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HighlightThe CongregaTional UniTed ChUrCh of ChrisT

Increasing Our Love for God & Neighbor

February 5, 2015 • Issue 2St. Charles (Campton Hills) • cuccstc.org

CUCCSTC Pastoral Search Survey Summary

The Pastoral Search Committee is pleased to announce that we have completed our congregation-wide survey and have analyzed the results. 150 members responded to the survey. 83 members turned in paper questionnaires, and 67 members took the same survey online. While the responses revealed a healthy diversity of thoughts and opinions, several major trends and preferences emerged in answering the questions our Committee posed. For the sake of clarity, we can divide those responses into two major categories: 1) How we at the CUCCSTC see ourselves and our community, and 2) the most important talents and qualities we seek in our new Senior Minister. In other words, they tell us who we are and what we are searching for in a leader/pastor.

Our congregation largely identifies itself as theologically moderate to liberal. We view the Bible as the record of many different people’s response to God, and we think people and churches today must interpret the Bible’s basic moral and religious teachings for themselves. Our church is welcoming and friendly. We are accepting toward all people and value an open and affirming church culture. Vital youth programs and service-oriented community outreach are strengths we recognize. We have a dedicated staff and an experienced, organized, and active lay leadership. In the future we would like to grow our membership’s involvement/participation in the church: engaging new, existing, and returning members, regardless of their age or family configuration. Part of this growth must extend to stewardship. We are a church connected to our community. Popular mission projects such as Jesus Has Left the Building, Night Ministry, and Back Bay Mission work tours show that we continue to reach out beyond the walls of our church to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We acknowledge that homelessness, economic inequality, and alcohol/substance abuse in our local communities are challenges we must address if we are to live as Christ lived. We are a church committed to caring and taking action to help others in need.

Our new pastor will be a good leader who encourages people to relate their faith to their daily lives and develop themselves spiritually. Through a sermon style that is personal, relational, and engaging, this preacher will apply Bible lessons to today’s world, using stories to help us address challenges we face. Compassion and a caring attitude are essential to the minister who will help our members during future times of crisis. We would like our minister to be mindful of divergent views and to build a sense of fellowship among us. Music and planning for our Sunday worship services are important to us, but so is visiting members in hospitals, nursing homes, and outside of the church building. Our congregation is excited to welcome fresh energy and new ideas. We hope to find a new teacher, counselor, and friend. We are a warm, approachable, and positive-minded church and we seek those same qualities to shepherd the vision and connections we have begun. We are a happy church coming out of a strong and satisfying past, and we want that direction to continue and to expand. We are eager for tomorrow and are looking for a leader who will join us, and guide us, in our journey.

Not every view expressed in the survey responses can be reflected here. Just because an opinion is not the most popular does not mean it is not relevant, or even critical, to our mission. The Search Committee welcomes every voice who spoke out, and we thank you.

Check here for regular

updates from our

Pastoral Search

Committee!

February 5, 2015 • The Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Charles IL •

Pray for each other so that you may be healed....

James 5:16 (NIV)

Please Pray for

Jon DevermannMarc DeSilvaMarla HechtKatelyn Keck

Hannah NiemanBruce Patzer passed away

on January 31Barbara WiebmerDee Zimmerman

Pottawatomie Partnership

Volunteers are needed each Saturday at 8:30am. #13, 1620 S. 13th Ave, St. Charles.

Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

Food on the 4th

FEBRUARY 22 – MIXES The theme is mixes. Please bring cake mixes, baking mixes, muffin mixes, Jello, pudding

mixes for the St. Charles Salvation Army Food Pantry and the Elburn Food Pantry.

Men’s Fellowship Walking Group 3rd Saturday of each month, 8am

Contact George Mohn for information and location. 847-488-9179, [email protected]

Highlight Newsletter Copy Deadline Monday, March 2, BEFORE NOON

Please continue to save pop tabs. Bring them to the hutch just out-side the church office. This is an ongoing project, reaching to infinity and beyond...Thank you, Pat Kitner

Swing Set Preschool RegistrationOpen registration for the general public will begin on Monday, February 9, at 8:30 A.M. to fill any remaining openings. Forms will be available in Miss Kim’s Office. If you would like to set up a tour, please feel free to email Miss Kim or call the office! Registration forms accompanied by a nonrefundable registration fee ($75.00 for new students and $50.00 for returning students) may be mailed or dropped off at the school or left in the church office. Any questions, please call Kim at 630 443 8570 or email her at [email protected].

2015 Altar Flower Donations Sign up on the Worship Bulletin Board next to the elevator for 2015 altar flower donations. Ginger Krichbaum from the Worship Committee will contact you by e-mail or phone to make arrangements for your flower donation and what you would like printed in the bulletin.

SAVE THE DATE!

Ladies get away weekend, “Sharing Love and Inspiration”is on October 30 through November 1. Mark your calendars and join other ladies of the church in a fun, relaxing weekend. More details later.

CELL PHONES ONLYSusan and John Rodgers are joining others in canceling their land line and going cellular. You can reach John at 630-997-4789 and Susan at 630-632-9566.

Circle of FriendsWednesday, March 18th

9:30 am in parlorBob & Tassie Brautigam will be sharing pictures

of the area in Canada north of Toronto where their summer cabin is located.

All are welcome.

Thank you everyone for all the cards, emails, facebook postings and huge hugs on my mothers passing. I feel truly blessed to be a part of such a loving church.Sincerely,Josie Ball

Please pray for them on their birthdays.

Carrie Fulk 1Liska Hackett 1Jim Valsa 1Addie DeMarre 2Jeff Fairchild 2Howard Hofmeister 2 Matthew Lee 2 Jason Lutz 2Cameron Morton 2Nolan Block 3Brody Noble 3Terry Piper 4Tommy Barber 5Chris Brennan 6Adam Hemmingsen 6Tim Jones 6Deb Stuber 6Alex Peterson 7Brad Renguso 7Sarah Hecht 8Kathleen Speck 8Kayla Gonzales 9Ben Goucher 9Mindy Graham 9Maddilyn Illy 9Patrick Smith 9Laura Champer 10Alec Jacquot 10Nicole Klosowski 10Morgan Nothnagel 10Ryan Samuelson 10Bradley Shurts 11Chuck Harvey 12Ginny Minard 12Brandon Nothnagel 12Brian Pemberton 12Katherine Pfotenhauer 12Ryan Pfotenhauer 12Callan Ridgway 12Ted Hardison 13Al Higgins 13Barbara Sargent 13Garrett Veldhuizen 13Rosemary Caldwell 14Becky Grimm 14Dave Mack 14Brandon Moran 14Lilliana Samuelson 14Morgan Stewart 14Joey Tsakiris 14Bob Crom 15Pamela Gust 15Kathryn Hill 15Lauren Hill 15Ryne Lorenz 15Katharine Grimes 16Karla Kurinsky 16

Kathy McCullough 16Ken Mroz 16Jamie Utz 16James Corcoran 17Don Hattendorf 17Jeannette Herbord 17Jeff Miller 17Hannah Nieman 17Annette Siwy 18Maria Kormos 19Steve Mandat 19Dick Swanson 19Linda Geni 20Jake Renguso 20Everett Seaman 20Sophia Shilling 20Katie Ballantyne 21Jane Grimaldi 21Sue Peterson 21Evan O’Connor 22Tom Palansky 22Len Urban 22Ava Andreacchi 23Stephanie Brennan 23Dean Hoepfner 23Jenny Urban 23Cyndi Hahn 24Jodi Melcher 24Andrew Selck Sr. 24Brian Bendeich 25Bob Eichler 25Janel Eichler 25Les Johnson 25Emma MacNeille 25Steve Oberle 25Evan Weidl 25Joe Bondi 26Lori Fairchild 26Clint Lancor 26Dawn Lutz 26David Rohlman 26Greg Algrim 27Christine Beal 27Mike Breseman 27Kelly Cain 27Daniel Occhipinti 27Sue Pokorski 27Gabe Andreacchi 28Roni Ballantyne 28Colin Baloun 28Thomas Burgholzer 28Owen George Herra 28Skylar Nafziger 28Mylania Santucci 28Mike Adams 29Kristina Gonzales 29


Back Bay MissionShrimp Boil

Saturday, Feb. 7th at 6pm$15 for Adults

$10 for children (12 & under who eat shrimp)Hot Dogs are available for non-shrimp

eaters at no chargeWe will be welcoming two Back Bay Mission staff members - Craig Steenkamp, the Housing Rehabilita-tion Director and Christopher Marlin-Warfield, the Church Relations Associate – to share the Back Bay Mission story with us. We will also be honoring John Rodgers 37 years of service to Back Bay Mission. Our Adult Work Tour group, led by John, had a rewarding and even life-changing experience this last November when we worked at Back Bay Mission. We look forward to sharing the story of this vital United Church of Christ mission with more of our church family.There is still time to join us. Please call the office or Bob Brautigam at 630-222-2714 by Thursday morning.

Ash Wednesday ServicesFebruary 18 6:30-7:30pm

This will be a time of introspection and quiet, culminating in an opportunity to come forward for personal communion wherein you can experience God’s love and forgiveness. Throughout the service there will be soft music played on the harp. Although the sanctuary will be open from 6:30-7:30pm, you may come and leave as you wish. This is an opportunity for 2nd graders to take communion with their families after finishing their communion lessons in Sunday School.

Parlor ArtParlor Art Gallery February 2015Art from the personal collection of John and Susan Rodgers Faith is conveyed in a variety of ways. Perhaps one of the least of which is words. At least according to St. Francis who reportedly said, “Preach the Gospel always. And if all else fails – use words.”It often feels that Francis was correct and that is one reason that Parlor Art is such an important part of our ministry. Hopefully over the past 15 years various artists have taken you to a place where the connections between you and God, and you and neigh-bor have been strengthened. You have found “Thin places” where you could feel God’s presence, love and guidance. Susan and John Rodgers wish to share some of their art that is powerful and meaningful to them. Hopefully it will connect you, also, to the one who calls us to life and is present in every moment.


Intentional Travel“Treasures of Northern Italy”

Sign Up Now - Group Gathering Soon

From September 20 to October 3, 2015, a group from our church, led by John and Susan Rodgers, will be touring the beautiful northern region of Italy, including Milan, Lake Maggiore, Verona, Venice, and the Cinque Terre coastland. This trip encompasses a variety of geography, from mountains to lakes, cities to villages, from the west coast to the east coast. Lake Maggiore is one of several small and large lakes in the north with gorgeous mountain backdrops. Venice is the beautiful city floating on the sea, with a somewhat tumultuous history and captivating architecture. Some may also be interested in discovering more about Murano glass! The Cinque Terre, on the eastern coast, is a stretch of five towns – charming and picturesque - that are only accessible by boat or train or foot/bike path. On our trip, we will be accompanied by a tour guide from Discover Europe, the travel agency we use, as well as a local guide in some cities.Please consider joining us! We will be having a brief “touch base” meeting after church, approximately 10:30, on Sunday, February 15 before you continue to Fellowship Hall where GF is hosting a Pancake Breakfast. This will be a time to quickly meet each other and answer questions that you may have. We will have a more detailed informational meeting on Sunday evening, April 26, at Jeanne and Rett Humkes’ home. You will receive a reminder closer to the date, also, but please mark your calendars. In the meantime, you can contact John [email protected] or Susan [email protected], with any questions. If you have friends or family who might be interested, there are still spaces available at this time.

January 27th 2015

This is my fifth mission trip ranging from very cold/windy nights to warmer nights.That Tuesday night twelve of us went to the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, to serve our neighbors (called clients) with much needed food, clothing, compassion and love.We started from the church in two vehicles just after 3:30pm as the green van has been retired from its many, many mis-sions of serving the community, serving far and wide through its lifetime.Our group for this trip were Ann Richards, Jim and Joanne Diorio, Wayne and Norma DeMaar, Wyonne and Jim Hegland, Grace Caldwell, Marilyn Schave, and me. As is tradition, we went for a meal in a local Irish Pub (Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips) before going on to the Night Ministry headquarters for an orientation meeting that is in walk-ing range of this very popular watering hole. I still cannot get used to a Jewish Rabbi wearing a skirt, (or should I call it a kilt?) and with large unlaced boots telling us about the Night Ministry for the youth of a large city mission. I have to admire his different way of connecting to the clients of the street. He does it very successfully. I once witnessed an argument where fists were about to fly when he stepped between the two persons and calmed the situation down, as the whole community was watching this incident. I knew then he was very well respected because he had the gift to commu-nicate with his clients.At approximately 9.30pm we arrived at the Lakeview site. This evening was again very different from the time before in regards to the clients. This time we were asked to distribute double the normal amounts of givings as there would be a smaller line of grateful and cheerful clients. No shabbiness about them. Proud and erect in posture.My position on the table that evening was providing a various range of sandwiches. Peanut butter and jelly is a favorite, but ham and cheese is good also. Scarves, mittens/gloves, and woolen hats were very popular. I looked down the line to where Ann was working the clothing table, very popular where a big crowd was gathered. Everyone likes new socks or a new hat or a warm scarf to wear on these cold nights. Not many churches do this giving of warm clothing for very grate-ful clients. When we go to Humbolt Park, and the “Green Van” turns the corner, the waiting line cheers as they know that this church gives a huge amount of giving love.~ Peter Ball

Personally, my heart overflows with thanksgiving for your unbelievable generosity. In addition to dinner for 160 clients, you donated 400 pairs of socks, 62 sweatshirts, 1 coat, 93 pairs of gloves, 46 scarves and 125 hats. We also received from McDonald’s in Wasco 200 cups with lids for serving the homemade soup. You, members and friends of The Congregational United Church of Christ, continue to live by “Increasing Your Love for God & Neighbor.”

Thank you, Ann Richards


MEAL MINISTRY If you could provide an occasional meal for a church member, please contact Patti Molloy at [email protected] or Mary Lou Bracken at [email protected] or sign up on the Parish Nurse bulletin board.

Patti Molloy, RN Parish Nurse

[email protected]

Automated External Defibrillator located near office door. Look for overhead AED sign. Phone is on the adjacent wall. To call for help, press an outside line and dial 911.

IT’S BAAAAACK

To date, 91 confirmed cases of measles in 14 different states (including Illinois) have been diagnosed in the United States since mid-December. To put this in per-spective, from 2001-2010, about 60 cases a year were diagnosed in the US. 2014 saw the highest number of reported cases in 20 years at 644. And 2015 is already on track to be worse.

The current outbreak began in late December in California’s Disneyland theme parks. It is thought that an international traveler came to the theme park car-rying the disease. A person infected with the measles virus is infectious a few days before displaying symp-toms.

Measles is a highly infectious, airborne disease that is still common in some parts of the world includ-ing Western Europe, Pakistan, Vietnam and the Philippines. Visitors from those parts of the world bring measles to the United States. Infected people then infect others in places including daycare, health-care settings, airplanes, and, apparently even amusement parks! Measles is so contagious that if one person has the disease, 90% of non-immune people who even come close to that person will contract it. The measles virus remains viable on surfaces and in the air for up to 2 hours. This means that after an infected person leaves an area, an unsuspecting person can contract their ill-ness just by breathing the air!

Measles can cause severe health complications includ-ing pneumonia, encephalitis(brain swelling) and death. Vaccination is the most important strategy to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are more than 99% effective in preventing measles, mumps and rubella.

Those who think that measles is gone and choose to not vaccinate themselves or their children need to be aware that measles is still around and it can be serious. An average of 28% of young children who get measles will require hospitalization.

As an adult, if you know you either had the measles, or have documentation of receiving LIVE measles vaccine after 1968 you do not need to be revaccinated. If you are not sure, you should consider revaccination. There is no harm in receiving another vaccination.

If you were born prior to 1957, you have lived through several years of measles epidemics before the first mea-sles vaccine was licensed. As a result, it is very likely that you had measles disease. It is thought that 95%-98% of those born before 1957 are immune to measles. See? There is a benefit to being over 58!

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the second Monday of each month in the church parlor from 10am until noon. Knitters and crocheters can be part of this group even if they are unable to attend meetings. For more information call Mary Anne Rebernak at 630 377 9336 or email her at [email protected].

CNS Home Health and Hospice (a member of Cadence and Northwestern) is looking for volunteers to help support

hospice patients in our area. Training sessions are Wednes-days from February 18-April 22 from 1-4pm at the Living

Well Cancer Resource Center in Geneva. Call 630-933-7830 or email [email protected] to register or for more information. No previous experience required!

Grow in the SpiritWe are planning a spiritual growth retreat. Led by parish nurse Patti Molloy, and senior minister John Rodgers this will be a chance to “get away” to listen for and be guided by God’s spirit. It will be held April 10-11, 2015 at the Loretto Center in Wheaton. Cost is not yet deter-mined but will include Friday dinner and overnight plus breakfast and lunch on Saturday. More information will be available soon. Sign up on the Parish Nurse bulletin board.

Are You Interested in Walking? There is a group of men and women who walk from church

each Thursday morning at 8am. We walk a little over 2 miles on trails in Fox Mill. We may walk inside if the trails

are in poor condition or if the weather is severe. Please contact Carol Ludemann to be added to the email list for

updates or cancellations [email protected].

Rev. Jim & Deborah Benzing, 847-741-6680 (home)847-902-9781 ( Jim), 630-641-0870 (Deb)310 Denton Lane, South Elgin, IL 60177 Jim and Deborah are familiar with all things religion considering Jim is a minister himself ! They have been vis-iting our church for quite some time and found this place to be their home. They are thrilled to see what our church has to offer and to find ways to become active members. LG & Nicole Black, 773-456-8666 (Nicole) Carter, Sidney40W587 Fox CreekDr., St. Charles, IL 60175 Nicole and LG may look familiar to you. The Black’s recently had their twins baptized, Carter and Sydney. Nicole and LG have their hands full with their babies, but are thrilled to become a part of this church. They hope to become involved in various family activities that the church offers. Dan and Jennifer Block, 312-465-0911 ( Jennifer)773-383-1060 (Dan) Jordyn, Madyson, Nolan4N044 Longfellow Place, St. Charles, IL 60175 Jennifer & Dan live right here in Fox Mill. They have been in search of a church for quite some time. Dan came from a UCC background, which is making the transition into our church home easier. They have two daughters and a son that occupy a lot of their time. Both Jennifer and Dan are excited about becoming involved in the church. Laura Herra, 630-363-9487 (Laura) Owen, Molly11944 Ehlers Road, Elburn, IL 60119 Laura lives in Elburn with her husband Brian, son Owen, and daughter Molly. Laura taught in the public school system for ten years and has recently left teaching to raise her two children. Laura has her master’s degree in education and continues to stay current on education practices. She is excited about being a new member and becoming active in the church.


Mike and Christine Huneke, 630-330-2623 Mikayla and Marshal7N551 Cloverfield Cr., St Charles, IL 60175 The Huneke’s are an Elburn family. Christine recently left her role as an Elburn fire fighter; however, her hus-band, Mike, is still serving the Elburn community as a fire fighter. They recently have opened a pizza place in downtown Geneva called Firehouse Pizza. They have five children, two of which are students at Swing Set.

Eric and Holly Saxton, 224-623-4112 (Holly), 224-388-5649 (Eric)5N804 Ravine Drive, St. Charles, IL 60175 Holly and Eric are expecting their first child right around the corner. They wanted to find a church home that they could raise their child to be in. They are anxious to meet their new little one. As time goes on, they hope to become involved in family events our church has to offer. Steve and Annette Siwy, 630-723-9898 (Annette), 630-940-4450 (Steve) Allainna, Faith, Roman1168 Pattee Ave., Elburn, IL 60119 The Siwy’s also live in Elburn. Stephen is a fire fighter for the Elburn fire department and Annette is a real estate agent. They have three children - Allainna, Faith and Ro-man. In their spare time, this family loves to spend time together and be with their pets at home!

Scot Warren, 630-527-9130 (home) 630-675-0204 (Cell)2244 Flambeau Drive, Naperville, IL 60564 Scot grew up in St. Charles and was confirmed at the Congregational Church in 1975. He currently lives in Naperville and works for a company as a Senior Project Manager. He is an active member of the Exchange Club in Naperville and enjoys visiting with friends and family. Scot hopes to return back to St. Charles in the future. Sandi Whelan 630-779-23721501 Winners Cup, St. Charles, IL 60174 Sandi is another familiar face you may have seen at Bible Study, yoga or at Sunday worship service. Sandi has been actively involved the past couple months and hasa been looking forward to officially becoming a member of this church.

Stewardship Update:We have received 227 pledges as of Jan. 15. ~ There were 221 in 2014.2015 pledges total $468,000.00 so far, compared to $424,000.00 in 2014.These numbers represent a 10% increase in pledge dollars from last year, and are a solid start towards putting our church on sound footing for the future. Thanks to everyone who responded to our challenge.There are still a handful of unreturned pledge cards out there. Please return them, even if you are unable to make a pledge, so we can make the final accounting.

in5 15


Tassie BrautigamChristian Education Coordinator

[email protected]

Followers Of God Puppet Troupe Started up again on January 26th.Meetings are from 5-7pm in Fellowship Hall. Please contact Jeanne Humke if youhave any questions - [email protected] or 630-229-3494–Jeanne Humke

Followers Of God

SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSION: Approximately 1 billion people throughout the world do not have access to clean water. Through World Vision, our Sunday school offering from February through April will go to families around the world to supply them with clean water. For each $100 received in our offering we will be able to support 1 family. Check our bulletin board in the Sunday school hallway to see how many families we are able to support. COMMUNION CLASSES: 2nd Graders will continue learning about Communion on February 8 & 15 during the Sunday school time. They will explore what the symbols mean, why we do what we do, how we practice communion, etc. All 2nd graders as well as any 3rd grade and above students who have not had the opportunity to be a part of this special class are invited to join in the lessons. The group will be meeting in room 116. Please contact Tassie Brautigam if you have any questions. ACOLYTES AND PSALM READERS: All children are invited to be a part of our worship service by either being an acolyte (lighting the candles on the altar prior to the service) and/or reading a Psalm. Haven’t done it before and want to try? Let Tassie Brautigam know and we can do a practice run prior to your first time. SUNDAY SCHOOL SCOOP: From February 15 to March 22 the preschool through 5th grade Sunday school will be learning about and discovering the unit Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. The overall them: “Love that was born at Christmas is victorious with Jesus’ resurrection because love is the winner. Jesus’ love that He taught lives on in our Christian lives. Jesus is risen means He is with us always.”Our 6th and 7th graders will be studying the beatitudes. Blessed are…….As always, many thanks to all our very dedicated teachers!!!!! HELPING HANDS: All 4th and 5th graders are invited to meet February 18th from 5PM - 6PM in Fellowship Hall. We will be making cards for our members who are not able to get out. UPCOMING HAPPENINGS: February 8, 15 - Communion classes for 2nd graders during Sunday schoolMarch 21 - Easter Egg Hunt here at church - 10AM April 26 -Teacher appreciation SundayJune 22 - 25 - Vacation Bible School “G-Force” for ages 4 years old through 5th grade (the grade entered in the fall of 2015 )

PANCAKE BREAKFASTGF Youth Group

FundraiserSunday, February 15

9-11:30amFellowship Hall

Family Camp 2015 - PostponedOur family camp outing to Destination Watson

Homestead located on the Finger Lakes, NY will be postponed until 2016. Revised dates will be

posted on the Family Camp bulletin board when they become available.

St. Patrick’s Day ParadeSaturday, March 14, 2 PM

All are welcomeSign up soon on the Christian Ed board across

from the officeQuestions? Suzy Daly or Kim Barth

SAVE THE DATE

Annual CUCC Easter Egg Hunt

Everyone invited - bring your family and friends

March 21 at 10amRoom 115


Who’s in the Pews?Nancy Scorby

By Sue PetersonNancy joined our church in 2002 after moving from Naperville to St. Charles. Her husband Tom attends with her at times but belongs to St. Pat’s Catholic Church in St. Charles. Their children have come to our church since 2002 when Emily was in 4th grade and Sam was in 2nd grade. Nancy was born in Skokie but her family moved every couple years throughout the Midwest because of her father’s job with Sears. Her sophomore year of high school, she started and then graduated from Naperville Central. Her fa-ther was working at Sears Tower then. After high school Nancy worked in Chicago where she met Tom. She and Tom married in Naperville and decided to settle down there until they moved to St. Charles. Tom grew up out east but had family roots in the Midwest so it felt like home.Nancy has worked in the travel industry her whole career. It is her passion and her love. For 35 years she was a travel consultant, and has owned her own busi-ness - Scorby Travel and Cruise - for seven years. She, of course, enjoys traveling and feels lucky to have traveled the world. She and Tom are empty nesters now and are looking forward to traveling together. Last August she and Tom went on a river cruise in France in the Bordeaux area. This year they hope to travel to Italy to visit Tom’s brother in the Navy in Naples. Tom sells contact lenses for Alcon and enjoys his sales job. Their daughter, Emily, is a nurse at Northwestern and their son, Sam, is attending the University of Missouri work-ing toward being a high school councilor and a football coach.Nancy attended Knox Presbyterian Church in Naper-ville as a high schooler and then went back again when she married and moved to Naperville. Nancy was on the search committee for an interim at Knox so she is not new to the process. She is currently on the search committee for the new minister at our church. Be watching for updates from the committee throughout the year.At our church, Nancy has been on the Mission Com-mittee, has taught Sunday school and is currently on the Church Council starting her third year. It has been a wonderful experience for her, learning more about the church activities and finances and getting to know more people. As you know, she became the Church Council President on Feb. 1. It will be an interesting and challenging year for her being on the search com-mittee to interview and hire a new minister. Nancy is looking forward to being the Church Council Presi-dent and especially helping assimilate new members - helping them meet new people and finding where they can serve. Nancy still feels close to the other new mem-bers when she joined Knox Presbyterian Church and knows how important relationships are. Thank you, Nancy for leading us this year. We are looking forward to joining you in meeting the challenges and enjoying the excitement of our changes.

Several people volunteered to write a reflection and prayer on their favorite scripture for you to read throughout Lent. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, February 18 and each day through Easter, April 5, there will be a meditation for you to read and think about. A link to the Lenten Devotional will be sent to you in the Blast on February 11 and 18 and on the website marked by the logo above. There will also be a few hard copies if you’d rather have it in that form to be picked up at church on Sunday February 15 or Ash Wednesday February 18. Thank you to the 51 writers (a few days have two articles) for the 47 days of Lent (including Sundays), to Carleen Bart who provided the logos and the format, to Mike Linder for placing it on the website and to Pat Kitner who edited. It was an enjoyable process contacting people and reading the variety of thoughts and inspiration as the writings came in. I think you, too, will feel God’s presence as you read. Thank you all. Sue Peterson

Work Tour – 2014 Every Fall, a group of adults from our church travels to Biloxi, MS, where we assist in housing rehabilitation projects sponsored by Back Bay Mis-sion. “BBM, a community ministry of the United Church of Christ, serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the wider church community by faithful witness for social justice and compassionate service to the poor and marginalized.”From November 9 – 14, seventeen adults from our church and three adults from Memorial U.C.C. in Fitchburg, WI, worked on removing shingles and re-shingling a house in Gulfport. We painted the interior of the 6 unit apartment building, “Home Port,” and also began installing doors, door trim, and baseboards. Home Port is an apartment building in Biloxi for homeless veterans. Several of us also served break-fast and lunch at the local “soup kitchen,” and/or assisted in Back Bay Mission’s food pantry, and/or helped at the Micah Center. The Micah Center is Back Bay Mission’s day time facility for homeless individuals. It provides showering and laundering facilities, computer access, and counselors to assist in obtaining ID’s, birth certificates, and other resources.Our group enjoyed good work, good food, and good fellow-ship. Once again, it was a rewarding experience to partici-pate in Back Bay Mission’s programs for “serving the least of these.” Please look at our church website, cuccstc.org to see pictures of our group at work. We look forward to returning in October, 2015!

The Congregational United Church of Christ CalendarVisit cuccstc.org for current calendarFebruary 2015 JULY 2014

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday29Summer Sunday Schoolthrough 3rd Grade8:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)9:00 AM Puppets (115)9:30 AM Mateja Baptism(S)9:30 AM - 10:30 AMWorship (S)10:00 AM - 5:00 PM NIUReading (114/116)10:30 AM - 11:00 AMCoffee Fellowship (FH)

30BeiermannLessons9:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)

1BeiermannLessons6:00 PM- 8:30 PM OliverRehearsals(FH)

2BeiermannLessons4:00 PM- 6:00 PM OliverRehearsals (FH)7:00 PM SwingSet BD Mtg(111)

3BeiermannLessons1:00 PM- 9:30 PM NIUReading(114/116)5:00 PM- 8:00 PM OliverTech Week (FH)6:00 PMBellissimo BellChoir Rehearsal(S)7:00 PM- 8:30 PM NAMI(114)

4IndependenceDayOFFICECLOSED1:00 PM- 5:45 PMLanguageStars-Spanish(112)

5Beiermann PlayTech Week (FH)

6Beiermann Play TechWeek (FH)CommunionSummer Sunday Schoolthrough 3rd GradeWax Swing Set Floors8:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)9:30 AM RodgersBaptism (S)9:30 AM - 10:30 AMWorship (S)10:30 AM - 11:00 AMCoffee Fellowship (FH)

7BeiermannLessonsHighlightNewsletterDeadline NOONNO YogaWax Swing SetFloors9:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)9:00 AM- 10:15 AM NoYoga4:00 PM- 7:00 PM OliverTech Week (FH)

8BeiermannLessonsWax Swing SetFloors6:00 PM- 9:00 PM OliverTech Week (FH)

9BeiermannLessonsWax Swing SetFloors4:00 PM- 6:00 PM OliverTech Week (FH)7:00 PMCongregationalLife Cm (P)

10BeiermannLessonsWax Swing SetFloors9:30 AM MailHighlight (O)1:00 PM- 9:30 PM NIUReading(114/116)6:00 PMBellissimo BellChoir Rehearsal(S)6:00 PM- 9:00 PM OliverTech Week (FH)

11BeiermannLessonsWax Swing SetFloors9:30 AM- 3:00 PM NIUReading(114/116)1:00 PM- 5:45 PMLanguageStars-Spanish(112)6:00 PM Oliver(FH)

12Wax Swing SetFloors6:00 PM Oliver(FH)

13GF Boundary Waters Trip(7/13-20)NO 9:30 Sunday School8:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)9:30 AM JHLB Jesus HasLeft the Building10:00 AM - 5:00 PM NIUReading (114/116)12:00 PM Oliver (FH)6:00 PM Oliver (FH)

14BeiermannLessonsBeiermann Playtake down (FH)GF BoundaryWaters Trip9:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)10:00 AMPrayer ShawlMinistry (P)

15BeiermannLessonsBeiermann Playtake down (FH)GF BoundaryWaters Trip7:00 PM Mom'sGroup (114)

16BeiermannLessonsBeiermann Playtake down (FH)GF BoundaryWaters Trip6:45 PMLazarus HouseHomelessShelter

17BeiermannLessonsBeiermann Playtake down (FH)GF BoundaryWaters Trip1:00 PM- 9:30 PM NIUReading(114/116)6:00 PMBellissimo BellChoir Rehearsal(S)

18BeiermannLessonsBeiermann Playtake down (FH)GF BoundaryWaters Trip9:30 AM- 3:00 PM NIUReading(114/116)1:00 PM- 5:45 PMLanguageStars-Spanish(112)

197:00 AM Men'sFellowshipWalking Group

20Summer Sunday Schoolthrough 3rd GradeVan RentalWax Fellowship HallFloor8:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)9:30 AM - 10:30 AMWorship (S)10:00 AM - 5:00 PM NIUReading (114/116)10:30 AM - 11:00 AMCoffee Fellowship (FH)

21BeiermannLessonsWax FellowshipHall Floor8:30 AMBuildingMaintenance9:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)7:00 PM ChurchCouncil (P)

22BeiermannLessonsWax FellowshipHall Floor9:00 AM- 10:15 AMYoga withDonna Burg (S)

23BeiermannLessonsWax FellowshipHall Floor

24BeiermannLessonsWax FellowshipHall Floor6:00 PMBellissimo BellChoir Rehearsal(S)

25BeiermannLessonsLeukemiaConcertRehearsal (S)Wax FellowshipHall Floor1:00 PM- 5:45 PMLanguageStars-Spanish(112)

26Wax FellowshipHall Floor7:00 PMLeukemiaConcert (S, P)Beiermnn

27Family Camp (BlowingRock, NC)Food on the 4thSummer Sunday School

28BeiermannLessonsFamily Camp(Blowing Rock,





26:00 PMCountry GardenCuisine Class


FEBRUARY 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1Communion8:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)8:30 AM - 9:15 AM HappyHearts Choir Practice(Rm. 111)9:15 AM - 9:45 AM F.O.G.Puppet Troupe Jr.worship9:30 AM Sunday Schoolthrough 7th Grade9:30 AM - 10:30 AMWorship (S)10:30 AM - 11:00 AMCoffee Fellowship (FH)

2HIGHLIGHTNewsletterDeadline NOON9:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)2:00 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)5:00 PM- 7:00 PM F.O.G.Puppet Trouperehearsal (FH)

31:00 PM- 2:30 PM BibleStudy (P)3:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)

49:00 AMWomen'sFellowship (P)3:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:30 PM- 8:15 PM GFYouth Group(119)7:00 PM SwingSet BD Mtg(114)

52:30 PM- 6:00 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:00 PMBellissimo BellChoir Rehearsal(S)7:00 PM- 8:30 PM NAMI(114)7:30 PMChancel Choir(S)

6Swing SetSweetheartSwing (FH)9:00 AM- 5:45 PMLanguageStars-Spanish(112 & 115)3:30 PM- 8:00 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)

79:00 AM- 3:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)12:00 PM- 10:00 PMShrimp Boil(FH)

88:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)8:30 AM - 9:15 AM HappyHearts Choir Practice(Rm. 111)9:30 AM D'Amatobaptism (S)9:30 AM Sunday Schoolthrough 7th Grade9:30 AM - 10:30 AMWorship (S)10:30 AM - 11:00 AMCoffee Fellowship (FH)11:00 AM - 1:00 PMConfirmation (P)3:00 PM - 4:00 PM TGIJEpic Air

99:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)10:00 AMPrayer ShawlMinistry (P)2:00 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)5:00 PM- 7:00 PM F.O.G.Puppet Trouperehearsal (FH)

101:00 PM- 2:30 PM BibleStudy (P)3:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)7:00 PMMissionCommittee (O)

113:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:30 PM- 8:15 PM GFYouth Group(119)6:30 PMWorshipCommittee (O)7:00 PMChristianEducationCommittee(114)7:00 PMCongregationalLife Cm (P)

122:30 PM- 6:00 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:00 PMBellissimo BellChoir Rehearsal(S)7:30 PMChancel Choir(S)

139:00 AM- 5:45 PMLanguageStars-Spanish(112 & 115)3:30 PM- 8:00 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)

14GF PancakeBreakfastSetup (FH)9:00 AM- 3:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)

158:00 AM GF/ConfirmationPancake Breakfast8:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)8:30 AM - 9:15 AM HappyHearts Choir Practice(Rm. 111)9:30 AM Jones baptism(S)9:30 AM Sunday Schoolthrough 7th Grade9:30 AM - 10:30 AMWorship (S)10:30 AM GF PANCAKEBREAKFAST (FH)

16No F.O.G.Puppet TrouperehearsalOffice Closed(President'sday)8:30 AMBuildingMaintenance9:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)2:00 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)7:00 PM ChurchCouncil (P)

171:00 PM- 2:30 PM BibleStudy (P)3:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)7:00 PM Mom'sGroup (114)

183:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)5:00 PM- 6:00 PMHelping Hands(FH)6:30 PM ASHWEDNESDAYWorshipService (S)6:30 PM- 8:15 PM GFYouth Group(119)6:45 PMLazarus HouseHomelessShelter

192:30 PM- 6:00 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:00 PMBellissimo BellChoir Rehearsal(S)7:30 PMChancel Choir(S)


217:00 AM Men'sFellowshipWalking Group9:00 AM- 3:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)

22Food on the 4th8:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)8:30 AM - 9:15 AM HappyHearts Choir Practice(Rm. 111)9:30 AM Sunday Schoolthrough 7th Grade9:30 AM - 10:30 AMWorship (S)10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

239:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)2:00 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)5:00 PM

241:00 PM- 2:30 PM BibleStudy (P)3:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)

253:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:30 PM- 8:15 PM GFYouth Group(119)

261:30 PM- 3:30 PM FoxValley Justice& Witness(P)2:30 PM- 6:00 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:00 PMBellissimo Bell


289:00 AM- 3:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)

Coffee Fellowship (FH)11:00 AM - 1:00 PMConfirmation (P)

- 7:00 PM F.O.G.Puppet Trouperehearsal (FH)

Choir Rehearsal(S)7:30 PMChancel Choir(S)

1Communion8:30 AM - 9:00 AM BriefWorship (S)8:30 AM - 9:15 AM HappyHearts Choir Practice(Rm. 111)9:30 AM Sunday Schoolthrough 7th Grade9:30 AM - 10:30 AMWorship (S)10:30 AM - 11:00 AMCoffee Fellowship (FH)

2hIGHLIGHTNewsletterDeadline NOON9:00 AM- 7:30 PMLanguageStars-Mandarin(112)2:00 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)5:00 PM- 7:00 PM F.O.G.Puppet Trouperehearsal (FH)

31:00 PM- 2:30 PM BibleStudy (P)3:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)7:00 PMMissionCommittee (O)

49:00 AMWomen'sFellowship (P)3:30 PM- 8:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:30 PM- 8:15 PM GFYouth Group(119)7:00 PM SwingSet BD Mtg(114)

52:30 PM- 6:00 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)6:00 PMBellissimo BellChoir Rehearsal(S)7:00 PM- 8:30 PM NAMI(114)7:30 PMChancel Choir(S)

69:00 AM- 5:45 PMLanguageStars-Spanish(112 & 115)3:30 PM- 8:00 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)5:00 PMConfirmationRetreat (PilgrimPark)7:30 PM NovelApproaches(Anne and BobGrahams')

7- 3:00 PMConfirmationRetreat ends(Pilgrim Park)Lynne Greenrecital9:00 AM- 3:30 PMBeiermannLessons (S,111)

January 8, 2015 • The Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Charles IL •

Handicapped Accessible

MISSION STATEMENT We, as a community in Christ, shall provide and administer a continuum of opportunities for worship,

education, fellowship and outreach. It is our mission to serve individual, local, national and world needs.

STAFFRev. Dr. John R. Rodgers–Senior Minister [email protected]. Suzy R. Daly–Associate Minister [email protected]. Patricia G. Kitner–Assistant Minister [email protected] Molloy, RN–Parish Nurse [email protected] Brautigam–Children’s Ministry [email protected] Barth, Connections Coordinator [email protected] Steele-Trish Thompson, Office [email protected] Kagel–Financial Manager [email protected] Beiermann–Music Director [email protected]

Denise Beiermann–Bell Choir DirectorNancy Scorby–Council PresidentTara Moffitt–Congregational Life Chair Steve Sidor–Christian Education Chair Ann Keck–Mission Chair Mary Lou Bracken–Worship Chair Bob Brautigam–Facilities Carol Ludemann–Women’s Fellowship President Jeff Graham–Youth Director Rev. William L. Nagy–Pastor Emeritus All Members–Ministers

YOU ARE WELCOME Striving to increase our love for God and neighbor, we welcome persons of every age, health condition, race, marital status, economic status, sexual orientation and religious background.

We encourage you to become an active member of our church, sharing your God-given gifts in all areas of church life: worship, education, mission and ministry.

Swing Set Preschool 630-443-8570

Kim Barth, [email protected]

Our denomination is the United Church of Christ

ucc.org

cuccstc.org

CUCCStCharles

Congregational UCC St. Charles

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 8:30am Brief Worship Service (1/2 hour)

A hymn, prayers, scripture and reflections on the scripture. Communion offered the first Sunday of each month. Nursery care. No Sunday school.

9:30am Worship Service with Sunday School Sunday School for children through 7th grade. Nursery care.

Communion offered the first Sunday of each month.

The Congregational United Church of Christ

Church Office 630-584-0929 • FAX [email protected] • [email protected] Hours Mon–Thurs 8:30am-3pm, Fri 9am-12

No matter who you are, or where ever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

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