Church News

This Sunday is the first opportunity for the children to bring their offering for Common Hope. Please mark envelopes or checks with "caring collection." After this Sunday, feel free to drop off offerings in Jan.

The Christian Ventures Committee is once again offering its Lenten series, In the Upper Room. These informal gatherings held at 6:30 in the Seim Room on Wednesday evenings, March 21 and 28, will include a time of fellowship, prayer, communion, Scripture and the sharing of a simple agape meal. No sign up is required.

Before you leave for Spring Break, don't forget to order flowers for the altar on Easter Sunday!

They are only $12 for the flower of your choice; you may dedicate them in honor of someone, in celebration of an anniversary or in memory of a loved one. The flowers will be delivered to a shut-in after the services or you may pick yours up immediately after the final service that day.

It's that time again! Our BIG Rummage Sale will be April 24 and 25. Visit www.wscongo.org to sign up to help and start cleaning those closets, attics and basements for donations to the sale.

HELP! We are in need of volunteers to pick up our bagel bites from Great American Bagels on Saturdays. The sign-up poster is in the light court near the bagels. Thank you!

Sermon on Losing Your Life and How Jesus Isn’t Your Magical Puppy

Sermon on Losing Your Life and How Jesus Isn’t Your Magical Puppy

Amazing. She has a gift.

Meditation

I recieve Richard Rohr's daily meditations and they always wake me up. I feel that they beautifully, powerfully, sometimes painfully speak the Truth.
paz.

We fear nothingness. That’s why we fear death, of course, which feels like nothingness. Death is the shocking realization that everything I thought was me, everything I held onto so desperately, was finally nothing (read Kathleen Dowling Singh’s The Grace in Dying).

The nothingness we fear so much is, in fact, the treasure and freedom that we long for, which is revealed in the joy and glory of the Risen Christ. We long for the space where there is nothing to prove and nothing to protect; where I am who I am, in the mind and heart of God, and that is more than enough.

Friar Richard Rohr - more here

Easter Goodies

Easter pail here

bunny treat here

bunny jewels here

egg garland here

Holy Week ornaments here



Taking Action

Check out the UCC initiative regarding women and health care. Lend your voice to the debate.
Curious, look here.

Justice Summit

Led by theologians, teachers, and activists from across the country, participants at this two-day event will learn how to engage people in ministries of compassion and mercy, challenge policies through advocacy and community organizing, and partner with programs and projects of community-based organizations for the sake of Christ and his kingdom.
more info here.

Daily Bread

Sustaining God, thank you for our daily bread. Thank you for all of our brothers and sisters who contribute to the supply chain so that we have food for today. We thank you for the farmers, harvesters, mill workers, truck drivers, bakers, cashiers, and others. Bless them and their families so that at all times they may be filled. Amen.

from Sojourners

Just Do Nothing

I don't know about you but I needed to hear this message - about doing nothing....about just being. That doesn't mean stop feeling pain for those suffering or cease to stop growing ourselves but it does mean sometimes we need to just be.

Article from Sojourners:
Stop looking for the next adventure, challenge, hurdle, drama, or excitement. Be present. Be here now. Stop trying to change people. Stop trying to do anything. Just be.
Be in your life. Your life will teach you everything.
“Pay attention to what’s there, not what isn’t there,” Peterson said. Go about the journey of faith — the Christian life, the Way — relaxed, he said, “not feeling so guilty, not having to prove yourself all the time.”
Providence has a great sense of timing — one that’s oriented by kairos not chronos. My time with Peterson fell during the first full week of Lent.
Before Ash Wednesday I already had determined not to do the usual thing — give something tangible up: chocolate, caffeine, wine, fried food, etc. I decided instead to forgo saying negative things about my appearance out loud. I thought that would be healthy, helpful, a meaningful practice to honor God’s creation (me) and the Creator.
It lasted about 36 hours. I determined to start again. And again and again and again, if necessary.
After listening to Peterson, I stopped trying. I stopped, full stop.
For Lent, I am doing nothing. I am just going to be.
Feel the rhythms of grace and let God do the doing.

full article here

Moms and Daughters Listen Up!

Covenant Harbor: check it out here

Moms and Daughters Retreat

May 4-6, 2012

Sometimes our busy lives prevent us from developing the relationships that really matter. Take a weekend off and enjoy fun activities, quality bonding time and meet new friends. Don't let the name fool you; aunts, nieces, grandmas and granddaughters are all welcome.

Weekend Schedule

The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with check-in, a large group session and a snack. Saturday starts off with breakfast, followed by workshops and another large group session before lunch. Lunch is followed by activities and free time. Dinner, a large group session and a theme event round out the day. The weekend wraps up Sunday morning with breakfast and a closing large group session. 

The main speaker will be:
Liz Mosbo VerHage is an adjunct professor, writer, speaker, pastor, wife and mom. She has loved her varied professional work, which has included positions with congregations, leading outreach ministries, community organizing and writing curriculum series. Liz attended North Park University and Seminary, was ordained in 2006, and recently completed a Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her academic study interests include the mission of the church, Evangelical ethics, spiritual formation, and race and justice issues. She also serves as chair of the Christian Action Commission and helps lead Racial Righteousness weekends and “Sankofa” Journeys for the Covenant denomination. Liz, her husband Peter, and their three-year old daughter live on Chicago’s northside and enjoy attending Ravenswood Covenant Church, biking to their favorite gelato store, and gardening.  

Restorative Yoga

For all those moms (and dads) in need of some peace of mind and body-

Stardust Yoga:

330 S. Washington Ave. | La Grange | IL | 60525

In this Restorative Yoga Workshop the practitioner will explore a sequence of asanas, or poses, that completely support the body through the use of props. This support allows the practitioner to truly be at rest which, will help to reverse the effects of chronic stress in the body, mind and breath. In order to enhance the "deep rest" experience you will also explore guided meditation, breath work and experience the calming effects of aromatherapy. All levels are welcome!

Instructor: Letty Madrigal

When: Sunday, March 18th

Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm

Cost: $16 per student

OR 1 punch on a class card

**Pre-registration required

7 Reasons Why They Leave

This is the big question for most churches...."Why do our young adults leave the rich and loving community of church?" Well, maybe it wasn't so rich and loving for some but there are other reasons:
Why?

Yes!

Well ladies, we are all in need of some beauty so here's a link for browsing when the kids go to bed. It's called There Comes a Yes. You might just lose yourself for an hour or so. Enjoy! You deserve it.
paz.