the april 2011 church mouse

Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Phone: (630) 365-6544 [email protected] INTERIM PASTOR Rev. Michelle Prentice-Leslie

MODERATOR Sharon Lackey

VICE-MODERATOR Mary Royer

TREASURER Barb Holloman

FINANCIAL SECRETARY Cindy Doede

CHURCH CLERK Karen Baston

MINISTRY ASSISTANT Linda Miller Please use our post office box number when mailing anything to the church office: PO Box 308 Elburn, IL 60119 We are on the web!

www.ccc-elburn.org Check it out for updates!

Community Congrega onal United Church of Christ

The Church Mouse

April 2011 ELBURN, ILLINOIS page 1

From Our Pastor...

At the onset of Spring 2011, we are in a time of ‘’wars and rumors of wars’ (Matthew 24:6), just as many Christians before us, including those who lived during the time of Christ, 2000+ years ago. It is equally true that we live in a time of pregnant possibility, just as so many Christians have before us, including those who lived during the time of Christ, 2,000+ years ago. A Dr. Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, was one of the people who witnessed the founding of the United Nations. In a speech he once said, “I’m so honored to be alive at such a miraculous time in history. I am so moved by what’s going on in our world today.” After pausing for a moment for the gasps of people in his audience, Dr. Muller con-tinued, “Never before in the history of the world has there been a global, visible, public, viable, open dialogue and conversation about the very legitimacy of war. … We, the world community, are waging peace. It is difficult, hard work. … It is an historic milestone of immense propor-tions….. No matter what happens, history will record that this is a new era, and that the 21st centu-ry has-been initiated with the world in a global dialogue.” “No matter what happens …” said Dr. Muller. What contrast between Dr. Muller’s hope-fulness and the situation of a very restless and oppressive world. I can’t help but think of how sim-ilar it must have seemed when Jesus walked the earth. Jesus’ own people were sorely oppressed, with no relief in sight. Most people lived in abject misery, not just because of poor governance, but also because their own religious leaders had laid heavy burdens on them. A soul got little peace in this life. Into such a world emerged Jesus, offering healing and hope, and proclaiming a Kingdom to come in which, by believing in Him, suffering would never again have the last word, and true love – that which seeks only the well-being of self and other – would prevail. Even his death could not disavow that claim: resurrection became the very stamp of endorsement of what He had been saying and the life He had been living. For, indeed, if there is no death, then there is no resurrection. If there are not wars and rumors of war, then dialogue and steps towed peace become devoid of their power. On the weekend of April 24 this year, whether our nation, or the world, is at war or not at war, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We will declare our hopefulness in the age of a very restless and oppressive world. We will declare our hopefulness in the face of personal misery and suffering that virtually ever one of us has experienced (and, if you have not, your time will come soon enough). Because it is the real restlessness, oppression, misery and suffering that make the act of the Resurrection so powerful, and the image of the Resurrection so hopeful.

Jesus the Christ said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, they will live, and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25-26a).” The Apostle Paul followed it with “For if we have been united with Him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with Him in resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5). And then Paul ex-pressed his own deep longing for that kind union with God in these words: “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10a).

No matter what happens.

See you in church for the events of Holy Week and Easter:

Sunday, April 17, 10:30 am Palm Sunday worship Thursday, April 21, 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday worship

Friday, April 22, 7:00 pm Good Friday Community worship Grace United Methodist Church,

506 Willow Street, Maple Park Sunday, April 24, 10:30 am Easter Celebration worship

Yours in Christ, Pastor Michelle

Happy Easter!

April 2011 Community Congrega onal Church page 2

Moderator Musings…

Last month I asked you to let the church office know if you are willing to serve on our search committee for a new pastor. There is still time to do this but please hurry because we plan to have this committee formed very soon. One of the first actions of the search committee will be to survey the congregation to determine what the type of pastor we seek. By this I mean not only the individual characteristics of a pastor that are important to us but also whether the pastor will be full time or part time. Also, Barb Holloman and Regina Kurth have volunteered to lead an Elburn Days committee. They need others to join them in serving on the committee. This effort needs to start as soon as possible especially this year as we are making so many changes. Leah Miller has expressed interest in organizing a flea market during Elburn Days. If you are willing to help her, please let her know. See you in worship,

Sharon Lackey Moderator

Dedicate Easter flowers to YOUR loved ones!

Orders for Easter flowers will be received through April 8. Cost is $8.00 per plant. You may indicate if the flowers are given in memory, honor or celebration of a loved one, or as a thank offer-ing. Those wishing to take their plant with them may do so after the 10:30am Easter worship service. A list of flower donors and honorees will be included in the Easter worship bulletins.

Your name _________________________________________

Easter Lily _______ Rieger Begonia ________ Tulips_________

In memory of _________________________________________

In honor of _________________________________________

In celebration of ___________________________________

In gratitude for ___________________________________

Amount enclosed: _____________

Illinois Conference Women’s Retreat October 7-8, 2011

Pilgrim Park Camp, Princeton IL Details about costs, program and the fun opportunities will be available at all the Spring Association Meetings and through the Outdoor Ministries Office in April, or you may contact Rev. Carol Currier-Frighetto at [email protected]

Reserve the date and help spread the word!


Lazarus House Dinner Our friends at Lazarus House continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as we provide the occasional dinner for them. As a church we provide the evening meal on

the fifth Friday of every month that has 5 Fridays, which means that our next opportunity is April 29. The sign-up sheet will be on the easel in Schneider Hall, ready for you to fill in the part of the meal you’d like to provide. Re-member, Lazarus House has a stockpile of frozen foods from which to choose when planning/preparing a meal. Contact Lazarus House in advance (630-587-5872), visit and select food, and store food in church freezers until needed. Disposable pans are available at church for deliv-ering the meals. Won’t you sign up to help? Thank You!

Pastor Parish Relations Committee The PPR Committee held its first quarterly meeting of 2011 on February 24. At the meeting we discussed the Committee’s evaluation of Pastor Michelle’s covenantal relationship with the congregation. The Committee would like to thank all of those who provided us with your thoughts and feedback, and we are happy to report that the re-sponse was extremely positive. From the comments we received, the congregation is very happy with the worship service, finding the sermons to be very informative and thought-provoking. The Bible study classes also received high marks.

In addition, the congregation seems pleased with Pastor Michelle’s leadership as she guides us through this transi-tional period and gets us thinking about the future of the church. One concern was raised that there may have been too much of an emphasis placed on abandoning the church facility as a way to cut costs. Pastor Michelle assured the Committee that seeking an alternate space is but one option out of many, and that going forward she will be sure to place equal emphasis on all of the alternatives.

Lastly, discussion was had regarding whether there would be interest in jump-starting a men’s ministry group. If you have any thoughts or ideas in this regard, please let us know.

Our next quarterly meeting will be on Thursday, May 26. As always, any questions/concerns/feedback that you may wish to bring to the attention of the Committee should be addressed before that date. Thank you!

Interested in movies? Interested in how movies can relate to and enhance our Christian jour-ney? Then join “REEL TO REAL”. With the weather we’ve had this winter, the group has gotten sort of bogged down. With spring and

it’s warmer weather, we are looking for suggestions for future films to view and discuss the message they con-vey. Suggestions? Questions? Contact the church office. 365-6544

Kaneland Fine Arts Festival Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 10 for an art experience right in your own community. From 11a to 6p, art of all sorts will fill the auditorium, halls and caf-eteria of Kaneland High School on Kes-linger Road in Maple Park. Come to see a myriad of arts demonstrated by artists from across the state and country. Student art from district elementary, junior high and high schools will give you an idea of the varied talents of our local youth, as well as the skill with which the art teach-ers convey their love of art.

Art on paper is not the only type of art showcased. Come to see dance and theatre, hear vocal and instru-mental music, as well as taste food prepared by the culi-nary arts students.

The Fine Arts Festival continues into the summer with the performance of “Bye, Bye, Birdie” in July.

TAIZE Prayer Services The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. We pray on Sunday, at Bible Study, before meals, in times of joy and sorrow. Looking for a new—or actually, very OLD—way to pray? Try a TAIZE prayer service. The first Friday of each month, Ascension Church in Oak Park hosts a TAIZE service at 7:30p, and Pastor Michelle invites you to join her. TAIZE is a quiet service of meditation, reflection, read-ings and music. The singing is repetitive, until the song sings YOU, as Pastor Michelle points out. Contact the church office if you are interested in attending. St. Charles Episcopal Church on north Fifth Avenue also offers Taize worship on Sunday, April 10 at 7:30p


Happy Birthday

Best wishes to these members and friends who are celebrating April birthdays.

April 6 Karen Diesel, Christian Krauspe, Tom Proctor April 13 Stevie Bateman April 15 James Baston, Jr. April 16 Trevor Jahns April 18 Karen Baston, Bridget Johnson April 19 Kris Conley April 20 Andrew Miller April 23 Zachary Eckstrom April 24 Violet Meyer April 25 Stacy Jahns April 27 Laura Harmon, Anna Koos April 29 Mary Gee April 30 Amy Reimann, Alex Siebert, Hannah Whitney

Happy Anniversary

Congratulations to these celebrating April wedding anniversaries:

April 7 Jeff & Kathy Thompson 32 years April 12 Jim & Bev Gillett 52 years April 15 Roger & Theresa Biddle 22 years

If you know of birthdays or anniversaries that are missing from the calendar or listed incorrectly, please call the office so they

Sunday School News ………from Theresa Biddle

The Sunday School Children are full of energy and ready for warm weather. We have been doing more games and activities to com-pliment our Bible lessons. This has worked well for all of us. The children are learning and having fun in Sunday School. April will be another action packed month. April 3 … No Sunday School….Happy Spring Break April 10 … Bible Lesson: Holy Week April 17 … Bible Lesson: Easter Story April 24 … Easter Play during Church Services

Women’s Fellowship!

All women of the church are wel-come to attend the next meeting of the Women’s Fellowship on Friday, April 8 at 1:00pm in Schneider Hall. Bring a friend! This isn’t an actual “church” meeting, just a gathering of friends for coffee, treats, laughter and conversation. There’s always a seat for you around the table.

Congratulations! It is with great joy that we announce the birth of Ethan James Butler on March 23 at 12:02p. Ethan is the first child of our music director Stephanie Butler and her husband Stephen. Grandma Sharon Lackey let us know right away that Ethan weighed 8# 11oz and was 20” long. Mother, Dad and baby are all doing fine. Welcome to the world, Ethan!

Thank You! Many thanks to Elma Wilmath who has faithfully taken over Altar duties during Mable Brady’s ill-ness. Each week Mable—and now Elma— has come to church and quietly straightened Bibles & hymnals, watered plants, replenished pew enve-lopes, changed the paraments to fit the liturgical season, found arrangements for the altar when needed, and re-filled the little red bags for the use of young children during worship services. Expect-ing no fanfare or applause, but deserving both, Mable and Elma have quietly worked to make our sanctuary a tidy welcoming place to worship. Thank you both for your generous gift of love to Community Congregational Church.

FOUND One pair of women’s glasses on Tuesday, March 22. They could have been from the memorial service the previous Saturday or from church on Sunday. Claim them in the church office.


AMEN Group The AMEN Group continues to meet faithfully on the second Thursday of each month at 6pm in the Nursery. The group meets for an hour and continues to pray

for the special needs of individuals, our church, the community, and the world. It’s a big job! Won’t you come and add your voice and heart to the good works of this group? All are welcome.

Lenten Fish Fries

Saints Peter & Paul Church Rt. 64 & Meredith Road, Virgil

April 1, 8, 15

Serving 5-8pm Adults $10-13, Children (5-10) $4-6.50 Under 5 free. Carry-out is available. To place an order or for further information, call (630) 365-6618


Worship Calendar for April 2011

Usher Teams for April April 3—Team #4 Captain: Pangborn Family April 10—Team #5 Captain: Jessie VanDevelde April 17—Team #1 Captain: Karen Baston April 24—Team #2 Captain: Kurth Family

April 3 ~ Fourth Sunday in Lent 9:00 a.m. NO Sunday School—Spring Break 9:20 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 5:00 p.m. Hope Anglican Worship Service

+ April 6 6:00 p.m. Soup ‘N’ Spirit

April 10 ~ Fifth Sunday in Lent 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:20 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 5:00 p.m. Hope Anglican Worship Service

+ April 13 6:00 p.m. Soup ‘N’ Spirit

April 17 ~ Palm Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:20 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 5:00 p.m. Hope Anglican Worship Service

+ April 21 ~ Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion

+ April 22 ~ Good Friday 7:00 p.m. Worship at Grace UMC, Maple Park

April 24 ~ Easter Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:20 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Worship; Reverse Offering 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 5:00 p.m. Hope Anglican Worship Service

From the Financial Secretary In a number of areas of church function, we have been attempting to “go green.” Our new Financial Secretary, Cindy Doede, would like to reflect that goal in one of her duties, namely the printing of quarterly reports. She will be GLAD to print out a quarterly report for anyone who requests it. And everyone can be assured that the yearly donation reports will be sent to everyone. Contact the church office or put a note in Cindy’s mailbox if you would like a copy of your quarterly donation report.

Congratula-

tions, Zach! Last month we congratulated one of our church “Zachary’s” and again in April we get to do

the same for the other one!

Last fall, Zach Miller was selected to be among the members of the Chicago Symphony Chorus to travel to New York City to sing with the CSO at Carnegie Hall. Rehearsals and other performances have taken Zach through the winter and now the concert at Car-negie Hall is clearly in sight, with performances on April 15 and 16. The orchestra and chorus will per-form Verdi’s “Otello” on Friday and “Lelio” by Ber-lioz on Saturday.

Since it’s not every day that a son or daughter sings at Carnegie Hall, Fred & Linda Miller and their daughter Sarah will all travel to NYC to support this milestone in Zach’s musical career. Congratulations Zach! Maybe you can sing for us some Sunday!

Knitters Seeking More Hands The Prayer Shawl Ministry has been meeting faithfully every Friday from 11a to 1p in the Nursery, creating shawls and afghans for members and friends who could use as little comfort as they mend or grieve or to cele-

brate a birth or other milestone in life. Thanks to so many generous folks, there is a giant stockpile of yarn across from the Nursery and all that are needed are more hands to knit—or crochet—the raw materials into works of beauty and comfort. All thumbs, you say? Take a leap of faith and we will teach you! All are welcome!

April 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 11a Knitting 6p Den 11 Scouts TAIZE WORSHIP in Oak Park—see Pastor Michelle if interested

2

3

Team 4 ushers

9a Sunday School 9:20a Bible Study 10:30a Worship with Holy Communion

11:30a Fellowship

5p Hope Anglican

4

5

9a Crafty Crafters

4:30p Marriage Tune Up 7:30p Scouts

6

11a Seniors Bible Study at Meadows

4p Midweek Bible Class 5:15p Confirmation 6p Youth Group 6p Soup ‘N’ Spirit

7

6p AMEN Group 6p Girl Scouts 7p Choir (?)

8

11a Knitting 1p Women’s Fellowship in Schneider Hall 6p Den 11 Scouts

9

6:30p Mission Trip Update at Yorkville Congregational Church

10 Lent

Team 5 ushers

9a Sunday School 9:20a Bible Study

10:30a Worship

11:30a Fellowship

5p Hope Anglican

11

12 9a Crafty Crafters 7p Ministries Meetings 7:30p Scouts

13


4p Midweek Bible Class 5:15p Confirmation

6p Soup ‘N’ Spirit

6p Youth Group

14 7p Church Council

15 11a Knitting

16

17 Palm Sunday

Team 1 ushers


10:30a Worship

11:30a Fellowship

5p Hope Anglican

18

19 9a Crafty Crafters 7:30p Scouts

20 11a Seniors Bible Study at Meadows

4p Midweek Bible Class 5:15p Confirmation

6p Youth Group

21 MAUNDY THURSDAY

7p Maundy Thurs. Worship Service & Holy Communion

22 GOOD FRIDAY 11a Knitting

7p Worship at Grace UMC, Maple Park

23

24 Easter

Team 2 ushers


10:30a Worship

11:30a Fellowship

5p Hope Anglican

25 MOUSE Deadline

26 9a Crafty Crafters 7:30p Scouts

27


4p Midweek Bible Class

5:15p Confirmation

6p Youth Group 7p Prayer & Bible Study

28 7p Choir (?)

29 11a Knitting 6p Den 11

30

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS April 6 Soup ‘N’ Spirit in Schneider Hall 6p April 7 AMEN Group meets in the Nursery 6p April 8 Women’s Fellowship in Schneider Hall 1p April 9 Mission Trip Update at Yorkville UCC 6:30p April 13 Soup ’N’ Spirit in Schneider Hall 6p April 14 Church Council 7p April 19 Ministry Meetings 7p April 21 Maundy Thursday Worship 7p April 22 Good Friday Worship at Grace UMC, Maple Park 7p


The Elburn Days Rummage Sale Returns! As many of you know, the church is making some changes for Elburn Days 2011. The biggest change is that we won’t have a tent at Lion’s Park. We will be doing all the things we usually do—selling food and beverages, including our famous pie—but right here at the church! Along with this change, we are bringing back the Rummage Sale. Leah Miller has volunteered to co-ordinate the sale and is asking for your help. When you do your spring cleaning and sorting, remember that the church can use your gently used cast-offs for our sale. We will accept donations of clothing, household items, sporting goods and small furniture items beginning Sunday, July 17 after VBS has concluded. Questions? Want to volunteer to help with pricing and sorting? Contact the church office or Leah Miller.

It’s Spring—Time to Clean out Your Closet!

Just from Jessie…...

This April we are going on our third annual Dare 2 Share Youth Conference at the Sears Centre. We will continue to learn how to share our faith with friends.

Lauren has been inspired to start a girls’ Bible study available to all girls ages 10-18. Meets Wednesdays in youth room from 3:30-5pm.

Please let us know how our teens can help you with odd jobs to raise money for their mission trip. This year they will be doing the jobs on their own or in a group if needed so some transpor-tation help may be necessary. I will be coordinating the jobs for them but hands off the job itself. Happy Spring! Peace, Jessie

Community Congrega onal Church 100 E. Shannon Street, PO Box 308 Elburn, Illinois 60119

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

God is s ll speaking,

MAILING LABEL

April 2011

Member of the Elburn Chamber of Commerce

Mission Statement

The Community Congrega onal United Church of Christ

of Elburn is called by God

to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ

to our community and beyond by serving as

His heart, hands and feet through worship, prayer, Chris an educa on and

mission ministries.

Please use our post office box when mailing anything to the church office: PO Box 308 Elburn, IL 60119

Holy Week Worship

The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. With the coming of April, we are on a countdown to the

pivotal week of the Church year. Soup ‘N’ Spirit will continue on Wednesday April 6 & 13 at 6p including a light meal and a time of study and worship. Below is the worship schedule for Holy Week:

April 17, Palm Sunday 10:30am - Worship

April 21, Maundy Thursday 7p with Holy Communion in our Sanctuary

April 22, Good Friday 7p at Grace United Methodist 506 Willow Street, Maple Park

April 24, Easter Sunday worship 10:30am—Special Music

NOTE: Members and friends are encouraged to pick up a Lenten Offering folder to save quarters. The funds received in these folders will be given to Feed My Starving Children in Aurora.

the april 2011 church mouse

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