The New Church Leadership Institute
Sep 5, 2010
August 9-13 I attended a conference in Atlanta called the New Church Leadership Institute(NCLI) , put on by the Center for Progressive Renewal (CPR).
150ish people gathered who are passionate about growing the progressive Christian Church in the United States.
CPR is working to increase the number and vitality of progressive Christian churches throughout the United States. The Center is a covenanted ministry of the United Church of Christ, but they support people working in many denominations, as well as non-denominational churches.
Most mainline protestant denominations that have a significant progressive orientation have seen a steady decline in membership over the past half century. The United Church of Christ is currently closing 2-3 churches per week, and the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) has also experienced membership decline, although I don’t know the accurate numbers on that.
Meanwhile, in society at large, more people than ever espouse the values found in progressive churches – peace with justice, equality of all races, genders and sexual orientations, honorable treatment of the natural environment, and so on.
Progressive churches need to be revitalizing and multiplying! In Atlanta, the New Church Leadership Institute focused on the Seven Secrets of successful church revitalizations and new church starts. The ‘secrets’ the speakers addressed were:
There were also a variety of workshops through the week that followed three basic tracks: Tools for church revitalization teams, tools for new church planters and tools for denominational staff. I attended several workshops, including ones on asset-mapping, marketing, and church development trouble-shooting.
I have a personal desire to be involved with new church development, and am trying to cultivate a spirit of openness and discernment within myself as I wonder what specifically God might be calling me toward in this area. I also believe that First United Church, as a larger and a healthy congregation, should be a part of birthing new progressive churches in our area. What do you think?
Learn more about the Center for Progressive Renewal here:
Learn more about the New Church Leadership Institute here.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Fall Prayer Partners
Sep 3, 2010
The First United Church prayer program has been a blessing!
Since June 6, we have had dozens of pairs of prayer partners forming relationships of deep spiritual connection as they’ve share their lives with one another and committed to pray for each other.
Here about Joanne and Lola’s story:
Sign up for the Prayer Program this fall!
Prayer Program Overview
Children, youth and adults can sign up to participate, and newcomers are welcome as well as members. The deacons will match each person with a Prayer Partner and ask them to do three things this fall.
Do you ever feel like a prayer novice? Don’t worry! There is no template that you have to follow, and it’s not a performance. Get in touch with God in the way that works for you. Here are some examples of different ways to pray. There are many more ways than are on this list!
Prayer Idea from Carl Nauert
I prefer to pray early in the morning. I’m an early riser and it’s so peaceful before our dogs and cats are in full energy. I tend to keep a list of who is in need (members, friends, family, etc…) world and local issues and who is on my mind, etc.. (I’m a list maker) I also ask God to help me find ways throughout the day to be a better Christian, neighbor and husband.
Prayer Idea from Grant Jones
A few years ago I lived with a Quaker family for the summer and went with them to church one Sunday. The service was different from the one I was use to attending. They spent most of the service in silence allowing each person to silently reflect or meditate. At first it seemed difficult to be quiet and stay focused but by the end of the service it ended up being a really good way to pray.
Prayer Idea from Megan Lewis
The children of our Nursery School are taught a prayer to say at snack time. It goes like this:
For food to eat and friends to love, we thank you, God, our Creator. Amen.
Growing up, I said this prayer as a student of the school. My family said it at dinner every night (though we said,“friends and family to love”) and now that both of our children have gone to the Nursery School, they too, know this prayer. We say it at our dinner table every night.
For children, a prayer that they can recite is helpful. The school prayer is perfect in its simplicity. They can actually understand what they are saying. On the other hand, Justin and I are teaching our kids how to pray in a comfortable, conversational manner. At night, when we put the kids to bed, we give thanks for specific people and events in the day. Frequently, it turns into a reflective conversation where they probe us as to why we are “thankful for those that protect us”, etc.
Praying with my kids is one of my favorite times of the day. Everyone is calm, the communication pure and sweet. It is in those moments that I feel the Holy Spirit embracing our little family.
Prayer Idea from Judy Vojta
Several summers ago I saw the Dahli Lama in Grant Park. His wisdom was absolutely memorizing, however, one story in particular that he shared has impacted one way that I pray. He talked about his life and all the travel that it entailed; airports, trains, and long car rides, which often meant that many times events occurred out of anyone’s control and his plans were delayed. He told hysterically funny stories of people shouting at airport personnel, repeatedly honking in traffic jams, or pacing in front of non moving trains. Yet, he suggested that these delays were actually an “unexpected gift” of an opportunity to be present and meditate. One actually had free time. The Dahli Lama would put on earphones in the back of a car or find a quiet place at an airport terminal and use this gift of time to reflect on what happened that day or what may happen in the future. By the end of his story, he had convinced us all that unexpected delays to our rigid time schedule is truly a blessing.
Since patience is not my strongest virtue, I tried it once while waiting in St. Louis airport. I sat and prayed about my family, my future, and my friends. Indeed, sitting in a crowded airport I actually felt refreshed and connected to God. I actually believed that this delay was a gift. Now, when I am caught in a traffic jam, or in an extremely slow line at Costco, or waiting for an el that seems to take forever and I feel impatience bubbling in my stomach; I use that free time pray for others.
Prayer Idea - from Julie Harley
I used to listen to the radio or CDs on my commute to work in the morning. Now I leave the music off and drive in silence, remembering and praying for people in the congregation or the needs of the world, asking God to lead me through the day. I try to notice things that I pass, like an especially beautiful tree, and offer thanks to God for beauty. When I’m in a bad mood, I try to discern why I’m feeling out of balance. When I’m stressed, I ask the Spirit to slow my racing thoughts. It’s my little prayer chapel. And I DO leave my eyes open.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Labor Day Weekend at First United Church
Sep 2, 2010
Arrive at 9:30 am this Sunday, Sept. 5, to walk the labyrinth in our church yard before worship. It will prepare your soul for worship at 10 am, when we will celebrate communion together.
Julie’s sermon this Sunday is “Another Day Older and Deeper in Debt,” based on the deeply theological lament in the old country song, “Sixteen Tons.” Can you bring your soul to work? Or do you have to sacrifice your soul to do your work? Studs Terkel said work must be about “a search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying.” How can we understand our work as a source of spiritual joy and pleasure, rather than a terrible weight we carry?
Education for all resumes at 9:30 am Sunday, Sept. 12, and worship moves to 11:00 am. Dr. Rodger Nishioka from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur , GA , will be our guest preacher. Gathering Day is a true celebration of our life together and a renewal of the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love.
Stay in touch with ministry and mission at First United by visiting the church website regularly at www.firstunitedoakpark.com. You can look up the church calendar. You can click on the link to our Facebook page! We’ve got 174 people who “like” us and our goal is 300. Click the FB link on the website homepage. Visit Julie’s new Heart Mind Strength blog, and learn the latest from Mamie and Richard, our mission accompaniers in Colombia , South America , who blog at Called to Colombia.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Gathering Sunday is September 12th!
Aug 31, 2010
Rodger Nishioka
Rodger Nishioka serves as associate professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur , GA. He specializes in ministry with youth and young adults and is currently involved in a research project comparing the participation of young adults in mainline Protestant congregations and non-denominational independent Christian movements.
Prior to his joining the faculty at Columbia, Rodger served for twelve years as denominational staff in youth & young adult ministry for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Rodger Nishioka to preach on Gathering Day September 12th
Aug 31, 2010
Rodger Nishioka
Rodger Nishioka serves as associate professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur , GA. He specializes in ministry with youth and young adults and is currently involved in a research project comparing the participation of young adults in mainline Protestant congregations and non-denominational independent Christian movements.
Prior to his joining the faculty at Columbia, Rodger served for twelve years as denominational staff in youth & young adult ministry for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
He has published several articles, chapters, and books all focused on ministry with youth and young adults.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Job Opening - Lead Custodian
Aug 26, 2010
The church currently has a temporary position as Lead Custodian available. If interested please contact the church’s office. The full job description can be found here:
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
The Spirit of Resurrection lives in Colombia!
Aug 12, 2010
The Spirit of Resurrection lives in Colombia!
Recently, I joined 3 other members of First United Church on a delegation of 8 to Colombia, where we were hosted by the Iglesia Presbyteriana de Colombia. We met in the three presbyteries of the denominations: Presbitero de la Costa (which includes Barranquilla and Cartagena), Presbiterio de Uraba, and Presbiterio Central (which includes Bogata, the capital). The Presbyterian church is alive and active in Colombia!
The Presbyterians in Colombia are well known for their schools. Education was a main focus for missionaries that arrived there in the 19th century. Today, the IPC operates several campuses of the Colegio Americano, which is so strong that it attracts children of diplomats and earns money for the denomination. Still, the church supports a number of students on scholarship so that the schools remain economically diverse. The Presbyterians in Colombia know their John Calvin! Even vacation bible school in poor, country churches teach about Juan Calvino. They understand what it means to have a Reformed theology. Their support of women in the ministry, among other things, stands in contrast to their Roman Catholic neighbors.
The church is doing pretty well, and it is very well organized. They could look inward and enjoy their modest success. But instead, the church has chosen to stand in solidarity with the country’s poor and displaced. Diego Higuita, the IPC’s Executive Secretary, travels the country and knows each church and even calls their children by name. The Presbyterian Churches are quite varied, but in the Uraba region they are quite uniformly poor. We met with entire congregations that were made up of displaced persons. We heard stories of people forced off their lands. We heard the story of one family, who knew it was time to leave when the paramilitaries threatened to play soccer with the heads of their children if they did not leave their land. Others did not get to leave in time for violence, and many lost spouses or children to the violence.
We visited a church in a town called El Tres where we saw a real resurrection spirit, however. Though nearly everyone in the congregation had been displaced from somewhere else, the church acted at the center of the community to help them start their lives again. The church rented a plantain farm, where families could harvest to earn a living and eat some for themselves. They proudly took us to their plot of land, and demonstrated how the plantains are harvested, cut, cleaned and packaged. I will never eat plantains again—or bananas for that matter—without thinking about the hardworking Presbyterians in El Tres, who do NOT let the powers of death and destruction have the last word.
I look forward to sharing with the people of First United ways that we can support the resurrection spirit that is alive in the Presbyterians of Colombia. We can use our access and voice to advocate for them and for policies our country makes with theirs.
Leah Fowler
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Introducing our New Associate Pastor
Jul 22, 2010
So I told this story to a couple church folks the other day, and they asked me to tell it again when some other people were around, and those people kind of dug it, so I thought I’d tell it to you.
I used to work at Starbucks. And I was really good at my job. I can make you a latte that will make you doubt your allegiance to healthy lifestyle choices. But after I worked at Starbucks for a while, it was clear to me that despite my milk-steaming prowess, my most loyal customers – the people I saw there every single day – were not just coming in for the coffee.
Through casual conversation, jokes, and some occasional heartfelt sharing, I began to realize that for many of our customers, the interactions they had at Starbucks were some of the most meaningful they had all week. I had more than one customer tell me flat-out that I was the nicest person they spoke to all day. And for the record, let me tell you that despite how pastory I can be at church, if I’m working a 4:45 a.m. shift at a coffee bar, I’m not that nice. But suffice to say that many people identified Starbucks as the place they wanted to be, because of the beyond-the-coffee experiences that they had there.
Well, I doubt you’ll be surprised to learn that this is no accident – Starbucks carefully sculpts its environment, from the demeanor of the baristas, to the style of the décor, to the books and periodicals on display and the music being played, to encourage people to think of it as the place where their needs for fun, relationship, entertainment and intellectual stimulation will be met. When I was hired there, I was trained with the concept of the ‘Third Place,’ that Starbucks was intent on being the third most central space in its customers’ lives, behind home and the workplace.
When I was introduced to this concept as an employee, I remember thinking, What about church? I for one really believe that the beloved community that is possible in every church has more potential for personal connection and meaningful provocation than any capitalistic endeavor. I believe that opening up to God in church brings opportunities for transformative worship, relationships of depth, illuminating and/or incisive learning, compassionate care, intellectual stimulation and lifestyle challenges, all of which facilitate our living the lives of abundant joy and meaning that we all long for.
And praise God for congregations that realize this and go for it! When we worship together, teach one another and serve side by side, when we are intentional about investing in the life of the church of which we are a part, for receiving as well as giving, we bring ourselves ready to live in the kind of peace and joy that surpass understanding because they come from God.
Let Starbucks strive to be the fourth place.
Rob Leveridge
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Summer prayer partners program and ideas for ways to pray
Jul 15, 2010
Prayer Idea from Carl Nauert
I prefer to pray early in the morning. I’m an early riser and it’s so peaceful before our dogs and cats are in full energy. I tend to keep a list of who is in need (members, friends, family, etc…) world and local issues and who is on my mind, etc.. (I’m a list maker) I also ask God to help me find ways throughout the day to be a better Christian, neighbor and husband.
Prayer Idea from Grant Jones
A few years ago I lived with a Quaker family for the summer and went with them to church one Sunday. The service was different from the one I was use to attending. They spent most of the service in silence allowing each person to silently reflect or meditate. At first it seemed difficult to be quiet and stay focused but by the end of the service it ended up being a really good way to pray.
Prayer Idea from Megan Lewis
The children of our Nursery School are taught a prayer to say at snack time. It goes like this:
For food to eat and friends to love, we thank you, God, our Creator. Amen.
Growing up, I said this prayer as a student of the school. My family said it at dinner every night (though we said,“friends and family to love”) and now that both of our children have gone to the Nursery School, they too, know this prayer. We say it at our dinner table every night.
For children, a prayer that they can recite is helpful. The school prayer is perfect in its simplicity. They can actually understand what they are saying. On the other hand, Justin and I are teaching our kids how to pray in a comfortable, conversational manner. At night, when we put the kids to bed, we give thanks for specific people and events in the day. Frequently, it turns into a reflective conversation where they probe us as to why we are “thankful for those that protect us”, etc.
Praying with my kids is one of my favorite times of the day. Everyone is calm, the communication pure and sweet. It is in those moments that I feel the Holy Spirit embracing our little family.
Prayer Idea from Judy Vojta
Several summers ago I saw the Dahli Lama in Grant Park. His wisdom was absolutely memorizing, however, one story in particular that he shared has impacted one way that I pray. He talked about his life and all the travel that it entailed; airports, trains, and long car rides, which often meant that many times events occurred out of anyone’s control and his plans were delayed. He told hysterically funny stories of people shouting at airport personnel, repeatedly honking in traffic jams, or pacing in front of non moving trains. Yet, he suggested that these delays were actually an “unexpected gift” of an opportunity to be present and meditate. One actually had free time. The Dahli Lama would put on earphones in the back of a car or find a quiet place at an airport terminal and use this gift of time to reflect on what happened that day or what may happen in the future. By the end of his story, he had convinced us all that unexpected delays to our rigid time schedule is truly a blessing.
Since patience is not my strongest virtue, I tried it once while waiting in St. Louis airport. I sat and prayed about my family, my future, and my friends. Indeed, sitting in a crowded airport I actually felt refreshed and connected to God. I actually believed that this delay was a gift. Now, when I am caught in a traffic jam, or in an extremely slow line at Costco, or waiting for an el that seems to take forever and I feel impatience bubbling in my stomach; I use that free time pray for others.
Prayer Idea - from Julie Harley
I used to listen to the radio or CDs on my commute to work in the morning. Now I leave the music off and drive in silence, remembering and praying for people in the congregation or the needs of the world, asking God to lead me through the day. I try to notice things that I pass, like an especially beautiful tree, and offer thanks to God for beauty. When I’m in a bad mood, I try to discern why I’m feeling out of balance. When I’m stressed, I ask the Spirit to slow my racing thoughts. It’s my little prayer chapel. And I DO leave my eyes open.
Prayer Program Overview
On June 6, we began a summer Prayer Partners program at First United. Children, youth and adults can sign up to participate. The deacons will match each person with a Prayer Partner and ask them to do three things over the summer.
- Touch base once a week (by phone, email, in person or at church) with your Prayer Partner.
- Listen to their joys and concerns and be sure you hear what they say.
- Communicate with God, through prayer, about the joys and concerns of your Prayer Partner.
Each week, our pastoral staff and deacons will post a paragraph here about “ways to pray.” Visit the website regularly to get new ideas to enhance and deepen your prayer life with God and your Prayer Partner. This program goes through Sept. 12, when we return to 11 am worship on Gathering Day.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
This Week at First United
Jul 15, 2010
Upcoming Events at First United
Shop at 10,000 Villages from 6-9 pm Thursday, July 15, and 15% of your purchase will benefit Sisterhouse. Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade store featuring gift items from around the world, located at 121 N. Marion St. in Oak Park . Sisterhouse helps underprivileged women receive housing and support to overcome substance abuse and lead wholesome, meaningful lives.
Our Blessing of the Animals Service, originally scheduled for July 18, has been moved to Sunday, Aug. 22. The service will be held outdoors near the labyrinth, weather permitting.
Volunteer with Jesus at the Food Pantry. Summer volunteers are needed, especially this Saturday, July 17, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. A record 133 families were served on July 7. Contact Bob Haisman at gardenoprf@sbcglobal.net.
Leah’s sermon this Sunday is titled “The Faith to Listen,” and focuses on the story of Martha and Mary from Luke 10:38-42. We will celebrate baptisms for Stephen Faust and Lange Peterson. Stay afterward for the Worship/Sermon Talk-Back at 11:15 am in the Chapel. Enjoy the new art installation in the sanctuary, created by our member John Zaruba.
Budget basics: The Finance Committee will meet with a representative from all church committees at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 20, to review our budgeting process.
SCARF Camp for children and youth begins next week!
For more information about First United Church Events visit our website ,www.firstunitedoakpark.com>
and friend us on Facebook! We’ve got 150 people who “like” us and our goal is 300. Click the FB link on the website homepage.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
New Orleans Mission - Report 3
Jun 25, 2010
More from New Orleans…
Tomorrow will be our last workday but the work on Constance’s home will not be finished. We hope to complete final touch up on the right side exterior of the house and the first coat on the left. We are diligently working on the detail on the front – including the elegant corbels. We expect to complete replacement of the interior wall and have been scraping and painting the window in that wall so that we can install an air conditioner to provide some relief from the horrendous heat and humidity. We are so grateful for the occasional cloud that provides relief from the sun without interrupting our work with more rain!
We have been working hard but it has been a great blessing to be doing this together. We had an afternoon off on Wednesday and visited the Brad Pitt Foundation housing site and the Habitat Homes Village as well enjoying an elegant meal in the French Quarter followed by beignets at Café Du Monde. We are connecting in new and meaningful ways.
There is so much left to do in New Orleans. Between the houses that have been or are being restored there are homes that have been abandoned and left untouched for 5 years. Vines grow from inside some of these homes up through the chimneys. It’s an eerie sight. The city seems to be having difficulty getting these places condemned and demolished so the derelict homes remain as a constant reminder of the devastation of Katrina. The UCC Disaster Response Ministry will continue to do its work at least until the end of 2011. It is not clear what will happen after that. We know that another volunteer group will take over finishing Constance’s home when we leave. What will happen to the many other homes that are not repaired or removed? How does a city come back from such devastation? What else can we do to help?
Joanne, Julie, Ted, Sam, Gy, Adam, Roger and Connie
See all the photos from this mission trip in the Photo Gallery.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
New Orleans Mission - Report 2
Jun 24, 2010
The New Orleans mission group has now had two workdays at the home of Connie who has lived in her house for over 30 years. We are doing exterior painting and because of copious amounts of RAIN we have also started inside work that includes replacing a wall, scraping windows, and washing and painting walls and ceiling in the living room. We are doing all this while Connie is in the house. She is as model of patience, strength and serenity.
We are very fortunate to be hosted by Little Farms UCC. The congregation served us a wonderful New Orleans dinner and ate with us Monday night. There are comfy bunk beds and showers, TV and internet, puzzles and games – Wow! We wonder if we are as hospitable to our guests at First United.
The UCC Disaster Response Ministry has cleaned 847 homes of hurricane debris and has rebuilt over 40 homes so far. Over 5000 volunteers from all over the U.S., the Netherlands, France, Canada, Mexico and Dominican Republic have done the work. There is still much to do and we are so glad we can be a part of it.
Joanne, Julie, Ted, Sam, Gy, Adam, Roger and Connie
See more photos from the trip in the Photo Gallery.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
New Orleans Mission - Report 1
Jun 20, 2010
The mission to New Orleans has begun. We rode the ‘City of New Orleans’ and arrived an hour early! The trip down was very meaningful. We had a communion service at 10AM using the bread for the journey we each brought with us. We talked about the biblical roots of the work to come – focusing on justice. It was 100 degrees when we arrived but we have wonderful accommodations at Little Farms U.C.C. Monday the work begins.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Youth and Adult Mission Trips
Jun 17, 2010
This week more than 40 youth and adults from First United are on a mission trip with SOWER in Ohio, providing home repair for families in poverty. Next week seven adults will travel to New Orleans to continue rebuilding homes damaged in Hurricane Katrina. They will also learn more about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and how that is affecting the community. In July, five church members will travel to Colombia, South America, to visit our missioners Mamie Broadhurst and Richard Williams. Each of these trips is a way to live God’s vision for First United, to translate our words into witness. As the prophet Isaiah said, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Look in our photo gallery for pictures of our beautiful feet.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Peace With Justice Forum presents Mark Braverman April 19th
Apr 12, 2010
‘Peace With Justice Forum presents Mark Braverman’ — Monday Night — April 19 — 7PM - “The Lounge” at First United Church of Oak Park (848 Lake ) .
Mark Braverman is the author of a groundbreaking new book, Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land . Mark shows how the Jewish quest for safety and empowerment and the Christian endeavor to atone for centuries of anti-Semitism have combined to suppress the conversations needed to bring about a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land. A Jewish American with strong family roots in Israel , Mark articulates a hopeful and provocative message, finding guidance in the prophets’ cry to justice and Jesus’ transformative ministry. Questions? Contact Pauline Coffman — p.coffman@sbcglobal.net or Bob Haisman - gardenoprf@sbcglobal.net
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Peace and Justice Forum hosts author Mark Braverman
Apr 8, 2010
Peace and Justice Forum hosts author and Middle East activist, Mark Braverman
Mark Braverman author of the recent book, Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land, will be attending the Peace and Justice Forum meeting on Monday, April 19 at 7:00 PM. . Trained in clinical psychology and crisis management, Braverman devoted his professional career to working with groups and individuals undergoing traumatic stress. Returning to the Holy Land in 2006, he was transformed by witnessing the occupation of Palestine and by encounters with peace activists and civil society leaders from the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities.
Since then, Braverman has devoted himself full-time to the Israel/Palestine conflict. He is a co-founder and Executive Director of Friends of Tent of Nations North America, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Palestinian land rights and peaceful coexistence in historic Palestine. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions-USA, the advisory committee of Friends of Sabeel North America, and the advisory council of the Washington Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace. He is a charter member of American Jews for a Just Peace.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Planned Giving Committee’s Special Lunch Event
Apr 7, 2010
Special Lunch Event Sunday April 18: Leave a Legacy: Building our Church’s Future
“When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another … profit from that grantor’s gift.” Maya Angelou
As we worship in First United’s Sanctuary with its magnificent stained glass windows and Cassavant organ, enjoy the support and fellowship of our church community, educate ourselves and our children in Christian values, and provide important mission work within our own and the broader community, we understand intuitively that we are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. But do we stop to think that it is on our shoulders that future generations will stand to carry on the ministry and mission that means so much to us here and now? The capital campaign that funded the renovation of our building, which we celebrated after worship on March 14, certainly provides for our church’s future. A legacy gift to the church through your estate also makes a statement of faith and commitment to First United, one that will endure after your lifetime. To learn more, join us for lunch provided by the Planned Giving Committee:
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2010
Time: 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Place: Chapel
There will be a short presentation by Stephen Keizer, a planned giving advisor from the Presbyterian Foundation. Childcare will be provided if we know in advance that you need it. So that we can plan for food and childcare, please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the Elder Desk, contact Ann or Gene Armstrong at 708-524-0381 e-mail: geneann1113@yahoo.com or call the church office at 708-386-5215.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Peace with Justice March Events
Feb 26, 2010
FIRST UNITED PEACE WITH JUSTICE — EVENTS FOR MARCH!
March 15, Monday — The First United ‘Peace With Justice’ Forum — (at First United) prioritizing the peace making ideas generated from our group’s discussions of Mortenson’s “Three Cups”! We will also reflect a bit on — Mortenson’s new book - “Stones into Schools”….Come join us! You do not have to have attended any of our previous talks — just come and be a part of Monday Night’s Forum.
March 19-21 — Ecumenical Advocacy Days — Washington DC — Turn good intentions into ACTION!http://advocacydays.org/ — Meet with our representatives in the House and the Senate, and make a lasting imprint on the social and peace issues. Rev. Leah Fowler —- LFowler@firstunitedoakpark.com
April 3, Saturday — Greg Mortenson Fund Raising Dinner — join us at the “Oak Park” Table. Most of the ticket prices goes to support Mortenson’s 137 Schools! Order and pay for your tickets as individuals — www.ikat.org/cai-annual-fundraiser .Please let Bob Haisman gardenoprf@sbcglobal.net know YOU are attending — so we can seat you at the “OPRF Table”!
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Christmas Concert, Christmas Eve Services and Christmas Pageant
Dec 11, 2009
The “Sing We Joyous” Christmas Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19.
Our Christmas Eve schedule is as follows. TheChristmas Eve service at 5:00 PM will include the children’s pageant. There will also be a service at 8:00 PM and a candlelight service at 11:00 PM.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Welcome to our new pastoral staff members
Sep 4, 2009
Rev. Mark Buck is our new Interim Associate Pastor for Mission and Membership. He will work with our Deacons, Faith in Action Committee and New Members Committee, as well as providing worship leadership and pastoral care. Mark will be with us 30 hours a week during the search for our new called Associate Pastor.
Mark was selected from a field of about 30 candidates by our interim search committee. He brings a wealth of pastoral experience, as well as 11 years of service as a transitional pastor. Mark is a graduate of Elmhurst College and Eden Theological Seminary and has been ordained in the United Church of Christ for 35 years. He has served congregations in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Missouri. He and his wife, Jane, live in Highland, IL, and they have a son and daughter-in-law who live in Iowa.
In his ministerial profile, Mark identifies these priorities in his ministry: Worship, mission and ministry within and beyond the local church; proactive administration; and maintaining a healthy spiritual life through study, prayer and meditation as well as self-care.
Mr. Jeffrey Foels is our new seminary intern, who will be with us two days per week during the upcoming school year. He will work with each member of the pastoral staff and be involved in all the ministries at First United. You will also see him leading worship on a regular basis and making pastoral calls.
Jeff is a graduate of St. Olaf College and a third-year student at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He was raised in the First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, MN, where he served as a member of a Pastor Nominating Committee, an elder, and a senior high youth director. During his seminary years, Jeff has served as a teaching assistant in Greek class and last summer he participated in a six-week archeological dig in the Holy Land.
Julie will be his primary supervisor during the year, and he will meet with a lay ministry support team monthly, which includes Pauline Coffman, Ann Armstrong, Robert Marseille, Janet Leong, and Hortense Lindsay.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Vision Team Schedules Congregational Conversations
Sep 4, 2009
Vision Team Schedules Congregational Conversations
As we work and pray together to discern our future direction, the Vision Team invites every member of the church to participate in a congregational conversation. Twelve of these sessions are scheduled during September and October. Please try to attend ONE of the twelve.
At each conversation, two of our Vision Team members will begin with introductions and prayer, and then ask five questions about your reflections on the life of the church.
What’s working and bringing value? What’s working, but bringing no value? What’s not working, yet would bring value if it were? What’s missing that would bring value if it were present? When you tell people about your church, they may ask, “Why is First United so successful?” How do you explain this? Why are so many people joining as new members? Why do
Dates and locations of the Vision Conversations:
9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in the Chapel
12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, in the Chapel
7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the Choir Room
12:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in the Chapel
9:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, in the Chapel
9:00 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 – in six different members’ homes
6:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, in the Youth Room, for FUJI/FUSH
No RSVP is necessary, and the conversations will last one hour.
Vision Team members: Mark Loafman, Dick Krissinger, Rick Ashton, Jane Barker, Mark Jolicoeur, Sara Stevenson, and Julie R. Harley, lead pastor
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
First United Church Hires Rev. Leah Fowler
Jul 22, 2009
Rev. Leah Fowler becomes our new Associate Pastor for Youth and Adult Education on Sunday, July 26. Leah graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. She has served in ministry in Montclair, NJ, Alexandria, VA, and Atlanta, GA. We welcome Leah to our staff!
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Meet Rev. Leah Fowler
Jun 24, 2009
On Saturday, July 11 there will be an informal opportunity to meet and chat with Rev. Leah Fowler. We are encouraging youth to come from 2:00 to 2:30 and from 2:30 to 4:00pm everyone is welcome. On Sunday July 12, Leah will be preaching. Following the service there will be a congregational meeting to vote on her call as our new Associate Pastor for Youth and Adult Education.
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Sing in the Mother/Child Choir on Mother’s Day
Apr 14, 2009
What better way to affirm the bond between mother and child than to join together in song? We hope all you who are a mother (that’s some of you) or child (and who isn’t?) will sing with us on Mother’s Day, May 10, when we have our first Mother/Child Choir sing the offertory anthem. Come practice with us on May 3 in the choir room, right after the end of the morning service. We’ll go over the anthem, an arrangement of the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” Then on May 10 we’ll meet in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. and go through it one more time with string quartet before the service.
Let Bill Chin know if you’re planning to sing—and mention it to your mother or child (or someone else’s).
First United Church of Oak Park
An open community united in love & justice
Holy Week 2009 at First United
Apr 1, 2009
Sunday, April 5
- 11 a.m. service Palm/Passion Sunday. Begins at the Labyrinth outside, weather permitting
Thursday, April 9
- 6:30 p.m. Communion Meal and Foot Washing – Centennial Hall
- 7:30 p.m. Tenebrae Service in the Sanctuary
Friday, April 10
- 12 to 1 p.m. Good Friday Service in the Sanctuary
- 1 p.m. “The Way of the Cross” – walk to 14 locations within a four-block radius of the church, remembering Jesus’ walk to the cross (directions for a self-guided walk will be available in hard copy and online)
- 2 p.m. Good Friday through 5 a.m. Easter Sunday – Easter Prayer Vigil. Individuals, couples and/or families will be invited to pray in the Chapel for one-hour time segments. During this time, people are welcome to pray, read, paint, draw, sculpt and/or listen to music. The intention is to encourage spiritual reflection on the meaning of Holy Week and Easter and to prepare our church to celebrate the resurrection. A sign-up sheet is available in the Lounge.
- 7 p.m. Good Friday – on the church steps – A Service of Atonement for War. Planned by the Peace Prayer Vigil.
Sunday, April 12
- 7 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service, beginning in the Chapel, including communion
- 11 a.m. Easter Worship, beginning in the Memorial Garden at the Empty Tomb (weather permitting), then processing into the sanctuary, including communion