The Westchester Community Church
United Church of Christ
1840 Westchester Blvd
Westchester, Illinois 60154
(708) 865-1282
WCC Website: www.forministry.com/USILUCOFCWCCUW

Rev. Joseph E. Mills, III -Senior Pastor
Rev. Calvin C.H. Bremer - Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Godwin Kanjaka Raj - Missional Pastor United Church of South India UCC

Sunday Service - 10:00 am
Office Hours : Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Volume 14 Issue 4
Issue Date April 18, 2008

PASTORS MESSAGE

Questions of Faith -“When Is It Time?” (Part 2)

 Some of you remember the story of the Hatfields and the McCoys (some of our children probably do not even know this story). It appears that no one actually knows the beginning of the conflict. The most often used story is about a shooting death occurring over the ownership of a hog. Whether or not this is the real cause, there really was a hog and a shooting death. But behind this or underneath this story are several other important ones. One has to do with a McCoy coming back from serving with the Union army; the Hatfields (and most of the McCoys) served with the Confederacy. There was great animosity with the Union, and with the young man’s choice to serve. He was murdered. Another has to do with a McCoy daughter leaving her family to live with a Hatfield. Whatever the complete truth might be, there were several shootings, kidnappings, lynchings, and mysterious deaths between 1873 and 1891.

 You may wonder why I brought this up. On June 14, 2003, representatives of the two families signed a Peace Treaty. They hadn’t fought in years; in fact, many got together as very good friends. But they got together for an important reason—first to create a symbolic gesture to support our country against the perpetrators of 9/11– and second, to show that if they can overcome an old conflict, anyone can. No one to this day truly knows the reason for all the animosity. The family simply knew that if people chose, they could keep conflicts alive for no other reason than to have conflict. Does that sound like any conflict you know of in your life? And once we no longer even know the reason for it, what good comes out of having the conflict. Forgiveness can become not only important, but necessary for our health, especially when it no longer serves a just purpose in our life or in the life of those around us. And, sometimes, forgiveness is an important movement not only towards reconciliation, but as a commentary toward a greater good.

Two families chose to value their patriotism over their long-standing feud. Does this mean that all their arguments automatically went away? In their case, perhaps. Perhaps time did heal some things. Perhaps their collective “forgetfulness” and the public shaming connected to being a Hatfield or a McCoy became an incentive for them to move on. But I suspect that it was a choice to honor a set of values over against other values that was the most important thing for most members of the two families.

 In our Christian Scripture, there is an important passage, too often undervalued, from Colossians. From Chapter 3—”As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body…” Inside of this Scripture are three very jarring and critical thoughts:

 1) Forgiveness is a command, not an option. Yes, I know that justice is also a command, but the two go together, not separately. For those who don’t remember, there are far more than ten commandments in the Bible, and this is one that is underlooked;

 2) Being Christ-like means intentionally choosing what to wear—in our hearts and in our minds. We clearly have far more power over ourselves than the world wants us to acknowledge. Being Christ-like means choosing to take on and take in what brings for love, harmony, and peace; and

 3) Being Christ-like means openly challenging (and in Colossians language “putting to death”) what is earthly, chief among them what is evil desire and idolatrous greed (what we put in front of God which we want to worship as first in our lives). 

 I am convinced that we truly know when something is bad for us, and when it will hurt someone else. We, as individuals, and as the Church, MUST challenge these unhealthy, unforgiving ways. When we do not, we allow for harm to continue, and to make impossible the values leading toward forgiveness. When we do practice basic, Christ-like values, bringing people together, helping them overcome their day to day hurts, becomes not only possible, but ordinary. And anyone who knows anything about routines knows that the more we practice something, the easier it is to do. And once it becomes normative, it becomes a teachable value (meaning no one can say—”Do as I say, not as I do”). It leads to a healthy practice, and then, I am convinced, our moral and then personal health. And it brings life to all around us.

 When is it time to forgive? Always. Now. With an insistence for justice and a prayer for mercy. And when we know that our health, and the health of those around us is at stake.

 For Our Health & In the Love of the Risen Christ, Pastor Joe

Come Study With Us

Sunday Evening Bible Study
meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of each month, 7:00–8:00 pm.

The Wednesday Bible Study 
meets Wednesdays, 9:30 am, Westchester Health and Rehab. Center

Christianity 101
Meets the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 11:30 am. 

Faith Conversations
Meets the 1st and 3rd Sundays after church at 11:30 am. 

Off On A Tangent
meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

Locations

The Sunday Morning Bible Study meets in the Pastors Office
The Sunday Evening Bible Study meets in the Pastors Office
The Wednesday Bible Study meets at Mariner Healthcare, Westchester.
Off On A Tangent meets in the church Pastors Office
United Church of South India Bible Study meets in the South Basement. You are always welcome to attend! 

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION
FOR THE GOOD OF
PASTOR JOE'S MINISTRY? 

A box is now in the narthex
Called "Message for the Minister" -
This is for ideas for him to help in his ministry.
Fill out an idea and help our ministry grow!!!

Prayer Concerns 

PEOPLE AT THEIR HOMES:

PEOPLE AT LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES:

PEOPLE AT AREA HOSPITALS:

FRIENDS TO KEEP IN PRAYERS:

IN IRAQ:

PLEASE PRAY  FOR OUR
TROOPS AND PEOPLE
ALL AROUND THE WORLD 

If you would like to email your announcements or articles for the Column or Bulletin, or if you just need information; please email to: westcomchurch@hotmail.com

THANK YOU'S

Thank you to Jay Mills for climbing the ladder to put the lilies on the cross above the communion table for Easter. Also thank you for draping the cross with the black and white cloths. We also appreciate Danny Carberry and Jay Mills for cleaning up the April Communion dishes. Many thanks for your help. The Diaconate

The scrapbooking/card making ladies would like to thank the members that donated food to our event on April 5th. Thank yous go out to Dorothy, Pat, Marilyn, Sue, Mary, Pamm, Barb and Brenna. All the food was fantastic!! We appreciate the women who helped set up the meals and cleaned up the kitchen: Dorothy, Arlene, Brenna, and Sharon. Another successful event for the good of our church!!!

I want to thank our friends for the many cards and notes for Jerry. The rose bowl is so pretty and Jerry is enjoying it. It was so comforting to have Pastor Joe visit and to know we have such a wonderful church and pastor. Sincerely, Louella Kec

Thank you to the Westchester Community Church for your gift of $288 for the CUE Seminary Support Program which is preparing future leaders for our churches at Chicago United Eden.

Just wanted to send a note of thanks for your many visits, to my Dad; and your prayers and words of encouragement to me and my family. Your message of comfort and your presence means to much to us. We are truly blessed to have you as our friend. With my most sincere gratitude. Bob Chapelle

Reverend Mills, Thank you for your time and presentation at my Mother’s memorial service. Your blessing of my mom as a person and her values with scripture far surpassed the usual general eulogies, Warm regards, John Foreman

____________________________________________________________________________________

SENIOR Youth

 (7^th – 12^th Grade)

NEXT YOUTH MOVIE NIGHT

 Next Movie Night - April 27 -

“Saint Ralph”

Aluminum cans for recycling. The Youth continue to recycle aluminum cans. Please bring aluminum cans on the first Sunday of the month. Cans can be left in the narthex by the blue recycling can near the back door.

NEXT YOUTH Activity

The next Overnight is March 14-15 Please sign up on the Rose Room Door!!

Please mark your calendars for the following Events:
April 27 Confirmation Sunday
May 2-4 Tower Hill Retreat/Cleanup
May 17 Car Wash/Pet Blessing
June 21 Car Wash
July 19 Car Wash
August 16 Car Wash
More events and details to follow. 

If you would like to receive emails about upcoming Youth events, please email wrbluemeaniewrx@gmail.com or visit the MySpace page.

4th Grade through High School—Are you interested in forming a Youth Bell Choir?? 9 people are needed to make this work—if interested, let Sue know at the church office, or call Bell Choir Director Joyce Kelstrom - 630/832-6512 or email joycepianobell@sbcglobal.net

At your service. Attention WCC Members: The WCC Youth Group is here to serve! We want to lend our skills and time to those who need help with any sort of project or chore around your home! No job is too big or too small! This is an opportunity for integration of youth and adult members as well as a time for the youth to give and work to their potential. You can contact Lauren Pomrening by phone at 708/369-4736 or email: WccSeniorYouth@yahoo.com (There is also a signup sheet in the Narthex.

WCC ACTIVITIES 

FOR THE GOOD OF
PASTOR JOE'S MINISTRY?
A box is now in the narthex
Called "Message for the Minister" -
This is for ideas for him to help in his ministry.
Fill out an idea and help our ministry grow!!!

WCC SCHOLARS

BAPTISM

CONGRATULATIONS TO
OUR 2008
CONFIRMANDS TO BE CONFIRMED ON 4/27/08

Courtney Kay Mazzie, born September 18, 1990. Courtney is the daughter of Kathleen Eagan. Her mentors are Sue and Pam Becerra. Courtney’s ’ Confirmation passage is John 15: 16-17 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another.”

Daniel Paul Carberry Jr., born June 7, 1994. Daniel is the son of Nancy and Daniel Carberry. His mentor is Kathy Moore. Daniel’s Confirmation passage is John 6: 40 “For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Justin Joshua Chappell, born February 14, 1994. Justin is the son of Cheryl Norton and Shawn Chappell. His mentor is Jerry Volkmar. Justin’s Confirmation passage is John 8: 12 “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ”I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Nursery Volunteers are needed, if you can give just one Sunday every month or so, please call Vicky Rowe 708/410-1918.

Monday night crafting is back. We meet on the second Monday of each month. Call Barb 562-0759 if you can come. We work from 6:30—8:30 pm.
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New Phone # For: Ed Socall 630/674-6045

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY

Is Sunday, April 27—Come and give our newest Confirmands your
Support and thanksgiving forTheir 2 years of study!!

TEACHER RECOGNITION SUNDAY

Is Sunday, May 4—Give thanks for all who serve teaching our youth and children in Christian Education!!

St. John UCC’s Food Pantry needs FOOD!! Bring your products just outside the church offices, to the Pantry Closet. We can always use Peanut butter, baby supplies such as; diapers, powder, shampoo, lotion and also, paper products (like toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue, etc.)

Sassy Stitchers meet on April 21at 7:00 pm. The Sassy Stitchers is a group that meets on the third Sunday of every month, they work on projects such as prayer shawls, lap robes, baby blankets, hats, mittens, scarves all to be given away to people in need, be it either physically or spiritually. All are welcome, this is a great opportunity for all to learn how to knit or crochet. Please join us for a night of fellowship and stitching.

JOIN OUR THURSDAY
MORNING TERRORS!!

Come meet us any Thursday morning here at 9 a.m. to work, paint, clean, and help. We also eat breakfast at LePetite (7:45 a.m.) - Come and join us!!!

It is time again! Come and join us for a week of camp with daily worship and devotions, where we will embrace God while building lifelong friendships in a fun and safe environment. Daily activities include music, games and swimming, along with our annual beach night and counselor hunt. There will be sports crafts and many more activities. Family of God Camp will be held June 15-21 at Tower Hill. The camp is open to kids completing 3rd-12th grade. Scholarships are available. Registration forms are available in the church office, or you can visit the website at www.il-odm.org Register now, rates increase 30 days before camp starts.

A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

“If you are really thankful,
What do you do? You share”- W. Clement Stone

You can help our church
By giving your money.
Don’t hold back!!
No matter what!!
Find a way to help support our church now and for the future!!
**And, it is never too late to make a pledge to help our church operate –Please pick up a pledge form in the church office, or ask for

Offering EnvelopesThe next Westchester Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, April 26, at the Community center 8 am—3 pm. If you would like to volunteer, or have any questions please contact Carl Panek 708/865-1782.

A car cannot move forward without its wheels.   With that in mind, our church is desperately hunting for a member who would like to utilize his or her talent, intelligence and imagination to help the church.   For several weeks, we have been limping along without a Vice Moderator, one of our most important leadership positions.   Please consider this appeal and, if you are willing to lend a hand or have a question, please contact Nominating Committee Chairman Carl Panek, Moderator Bruce Horek or Pastor Joe.    

Do you have any medical equipment you no longer need? Or any equipment you may have borrowed from the church and no longer need? If so, please return them to the church, we are running low. Thanks!!

Are you interested in becoming a member of WCC?  We will be having a new members dinner on April 24, at 6:00 pm, during the dinner we will discuss the benefits, programs, and activities of being a member of Westchester Community Church. If you would like to attend please call the church office. New members will be received on May 4th, during worship.

Plant Sale pickup will be on May 17, 9am—11am.

MANNA May MANNA will be collected on Sunday, April 27 and Sunday, May 4 for distribution on Sunday, May 11. May – Mother’s Day! Think of the many places you could take Mom for dinner and look at the many restaurants we have certificates for. Give her a gift certificate so she may spend money on herself. Remember that May is also planting time so consider certificates for Home Depot, Menards, or Lowe’s that can help buy plants for the yard, garden tools, or other yard supplies. See Sharon Sancken if you need your certificates before Mother’s Day.

COINS FOR CAMP

Will now be received only ONCE a month—the 2nd Sunday of each month—so please give generously on these Sundays—there will be a 2nd offering basket for it on these days!!

KITCHEN SHOWER It’s time for the yearly kitchen shower. That’s when the ladies of the church donate things for use in the kitchen over the next year. We can always use paper towels. We need a couple of new one cup measuring cups; we have larger ones but not that size. Liquid dish soap and granular dish washer soap are useful, but we do not need any scouring powder. We can always use plastic forks but do not need spoons or knives at this time. We need tea bags – both regular and decaf. We could use a couple of boxes baking soda for use in the refrigerators. We can always use napkins and small plates and resealable plastic bags. See Sharon Sancken if you have any questions about things we might be able to use.

A MISSION MOMENT-
DO YOU HAVE SHOES??

Shoe shopping for new Spring shoes? Wondering what to do with those old one? The Mission Board will be collecting gently used shoes during the month of April. The shoes will be given to the Share Your Soles organization located in Alsip. Share Your Soles has brought thousands of pairs of shoes to desperately impoverished people throughout the US and the world. The founder of the organization accompanies every shipment of shoes to make sure that they reach the people that truly need them the most. So start cleaning those closets and bring your shoes to church in April. A box will be located in the narthex. Please tie the laces together to make it easier to sort.

Our Spring Craft Sale will be on Sunday, May 4th.

Monday night crafting is back. We meet on the second Monday of each month. Call Barb 562-0759 if you can come. We work from 6:30—8:30 pm.

PLEASE JOIN US FOLLOWING WORSHIP ON JUNE 1, the women of the church will be holding a Meals for Wheels. Soup, salad, bread, beverage and desert will be served. The luncheon will benefit Esther Baricza, the money collected will be used to buy a new-used car (this is the only way she has to get to medical appointments, church meetings, and worship). The cost is $10. If you have any questions, please call the church office.

Do you have any announcements that you would like to appear in the Column? There are a number of ways you can do this.

1. Call the church office 708/865-1282.

2. Put a note in the offering plate during Sunday worship.

3. Mail it to the church.

4. Email to westcomchurch@hotmail.com

Do you have any family members who are graduating this year, please let us know, so we can publish them.

Thanks

Can you hear me now?? The Mission Board is still collecting cell phones. So if you have any old phones lying around, please put them in the box in the Narthex. The proceeds go to support projects for the Special Olympics.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

04/02 Bev VanderVelde

04/03 Nicholas Pienta 

04/04 David Burba, Ryan Stach 

04/05 Ryan Stetzer 

04/06 Dina Spidale 

04/08 Joyce Lietzow

04/09  Kenneth Lindstrom 

04/11 Rus Strahan, Hazel Wiegman 

04/12 Kyle Hildebrand, Walter Suva 

04/13 Craig Marousek, Elise Rowe, Emily Bell 

04/14 Pearl Smith 

04/15 Peter Kabbe, Sharon Marczuk 

04/16 Godly Raj Kanaka, Peter Sagan 

04/17 Carlos Ortiz, Janet Finnigan, Brian Hart, Chris Haynes, Melanie Samonds 

04/18 Dorothy Malczewski 

04/19 Monica Benz, Roger Ewert,

04/20 Elayne Dalheim, Serene Mony, Charlene Dolnics 

04/21 Grace Cecconi 

04/22 James Slanker, Jim Locigno, Elizabeth Franks, Sarah Hermanowski, Lelandra Randle , Riley Barker

04/23 Delilah Benson, Gerald Volkmar 

04/25 Shirley Slanker, Glenn Smith, Kate Monahan, John Moore 

04/26 Megan Stetzer, Emma Passaglia 

04/28 David Else

04/30 Edward Socall, Wendell Julian, Mathias Kniesel 

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

04/08/1978 Donna & Jeff Hansen, 30 yrs.

04/09/1986 Vivienne & Tom Buckert, 22 yrs.

04/15/1948 Shirlanne & William Batson, 60 yrs.

04/15/1989 Peggy & Guillermo Ruiz, 19yrs.

04/18/1970 Carole & Richard Kasey, 38 yrs.

04/19/1952 Dolores & James Patak, 56 yrs.