What’s New At Incarnation?

Friends of Church of the Incarnation,you so much for your generosity and prayers for the people of Haiti in the tragedy of this earthquake. $1580 was collected last Sunday to be sent to UMCOR, and health kits are coming in. See the attached for an update on the United Methodists in Haiti.to everyone who has joined the “Welcome Pastor” Dialogue. It has been amazing in the midst of a very busy winter that about 18 people have taken the time to talk together, and with me, and committed to 40 days of prayer and journaling together. The dialogues have been a time of new learning and re-connecting.I look forward to next Wednesday! I know the commitment of each person will make a difference in the Church’s future.If you not sure what we are “doing” or “accomplishing”, you might want to read an article Richard Tani gave me from a Tribune editorial titled, “Futzing need not be wasted effort, but can lead to direction, purpose.” by Tom Peters. Christians have always had to “futz” around a bit in prayer and dialogue to hear GOD, who knows where it could lead.On a different note, this Sunday, January 24, 10:15 a.m. Worship is the Week of Christian Unity and Interfaith Relations. The sermon is “The Bible Isn’t Television” and believe it or not, I got that from our Bible readings, Nehemiah 8: 1 - 3, 5 - 6, 8 - 10, I Corinthians 12: 12 - 31a and Luke 4: 14 - 21.Brian McClaren gave me some insights, as well. When did you receive your first Bible? What difference does it make in your life, if any? Have you read it? Think about it.A prayer: God, thank you for loving us so much by giving us your word. May we honor you by spending time with your word each day. Amen. (from Upper Room Disciplines)Your Friend and Pastor, Rev. B.J. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger

Friends of Incarnation UMC,

Look at it snow!  I hope you are keeping cozy and warm on these midwinter days. I hear a sledding party is happening this Sunday for all young people.  How perfect.  See Gary Anderson for details!    Avoid the winter “blahs” and bring yourself and the children out for church school this Sunday. Bring a friend!

The sermon for Sunday, January 10, 10:15 a.m. worship, is “Wade in the Water” as we remember our baptism.  This is the Baptism of Christ Sunday, and in Luke’s gospel, Jesus “waits in line” to be baptized by John.   The scriptures are Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22;  Isaiah 43: 1-7, and Acts 8: 14-17.  Prepare to get “wet”!  (No, I won’t throw a snow ball at you!)

Just a reminder if you are joining me in the 40 Days of Prayer for the church, daily devotions and journal questions it is in the book, Welcome Pastor. The dialogue begins this Wednesday at 6:15 - 7:25 p.m. in the Library led by Joel Hartland, chair of SPRC.  I look forward to this time of dialogue as in these winter days we seek God’s guidance in shared ministry. Even if you do not yet have a copy of the book, please know you are welcome!

A prayer for this Epiphany:Holy Spirit, fall on me today.  Light me with your fire.  Remind me that I am God’s beloved.Amen.

Your Friend and Pastor,B.J.

Friends of Church of the Incarnation, Thank you so much for a most meaningful Advent and Christmas together! Not only was the music outstanding, the children and youth programs delightful, and the candlelight service worshipful, but we sold (or shared) all of our Christmas trees, fed the hungry, shared our toys with children from Chicago to South Dakota, collected sweaters for the children of Palestine, and laughed and cried together! Thanks for this time of waiting and watching for the Promise and the New Birth. Truly this has been a time of receiving the gift of life and new beginnings that God offers in the incarnation of the Christ in our world and our lives. Sunday, January 3 begins a New Year, and it is our Epiphany Sunday. Epiphany reminds us that God comes to us in Jesus Christ, and with the Magi we see the Divine in new ways. The scriptures are: Isaiah 60: 1 - 6 and Matthew 2: 1 - 12. The Magi will join us on the journey! The sermon is: “Going Home Another Way.” We will celebrate Holy Communion to begin a new year. Children will join us for the entire service this Sunday, and nursery care is available. The Finance Committee and Administrative Council will be meeting, and inviting the congregation, to gather after church for a short meeting to make a decision about fulfilling our commitment to the United Methodist Church for 2009. We want to support the Northern IL Conference and worldwide missions financially. All apportionments that are sent to the Conference in January will go to worldwide ministries, and they are needed badly this time of year. Finally, on Christmas Eve, we heard from Pam Rasmussen, (daughter of Bill and Penny Bailey) who was traveling to Cairo, Egypt and to Palestine (Israel), the Gaza Strip to try to bring needed assistance to a people blockaded off from the world. She is now in Cairo with Freedom Marchers from all over the world, 1300 people. Please read her update (see link) from Cairo, and thanks to all who donated the 22 sweaters for the children and youth in Gaza. We pray they will reach their destination in spite of political pressures otherwise. Keep Pam in prayer. http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article10977.shtml Keep praying and working each day for peace in this New Year! January 1, begins 40 Days of Prayer in 2010 for Incarnation, and we invite you to join us for prayer and dialogue whether you are reading the daily reflection book, Welcome Pastor or not. Have a warm and healthy holiday. Your Friend and Pastor, Rev. B.J. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger

Friends of Church of the Incarnation, This is the week for the music of Christmas.   The women of New Beginnings will present one more concert tonight, Dec. 18, at 8 p.m. with Songs of the Season to definitely brighten your life.  Thanks to all Incarnation women who bring us this gift of joy.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, at 10:15 a.m. we “Celebrate the Season!” with a Cantata by Joel Rainey directed by James Brownold, Music Director and presented by our Chancel Choir.  The music of Amy Leach and the Incarnation Sound, led by Frank Lee, with Joel and Jody Hartland, Eloise Brittain and Wade Lee will lift our spirits as we prepare for Christmas. There are solos by Mary Tris and Dottie Bissell, and our young liturgical dancers will give glory to God.

Bring a friend, and bring a sweater.  The missions committee is collecting sweaters up until Christmas Eve to send with Pam Rasmussen to the children and youth of the Gaza Strip in Palestine.  Immediately following the refreshment time on Sunday, Penny Bailey will lead an educational with a 15 minute DVD on Israel and Bethlehem.   Come and learn what is happening in modern day Bethlehem and how we can help.

Note, there is no Sunday School this week for children or adults. Nursery care is available, and young children will have activities during worship.  I thank the youth and children for an amazing worship experience last Sunday!  We have so much talent!

Finally, we are sending a note from our Lay Leader, Nancy Bavisotto, in response to the visit of Bishop Hee Soo Jung to Incarnation last week.

The Longest Night Service, Monday, December 21 (Winter Solstice) will be at 7 p.m. (not 7:30).

If you need the list to send cards to the homebound of our congregation, let me know. Keep these words close to your heart this time of expecting a new birth of God in your life and our world: “Every time a hand reaches out to help another…  that is Christmas. Every time someone puts anger aside and strives for understanding… that is Christmas. Every time people forget their differences and realize their love for each other… that is Christmas.”

Peace,   Pastor B.J.

From Nancy Bavisotto:

Hi fellow Eskimos,

 Thank-you!  Thank-you!  Thank-you!  Thanks for braving the cold and coming to our Cluster Meeting with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Elgin District Superintendent Rev. Oscar Carrasco and Conference Foundation President Harry Nichols.  Wasn’t it a wonderful hour?  Our Bishop highlighted three missions of the Methodist Church. One, we are among half of the conference churches who are engaged in missions in other states and countries.  Some churches have members who are personally present in other countries.  Two, we are rebuilding our churches so we can better reach out to others.  One example is making them accessible.  We are part-way there, but need to work on sheltered access.  Three, new churches are being started and meet in places such as Starbucks, McDonalds, and Community Centers.  We are rethinking how to best use our facility.

The second part of our gathering centered on our joys and celebration.  There was not enough time to share all of them.  Those included were the monies received from the Creative Hands Boutique, Soup Kitchen, and Christmas Tree Sales which help support  Habitat for Humanities, PADS and other charities.  We collected Child Serve gifts.  Ann  thanked Bishop Hee-Soo for the inspiration which he gave us.  Frank told how he has been inspired at the Annual Conference.  There he has seen how the Methodist Church has  a presence in the world.  We belong to a strong ecumenical youth program.  We also have an ecumenical Bible Camp.  Bishop Hee-Soo affirmed the ecumenical effort.  He suggested that we might consider sponsoring one or two youth to go overseas to help them become global leaders.  He was very impressed with our artistic, creative sanctuary which are gifts of Art and Marian with the help of others.  Our strong, inspiring music program was also highlighted. 

 We were asked what we would like Bishop Hee-Soo to include as he prays for us. Our prayer requests included growth with young families and youth, growth in spirituality and growth as we determine what to hold on to and what to let go of.  Pastor B.J. was affirmed and the Bishop expressed his desire for a ten year partnership with her.  We have so much to be grateful for as we look forward with great desire and anticipation for the future of our beloved church.

A special thanks to Jill Wingett for preparing the hospitality table.  The cookies were not only beautiful, but delicious!

Thanks to all of you who were able to participate!  It was a warm gathering on a cold day!

Friends at Church of the Incarnation,

You do not want to miss the next two Sundays.   December 13 is the Third Sunday in Advent and we light the pink Joy Candle.

Be prepared for joy, as the Incarnation Kids and Youth at the 10:15 a.m. Worship Celebration will be presenting a special Christmas program:  “The Great Christmas Broadcast.”  Travel back to 1940 and gather around the radio to join the children in a search for Christmas! The memories of past times will put a smile on your face and the joy of finding the true meaning of Christmas will put a smile in your heart.   This is under the direction of Carol Larson, Christian Education Director, and Danny Moore, Youth Director.

December 20, 10:15 a.m. is the Choral Cantata, “Celebrate the Season” which is full of the spirit of Christmas!  This is directed by James Brownold, Choir Director.

Thanks to everyone who made the Boutique and the Soup Kitchen such a success.  We raised more money this year for Habitat for Humanity,  $1600 was donated.  We also raised more money for our PADS ministry through the Soup Kitchen.  I understand we are ahead in selling Christmas trees this year which will help us to pay our mission giving (apportionments) and other commitments for 2009.  Just a note that our Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings are designated this year for our mission/outreach through the United Methodist Church apportionment.  Your gifts, and many hours of work (and fun!)  made all the difference!  

Thanks to all who participated in the Meadows Christmas Party with our friends.   A good time was had by all ages and abilities as we sang carols together in the spirit of Christ’s love!

Looking ahead:   December 17 & 18 at 8 p.m  (Thursday and Friday) New Beginnings Concerts in the Sanctuary. 

December 21, 7:30 p.m. is a Service of Healing and Hope,  The Longest Night Service.  Come and invite a friend.

December 24, 7:00 p.m.  Christmas Eve Service of Carols and Candles, with story of the “Gift of the Magi” for the Children, and living nativity

Beginning January 1,  We invite you to join in 40 days of Prayer and Reflection using the book,  “Welcome Pastor.”  This is for personal prayer and reflection, with 4 dialogue sessions with pastor and people beginning Wednesday, January 13, at 6:15 - 7:25 p.m.  Pick up a book before January 1.,   Joel Hartland and Pastor B.J. will be leading the dialogue. 

It is not even Christmas, and the baby is born! Thanks for all the congratulations and prayers at the birth of Jerry and my first grandchild,  Seneca Marie Lyonsmith, born to our son and wife, Daniel and Angela Lyonsmith, December 4, 2009.  I will get a picture soon! 

I will be on a few days Spiritual Retreat this week,  Tuesday, December 15 - Thursday, December 17,  If an emergency need for a pastor should arise,  please call the pastors at First UMC in Arlington Heights. 

May the Peace of Christ be with you.

Your Friend and Pastor, B.J. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger

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.

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. 

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.