“For Good” from the musical WICKED

I’ve heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason,

Bringing something we must learn and we are led

to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return.

Well I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you…

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better… I do believe I have been changed for the better…

Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

These lyrics were written by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the music and lyrics to “GODspell” and “Children of Eden”. Maybe Schwartz’s words were written under the guidance of another Creator. As I reflect in these lyrics, I can see how they relate to my life both as a person with a lifelong love of theatre and as a spiritual person brought up in a Catholic family.

03/06/13

AnnaMarie Meola… baptized, raised, and confirmed in the Roman Catholic traditions. CCD classes every Sunday in my youth. “The Penguins” garbed in their black and white habits, putting the fear of God in me on Sunday mornings. The fear of eternal damnation controlled the way I lived and looked at life for a long time. I do remember once questioning if God could possibly could be a woman. That cost me 5 Our Fathers and 5 Hail Marys. You former Catholics know what I am talking about. Years later, when I was a new theatre director, one of my teen cast members was preaching to the other cast members about God and how they should believe everything that the nuns said. I remember telling her to relax, think outside the box, and told her that God could possibly be a Black woman. Poor kid. I know that she prayed for my soul, but at that moment I felt liberated and I felt a certain weight lifted off my shoulders. I finally realized that I was not going to die and God was not going to strike me down with a lightning bolt. Just four years later, that same student wrote me a note of thanks for making that comment because she felt liberated. As the lyrics say, “I know who I am today, because I knew you”.

AnnaMarie Meola…the self-conscious 4th grader, embarrassed to speak in front of classmates because of the whistling noise that came from the space between my two front teeth whenever I said a word with an S in it …I learned to use my self-consciousness to force myself to become a better public speaker… which lead to my love of theatre. “I know who I am today, because I knew you”.

AnnaMarie Meola…informed by my high school Drama teacher that my mature physique would keep me from being cast in anything except “older” character roles regardless of my acting abilities or stage presence. It was so unfair that I was being judged by my looks and not by who I was or what I could do. To this day when I direct a show I will always “listen” to the audition and keep my head down until the audition is over. I can get everything I need from hearing the voice. “I know who I am today, because I knew you”. This judgment lesson has also been a guiding light for me for the past 16 years as I have worked in a local high school dealing with 800 students and their families. I work with many families that are embarrassed because they are on assisted lunch programs or are unable to pay school fees due to job loss or the harsh economy. I have seen so many families afraid because of immigration concerns. I have seen students humiliated by bullying via Facebook and Twitter, reminding me of how devastating either embarrassment or ridicule can be. Compassion and understanding have always been a part of me because they were not always afforded me. I realize how one comment, good or bad, has an everlasting affect. “I know who I am today, because I knew you”.

AnnaMarie Meola (now Ahonen)…met a priest named Gerry who became my friend and who brought me back to the church, back to cantering, back to music ministry, and who through summer theatre introduced me to Keith and Mark, who introduced me to Terry and Mike, who introduced me to Timoth and HOPE UCC, where I have met some of the most amazing people. People who have accepted me as a co-religion participant at St. Irene’s and at HOPE UCC…“I know who I am today, because I knew you”.

Therefore, “For Good” could be a song of lessons for me and for us all. To all the people who have come into and out of our lives, to “those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return”…Thank You!

Anna Ahonen

Worship Ministry

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday dear (fill in name in the blank) Happy Birthday to you.

Does anyone wonder where this song came from? Such a simple tune and everyone seems to know it. Well, after my birthday on February 19 and turning 53 (don’t ask) I had to find out.

I’m glad Google is my friend.

The origins of "Happy Birthday to You" date back to the mid-19th century, when two sisters, Patty and Mildred J. Hill, introduced the song "Good Morning to All" to Patty's kindergarten class in Kentucky.

In 1893, they published the tune in their songbook Song Stories for the Kindergarten. However, many believe that the Hill sisters most likely copied the tune and lyrical idea from other popular and substantially similar nineteenth-century songs that predated theirs, including Horace Waters' "Happy Greetings to All", "Good Night to You All" also from 1858, "A Happy New Year to All" from 1875, and "A Happy Greeting to All", published 1885.

The Hill Sisters' students enjoyed their teachers' version of "Good Morning to All" so much that they began spontaneously singing it at birthday parties but changing the lyrics to "Happy Birthday”.

Well, my birthday has come and gone and I did receive nice presents and cards and among them were Manna cards, I think. That reminds me…it’s March and I have to purchase some more cards for myself.

I need gasoline from Speedway, maybe a Burger King card since it is right across the street from my office. There is a Bed, Bath and Beyond I can hit too. I have a friend’s birthday coming up soon I could go shopping there with a card or just buy a Manna card and give it to them as the gift then they can get what they want and it fits so nicely into a card.

There is an AMC movie theatre down the street that I could catch a movie if I had a bad day at work and want to escape. Also I need a Wal-Mart card, too. Max needs dog food and I could pick up some yarn for the scarf project. Isn’t it unbelievable how many places you can use Manna cards? And it helps out HOPE UCC by me just buying cards! I have to shop anyway so why not get Manna Cards? Got to go now…I have a lot of shopping to do.

See you in church!

Mark Geiger

Chair of the Social Ministry

Maundy Thursday Worship – March 28, 8 p.m.

Good Friday Stations of the Cross – March 29 – Sanctuary open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil – Prayers on the Hour – March 30 – Sanctuary open all night

Easter Sunday Jesus Has Left the Building and We’re Following Him Event – March 31 – 5:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. Sunrise Service – March 31 – Time and Location to be Determined

Sharing Joys & Concerns

Please keep these people & events in your prayers: Bequita and Sam Dempsey as they travel and work in

Guatemala building school houses for depressed communities. (Jane Dempsey)

My niece, Amber, who had a job interview with Special Olympics. She would love to get her first adult job with this organization. (Jeanne)

My son, Derek, flies home Thursday to surprise my husband for his 62nd birthday. May he get home safely. (Anna Ahonen)

Those who are searching for God. I feel God lost hope in me and gave up on me and I with God.

For my 25 year old nephew who undergoes double testicular cancer surgery. May he get through the surgery successfully and find someone to insure him, as he will need to take very expensive hormones for the rest of his life. (Anna Ahonen)

Carey Cully who is home with the flu. (Mark Geiger) My brother Orbin, who is in rehab for complications due to meds and diabetes. He has severe neuropathy in his

hands and has suffered much edema. Pray that he will feel God’s presence. (Dawn Mullaney) Diane Klosek who is recovering from pneumonia while dealing with Stage 4 brain cancer and lung cancer.

(Michael & Terry) Lily Halder – Bullying continues. School is still not doing anything; however, Lily seems to be coping better.

(Danielle Beckman) Peter Oliver – For relief and good treatment for his back. (Linda & Roberta James) My best friend, James, as he searches for a new job. (Roberta James) My brother’s two year-old grandson having his appendix removed. (Peter) I am struggling because a while back I had to end a relationship and now the person has died. I still believe I

made the right choice, but I am feeling guilty, too. (Zach Jarabeck) My friend, Margaret and her family. Her 29 year old son died last Sunday. (Ginny Bateman) Healing for both of Bill’s sisters, who are making progress. They have a long way to go. Jane from her car

accident and Barb from a stroke. (Barb Zigterman) Joy of seeing the St. Angelo family. (The Zigtermans) Thanksgiving that my dad is feeling better and out of the hospital. Thanks for all your support and prayers.

(Shannon Lane) Celebration for the life of George St. Angelo. Thanks that his spirit lives on in each of us given the gift of

knowing him. Happy 18th birthday to Colin, the boy with dancing eyes. (Mom & Dad) Awesome friends and family. So thankful for a joyful evening at my place. (Roberta James) Thanks for family and friends. (Michael P. Hulbert)

Celebrating Birthdays

03/07 Joe Newton 03/08 Colin Higgins 03/11 Teri Manderino 03/12 Larry Carter 03/17 Al Hook 03/19 Timoth Sylvia 03/20 Linda Ley 03/22 Dee Zillmer 03/22 Janelle Manderino 03/25 Tracy Urben

If we’ve missed your birthday, please email Gail at HOPE@shareHOPE.org.

Anniversaries

We would love to celebrate your anniversaries, too! Please email Gail at HOPE@shareHOPE.org with your anniversary dates.

Deadline for additions or corrections to the next issue of HOPE

Happenings is

March 12, 3:00pm. Thanks!

Announcements for Sunday due by Wednesday of each week.

HOPE’S Leadership

Pastor: Rev. Timoth Sylvia

Moderator: John Israel

Des. Moderator: Roberta James

Past Moderator: Joe Newton

Treasurer: Dave Zillmer

Secretary: LaRissa O’Neal

Registrar: Katie Jones

Social: Mark Geiger

Education: Tracy Urben

Mission: Ginny Bateman

Pastor-Parish: Roberta James

Resource: Linda James

Worship: Anna Ahonen

HOPE LIBRARY

You may reserve items (books, videos or tapes) by calling Gail, HOPE’s Office Manager (630-922-0470) during office hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.); by checking them out at HOPE UCC any time it is open; or by calling Martha Selby, HOPE Librarian, at (630) 355-3709 OR Karen Garland, Assistant HOPE Librarian (630) 922-8348.

Quest Quote of the Month

The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.

~ Benjamin Franklin

QUEST MINISTRIES ~ 9:30 a.m.

ADULT QUEST

Meets in Room 2 - Facilitated by Les Pierce

SR. HIGH QUEST

Meets with Adult Quest

JR. HIGH QUEST / KIDS QUEST

Meets in Room 2 March 10 – James/Higgins

Manna Profit Snapshot

To Date

Month Amount Earned

Amount Budgeted

Difference + or (-)

January $ 423.18 $ 417.00 $ 6.18

February 144.70 $ 417.00 ($272.30)

March $ 60.05 $ 417.00 ($356.95)

TOTAL $627.93 $1251.00 ($623.07)

HOPE United Church of Christ 1701 Quincy Avenue, Suite 27 Naperville, IL 60540-6684

Pastor Timoth Cell – 630-853-4673 Pastor Timoth Email –Pastor@sharehope.org

Office Phone – 630-922-0470 Office Email – hope@sharehope.org Website – www.sharehope.org

UPCOMING EVENTS @ HOPE UCC

March 6, Wednesday

Confirmation Class (6 – 7 p.m.)

March 6, Wednesday

Animate Faith – Lenten Wednesday Series (7-8 p.m.)

March 7, Thursday

Taking New Steps (6 p.m.) (See Article Below)

March 7, Thursday

Craft Night (7 – 9 p.m.)

March 10, Sunday

Monthly Potluck – St. Patrick’s Day Theme (Follows Worship)

March 10, Sunday

Youth Group (5 – 7 p.m.)

March 12, Tuesday

All Ministries Night (7 p.m.)

March 13, Wednesday

Explore Your Faith Breakfast (7:30 a.m.) Meets at Butterfield’s Pancake House, 1504 N. Naper Blvd., Suite 104, Naperville

March 13, Wednesday

Confirmation Class (6 – 7 p.m.)

March 13, Wednesday

Animate Faith – Lenten Wednesday Series (7-8 p.m.)

March 17, Sunday

Ministry Council Meeting (Noon)

March 17, Sunday

Youth Group (5 – 7 p.m.)

March 19, Tuesday

Men’s Fellowship (7 - 9 p.m.) All HOPE UCC men are welcome to join us at Quincy’s at 1112 E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville on the first and third Tuesday of each month. For more information or questions contact Matt Conkrite at 773-590-0824.

March 20, Wednesday

Explore Your Faith Breakfast (7:30 a.m.) Meets at Butterfield’s Pancake House, 1504 N. Naper Blvd., Suite 104, Naperville

March 20, Wednesday

Confirmation Class (6 – 7 p.m.)

March 20, Wednesday

Animate Faith – Lenten Wednesday Series (7-8 p.m.)

March 21, Thursday

Women Out to Lunch (Noon) Join the women of HOPE on the third Thursday of each month. Lively conversation, great food & warm fellowship are waiting for you at Giordano’s Restaurant at 119 S. Main Street, in downtown Naperville. Parking is available in the lot across from the restaurant or the Van Buren Parking Building.

March 21, Thursday

Craft Night (7 – 9 p.m.)

How Far Are You Willing to Go?

2013 Revenue Challenge

The people of HOPE UCC have recently been asking themselves the question, “How far are you willing to go?” There are many aspects to that question, one of which is financial. Last December, Timoth and Peter gave their answer to the financial component by offering a $30,000 donation to HOPE through a reduction to Timoth’s 2013 compensation. Now, the Zillmer family would like to answer that question with a financial challenge that, with hard work by everyone, can generate an additional $60,000 for HOPE.

The Zillmers would like to extend the following challenge - raise operating revenues above 2013 budgeted revenues between now and December 31, 2013, and the revenue increase you achieve will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $30,000. Note that this is not a simple $30,000 donation to HOPE. It is a challenge to add $30,000 of unplanned operating revenues during the 2013 calendar year. Your help in making the challenge successful will determine whether HOPE raises $0, $60,000, or something in between.

Here is the way the challenge will work: HOPE’s budgeted operating revenues for 2013, net of fundraising expenses, are $168,560. If total actual operating revenues (net of fundraising expenses) at December 31, 2013 exceed that amount, the Zillmers will match the excess dollar-for-dollar up to an excess of $30,000. So, if HOPE’s total actual operating revenues for 2013 are $170,000, we will contribute an additional $1,440 no later than January, 2014. If HOPE’s total actual operating revenues for 2013 are $185,000, we will contribute an additional $16,440. If HOPE’s total actual operating revenues for 2013 equal or exceed $198,560, we will contribute an additional $30,000.

Because we want the focus of the challenge to be on generating revenues that will be available for the general work of the church, for purposes of the challenge, “total actual operating revenues” will consist of only the following items from HOPE’s 2013 budget:

Pledges and Contributions – Pledges

Pledges and Contributions – Non-pledged

Total fundraising income, less fundraising expenses (i.e. net fundraising profit after expenses)

Directed contributions, such as those recorded into particular funds or contributions to support specific missions, won’t count.

Here are some ways you can help meet the 2013 Revenue Challenge:

Increase your personal financial support to HOPE above your 2013 pledge

Invite additional people to discover the wonders of HOPE

Use Manna gift cards when you do your normal weekly grocery shopping

Attend Game Show Palooza

Help Jeanne and Trott collect items that can be auctioned at Game Show Palooza

Help organize Harmony Heart & HOPE IV, or buy or sell tickets to the event

Identify and lead a new fundraiser for HOPE

Use the special talent God has given you to make an item or provide a service that can be offered in connection with either Game Show Palooza or the Craft Fair

Get on an organizing committee for an event and contribute your ideas to make the event better

Use your imagination

You don’t have to make a financial contribution yourself to help HOPE meet the 2013 Revenue Challenge. By giving additional time, talent and wisdom to the effort, you can help just as much. So, are you ready to go? If so, how far are you willing to go? Faithfully yours,

Dee, Dave and Ravinia Zillmer

NEWS AND NOTES

Exciting News from the Education Ministry

This summer HOPE UCC will be offering a Vacation Bible School. We are very excited about this chance to provide a fun opportunity for our families as well as those in our community to enhance their children’s Christian education. More information to follow.

We are in need of volunteers to help plan, prepare for as well as run Hopes first Vacation Bible School. Please contact Tracy Urben to share your talents.

PADS - HOPE is Cooking a Maplewood Grilled Ham Dinner

PLEASE HELP!!!

On Wednesday, March 13th

, HOPE will be providing the food for approximately 50-60 homeless guests at PADS. We’ve had two very large beautiful hams donated so we want to feature them in a special dinner for our guests. Would you please help?

TO VOLUNTEER, PLEASE SIGN UP AT HOPE THIS SUNDAY OR EMAIL/CALL Nick Dempsey (pndempsey@aol.com or 630 357 5434)

We need:

3 volunteers to prepare 5 pounds of Cajun Mashed potatoes each (recipe is provided)

6 volunteers to prepare a dozen cornbread muffins each

2 volunteers to make soup - 1 for vegetable and 1 for a meat soup. (Both soups should serve 25 – 30 people)

5 volunteers to “Adopt a Dessert” (Dessert kits will be available at HOPE this Sunday)

For those volunteers preparing the potatoes, muffins, desserts, or soup, you may either deliver your food to HOPE during the day on Wednesday, March 13

th or to First Congregational Church, 25 E. Benton, in downtown Naperville by 6:30 p.m. that evening.

If you would like to volunteer for one (or more) of our needs or have any questions, please sign up at Sunday worship or contact me directly. THANK YOU!!!

Nick Dempsey (pndempsey@aol.com or Ph: 630-357-5434)

Jesus Has Left the Building and We’re Following Him

Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013

DuPage PADS - Oak Brook Terrace Serving & Clean-up on Sunday, 3/31, 5:30-7:30 a.m. Food Preparation on Saturday, 3/30, details to follow

As part of our “Jesus Has Left the Building and We’re Following Him” Fifth Sunday mission, on Easter Sunday HOPE UCC will be providing breakfast to approximately 45-50 homeless guests at the Oak Brook Terrace PADS location. We need to arrive at the location at 5:30 a.m. to reheat and serve this special meal; following clean-up we should complete by 7:30 a.m.

We also need a second group to purchase and prepare the meal on the Saturday before Easter. I’ll be putting together a menu of guests’ favorites, provide recipes and coordinate food drop-off.

To volunteer for either of these, please sign up on the board in the gathering area at HOPE UCC or e-mail Jill Hruska at jillhruska@comcast.net Questions? Email me or call 630-778-8287.

There is no time like the present…

to put together that team or two for GAMESHOW PALOOZA. (Flyer/Registration below.) It’s still on April 27 at 6:30 – 11:00 ish. $160 per table, max of 8 per table. If you can’t fill an entire table, please get your registration (and money) to HOPE UCC or to Trott & Jeanne anyway and we’ll help do some table filling. (We’ve been known to put together some pretty awesome tables.) But please, talk it up around HOPE while munching on those goodies after service. There’s nothing wrong with throwing out the line, “ Who needs an incredibly intelligent person on their team? If so, I’ll find one…. but I’m available too.” Hint: It’s good to have a mix of people with varying backgrounds. Perhaps you’re better at shopping and sports while others are better at music, pop culture, or science. We guarantee, there’s something for everyone. This is a great time to reach out and show your family, friends, and neighbors what a great group we are at HOPE!

Quarters for Families Helping Families

For our special collection this month, the congregation was invited to bring in quarters that will be passed on to Families Helping Families. These quarters will be used for the families’ laundry...a much-needed gift.

HOPE UCC decided to set a goal for our collection of 1000 quarters, the equivalent of $250. I am very pleased to announce (and thanks to John, Jeanne, Tracy and Canaan for counting the quarters) that we have surpassed our

goal and collected 1009 quarters.

What a wonderful way to show the wider community how important it is to partner with these various organizations! Sharing HOPE...that’s what we do!

In April, we will be gathering supplies for Youth Outlook. A full list of suggested items will be provided in the coming weeks. For more information on Youth Outlook, be sure to visit their website: www.youth-outlook.org

Keep In Touch KITS

The college students have been working hard. We want to wish them well and give them some goodies to get them through their fall semester this year. They would love to get a Keep in Touch Kit filled with goodies and a reminder that we have them in our thoughts and prayers.

PLEASE email Linda James at ldj7900@sbcglobal.net, if you have a college student. We would like to give a KIT to him/her and also send notes of encouragement throughout the school year. Let Linda know your student’s current address and future graduation date.

We currently give to 15 students. Donations of items that go over well (or cash gifts) would be greatly appreciated:

Miniature Candy Bars Pop Corn Breakfast Bars 100 Calorie Snack Packs Cookies Paperclips Macaroni & Cheese Note Pads Pencils Toothpaste & Toothbrush Pens Breath Mints Chewing Gum Coffee Gift Cards Fast Food Gift Cards

Roberta & Linda James plan on giving the packages out soon, so the last Sunday to collect will be March 17. Thank you for all your support in letting our college students know that we are thinking of them.

Taking New Steps: How the 3 S’s Can Help on the Road of Recovery

Steps…Support…Spirituality

Is there someone or something that is causing a part of your life to be unmanageable at this time? Whether it is eating, debt, gambling, relationships, alcohol, drugs, co-dependence and/or sexual abuse issues... we are here for you.

Now is the time to take new steps.

On the first Thursday of every month at 6 p.m., come hear our success stories and find the answers that work for you. You will be guided by suggestions and support from the group. We will discuss how the 3 S’s (Spirituality, Support and the Steps) can work for you. So, bring your HOW (honesty, an open mind and willingness) to this meeting.

Taking New Steps meets at HOPE United Church of Christ – 1701 Quincy Ave., #27 in Naperville. For more information, contact Pastor Timoth Sylvia at 630-922-0470 or via email at pastor@sharehope.org or abushlcsw@aol.com.

Meal’s Ministry

One of the most beautiful expressions of our faith comes in the sharing of a simple meal. And for those who are on the receiving end, it is a grand gesture in a time of need.

If you would like to be a part of the HOPE UCC Meal’s Ministry and occasionally provide a meal for a family in need, please contact Linda Ley (Meal’s Ministry Coordinator) or Gail Bassett (Office Manager) – hope@sharehope.org.

Marriage Equality Phone Bank

A special thank you goes out to those who volunteered to staff the recent phone bank in support of Marriage Equality in Illinois. Thank you to Danielle Beckman, Jay Hruska, John Israel, Mark Geiger, Lisa DeVette, James Hruska and Angelica Ceja for making over 1500 calls in support of this great cause!

Calling All Singers - Car, Shower or Otherwise!

Please come and be a part of HOPE's spring choir! We are rehearsing every Sunday morning (except for the fifth Sunday of course) at 9 am. We are preparing a song to sing as special music for the first Sunday in April. Please join us; we have cookies! :) Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Looking forward to seeing y'all on Sunday morning!

Danielle Beckman Danibeckman1222@gmail.com 630-212-2161 call or text

Italian Night Party

March 9th @ 5 p.m. Annette, Jordan & Riley Bush's house 1021 Huntington Dr. Aurora, IL 60506

We will provide Spaghetti, Garlic Bread & some limited drinks. All HOPE UCC folks are invited.

What to Bring: KIDS if you have them, Italian Dish to pass, swimsuit for hot tub, and your favorite game to play.

You Are Cordially Invited

Eagle Court of Honor for

Alexander Christian DalMoro and

Colin Thomas Higgins

Sunday, March 24, 2013 1:00 P.M.

Wheatland Salem Church 1852 West 95th Street

Naperville, Illinois 60564

Lenten Wednesdays

Throughout the season of Lent we will be offering a Wednesday evening discussion group using a new resource called Animate Faith.

What is Animate Faith? Here’s what the publisher has to say:

“We brought together seven leading Christian voices to create an accessible, captivating exploration of big questions of the Christian faith – designed to spark conversation in faith communities like yours. From what we hear, it’s working.”

Sessions will take place at HOPE UCC on Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Pre-registration is REQUIRED as supplies must be ordered.

Please contact Pastor Timoth at 630-922-0470 or via email at pastor@sharehope.org to sign up.

Here’s a look at each week’s lesson and presenter:

Week 3 (Mar. 6) – Jesus: The Revolution of Love with Mark Scandrette Week 4 (Mar. 13) – Salvation: Abundant Life Now with Shane Hipps Week 5 (Mar. 20) – Cross: Where God Is with Nadia Bolz-Webber Week 6 (Mar. 27) – Bible: A Book Like No Other with Lauren Winner Week 7 (Apr. 3) – Church: An Imperfect Family with Bruce Reyes-Chow

Want to see more? Check out animate.wearesparkhouse.org

HOPE UCC Book Discussion Group

Following up her highly acclaimed Girl Meets God, author Lauren F. Winner has written an engrossing reflection of literary grace and spiritual wisdom with Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis.

As she lives through a failed marriage and the loss of her mother, Winner finds her Christian faith slipping away. Through reading religious works and tomes and being counseled by leaders of the church, she learns she must find the courage to trust in God in order to find His presence.

Elegantly written and profound, Still offers reflections on how murky and gray the spiritual life can be while, at the same time, shows us how to see the light we do encounter more clearly.

“Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis”

The following review was provided by Christianity Today:

“Anyone committed to truly examining the shape of personal faith, unfolding over the years in a broken world, should sense a fruitful opportunity, if not a solemn obligation, to expound at length…[Winner] probes these depths as deftly and eloquently as anyone writing today… An instant spiritual classic.”

The group will meet on the fourth Sunday of each month at noon. We will eat lunch together while we discuss that month’s reading.

If you would like to order the book ahead of time, you can find it on amazon.com. The ISBN # is 978-0061768286. (be sure to use your Manna Gift card for the purchase)

For more information, please contact Pastor Timoth at 630-922-0470 or via email at pastor@sharehope.org.

COOKIES NEEDED!

For: 2013 Annual Illinois Conference Celebration When: June 14 – 15, 2013 Where: Doubletree Hotel, Oakbrook, IL.

We’re asking for donations of your favorite cookies! We request some sugar-free, peanut-free, and gluten-free, as well as regular cookies, are available and welcomed.

Remember to bring them in clearly labeled, disposable containers as we will not be responsible for lost or misplaced dishes.

We have heard your cry for healthier snacks - unfortunately the hotel requires that any fruit or other snack be bought from them – at a premium cost! SO please bring your cookies! Thank you.

Kiwanis Pancake Festival

Greetings Former Attendees or Possible Futures Attendees of the Kiwanis Pancake Festival,

The Kiwanis Pancake Festival is being held late this year because the only open Spring date we could obtain at Naperville Central High School was Saturday April 27. Serving begins at 7 and runs until 1. Tickets in advance are $6 and at the door $7. Pre-School kids are free.

Split the pot (50/25/25) cash raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Last year’s pot was $4900.

Regular raffle tickets are $1 and six for $5. We will again have many "baskets" of prizes.

If you cannot attend, you can still purchase split the pot and regular raffle tickets for this worthy event. I will fill them out and see that they are placed in the pot of your choice. I will email you a list of prize pots prior to the Festival. Every year I've had "customers" win.

For those of you who have not attended in the past, it's a big event. We serve between 2500 and 3000 people. Again there will be games for the kids and Jr. High Bands for entertainment. It's a fun time for everyone. Plan to invite your friends and families to go with you, although you'll probably see many people you know. This year Mary and I will be cooking pancakes from 6:45 - 9:30. Mary is a pro and will be training me. Dave Zillmer, also a pro, will be our grill neighbor. Come by and say hi. Barb Zigterman will be checking in the couple hundred volunteers we normally have. Thanks be for volunteers.

Let me know if you'd like to purchase Festival tickets, raffle tickets, or would like to volunteer.

I will send one additional reminder about two weeks prior to the Festival.

Your support will be appreciated.

John Kroening

SAVE THE DATE

Transforming Lives - A Justice Imperative

The Fox Valley Spring Meeting

April 27, 2013

First Congregational UCC

1047 Curtiss St.

Downers Grove, 60515

Energizers

Annual Meeting including revision of our Design for Ministry

Registration Packets will be coming soon!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

For

2013 Annual Illinois Conference Celebration

June 14 – 15, 2013

Doubletree Hotel, Oakbrook, IL.

Opportunities include:

People with warm hearts and bright smiles to welcome others People who can give clear directions People who like to provide hospitality People who like to help with worship and praising God Can your congregation help underwrite costs to make volunteers more noticeable?

You can help make our celebration a success by offering your

assistance - Many opportunities are available for adults and youth!

Please contact Ronda Bower at rbower@northfielducc.org or Call/text 312-520-6318 or sign up now Name:__________________________ email info: __________________

Phone #s:_______________________ Church: _____________________

Your Talent is: ___________________ when available? ______________