1. family and parenting
2. children

May 2015
An Important Stewardship Message:
Your Commitment to Funding 2015-2016
ALL CHURCH
PICNIC!
Sunday,
MAY 17
on the Front Lawn
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Thanks to all who have given their financial support to FCC’s 2014
Stewardship Campaign. We are glad that at the time of print,
pledges have been received totaling $649,248. At the same time,
this is $170,752 shy of reaching our goal of the minimum of $820,000
needed to carry out the ministry and mission that you have come to
expect from FCC.
We had hoped that all pledges would be in by the end of April. If
you have not pledged yet we will, of course, gladly receive your
commitment in May---sooner than later will be most helpful to
the process of developing an accurate budget that needs to be
established before the end of June. It is very important that staff and
church leaders know right now what kind of funding support there is
from the congregation for programs that are being planned for July
2015 through June 2016.
There are pledge cards in the pews, which you can place in the offering
plate, send by postal mail, or drop off at the church office in person.
You can also email your pledge to [email protected]
Grab your blankets and lawn
chairs* and join us for our
annual picnic! We will provide
fried chicken, hotdogs, and
beverages. The members of
the Congregation are asked
to bring a salad, sidedish or
dessert to share.
If you plan to attend,
please sign up at the
Information Desk in the
Gathering Space to assist us
in ordering food.
In the event of inclement
weather, we will relocate to
Fellowship Hall.
* Seating will be available
for those who are more
comfortable at a table.
page 2
FROM FRED
“Jesus Alert”
If you do not find Christ in the beggar at the church door,
neither will you find him in the chalice.
~St. John Chrysostom~
…never get so focused on the empty tomb that you
forget to speak to the gardener.
~Barbara Brown Taylor~
A very influential book in my Christian journey is Marianne Sawicki’s
Seeing the Lord: Resurrection and Early Christian Practices. In it, she
makes the case that the gospel accounts of Jesus were written to
equip all who read them with the ability to recognize and respond to
the presence of the risen Christ.
It is an ability that is especially honed in relation to three basic first
century Christian practices: Learning the good news of Christ through
teaching, celebrating the good news of Christ through worship, and
enacting the good news of Christ through deeds of compassion.
This is because such practices are at the heart of Jesus’ own earthly
ministry—over and over throughout the gospels Jesus teaches,
celebrates, and enacts the good news of God’s endless love for us
and how such love transforms us in relation to God and one another.
So. It’s been a month since the rejoicing we shared on Easter Sunday.
Have you seen Jesus lately? Seriously. Okay, maybe not seen seen.
But how about this—have you been aware or sensed the presence
of Jesus lately?
I’m issuing a Jesus alert.
I invite you to be on the alert for experiencing Jesus, the living Christ,
as you encounter people and circumstances in the weeks ahead. Keep
track of what you discern. Then feel free to share your experience
with the congregation on Pentecost Sunday, May 24 (with attribution
or anonymously). Or maybe you have had a particular experience of
Jesus previous to this alert. Feel free to share that, too.
Send your experience by postal mail, email at [email protected],
or dropping it off at the Church Office. Please do so by Wednesday
May 20 to prepare for publication on May 24. There will also be time
for sharing our experiences in conversation together during worship
on Pentecost Sunday.
Since Christ is central at FCC, let’s be on the lookout for him.
Peace,
WE LOVE OUR YOUTH!
FCC has an outstanding Youth Ministry
and we’re looking for an OUTSTANDING
person to lead it!
Are you a deeply Christian,
spiritually mature person with a
passion for the spiritual nurturing
of teenagers and adults?
Do you understand how Youth
learn, relate and develop?
Do you believe interacting creatively
with Youth can and should be fun?
Can you keep up with Youth and the
technological programs they use?
If this fits you to a “Teen”, we want
to talk with you about the position of
Director of Youth Ministries at FCC!
Please submit your resume to:
Personnel Committee
Flossmoor Community Church
2218 Hutchison Road
Flossmoor, IL 60422
or electronically to
[email protected]
Be sure to include a complete resume!
Opening effective June 1 or as
negotiated. Position is ¾ time.
Page 3
EXPLORING THE LIGHT
OF DIVERSE RELIGIOUS
WISDOM TRADITIONS
Sunday, May 3, 11 am in Bell Chapel
LED BY THE OUTREACH
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
This concludes the three-part diversity series. Session
One explored cherishing diversity by sharing unique
stories of specific FCC families. Session Two explored
ways our Christian faith points toward a failure to listen
to, understand, respect and love our neighbors. Session
Three will explore how diverse Religious Wisdom
Traditions shine light on a common view of ethics, virtues,
and vision. With that light we hope to articulate ways to
use our individual spiritual gifts to take small steps that
lead to big changes in how we treat our neighbors as
ourselves – how we undertake action for social justice.
It’s not that complicated! Theodor Seuss Geisel put it
succinctly:
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.
It's not.
–Dr. Seuss in The Lorax
Come to discern how your caring can lead to powerful
change!
“THE CLEANER OF CHARTRES”
BOOK DISCUSSION
Sunday, May 17 at 11 a.m. in the Family Room
LED BY TRINA HAYES
Join us for our last book discussion
of the season as we talk about
Salley Vicker’s novel, The Cleaner of
Chartres. Agnès Morel cleans the
Chartres cathedral and its famed
labyrinth and there’s much to
discuss about Agnès, faith, love,
sin, and the power of the labyrinth.
If the weather cooperates, we’ll
end with a walk around the FCC
labyrinth in McAfee Garden.
COFFEE AND. . .
Sundays, May 3, 10, and 17
at 11 a.m. in the Parlor
Sometimes you want a quiet place and a cup of tea or
coffee. Other times you’d like to chat with a friend. Coffee,
tea, newspapers, and comfortable chairs are available
from 11 a.m. to noon after worship. If it’s sunny, you may
want to grab a cup “to go” and sit outside in the McAfee
Garden or even walk the labyrinth.
Walk the
Labyrinth
Sunday, May 17, at noon
Join us at noon in the McAfee Garden (behind
the church) immediately following Christian
Education classes to walk the winding path of
the labyrinth prayerfully. Let go of daily stress
and be open to listen to God’s voice.
page 4
Children’s Ministries
SIXTH GRADE
CROSSES
Sunday, May 10
The sixth graders will be recognized
and awarded a cross pendent during
worship, Sunday, May 10, celebrating
their time in Children’s Ministries.
Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. - Noon
Let the games begin! Sunday, May 3, all children will be able to test their
knowledge and ability in the first Bible Game Day. The activities will be held from
11-12 noon beginning in their regular classrooms. The 2yr. – kindergarteners may
be picked up at noon from the Weekday Preschool playground. The elementary
age children, grades 1 – 6 may be picked up from the front church lawn.
THE WATER PROJECT
It’s not too late to
“Feed the Fish!”
Donations to The Water Project may
still be deposited in the large fish
banks located in the Narthex. The
fifth and sixth graders in conjunction
with Children’s Ministries have set a
goal to raise $12,000 to build a well
for a Rwandan community in Africa
that currently has little or no access to
clean drinking water. Please join us by
contributing to clean water to those
in need! Children are invited to bring
their own donations each week and
drop in the “Water Pail” during Time
with Children.
Donations may also be made
online at:
https://thewaterproject.org/
community/profile/fcc
FCC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
JUNE 15-19, FROM 5-7:30 P.M.
MOVE, ACT, CARE, FOLLOW and SHARE God’s unstoppable love and discover
how to fuel up and move in and through life with God. The program is
open to children ages 3 through 4th grade (completed 6/15). Adults
and youth of all ages are needed for a successful program. Leadership is
needed for the various activity centers which include science, recreation,
craft, storytelling/reflection, mission and snack. In addition, volunteers are
also needed for group shepherds, decorating, registration, music and more.
Check your calendar, and prayerfully consider joining the G Force team
this summer! For questions or more information Please contact Belinda
at [email protected] or by calling 798-2800 ext. 16. Registration forms
available at fccfaithful.org/children’s ministries.
“In God we live, move, and exist.”
Acts 17:29c CEB
Page 5
Eggs covered the Church lawn Easter morning, much to the delight of the children. A big thank you to Jay Barbaro
for being the event’s MC and all the people who donated candy, empty eggs, and helped fill the 900+ eggs. Special
thanks to the 5th & 6th graders and Harry Wojcikowski (pictured above left) for their help with the event!
Claire Rissmiller was the winner
of the “empty egg” and received a
cross necklace.
Fourth graders take a stand against Goliath.
playground silliness and fun!
page 6
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Sunday, May 3
YOUTH WORK CAMP
To Tower Hill Camp, Sawyer, MI
We return again this year to Tower Hill in Sawyer, MI to work on new
projects and help improve the camp facility for years to come. Because of
the school schedule at the Junior Highs, Work Camp this year is only open
to High School and College students.
Graduating Seniors
Cost = $80
Leave Monday afternoon, June 1
Return Saturday morning, June 6
High School Students
Cost = $80
Leave Tuesday afternoon, June 2
Return Saturday morning, June 6
from 2 – 4 pm
in the Community House
Featuring Works and
Performances
by FCC Youth Artists
$20/adults, $10/children
Drawings, paintings, photographs,
multimedia, theater and music will be
presented by our multi-talented FCC
Youth. Channel your creativity at an
art station. Light refreshments and
beverages will be provided while you
experience the artistic gifts. There will
be a silent auction of special items, as
well as jewelry and pieces of art for
sale.
Drivers: Because we have an abundance of youth who attend, we will need
assistance with driving up and back. If you can assist please indicate on the
sign up form OR contact Betsy Hanzelin.
This event is a fundraiser for the
Youth Ministries “Safe House Project”,
sponsored by Restore International..
Admission and all proceeds from
sales and the silent auction will go to
support the building of a Safe House
for women and children in Somalia
who have been victims of genderbased violence.
Sign up forms will be mailed to all eligible youth and will be available on
the Youth Bulletin Board. Confidential Scholarships are available for Work
Camp, so please do not hesitate to ask if you need financial assistance.
Tickets are available following
worship in the Gathering Space, from
youth families, or at the door.
Chaperones: We are always looking for a few more adult chaperones, so if
any parent, college student (over 21) or adult friend is interested in coming
for the entire trip or for a few days, please contact Betsy Hanzelin. Adult
Chaperones do not have to pay for camp and we have some rooms in an
adult facility that are available for sleeping, if you prefer not to sleep with
the teens.
Page 7
QUESTERS TRIP
to Cantigny Park
Wednesday, May 20
Spring is in the air at Weekday Preschool! Preschoolers learned the sign for
butterfly and practiced it on the playground in anticipation of caterpillars
arriving. The children like to chart their growth, watch them make their
chrysalis and then release the butterflies on the playground in late May.
The preschool is also joining the National Wildlife Federation “Be a Butterfly
Hero” campaign and will be planting native milkweed seeds on the
playground for monarch butterflies. “The simple act of planting milkweed
provides monarchs with a place to lay their eggs and helps ensure that this
iconic species has a future,” according to David Mizejewski of the NWF.
The final gathering of Questers for
2014-15 will be Wednesday, May
20 with a trip to Cantigny Park
near Wheaton, IL. We will have
the opportunity to tour the house,
wander the gardens, and visit the
WWI museum. We will meet in the
parking lot of the Community House
at 9 a.m. and car pool, so drivers
are needed. Parking is free. We will
gather at the lovely restaurant in the
gift shop building for lunch. RSVP
required. Any questions, please call
Barbara Burleson at 708.922.0422.
Looking for a ministry
that gives immediate results
AND requires no meetings?
Inside children have been busy, from gluing in Parent/Toddler to building in
a 4/5 year old classroom “workshop” and more. Special guests will be arriving
for Mother’s Day Teas just before Mothers’ Day. The children look forward
to cooking, decorating and making surprises for their very special person
at this Weekday Preschool tradition. Serendipity Summer is happening May
26 – 28 & June 2 – 4.
Registration is ongoing for the 2015 – 2016 school year, but spaces are
limited for certain schedules. If you know someone looking for your favorite
preschool, please share our name with them to schedule a tour.
Join FCC's anonymous Garbage
Guerrillas! Pick a local public street
that needs your TLC, reuse the few
plastic grocery bags you still have by
filling them with trash, then report
your number of filled bags to Brooke
King at [email protected]. FCC
has removed 129 bags of trash from
the community since this ministry
started, a gift to every passerby and a
welcome to every newcomer.
page 8
Women’s & Men’s Association
Presents
the
BARGAIN BOX
FASHION SHOW
S AT U R D AY, M AY 2 AT N O O N
I N T H E CO M M U N I T Y H O U S E
Join the fun as we showcase all types of women’s, men’s and children’s fashions
available at our Bargain Box shop - from chic to casual! Save your money and
spend for a good cause. Profits from the Bargain Box go to many local charities.
Tickets ($15) include lunch and the show. Lunch is served at 12 p.m., Fashion
Show at 1 p.m. For reservations, call Kim Sifner at 754-2683.
From left to right: Jan Hodes, Bob Norby, Chip Young, Shari Sweeney, Mike
Rogers, Lois Toolan, Rosanne Schutz, Pastor Fred, and Doug King
The Diaconate Board
Needs Your Help!
Do you know a church member who
needs a ride to church or perhaps to a
medical appointment?
Do you know someone in our church
family who could benefit from having
a meal provided?
Often those in need are reluctant to
ask for assistance. We rely on referrals
from others like you.
The Diaconate Board can help. Please
call the church office at 708-798-2800
or Sue Durkin, Diaconate Chair, at 708466-1431 to make a request. We will
follow up in Christ’s name.
Stephen Ministry:
Help, Hope,
Healing
The Stephen Ministry Team shared a PotLuck dinner at Shari and Pat Sweeney's home, to celebrate
Pastor Fred's completion of the week-long Stephen Ministry Leaders' Training Course (Orlando, FL).
Later this month, join us for his Stephen Leader Commissioning Service on Sunday, May 24.
Page 9
Flossmoor Community Church to Appear
in 2015 Flossmoor Yearbook Project!
Calling all FCC members to take part in this
unique community project and be a part of
the historical record! Thomas’ Photographic in
Flossmoor has invited all residents, businesses,
and organizations to be a part of the “Flossmoor
Yearbook” project. The FCC Congregation will be
photographed immediately following worship
on Sunday, May 17 in front of the church on your
way to the All Church Picnic. All members, visitors,
children, youth, board and committee members,
choir members and musicians are asked to be
present!
Those who wish to purchase a copy of the FCC
portrait will be able to do so at a discounted preorder rate of $10-5x7, or $20-8x10, with order
forms made available that day.
Last of the Season!
Open Mic Night
Friday, May 8 from 7-11 p.m.
at the FCC Community House
FREE
BYOB
ALL AGES
2015
oor
Flossm Photo
ok
Yearbo taken
to be
mas ‘
by Tho aphic!
r
Photog
Hosted by Matt Bailey & Brooke King-LaBreck
Questions? Ask Brooke King-LaBreck at [email protected] or 798-2800
page 10
We celebrate
the birth of:
Our Sympathy and Prayers to:
to Lynn Zima and the family and friends of her mother, Snookie Jeneson,
on March 29. A memorial service will be held here on Friday, May 8 at 1 p.m.
with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall.
to Tadd Gleason and family in the death of his grandfather, Tom Wells.
to Don Jones and family in the death of his cousin, Danny Tyree (IN).
Gabriel Bernardino Perkins, born
April 20. Gabriel is the son of Alicia
and Michael Perkins, the brother
of Michael and Maya Perkins, the
grandson of Barbara and Richard
Johnson, and the nephew of Julie
Johnson and Greg Johnson.
We ask that you please hold Gabriel
and his family in your prayers.
Gabriel was born at 23 weeks,
weighing just 1.5 pounds. He is
currently hospitalized at RUSH in the
NICU.
Who wants to make a Joyful
Noise this summer?
There were lots of suggestions
about worship music during
“Come Imagine”. To make them
happen, we need singers and
instrumentalists who are willing
to share their gifts by making
musical offerings to glorify God
during worship. Over the summer,
we rely on volunteers to provide
our special worship music. Do
you have a sacred musical piece
you would love to share or hear
during summer worship? Please
express your interest to Lori Tozer,
Director of Music Ministries, at
[email protected] asap before
all of our Summer Sundays are
spoken for.
IMPORTANT
MESSAGE:
FCC has received
an unidentified gift of
Johnson and Johnson
stock. Please call Judy
Jensen at 798-2800
ext.14 if you are the
donor. Thank you!
Page 11
Hospitality Time: 9 - 9:45 a.m.
Worship for all at 9:45 a.m.
Hospitality Time: 10:45 - 11 a.m.
Adult Education: 11 a.m. - Noon
Sat
05/02 Bargain Box Fashion Show (CH)
Youth Groups: 11 a.m. - Noon
Church School: 11 a.m. - Noon
Preschool Groups: 11 a.m. - Noon
Nursery Care: 9:30 a.m. - Noon
12 pm
Sun
05/03 Communion Sunday
An Afternoon in the Arts (CH)
2 pm
Mon
7:30 pm
05/04 Personnel (FR)
Tues 05/05 Diaconate (PA)
Outreach (FR)
Fri
05/08 Open Mic Night (CH)
Sun
6:30 pm
7 pm
05/10 Mother’s Day
Mon 05/11 Lay Ministries (A2C)
Worship & the Arts (PA)
6:30 pm
7
Tues 05/12 Finance (GE)
Christian Ed (FR)
Properties (Rm.23)
6:30 pm
7:30
Thurs 05/14 Children’s Ministries (A2C)
7 pm
Fri
05/15 Summer NARTHEX deadline! 12 pm
Sat
05/16 Outreach Planning Retreat (FR)
9 am
Sun
05/17 Annual Church Picnic (FL)
11 am
Mon
05/18 Congregational Life (PA)
7 pm
Tues 05/19
Foundation (FR)
Nominating (PA)
Stephen Ministries (Rm.23)
Stewardship (SPO)
7 pm
7:30
Mon 05/25 Memorial Day
Church Office Closed.
Tues
05/26 Governing Board (FR)
SPECIAL WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
Tues
Wed
Yoga (SC)
Staff Meeting (FR)
9:30 am
1 pm
Chair Yoga (SC)
Cherub Choir (FR)
Jubilate Choir (CP)
Youth Leadership (CP)
11:30 am
4
Thurs
Chancel Ringers (RRB)
Chancel Choir (CP)
Yoga (SC)
6:30 pm
7:30
Fri
Yoga (SC)
9:30 am
Sat
Men’s Church at the Train Station (CATS) Flossmoor Station Restaurant
8 am
7:30
7 pm
Calendar Codes
A2C
BC
CH CS
FR
FH
Acts2Crew (Rm. 10)
Bell Chapel
Community House
Creation Station (Rm. 15)
Family Room
Fellowship Hall
GS
Gathering Space
GE
Genesis Room
LBLibrary
MPT MasterPeace Theater (Rm. 14)
MPR Multipurpose Room
NUNursery
OAS Oasis (Rm 11)
PAParlor
PEGs Parent Education Groups
RRB Rehearsal Room B
SASanctuary
SC
Spirituality Center
SPO
TR
TP
WMA WPS
YC
Sr. Pastor’s Office
Tower Room
Temple (Room 12)
Women’s & Men’s Association
Weekday Preschool
Youth Crossings
2015