Celebrating the Journey December, 2018

The Congregational Church of Algonquin - 109 Washington Street, Algonquin, Illinois 60102 847-658-5308 email: [email protected] website: algonquinucc.org “Living Our Faith in Christ Through Acceptance, Service and Love.”

See What’s Inside

Clergy Corners Rev Cope pg. 2 Rev Arn pg. 3

Member Care pg. 4 Group Studies pg. 5 Ways to Connect pgs. 6-7 Donations & Recycling pg.8 Literacy & Tutoring pg. 9 Ministry of Missions pg. 10 Heavenly Attic News pg. 11 Faith in Action pgs. 12-13 (Child Sponsorship, Social Justice Advocates, Kids Hope USA, Fair Trade, Teen Faith in Action) Just for Fun! pg. 14 SPECIAL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Items of Interest pg. 15 (Birthdays, Scholarships, 12/1 Caroling Treasurer’s Report, Notes, etc.) 12/2 Congregational Meeting Worship Assistants pg. 16 12/2-16 Heavenly Attic Christmas Sale December Calendar pg. 17 12/9 Youth and Children’s Christmas Service Christmas Details pgs. 18-19 About CCA & UCC pg. 20 12/16 & 23 Women’s Fellowship Cookie Sale 12/16 Christmas Cantata 12/24 Services 7:00 pm Family Service 11:00 pm Nativity Service with Sr. Choir

Rev. Brian Cope

Dear Friends,

Last month I started a series of articles on what the Church is going to look like in the future. I am interrupt- ing the series, however, to discuss something else this month. I promise to return to the series on the future of the Church in January.

When they were asked what they would like to do to make an impact during the Christmas season this year, the Teen Faith in Action came up with two plans. One was to raise money for Feed My Starving Children, a program in which they have done a lot of work in the past couple of years. The other plan was to do some- thing with and for the congregation. It is this second idea that I want to focus upon.

They call their Christmas program – the Giving Angel Program (Just for fun). It is a program for the congregation (although I am sure that you do not have to be a member of the church to take part). The idea is a variation of the classic program. You turn in your name. There is a random drawing and you are given the name of some- one else participating. You are to give that person a . You are encouraged to make something to give, but if you do spend money, you are asked to limit your ex- pense to $10. Here is the catch: if you do purchase your gift, you are asked, encouraged, urged to purchase your gift from an organization that is improving the world (Feed My Starving Children, Heavenly Attic, Equal Exchange etc.) In other words, what sets this apart from a Secret Santa gift exchange is that you will be giving twice – to your secret Christmas pal and to the people who benefit from your purchase! You will definitely be a Giving Angel! This is not part of the program’s guidelines, but if you do participate in the program, let us know where your gift came from and who was helped by it. Then after Christmas, we can see just how far our giving program went this year.

I know that with everything that is going on during the Christmas season it is easy to brush this kind of program aside. Let me try to persuade you to participate, however. The teens came up with this program on their own. They could have chosen a party for themselves. They could have stuck with the traditional sock and mitten tree, which really requires little effort from them. But they thought of the church and its mission with this creative project. As for yourself, how many Christmas presents will you give and get this year which will benefit not only yourself or the person to whom you are giving the gift, but at the same time help someone on the other side of the planet—or a homeless person here? Fill out a form and let’s make this a most successful program.

The second Christmas project that the teens came up with is a fund raiser for Feed My Starving Children Again, they have come up with a way to raise money that works two ways: they are offering babysitting so that parents can have time off to shop for Christmas, and all of the money they raise will be given to Feed My Starving Children. They are doing all of the work. So if you know of any parents who need babysitting on Friday, November 30 or Friday, December 7, they are charging $10 per hour (with discounts for more than one child in a family.

I am proud of our teens: they are showing us what the true Spirit of Christmas actually is. Rev Cope 2 CLERGY CORNERS

Rev. Arn Schaper

“ LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME UNTO ME”

Among many things, is the season that invites “the child within each of us to new expression”. I was recently impressed with the state- ment from a statesman (from the past) that reinforces that invitation. It is a statement from Herbert Hoover (paraphrased):

“Every child comes into the world with the message that God is not discouraged with humanity. Children are the most wholesome part of the race, for they are the freshest from the Hand of God. Whimsical, ingenious, mischievous, they fill the world with tenderness and joy.

When God wants a great work done in the world, He goes about it in a most unusual way. Instead of earthquakes or thunderbolts, God has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home of some obscure mother. And then God puts the idea of the infant’s potential into the mother’s heart, and she assists in putting into the infant mind and spirit, and then God waits!”

The greatest forces in the world are not earthquakes or thunderbolts, but human infants! Jesus was recorded to have said, “Let the little children come unto me, for unto such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven…” Matthew 19:14

Blessings for your Advent journeying…

Rev. Arn

CLERGY CORNERS 3 Remember in Prayer as well as with a card, call, or visit, the following individuals who are not always able to be with us:

Betty Blair May S. Lehnert The Fountains Clare Oaks Rehab Center 965 N. Brighton Cir West 825 Carillon Dr. Cody Colbert Richard Dowdle Eric Hertel Apt. #124 Bartlett, IL 60103 Crystal Lake, IL 60114 John (Jay) Hogrewe Jake Korbecki Dominik Kneip Ed Brandwein Ollie Lindgren Eastgate Manor 1735 Heather Dr. 101 Eastgate Ct. #242 Joey Mann Owen Ritsema Ben Sprouse Algonquin, IL 60102 Algonquin, IL 60102 Do you know of persons who are currently Thea O’Connor serving in the military? Please let the church Louise Dahm c/o Liberty Estates office know of their service, and their names will be included . 1005 South Rd. 2080 W. Navajo Dr. #341 Fox River Grove, IL 60021 Freeport, IL 61032 Would you like a visit from Rev. Cope? Helen Stauffer Call the church office at Dede & Gary Gray Valley Hi Nursing Home—Rm 105 2001 W. Algonquin Rd #3416 847-658-5308 or email him at 2406 Hartland Rd. Algonquin, IL 60102 [email protected] Woodstock, IL 60098  Going into the hospital for surgery? He will Joyce Horn Claudette Treadwell pray with you before the surgery and during recovery. Alden Terrace of McHenry 731 Longwood Dr.  Want in-home communion? 803 Royal Dr., Room 203 Algonquin, IL 60102  Have something troubling you? McHenry, IL 60050-4209  Lonely and want someone to talk with? Erna Houdek Mary Westerbeck Don’t think he is too busy or that you are Valley Hi Gardens of Ocotillo Sr. Living interrupting him—this is an important part of 1601 W Queen Creek Rd. 2406 Hartland Rd. Unit 146 his job as your minister. Call! Woodstock, IL 60098 Chandler, AZ 85248 We also have members of the church who will come and visit or help you with transportation, food or errands. Betty Imhoff Ethel Yamashita Bickford Senior Living (new Nov ‘18) Sunrise Senior Living 717 McHenry Avenue 790 N. Plum Grove Rd. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Schaumburg, IL 60173

Claire Kent Valoyce Williams 865 Eineke Blvd. 2001 W. Algonquin Road, Apt 2013 HELP US HONOR OUR CHURCH MEMBERS Algonquin, IL 60102 Algonquin, IL 60102 To help people who cannot come to church feel a part of our Donna Krueger family, we are asking you for three things: Sunrise Senior Living  Remember them in your prayers. 790 N. Plum Grove Rd.  Send them a note or card letting them know that Schaumburg, IL 60173 you are thinking of them. Members who were hospitalized and/or entered into rehab during November : Carol Briggs  If possible, call them to say “Hello.” This month we are lifting up two of our members: Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Betty Imhoff & Claire Kent You will find their addresses on this page. Let them know that they are a part of our family and that they are missed and thought about.

4 MEMBER CARE Our Group Studies Come in a Variety of Sizes! At CCA, we are committed to studying the Bible and learning how we can live our faith meaningfully in our lives. The following are our current group studies. Feel free to join any of the groups at any time.

GROUP STUDIES AND FELLOWSHIP AT CCA CHRISTIAN L.I.F.E. HOUR Weekly December Themes and Dates Sundays at 9:00 am Christian L.I.F.E. Hour—Sundays, 9:00—9:45 am Tuesdays with the Pastor—Tuesdays, 2:30—4:00 pm winter class time Advent Study Bi-Monthly Topics of Current Interest

Monday Bible Study—1st and 3rd Mondays, 10:00 am December 3 & 17 TED “is a global Women’s Fellowship—2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 10:00 am December 12 & 26 community. . .. a clearinghouse of free knowledge from the Teen Faith in Action— Sundays at 10:00am in the Sanctuary December 2 only world's most inspired thinkers” Monthly that currently offers over 2,900 online ‘talks’ that are both Confirmation Classes—1st Wednesday, 5:00—6:30 pm December 5 informative and exciting. Join us Bible and Brew—2nd Thursday, 6:30 pm December 13 as we use several of these talks Women’s Bunco—2nd Friday, 6:30 pm December 14 to explore current events, nd thoughts, and ideas. We Men’s Breakfast Fellowship —2 Saturday, 8:00 am December 8 promise that you will be Movies with Meaning—change for December 1:00 pm, December 15 surprised and inspired. Peace Service—3rd Thursday monthly, 2:30 pm (new time) December 20

Monday Morning Bible Study — The Story of the Jews — We have studied the early Christians. We have studied Israel in the time of the Old Testament. What is the history of the Jewish people, especially after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. This PBS series gives us an overview of the Jewish people from Old Testament times through the present day. It helps us to understand exactly who the Jewish people are.

Tuesdays with the Pastor—Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes— In December, we continue to be inspired by our study of this book. What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. Getting beyond our own cul- tural assumptions is increasingly important for being Christians in our interconnected and globalized world. Learn to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ. This month we will look at how other faiths interpret the Christian Scrip- tures, as well as how Christian denominations differ in their interpretations of Scriptures.

Women’s Fellowship Bible Study — Experiencing Contagious Joy, by Christa Kinde. Joy has a way of working its way from the inside out. When our lives are filled with joy, the symptoms are unmistakable. A twinkle in the eye, a ready smile, a skip in our step, a song in the heart. Joy lends a glow to the face and a lift to the voice. It is also the birthright of every be- liever. But rainy days have a way of distracting us from that fact. In this study, readers will take a careful look at this uniquely Christian characteristic and discover they have every reason to be joyful.

Bible and Brew — Do you have questions about your faith, the Bible, the church or Christianity? Write them down and bring them to the Study. For December, we will have a free-wheeling discussion about some of the questions we have always had, but never really gotten a good answer to. A question to consider: how important is Christmas to the Christian faith? Could we do without it?

GROUP STUDIES 5 Sign up in Fellowship Hall

Friday, December 14, 6:30 pm

Saturday December 8, 8:00 am

Hosts: Steve

Guenther & Dan Reebel WOMEN’S BUNCO! Everyone is welcome. All you need is $5. WOMENS FELLOWSHIP ~You are welcome to bring a snack to share, but it’s not required~ For December ONLY, please bring a gift to share! HOLIDAY COOKIE SALE Sunday December 16 & The winners get to choose which charitable Sunday, December 23 organization we donate to for the evening. Calling All Bakers! At our November gathering, $65 was donated to We sell boxes on a Donate your mix-and-match TLS Veterans, an organization providing assistance homemade basis. Perfect for to homeless veterans. Christmas goodies party trays. for the Annual Women’s Fellowship See Sharon Stengel for more details. Cookie Sale. Please bring all Donations It’s a great night out. to Church no later than There’s even a prize for the biggest loser! Saturday, December 15!

Movies with Meaning, Saturday, December 15, 1pm

This month the movie will be a surprise. It is a film that will make you laugh as well as tug at your heart.

Bring refreshments to share and let’s make this a great Christmas party.

6 WAYS TO CONNECT

PADS HOMELESS SHELTER

We will be packing lunches

for PADS on ublic ction Thursday, Dec 20, 6:45 pm CALIFORNIA WILD FIRES RELEASE LINKS to Items needed are: Friends: Snack Packs, Crackers, Snack eliver Bars, Chips, Lunch Meat or Below is a direct link for information for the North-

Cheese, Bread. ern California-Nevada Conference regarding aid for Maybe you would like to help those affected by the fires in Northern California. with the lunch packing! A seminary classmate, James Peck, is the pastor of Talk to Wynn Ann Roggeveen our church in Chico, CA, where some fire evacuees are currently taking shelter. He reports that the devasta- tion from the fire is unbelievable, and there will be The homeless issue is prevalent much need. Whole communities are simply gone and all year. Our church’s service to PADS there are thousands displaced. continues! The very best thing you can do at this moment is

send money. We will provide more information as it We are always looking for: becomes available. new socks, lightly used men’s https://ncncucc.org/fire-relief-efforts/ sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves http://www.ucc.org/disaster and boots. The Rev. Dr. James J. Olson, OCC Acting Associate Conference Minister Fox Valley Association & Chicago Metropolitan Association Illinois Conference, United Church of Christ 1840 Westchester Blvd., Room 200 Westchester, IL 60154

The collection bin is located in the Coatroom.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT 7 Go the Extra Mile and Give More! We have been challenging ourselves to do just that. Towards this goal, we post monthly the needs of a few of the groups which we are currently working with to serve the needs of our community.

VARIOUS DONATION BOXES AND BINS ARE Algonquin / LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE CHURCH! Lake in the Hills In the Multi-Bin Area in the Coatroom Food Pantry • Pop Tabs • Inkjet Toner Cartridges $38 in refunds were The Food Pantry always welcomes received in November donations of personal care items: • Eye Glasses Shampoo / Conditioner Please note we can no longer take batteries as we have Soap nowhere to take them. Most alkaline batteries can be thrown Toilet Paper Disposable Razors / Shaving Cream into the regular trash. Deodorant (men’s and women’s) Laundry Detergent Also in the Coatroom Diapers Feminine Hygiene Products • Styrofoam—picked up weekly by our volunteers • Plastic Grocery Bags—T-shirt style bags Items for the Food Pantry may be left (no newspaper or other plastic bags) in the cart on the main floor, These are used by the Heavenly Attic and ALITH Food Pantry near the elevator.

• Donations for PADS-on the shelves you face as you enter the coatroom

• Donations for TLS Veterans (see below) Suggested for December — Beside the Elevator 2 carts • Donations for Food Pantry (note ongoing & monthly requests) Breakfast Food Whole Grain Cereal, Oatmeal • Donations for the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop

Canned Meats Nuts Peanut Butter Beef Jerky Canned Fish/Chicken Crackers w/Cheese or Peanut Butter Sardines Toilet Paper Paper Towels

There is a bin for these items in the Hats Gas Cards Protein Bars Coatroom. Thank you for your help! Gloves Hygiene Items (shampoo, razors, soap)

TLS Veterans will also be the recipient of our 5th Sunday Offering in December.

8 DONATIONS AND RECYCLING Literacy and ESL Tutoring Tutoring (English as a Second Language) Update Do You Wish To Tutor? You only need to be certified. You can do You can do that by taking tutor training classes. I love cookies, but especially those we have during Christmas. They bring back childhood memories and connect us with those Brochures are available at the Literacy Tutoring Display in who are no longer with us. If you asked, most people would say Fellowship Hall that explain more about the classes and tutor/ they have a favorite, but not all cultures include cookies as part of learner assignments. Questions? Please talk to Pastor Cope or their . JoAnn Schindler, or visit the websites for either of these agencies: elginliteracy.org & mchenry.edu/volunteer This became apparent last year when I gifted my Spanish speaking student some Christmas cookies. She had never had them before. Curious, I asked what she did to celebrate Christmas. She shared The Literacy Connection Tutor Training with me her traditions here in America and also what she did as a child in Mexico. Course Schedule and Registration Volunteer Tutor Training is offered several times per year at a variety of loca- In her adopted country, Christmas means spending a day with her sisters the week before the holiday making about a hundred tama- tions. You must start with Part A, and it must be completed in les! She said they are a lot of work and for that reason she only person. Additional information about on-line training options made them twice a year: Christmas and Cinco de Mayo. She also are provided at that session. shops for presents, like the rest of us, but especially for all of her god children. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. To register: (1) by phone at 847-742-6565, (2) online at As a child back in Mexico, she loved the tradition of Posadas (Inns) http://elginliteracy.org/how-to-help/become-a-tutor, or (3) email held from December 16th to Christmas Eve. She and her siblings [email protected] with your full name, address, phone performed the nine 'Posada' processions from December 16th to number, and the course date you plan to attend. You will re- December 24th. They celebrated the part of the Christmas story ceive a confirmation email within a couple of days. where Joseph and Mary looked for somewhere to stay. In each Posada, she would be given candles and a board, with painted clay figures of Mary and Joseph, to parade around the streets. They Course Materials and Cost There is a $35 fee to cover would call at the houses of friends and neighbors singing a song at materials and a background check, and can be paid by cash each home. The song they would sing was about Joseph and Mary or a check made payable to The Literacy Connection. asking for a room in the “inn". They would be told that there was no Payment is collected at the first course meeting. room in the house and that they must go away. Eventually they were told there was a room and were welcomed in! When they For more information about the training schedule, contact: went into the house they would say prayers of thanks and then they Literacy Connection at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. would have a party with food, games and fireworks. Each night a Grove Avenue, Elgin—847-742-6565. different house would hold the Posada party. At the final Posada, on Christmas Eve, a manger and figures of shepherds were put on The Literacy Connection to the board with Mary and Joseph. When the Posada house was Tutor Training Schedule: found, a baby Jesus was put into the manger and then she and her family would go to . After mass there would be more No Classes in December. fireworks to celebrate the start of Christmas. The January Schedule is posted at the Literacy Table in Fellowship Hall I really like the idea of the Posada but think it doesn’t translate well [email protected] to an area with snow and ice on the streets. Under those condi- www.elginliteracy.org tions, one night of caroling is about all I can muster. My student’s children loved the Christmas cookies, and I suspect that more than will be made in their home this year in anticipation of Christmas!

No matter what traditions you cherish I wish you a wonderful Christmas season. Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad! JoAnn Schindler

LITERACY AND TUTORING 9

The Ministry of Missions is looking for items of interest for the Missions Bulletin Board Do you have an article, a letter, a notice, or a photo related to missions? Please put your item into the mail slot marked A Tale of Love in Action Missions Bulletin Board Please include your name Ministry of Missions

Heavenly Attic Resale Shop The Heavenly Attic Resale Shop stocks gently-used items and is open to the public. Proceeds from the Attic support the missions and ministries of the CCA. You may place donated items for the Heavenly Attic in the marked cart by the elevator on the main floor. Karen Thornsberry 307 South Main Street Hours: Tuesday thru Friday with Madison and Jessica (front) Algonquin, IL 60102 10am to 4pm Phone: 847-854-4552 Saturday 10am to 2 pm Karen “leads by example” by doing mission work with her children. She states, “Through volunteer and chari- ty activities, I'm hoping to instill in Madison & Jessica a sense of giving back, community, and helping people Yarn Works—We knit, near and far. I want them to learn that there is always crochet, and do all other types of handwork. time to help others, no matter how small, and in turn they will grow rich in appreciation for their own bless- New people are always welcome! ings.” Here are some examples of volunteer activities they We have supplies to get you started have performed together and love doing: and absolutely lovely people to teach 1) PADS - Volunteering at church to make lunches for you, if you want to learn. the homeless once a month, Oct - May. Our work helps support our Prayer 2) Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg, IL—Filling Shawl Ministry, Snug Hugs for Kids, food packs to ship to countries in need around the and your own personal projects. What would YOU like to get started on? world once a year. Thursdays at 10:00 am Fellowship Hall 3) Huntley Hootenanny 5k run/walk in downtown * * * * * * Huntley, IL, - Participating annually to benefit School On Saturday, December 1, the ladies of District 158 Education Foundation student scholarships Yarn Works will attend their annual Snug and classroom grant initiatives. Hugs for Kids event. This year they are 4) Algonquin Area Public Library Annual Giving Tree – bringing 117 items that they have made/ Once a year in December, they choose a card from the created during the year. This program tree and deliver an unwrapped gift for an in-need child donates their hand-made items to Children’s Home + Aid. (or adult) in the community. They usually pick a card The ladies have participated for more for a child near their age--it really hits home for them. than 10 years and enjoy the event. Sandy Ferguson for the Ministry of Missions

10 MINISTRY OF MISSIONS What’s Happening at the Attic in December?

No other coupons or discounts may be applied to this sale.

No other coupons or discounts may be applied to this sale..

To the Heavenly Attic:

Thanks to your purchases, Thank you for your generous at the Heavenly Attic, donation of $200 in support of Turning Point. Your donations a donation to NISRA will directly impact our com- (Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association) munity by allowing us to serve the women, children and men was made in September to support who walk through our doors in an effort to end the activities for local youths and adults with violence in their families. Together we make a differ- challenges….. ence in bringing the values of peace and justice to our community. We are deeply grateful. THANK YOU! Jane Farmer, Executive Director HEAVENLY ATTIC NEWS 11 Global Ministries Child Sponsorship Program Social Justice Advocates We will hold our next Help us to continue sponsoring two Round Table Discussion Group children in India! Our church sponsors two children at King’s Matriculation on Sunday, December 9, 11:15 am School at the Family Village Farm near Fellowship Hall Vellore, India. Their families cannot afford to send them to school, and our One topic of discuss this month will be gifts cover tuition and lunch for them the caravan of refugees streaming to each school day. our southern borders. • C. Sheeba Jasmine is a hard-working girl whose favorite subjects are math and English. She is a now a10th grader with dreams of becoming a Come join the discussion. cardiologist. All voices are valid. • Praveen Kumar R. (our new assignee) is energetic, attentive and cheer- Your opinion is welcome and matters! ful. This 8th grade boy has dreams of becoming an engineer.

While the members of the Faith in Action group contribute to the sponsorship fees ($20 per child per month), we are asking the whole congregation to participate with us.

There is a can on the desk in the Narthex, and anyone who would like to help us is encouraged to drop a few dollars or even your loose change into the can. You may also write a check payable to CCA and designate it for “Child Sponsorship.” If you would prefer to help in another way, we need people willing to write to the children. If you are interested, please see Rev Cope. December Social Justice Advocates Meetings will be held in the Library We sponsor the children through the United Church of Christ Global Ministries Child Sponsorship Program. All of the money that we raise goes directly to the support of the at 10:00 am children; there are no administrative fees. Monday, December 3 & Faith in Action Monday, December 17

What Kids Need Most

Too many students stand just one close adult relationship away from thriving in school and in life. This gap hinders education; loneliness obstructs learning. Yet every church’s most abundant resource is people.

Kids Hope USA provides structure, training, support, and resources designed for use in public schools by churches to give kids what they need most—hope and love from a mentor.

On December 2 in our worship services we will be sharing some information about Kids Hope USA and polling the interest here at CCA. Please check out their website and/or attend December 2. Together, we can make a life-long difference—In every school, in every community—one young heart at a time. Visit kidshopeusa.org

12 FAITH IN ACTION Justice and Peace Bulletin Board Fair Trade Remember to stop by our table Be sure to check out our bulletin board in on the 2nd Sunday of each month Fellowship Hall for news about climate change and issues of concern for people of faith. December 9, 2018

In addition, you will find the names and contact When you are planning gifts for people you information of congress persons so that you may bend their ear care about this year, consider Fair Trade on a regular basis about those issues that concern you. products. A lot of our church folks buy coffee Social Justice Advocates and chocolate bars for giving, and for serving when hosting gatherings. Grande chocolate bars are a nice item to tuck into a stocking or to tie onto a wrapped box. Your hostesses will appreciate Fair Trade items that you bring along HOLIDAY to their parties, too! CHILDCARE We can help you pick a basket or other container from Heavenly Attic to hold tea boxes and cups, or a great coffee choice paired with Christmas mugs. You can plan ahead and bring Fridays, November 30 & December 7 your own container to fill at our table, too. Your favorite baker will like getting a mixing 6:30pm to 8:30 pm bowl with organic chocolate chips inside. $10.00 / hour Sprinkle in some mini chocolate bars, and you Ages: 2 – 10 years old have a nicely finished gift. We can wrap it all in The teens from CCA want to earn money for the cellophane for you, too! Feed My Starving Children charity and are offering this childcare so Mom and Dad can have a dinner out or do Give a gift of food that also helps the growers some secret shopping. The teens will be supervised by through fair, consistent prices. The person adult volunteers in the church who have completed our receiving your gift will appreciate your Safe Church training and background checks. thoughtfulness. Childcare will be provided in the Algonquin Preschool Thank you for your continued support. rooms. Games, snacks and crafts will be planned. Please reserve your spot as space is limited. Call the Church office 847-658-5308 to reserve your spot(s)

Fifth Sunday Offering

Our fifth Sunday birdhouse collection on December 30 will go to TLS (Transitional Living Services) for homeless veterans in McHenry. This charity provides housing, job assistance, mental health counseling and recreation activities for those veterans who find themselves in need. Along with financial assistance, TLS is seeking food items, warm hats and gloves. A complete list is posted on the MoM bulletin board. Ministry of Missions FAITH IN ACTION 13

Match the to the numbered picture boxes that best represent those beloved songs.

Advent Infant Myrrh Angel Jesus Nativity Joseph Rejoice Birth Magi Stable Blessings Manger Star Camels Mary Three Kings Frankincense Miracle Wise Men ___ Angels We Have Heard on High ___ O Holy Night ___ I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day ___ Caroling of the Bells

___ Little Drummer Boy ___ Do you Hear What I Hear? ___ Away in a Manger

___ Silent Night ___ I Saw Three Ships ___ While Shepherds Watched ___ Mary Did you Know ___ Go Tell it on the Mountain ___ Joy to the World ___ What Child is This? ___ Hark the Herald Angels Sing ___ O Little Town of Bethlehem ___The Holly and the Ivy ___We Three Kings of Orient Are

14 JUST FOR FUN Birthdays in December Anniversaries in December 12/1 Donna Brown 12/07 Howard & Kathleen Dittmann 12/2 Kathy Hadler 12/5 AJ Albandia 12/17 Richard & Barbara Field 12/6 Brad Haug 12/7 Lynn Brown 12/18 Ken & Patricia Thime 12/7 Gary Parker 12/19 Barbara & Robert Weitz 12/7 Sebastian Tipps 12/8 Ronda Feltes 12/27 Brad & Carol Haug 12/9 Dede Gray 12/27 Rick & Judy Stauffer 12/12 Ann Venzon 12/16 Carol Briggs 12/16 Jo Martenson 12/17 Bill Hellyer Please share our events on Facebook. 12/17 Janet Kelley It is a completely free way to promote 12/17 Constance Wodziak the happenings at our great church. 12/22 Lauren Aggen 12/25 Fred Ekstrom If you need help with Christmas Fund 12/25 Eugenia Szekely Social Media, contact the Offering December 23 12/26 George Roby church office. We will set 12/28 Matt Elliott 12/28 Susan Kreibich you up with a tutor for a 12/29 David Kistler customized, easy-to- understand lesson.

Total Operating Fund Income Month of October 16,993.01 YTD 209,599.14 Treasurer’s Report Total Operating Expenses October 31, 2018 Month of October 26,662.31 YTD 215,096.60 Please submit all Mortgage Balance * 143,023.52 items for the *The mortgage with Home State Bank was paid off on January Newsletter If you would like a copy of the December 28, 2017. The “NEW” mortgage balance represents to the church office entire monthly Treasurer’s the amount taken from the Endowment Investment account no later than Report, please contact the (approved by the Congregation) to pay off the mortgage. noon, Friday, December 14, church office The balance reflected above is to repay that loan to ourselves. Items submitted late may not be For more information, contact the Church Treasurer. included in the January edition.

ITEMS OF INTEREST 15 Worship Assistants Date Ushers Greeters Announcer Acolyte Liturgist Ron Martens 12/2 Ken & Pat Thime Jen Jazwinski Nolan Pociejewski Don Schmidt Dick Elke Ron Martens 12/9 Sandy Ferguson Sharon Stengel Madison Thornsberry Pat Hemmingsen Nidia Kulack Ron Martens 12/16 Liz Albandia Dave Aggen AJ Albandia Dick Elke Lori Martens Ron Martens 12/23 Lois Carpenter Sally Cope Scott & Abby Kapusinski Ed Turk Bob Benjamin Ron Martens 12/30 JoAnn Schindler Michelle Tarosas Macy & Ella Barham Sue Kreibich Dave Carris

Styrofoam Week Volunteer Recycling Beginning Every Sunday 10 am 12/2 Dick Elke 12/9 George Roby We will begin in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am, 12/16 Lori Martens then head upstairs for our lesson! 12/23 Art Nesser December at Shep

12/30 Sue Kreibich Teachers and Assistants 12/2 JoAnn Schindler & Ann Armato

12/9 Youth and Children’s Program 12/2 Ash, Evans & Nordlund Families 12/16 Karen Guenther & Ann Armato 12/9 Tarosas & Kirkpatrick Families 12/23 Karen Guenther teaching 12/16 Roby & Kulack Families 12/30 Karen Guenther teaching 12/23 Fry, Martens & Benjamin Families Childcare is available each Sunday 12/30 Stauffer Family during worship service from 9:45-11:15

The 2018-19 Schedule is posted in Fellowship Hall. If you cannot make your scheduled date or would like to volunteer for a Sunday, please contact the Church Office. Date Nursery Staff Volunteer 12/2 Cory Kirkpatrick Pat Thime 12/9 Pam Elliott Assistant needed Teen Faith in Action 12/16 Pam Elliott Wynn Ann Roggeveen Teen Faith in Action will meet only 12/2 in December. 12/23 Cory Kirkpatrick Marcy Nordlund We will participate in the 12/9 Youth & Children’s Program. 12/30 Pam Elliott Janet Kelley In January we return to our regular schedule We follow “Safe Church” Standards - 2nd and 4th Sundays each month - We begin with Worship at 10 am in the Sanctuary, departing to the Teen Room at about 10:15 am 16 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ALGONQUIN December 2018

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 30 1 Yarn Works to 6:30 PM Holiday Snug Hugs Babysitting Noon Caroling 2 First Sunday - Food 3 4 5 6 7 8 Pantry Offering 10:00 AM Bible Study 10:00 AM Tutoring 9:30 AM Tutoring 6:30 PM Holiday Heavenly Attic 10:00 AM SJA 12:00 PM Tutoring 5:00 PM Confirma- 10:00 AM Yarn Babysitting 8:00 AM Men's Fellow- Christmas Sale 4:00 PM Tutoring 2:00 PM Tuesdays tion Class Works ship Breakfast Stewardship Sunday 7:00 PM Memorial w/ Pastor 5:00 PM Tutoring 7:30 PM AA 8:00 AM Worship Srvc Committee Meeting 3:00 PM Tutoring 6:00 PM Worship 9:00 AM Adult Study 7:00 PM Trails Swim 5:00 PM Westwind Coordination Team 10:00 AM Shep U. Team Martial Arts 7:00 PM EPRT Mtg 10:00 AM Teen FIA 7:00 PM NA 10:00 AM Worship 7:30 PM Sr Choir Service-Sr. Choir Rehearsal 11:15 AM CONGREGA- TIONAL MEETING 11:15 AM Min Missions

9 Fair Trade Sunday 10 11 12 13 14 15 Heavenly Attic 4:00 PM Tutoring 10:00 AM Tutoring 10:00 AM Women's 9:30 AM Tutoring Newsletter 9:00 AM Cantata Christmas Sale 12:00 PM Tutoring Fellowship 10:00 AM Yarn Deadline Rehearsal 8:00 AM Worship Srvc 2:00 PM Tuesdays 5:00 PM Tutoring Works 8:45 AM Min Trustees w/ Pastor 6:00 PM Worship 6:30 PM Bible and Set up for Men's 1:00 PM MOVIES WITH 9:00 AM Adult Study 3:00 PM Tutoring Coordination Team Brew Fellowship MEANING! 10:00 AM Worship 5:00 PM Westwind 7:00 PM NA 7:30 PM AA Service- Martial Arts 7:00 PM Preschool Youth & Children’s Board Meeting 6:30 Christmas Service 7:30 PM Sr Choir PM Women's 11:15 AM Min Finance Rehearsal Bunco 11:15 AM SJA Roundtable Discussion 16 Heavenly Attic 17 18 19 20 21 22 Christmas Sale 10:00 AM Bible Study 10:00 AM Tutoring 4:00 PM Tutoring 9:30 AM Tutoring 10:00 WOMEN'S FELLOW- 10:00 AM Social 12:00 PM Tutoring 6:00 PM Worship 10:00 AM Yarn AM Preschool SHIP COOKIE SALE Justice Advocates 2:00 PM Tuesdays Coordination Team Works Christmas Party 8:00 AM Worship Srvc 2:00 PM Newsletter w/ Pastor 7:00 PM BioyScout 1:30 PM Prayer 9:00 AM Adult Study Committee 3:00 PM Tutoring Committee Mtg s Team 10:00 AM Shepherd U. 4:00 PM Tutoring 5:00 PM Westwind 7:00 PM NA 2:30 PM Peace 10:00 AM Worship Srvc 7:00 PM Min Deacons Martial Arts 7:30 PM Sr Choir Service CHRISTMAS CANTATA Rehearsal 6:45 PM PADS 11:15 AM Min CEd Lunch Packing 7:30 PM AA 23 Women’s Fellow- 24 25 26 27 28 29 ship Cookie Sale CHRISTMAS EVE 10:00 AM Women's 9:30 AM Tutoring Folding Team 8:00 AM Worship Srvc 7:00 PM CHRISTMAS DAY Fellowship 10:00 AM Yarn 9:00 AM Adult Study Family Worship 5:00 PM Tutoring Works 3:00 PM Wedding 10:00 AM Worship Srvc 11:00 PM 6:00 PM Worship 7:30 PM AA 10:00 AM Shepherd U. Christmas Eve Coordination Team 11:15 AM Min Missions Service-Choir 7:00 PM NA

30 FIFTH SUNDAY 31 OFFERING-TLS Vets NEW YEARS EVE 8:00 AM Worship Srvc 9:00 AM Adult Study OFFICE IS OPEN 10:00 AM Worship Srvc 10:00 AM Shepherd U.

DECEMBER CALENDAR 17

Celebrate the Season Cantata December 16, 10am Our Senior Choir presents this contemporary and upbeat pro- gram which celebrates the excitement, joy and true meaning of the Christmas season. Composer Joel Raney retells the Christmas story through a unique partnering of creative, original songs with traditional carols.

Please join us

December 9, 10am The Youth and Children Present:

What would I give for Christmas?

18 CHRISTMAS DETAILS 2018

Thanks to everyone who placed orders for the poinsettias to beautify our sanctuary this Christmas. The Annual Heavenly Attic

Christmas Sale will be held in  Church Office Ordering Plants: December 3 Fellowship Hall  Plants will be delivered to the CCA Friday, December 14 December 2-16  Plants may be picked up for your use AFTER the Christmas Eve 11pm service.  Plants will be removed from the Sanctuary on Sunday, January 6. December Holiday Events A complete list of those who have contributed will be placed on the narthex table 12/1 Christmas Caroling for the Christmas Eve services. 12/2 Congregational Meeting 12/2-16 Heavenly Attic Christmas Sale GIVING ANGEL PROGRAM 12/9 Youth & Children’s Christmas Service (just for fun!) 12/16 & 23 Women’s Fellowship Cookie Sale

12/16 Christmas Cantata The names of all participants will be randomly drawn in the office on Friday, November 30. The Church Office will advise 12/24 Christmas Eve Services each participant of their “Assignments” on Sunday, December 2. 7:00 pm Family Service Remember: You may make or purchase something. 11:00 pm Nativity Service—Sr. Choir Purchased items must come from an organization that is improv- ing the world (i.e., Feed My Starving Children, Heavenly Attic, Home of the Sparrow, etc.)

Gifts may be given any time between December 15-24. You can reveal your identify by signing the gift or just handing that gift to the recipient.

Enjoy the Season! Teen Faith in Action

CHRISTMAS DETAILS 19 About CCA and the UCC

The Congregational The UCC was founded in expressed in the ancient Church of Algonquin is a 1957 by uniting several creeds and reclaimed in congregation affiliated different Christian the basic insights of with the United Church traditions. From the Protestant reformers. of Christ. It is one of the beginning we were a Yet the UCC also affirms oldest churches in church that affirmed the the responsibility of The Congregational Church of Algonquin McHenry County. ideal that Christians did each generation and A United Church of Christ Members have been not always have to community to make 109 Washington Street worshiping in its current agree to live together in faith its own in reality of Algonquin, Illinois 60102 sanctuary since 1868. communion. worship, in honesty of Phone: 847.658.5308 The church is located a Our motto -"that they thought and expression, Website: www.algonquinucc.org block east of Main may all be one" - is and in purity of heart Email: [email protected] Street and a block south Jesus’s prayer for the before God. It looks to of Algonquin Road unity of the church. The the Word of God in the Senior Pastor Rev. Brian Cope (Route 62) in downtown Scriptures, and to the [email protected] UCC is one of the most Algonquin. diverse Christian denom- presence and power of Pastoral Counseling the Holy Spirit to pros- The United Church of inations in the U.S. Rev. Dr. Arn Schaper per its creative and re- Christ is a denomination Affirming that Jesus demptive work in the Music Ministry Bev Tipps with over 1.4 million Senior Choir Director Greg Tipps Christ is the Head of the world. members in nearly 6,000 Church, the UCC claims Administrative Assistant Teri Franklin congregations. as its own the faith of For more information about the United Church of the historic church Christ, go towww.ucc.org.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ALGONQUIN A United Church of Christ 109 WASHINGTON STREET ALGONQUIN, ILLINOIS 60102

20 ABOUT CCA AND THE UCC