The Church Mouse Monthly newsletter for the members & friends of Community Congregational Church of Elburn
The Pastor’s Page…. A theologian once said that even when you are in the Promised Land, you are never far
from the wilderness. I am sure I am not the only one who has pondered how our nation has gone
so quickly from the promised land of abundance to a wilderness of economic uncertainty (despite
the fact that what we are now experiencing was predicted almost to a tee by at least one legislator
some years ago when banks were de-regulated). This recession is a new place for most of us.
Before the last several years, we had come to assume uninterrupted economic growth and the
safety and stability of our investments and of the institutions we treasure and support – churches,
seminaries, colleges, and hospitals.
I do not believe God is in the business of correcting a misdirected global economy, but I
do know that God comes into the wilderness, and because of that, there are always redemptive
outcomes and things to learn. No good, of course, comes from losing your home or your job or
your health insurance. But God can make something good happen in the midst of such bad cir-
cumstances. In other words, the action of God in our lives is not restricted just to the times when
things seem good, but is also present when times seem bad.
If there is anything redemptive about this crisis, it may be the possibility that it offers us
to learn again virtues we may have forgotten as a nation, or placed lesser value on as time has
gone by - modesty, frugality, responsibility, community. Although various ones of us may be
modest or frugal or responsible or community-oriented, it is true that not all of us are that way,
and at times, none of us are that way. For example, I don‘t feel modest when I am interacting
with refugees: I see myself as part of a nation that is powerfully resourced and able to share with
others.
We often don‘t feel frugal: we overspend on trivialities and underspend on things of im-
portance. We have tended to think that more resources will come our way. We are not always
responsible: we can see recycling bins all around us but still throw our recyclables into the trash
because it‗s more convenient; and we draw mental circles about which children are worth watch-
ing out for and which ones are not. And we are not always community-oriented: sometimes we
want to isolate and see ourselves as different than others, giving our own self the positive spin on
the difference, or we promote solutions in our family life and our civic life that benefit some but
not others.
And this crisis has the possibility of reminding us again of who we are. The essence of
our faith is that who we are is God‘s precious children, created in love and saved by grace,
through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This ushers in new possibilities for life
and happiness, regardless of what is happening in the world around us, regardless of the negative
events that find their way to out door, regardless of the unholy places we have placed our trust,
regardless of our penchant to think that Christ‘s sacrifice was just for the ‗religious‘ part of our
life, not for the whole of it.
On the secular calendar, it‘s the month of Thanksgiving Day. In the church calendar, or
in the Christian‘s calendar, it is yet another opportunity to deepen our spirit into a life of grati-
tude. That yields a harvest that is guaranteed – come what may.
So, happy thanks-living days!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer
and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7-8
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Michelle
November 2011
Church Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Phone: (630) 365-6544
INTERIM PASTOR
Rev. Michelle Prentice-Leslie
MODERATOR
Sharon Lackey
VICE-MODERATOR
Mary Royer
TREASURER
Tammy Eckstrom
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Cindy Doede
CHURCH CLERK
Karen Baston
MINISTRY ASSISTANT
Linda Miller
+++
Please use our street address when
corresponding with the church:
100 E. Shannon Street
Elburn, IL 60119
The Post Office will forward mail
to us for about 18 months.
+++
Our website is constantly
being updated. Check it out!
www.ccc-elburn.org
November 2011 Community Congregational Church page 2
Musings from the Moderator… November is here already! Time flies when you are busy and we are always busy here at
Community Congregational Church. This month we host the community Thanksgiving service on
Wednesday evening November 23rd. I hope you can all be there to welcome the community to
our sanctuary for an inspiring worship service.
Also this month, we will have the first half of our annual meeting to set the budget for next year. This
will be on November 13th immediately following the worship service. Please plan to stay for this short, im-
portant meeting.
Stay warm and enjoy the leaves while they last. See you in worship.
Your Friend in Christ, Sharon Lackey Moderator
Just from Jessie...
Our monthly food packing service at Feed My
Starving Children continues. Please consider joining
us on a Wednesday evening. We have a good time
while providing food for 30+ children for a year every time we
serve. Ask any of our youth about their service experience. Hope
to see you soon! (See schedule on the Narthex bulletin board.)
On November 4 some of the high schoolers are going to Trini-
ty Lutheran, my home church in Lisle to Worship 2.0. This is a
worship service with electronic dance music led by Christian djs
and a vj (disc jockey and video jockey). This service is intended
to give God our worship in dance as David did in 2 Samuel 6:14-
"David danced before the Lord with all his might." We pray this
will be a fun time that glorifies our awesome God. Afterwards we
are sleeping at my house to extend the fun.
It continues to be a joy of mine to serve Community Congrega-
tional Church by leading the youth ministry. Please pray for
God's wisdom and leading in each student's life as they make de-
cisions and choices. And may they feel God's love and strength
grow stronger throughout their years.
Peace,
Jessie
AMEN Group The AMEN Group continues to meet
faithfully on the second Tuesday of each
month (note the new day) at 6pm in the
Nursery. The group meets for an hour and
continues to pray for the special needs of individu-
als, 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 wel-
come.
Please Let Us Know! Do you know of a special event being planned for
the holiday season? A craft show or bazaar? Maybe
a Christmas program or plat at a nearby theatre,
school or other church? An open house at a local
historical site? Please let us now in the church of-
fice. We‘d love to offer details of these events to
our congregation, in the Sunday bulletin, the
MOUSE and on our Narthex bulletin board. We‘d
be happy to help you spread the word, but you have
to tell us first!
Sunday School News………from Theresa Biddle
We are rolling along. We are learning about Moses and what an important part he played in God’s plan for the Israelites. We continue our study of Exodus through November.
November 6 The 10 Commandments November 13 Celebration Sunday…. Work on gifts for the Advent Boxes November 20 The Golden Calf November 27 Moses Video
Thank you to everyone in the congregation who so joyously supports the efforts of our children when they
perform during worship, or even just offer some of their innocent insights during children’s message. They are
such a blessing to all of us!
November 2011 Community Congregational Church page 3
Harvest Dinner Gratitude A very large THANK YOU goes out to everyone who had any part in making the annual Harvest Dinner such a success. It seemed that the whole church membership was involved in some way! Thank you to everyone who made applesauce, baked pies, mixed coleslaw, peeled and cooked potatoes, trimmed and cooked meat, made gravy (yum), distributed posters, organized the White Elephant, made and sold crafts, filled bowls, cut pies, cut meat, washed dishes, made sign-up sheets, sold tickets, poured coffee, served or cleaned tables, sold soda, handled the carry-out operations, folded napkins, made centerpieces, did publicity, ate a meal, purchased from the Crafters or White Elephant, set up tables and chairs, ran errands, deco-rated Schneider Hall, or cleaned up and packaged and sold leftovers, and did it all with a smile & a cheerful heart! EVERY SINGLE PERSON CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE DAY. Our totals so far were: $2423 for the dinner (includes leftover sales) $271.90 for the White Elephant Sales $109 for the Crafty Crafters Sale
The majority of the funds raised at Harvest Dinner will be dis-tributed to the numerous local and UCC-related charities that
our membership supports, such as Lazarus House, Hesed House, Mutual Ground, Back Bay Mission, Outdoor Ministries, Elderday Center, LifeLink, and Emmaus Home. Thank You!
You Are Invited! As many of our members know, Suzy
and David Ray are expecting their first
child in December. What a great reason for
celebration and we want to have a party! Mark your
calendar for 12 noon on Saturday, November 5 and see
the sign-up sheet in the church Narthex. This will be a
pot-luck event and everyone is welcome!
Please contact the church at 630-365-6544 to sign
up in advance if you‘d like to attend the baby shower.
Suzy is registered at Target and Babies-R-Us.
Mitten Line The Mission and Outreach Ministry will once again string its Mitten Line on the railing in the Narthex. Mittens,
scarves, hats, and warm socks that are donated will be taken to Lazarus House for distribution to their clients. Remember that they serve not only women and children, but many men, so the need for men-size winter gloves, hats, socks and scarves is especially great. Please bring your do-
nated items—new or gently used— dur-ing November. Items will then be deliv-ered to Lazarus house for December distribution.
Please address all mail to the church
using our street address:
100 E. Shannon Street
Elburn, IL 60119
The Community Ecumenical Thanksgiving Wor-
ship Service will be held on Wednesday, November
23 at 7:00 pm. and we are hosting the service! Pas-
tors from several area churches will conduct the ser-
vice and the combined choirs of several churches will
perform. After worship, we will host a time of re-
freshment and fellowship in Schneider Hall. See the
sign-up sheet in the Narthex for bringing baked
goods for this event.
All are invited to join with friends and neighbors
in a celebration of thanks and praise.
CROP Walk “Thank You” Thank you to everyone who supported the
CROP Hunger Walk 2011 on October 16.
On that date, 228 people walked the 5k
path along the Fox River, donating over
$21,000. From this money, 25% will be
shared locally by the Salvation Army, the
Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, Northern Illinois
Food Bank and Lazarus House. From our church,
Sharon Lackey and Linda Miller raised $320, and
even though she couldn‘t be at the Batavia walk, Lin-
da walked in Michigan! Thanks to everyone for your
support of this vital ministry to feed the hungry here
in our communities and elsewhere.
HELP
HUNGER
November 2011 Community Congregational Church page 4
Choir and Hand Bell News Fall choir rehearsals will take place on
the First & Third Thursdays of each
month at 7pm in the Sanctuary. All ages
are welcome. Please let me know if you want to partici-
pate, but cannot attend rehearsals at that time.
Also, we need to gauge interest in a hand bell ensem-
ble. If you want to participate, or have questions, please
call or email me. If there is enough interest from youth
(middle school and up), we could create a youth ensem-
ble.
Stephanie
630-365-6271
Happy Birthday
Best wishes to these members and friends who are celebrating November birthdays.
November 2 Bernice Gass, Harriet Walenches November 4 Ryan Siebert November 7 Mark Merfeld November 13 Mable Brady, Jeff Johnson November 14 Nancy Merfeld November 24 Jeff Thompson November 28 Bonnie Anderson November 29 Betty Williams November 30 Bill Jahns
Happy Anniversary
Congratulations to these celebrating November wedding anniversaries:
November 6 Norm & Diane Bergquist 46 years November 13 Dave & Mary Royer 35 years November 24 Greg & Regina Kurth 17 years
If you know of birthdays or anniversaries that are missing from the calendar or listed incorrectly, please call the office so they may be added/corrected. Thank you.
Theatre Opportunities This month we get to publicize TWO theatre
opportunities for your consideration.
On November 18 & 19 at 7pm,
Harter Middle School, 1601 Esker
Drive in Sugar Grove, will present a fairy tale ex-
travaganza, featuring characters from all the be-
loved tales of the Brothers Grimm and others. Featured as
Gretel is our own Amanda Eckstrom! Ask her for more de-
tails on the production.
In December, Albright Theatre, 100 N. Island
Avenue, Batavia, will present “The Best
Christmas Pageant Ever.” This is the story of
how a family of ―mean‖ kids learn about the
true meaning of Christmas through one
church‘s presentation of their Christmas pageant. Ministry
Assistant Linda Miller was cast in the role of Rev. Hopkins.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors. Per-
formances are Dec. 9, 10, 11, 16,17,18. Fri 7:30p, Sat. 2:30p
& 7:30p, Sun. 2:30p Rated G
Reservations are highly recommended: 630-406-8838
Women’s Fellowship!
All women of the church are wel-come to attend the next meeting of the Women’s Fellowship Friday, Novem-ber 11 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. Because we all enjoyed the healthier salad menu from past months, everyone is encouraged to bring some sort of salad or healthy side dish: fruit, veggies, hearty bread, light dessert. We have had up to 14 people around the table, so plan accordingly and join in the fun and fellow-ship!
Happy Thanksgiving To All
Hanging of the Greens In preparation for Advent, the annual Hanging of the Greens will take place on Saturday, November 26 at 9:00am. We will begin with a hearty breakfast and then disburse to all corners of the church to decorate. Bring your willing hands and your unique decorating skills to beautify our church to welcome the King of Kings. See the sign-up sheet in the Narthex to offer your help with the breakfast. Thank you!
Ushering Teams for November
November 6—Team #1 Captain: Karen Baston
November 13—Team #5 Captain: Jessie & Youth Group
November 20—Team #2 Captain: Kurth Family
November 27—Team #3 Captain: Merfeld Family
November 2011 Community Congregational Church page 5
November 6 ~ Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost 9:00 a.m. Sunday School
9:20 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion—All Saints
Day observed
11:30 a.m. Fellowship
5:00 p.m. Hope Anglican Worship Service
November 13 ~ Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost 9:00 a.m. Sunday School
9:20 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Worship—Veterans‘ Day observed
11:30 a.m. Fellowship & Congregational Meeting
5:00 p.m. Hope Anglican Worship Service
November 20 ~ Reign of Christ 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
November 23 ~ Thanksgiving Eve
7:00 p.m. Community Congregational Church hosts the
Community Ecumenical Worship Service
November 27 ~ First Sunday of Advent 9:00 a.m. Sunday School
9:20 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Worship with Reverse Offering
11:30 a.m. Fellowship
5:00 p.m. Hope Anglican Worship Service
Our Condolences….
We offer our sincere condolences to
Pastor Michelle and her family on
the passing of her mother on Octo-
ber 22 in California. She had suffered from
Alzheimers for the past seven years and is
now released from the grasp of this devastat-
ing illness. We offer Pastor Michelle and her
family the comfort of our thoughts and pray-
ers.
PLEASE CALL!!
If you are in the hospital and would like a visit from Pastor Michelle, call the church office at 630.365-6544 or Pastor Michelle herself at (630) 267-7555. Remember, because of the new privacy laws, we do not al-ways know when you are hospitalized. PLEASE let us know or have someone call for you.
Lazarus House Dinner With the weather getting cooler, more clients
at Lazarus House are more grateful than ever for
the hot meals provided by local churches and
other organizations. Our church provides an evening meal on the
fifth Friday of whatever months has a fifth Friday, last month be-
ing September 30. Many thanks to the following people who
provided food and delivered it to our friends at Lazarus House:
Main Course: Barb Angenendt & Cindy Doede
Bread: Linda Miller
Salad: Leah Miller
Dessert: Diane Bergquist
Delivery: Norm & Diane Bergquist
The next opportunity to help with a fifth Friday meal is Decem-
ber 30. Remember, Lazarus House usually has quite a stockpile
of frozen food (meat, vegetables, etc.) as well as canned items
and bottled sauces on hand that you can use. Just give them a call
at your convenience (630-587-2144) and see what‘s available.
Then plan your meal around what they have on hand. You can
even pick up the items way ahead of time and store them in the
church kitchen. Thank you for helping the guests at Lazarus
House and representing our church in this vital outreach effort.
Part I of Congregational Meeting on
Sunday, November 13 after worship.
November 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
9a Crafty Crafters
7p Ministries
Meetings
2
11a Seniors Bible
Study at Meadows
4p Midweek Bible
Class
6p Youth Group
3 2-4p Knitting
7p Choir
4
5
12 noon Baby
Shower for Suzy &
David Ray
(see page 3 )
Set Clocks BACK
6
Team 5 ushers
9a Sunday School
9:20a Bible Study
10:30a Worship with
Holy Communion
11:30a Fellowship
5p Hope Anglican
7
8
9a Crafty Crafters
7:30p Scouts
9
11a Seniors Bible
Study at Meadows
4p Midweek Bible
Class
6:30p Feed My
Starving Children
10
2-4p Knitting
6p Girl Scouts
7p Church Council
11
1p Women‘s
Fellowship in
Schneider Hall
12
13
Team 1 ushers
9a Sunday School
9:20a Bible Study
10:30a Worship
11:30a Fellowship &
Congregational Mtg.
5p Hope Anglican
14
7-8p Tiger Scouts
15
9a Crafty Crafters
6p AMEN
Group
7:30p Scouts
16
11a Seniors Bible
Study at Meadows
4p Midweek Bible
Class
6p Youth Group
17 2-4p Knitting
7p Choir
7:15p Pastor Parish
Relations Mtg.
18
19
20 Team 2 ushers
9a Sunday School
9:20a Bible Study
10:30a Worship
11:30a Fellowship
5p Hope Anglican
21 22 9a Crafty Crafters
MOUSE
Deadline
7:30p Scouts
23
11a Seniors Bible
Study at Meadows
4p Midweek Bible
Class
7p Thanksgiving Eve
Community Worship
here at CCC
24 HAPPY
THANKSGIVING
25
5:30p Den 11
26
9a Hanging of the
Greens
27
Team 3 ushers
9a Sunday School
9:20a Bible Study
10:30a Worship;
Reverse Offering
11:30a Fellowship
5p Hope Anglican
28
7-8p Tiger Scouts
29
9a Crafty Crafters
7:30p Scouts
30
11a Seniors Bible
Study at Meadows
4p Midweek Bible
Class
6p Youth Group
REMEMBER:
.Set your clocks
BACK
on Saturday,
November 5
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS:
Dec. 2—Elburn Christmas Stroll
Dec. 24—Christmas Eve Worship 7p
Dec. 25—NO 10:30a worship service. All are
urged to attend the 5p Hope Anglican Church
service
January 1—Worship as usual at 10:30a
Community Congregational Church 100 E. Shannon Street Elburn, Illinois 60119
November 2011
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
God is still speaking,
MAILING LABEL
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