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Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. –Mother Teresa When we walk without the cross, when we build without the cross, when we proclaim Christ without the cross, we are not disciples of the Lord. –Pope Francis The life of Jesus was a life of humble simplicity, yet how infinitely exalted was his mission! Christ is our example in all things. –Ellen White There is an urgency to the work of Jesus, an immediacy in Mark’s gospel that precludes the disciples’ need for validation and affirmation and pushes them to heavily weigh that Jesus has come to do battle with everything that stands in the way of humankind being in relationship with God. –Pastor Scott

God is still speaking …

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey …

You are welcome here! A SPECIAL WARM WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS!

Thank you for joining us today! We hope that you feel the warmth of God’s spirit here as we worship together! Please complete the form (in the pew) to let us know a little more about you and place it in the offering plate. As our guests this day it is the only offering we ask. If you should have a prayer concern or would like to meet with the Pastor please indicate this next to your name. Thank you!

Following worship please join us in Fellowship Hall for an informal Continental Breakfast.

Please note our worship services are online and televised, your participation in the service may be visible during these live ministries. If you should not wish your child to be on screen, please refrain from sending them forward during the children’s time or have them sit directly in front of the pews in the front.

Children are welcome in worship; however, should your child grow restless feel free to sit with them in the Parlor at the rear of the Sanctuary.

Nursery/childcare is available for children up to age 2 and is located just off the hall of the main Sanctuary.

Children are invited to attend Sunday School following the Children’s Message. Classes are offered for all ages.

Nursery and Sunday School: The nursery is open today. Sunday school for 3 year olds- 4th grade will be in the Chapel. 5th-6th graders will be in the Youth Room.

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Please pass the clipboard in the pews. Sign in and sign up for events and let us know you’re here.

PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Scott MOMENT OF AWARENESS Scout Sunday *SHARING THE PEACE *OPENING SONG #23 All Creatures of Our God and King (1,3, and 5) Francis of Assisi/Draper/Geistliche Kirchengesang/Williams CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Pastor Scott

When we claim the successes that belong to God Ground us. When we push forward in eagerness without listening to Your voice Still us. When we choose security of things known and safe over the promptings of the Holy Spirit into the unknown and uncertain… Breathe into us life and courage to remind us that whatever we face as individuals and as a church, we never face it alone. Amen. CHILDREN’S SONG Jesus Loves Me (1st Verse) CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Scott The Lord’s Prayer (read in unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. CHILDREN’S SONG Jesus Loves Me (2nd verse) Jesus loves me still today, Walking with me on my way, Wanting as a friend to give, Light and love to all who live.

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SCRIPTURE READING - Len Clark Mark 1:29-39 MINISTRY OF MUSIC Until the Whole World Hears -Casting Crowns The Band SILENT MOMENT OF REFLECTION MESSAGE On a ‘‘Mission From God” Pastor Scott SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Pastor Scott and Pastor Sanders This table reminds us of the open invitation and grace of God. We come carrying the weight of life, our fears, our flaws, our failures, and our sins. We leave filled, forgiven. At this table we are reminded that we are sons and daughters of the living God, kissed by grace, forgiven in ways that leave us amazed. We are called to do likewise. This table is open to all who seek the Bread of Life for the journey and the cup of God’s salvation in Christ. As Christ invites the world to come, taste and see the goodness of God, so we too offer a table open to all God’s children – no exceptions! Welcome to the table God has prepared!

Invitation to the Table Pastor Scott Prayer of Confession Pastor Sanders Assurance of God’s Grace Words of Institution Special Music Together At the Table of the Lord -McGuire/Purifoy Chancel Choir Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Scott OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS TO GOD Pastor Sanders Sharing Our Gifts with the Offertory Offertory Music Pie Jesu -Webber Chancel Choir *Presentation of the Gifts with Praise (sung in unison) To God, all glorious heavenly light, To Christ revealed in earthly night, To God the Spirit now we raise, Our joyful song of thankful praise. *Prayer of Dedication Pastor Scott *CLOSING HYMN #459 Come, All Christians, Be Committed -Lloyd/Wood

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*BENEDICTION Ancient Words -Deshazo One of our worship traditions to show our solidarity and love in community is to join hands and sing. If you are visiting with us, we invite you to join us in song and in spirit. POSTLUDE Greater -MercyMe The Band

OUR TIME OF WORSHIP TOGETHER HAS ENDED.

NOW MAY OUR CHRISTIAN SERVICE BEGIN!

Today’s Musicians Vocals: Kelley Calpin, Anthony Berg, Emily Durham

Guitar: Owen Cooper Bass: Leo Finan Percussion: Lily West Piano: Jon Neuhoff Percussion and Piano: Justin Kono

New Church App

Download our new app on your iPhone or Android NOW! Just search for our church name. The app will keep you connected “real-time”.

PRAYER CONCERNS AND COMMUNITY JOYS

Rick and Genevieve Franz, Betty and Lyle Cheever, Lorek- sister Judy health concerns, Matt Miller, MacKenzie-daughter of Stephanie Herlien (FCLC), Robert Dankworth, the residents of Cape Town South Africa as they face one of the largest water crisis in Southern African history

GREETERS: Dave & Lynn Niemi, Bob Orsula USHERS: Andy Dahle, Judi Davenport, Virginia Hopley, John Hall HEAD USHER: Tom Eisenhart COUNTERS: Skyla Hall, Paul Zimmerman (Lead Counter) Jim Fincucane This week’s continental breakfast will be served by Mission/Justice/Witness.

This Week’s Announcements Upcoming dates:

First church visioning Sunday, February 25th 11am $5 for lunch per person. Weds February 28th after Grounds of Hope in Fellowship Hall. 2nd session April 29th and May 2nd same format.

March 4th: Elmhurst College Jazz Ensemble will be sharing a Worship and Arts Art and Soul Concert here at the church. Time TBA.

Monday Adult Ed classes: This week’s topic- God as Trinity NEXT week’s topic- The Two Natures of Jesus Christ: Human/ Divine, 1pm and 6:30pm NEW LOCATION Music Room

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YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS: Saturday, February 3rd: Confirmation and mentors, People’s Resource “SOUPer Bowl of Caring” food drive at Jewel/Osco on Cass and Ogden Ave. 10:00 am- 2:00 pm. Sunday, February 4th: Youth CSM Mission Trip meeting and Trivia Night committee planning. 10:45 am in the church Parlor. Sunday, February 11th & Sunday, March 11th: Parent Education Series presents, “Getting Back to the Basics” What really matters in raising your children and how to get back to what’s important to God and family life, 10:45 am- noon in the Parlor. Sunday, February 11th: High School Discussion Group. Meet in the Youth Room from 6:30-8:00 pm. Saturday, February 17th and Sunday, February 18th: Youth Winter Retreat to Madison, Wisconsin and the Wisconsin UCC Trost Center. RSVP and payment due by Sunday, February 4th. Youth Mission Trip Trivia Night! Friday, April 13th, 6:00 pm- 10:00 pm. American Legion Hall in Downers Grove. Tickets are $25 each and there are tables of eight. Tickets go on sale soon. Service and outreach dates for PADS. The Night Ministry of Chicago, People’s Resource Center, The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and more. Please see Mrs. Pro for upcoming dates. HOUSTON Hurricane relief trip: 2nd meeting will be Sunday, February 11th following worship. Details about dates, costs and lodging will be forthcoming as well as medical updates and skill sets for the trip. Godly Play Training for Teachers: There will be training for anyone interested in teaching the new Goldly Play curriculum. The two part training will take place on February 4th and February 11th from 11:00- 12:30 in the Chapel. Please email Michelle Rafacz at mrafacz@uccdg.org by February 1st if you would like to participate. Vacation Bible School- Mark your calendars now! Vacation Bible School will be held June 18-22. We will be going on a Rolling River Rampage adventure. Don’t miss out on the fun!!! We also are looking for volunteers to lead our students on their adventure. Contact Michelle Rafacz with any questions (mrafacz@uccdg.org). The 2018 Pancake Breakfast: The 2018 FCC Pancake Breakfast will be held once again on Saturday, February 10th from 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Tickets will be on sale after church services on Sunday, January 28 and February 4th. See Nick Costanzi in Fellowship Hall. As part of Scout Sunday, B.S.A. Troop 55 will be collecting any old Athletic shoes: The drive will be held from February 1st – 28th. The collection box will be placed near the west entrance of the church. Help us meet our goal of collecting 260 pairs of shoes! Any questions? Please contact Karen Gatewood, Troop 55 Secretary 630-964-2903 B.S.A. Troop 55 will be selling Butterbraids: The cost is $14.00 per Butterbraids. There are many different flavors including: Apple, Cream Cheese,

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Raspberry, Caramel Rolls, Strawberry Cream Cheese, Four Cheese and Herb and Cinnamon. They also carry cookies this year. Samples will be available February 4th and 11th in Fellowship Hall following the service. Any questions? Please contact Karen Gatewood, Troop 55 Secretary 630-964-2903 MCB Orientation: There will be a New Member’s Orientation meeting for MCB to be held on February 17th from 9am -12pm. Coffee Hour in Need of Mugs: Our supply of mugs for coffee hour has gone down some. If you have a mug at home that you would like to share with the church, please put the mugs in the basket marked Coffee Hour Mugs during the months of February and March. Who knows, you may even use it again one Sunday! Want to be a holy roller?: Warm up your bowling skills this winter by joining your fellow church members for an afternoon of bowling at the Tivoli 938 Warren Ave Ste B, Downers Grove, IL 60515 on Sunday, February 11th from noon to two. Cost is $10 per person. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Feel free to bring non-church friends. Please sign up with any of the Fellowship Board members - Fred Borrowman, Robin Oberle, Joyce Nelson, Samantha Cechowski, Denise Hoytt, or Lynn Niemi. We will be available at continental breakfast, by email at Niemi05@hotmail.com, and on sign-up clipboards in the pews. Please respond soon as we would like to have reservations made by February 1st. Mission Ministry: Calling all volunteers - join our prison ministry team at the Illinois Youth Center (Warrenville)! Each Thursday evening, two members of our team teach a “life skills” class to help better prepare the youth for life outside the juvenile justice system. You can volunteer as often as you would like, but you don’t need to be there every week. Our spring semester will begin in February 2018. If you are interested in this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please contact Amy Curran at amyccurran@gmail.com or 630-964-2205 for more information. FCC BOOK CLUB: As we enter the fifth year of our book club group, we will be doing things a little differently this year. The Downers Grove Public Library is recommending that we take advantage of their Book Bag program. Basically, this means that I, as the leader, will pick up all the books for our monthly reading and distribute those books to the members at the meeting. If you miss a meeting and want to participate in the next month's meeting, you will need to contact me to make arrangements to pick up the book at the church office. My phone number for calls or text is: 630-464-0426. My email is Lsmedia52@gmail.com. Our book for February is "The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane" by Lisa See. We will be meeting in the parlor on Wednesday, February 7 at 6:30 PM. Hope to see you there soon. Any questions? Call me, text me or email me. Linda Schranz.

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Chancel Flowers: Did you know that the flowers displayed on the Chancel are donated by church members? Everyone is invited to donate flowers in joy, celebration or remembrance of a loved one. The cost to donate is $35.00 and there is a sign up calendar on the bulletin board on the Sanctuary level, south entrance. When you donate a floral arrangement you are encouraged to take it home with you following service so that you may enjoy its purpose. We do ask, however, that you return the vase so that we can recycle them with the florist. Any questions, please see Linda Schranz or Barb Hammack.

MANNA: Manna Cards- Manna Cards- There are three easy ways to purchase cards and increase income for our church ministries. You can purchase or order for purchase actual cards, you can reload cards you have purchased and you can now get ecards on your device. You can go to www.ShopWithScrip.com. Questions? Email Laurie Olseon at glennlaurie@earthlink.net and Steve Johnson at sjoh413@gmail.com. or come by the Manna Table during Coffee Hour.

Conscious Bean Coffee- This is the direct trade coffee served during coffee hour that travels from San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala to our church. We purchase the coffee for North Central College Enactus a student run organization. You can purchase this coffee for your own use during coffee hour. It is available in one pound bags or KCups. New flavored coffees are now available. Come learn more!

Greater Chicago Food Depository Wednesday Night Repack: Join church members each Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 pm for a food repack session. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is located at 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, which is just off the Stevenson Expressway at Pulaski Road. For more information, contact David Hersemann at dah5@comcast.net, or Laurel Carlson at lacduke@comcast.net.

Christian Witness in Society: Make a positive difference. UCC.org examines current justice issues within the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in today’s world, and offers opportunities to take personal action. Receive weekly justice action alerts from the UCC by going to ucc.org. Click on “Advocate for Justice,” then click on “Take Action.” You can receive justice alerts by email or text. Sign up. You CAN make a difference in the world. Amazon Smile: When you shop @AmazonSmile, Amazon will make a donation to First Congregational United Church of Christ. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/36-2361106

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Scout Sunday

We are pleased to welcome BSA Troop 55 to our service this morning to celebrate

Scout Sunday and our chartering them since 1928. The troop is going strong with

20 registered scouts: 2 Tenderfoot; 1 2nd Class; 4 1st Class; 2 Star; 10 Life; and 1

Eagle Scout along with 20 active adults, and anticipate bridging graduating Cub

Scouts by the end of March. The troop is scout led with the planning of activities

performed and executed by the scouts with the support of a dedicated cadre of

parents and adult leaders.

We are proud to have Matthew Krauter achieve the rank of Eagle during 2017.

There are ten (10) other scouts currently working on the rank of Eagle. Ryan Gage,

Samuel Krauter, Zachary Krauter, Zachary Lowrey, Donald Peters, Sean Petersen,

Adrian Petrykiw, Alexander Tsui and Tyler Youngdahl. Some of these already have

completed and others will begin their Eagle projects over the course of this year.

The scouts outdoor activities include Klondike campout, family ski trip, climbing,

caving, summer camp, fishing, electronics lock-in and hiking trips (10 miles and

over). In addition to these regular activities, we are planning high adventure trips

for our scouts to provide them with more physically demanding and mentally

challenging activities to keep interest at a high level, including Philmont Scout

Reservation where a group will be in the wilderness for 11 days of hiking and

camping in the mountains of New Mexico. Troop 55 has sent a group to Philmont

in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2015 and the next trip will be coming up in July of this year.

The troop has four main fundraising events being candy, plants, wreaths and butter

braids; Approximately 90% of the proceeds goes to scouts for use in scout related

activities such as merit badge supplies, summer camp, gear and regular outings.

The Troop also gives back to the Church through numerous service projects

including, FCC Brothers pancake breakfast, Shoe Drive, Church Garage Sale, as

well as the Scout annual day of service (outside clean up, window washing,

vacuuming).

We appreciate the excellent relationship we have with Troop 55 and we know they

share our feelings. Congratulations Troop 55 on a job well done!

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Coming Up This Week SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2017

Boy Scout Sunday

9:30 AM - 10:30 PM Sunday School

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Worship Service-Sanctuary

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Blood Pressure checks-Parlor

10:30 AM Spring Musical Rehearsal

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Alleluia Ringers-Music Room

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Praise Band Rehearsal-Sanctuary

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Godly Play Training-Chapel

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Junior Choir-Music Room

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2017

66:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House

1:00 PM Adult Education Classes-Music Room

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Chapel

6:00 PM PADS Overnight Guest-Fellowship Hall

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Adult Education Classes-Music Room

6:30 PM - 8:15 PM HFD Budget Assistance program - 603/604

7:00 PM Eagle Scout Troop 55 Review-503

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017

6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House

7:00 AM PADS Departure- Fellowship Hall

10:00 AM Adult Coloring Group-Parlor

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Technology Committee meeting-504

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017

66:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bible Study (at members' homes)

11:00 AM Church Staff Meeting-Library

12:00 PM Administrative Deadline for Bulletin

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Greater Chicago Food Depository Wednesday Night Repack

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Grounds of Hope Worship Service-Coffee House

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Book Club-Parlor

7:00 PM - 8:15 PM Troop 55 Committee meeting-503

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Alanon meeting-Coffee House

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM FCLC Jumpbunch Chapel

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal-Choir Room

7:00 PM Scouts-Fellowship Hall

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Chapel

8:15 PM Two Way Street Concert-Coffee Housee

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pancake Breakfast-Fellowship Hall

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Martial Arts Chapel

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM All Bridge Saints-6 Floor

6:00 PM Two Way Street Barn Dance Setup-Fellowship Hall

8:00 PM - 10:30 PM Two Way Stree Barn Dance-Fellowship Hall

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An Open and Affirming Congregation 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 • 630-968-0358

OUR CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Scott Oberle, Senior Pastor ........................................... pastorscott@uccdg.org Cathy Sanders, Minister of Pastoral Care and Visitation ............. casanders3@aol.com Rev. Karen Nachtigall, Pastoral Ministry Team .................karennachtigall@gmail.com Kelley Calpin, Director of Music Ministries ..................................... kcalpin@gmail.com Maria Carini, Assistant to the Minister of Music ............................ mcarin1m@aol.com Dena Provenzano, Director of Youth Ministries .................. dprovenzano@uccdg.org Michelle Rafacz, Acting Director of Family Minsitries .................. mrafacz@uccdg.org Leslie McFarland, Administrative Secretary ................................. lmcfarland@uccdg.org Kimberly Rutter, Bookkeeper ....................................................... bookkeeper@uccdg.org Carl Lorek, Custodian/Maintenance Supervisor ................................... Carll@uccdg.org Kim Choate, Director, First Congregational Learning Center ... kchoate@uccdg.org Dave Humphreys, Two Way Street Coffee House ................ dave@twowaystreet.org Bill Hammack, A-V Specialist ............................................................. bill@symbolix.com Len Potter, Broadcasting Ministries .................................................. lenp@potterpro.com Justin Kono, Band Director ......................................................... j.akira.kono@gmail.com The Rev. Dr. Robert D. Schieler, Pastor Emeritus

Our church staff is available Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Fridays by appointment.

Office Phone: 630-968-0358 Office E-mail: FCUCC@UCCDG.org

In pastoral emergencies, Pastor Scott can be reached at 630-432-0380.

•Visit our weekly Sunday Service on channel 6 each Sunday at 11:30am or view the service online at www.uccfn.org

Website: www.uccdg.org

First Congregational Learning Center FCLC Website: www.fclcdg.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fclcdg

twitter.com/ uccdg facebook.com/uccdg Donate