Global Gift Shop
Sunday, November 16, in Fellowship Hall
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
 Tora Women’s Group provides jobs for young Egyptian women living in the garbage collectors’ areas of Cairo. The women find fabric suitable for bags, clean it carefully, then sew it into bags with motifs inspired by ancient patterns. Several of their lovely bags will be available for purchase in the Global Gift Shop.
This year’s gift shop will offer:
coffee and tea from Equal Exchange
olive oil from Palestine
Divine chocolate
Christmas items and bags from Hands along the Nile
crafts from Fairhaven School in Egypt.
and gift items from Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages has been working with artisans for more than 60 years to bring handmade pieces, traded fairly, to consumers. The Grayslake store will be providing goods for our sale.
All these products enable artisans living in poverty to improve their lives by educating themselves and their children and putting food on their family’s table.
 Each product has been crafted responsibly, using sustainable natural resources and recycled materials. So join us to purchase gifts that give twice – once to your friends and family, and then again to small farmers and artisans around the globe.
Payment will be received separately
by RCLPC and Ten Thousand Villages.
sponsored by the Mission Outreach Ministry
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This month we are focusing our mission energy on the subject of Fair Trade—what is it? How is it different from Free Trade? How can we be part of the Fair Trade movement? We have a number of events planned to help us explore this topic and to get involved in Fair Trade during the month of November. Tonight, November 12th, at WEAVE we’ll be viewing the movie Buyer Be Fair and discussing some of the issues (economic, social, and otherwise) surrounding Fair Trade. Sunday, November 16th, we’ll have a moment for mission given by Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit organization that promotes fair trade, living wage for workers in developing countries, and dialogue and education on economic and social justice issues. Ten Thousand Villages also operates several stores around the country, offering people the opportunity to buy fairly traded goods. That same day, the 16th, we’ll have the Global Gift Shop in the Fellowship Hall, with food and crafts and other fairly traded goods available for purchase. On November 19th at WEAVE we will begin our discussion about “Doing December Differently” and how fair trade might be part of our holidays this year. Look throughout the Spirit for opportunities to participate in November’s mission focus: Fair Trade! |
Last Sunday evening, about 80 folks gathered to help us “Celebrate Our Story”. It was an evening of fellowship (with the best potluck ever), lots of laughter, and a time to recall the history and the stories of our church. There were so many people that helped to make this evening so memorable - thanks go to all the elders and deacons that handled publicity, setting up all the tables, decorating the tables, making the beautiful place mats, setting up the stage area, taking care of the pot luck, cleaning up, and all the other miscellaneous jobs. Thanks to Rick Thompson for recording our story, to Wayne Prindiville for putting together the power point presentation, and to our wonderful musicians, Rebecca Floyd, Scott Iddings, Sarah Metivier, Steve Vornsand, and Ann Legg. Special thanks to Jodie LeFevre, Jack Black, and Al Popp, who shared their stories with us, and to our own storyteller, Rick Johnson. We especially would like to thank Joan Black, who shared a script that she and former member, Mary Lloyd Jamision, had written for RCLPC’s 150 year anniversary. That script became the foundation for the story we told. And finally, we would like to thank all the thousands of members who have made RCLPC their church home –without them the wonderful stories that we told wouldn’t have been possible. Well done, good and faithful servants.
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Ladies of RCLPC
You are cordially invited to an
Advent Dessert Night
Friday, Dec. 5, 2008
7:00 P.M.
in Fellowship Hall
Come and share a relaxing evening -
Hearing the message of Advent,
Enjoying a wonderful homemade dessert,
Being entertained and served by the men of RCLPC,
and Relaxing in the fellowship of friends.
PLEASE RSVP
Sign up in the Connecting Link
or contact the church office at 815-459-1132
and please indicate if you need a ride.
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Don’t forget about Youth Sunday! Everyone together rehearses Sunday November 16th from 1-3. Everyone in the band (including vocalists) rehearses Thursday November 20th (time TBA). Everyone together, Dress Rehearsal, Saturday November 22nd from 3-5pm! Arrive Sunday November 23rd at 7:45am.
High School Youth Ministry:
* Retreat to Stronghold, Friday Nov. 14th - Sunday Nov. 16th! Bring your sleeping bag and pillow, your pjs, your toiletries, a towel, warm clothes and good shoes, a Bible, and your assigned item. We leave as close to 5pm as possible!
* PADwiches! Come at 5 on Sunday, Nov. 30, to make lunches for those who use the PADS shelter. We’ll deliver the lunches and help out with serving and finding out more about what they do at PADS. We should be done at about 8pm (note the slightly later time than usual).
Middle School Youth Ministry:
Enjoy the rest of your November—we’ll see you again for a meeting on December 14th at 1pm!
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This year RCLPC is hosting the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 23rd, at 7pm. Join us for a time of giving thanks with our brothers and sisters from a variety of faith traditions (including participants from the McHenry County Jewish Congregation, the McHenry County Muslim Association, the Blue Lotus (Buddhist) Temple in Woodstock, and a variety of Christian traditions). There will be readings, prayers, music, and a short message. Afterward, we’ll have treats and conversation together in the fellowship hall. See you here!
The adult choir, assisted by the Crystal Brass, Ann Legg, organ, and Carl Wesa, timpani, will present “Gloria” by John Rutter, on December 14, during 9:30 and 11:00 worship.
Gloria was the first work Rutter wrote for performance in America. It was commissioned by the Voices of Mel Olson, Omaha, Nebraska, and Rutter directed the first performance during his first visit to the United States, in May 1974. The setting is based on one of the Gregorian chants associated with the Latin text, and is divided into three movements of exultation, prayer and praise.
The pastors are here for you—don’t be shy! There’s now an easier way to get in touch with your pastors. Of course, if you’re looking for one of them, it’s best to call the church office first (815.459.1132) since they are there a LOT of the time, and if they aren’t, Kim can probably tell you when to expect them. But if you can’t find a pastor in the church office, you can now try their cell phones (and Teri even accepts text messages—just put your name in it so she knows who it’s from!). Thanks!
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It’s coming! The Advent Conspiracy...
a chance to conspire (“breathe with”) with God during the Advent season...
a chance to conspire against the hectic, busy-ness, consumer-oriented craziness...
a chance to focus on the miracle of the Incarnation...
The Advent Conspiracy.
Beginning November 19th, The Crossing (7-8pm, Fellowship Hall) will explore ways to “Do December Differently.” December is one of the most hectic and most expensive months of the year … does it have to be that way? Why is it so crazy? How, historically, did we get to this place in our Christmas celebration? What are some other choices we have? There will be a packet of supplemental reading for those who wish to read! … Part of the Advent Conspiracy!
This year observe Christ the King Sunday, November 23rd, by joining us for worship as the youth of RCLPC lead us through an exploration of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The worship schedule remains the same: 8:30 (alt), 9:30, and 11. The youth will provide all our leadership, from greeters to liturgists to choir to message. We hope you’ll join us for worship! |
A huge thank you to the teams who shopped, assembled and delivered lunches to Bethany Lutheran on the second Sunday of October and the fourth Friday to Christian Fellowship:
Our shopper for the month - Rebecca Floyd
Assemblers for Sunday - Allison Larsen, Sue and Fred Neuschel and Lois and Rick Johnson
Delivered 30 lunches - Allison Larsen
Assemblers for Friday - Amanda and Karen Nelson, Karen Hutchings, Gloria Thorson, Joy Martin
Delivered 40 lunches - Karen and Alex Nelson
Teams are needed for Friday, November 28th. Rebecca Floyd will again do the shopping for the month. Can you help??? See the sign up in the Connecting Link.
Pastor Teri and our High School Youth Ministry will do the lunches for the fifth Sunday of November as part of their 2008-09 theme: “Live It”.
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Items are continually placed in the PADS Bin under the stairwell near the Connecting Link. These items are always delivered to PADS, but the thanks has often been overlooked. Your generosity and concern, however, has not gone unnoticed. Please continue to donate. The need is greater than ever. Thank You
"Thank you so much to all of you who contributed the baked goods and cards of support for our family and for the diapers.com gift certificate. Everyone has been so compassionate and we are extremely grateful for that! Thank you for brightening our day.” Andy, Michele, Gracie, Jack, Addie & Ryan Fowles |
Thanks to everyone who has donated items and money to send Christmas stockings to the 54 soldiers in the Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment that deployed from the Woodstock National Guard Armory to Afghanistan to work on reconstruction of the country. On November 7th, Deb and Andrew Steele, Emily and Noah Lazar, Dorothy Vick, Rev. Jan Kennedy, Kathy Novak, Pat Moll, Ellene Schmidt, Leanna Miller. Bob Tripp, Ann Jarvis, Nancy Vazzano, Kathy Rabe, Cheryl Brincks, Kim Stewart, Karl Dencker, and I filled the plush red stockings with a DVD, a CD, two phone cards, hygiene items, and lots of candy. Please keep these (and all) soldiers and their families in your prayers.
Mary Moltmann
The Cookie Lift volunteers will have a selection of pastries in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 9:15 AM - Noon. Stop by for a pre-Thanksgiving treat to enjoy with coffee and conversation with friends. Donations to the Cookie Lift fund that supports our troops and their families will be joyfully accepted. This Sunday's donations will be used to buy gift cards for Christmas for the families of the Woodstock National Guard soldiers who are in Afghanistan. ~ Mary Moltmann and Ed Bennett |
As the holidays approach, the Crystal Lake Food Pantry will provide Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. They will contain a 12-14# turkey, vegetable, potatoes, dessert, etc. enough for a family of 6-8. The cost will be $15 this year and I hope you will be able to share a Thanksgiving or a Christmas dinner (or both) with those less fortunate. Historically the Salvation Army has provided the Christmas meal, but this season the pantry is providing the Christmas meals. This year is a difficult year for many but especially for the unemployed, single parents, seniors, etc. who come to the pantry. We are setting new records for the number of families served. If you can help one family or more, please make your checks payable to RCLPC and mark “Food Pantry” in the memo line. You may also write the check directly to the CL Food Pantry and put it in my box. If you have any questions, please call me. Thanks for all your kindness. Nancy Vazzano
The RCLPC annual giving tree will be up on November 16th filled with tag ornaments with items needed by agencies including:
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Crystal Lake Food Pantry
Faith in Action of McHenry County
Family Health Partnership Clinic
Home of the Sparrow
Illinois Migrant Council
PADS
Youth Service Bureau
There are general items needed by agencies as well as personal items needed by individuals. Please consider including someone else in your Christmas giving; follow the instructions on the tag. If you have questions, just contact Joy Martin and please put the item under the Christmas Tree with the tag by the date requested. Happy Holidays.
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We have one remaining work day in 2008: Monday, November 24. Following are the dates that our church runs the food pantry in the coming year. Please mark your calendars:
Mondays: Jan. 12, March 2, April 20, June 8, July 20, Oct. 19, and Dec. 7, and on one Friday, Sept. 11. Thanks. Nancy Vazzano
With the end of the year approaching, here's a friendly reminder to check your bedroom dresser top, kitchen drawers, and assorted places around your home for quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. If you discover any coins, please pick up one of the "Spare Change for a Big Change" cardboard boxes stored at the entrances to the sanctuary. Then, add your spare change to the box. Do not worry about whether the box is full. Partially filled boxes are more than welcome. The Spare Change contributions from 2007 were able to provide scholarship support (food, clothing, school supplies) to middle school and high school kids in El Vaquero, Mexico. Church members' coin amounts taken together are large enough to positively impact lives. We have collected $173 so far this year. Thank you for your help and support of this program.
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For 17 years now, the Cookie Walk has been a holiday tradition bringing cookie BAKERS and cookie EATERS together for a great cause! Here's how it works:
1. We bake cookies.
2. We sell cookies.
3. Cookie money goes to many deserving charities.
4. Everyone goes home happy and full of cookies.
Okay, maybe it's a little bit more complicated than that. There's also the part about decorating Fellowship Hall, and arranging the cookie buffet to look beautiful and inviting, and greeting the customers, and serving coffee, and all the other little things that help make the Cookie Walk a special event that brings people back to RCLPC year after year. There's all kinds of different ways you can help--many of them not even involving baking--but the Cookie Walk can't happen at all without you! So please, stop and take a look at the sign-up sheets you'll find in the Connecting Link, or ask Nancy Blakely, Sarah Metivier, or any other member of the Cookie Walk team, and find out how you can help RCLPC have the biggest, brightest, best Cookie Walk ever!
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Do you want to learn how to decorate your cookies for the annual cookie walk, and would you like some pointers from a professional pastry chef? Then sign up for this class on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM with Debbie Mindham, pastry chef at Tarts n Truffles, 140 Cass St., Woodstock (across from La Petite Creperie). Included in the registration fee of $10.00, she will provide each student with three baked cookies (a stocking, a Christmas tree, and a present), and all of the supplies needed to decorate the cookies: icing, colorings, and a disposable decorating bag, coupler, ring, and piping tip that you can keep. Debbie will also give pointers on easy ways to turn those plain brown cookies into festive treats. Class is limited to 30 people, so sign up in the Connecting Link now! The $10.00 registration fee may be paid when you come to the class. Questions? Contact Ed Bennett. |
A Letter to the Editor of the Dakota/Lakota Journal by Ernie Stevens, Jr. of the National Indian Gaming Association revisits Native American Heritage Day, on the Friday following Thanksgiving, urging communities and schools to help clarify the truth about Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colombo) on that day. It is hoped that this will become a permanent day of recognition.
Naturally, the calendar can’t be turned back any more than the cultural mores of the larger society in which we all live can be changed. Never has the government recognized a special day for Native American religious festivals or historical acts which indicate to Indians that they are truly a minority within a minority of people in America. Hence, the passage of House Joint Resolution 52 is a major event and the first step towards establishing a Native American national day of observance and recognition that may include the closing of banks, post offices and schools.
That maiden voyage of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria is well remembered by American school children and can be recited from memory with Columbus landing on the Island of Hispanola. However, Indians can no more forget his enslavement of Native people on this first Journey to America than they can the various massacres by the U.S. Cavalry on their ancestors in such places as Wounded Knee, Sand Creek and the Trail of Tears. No, history can’t necessarily be changed but children can be educated about the past; we can build from the truth a future in which we can all be proud. Let’s recognize, stand up for and celebrate Native American Heritage Day this year!
~ The Native American Connection. |
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