following the Conversation with the Children. The children will get to experience Godly Play. Very exciting!. In a sense of having we can become rich by long hours, shrewd investments, and a lot of luck. But it is possible to have a barn full of money and a boatload of talent and movie star good looks and still be poor. John Ortberg Without generous hearts how can there be peace? In a world where money and power are worshipped and named as a successful life how can one find God, the One rooted in compassion, grace, and selfless love? -Anonymous I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful - for all of it.- Kristin Armstrong. 2 God is still speaking
Please pass the clipboard in the pews. Sign in and sign up for events and let us know you re here. PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Kim *SHARING THE PEACE *OPENING SONG #569 God of Grace and God of Glory -Fosdick/Hughes CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Pastor Kim God, look at all You have given to us; the beauty of creation, the songs of birds, the splendor of sunrise and sunset, the gift of human life, the gift of Your love in Jesus Help us to be grateful for what we have and not to long for that which we do not. May we live with generous and open hearts That what we have, we have to share, to bless others around us and to bring Good News to every aspect and corner of our lives. Amen. CHILDREN S SONG Jesus Loves Me (1st Verse) CHILDREN S MESSAGE Pastor Scott The Lord s Prayer (read in unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. CHILDREN S SONG Jesus Loves Me (2nd verse) Jesus loves me still today, Walking with me on my way, Wanting as a friend to give, Light and love to all who live. 3
SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 23:1 Luke 12:13-24 Jim Nicols MINISTRY OF MUSIC Glitter and Gold -Ferguson SILENT MOMENT OF REFLECTION MESSAGE Unable to Fly Pastor Scott PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Silent Prayer Prayer Special Wedding Blessing Pastor Scott/Pastor Kim Nichols OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS TO GOD Sharing Our Gifts with the Offertory Pastor Kim Offertory Music Empty Me -Sligh The Band *Presentation of the Gifts with Praise (sung in unison) To God, all glorious heavenly light, To Christ revealed in earthly night, To God the Spirit now we raise, Our joyful song of thankful praise. *Prayer of Dedication *CLOSING SONG #502 Be Thou My Vision - Byrne/Schrader *BENEDICTION Ancient Words - Deshazo One of our worship traditions to show our solidarity and love in community is to join hands and sing. If you are visiting with us, we invite you to join us in song and in spirit. *POSTLUDE I Will Bless the Lord at All Times -Pace The Band 4
OUR TIME OF WORSHIP TOGETHER HAS ENDED. NOW MAY OUR CHRISTIAN SERVICE BEGIN! Today s Musicians Vocals: Kelley Calpin and Anthony Berg Guitar: Owen Cooper Bass: Conor Roe Percussion: Justin Kono and Lily West New Church App Download our new app on your iphone or Android NOW! Just search for our church name. The app will keep you connected real-time. PRAYER CONCERNS AND COMMUNITY JOYS Marilyn Jelinek, The Miller family, Dorothy Allen, Michael Ode, Gary Emore, Harold Laughlin, Baby Bailey Rose Butkus and her parents Mike and Kelly, the Starzyk family GREETERS: Karen & Nick Costanzi, Andy Dahle USHERS: Len Clark, Perlie Havel, Jill Rahn, Lora Finucane (HEAD USHER:) Bob Orsula COUNTERS: Lynn Niemi, Dave Niemi (Lead Counter) Larry Bryant This week s continental breakfast will be hosted by Outreach & Membership. We will also have a special farewell celebration in honor of Jan Barker. This week s altar flowers are in celebration of Jim and Diane Nichols 40 th wedding anniversary. This Week s Announcements All Saints service: If you have a relative or family member who has died and would like their name spoken aloud during the All Saints Tolling of the Bell during our All Saints service please send it in to the church office no later than Thursday November 2nd. Thank you. 5
A reminder of how this church community can help shape and change lives one family at a time. An update from our latest sponsored Bridge family.https://www.bridgecommunities.org/index.html NIGHT MINISTRY OF CHICAGO NEEDS YOU... CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE OUR FRIENDS IN HUMBOLDT PARK! Today, please join us in the church kitchen at 2:00 pm to make a meal together. We will pack up the cars and head to Humboldt Park at 3:00 pm, serve a meal to our Night Ministry guests at 4:00 pm and head back to church following. Please join us if you never have before. The Night Ministry of Chicago provides many services throughout neighborhoods in Chicago, helping children, teenagers, and families. Questions, call Dena Provenzano 630-660-7445 or denapro@comcast.net COAT DRIVE: Help is still needed for our coat drive. We have names for some of the foster care children and our Pads guests. Please see us in Fellowship Hall. Congressional Care Ministry. Questions call Ann Mullen 969-3287. Coat returns Nov. 5 th Please help First Congregational UCC connect homeless families to a better future! http://www.sleepoutsaturday.org/group41 On November 4th First Congregational UCC is sleeping outside to raise awareness about family homelessness and to raise funds for Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program. Please bring your families and join us as we kick off our Sleep Out Saturday event in the Chapel beginning at 8:00 pm. We will welcome some very special guests who have experienced homelessness firsthand. Show your support by pledging online today! Friends, families and community are welcome to join us for our evening program and to stay all night! Please reach Dena Provenzano with any questions at 630-660-7445/ denapro@comcast.net. Boy Scout Troop 55 Wreath sales 2017: Please help support the Scouts in Troop 55 earn money for their scout accounts to pay for summer camp, high adventure camps and campouts. Sales at the church are scheduled for Sunday, October 22rd and 29th after services in the Fellowship Hall. Troop 55 s wreaths are beautiful live wreaths and are not artificial. We are carrying the same vendor as last year. Wreath delivery for church members will be held on November 19th after services. The scouts will be available to assist everyone with their wreath orders that morning on the front lawn of the church. If you 6
would like to order a wreath or need additional information please contact: Jana Peters, 630-640-2787 or Karen Gatewood 630-964-2903. Hope s Front Door will be holding our 9th annual Toy Sale at St. Scholastica on Saturday, Nov. 25th and Sunday, Nov. 26th. We need new and gently used toys for the toy sale. Additionally, we will need 4 volunteers per day to wrap presents. We are also asking for donations of wrapping paper and ribbons/bows (can be dropped off on 6th floor in our office or outside of office door). Volunteers are asked to bring their own scissors and tape. Please contact Adrienne Colvert if you are interested in being a Rapper! Email: acolvert@att.net or 630-795-0535. Thank You. Bailey Gofundme: Kelly (Martin) Butkus and Mike Butkus, members of the church and daughter of Rick and Jan Martin recently had a baby girl- Bailey Rose Butkus. Bailey was born with many major health concerns: hole in her heart, one missing heart valve, and several other major health concerns. She is one month old. She has had two life saving surgeries thus far and is needing more. Her aunt has started a gofund me site to help her family through the myriad of medical expenses. We hope you are able to help. Here is the Go Fund Me page Laura set up for Bailey.https://www.gofundme.com/rfw25-baileysmedical-fund FCC BOOK CLUB: Our next selection for November is "Rules of Civility" by Amor Towles. We will meet at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, November 1 in the Parlor. Everyone is invited! Bring a friend, neighbor, relative and/or spouse! Blood Drive: Congregational Care would like to thank Ron Moravec and Mark Herrick for their help at the October 17 Blood Drive. Thanks again to Pat Lockett for providing delicious bar cookies for our snack table. Many thanks to the following 23! participants: Sandy Toleikis, J. Richard Toleikis, Mark Herrick, Pastor Scott, Joyce Doemland, Dave Doemland, AnnaMay Miller, Clint Mobley, Michelle Mobley, Roger Crisman, Scott Given, Ralph Anderson, Pat Armstrong, Ruth Poplar, William Saxton, Matt Newton, Judy Harry, Kathleen Travis, Dena Provenzano, Marc Provenzano, David Burke, Jill Aparo, Karen Nachtigall. Blood donations save lives! Please mark your calendars and plan ahead for our next Blood Drive on January 16th! Blood can be donated every 8 weeks. Thank you! 7
Women's Fellowship - Ladies of the Morning and Evening: We're going out for breakfast Friday, November 3 at 9:30 am at Egg Harbor Café 5128 Mochel Drive, Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 963-0390. If you plan on coming please email or call me. It is nice to have some idea of how big a table to get. Peggy Gutzke H-630/971-1382 peggy.gutzke@gmail.com Caring for Creation: The Caring for Creation Team is hosting an outing to see 'An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power ' on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. at the York Theater in Elmhurst. A sequel to 'The Inconvenient Truth,' the follow-up documentary addresses the progress being made to tackle the problem of climate change and Al Gore's global efforts to persuade governmental leaders to invest in renewable energy. For those interested in dinner before the movie, we will be meeting at the church at 5 p.m. and then carpooling to Armand's restaurant near the theater. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Tom Eisenhart at teisenhart@yahoo.com or 312.925.6949 Faith Builders Group: A new Christian Education opportunity to share in prayer, read scripture and share our experiences with it as we grow together as disciples each Thursday at 10am in the Library with Pastor Scott. Irma Fund Information: Ken Klindtworth and Joslyn Kirkegaard (630.215.5467) are a part of the local relief efforts of Irma along with Pastor Jim and Kirk of the Keys Church. If you would like to support this effort make all checks payable to our church with Irma Fund in the memo. UPCOMING Christian Education Opportunities: Sundays following service we ll have a discussion group each Sunday around preaching issues that face the church today. NOTE: Many of these sermons are edgy and controversial- the idea is to elicit conversation and reaction and to wrestle with the challenges they propose. I hope that you will consider coming to one or more of these opportunities to engage and share with your church family. October 29 th : Cancelled for Jan Barker s Farewell Celebration during Coffee Hour November 5 th : When the Empire Strikes Back Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III November 12 th : Relinquishment and Reception Walter Brueggemann November 19 th : What the Wing Says Barbara Brown Taylor 8
Chancel Flowers: Did you know that the flowers displayed on the Chancel are donated by church members? Everyone is invited to donate flowers in joy, celebration or remembrance of a loved one. The cost to donate is $35.00 and there is a sign up calendar on the bulletin board on the Sanctuary level, south entrance. When you donate a floral arrangement you are encouraged to take it home with you following service so that you may enjoy its purpose. We do ask, however that you return the vase so that we can recycle them with the florist. Any questions, please see Linda Schranz or Barb Hammack. Bad Girls of the Bible: Yes, you read that title correctly. We know the Bible is chock full of men and women of good character who model a Christ-centered life for us but have you ever been curious about the Bad Girls of the Bible? Who are they, and what makes them bad? Do they redeem themselves and become upstanding Women of God? If so, how? What does that mean for us as Christians good, bad, or otherwise? Join Pastor Kim this fall as we embark on a colorful journey to examine these women, discover their transformation, and learn how their experiences remain meaningful and relevant for all of us today! Our Bible study will follow the book and study guide Bad Girls of the Bible, Exploring Women of Questionable Virtue by Barbara J. Essex. Pastor Kim has a limited number of copies available for $6. each or they may be ordered through Amazon. ISBN #0-8298-1339-X The Pilgrim Press 1999. We will meet at 2:00pm and 7:00pm on Thursdays from October through December. Please call or email Pastor Kim with questions (630-601-2580, pastorkim@uccdg.org). All are welcome! Amazon Smile: When you shop @AmazonSmile, Amazon will make a donation to First Congregational United Church of Christ. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/36-2361106 MANNA: MANNA CARD CHANGES! The Manna company we have been using has been acquired by Great Lakes Scrip Center. There are some changes that will make it easier to purchase Manna Cards and support our church. Here is the website for the new companyshop.shopwithscrip.com/. You can use this to order cards on your own. Orders received by Tuesday night can be picked up on Sunday morning. You can also use the website to reload some of the cards you purchase. Check out the list of merchants and the percent they give back to our church on the website. Remember you pay for the amount you receive, 9
so it is easy to help the church budget at no cost to you. Follow these instructions to set up your account and begin ordering today. If you have questions, see us at the Manna Table on Sunday mornings. Go to https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/ click on the grey "register" button in the upper right hand corner, click on the left side Join a scrip program. Use the enrollment code 92A2CLLA55623. You can create your logon information. Once you create your account you can order by clicking the "shop" button. If you sign up for Presto Pay, which is their ACH system you can order and pay online. You will need to go through their security process to sign up. If you do not want to sign up for Presto Pay you can email orders to Laurie Olsen glennlaurieolsen@gmail.com and Steve Johnson Sjoh413@gmail.com. Greater Chicago Food Depository Wednesday Night Repack: Join church members each Wednesday evening from 6:00 9:00 pm for a food repack session. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is located at 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, which is just off the Stevenson Expressway at Pulaski Road. For more information, contact David Hersemann at dah5@comcast.net, or Laurel Carlson at lacduke@comcast.net. Christian Witness in Society: Make a positive difference. UCC.org examines current justice issues within the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in today s world, and offers opportunities to take personal action. Receive weekly justice action alerts from the UCC by going to ucc.org. Click on Advocate for Justice, then click on Take Action. You can receive justice alerts by email or text. Sign up. You CAN make a difference in the world. 10
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Coming Up This Week SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2017 10:30 AM Boy Scout Troop 55 Wreath Sale 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Praise Band Rehearsal-Sanctuary 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Celebration Honoring Jan Barker-Fellowship Hall 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Junior Choir-Music Room 2:00 PM Night Ministry 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fall Fest MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017 Sanctuary Lights Installed 6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Chapel 6:00 PM PADS Overnight Guest-Fellowship Hall TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2017 Sanctuary Lights Installed 6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 7:00 AM PADS Departure- Fellowship Hall 10:00 AM Adult Coloring Group-Parlor 10:00 AM FCLC Children's Parade WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017 Sanctuary Lights Installed 6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bible Study (at members' homes) 11:00 AM Church Staff Meeting-Library 12:00 PM Administrative Deadline for Bulletin 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Greater Chicago Food Depository Wednesday Night Repack 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Grounds of Hope Worship Service-Coffee House 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Book Club-Parlor 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM Troop 55 Committee meeting-503 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Alanon meeting-coffee House THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 Sanctuary Lights Installed 6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM FCLC Jumpbunch Chapel 10:00 AM Faith Builders Group -A New Christian Education Opportunity-Library 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Bad Girls of the Bible-Parlor 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM ESL-Library 7:00 PM Bad Girls of the Bible-Parlor 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal-Choir Room 7:00 PM Scouts-Fellowship Hall FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017 Sanctuary Lights Installed 6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 9:30 AM Ladies of the Morning & Evening Breakfast-Egg Harbor 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Chapel 8:15 PM Two Way Street Concert-Coffee House SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017 Sleep-Out Saturday (Entire Family) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Illinois Conference Outdoor Ministry Committee-Conference Room 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Martial Arts Chapel 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM All Bridge Saints-Fellowship Hall/Kitchen 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sing Around-Coffee House 15
An Open and Affirming Congregation 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-968-0358 OUR CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Scott Oberle, Senior Pastor... pastorscott@uccdg.org Rev. Kim Whisler-Vasko, Assoc. Minister of Faith Formation pastorkim@uccdg.org Cathy Sanders, Minister of Pastoral Care and Visitation... casanders3@aol.com Kelley Calpin, Director of Music Ministries... kcalpin@gmail.com Maria Carini, Assistant to the Minister of Music... mcarin1m@aol.com Dena Provenzano, Director of Youth Ministries... dprovenzano@uccdg.org Jan Barker, Director of Children s Ministries... jbarker@uccdg.org Leslie McFarland, Administrative Secretary... lmcfarland@uccdg.org Kimberly Rutter, Bookkeeper... bookkeeper@uccdg.org Carl Lorek, Custodian/Maintenance Supervisor... Carll@uccdg.org Kim Choate, Director, First Congregational Learning Center... kchoate@uccdg.org Dave Humphreys, Two Way Street Coffee House... dave@twowaystreet.org Bill Hammack, A-V Specialist... bill@symbolix.com Len Potter, Broadcasting Ministries... lenp@potterpro.com Justin Kono, Band Director... j.akira.kono@gmail.com The Rev. Dr. Robert D. Schieler, Pastor Emeritus Our church staff is available Monday Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Fridays by appointment. Office Phone: 630-968-0358 Office E-mail: FCUCC@UCCDG.org In pastoral emergencies, Pastor Scott can be reached at 630-432-0380. Visit our weekly Sunday Service on channel 6 each Sunday at 11:30am or view the service online at www.uccfn.org Website: www.uccdg.org First Congregational Learning Center FCLC Website: www.fclcdg.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/fclcdg twitter.com/ uccdg facebook.com/uccdg Donate 16