October 2018

First Chronicles
The Newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC

Worshipping Ways Saturday, October 27, or Sunday, November 4:

Worship is at the heart of every congregation. People of Planning worship
faith find energy, connection, and rest in the space and Saturday, November 3, or Sunday, November 11:
time set aside for pondering divinity and creation. If Writing prayers
you haven’t been to worship for a while, you are encour- Saturday, November 10, or Sunday, November 18:
aged to come! A member of our church, Rev. Wayne Selecting music
MacPherson, often says that Sunday morning is the best These sessions will deepen your appreciation of
time to “do evangelism” just by being present when new Sunday worship and expand your spiritual journey!
people come in to explore what church might mean for Blessings,
them. Imagine being a first-time visitor, and how it Rev. Ann
must feel to be greeted with a smile, a handshake, and
conversation. Worship is active!
Prelude and Postlude Hear the sounds of an entire
orchestra played by one person.
Call to Worship Begin worship and make a declaration
of why we are here.
Morning Prayer Focus on God as the giver of all good things,
including forgiveness.
Anthem and Offertory Feel the full-bodied sound of the choir
uplifting and moving your spirit.
Children’s Message Imagine little ones growing in faith
and grasp the simplicity of the gospel.
Passing the Peace Remember we are connected by the
peace of God.
Announcements Connect Sunday to the rest of the week This Month’s Chancel Choir Anthems
in service, justice, and planning.
Sermon Challenge your beliefs, learn about God’s story, October 7
and receive the Spirit’s comfort. “Haleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona” (South African melody)
Joys and Concerns Share your burdens and celebrations
with brothers and sisters in Christ. October 14
Offering Participate in the church’s well-being by dedicating Olive Dungan, “Eternal Life”
time, talent, and treasure to God.
Gustav Holst, arr. Hal Hopson, “Lead On,
Benediction Receive a heartfelt blessing for the week
Eternal Sovereign”
to come.
Weaving these components together is an artwork October 21
designed by many people. You are invited to be part Edwin Childs, “My Song Is Love Unknown”
of the process! Volunteers have stepped up to be part David H. Williams, “Praise, My Soul, the King
of worship design for March, April, and May 2019. of Heaven”
Whether you have volunteered already or are interested
in the process of worship design, join us for Worship October 28
Design Sessions! The sessions will be held on three Walford Davies, “God Be in My Head”
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and repeated a Len J. White, “A Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester”
week later on Sundays after church.
 Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 6
8:00 a.m., Community Renewal Society Annual
Membership Assembly, 5700 South Prairie, Chicago

Sunday, October 7
12:45 p.m., Annual Golf Outing, Canal Shores
Golf Course, 1030 Central Street

Sunday, October 14
11:30 a.m., Lay Reader Training
1:30 p.m., CROP Walk, First Presbyterian Church
of Evanston, 1427 Chicago Avenue

Tuesday, October 16
7:00 p.m., Interfaith Action of Evanston Fall
Gathering (keynote by Mayor Steve Hagerty),
First Congregational Church Sanctuary

Saturday, October 20
9:30 a.m., Chicago Metropolitan Association
Fall Meeting, 137 South Garfield, Hinsdale

Saturday, October 27
10:00 a.m.–noon, Worship Design: Planning Worship

Sunday, October 28
3:30–5:30 p.m., Anti-Racism Fall Film Series:
Milwaukee 53206, Cora Brown Parlor

Saturday, November 3
10:00 a.m.–noon, Worship Design: Writing Prayers
Happy Birthday to everyone
Sunday, November 4 cele­brating a birthday in October!
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Worship Design: Planning Nancy Anderson
Worship (repeat session) Megan Bezaitis
Mark Daniels
Saturday, November 10 Al Finley
10:00 a.m.–noon, Worship Design: Selecting Music Barbara Lee
Shea Lutton
Sunday, November 11 Thekla Metz
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Worship Design: Writing Lyn Page
Prayers (repeat session) Jordan Robertson
3:30–5:30 p.m., Anti-Racism Fall Film Series: Marion Rorke
The Kalief Browder Story, Cora Brown Parlor Jerome Schmahl
Jean Stafford
Sunday, November 18 Ryan Tripp
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Worship Design: Selecting Cherie Weil
Music (repeat session) Stephen Wilson
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News and Notes
Anti-Racism Fall Film Series
Join the Mission Board for a powerful film series that
may educate you, touch your heart, and inspire you to
help dismantle racism. Each film will be followed by
a conversation about the intersections of race, justice,
and mass incarceration in United States as well as
opportuni­ties to put our faith into action. The series
takes place in the Cora Brown Psarlor of the Church
House on Sunday, October 28 and November 11, from
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Child care will be provided. Bring
a friend.
• October 28: Milwaukee 53206 tells the story of those
affected by mass incarceration through the powerful
journeys of three families. Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code
is the most incarcerated US zip code, with 62 percent
of its adult men having spent time behind bars.
• November 11: The Kalief Browder Story recounts the
tragedy of Kalief Browder, a Bronx high school student
who was imprisoned for three years, two of them in soli-
tary confinement on Rikers Island, without being con-
victed of a crime. His family was unable to afford his bail.
Calling All Artists!
There are a few open slots for
gallery shows this year. These
will open February 3, July 14,
and August 18, 2019. Each show
runs for six weeks. There is not
a more welcoming spot to show
your work than First Congre-
gational Church of Evanston’s
Narthex Gallery.
Art expression is democratic,
and ideas expressed through
visual art affect us in ways that are
uniquely experienced by all who
view them. Giving voice to your
ideas is an important part of fellowship and the start of
many important conversations. Please consider contrib-
uting your talent to our gallery. Shows can be collabora-
tions, themed events, one-person shows, or something
that hasn’t been imagined—yet! To discuss an upcoming
show, please contact Rhonda Storm at 224-999-2988 or
rsstorm@aol.com.
The current narthex exhibit, running through
November 4, features beautifully expressive landscapes
and skyscapes by longtime member Peggy Tinzmann.
Feeling the Love!
Thank you to Rev. Ann and Anne Trompeter for spear-
heading the “love offering” to reward
my 15 years of employment here. I
was touched by your kindness and
generosity. Thank you! I am grateful to
be a part of this wonderful community,
working together with leadership, members, and our
fabulous staff. —Melia Pappas
Calling All Lay Readers
After worship on Sunday, October 14, there will be a
training and practice session for anyone who has been
or would like to be a lay reader on Sunday morning.
We will try new techniques with the sound system,
practice the art of leading unison prayers, and learn
how to improve our skills together.
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
All First Congregational Church of Evanston young
people are invited to collect funds to help children
around the world again this year through Trick-or-Treat
for UNICEF. Many
students already receive
UNICEF boxes through
their schools, but a few
boxes for younger kids
or those who don’t receive them at school are available
on the children’s table when you first enter the sanctu-
ary or by contacting Sarah Petersen. Please return filled
boxes to Sarah or the Sunday School teachers by Friday,
November 16. Thanks!
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Caden completing his full-body self-portrait showing his role in God’s amazing creation
“Ordinary Time”
In the “Season of the Spirit” curriculum we use in our
Sunday School program, September was the Season of
Creation. We explored the place of humans within all of
creation, wondered at the celestial bodies in the sky, and
marveled from mountain peaks at all of God’s creation.
We also discussed the impact humans make on the earth,
from pollution and mistreatment of animals and envi-
ronments to the role we can play in cleaning up, protect-
ing, and tending to the earth with care. We saw how
connected we are to each other, to every living thing on
this planet and even to faraway stars in the sky. We felt
how we are at once so tiny and so significant in the role
we play amidst God’s creation.
October finds us moving from the Season of Cre-
ation back to the regular schedule of liturgy in what
is called “Ordinary Time” within the church calendar
year. Perhaps by this point in the year, your family is
well enough into the school year but far enough from
the holiday season that you’ve fallen into a more “ordi-
nary” rhythm at home, as well. Sports, arts, clubs, and
extracurriculars are under way, homework or preschool
schedules are set, and perhaps you feel pulled along on
the calendar through autumn.
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If there is in some way freedom within the structure
of a steady schedule to pause and reflect, ponder these
questions with me. What routines give you balance in
your week? What “extras” are essential to your family
life? Which items on your agenda feel like a drain?
Where and when do you find yourself recognizing your
connection to God and creation within regular weeks?
Where does church fit in for your family? Where do you
find transformation during your daily life?
Moments in “ordinary time” are when life happens.
This is when we live our values, practice God’s love in
the world, walk the radical way of Jesus in our everyday
lives. Between the peaks of summer vacation and holiday
celebrations, we have an opportunity to wander on the
slopes and in the valley amidst creation with our fellow
humans on this journey of life. I hope Sunday mornings
become a checkpoint where your family members can
reconnect with one another, with community, and with
God’s love. Finding daily or weekly ways to recognize
the Spirit that extraordinarily walks with us every day
means that no time can simply be called “ordinary.”
In Peace,
Sarah Petersen
Director of Learning and Outreach
On Rally
Day all ages
cele­brated
our connec-
tions and
the start of
the congre­
gation’s
pro­gram
year with
a festive
block party
on Hinman
Avenue.

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 Join us for a FREE screening of MILWAUKEE 53206
Presented by First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC

!
_______________________________________________________________________
____
MILWAUKEE 53206 chronicles the lives of those living in the ZIP code
that  incarcerates the highest percentage of black men in America, up to 62%.
Through the intimate stories of three 53206 residents, we witness the high toll mass
incarceration takes on individuals and families that make up the community. The film
not only examines Milwaukee’s ZIP code 53206, but also illuminates the story of
people from across the United States who live with the daily affects of mass
incarceration.
___________________________________________________________________
MILWAUKEE 53206
A documentary by Keith McQuirter
Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A

When: Sunday, October 28th, 3:30pm-5:30pm

Where: FCCE Church House, 1417 Hinman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201

FREE Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP to reserve childcare

coverage for your child(ren): spetersen@firstchurchevanston.org