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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.