August 2020

June 2022

First Chronicles

The Newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC

From
From the the Minister’s
Minister’sDeskDesk Upcoming Events(whose children’s messages are so elegantly
Sarah Petersen
Depending on who you ask, summer has already
The month of July has certainly flown by. I’ve been busy Sunday, begun, done),June and5, Miko
10 a.m.Fentanes (who weaves all the video
is just now beginning, or won’t begin for a couple Pentecost—wear
meeting with committees and individual members on pieces together RED so beautifully). And to all the volunteers
weeks. Some mark the beginning of summer with the Last
Zoom or by phone. It’s been great to meet folks and who have steppedSchool
day of Sunday in to read scripture, share announce-
recently passed Memorial Day Weekend when the Sunday, June 12,sing
10 a.m.–1
learn about many aspects of First Congregational
beaches open, the grills get going, and folks enjoy the Church. ments, and for us.p.m.
You may know that liturgy means
I’m holiday
impressed by all the work that’s beingsetdone by so Celebration Sunday—All-Ages
“the work of the people.” What Worship and
is true Party normal
during
first of the season. Meteorologists the start
many
date fordedicated
the summer people to further
weather seasontheas work
June 1.ofBut church Monday,
thethe times June 13, truer
is even noon in these times of pandemic. If you
and care
earth and for
sunoneknowanother
summer in begins
these difficult
on June times.
21 withI have Evanston Interfaith
have ideas or feedback Reparations eventlike to share, please
you would
a strong
the arrivalsense
of thethat pulling together as a church. Sunday,
we aresolstice.
summer Juneto19,do10so.a.m.
feel free We are all learning as we go forward.
Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find informa-
After the long winter and difficult spring, the arrival Summer Spirit begins
I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to
of summer
tion about will
some beofgreeted with joy.
the things Weundertaking
we are are all overdue join me
as a Sunday, Junein26,
a “Coffee
noon Klatch” on Thursday, August 6, at
for some warm weather, some time in
church. I’m excited about the new Anti-Racism Task the sun, and a March
2 p.m. This will be anParade
in Chicago Pride informal time to check in with
break from the school year routines of work
Force that will be working to help us better understand and class. one another and engage is casual conversation. Join
Weofarerace
issues going to celebrate
in this time, tomaking
identifyit ways
to thewe finish
as a line Congratulations,
the Zoom gathering Graduates!
at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
at church on Sunday, June 12. Celebration Sunday (see We are celebrating
82227173405; the meetingwith these graduates
ID is 822 in 2717
our church
3405.
church can address systemic racism, and to take action
page 2) will give us a chance to recognize our graduates, family as they celebrate important milestones!
that will join with others to seek justice in our world. Everyone will need to bring their own coffee! Sorry
give thanks to our Sunday School teachers, and show
Anothertotask
appreciation ourforce
choirisaslooking
they goahead to plan
on break. We for I can’t provide that.
willus to Preschool
re-gather
eat, drink, as anda church community.
make merry, enjoyingThe the term re-gathering,
fellowship of AndreiI Bradean
am always eager to connect with folks. If you
rather than
friends reopening, has been chosen deliberately,
and family. are in need of pastoral care or just someone to talk to,
Kindergarten
because
Summer Firstalso
Congregational
means a chance hastonever
engagebeen andThis please feel free to email me or call. I’m happy to speak
closed.
in rest
Messiah McMillan
group is looking
restoration. at policies
June, July, and Augustand procedures that will
present a perfect by phone or to set up a Zoom chat.
allow us and our guest organizations to make use of the Elementary/5th
time for sabbath. A time to work less and play more. Blessings andGrade Peace,
To get away
buildings infrom
a waythe cityisand
that enjoy nature.
responsible To read
and safe. We are Caden Tim Krei
and nap and enjoy the gifts that life offers.
all looking forward to a day when we can resume in- Sylvia Petersen
To take
person sabbath
worship. Thetimetaskis force
no dereliction
is lookingofatduty, it is of
a myriad
honoring Middle School/8th Grade
concerns God’s commandments.
that will go into a sensible As weandallwell-thought-
know from
Charlie Coulter
Genesis, even God took a break and rested on the
out plan. The foremost concern is our responsibility to Emeka Ogbolumani
seventh day, and so should we. Not that you needed
care for one another, especially those among us who are
one, but here is your invitation—to rest, relax, and
most vulnerable. High School
celebrate summer sabbath and all that it promises.
Kitty Colton
TakeUnder
care andtheGodleadership
bless… of the Fellowship Committee,
a group is looking ahead to Rally Day on Sunday, Lucy Coulter
Pastor Jason
September 13. We are looking for creative ideas for this Gabe Fredrickson
Jansen Krei
opportunity to celebrate our life together as a church
Anya Sefton
and kick off the new church year. Rally Sunday can Zoe Snider
offer us a time to renew our commitments and perhaps
become involved in new ways. College
It looks like online worship will continue for the Katie Bezaitis
foreseeable future. I am very grateful to everyone who Mallen Clifton
works so hard to make our virtual worship a meaningful Isabella Ogbolumani
and inspiring experience. It’s surprising how much extra Jake Snider
Kelly Tran
effort is required to put together a weekly streaming
1
broadcast. Many thanks to David Lornson (for provid-
ing and coordinating the music that is so uplifting), Our new church sign!
 1
Wear RED on Pentecost, June 5
Don’t forget to wear red to worship on Pentecost
Sunday, June 5. On Pentecost we celebrate the Holy
Spirit, which is symbolized by wind, flames, a dove, and
the color red. Pentecost is also the last Sunday School
class before our all-ages worship on Celebration Sunday
and our move into playtime outside during worship at
Summer Spirit. Come feel the Spirit with us on June 5!
Adult and Teen Volunteers Needed for Summer Spirit
It’s time to play! Beginning
June 19 and continuing
through September 4, children
in worship may head outside
to Raymond Park with adult
leaders and high school
assistants after the Children’s
Message and return following
the service to meet their fami-
lies for fellowship time. During
Summer Spirit, we let God
speak to us through the breeze,
running and laughing, deepening friendships, and free
time to play.
We invite caregivers and all congregants to
volunteer for one or more Sundays during the
summer. We have a bin of games and art supplies, or
you can just supervise play at the playground—no prep
work required! On rainy days, Summer Spirit will be
held in Fellowship Hall and the Church Library down-
stairs in the sanctuary building. New volunteers are
welcome and must complete a brief background
check. Teen volunteers are welcome to sign up to assist
an adult leader; your help gives our hardworking Sunday
School teachers a little rest and allows more people a
chance to get to know the awesome children in our
church family. Sign up here to volunteer as many weeks
as you like, or email Sarah Petersen with questions.
2
“Celebrate the Journey” Worship and Party
Let’s come together and celebrate! On Sunday, June 12,
we’ll honor our graduates (of all ages), teachers, and
choir in our festive, all-ages worship. After the service,
stay for fellowship, food, and lots of fun at our
“Celebrate the Journey” street party on Hinman
Avenue. Come hungry, as we’ll provide fried chicken
and invite you to bring a potluck dish to help fill our
welcome table. (Last names beginning with A-M, please
bring a side dish; N-Z, please bring dessert).
Look for creative, active, and reflective activities for
those throughout the lifespan to enjoy. Create together
on the community weaving loom. Run and play lawn
games or decorate with sidewalk chalk. Learn more
about one another during “Celebrate the Journey”
Bingo. Reflect on your life journey as you walk the giant
canvas labyrinth in the chapel. This is a day of recogniz-
ing life’s milestones and celebrating the journey of life—
together! A perfect day to bring a friend, reconnect with
your church family, or meet someone new while you’re
here. The celebration is never the same without you—
see you there!
Save the Date:
All-Church
Bonfire, July 31
Mark your
calendars for
Sunday, July 31,
for our annual
bonfire at
Lighthouse Beach
fire circle in
Evanston. Look
for more details to
come this July.
 Evanston Reparations
Gather together in Fountain Square or watch the
livestream at facebook.com/bethemetsynagogue/
at noon on Monday, June 13, as clergy, elected officials,
Reparations Stakeholders Authority of Evanston
representatives, and other speakers launch community-
wide interfaith truth telling, healing, and action on
reparations in our city.

Bible Study and Book Group

Do you want to know how the early church addressed
conflict? Are you interested in how the Apostle Paul
viewed communion and spiritual gifts? Have you
ever wanted to unpack those famous words from
Corinthians 13, “Love is patient, love is kind...”?
Well, here’s your chance!
Join the Wednesday night bible study on Zoom at
7:30 p.m. Pastor Jason will lead a discussion informed
by a study guide prepared by the UCC Still Speaking
Writers Group. These six sessions every other
Wednesday (June 1, 15, and 29 and July 13 and 27)
will open up scripture and give us a new perspective
on God’s Word.
To get the study guide and the Zoom link, look at
the church website, check the most recent e-newsletter,
or contact the church office.

June Birthdays
Anne Bauer
Laurie Brown
Mallen Clifton
Charlotte Cubbage
Laura Hamm
March in the Pride Parade on June 26 Eleanor Hardesty
Happy Pride Month! Calling all you prideful people and Chris Krei
energetic allies to come march with us in the Chicago Betsy Lane
Pride Parade, June 26 at noon. We’re excited to be back Roger Lehman
in person marching again with the Chicago Coalition David Mansen
of Welcoming Churches with the theme “Embracing Joseph Page
All and Loving Boldly.” Look for more details to come Elizabeth Phillips
via email and social media regarding our meet-up spot Jeffrey Roseberry
this year. Contact Sarah Petersen to let us know if you Lindsey Siemens
plan to march with us. If you’d like to volunteer to Eliza Sprague
help the CCWC plan this year’s Pride events, please Cole Tucker
email info@chicagowelcomingchurches.org. Kathy Vissman
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