Westchester Community Church

United Church of Christ

1840 Westchester Blvd  Westchester, Illinois 60154

(708) 865-1282

WCC Website:

www.forministry.com/USILUCOFCWCCUW

 

Church email: www.westcomchurch@hotmail.com

 

Rev. Joseph E. Mills, III Pastor

Rev. Godwin Kanjaka Raj Tamil UCC

UCSI Website: www.ucctamilchurch.com

 

Sunday Service 10:00 am

Office Hours  Monday-Friday 9:00 am—4:00 pm

 

Volume 15 Issue 5

Issue Date May 30, 2009

 

  

“Prior To Prioritization”

 What to do first. What to do last. What not to do. Have you ever found yourself frustrated with your priorities? And, have you, at the end of the day, known that you really should have addressed something else first? I’ll let you in on a non-secret—I hate writing articles. I’ve never enjoyed doing it. But I have learned, whether it is a bulletin or a newsletter, to write the main article first—in other words, I take on the hardest thing for me to do first; otherwise I will find every conceivable way to not do it. Does that sound familiar?

 What is it that God wants us to do first? Arguably, it would be to “Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind”. But what should be second?? In the way Jesus explains it, it is to love our neighbor as we do ourselves. Notice how we are placed third in the equation, yet functionally the love for neighbor is in response to what we do to take care of ourselves. Thus, we are actually second in the equation. But even before we figure out how to do all that, something else comes first.

 A second question: Have you ever found yourself developing a list of the things you want to accomplish or need to do? And, have you ever gotten frustrated at figuring out what to put first on that list? Having gone through this, I now develop very short lists, and think carefully first about what God wants me to do at any time, and then what will help our church. That is how I have learned to prioritize. But we still go back to the primary question—is there something that comes before we begin to prioritize?

 One of my clues for this came when I began to seriously re-read Genesis to lead our Sunday night Bible study group. We all know the obvious things—God creates the heavens and the earth and all life within 6 days, and then rests. The running theological dilemma is why God, who is infinite, needs to rest has become for me a non-question. The question for me has become why would rest be part of the equation of creation? And then it came to me—what if rest/Sabbath was the first priority for us

In one sense, Genesis 1 makes it clear that we are to “have dominion” over earth creation, specifically over plants and animals. But having dominion is a possessive term. Its something we already innately are supposed to actively assume and do. Rest is something which is taught us as something “TO DO”.

 We know the reality of this truth. The more tired we are, the less able we are able to make good decisions. The more tired we get, the poorer the quality of our work becomes. I once took one of those “reaction time” tests at a children’s museum, showing what happened in our ability to respond to a green light/go when driving. It showed the difference depending on how much sleep we had, and it was amazing how much difference there was between even getting 8 hours of sleep and 6!

 The irony of Sabbath is that Sabbath is a two-fold reality. It is both about rest and

worship. Many churches have simply replaced the first word with a phrase—”church activity”. So the Sabbath day becomes not a day of rest, but a day of packed busy-ness. And a day of rest can and sometimes becomes a day of exhaustion. I suspect that for at least some, this is why they want to not get up for church, or feel that they can “get church” by going outside and appreciating nature. I can’t disagree, at least in part, with why there is some truth in this.

 Yet that is why there is further irony in the importance of prioritizing Sabbath. The more we stay away from the other people of God, the more we begin to decide for ourselves what to worship. And the point of being human is to be with humanity, both in worship and in prioritizing. Sabbath helps me see the yearning of others for meaning; Sabbath helps me, especially when I am “down” to feel support and caring in the prayers and love of others. And Sabbath helps remind me that God is first.

 True Sabbath does both. It allows for praise and worship. And it allows for rest. As a

pastor, leading worship is work. So I have to be renewed in other ways. Being part of Bible studies helps me to worship and be with others, discerning truth and finding room for praise. Being in a musical helps me to celebrate life with others, though it is not worship. And it does not replace worship. It simply enhances it. And true Sabbath demands rest from everything. We are to take time to do nothing. To sit. To watch. To appreciate what is around us. What a wonderful gift it is when I can be renewed by true physical rest.

 But make no mistake. Rest and Sabbath are not the same thing. True Sabbath has in it rest. But not all rest makes for Sabbath. I can do everything I want to have fun; I can get all the sleep I want. But if I do not make time for true worship and praise—with others, I make a

fundamental mistake. I have forgotten the first priority, and it causes me to not “love the Lord with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind, and my neighbor as myself”. Because I have then first and only prioritized myself.

 My challenge for you, for me, and for our Church, is how to prioritize Sabbath. I truly

believe that our being together, not over-scheduled, but in worship, prayer, and thanksgiving, leads us to make healthier decisions about all of our other priorities, and ultimately, about how we prioritize God, self, and neighbor.

 Rest on this thought.

 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. (We will not meet during the summer)

 The Wednesday Bible Study

meets Wednesdays, 9:30 am, Westchester Health and Rehab. Center

Faith Conversations

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

 

Locations

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

Prayer Concerns 

 

 

 

PEOPLE AT THEIR HOMES:

 

PEOPLE AT LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES:

 

PEOPLE AT AREA HOSPITALS:    

 

FRIENDS TO KEEP IN PRAYERS:

 

IN IRAQ:

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENIOR Youth

 (7^th – 12^th Grades)

June 19/20-Overnight/Carwash. 

 

Aluminum cans for recycling (not steel or tin cans). Please bring them the first Sunday of the month. Cans can be left in the narthex by the blue recycling can near the back door. 

 

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

 

Family of God Camp will be held June 14-20 a booklet/registration outlining the many camps for adults and children at Tower Hill and Pilgrim Park is available in the church office. 

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 10-12 Fun Fest

We will work the evening of July 11 in the Food Tent

clearing tables

 

July 17-18

Overnight and Carwash

 

July 13-18

We will STAY here at WCC

Doing projects here for

The church and helping

At St. John UCC

We will also do some fun events during the week

More to follow!!

 

4th of July Parade

We need youth help in

designing and building our float for this year’s parade. Please contact Ed Becerra or Pastor Joe!!

 

 

 

 

WCC ACTIVITIES

 

 

Thankyous

Many thanks to the Wednesday Morning Bible Study for the surprise Birthday party. You are my best church and Taco friends. God Bless you all! Jimmie Patak

 

Dear WCC Friends, Thank you so much for all the calls, cards and prayers during my recent illness. It means so much that so many people truly care. Thank You, Nancy Carberry

 

Dear Brenna, Please express my thanks and appreciation to all of the women who worked on the blankets, hats and sweaters that I received from you in March. All of the items were beautifully done, and I know that the young women who receive them will love them just as much as I do They are wonderful donations to Aunt Martha’s Healthy Start; Parents too Soon Program. Thank you again! Sincerely, Ellen Kaplan

 

A special thank you to Pastor Joe, as busy as he was, with more seriously ill people, he made it to the hospital before my surgery to pray and reassure me everything would be alright. I can’t thank members as well as church friends that took the time our of their busy schedules to send a card, call or ask if I needed help after my surgery. God’s special blessings on all of you. I’m so lucky to be a member of Westchester Community Church. Thanks bunches and God bless you. Betty Lou Koenig

 

Thank you for contributing to Church World Service through our Blankets + program. With your help we can continue to assist people overcome by natural and human-caused disasters, as well as supporting community efforts to develop sustainable agriculture, reliable safe water supplies, and other means to break the grip of grinding poverty. Sincerely, Rev. John L. McCullogh, Executive Director and CEO, Church World Service

 

A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

“The great use of a life is to spend it for something that outlasts it”

- William James

Please GIVE REGULARLY!!

So many people travel during the summer, but our bills at church continue as with every month. Please find a way to remember our church in your summer budgets!!!

 

From the Mission Board: As you may know, St. John is not accepting rummage at this time. Here are some local agencies that take in items and sell them at their store to support their cause. Helping Hand Thrift Shop—Brookfield 708/485-2324, New to You Thrift Shop—Broadview 708/344-8477, Bronco Resale—Maywood 708/344-2588, Salvation Army—Chicago 312/738-4360, Carousel Shop—LaGrange—708/354-3806.

 

CONGRATULATIONS

WCC Scholars Grace Hermanowski A Honor Roll Nazareth Academy,

WCC Graduates Grace Hermanowski Courtney Mazzie Matt Huppenbauer Steven Kasanders Paul Ruiz Andrew Demonbreun,

BAPTISMS May 17th Camden Charles Skipper, infant son of Kurt and Leanne Skipper. Camden was born on January 7, 2009 at Hinsdale Hospital. His Godmother is Amy Zavac. His Godfather is Aaron Skipper.  May 24th Thomas Gawing McCarthy, infant son of Alena and Dan McCarthy. Thomas was born on March 27, 2009 at Highland Park Hospital. His Godmother is Anna Jendrzejczak. His Godfather is Doug Schletz,

Weddings Shirley Plath and Bob Wachowski on May 9th at WCC Rose Ann Farina and Al Glazier on May 15 at WCC

 

 

 

June MANNA will be collected on Sunday, May 30 and Sunday, June 7 for distribution on Sunday, June 14. June – First day of summer/Graduations! How about buying a gift card for your favorite graduate! We have many gift cards to choose from – either to give as gifts or to use to buy something for yourself. Use the grocery store cards to buy your groceries or give them to Pastor Joe to give to those less fortunate. Remember that when you purchase gift cards thru MANNA the church benefits too. Please turn your orders in to the church office. 

 

It is time for Spring Cleaning and we will be cleaning up our prayer list. Do you have someone who needs to be removed from our prayer list or someone you would like to have left on the prayer list? Please contact the church office; call, leave a note, write it in the ritual of fellowship book, etc. If we don’t hear from you we will remove the name (if it was added before March 2009)from the prayer list, the new prayer list will be in the June bulletins and columns. Thanks

 

Proceeds from April Jewel Shop & Share Days were $52.29 (14 s hoppers). WCC earned 5% of the $$ spent—earmarked for kitchen appliances and lawn care/landscaping. Thanks to those who participated. Please consider this fundraiser as one you can support. Hopefully more people will participate in Shop and Share Days scheduled for November 9, 10 and 11. If you’re not a regular Jewel shopper, perhaps you can shop there one of those days or pass on an ID slip to a friend or neighbor. If you have questions, contact Charlene Dolnics at 708/345-1816.

 

Church Picnic—June 28th Picnic presale tickets will be available in the Narthex starting this Sunday. Hamburger or Chicken sandwich—$3, Hot dogs—$2, chips 50¢, pop 50¢. Please bring salads to share. We will have a cupcake baking contest, signup sheet is in the Narthex. More details to follow.

 

Would you like to be a liturgist one Sunday? Please sign up on the liturgist calendar in the Narthex or call Brian Hart. Thanks

 

One of Pastor Joe’s colleagues is looking to put together a combined church trip to Israel early next year. Are you interested in going on this trip? If so, please contact Pastor Mills.

 

Are You Interested In Becoming a Member of Westchester Community Church? And/Or are you interested in learning more about our congregation? A “Learn About Our Church” night will be held soon! Please note so in the red fellowship pads found in your pews, or call the church office!!

 

OUR TRUSTEES NEED YOUR HELP!! We need help, during the summer, adopting outdoor sections of our church property for weeding and upkeep. You can name your area; please sign up in the narthex after church, or call the church office. Let’s help beautify our church this summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

CUB SCOUT FLAG

RETIREMENT CEREMONY

Saturday, June 13

Time 10:30 am

Bring your used flags to the church so they can be properly retired that day!!

 

One of our church members is looking for new job opportunities. Here is a summary of her skills: Writing/editing business and personal materials, training and teaching, professional organizing, online sales, speaks French and other languages, errands, etc. (If you are interested please call the church office for a more detailed account of her skills). She is open to part-time, full-time, and temporary work. If you are interested or know of anyone who is interested please call Sue Becerra at church office 708/865-1282. Thanks

 

 

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

 

06/01  Lorraine Rook, Rev. Phil Hobson, Anja Benz

06/02  Ron Lapka

06/03  Ann McCarthy, Daniel Carberry Sr.,

06/04  Michael Sagan

06/05  Rev. Robert Hempel

06/06  Gloria Dearmore, Winnie Katsis

06/07  David Schmidt, Joan Sanek, Daniel Carberry, Jr.

06/09  Ami Smith

06/10  Jeff Markey, Herbert Edelmann, Max Falada

06/11  James Mikos, Helen Bell, Chuck Aubrey, Mandy Bickerman

06/12  George Gortmaker, Demetrios Tsilivis

06/13  Raymond Zomchek

06/14  Brenda Taylor, Charlie Bell

06/15  Florence Frase, Lucille Bender, Mark Mockus, Robert Tavernier, Jesse Vasel

06/17  Joyce Kelstrom

06/18  Carl Panek, Matthew Marczuk, Christine Grogan, Katelin Patrick

06/19  Rebecca Schaefer, James Marczuk, Edith Gregsamer

06/20  Susan Casey

06/21  Ken Suero, Ryan Sweazey, Mark Vrablic, Grace Passaglia

06/23  Katy Haynes, Sally France

06/25  Matthew Bonner, Steven Pienta, Shawna Torres

06/27  Paul Ruiz

06/28  Teresa McCarthy, Lori Klaub, Melanie Navarro

06/29  Richard Dolnics, Walt Thyng

06/30  Tammie Barnett, Michael Higgins, Mary Linville, Sean Stanger

 

 

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

 

06/02/1984  Diane & Tom Gati

06/04/1949  Lillian & Walter Suva

06/05/1954  Dorothy & George Letz

06/08/1996  Sharon & Scott Marczuk

06/10/1987  Malar & Rev Godwin Raj Kanaka

06/14/1945  Helen & George Gortmaker

06/14/1963  Janice & Carl Panek 

06/15/1963 Mary & Hans Straube

06/15/1985 Caroline & William Milleville

06/19/1999  Jennifer & Keith Kucera

06/20/1964  Donna & Roger Ewert

06/23/1990 William & Nancy Lipman

06/24/1985 Sally & Steven France

06/25/2005 Vicky & Dewayne Rowe

06/26/1948 Pearl & Albert Smith

06/26/1993 Martin & Monica Benz

06/27/1987 Janet & Larry Kerschner

06/30/1969 Mel & Carolyn Siska

06/30/1973 Robert & Linda Lloyd

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

UPCOMING AREA UCC

ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT

 

First Congregational Church of Western Springs will hold it’s Annual Spring Rummage Sale on Tuesday June 2, 6-8:300 pm and on Wednesday June 3, 10 am—Noon and 6-8:30 pm. For more information go to www.wscongo.org

 

We have a wonderful lady who has helped with one of our members, and is looking for steady employment. She stays with people/helps, and can do house cleaning. References easily provided (including Pastor Mills—who will gladly vouch for her work). Call the church office if interested.

 

Annual Spring Rummage Sale, The First Congregational Church of Western Springs Chestnut & Woodland 6-8:30 pm, Tuesday, June 2 and 10 am—noon, Wednesday, June 3, 6-8:30 pm on Wednesday June 3 bag sale and 1/2 price sale. 

 

The Village Church of LaGrange Park, 1150 Meadowcrest Rd., is hosting a Craft and Vendor Fair on Saturday, June 6th from 9 am to 3 pm. There will be a wide variant of handmade crafts, gifts and merchandise. In addition, Sit Means Sit dog trainers will be performing with their dogs. Sit Means Sit Dog Training is the largest and most successful US based dog training company in the Us. Coffee and donuts are available 9-10:3 and hot dog/bratwurst lunch 11:30-1:00. 

 

Lexington Square Golfers

We will start golfing on Friday, May 29th at beautiful Sugar Creek Golf Course in Villa Park, 500 E. Van Buren. We have two tee times at 7:25 and 7:35 am. We now have six golfers and are looking for at least 4 more. We guarantee you will have a great time. Ray Urbans 630/617-4176. Ladies are welcome and invited to join our group., also any golfers from the Westchester Community Church we welcome our group. Electric golf carts are available.

 

VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED. The Congregation of St. Joseph of LaGrange ark is greatly in need of volunteers for its adult literacy program, School on Wheels. Tutors are needed to teach one hour or so per week from 9 am to 2 pm or evenings from 3—8 pm in Cicero, Hodgkins, Woodridge, Westmont, Lombard, or Summit. A two-day training will be provided on Saturday, June 6 and Saturday, June 13 from 9 am to 3 pm. Volunteers must attend both training days. No prior second language skills are needed. For more information, call 708/482-5060.

 

This year’s fourth Community Blood Drive will take place on July 18th in the Mayfair Room of Divine Providence School, 2500 Mayfair, from 8 am to 3 pm. The need for donors has never been more vital. Anyone who would like to help in this important effort as a donor or a volunteer should contact Carl Panek, program chairman at 708/865-1782.