First Congregational

Community Church

Congregational Times April 2017 Volume 17, Issue 4

Little Things from Lisa

How has Lent been going for you? I sincerely hope it hasn’t been business as usual during this time of preparation. It certainly has not been for me! I really struggled with the idea of focusing on David’s Psalm (51) for six weeks. I was worried that it would be, quite frankly, a “downer.” All this focus on conviction, sin, and guilt. What if people tuned out? But ultimately God continued to lead me back to this topic, so who am I to tell God no?!? What I have found is that it has actually been enlightening in a positive way! I am all too aware of my sin. I am not one to pretend or bury it deep. On the contrary, I carry it around in my heart too much. I often let it color my vision of myself and the world because I know I fall short of the glory God has given me. So as we’ve journeyed, I am having a healthier and better understanding of the place of conviction, sin, and guilt in my life. Because rooted in all of this truth is the greater TRUTH. GOD LOVES ME! AND GOD LOVES YOU TOO! So even though sin is evil and comes between us and God, it is only bigger than God’s love when you or I allow it to be! God’s love is always bigger. Lent has helped me refocus the priority of God’s love in my life. I look forward to Easter with an even greater joy than ever before. If you’ve had any enlightenment this Lent, I’d love to hear about it from you too! Peace be with you. Pastor Lisa

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES 1 Jeff Ball 26 Katy Sprague

4 Wendy Mathieu 27 Lori Iversen

7 Karen Lewis 28 Marie Mathieu

9 Alicia Bolar 29 Adyson Andrews

12 Millie Zinnecker 29 Karen Gothard

22 Samantha Henderson 30 Beth Ann Ward

22 Joan Traff

23 Mary Lou Sprague

25 Clayton Mathieu

8:00 GREETERS 10:00 GREETERS

2 Bud & Linda McAffee Jim Matheson

9 Oscar & Dean Presley Jan Smith

16 Gina McLaren Allan & Marie Mathieu

23 Brian & Diane Wheeler Karen Lewis

30 TBD Bill & Misty Melton

LITURGISTS FLOWERS

2 Beth Ann Ward TBD

9 Stan McCord Gail Taylor

16 Karen Gothard TBD

23 Jordan Menges Mary Lou & Katy Sprague

30 Beth Ann Ward Paula & Jarl Pettersen

Pastor Rev. Lisa M Abb

Music & Outreach Holly Richardson

Custodian Bill Melton

Moderator Paula Pettersen Allan Mathieu

Treasurer Stan McCord

Financial Secretary Diane Wheeler

Church Clerk Marie Mathieu

Christian Education Children: Tracy Terry

Youth: Ethan & Jordan Menges Adult: Karen Gothard

Diaconate

Allan & Marie Mathieu Bill & Misty Melton

Brian & Diane Wheeler

Trustees

John Brinkman Jeff Ball

Cathy Henderson

Nominating Committee

Karen Gothard, Judy Melton, Wendy Mathieu

Memorial Committee

Cathy Henderson, Janet Lind, Dawn Lindsey

Missions Committee

Karen Gothard, Sue Richards,

Stan McCord, Marcie Ball

Church Office: 815-623-2348

Items for Weekly Bulletin: email to firstconroscoe@gmail.com

Please put “Bulletin” in the subject line

Items for Monthly Newsletter: email to klgothard@att.net

Coming To The Pulpit We are midway through our journey through Lent and the study of Psalm 51. My prayer is that you have found something in this series to grasp onto that will help deepen your awareness of the joy we will experience on Easter. Easter is the pinnacle of Christ’s sacrifice for us and our reason for rejoicing. So continue to prepare for the celebration! Easter will be celebrated April 16th and then on April 23rd we will celebrate Holy Humor Sunday!! It is always a fun experience in worship and we look forward to the laughter and joy after a long Lent. On April 30th we will resume our New Testament Survey until its completion. See you in worship!

YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN—

And you all deserve a HUGE THANK YOU! The fundraising concert with Dan Holmes raised $460 for Rock House Kids – WOW! Also, Dan reported selling many of his CD’s which encourages him to continue writing new songs. Our successful turn out Saturday night was such a great encouragement to Dola, the Mime Team, and Dan. I even heard talk of some collaborating between the director of the mime team and Dan – sounds like an interesting project! This congregation sure has a wonderful way of showing love and support – thank you, again. Peace, Holly

Take up a relaxing hobby. Submitted by Judy Melton

Singing in a choir, for example, may benefit your health: British researchers report the activity increases levels of cytokines — an immune system protein that helps fight illness in cancer patients. In fact, anything that feeds your soul is likely to be good for your body!

Our men’s luncheon will be on Wednesday, April 5th at 11:30 AM at Sophia’s Restaurant in Roscoe. Hope to see ya’ there!

Norm Iversen

Stop for a moment and think of somebody you know who is hurting, sick, recovering, or in need a prayer. Chances are that it didn’t take too long to think of someone. For many people, several folks came to mind that fit those categories. People all around us are in need of care. Maybe you are one of them. No one should feel neglected, uncared for, or ignored; especially when they need extra encouragement. So please reach out to the church if you are someone or know of someone who could use some tender loving care. We are just an ask away.

Retiree’s and WannaBe’s

Please keep these folks in your prayers. If you have someone you would like to have listed here in the future, please notify the church office, Karen Gothard, or Pastor Lisa.

Jeaneal Lantz Donna Flemming

Ula Bryan Gloria Marcum

Millie Zinnecker Gayle Grimm

Shirley Carter Darlene Worley

Marilyn Lillie Shirley Putnam

Joan Dunnett Joan Traff

LaVeda Stout & Francis (her sister) Colleen McCord

Group Life and Fellowship Committee

Thank you to all who so generously provide help, goodies, and monetary donations to keep our Sunday morning coffee hours going. It is good to break bread together! Easter Breakfast: Our youth will once again sponsor a fundraising Easter breakfast between services on Sunday, April 16. If you would like to help with this event, please sign up on the sheet available (on the railing next to the choir). Our next meeting will be Sunday, April 23 at 11:15 am.

Our next meeting will be April 12th at 1:00 pm at the church. Join us! Women’s Afternoon Circle

Women’s Evening Circle

We are back to meeting again on the 3rd Monday of each month. Our next meeting will be April 17th at 7pm. All women of the church are invited to join us. We meet in March and discussed upcoming events- the annual garage sale and the free clothing give away. Watch for more information in the up coming months. Don’t forget we are still selling Rada Knives. If you are interested please see Judy Melton.

GREETINGS FROM THE GARDEN TEAM!

The garden has begun its new season. Amendments, including coffee grounds from the church kitchen, have been worked into the soil and seeds have been

sown for early greens-spinach, lettuce, chard, beets, kale so far. Summer plantings will happen mid May-early June. We are looking forward to a very productive year.

Our biggest need for help once harvest is ready is for people to pick the veggies on

Wednesday so that they are fresh for the early Thursday delivery to the Rockton Food Pantry. Anyone is welcome to take veggies for personal use. Please enjoy and

become part of this wonderful garden.

We are seeking ideas about how to use the garden to interact with our neighbors. Please let the garden team or Mission Committee know if you have suggestions.

A second annual garden seminar is being planned for Saturday, May 6 from 10 am

-11:30 am entitled Garden Tips & Tricks. This will be free and open to the community so please invite anyone you know who might be interested. A few volunteers are needed to greet at both doors, help with snacks, and general

friendly interaction. There will be information packets and a gift for each participant and a special door prize. Registering will help with a head count so encourage interested people to call the church. A signup sheet will be on the bulletin board by the kitchen. Getting the word out is needed; posters, web

communication, signs, etc. Please see Sue Richards if you are available.

The Food Pantry appreciates and depends upon our donations so please continue to support this mission in any way you are able.

WORSHIP CHOIR:

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD!

Worship Choir continues to meet Thursday’s from 6:45 - 8pm. We would be

delighted by your presence. If you are interested in more details or need a

ride, please contact Holly Richardson.

Monday Afternoon Bible Study

INSTRUMENTAL REHEARSALS

Instrumental rehearsals will continue to be held on Saturdays from 1 – 2 pm in the church sanctuary.

Maybe you would like to share a special song (vocal or instrumental) – please let me know.

We’d love it!

WHEN: Monday’s from 1-2 pm WHERE: At church in the Fireside Room

WHO: All are welcome!!

It‘s never too late to jump in! Questions, call Holly Richardson

Thank you so much to everyone who attended the recent Dan Holmes concert here at the church benefitting Rock House Kids! And a special thanks to all that helped with the event by serving as greeters, helping to get the word out, and making soup, sandwiches and other goodies for our fellowship times! We have other exciting opportunities in April, and we need your help! ☺

Saturday, April 22nd – Serve Day

Please save this date!

Please plan on joining us on this outing to “put feet on our faith” and serve those in need in the Stateline Area.

As you know, our Vertical Focus group has partnered in the past with the Rockford Work Camps organization in Rockford to identify service project opportunities to

benefit local ministries. We are excited to say that on April 22nd, we have a congregation-wide opportunity to participate again in this valuable work!

Our group will be staying together and serving as a team at 2 different locations in Rockford, currently believed to be the Crusader Clinic and Christ the Carpenter

United Methodist Church.

All of the specific details will be coming very soon, but plan on leaving from the church in the morning and returning in late afternoon on the 22nd. We will be

making arrangements to car pool, etc so we can travel as a group.

Stay Tuned….and Thank You!!!

Missions Committee Contacts: Karen Gothard Sue Richards Stan McCord Marcie Ball

Vertical

Focus

The St. Patrick’s dinner raised $262! Because of so many late reservations, extra food had to be purchased so the profit was cut into. In any case, the evening was a huge success with many happy customers! Thank you everyone who cooked, baked, served, or cleaned up. We couldn’t have done it without you. While we are not hosting the Easter breakfast this year, we will be coming along side Group Life to provide food and help during the breakfast between services on April 16th. So please be prepared to help out! I have not given up on Camp!! I have another email out in search of a cabin for our smaller group. Keep your fingers crossed and if you know of a place, pass along the info! I will keep looking for the faithful few who are committed to going!! We are also going to begin our Summer Schedule planning. Do you have an activity you want to repeat? Or something new you want to try? Let me know so I can check into it. These outings are a fun way to bring friends and have adventures together! Peace and love to all who continue to faithfully participate. You are my rocks....Pastor Lisa

Whether you’ve read the book or not, I highly recommend seeing this movie, The Shack. It is not a movie about religion. But it is a story of faith and our human struggle with God’s ways.

Invite a friend and see it soon!

Heads up for our clothing giveaway in June! The Women’s Evening Circle is making plans for this event to

be held on June 9th and 10th.

We will be gathering items of clothing at the church beginning June 4th. Clothing items you had saved for the garage sale will

be welcome.

GARAGE SALE – MAY 4TH THROUGH 6TH Plans for an ALL CHURCH garage sale are being

made for May 4th, 5th, and 6th (Thursday, Friday, and ½ day Saturday)

We need volunteers to mark, sort, and work at the sale. Proceeds will go to the Church budget.

Asking any member of the congregation to help with the sale.

This is a good way to know your members better and help your church. Any questions, see Judy Melton.

We will take donations at the church beginning April 23rd.

NO CLOTHING – save those items for the giveaway in June

CLOTHING GIVEAWAY – JUNE 9TH AND 10TH

Heads up for our clothing giveaway in June! The Women’s Evening Circle is making plans for this event to

be held on June 9th and 10th.

We will be gathering items of clothing at the church beginning June 4th. Clothing items you had saved for the garage sale will

be welcome.

Adult clothing, children’s clothing and shoes are items people look for and are very APPRECIATIVE for when they find needed

items.

Thanks for your support!

Monthly Church Events – April 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal Jeff Ball birthday

2 8AM & 10AM Worship Services with Communion Fellowship Hour between services 5PM – Strait Up Sundays

3 1:00 PM Monday Afternoon Bible Study

4 Wendy Mathieu birthday

5 11:30 Retiree’s & Wannabe’s Lunch at Sophia’s 1:00 PM Women’s Afternoon Circle 6:30 PM Bible Study

6 6:45 PM Choir

7 Karen Lewis birthday

8 1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal

9 8AM & 10AM Worship Services 5PM – Strait Up Sundays Alicia Bolar birthday

10 1:00 PM Monday Afternoon Bible Study 7:00 PM Church Council Meeting

11

12 1:00 PM Womens Afternoon Circle 6:30 PM Bible Study Millie Zinnecker birthday

13 6:45 PM Choir

14

15 1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal

16 8AM & 10AM Worship Services EASTER BREAKFAST between services

17 1:00 PM Monday Afternoon Bible Study 7:00 PM Women’s Evening Circle

18

19 6:30 PM Bible Study

20 10:00 AM CFO’s Meeting 6:45 PM Choir

21

22 CHURCH WIDE SERVE DAY 1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal Samantha Henderson birthday Joan Traff birthday

23 8AM & 10AM Worship Services 11:15 Group Life Meeting 5PM – Strait Up Sundays Mary Lou Sprague birthday

24 1:00 PM Monday Afternoon Bible Study

25 Clayton Mathieu birthday

26 6:30 PM Bible Study Katy Sprague birthday

27 6:45 PM Choir Lori Iversen birthday

28 Marie Mathieu birthday

29 1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal Adyson Andrews birthday Karen Gothard birthday

30 8AM & 10AM Worship Services 5PM – Strait Up Sundays Beth Ann Ward birthday

First Congregational Community Church 10780 3rd Street – P. O. Box 66 Roscoe, IL 61073-0066 Phone: 815-623-2348 Rev. Lisa Abb firstconroscoe@gmail.com web site: firstcongregationalchurchroscoe.blogspot.com

Every Sunday

8:00 A.M. Morning Worship Service 8:45 A.M. Bible Study

8:45 A.M. Coffee Fellowship Hour

10:00 A.M. Morning Worship Service

11:00 A.M. Coffee Fellowship Hour

5:00 P.M “Straight Up Sundays” Youth Programs

Join us for a Heart Warming Family

Worship Service at 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. Nursery

service is available for children 4 years of age and

under.

Join us downstairs for coffee, dessert, and Fellowship in between Worship Services.

Every Monday

1:00 P.M. Bible Study

Every Wednesday

6:30 P.M. Bible Study

Every Thursday

6:45 P.M. Choir Rehearsal