MISSION STATEMENT First Congregational Church of Evanston

As members of the First Congregational Church of Evanston, we are on a spiritual United Church of Christ
journey. As an inclusive congregation, we welcome all faith experiences and family An Open and Affirming Church
types; we are an open and affirming community of faith who welcome and include Hinman Avenue at Grove Evanston, Illinois
all people and embrace differences of age, ability, race, sexual orientation, gender Founded 1869
identity and expression, and national origin. We are challenged by the Gospel to
grow in our understanding of what the Biblical Word means for Christian life today, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost July 23, 2017
to nurture one another, and to be engaged in our community and the world. By Gods Welcome to First Congregational Church of Evanston. Whether this is your
grace and guided by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves, our resources, and our first time here, your first time here in a long time, or whether you were with
us just last week, we are glad that you are with us today. No matter who you
time to Jesus Christ through this congregation. are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
At-Large Members of the congregation, Mary Greene and Heather Soto, are At First Congregational Church, worship begins with the Prelude.
available to listen to your questions, concerns and positive feedback about worship We invite you to use this time for silence, prayer, and meditation.
and all areas of church life at FCCE.
Prelude Festival Voluntary Flor Peeters
First Chronicles - Hard copies of our newsletter are available in the Narthex. You can
also find a link to the newsletter on our website, www.firstchurchevanston.org * Call to Worship
(under the tab news and events). Weekly sermons are also available on the website. Leader: We come to the One who knows all the facts about our lives;
People: We are open books to God, who writes on every page.
Leader: We approach the One who knows what we are thinking;
Church Office Summer Hours People: Our thoughts, our fears, and our hopes are all known by God.
Monday Thursday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Leader: We worship the One who is always with us, in front of us, behind us,
Friday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm around us;
People: What a wonderful God!
All: How blessed we are!
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF EVANSTON * Hymn (see insert) Here in This Place
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1445 Hinman Avenue (at Grove Street) * Morning Prayer
Mailing address: 1417 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 Let us pray: Searching God, we praise you! Your presence surrounds us in
Phone: 847-864-8332 every moment; you reside in our hearts. There is no cobwebbed corner that
Email: info@firstchurchevanston.org is not claimed by your love. The gate of heaven is open to us in our
Website: www.firstchurchevanston.org moments of doubt, as well as our moments of faith. In our times of rest, you
CHURCH STAFF whisper hope to us; you awaken us, inviting us to work in your kingdom.
Rev. Dr. Ann L. Rosewall, Senior Minister arosewall@firstchurchevanston.org ext. 21 Caller of our Hearts, may we listen to your voice and serve you with grace.
Melia Pappas, Church Administrator mpappas@firstchurchevanston.org ext. 22 [time for silent confession]
David Lornson, Director of Music dlornson@firstchurchevanston.org ext. 23 * Assurance of Grace
Sarah B. Petersen, Director of Learning & Outreach Leader: The truth of Gods amazing love is this: God seeks us and finds us, so
spetersen@firstchurchevanston.org ext. 24 that we can receive the blessing of forgiveness.
Linnea Garca, Nursery Supervisor People: Thanks be to God.
Mark Daniels, Moderator Beth Babbitt, Vice Moderator * Alleluia
CHANCEL CHOIR SOLOISTS Eternal are Thy mercies, Lord; Eternal truth attends Thy word;
Cindy Senneke, soprano Beth Babbitt, alto Alleluia! Alleluia!
Kevin Siembor, tenor Joseph Roberts, bass Thy Praise shall sound from shore to shore, Till suns shall rise and set no
more. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
 Childrens Message Cheryl Sefton You are welcomed and seated today by our Deacons Richard Davis, Dona
* Passing of the Peace Hildebrant and Sharyn Julcher, who are each wearing a white carnation. Assisted
(Please turn to each other saying: The peace of God be with you. And also with you.) Listening Devices and large print bulletins are available from a Deacon. If you need
Announcements and Signing of Friendship Pads anything else during the service, please do not hesitate to ask one of them. Our lay
Scripture Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 reader today is Bill Greene.
OLD TESTAMENT P. 577
Thanks to Charles Moore for sharing his gift of music with us this morning. The
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 NEW TESTAMENT P. 14
two selections which Charles will play for us are ones he originally arranged for
Sermon Calling Weeds by Name Rev. Ann L. Rosewall harp, and now we hear them in settings for piano.
* Hymn No. 260 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Our thanks to Laurie Brown for hosting refreshment time on behalf of the Chancel
Joys and Concerns Choir.
Prayers of the People and The Lords Prayer (debts) (Hymnal Page 16) Youth Programming: Summer Spirit and Play - On Sundays, through September
3rd, children in worship head outside with adult leaders and high school assistants to
Offering
Raymond Park. During Summer Spirit, we let God speak to us through the breeze,
Offertory Wayfaring Stranger Southern White Spiritual/arr. Moore through running and laughing, deepening friendships, and time together outside.
Charles Moore, pianist Well have a bin of bubbles, balls and easy art supplies so you can focus on fun with
* Doxology No. 592 (Optional alternate last line: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.) the kids at the park! We invite all congregants to volunteer for one or more Sundays
* Unison Prayer of Dedication during the summer. Teen volunteers are welcome to sign up to be assistants. Your
Let us pray: God of Flowers and Weeds, we thank you for the way you help gives our hardworking Sunday School teachers a little rest and allows more
continue to create and re-create our lives to reflect your image. Show us people a chance to get to know the awesome children in our church family. Contact
how to give generously, receive graciously, and share unselfishly. May these Sarah Petersen with questions.
offerings be used for your greater purposes of love and service. Amen. Colombia Accompaniment Program Information Session
* Hymn 420 God of Grace and God of Glory Today, 3:00 PM First Congregational Church House
* Benediction Learn about month-long mission experiences with the Presbyterian Church in
Postlude I'll Fly Away Albert Brumley/arr. Moore Colombia. Spanish language not required; Open hearts desired! Find out how the
Charles Moore, pianist church is involved in the Colombian peace process, visit communities in the city and
countryside, and connect with people who continue to struggle for political, social
* Please stand in body or spirit.
and spiritual wholeness. Meet others who are interested in this once-in-a-lifetime
In all your many wonderful names we pray. Language draws us closer to God. opportunity, as well as those who have been to this South American region and
Whether it is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, or returned transformed.
other words or images, we invite you to use whatever language is most meaningful. Fellowship event! Come out and frolic with us at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Picnic lunch
Our known homebound members include Jim Corrigan, Margaret Cothrine, Jean will be provided by the Fellowship Committee. Meet shortly after church dismissal
Davies, and Corene McCollum. Please inform the church office if we have missed on July 30th and carpool to the Zoo. We will gather in the grassy area outside the
anyone. Botanic Garden for a picnic then proceed to tour the Zoo stopping outside the seal
Little ones in worship: Our congregation is enriched by the presence of children exhibit to listen to the musical stylings of Linnea Garcia and The Windy City Winds.
and they are always welcome in worship. Please dont fret about squawks and coos BYOB. Lunch will include gluten free options.
during the service. Rocking chairs are available for parents with young children in
the rear of the sanctuary. If desired, a play room and changing table is available in
our Nursery for children 3 and under, located in the lower level of this building. Our
nursery superviser is Linnea Garca. A Deacon (wearing a white carnation) will be
happy to walk you there if asked.
 Upcoming Events at First Congregational Evanston
July 30 11:30 a.m. Picnic and band concert at Lincoln Park Zoo
August 6 10:00 a.m. Peace Sunday and Peace Pole rededication
August 20 5:00 p.m. Bonfire at Lighthouse Beach
August 26 9:00 a.m. CMA Workshop: Power Dynamics and Relationship
September 10 10:00 a.m. Rally Day! Worship and Picnic

Sunday Forums on Congregational Care

Today: End of Life Issues
Many of the issues that arise at the end of life are connected to our lives of faith.
Healthcare decisions, financial choices and feelings of grief intersect with our images
of God and the values we hold dearly. In this forum we will use the form Five
Wishes to guide part of our discussion and support each other in this complex
arena. (This forum will be extended to other sessions, if requested.)

Peace Sunday
August 6 is the date we most often associate as the anniversary of the dropping of
the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan in 1944. Many people of faith choose this day
to fortify our efforts for making peace in the world, seeking reconciliation, and
advocating for non-violent solutions to personal, local and global conflicts. Join us in
worship at 10:00 a.m. on August 6th for communion and a special message on peace.
After worship join us for the rededication of our Peace Pole in front of the Church
House.
Art Show: Exploring Balance - Art From Tower Hill Balance was the theme for
the recent all church retreat at Tower Hill in Sawyer, Michigan. Exploring Balance
is a show of creations made during the retreat, as well as those who were unable to First Congregational Church of Evanston
attend the retreat. Three types of projects are featured: three-legged stools, mobiles
and sculptures. Stop by the Narthex Gallery to view these works.
Gather Around the Fire!
GUIDE POSTS
Sunday July 23
10:00 A.M. WORSHIP SANCTUARY
11:15 A.M. REFRESHMENTS NARTHEX
11:30 A.M. CONGREGATIONAL CARE FORUM: END OF LIFE ISSUES CHAPEL
3:00 P.M. COLOMBIAN ACCOMPANIMENT PROGRAM INFO SESSION GUILD ROOM
Monday July 24
8:00 P.M. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS MEETING GUILD ROOM
Tuesday July 25
9:30 A.M. STAFF MEETING CONFERENCE ROOM
5:30 P.M. 11TH STEP MEDITATION PRACTICE MEETING FELLOWSHIP HALL
Wedensday July 26
7:00 P.M.
Thursday
MISSION BOARD
July 27
CHURCH HOUSE
Sunday, August 20th
5-8pm
7:30 A.M. BIBLE STUDY BROWN PARLOR
Friday July 28
NOON FRIDAY BROWN BAG LUNCH CHURCH HOUSE
Saturday July 29
8:00 A.M. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GUILD ROOM Weve reserved the stone bonfire ring at the top of
Sunday July 30
10:00 A.M. WORSHIP SANCTUARY the stairs at Lighthouse Beach Park on Sheridan Road
11:15 A.M. REFRESHMENTS NARTHEX
11:30 A.M. PICNIC AND BAND CONCERT LINCOLN PARK ZOO in Evanston for savoring summer together with singing
Monday July 31 and smores. Well have hot dogs and marshmallows
8:00 P.M. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS MEETING GUILD ROOM
Tuesday August 1 for roasting. Please bring a picnic side to share.
10:00 A.M. STAFF MEETING CONFERENCE ROOM
5:30 P.M. 11TH STEP MEDITATION PRACTICE MEETING FELLOWSHIP HALL Invite a friend & sign up in the church entryway
Thursday August 3 to join the fun!
7:30 A.M. BIBLE STUDY BROWN PARLOR
Friday August 4
NOON FRIDAY BROWN BAG LUNCH CHURCH HOUSE Questions? Contact Sarah Petersen:
spetersen@firstchurchevanston.org