Highlights
Throughout Lent — Lenten book discussion for small groups: Radical Discipleship and Mindful Christianity
March 31 — Adult Ed: Pentecost, 9:30 a.m.
April 7 — Adult Ed: Noah, 9:30 a.m.
April 14 — Palm Sunday
April 14 — Adult Ed: Conversation with Jennifer McBride, author of Radical Discipleship
April 18 — Maundy Thursday: Soup supper, 6:30 p.m.; Tenebrae Service, 8 p.m.
April 19 — Good Friday Peace Vigil, 7 p.m.
April 21 — Easter: Bluegrass Service, 8 a.m.; Traditional Service, 11 a.m.
Evotional
"Expectations"
"When there was a gap between my expectations and what actually happened, I suffered. I learned how my expectations could even become a barrier in a relationship. Suffering, I sought a way of being in my mind that would serve me better."
— Laurie Jolicoeur (on the left in the photo with her friend, Barbara Ballinger)
Calendar
March 30 — William Ferris Chorale concert, 7:30 p.m.
April 1 — Talk by Jennifer McBride, author of Radical Discipleship, 7 p.m.
April 5 — High school choir and handbell concert from First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, 7:30 p.m.
April 7, 14, and 28 — New Moms Flower Power Project donations accepted
April 7, 14, and 28 — CROP Walk donations accepted
April 12 — Dinner and a Movie: Green Book, 6 p.m.
April 14 — Second Sunday Sundaes
April 14 — Centennial Celebration poetry book reception
April 25, 26, and 27 — Dinners for Eight: Prime Time and Midpoint
Sermons
"Wake Up Calls"
Luke 13:1-9
"I like [the] imagery of forgiveness as gardening. It’s new for me, with this sermon. I’ve always tended to think about forgiveness as an interchange between people: the acceptance of an apology, or a willingness to let go of a grudge or a hurt in order to straighten out a situation or relationship. It is that, of course. But before now I’ve not thought about forgiveness as also being the routine, everyday work of clearing out dead growth, uprooting weeds, setting new plants in place, supporting each other as we all seek to produce the fruits of the spirit."
— Deborah Kapp
March 24, 2019
About Us & Registration Forms
What’s Happening
Right now is a perfect opportunity to consider using your gifts and talents in a more formal way to serve the church. The Nominating Committee is compiling a list of people to serve as an elder, a deacon, or a committee member. One of those names could be yours! You can fill out a Nominations card in the pew racks or at the Elder's Desk and put it in the offering plate or Nominating Committee mailbox. Or use this online version and simply hit "submit." You can nominate yourself to serve in any of those capacities, or nominate another church member whom you feel would be a good leader.
Our Lenten theme: Take Nothing With You
Throughout Lent, First United will provide suggested activities for your personal contemplation and spiritual practice. Our Lenten season and Holy Week are rich with events that show what we need to leave behind as we grow in our commitment to follow Christ. A Lent and Easter flyer available at the link below describes the many events and worship opportunities leading up to Easter. In addition:
- We will offer a weekly list of Lenten practices, which will include daily devotions, prayers, and even a video for further reflection. Here's the link to the third week: Expectations.
- You can join a Lenten book study group. Learn about the books and choose a group at this SignUp Genius link.
- We need Holy Week volunteers to bake bread on Wednesday and get Centennial Hall ready for the soup supper before the Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service, as well as table hosts and people to clean up. Find out what's needed and volunteer at this SignUp Genius link.
