What’s New At Incarnation?

Friends of Church of the Incarnation,

TURN BACK YOUR CLOCKS BEFORE SUNDAY MORNING! Fall Back.

Sunday, November 1, 10:15 a.m.,  is All Saints Day with Holy Communion.  The scriptures are Isaiah 25: 6 - 9 and John 11: 32 - 44 and the sermon is “The Gift of Tears.”  We will think about a God and Christ who laugh with us, and cry with us in joy and sorrows.   This God is one who rejoices over every one of us and brings us to new life. God gives us the gift of tears, which makes us all human and able to love.

We will celebrate all the saints of the church, and remember with a candle lighting ceremony those who have died in this past year. Family members and friends are invited to light a candle in remembrance of a loved one whose name is read. This year we will also have time for anyone to light a votive candle for any loved one they remember and treasure this All Saints Day.

The children will join us for all of this worship service. The candle lighting is often quite meaningful for children, as well. There will not be Incarnation Kids, but the children will be invited forward after all of the candles are lit, to light a Candle of New life.  They are a sign of our future, and they keep that light burning on all of our behalf as a church.

I pray for all of our children a safe and very fun Halloween.  Seeing the creative costumes at our Trunk ‘n Treat last Sunday, it should be a fantastical time for all.  Don’t eat too much candy!Thanks to everyone who helped with our Consecration Sunday.  It was a joy to gather with the church for a special brunch to say “Thank You” for your devotion and commitment as a church family.  The financial commitments received on Sunday were up 7 % for 2010.  This is a hopeful and faithful sign.
 

Looking ahead:   

Sunday,  November 8 is Laity Sunday:  Focusing on the Gift of Prayer
Sunday,  November 15  will be our Sharing History All Church Gathering at 4 pm, with a Meal following.  All ages are welcome, and child care is provided. Please sign up for a count!   Then at 7 p.m. is our All Church Conference.  Get it on your calendar NOW.

Enjoy the Fall, and your week.  See you in Church.
Your Friend and Pastor, 
B.J.

Welcome to Our Preacher TodayRev. Lisl Heymans-Paul is speaking. She is ordained in the United Methodist Church and serves as a campus minister at Agape House Christian Ministry at UIC. Her passion is working with students as they discover Christ in their journey of faith. She has served churches all over Northern Illinois and loves being in the city. She lives with her husband Sumeet, their dog Frodo and cat Slinky in Lakeview Chicago. Pastor B.J. will be on vacation for a family wedding.Pastoral Care needs should be directed to Rev. Lynn Mikels at First UMC in Arlington Heights. The phone number is 847-255-5112. Tami Salerno on VacationTami will be out of the office until Thursday, October 22. Consecration Sunday is Coming October 25, 2009!This is also Reformation Sunday, as we celebrate the church we invite you to wear red. “Getting to Know You” Home MeetingsDuring October, all members and friends and neighbors of our Church of the Incarnation family will have the opportunity to attend a home meeting with Pastor B.J. As she and her family settle into their new home and church, a high priority for her is getting to know each of us. Home meetings will help her to do this as we also get to know her. Please attend one of these meetings. You will be glad you did. If you would like to sign up to attend a particular meeting, contact Nancy Bavisotto at 847-253-3458. Thank you. Altar FlowersIf anyone would like to bring the altar flowers in honor of someone or something special, please sign up on the sign-up board in the Narthex. Thank you. CROP Walk is TODAY.Step-off time – 1:30PM from Kingswood UMC, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove The perception has been that this is an annual Youth Group event, but nothing could be further from the truth. While the Youth Group has been a faithful participant and organizer over the years, this is an all-church event open to everyone. Families, couples, and individuals of all ages are encouraged to be part of Team Incarnation and help raise money to fight hunger at all levels - internationally, nationally, and, most importantly, locally. If you are interested, contact Dave Coughlin or Gary Andersen as soon as possible. Remember - WE DO OUR BEST WORK WHEN WE DO IT TOGETHER Wednesdays at 6:15PM – Prayer and Dialogue with Pastor B.J.We invite you to prayer and dialogue to reflect on life and faith with Pastor B.J. The group will use a the Biblical Book of James as our scripture. Books will be available, but not necessary. Contact Herb Hessler or Pastor B.J. if you are interested, or just come. The Women’s CornerWe meet Tuesday mornings from 9:30AM until around noon. Men’s Breakfast GroupThis men’s discussion group starts at 7:30AM. Start your day with some great fellowship! Adult Sunday School has started!Join us this year at 8:45 a.m. The class title is “Christianity and World Religions”, wrestling with questions people ask. The series is a video based small group study by Adam Hamilton and is for 6 weeks. We will be using a study guide that will be available from Jim Zavodsky. The cost of the book is around $11.00. Jim’s email is jimzpsi@aol.com and you can leave a phone message for him at the church office – 847-956-1510. Free Interfaith Discussion – October 25, 7:00PMNorthwestern University Interfaith leadership is the key to ensuring that the 21st Century is defined by cooperation, not conflict, among the world’s diverse religious communities. Join Reverend Jim Wallis – an evangelical Christian – and Dr. Eboo Patel – a Muslim – to discuss a vision for interfaith cooperation. Dessert Leadership Event Monday, October 19, 7:30PMThere will be a Dessert Leadership Event in preparation for Consecration Sunday. If you are in a leadership position at the church, you are invited. Reverend Christian Coons, Pastor, of the Urban Village Church in the South Loop and West Loop will be the guest speaker. He served two other suburban churches, including Deerfield UMC. He is a native Iowan who worked in the non-profit public relations and journalism fields before going into ministry. He has written in two books, 365 Meditations for Young Adults and 365 Devotionals for Men By Men. He will share his new initiative for church development reaching new populations in the South and West Loop of Chicago, especially among young adults. He will engage us in conversation and will bring a brief message regarding our roles as God’s disciples and stewards in preparation for our Consecration Sunday. Trunk ‘N Treat – Sunday, October 25, 3:00-4:00PMAs in the past four years, Incarnation will be hosting this event the Sunday before Halloween. That’s when we bring our cars to the parking lot and park them like spokes of a wheel. Most decorate the open trunks, and of course, have a supply of treats. Our children and the kids in the neighborhood are invited to come in their costumes and compete for prizes. Incarnation Youth will be there to lead games for the goblins. AND we’ll have coffee and donuts for the parents! First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst Invites You to an Afternoon Community Presentation of the Genesis Connection Choral GroupSunday, October 25, 2009, the African American choral group will perform at 4:00 p.m. This performance is ideal for families and the community is warmly invited to attend. Tickets may be reserved by calling the church office at 630-834-2240. Children 12 and under are free. Adult ticket price is $8.00. The men of Genesis Connection represent all walks of life and come together to witness to their faith through song. They feature their own arrangements of gospel and spirituals. Their interactive performance will delight all attending. The church is located at 232 S. York Road in Elmhurst. (See the flyer on the church bulletin board.) 31st Annual Creative Hands Boutique!!Once again, it is time for this wonderful event. Come see our great display of unique HANDMADE items, then stay for delicious homemade soup and fresh baked goodies! The $2.00 donation benefits Habitat for Humanity. Hours are: Thursday, December 3: 10 AM to 8 PM, Friday, December 4: 9 AM to 7 PM , Saturday December 5: 9 AM to 1 PM ChildServThey are searching for an individual or a couple, either already licensed or in the process of becoming licensed Foster Parents, who might be interested in renting a lovely home well-suited to foster parenting. The home is near Gurnee. Please see the church bulletin board for more information as well as a picture of the home which can accommodate up to seven foster children. Church Calendar:Mon 10/19 9:30AM New Beginnings Mon 10/19 7:30PM Leadership Gathering with dessert Mon 10/19 7:30PM AA Tues 10/20 9:30AM The Women’s Corner Wed 10/21 7:30AM The Men’s Breakfast Wed 10/21 6:15PM Pastor’s Study and Sharing Group Wed 10/21 7:30PM Choir Rehearsal Thurs 10/22 7:30PM Meet the Pastor At Home Meeting at The Andersen’s Sat 10/24 Youth Great America Trip & Youth Lock-In Sun 10/25 8:45AM Adult Sunday School Sun 10/25 9:00AM Youth Gathering Sun 10/25 10:15AM Worship! Celebrate the Church of Incarnation Sun 10/25 after Children’s Chat Children’s Sun. School Sun 10/25 after worship All Church Lunch – Catered Meal Sun 10/25 3:00-4:00PM Trunk N Treat

Friends of Church of the Incarnation, This coming Sunday, October 25, 10:15 a.m., we celebrate the Church! It is both Reformation Sunday and Consecration Sunday when we make commitments to God that support ministry and mission. We invite you to wear red (a sign of a people of the Spirit). We also invite you to bring a canned good or other staple of food to share with the three families we are supporting. Come and enjoy the music, and the pictures of our Church in action, prayer and worship. The scriptures are from Mark’s gospel. Two unexpected people offer themselves to God in discipleship and faithfulness in Mark 10: 46 - 52, and Mark 12: 41 - 44. First, a man suffering from blindness, Bartimaeus recognizes Jesus as the Christ and recovers his sight. Then, a poor widow gives all that she has in the offering. The sermon is “Offering Ourselves to God.” Consider what gifts God has given to you, and what do you have to give for God? There will be a time in the worship service to receive your financial commitment for 2010. Immediately after worship, everyone is invited to a brunch in Fellowship Hall to give thanks for and celebrate the people of Incarnation! Then, plan to see those ghosts and goblins out in the parking lot for “Trunk or Treat” at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the children to enjoy the treats! I understand there is coffee and donuts for the parents, too. For the youth, they will be enjoying “Frightfest” at Great America on Saturday, October 24, and then to the church for an all night lock-in. Thanks to the 15 Walkers for the CROP Walk, and the sponsors. We raised $980 towards the total of $10,000 from all of the churches. WOW! Thanks to all who came out for Work Day last Saturday to clean up and spruce up. Finally, looking ahead, Sunday, November 1, is All Saints Day. Remember to let us know if there is a loved one in your life to be remembered on that Sunday morning with the reading of the names and lighting of a candle. You can give it to me, or contact Tami in the office. Think on these words of Erich Fromm: “Not those who have much are rich, but those who give much.” Your Friend and Pastor, B.J. 

We have a Guest Preacher Next Sunday, October 18
Rev. Lisl Heymans-Paul will speak. He is the Campus Director at Agape House, an ecumenical Campus Ministry at the University of IL, Chicago (UIC). Pastor B.J. will be on vacation for a family wedding. Pastoral Care needs should be directed to Rev. Lynn Mikels at First UMC in Arlington Heights. The phone number is 847-255-5112.

Tami Salerno on Vacation
Tami will be out of the office from Wednesday, Oct. 14 through Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Consecration Sunday is Coming October 25, 2009!
This is also Reformation Sunday, as we celebrate the church we invite you to wear red.

Getting to Know You Home Meetings
During October, all members and friends and neighbors of our Church of the Incarnation family will have the opportunity to attend a home meeting with Pastor B.J. As she and her family settle into their new home and church, a high priority for her is getting to know each of us. Home meetings will help her to do this as we also get to know her. Please attend one of these meetings. You will be glad you did. Look forward to receiving a personal invitation from a neighborhood host soon. If you would like to sign up to host or attend a particular meeting, contact Nancy Bavisotto at 847-253-3458. Thank you.

Altar Flowers
If anyone would like to bring the altar flowers in honor of someone or something special, please sign up on the sign-up board in the Narthex. Thank you.

Wednesdays at 6:15PM – Prayer and Dialogue with Pastor B.J.
We invite you to prayer and dialogue to reflect on life and faith with Pastor B.J. The group will use a James scripture. Books will be available, but not necessary. Contact Herb Hessler or Pastor B.J. if you are interested, or just come.

The Women’s Corner
We meet Tuesday mornings from 9:30AM until around noon.

Men’s Breakfast Group
This men’s discussion group starts at 7:30AM. Start your day with some great fellowship!

Adult Sunday School has started!
Join us this year at 8:45 a.m. The class title is “Christianity and World Religions”, wrestling with questions people ask. The series is a video based small group study by Adam Hamilton and is for 6 weeks. We will be using a study guide that will be available from Jim Zavodsky. The cost of the book is around $11.00. Jim’s email is jimzpsi@aol.com and you can leave a phone message for him at the church office – 847-956-1510.

Safety First
For the safety of our children and youth, there must be an adult present if they are in the kids room. Also, please make sure that if you take anything out – please put it back where and how you found it. Thank you.

ALL-CHURCH Work Day!
When? It is Saturday, October 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please show up. There will be something you can do! Contact Tom Rutenber or Pete Bavisotto if you would like any more details.

Mortgage Relief Project – Saturday, October 17, 2009
If you, or someone you know, is struggling to hold onto their home or are behind on mortgage payments or nearing foreclosure, please see the church bulletin board for some information on free help.

ChildServ
They are searching for an individual or a couple, either already licensed or in the process of becoming licensed Foster Parents, who might be interested in renting a lovely home well-suited to foster parenting. The home is near Gurnee. Please see the church bulletin board for more information as well as a picture of the home which can accommodate up to seven foster children.

CROP Walk is coming October 18th
Step-off time – 1:30PM from Kingswood UMC, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove

The perception has been that this is an annual Youth Group event, but nothing could be further from the truth. While the Youth Group has been a faithful participant and organizer over the years, this is an all-church event open to everyone. Families, couples, and individuals of all ages are encouraged to be part of Team Incarnation and help raise money to fight hunger at all levels - internationally, nationally, and, most importantly, locally.

If you are interested, contact Dave Coughlin or Gary Andersen as soon as possible.

Remember - WE DO OUR BEST WORK WHEN WE DO IT TOGETHER

Trunk ‘N Treat – Sunday, October 25, 3:00-4:00PM
As in the past four years, Incarnation will be hosting this event the Sunday before Halloween. That’s when we bring our cars to the parking lot and park them like spokes of a wheel. Most decorate the open trunks, and of course, have a supply of treats. Our children and the kids in the neighborhood are invited to come in their costumes and compete for prizes. Incarnation Youth will be there to lead games for the goblins. AND we’ll have coffee and donuts for the parents!

NIC School of Evangelism – Workshops October 17, 2009
This year’s focus will be on “The Twenty Components of an Evangelistically-Effective Congregation.

Each workshop will cover one or more of the components and offer practical ways to implement that component within your congregation. Evangelism starts when leaders of the congregation make the conscious decision to become effective in reaching new people. Make that decision by signing up for the School of Evangelism today!
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
Location: Hilltop Ministry Center, Machesney Park; 8301 Mitchell Road, Roscoe, IL

Cost: 1 person - $40.00
2-3 people - $60 total
4-6 people - $90 total
each person after 6 is $20 additional

To Register: Contact Natarsha Gardner, NIC Program Office – 847-931-0710, ext. 16; Email: Ngardner@umcnic.org

First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst Invites You to an Afternoon Community Presentation of the Genesis Connection Choral Group
Sunday, October 25, 2009, the African American choral group will perform at 4:00 p.m. This performance is ideal for families and the community is warmly invited to attend. Tickets may be reserved by calling the church office at 630-834-2240. Children 12 and under are free. Adult ticket price is $8.00.

The men of Genesis Connection represent all walks of life and come together to witness to their faith through song. They feature their own arrangements of gospel and spirituals. Their interactive performance will delight all attending. The church is located at 232 S. York Road in Elmhurst. (See the flyer on the church bulletin board.)

Incarnation Kids
They will meet on Sundays during the worship service following the Children’s Chat. They meet so that children ages 3-10 may have a chance to worship in their own style. Communion Sundays will be family Sundays, and the children will remain in the church to worship together as a family.

Safe Sanctuaries
In order to comply with the need to keep our children safe, we ask parents to accompany their children if the need arises for them to leave the morning worship. Thank you.

Bring In Your Used Ink Cartridges!
We have started another new box (green and white, located in the Narthex). We have received a check for $25.15 for the 5th box of cartridges we just sent in.! Good going! Please continue to bring your used cartridges in and help save them from overcrowding the landfills and Incarnation benefits as well!

A Message from Your Trustees
If you see something around church that may need some attention from the Trustees Committee, please fill out one of the Work Request forms kept in a folder outside the office and place it in the Trustees mailbox. Please do this for both small maintenance tasks that can be addressed immediately and for large undertakings that can be discussed at the next Trustees’ meeting.

Friends at Church of the Incarnation,This weekend the church will be buzzing with activity.  That is nothing new!  There is never a dull moment. 

The All Church Work Day is Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

Sunday is the CROP walk in Buffalo Grove at 2 p.m., and then youth meeting in the evening.  Lets hope for great weather! 

This Sunday,  October 18 at the 10:15 a.m Worship Celebration we welcome Rev. Lisl Heymans Paul as our preacher, a United Methodist pastor and Campus Ministry Director at Agape House Christian Ministry at the University of Illinois, Chicago.  She has served in this ministry for several years, and previously served many churches in Northern IL Conference.  The scripture is Mark 10: 35 - 45, and she will be preaching from her life and Campus Ministry experience.   If you are in high school or college, or a young adult, we invite you to come and hear Rev. Lisl.  She will be going to the Chicago CROP Walk immediately following worship, where her Campus Ministry is the starting point! 

I am thankful that I can get away this weekend for a mini- vacation to a wedding in Minneapolis, MN.  I will be gone Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16 - 18.  Rev. Lyn Mikels, on staff at First UMC in Arlington Heights will be on call.  You can reach her or any of the pastors by calling the church if a pastoral care need arises. 

Looking ahead, Sunday, October 25 we celebrate the Church at our worship service and we will share an all church meal together.   For this special Sunday we need pictures of the congregation and special events or ministries.  If you have any pictures that you can e-mail to me or to Danny Moore this week it we would like to include them to be projected. 

Thanks for your help. Again, thanks to each person who has taken the time to attend or host a house meeting with the pastor. These have been special times to get to know each of you.  I am learning so much!  It is hard to believe I have just been here less than two months!  I look forward to what we will do together in this partnership of ministry for Christ.   

Keep the Church in special prayer this week as we prepare to renew our commitments for the year ahead. 

Your Friend and Pastor, B.J.