Happy Halloween

As leaves pile up this time of year with their rich colors and
evidence of lives well lived, I am always reminded of our
celebration of Memorial Sunday or All Saints Day. It is
then that we recall the many lives that have gone before
us and helped shape who and how we are.

Memorial Sunday

This Sunday is Memorial Sunday. There are three ways you can share in Memorial Sunday.  (1) Names for our Memorial List need to be emailed to me today. Please indicate the person(s) name(s), date(s) or approximate date(s) of death, and what this person’s connection was to you. This information will allow us to have an accurate memorial listing of our important deaths in the last year.  (2)  Bring small, framed pictures of those on the memorial list or any others who have predeceased you. These can be placed on the six window sills in the sanctuary. They will surround us as we worship, our great cloud of witnesses. This visual representation of our cloud of witnesses is a new practice for us. Your pictures will be appreciated. (3)  Participate in the second confirmation labyrinth walk at 9:00 am on the lower level of the church. The day’s text will be from the story of Abraham and Sarah, our ancestors in the faith. Join Lars and others as we walk with our ancestors. This is an intergenerational activity, appropriate for people of all ages.

A word from Terri and George – George has been in the hospital the last couple of days and is expected to be admitted to hospice today. Terri wanted us all to know. Our love and prayers are with them.

Mayfield Pie Baking

We will be baking pies on Saturday, November 3, starting at 1 pm. Bring your rolling pin and your pie baking skill and/or enthusiasm. Pie bakers of all experience levels are welcome. Donations of flour, sugar, and fruit will be appreciated. Foil pie pans have already been contributed. Contact Dawn if you have any questions.

Fall Clean Up Day

Saturday, November 10 will be our fall clean-up day, from 9 am until 12:30 pm. There will be both inside and outside tasks. Cleaning supplies will be supplied for inside work. Please brings rakes, tarps, gloves, and leaf blowers for the outside jobs.

Remember:  The Fall Pancake Breakfast will be held on Saturday, November 17, from 6:30-11:00 am. There will be plenty of opportunities to help. Encourage those you know to attend. Sign-up sheets are currently in the Gathering Area at church for a variety of breakfast tasks. Contributions will also be needed for the both the bake table and attic treasures.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is one of the top food banks in the Feeding America network.  In fiscal year 2018 nearly 66 million meals were distributed through more than 800 food pantries and feeding sites.  More than half a million people have been served.  Your gifts can be placed in the offering plate or the food bank box.

UCC Thank Offering

This Sunday you will receive your UCC Thank Offering box. The Thank Offering has its roots in women’s groups in the early Congregational Church. Women in these groups would bring a few cents to their regular meetings. Their accumulated gifts were the beginning of an offering that has funded numerous mission projects over several centuries. Your gifts of loose change, bills, and checks will be welcome. Please return your thank offering boxes by Sunday, November 18 when we will gather in this offering as a noisy offering with all that loose change.

Looking Ahead to Toys for Tots

We will be wrapping presents and helping as shopping assistants at Toys for Tots on Tuesday, December 18, 9 am – 5 pm and Wednesday, December 19, 9 am – 12:00 pm. It is truly a service that benefits from many hands. Mark your calendars now.