Featured Events
Bible Study: Matthew's Gospel
Tues, Oct. 27, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Everyone is welcome, whether you've never picked up a Bible before or you've been a lifelong reader of it. Sign up to join this 10-week study which is on Tuesday evenings from Sept. 15 - Nov. 17. Full details are on the SignUpGenius page, including specific weekly topics, the schedule for which sessions are in-person and which are online via zoom, and the Zoom Link.
Ann Mullen Winter Warmth Drive
Gathering funds immediately, for dispersing of purchased items from Oct. 4 - Nov. 15
In O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” the narrator compares the couple to the Biblical wisemen, concluding that Jim and Della are the wisest of all gift givers (combs for her hair, chain for his gold watch) because their sacrifices (sold her hair, sold his watch) were born of true love.
Ann Mullen, a long-time member who passed in 2020, was also that “wise” woman displaying selfless love, looking out for the welfare of others, and bearing that special gift. With her nurturing force in mind, the Congregational Care Ministry Team and Rosemary Brooks, who heads up our Little FREE Panty & Community Kitchen, are again sponsoring a Winter Warmth Drive.
This year, our goal is to not only provide coats/outer wear but also to offer items that bring “warmth” to those in need who come to our attention through the Community Kitchen, Little FREE Pantry or our ministerial staff. We would like to offer these clients an article of warmth that could be a lifesaver for them, such as a new sleeping bag, a hooded jacket, hoodies, thermal underwear, boots, heavy gloves, etc..
In order to make this happen, we need YOU as a financial supporter so we can purchase these items as soon as possible. You may contribute financially to the Ann Mullen Winter Warmth Drive , either online or by writing a check to First Congregational UCC (with “Winter Warmth Drive” or “AMWWD” on the memo line). Checks can be mailed in, dropped into the offering plate, or brought in to the church office. If you have any questions, please email Lynn Niemi or Gail Jaroski. Please download the flyer to share with friends and family.
Scout Troop 55 Holiday Wreath & Poinsettias Sale
Sun., Nov. 1, following worship, Fellowship Hall
As time races through October we're turning our attention to holiday preparations! Scout Troop 55 will be conducting their annual Winter Wreath & Poinsettia Sale on Sunday after worship. Check out this year's options and pricing. Payments may be made by cash, check or Zelle. The wreaths and poinsettias will be ready for pickup/delivery starting Saturday, November 21. Any questions please contact Sydney Musselman or Dave Williams. The troop appreciates our generous support, both past and present.
FCC Book Club
Weds., Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m. , Library
Please join us for a discussion of How to Read a Book by Monica Wood. For those who have already requested one, copies have been ordered from the DG Library and should be available for pick up now.
All are welcome to join us! For more information, please contact Linda Schranz..
3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar to Benefit our LFP
Sat., Nov. 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. , Fellowship Hall, Parlor, Chapel
Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting our Little FREE Pantry join us at this year’s Holiday Bazaar. We’ll have three floors full of talented artisans, crafters and bakers offering all kinds of wonderful gifts and goodies!
You can also enter the Quilt Raffle and buy 50/50 Raffle tickets. All proceeds benefit our Little FREE Pantry which helps us to support our community neighbors in need. We’ve seen a huge uptick in need this past year, so please come out and shop and help us with our mission!
Calling All Children & Youth: Join our 2026 Christmas Pageant!
Rehearsal begins Sun., Nov. 8. Pageant is on Sun., Dec. 13
This Advent season, we're inviting ALL our children and youth to help us bring the Christmas story to life through our Christmas Pageant, "Reporting from Bethlehem," on Sunday, December 13, during our Youth-Led Worship Service!
Beginning Sunday, November 8, Children's Church will include weekly pageant rehearsals, along with fun, interactive Advent activities exploring the story of Jesus' birth. Youth are also encouraged to join Children's Church during this time to help plan, prepare, and participate in the pageant!
Important Dates:
Sunday, November 8: Children's Church Advent programming and pageant rehearsals begin.
Sunday, November 8: Deadline to commit to participating in the Christmas Pageant.
Saturday, December 12: at 10:00 AM: Dress Rehearsal in the Sanctuary.
Sunday, December 13: Christmas Pageant & Youth-Led Worship Service.
We need YOU! Whether your child is an infant, a teenager, or somewhere in between, there is room for everyone to participate! Please read the Christmas Pageant Script and then contact Pastor Ramona no later than Sun., Nov. 8, to commit to a role in the pageant or lead a part of the service (i.e. call to worship, prayer of dedication, etc.). Let's make this Advent season a joyful celebration of our children and youth as they share the good news of Christmas with our congregation!
Greater Chicago Food Depository Volunteering
Sat., Nov. 14, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., GCFD at 4100 W Ann Lurie, Chicago, IL
Take Action! Become a food bank volunteer and join us in ending hunger and food insecurity. You’re invited to help repack bulk products into family-sized portions. Adults, and kids (over 11) are invited to volunteer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. We can carpool from either church or Jewel (63rd and Main). Email Laurie Tsukuno for further information. Or use this link to sign up with our group.
Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week in Nov.
Sun., Nov. 15 through Sat. Nov. 21
Please join us in our local volunteer efforts to combat hunger and support our homeless and food-insecure neighbors, this week and every week throughout the year. More details will be coming closer to the date.
Learn more about this awareness week and how to get involved nationally.
Help DuPage United Support Affordable Housing
November Date TBD
As part of our church's work with DuPage United, we work together to support affordable and accessible housing. An an opportunity to have an impact on a local housing development will now occur in November and not on the original date of October 29.
There is a motivated seller, and an affordable housing developer working together to develop the property at 2414 Maple Ave. and unincorporated DuPage County.
The first hearing of the DuPage County plan commission will be scheduled soon after updated traffic studies are complete. We will continue lining up a small number of speakers for the public comment portion the meeting.
Additionally, we need people to fill the room so that the audience at this meeting is pro affordable housing. The plan is to offer interested people a time to gather at the Friends Meeting House near the property before the planning Commission meeting and carpool to the county complex.
If you're interested in attending the November meeting or want more information about the development, please email Steve Johnson or email Greg Skiba or look for them Sunday and they’ll be happy to discuss this project.
Collecting Warm Blankets for Unsheltered
Sun., Nov. 22 & Sun. Nov. 29, 9 - 11 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Please help us to provide warmth for the unsheltered by contributing new or gently used blankets during our collection in November. These are meant to help them stay warm in the outside elements, so no bedspreads please. Donations can be dropped off in Fellowship Hall on these two Sundays, or you can bring to the church office during the week.
Sharing your Time, Talents, & Treasure
We encourage everyone to think about how you'd like to get involved in our various programs, ministries and fellowship opportunities. Learn more about the many opportunities to share your time and talents on our website and you can sign up online anytime.