November Newsletter 2015 - The Congregational United Church of

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
United Church of Christ
NOVEMBER 2015
Friends in Christ—
Paul once quoted a Greek philosopher saying that in God “we live and move and
have our being.” In life terrible things happen and wonderful things happen. Through
all of them—and often right in the midst of them—we sense the reality of God, creating, redeeming, and sustaining all of life.
Out of this awareness, every once in a while we remember the people who have
been important in our lives who are no longer living. Although they are no longer present physically, they continue to influence our lives, helping us to be better people than
we might otherwise be, strengthening us to love more than we might otherwise love,
and giving us the courage to do what is right in the face of opposition. A member of a
church I once served told me that in some ways he felt his father more present with him
after his father’s death—an experience others have spoken about as well.
Now and then we look around and our hearts are filled with gratitude toward God.
This can happen when everything falls into place and life seems very good indeed. Surprisingly, it can also happen when everything falls apart and we are struggling to get
through each day. Even then we recognize the sustaining power of God.
From time to time we look forward in hope, realizing that the past and the present are
moving us toward something new, that the story isn’t finished yet. In faith at such times
we trust in the goodness of that the new thing that is coming into being, that is seen
only dimly.
When we remember and give thanks and look ahead all in one month, we call that
November. This year November gives us All Saints Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and the
First Sunday in Advent. That’s a lot of religious life to put into thirty days. These days
and this month remind us that all of life is in God’s care. Often enough, we need that
reminder.
In all our days, we live and move and have our being in God. This is our strength
our hope.
Peace,
Bill
TRANSITIONS AND NEW MEMBERS
Long time member Pete Knapp died on Saturday, October 24.
Welcome to:new members Sharon Garton, Ed Keogh, Becky Keogh, Dean Logan, Jeff Schabilion,
Lenore Maybaum, Nathan Morton, Dale Roberts, Patty Roberts, Kristy Nabhan-Warren and Stephen Warren.
CHURCH ACTIVITIES

LITERACY PROGRAM: Our new adult literacy tutoring program continues to move toward holding its first
class on November 5 at 6;30pm.. If you are interested in being a part of this program or would like more information, please contact the church office.

UNAIDS Offering Update: Thanks to everyone who gave generously to our annual UNAIDS offering in October. This year we received $1019.00 - an increase of more than $319 from last year. Your giving makes a
difference in the lives of many people. Thanks again.

ALL SAINTS JAZZ WORSHIP SERVICE - NOVEMBER 1
Each year on the First Sunday in November, Congregational UCC observes “All Saints Sunday”. This is a
time for us to remember and give thanks to God for all the saints and especially for those members of our congregation who have died in the past year. This year we will remember Pete Knapp, Mike Romanowski, Maile
Sagen, Jim Sangster, and Darrell Wyrick. Our worship service on this day is both solemn and joyful, befitting
a congregation of people who live in the light of the resurrection. We will celebrate the sacrament of communion. As is our custom, we will have a jazz band leading our worship on this Sunday in order to help us look
toward that day when the saints go marchin’ in. This year the well-known local jazz pianist Dick Watson will
lead the music in what promises to be an inspiring event. Please plan to join us for this special time of worship.

NEIGHBORS IN NEED - Special UCC Offering Received on November 1
Imagine another world is possible—a world without hunger, without poverty, without violence, without discrimination. Across the United States, UCC congregations are imagining and working toward a new world.
Each year we receive the Neighbors in Need Offering to support their efforts and programs. Please give generously to this offering on Sunday, November 1.

NEW PRAYER/MEDITATION GROUP MEETS WEEKLY; Wednesdays at Noon in the Sanctuary
You are invited to join others for a time of silent prayer and meditation each Wednesday at noon. After a brief
reading, participants sit silently for about 20 minutes. We conclude our time together with a brief period of
conversation. This group is open to everyone. You do not need to attend every week in order to participate.
We are all just beginning to pray, so feel free to join us when you are able.

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SPONSORS ADVENT FESTIVAL. Our annual Advent Festival will be held on Sunday, November 22, from 4-6 p.m. in Rockwood Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity
for children, families, and individuals of all ages to make Christmas crafts, enjoy cocoa and cookies, and sing
Christmas carols as we begin our preparations for Christmas. Each year this festival attracts more people and it
is a favorite event in the life of our congregation. Watch the Sunday bulletins and listen to the announcements
during worship for more information. Want to help? Interested in attending? Have questions? Please call the
church office at 337-4301 or talk with a member of the Board of Christian Education.
(Church Activities continued on next page)
CHURCH ACTIVITIES Cont.

COLLECTING FOR THE CRISIS CENTER FOOD BANK AND SHELTER HOUSE: Throughout
November and into December, the Mission Board would like to have all of us consider contributing generously to
two of our local missions. These have both been long standing projects of the Congregational Church. The needs,
as always, continue to be great. Your donations may be placed in the collection box in Rockwood Hall where you
will also find take-aways lists of needed items. For more information, contact Edie Roberts at [email protected].
Shelter House Items of Greatest Need:
Toothpaste (full and travel-sized tubes)
Diapers (Size 3 and up)
Body Wash
Facial Tissue
Toilet paper
Deordorant
Laundry detergent (high efficiency and regular)
Shampoo/Conditioner
Lotion
Hotel/sample sizes: shampoo, conditioner, lotion
Foot powder
Ear Plugs
Grocery store gift cards
Iowa City/Coralville bus passes or strip tickets
Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamine, Sinus Medication, Acetaminophen and DayQuil
Crisis Center Food Bank Top 10 Needed Donations:
Financial Donations
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Pastas & Rice
Hearty Soups & Stews
Baby Formula & Food

Toilet Paper
Canned Fruits and 100% Fruit Juice
Canned Vegetables
Baby Diapers (all sizes)
Laundry Detergent
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN 2015: We want to thank you for your generous gifts to support the ministry and
mission of Congregational UCC again this year. In presentations during worship this fall, the Stewardship Board
has encouraged members to “Trust in the Promise.” We heard the words of the prophet Jeremiah, telling the people
that God has plans for them, “...plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future of hope.” (Jeremiah
29:11) Our future as a congregation is indeed filled with hope. This year we are starting a new outreach to provide
literacy tutoring to adults in our community. We are strengthening our spirits with a new time for prayer and meditation on Wednesdays at noon. We are welcoming an increasing number of new members. We are continuing to
repair and renovate our building as a way to enhance our welcome of all people, no matter who they are or where
they are on life’s journey. Pledge cards were mailed in October. If you have not already done so, please prayerfully
decide on the amount of your support for the coming year as you give thanks for God’s gifts and hope for the future. We ask that you fill out the pledge card and return it as soon as possible to help the Trustees as they prepare
the budget for the coming year.
Thanks again,
Your Stewardship Board: Bryan Clemons, chairperson, Chuck Connerly, Cynthia Kemp, Chris Knapp, Tom
Mittman, Derek Willard

The next Women’s Luncheon is scheduled for November 19 at 11:45pm. The Men’s Breakfast will be on Saturday, November 21 at 8:00am.
(Church Activities continued on next page)
CHURCH ACTIVITIES Cont.

UPDATE ON HOMECOMING GRILL SALES: What an event! First, we had new and old members jumping in with enthusiasm, making new friends, enjoying the day/evening, great food and fantastic weather, all
while making good use of our building and location. Special thanks to everyone, particularly Bill D. for the
sandwich boards and John J. for setting up the lights and being our building resource. To Sharyn Reitz and
Phyllis Ruppert for setting up the inside Membership Committee potluck event including decorations, hospitality and clean up. The Mission Board had a successful drink fundraiser for the Crisis Center selling soda. Special thanks to Edie Roberts for setting up the condiment tables and keeping them refreshed and appealing
throughout the event. To our grillers, Tom Sandersfeld, John Fieselmann, Bob Ashman, Bob Jury and others
for expert grilling. They created the smells that brought in the customers. But the wrappers, servers and cashiers are the real heroes of this event. They took the time and care to place the meat in the buns, tenderly
wrap them in foil, take the orders, deliver the orders and offer warm smiles and congenial chit-chat in the midst
of a wild atmosphere. Thank you Jo and Steve Bowers, Ray Muston, Bob Ashman, Mike Groth, Phyllis Ruppert, Dale Roberts and all the other folks for pitching in. Thanks to the cleanup staff as well which made it a
very smooth transition back to normal. Thank you Derek, Pam, John Rauer., John J., Mike G., Sharyn R., John
R., Edie R. & Phyllis R. and all the folks that help put things back in place. Again, it was a remarkable event
and one that will be remembered for a long time to come. It highlights why we are on this corner and I couldn't
be happier with the wonderful support received from our faithful members. What did we learn? Looking back
to last year when we ran out of food so early and in light of the grand weather we were blessed with, I upped
the amount of meat and buns. It was slow at first, then steady to heavy then pooped out after the parade started. But in the end, we did just fine. Rick Ruppert

PLANNING FOR A NEW WEBSITE: Wanted: Anyone interested in helping develop our new website. All
experience levels needed. We need a small group to look at how we want to proceed and how to choose who
will build the website and what content will be included. This will be a short term project.
Our website is the first thing many people encounter when they are looking for a church. It is the “new front
door”. Our current website has been great but it is time to update and get mobile friendly.
What do you think we need to have on our new website? Do you have ideas? We want to hear from you. There
are countless options, styles and set ups available.
Take a little time and browse other church websites. It is very informative. Start with some UCC churches.
There are many that have great websites. Let us know what you like and what you don’t. We will begin our
planning very soon and your input will help.
If you are interested in being part of this short term interesting project, please let the office know. We are eager
to get started.
Cynthia Kemp and James Robinson
 VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED: The Ten
Thousand Villages pop-up store at 112 E Washington St., Iowa City, is
seeking volunteers who are interested in assisting customers. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit organization
with the goal of bringing quality, fair trade products to the Iowa City area. Products include artisan-crafted gifts,
home decor, jewelry, personal accessories, textiles, art, and sculptures from over 130 artisan groups in 38 countries around the world. Three-hour work shifts are available from now through December. Contact [email protected] or 330-310-3750 if you are interested in helping. Volunteering also gives you opportunity to check out the Villages products for your Christmas gift giving.

It’s Our Turn on November 30th! We Will be Hosting the Free Lunch
A sign-up sheet has been posted in Rockwood Hall. Please consider helping with food
and/or time. This is an important effort that not only helps people in our community,
but also lets them know that our church cares. Helping is fun! We make a great team! Join us!
LOOKING AHEAD

Looking Ahead to Advent and Christmas. Each year brings festivities and celebrations as we move through
Advent and the joy of Christmas. Mark your calendars so that you won’t miss these special events:
November 29
December 6
December 13
December 21
December 24
First Sunday in Advent; celebration of communion during worship
Second Sunday in Advent; Choir Sunday, Advent potluck
Third Sunday in Advent; Children’s Christmas pageant presented during worship
Christmas caroling with the choir in the afternoon
Fourth Sunday in Advent.
Christmas Eve candlelight worship service at 5:30 p.m. Gala reception follows

Flowers always enrich our worship services. There is a sign-up sheet in Rockwood Hall for anyone who
would like to provide flowers. They can be given in memory or honor of loved ones or in celebration of special events such as birthdays and anniversaries. This information will be included in the Sunday bulletin.
Flowers can also be given simply for the joy and beauty that they bring. If you have questions, please contact
Jane Murphy at 351-9079 or at [email protected].

Women’s Retreat at Pilgrim Heights: Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center is offering a retreat entitled
“Sharing the Invisible Story” with presenter Sara Peak Convery. It’s a day away to reflect on the meaning of
relationships, refresh your body, mind and spirit and rest, relax and enjoy fellowship. The retreat begins at
6:00 pm on Friday, November 6 and ends at 4 pm on Saturday, November 7th. More information is available
on the Community News Bulletin Board.

SYRIAN REFUGEE BENEFIT: St. Raphael Orthodox Church, 722 E College St, Iowa City, invites everyone to an Iowa City benefit event for Syrian Refugee Relief on Saturday, November 7. The program begins at
6:00 p.m. with a reception and Middle Eastern hors d’oeuvres. At 7:00, Nick Kasemeotes of International Orthodox Christian Charities will give a presentation on the refugee crisis. International Orthodox Christian
Charities (IOCC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, supports one of the largest established networks to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid inside Syria where more than 12.2 million people (7.6 million internally displaced) are currently in need of assistance. In addition to its work inside Syria, IOCC staff is working regionally to address the growing needs of more than 4 million refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Armenia, Greece
and Serbia, as well as people in need in those host countries. IOCC helps people regardless of creed. For
more info about IOCC's work inside Syria, see http://iocc.org/syria. Tickets are $25. All proceeds will benefit relief efforts for Syrian refugees through International Orthodox Christian Charities. Both tickets for the
event and charitable donations to the cause can be arranged through
http://iocc.org/iowacity.

Please Remember the Annual Gifts for Parents Project: Every December we collect and distribute gift items
that are appropriate for children ages 3 to 14 to give to their parents and other significant adults in their lives. This annual, city-wide event gives children an opportunity to experience the joy of giving. Volunteers help the children choose
presents from among items donated for up to four adults in their lives. Other volunteers wrap the gifts. All enjoy a free
pancake breakfast provided by St. Mark’s United Methodist Men beginning at 8 AM on December 5th. Please check
your closets and shelves for those “white elephants” that someone else might enjoy, or the extra wrapping paper, bows,
and boxes you have tucked away. A collection box will be placed in Rockwood Hall for your new or slightly used items.
If you have the time to help, volunteers are needed to set up and sort gifts on Friday, December 4th, startingat 9 AM.
Volunteers are also needed to escort the kids and wrap gifts (bring you own scissors) on December 5th, starting at 8:30
AM. For more information, contact Edie Roberts at [email protected].

Pleasantview Home Benefit: You are invited to the Pleasantview Home Benefit Sale on Nobember 6 and 7 at
Iowa Mennonite School, 1421 540th St., SW, Kalona, IA. Pleasantview is a continuing care retirement community in Kalona. Friday activities begin at 4 pm with a turkey tenderloin supper (donation basis) served until 7:30;
musical entertainment by Myrtle Ave Duo and Great Bluegrass Herons from 5:15 - 6:15; silent auction sections
end at 6:20 and 6:35; live auction begins at 6:45. November 7th: Pancakes and sausage breakfast (donation basis) 6:30 – 10:00 am; live auction 8:30 until sold out, about noon. Please come and experience the Kalona Country
Charm! For more information, go to www.pvhomebenefit.org or call 319-656-2421.
LIBRARY CORNER
March, Book Two
Written by John Lewis with Andrew Aydin
Art by Nat Powell
The trilogy March, in graphic novel form by Congressman John Lewis, takes the reader behind the
scenes of some of the most pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement.
"Congressman John Lewis (Georgia) is an American icon and one of the key figures of the Civil
Rights Movement. His commitment to justice and non-violence has taken him from an Alabama
sharecropper's farm to the halls of Congress, from a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on
Washington, and from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom
from the first African- American president."
Congressman Lewis shares his remarkable story, in graphic novel form, with new generations.
Now the trilogy "March" brings the Civil Rights Movement to life for a new audience.
Book One and Book Two of the trilogy March can be found on the Library bookshelf in Rockwood
Hall.
Judy Doorenbos
Library Committee
Serving Our Church
In the Congregational United Church of Christ, we all share in performing duties for the worship service. A
list is provided each month for the assignments of Greeters, Ushers and Hospitality.
Please arrive one-half hour before the service, which begins at 10:15 am.
If you cannot serve on the assigned date, please call someone else on the list to arrange a trade with them.
Please let the Deacon of the Month, John Fieselmann, know of any changes.
He can be reached at 319-354-0292 or cell 319-321-5968.
NOVEMBER
GREETERS
USHERS
HOSPITALITY
1
Robert and Claire
Ashman
Stuart and Deborah Cobb
Scott and Patricia Hansche
Sally Strang
Laura Stunz
8
Martha Ann Crawford
Charles Connerly
John Fuller
Anna Mary Mueller
Roger and Melissa Jensen
Derek and Pamela
Willard
15
William Dickinson
Rod Malcolm
Mark, Carrie, Abigail,
Grace and Anna Whittaker
Kathleen Clark and
Richard Valentine
22
Kathy Koegle and
Kevin Richards
Mike and Joyce Myer
Kathy Thede-Reynolds and
Bruce Reynolds
Chris and Vernette
Knapp
29
Betty Mather
Jane Murphy
Kai and Amanda Bouma
Willis Sisley
Lyle Tonne
Bob and Betty
Stein
NOVEMBER 2015
Sunday
1
Monday
2
JAZZ Service
Communion Sunday
NIN Offering
Daylight Savings
time ends
Worship 10:15
Chinese School
Coffee Sales
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
3
4
5
6
7
Election Day
Diaconate 7pm
Mission Bd 7pm
FRC Noon
Midday
Prayer/
Meditation
Noon
Literacy
Class 6:30pm
Voices of
Soul 6:30pm
Wedding
Rehearsal
Bell/Weipert
Wedding
5:00pm
3:00pm
14
8
9
10
11
12
13
Choir 9:00
Church School
9:15
Worship 10:15
Children’s Church
During worship
Chinese School
Korean Classical Society
Rehearsal
7pm
Christian Ed
Board 7pm
FRC Noon
Midday
Prayer/
Meditation
Noon
Veteran’s
Day
Literacy
Class 6:30pm
Voices of
Soul 6:30pm
Korean
Classical
Society
Concert
7:30pm
15
16
17
18
19
20
Stewardship
4pm
Kantorei Rehearsal 6:30pm
Trustees 7pm
FRC Noon
Women’s
Lunch
11:45am
Literacy
Class 6:30pm
Voices of
Soul 6:30pm
24
25
26
27
Midday
Prayer/
Meditation
Noon
Office Closed
Thanksgiving
Office
Closed
Choir 9:00
Church School
9:15
Worship 10:15
Children’s Church
During worship
Chinese School
22
23
Thanksgiving Sunday
Choir 9:00
Church School 9:15
Worship10:15
Children’s Church
During worship
No Chinese School
29
Advent Begins
Communion Sunday
Alternative Gift
Bazaar
Choir 9:00
Church School
Worship 10:15
Chinese School
30
Saturday
Midday
Prayer/
Meditation
Noon
21
Men’s Breakfast TBD
28
Happy Birthday
16 James Keogh
1 Frank Zlatnik
Sophia Jacobsen
17 Naomi Sherer
John Holmes
2 Sheryl Amos
3 Danielle Weipert
18 Ann Leefer
Alison Wilder
5 Linda Christensen
20 Eston Bartels
Marcia Kuechenmeister
Andrew Knapp
7 Scott Hansche
Valerie Cobb
Daniel Morgan-Harris
24 Darin Wells
8 John Fuller
10 Michael Seidl
11 Jeanna Otto
26 Michael Myer
Grace Brookfield
13 Amy Lewis
29 Kevin Richards
Hayden Beerends
15 David Schoonover
Carol Fischer
Sara Murph
To You!
30 Mary Bartels
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
30 North Clinton Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245-1700
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
NOVEMBER 2015 NEWSLETTER
PARKING INFORMATION
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Parking is available evenings and all day Sunday at the
IMU or North Hall Parking Ramps.
10:15 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
Ask your usher for a voucher (or get one from the
church office).
Church Office is open Monday - Friday 9-3pm
OUR CHURCH STAFF
Pastor:
The Rev. William Lovin
Music Director:
Organist:
Office Manager:
Financial Secretary:
Custodian:
Patrick Zubiate
Bill Crouch
Nan Martin
Sharyn Huriaux Reitz
Eddy Ghumm
Worship
Fellowship
HOW TO CONTACT US
Monday - Friday 9 am to 3 pm
Phone: 319-337-4301
E-mail:
Minister………………..……..…[email protected]
Office Manager……….……...…[email protected]
Financial Secretary……[email protected]
Music Director……… [email protected]
Visit our Web Site: www.uccic.org