Mayfield Memo 09142019

And another new life emerges. A new season begins. The super generation of monarchs is upon us, emerging from chrysalis after chrysalis. They are the ones who will make the 2000 plus mile journey to Mexico, winter over, and then begin the migration back north in the spring. What courage it takes to lean into a journey, life, project, or dream of undisclosed length and effort. Thanks Peggy for this beautiful photograph.

Thank You

Last Sunday’s weather drove us inside. It was too wet a morning for worship in the Waystation and a picnic. The Waystation was beautifully invoked in the sanctuary and dining room with large pictures of pollinators, bunches of native flowers in mason jars, and red checked picnic table cloths. Thank you to Peggy, JT, Theresa, and Dawn for bringing the inside out and to all of us there for a most delicious indoor picnic.

Better Together

“You should love others for who they are, because it’s what’s inside that matters.” (Madisyn Campbell, actor with the 2019 Penguin Project production of Hairspray Jr.) Our children are beginning a unit of faith learning we are calling “Better Together.” With perspectives from our faith story, members of the Mayfield congregation, stories, and local resources, they will explore various forms of diversity this fall and uncover how it is that we are better together. This Sunday will begin with an intergenerational labyrinth walk at 9 am. The labyrinth can always be a space where we step with intention, making room for one another, no matter who we are.  Some of our kids and accompanying adults will attend the 10th Anniversary Penguin Project production of Hairspray Jr. in the afternoon.  In a recent article in the Daily Chronicle, the Penguin Project is described as helping “to break barriers, giving young people with or without disabilities the platform to learn about each other and work together.” Children will continue their learning about diversity in terms of differing abilities and disabilities next Sunday as Sue Goudy brings a beautiful interactive display and presentation on DeKalb County Community Gardens’ Walnut Grove.

Intergenerational Labyrinth Walk – 9 am – Sunday, September 16 – walkers of all ages who have walked before or not are welcome!

Keep the Peanut Butter Coming

Our Peanut Butter Collection (under the leadership of the Deacons) will continue through the end of the month. Help us to grow our pile of this tasty source of protein.  Jars of any size, smooth or crunchy, will be just right. Peanut Butter will be delivered to the Northern Illinois Food Bank as September gives way to October. And remember, you can always make a financial contribution to the Northern Illinois Food Bank in the offering plate or food bank box.

October Mayfield Fellowship Meeting

The October Mayfield Fellowship meeting will be held on Thursday, October 10 at Oakcrest.  Ann Werhane will host us.  We will gather for lunch by noon.  The charge for lunch is $12.  A program will be presented after lunch by staff from Hope Haven.  We will receive an update on homelessness for youth and families in DeKalb County. A sign-up sheet for this gathering will be at church toward the end of September.

JAMS Fall Fundraiser – Friday night, October 11, 2019 – 6:00-9:00 pm – Faranda’s, 302 Grove Street, DeKalb – A TASTE OF KENYA

This event on the evening of the United Nations International Day of the Girl will include Kenyan food, music, a silent auction, a fair trade market, and a cash bar.  Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at dekalbcountytickets.com, 815.758.1225. All proceeds from the event will benefit Jane Adeny Memorial School. Several Mayfield people are closely involved in this fundraiser including Diana, head of the Friends of JAMS; Rob Stoll, who has created a beautiful quilt of African Ladies that will be a raffle item, and Jen, who will be responsible for some of the music. Raffle tickets for the quilt will be available in worship this Sunday.  They are $10 each. The hope is the raffle will raise the equivalent of a four year scholarship for a future JAMS student.  What a great goal! JAMS is a vital part of Mayfield’s mission that stretches from the township across the state, nation, and world.  Thank you for the many expressions of Mayfield support for JAMS.

Fall Pancake Breakfast – Saturday, October 19 – 6:30 – 11:00 am

Mark your calendars. When the sign-up sheets are out later, indicate if you can help that day. You will also have the opportunity to sell tickets in advance of October 19. Think about contributions you may have for attic treasures and what you could make for the bake table. All proceeds from attic treasures and the bake table are given through the Mayfield Fellowship in December to programs in DeKalb County. Thanks to Angela and Dawn for their pancake breakfast leadership.