Happy Autumn (9.23.19, 2:50 am)

Thanks Peggy for another beautiful photo. If you look to the far upper right side of the picture, you can glimpse a caterpillar just getting into position for a chrysalis to form. Quietly in northern states where monarchs have spent the summer and spring, the drama of transformation and preparation for the journey ahead continue.

Better Together

Our children’s fall unit on diversity, “Better Together” is underway. Last week walkers of all ages shared the labyrinth where space is consciously made for everyone, no matter who we are. The children were particularly wonderful teachers on this walk. In worship we heard our first diversity story, Come With Me, a gentle nudge to take steps with one another beyond potential fears. In the afternoon several of our children and accompanying adults enjoyed the Penguin Project’s spirited fall production of Hairspray Junior. Tomorrow we will continue our exploration of diversity across boundaries of ability and disability with Sue’s after worship presentation and display on DCCG’s Walnut Grove. Before that in worship, some most unusual and provoking vegetables from the Scotts’ garden will remind us of earth’s wisdom about the ever-expanding reach of diversity. In upcoming weeks, Randy, Rob Stoll, and Nelle will deepen our discovery of diversity and how we are better together with diversity through ability and disability, around the globe as far away Kenya, and by way of film, quilting, and music. And when we hear an amazing new story, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will drop in with a few words.

One More Note on Diversity

As our children are engaging with diversity this fall, Roger with Becky’s help, is busy composing from week to week a new art piece on diversity, because indeed we do belong to diversity.

Intergenerational Labyrinth Walk – 9 am – Sunday, September 29 – walkers of all ages who have walked before or not are welcome!

Keep the Peanut Butter Coming

Our peanut butter collection is drawing to a close. We are getting very close to 100 jars.  Help push us into a three digit total with your jars of creamy or crunchy peanut butter by Sunday, October 6. Every week in worship Cary, one of our deacons, gives us an update on the weekly best peanut butter deals. Our peanut butter will be delivered to the Northern Illinois Food Bank along with general financial contributions to the food bank through the food bank box or the offering plate. Thanks for your support.

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. Please use the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Area to indicate if you will be coming.

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 and Nelle, who will be responsible for some of the music. Raffle tickets for the quilt will be available again this Sunday. They are $10 each.  It is hoped 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 – How You Can Help

  • Mark your calendars to attend and invite friends and family members to join you.
  • Get advance tickets to sell from Dawn or Angie. $8 for ages 10 and up; $4 for ages 4-9.
  • Indicate on the sign-up sheets when and how you can help.
  • Bake for the Mayfield Fellowship’s Bake Table.
  • Bring Attic Treasures for the Mayfield Fellowship. Proceeds from baked goods and treasures are given away to area projects in December.
  • Remember that whole hog sausage, patties and bulk, is available for sale at Mayfield year round.
  • Contribute to the processing costs for this fall’s hogs.

Mayfield will be 119 years old next month. After worship on October 20, several Mayfield people will prepare a celebratory brunch. Watch for the Anniversary Mailing in October.