The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof. (Barbara Kingslover)

This art installation has been growing through the hands of Roger since the first Sunday in Advent. During this liturgical year, worship is focusing on hope as we move through the broad themes and readings for the seasons of the church year. Peggy noted last Sunday that dwellings of hope touch more than one other as the installation grows, much like our own efforts and stories of hope.

Don’t forget to set your timepieces ahead tonight, those that don’t set automatically.  Daylight savings time begins at 2 am Sunday, March 8. Wake up tomorrow morning to the new time.

Intergenerational Labyrinth Walk – tomorrow, March 8^th, 9 am.  Come and walk with us, experienced walkers and those who are walking for the first time.

Coronavirus Update

Leadership at Mayfield is regularly checking in with materials from our local and state health departments and from the Illinois Conference and the National Office of the UCC to determine the best practices for us as a congregation during the spread of coronavirus. Starting this Sunday we will make some modifications to worship and fellowship time that will allow us to gather safely at this time. The memo will continue to give information on upcoming events. We will let you know promptly if any event cancellations become necessary. Thank you to council leadership for this attentiveness on this matter. Our prayers are extended to patients with the virus and their families and to public health workers in a host of countries who are working tirelessly to contain the virus’ reach.

The Bookcase Project

Thank you for your generous support.  Approximately 300 books were collected and dedicated this year.  Books will be delivered to First Methodist, DeKalb at the beginning of April when the books will be sorted for distribution to the children from Two Rivers Head Start Program on Saturday, May 9, 3 pm, at Faranda’s in DeKalb.  The public is invited to share in this festive time.  Last Sunday Becky and our children began to make bookmarks for this year’s Bookcase Project recipients.

March UCC Mission – One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)

Our March mission focus is One Great Hour of Sharing, an offering that stretches back to the 1940’s and is supported by a wide range of denominations around the globe.  OGHS funds are directed to places where health and educational resources are lacking and/or where disaster has struck. Further information on OCHS will be in future memos and in our worship bulletins.  OGHS envelopes will be available at church.

JAMS News

The Transformation Through Rhythm concert benefiting JAMS will be held on Friday night, March 20, 7:00 pm, at DeKalb High School. Spread the word. If you have never attended one of these concerts before, you are in for a treat. Percussionists in several groups from elementary school children through college age students and adults will thrill you with their skill and the spirit of their playing. Check in with Jen if you have questions about this musical celebration.

Mayfield Fellowship Retreat

Click here for the registration form. “Seeing With Sabbath Eyes,” the Mayfield Fellowship’s annual retreat day for the entire congregation and others beyond will be held on Saturday, March 28, 9:00 am-3:00 pm at Russell Woods.  Registration for the day is $20 and includes lunch. Registration is appreciated by Sunday, March 22.

Plants, Pollinators, and Prayers

Randy’s documentary crafted from over five years of filming the unfolding of the Mayfield Monarch Waystation will have a world premier showing on Tuesday, April 7 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 6:30 pm. Tell everyone you know and encourage them to come and see it.  It is a beautiful film with a great message around our critical capacity to support pollinators with substantial and sustained habitat restoration.