Worship This Sunday

 

In Community of Hope

 

It's Labor Day weekend, and in honor of all those taking a much needed break, we are dwelling in the wisdom of the Sabbath, a day of rest. We'll hear a Sabbath poem by the late Wendell Berry as well as enjoy a contemplative-style service full of prayer and pause. 
Livestream
Bulletin

 

In Advent

“And we pray, not / for new earth or heaven, but to be / quiet in heart, and in eye, / clear. What we need is here.” A few words from Wendell Berry guide worship on Sunday at 9:30, along with the Chicago Folk Service. Jesus reminds us he is with us wherever two or three are gathered, and also promises to be present in communion. You may find “What [you] need is here.
For online participants (or those who might like to use a device in-person) the links for hymns and readings will be in the bulletin rather than separate here or in the YouTube description. We’re hoping that’s more user-friendly.
Livestream
Bulletin

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MCC Weekly Announcements

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God's Work, Our Hands

Sunday, Sept. 13 is our kick-off for the program year. At 9:00 we’ll have a variety of projects—on the grounds, with music, with yarn, supporting immigrant families, and more. Then we’ll have shared worship at 10:15.

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CFM Fall News

We hope that it's been a good transition back to school and fall schedules for all of your families. At MCC, we'll begin the program year with service projects for all ages on God's Work, Our Hands Sunday, Sept 13 at 9-10am. Bring your backpack for a special blessing during 10:15 worship. Weekly faith formation class for K-6th grade begins Sept 20 at 9am. Birth-4/K classes are scheduled 10/4, 11/8, 11/22, and 12/6. 
 
Mark your calendars for these fun fall events:
9/18-19 - Camping at Bethel Horizons (There's still room if you'd like to come!)
10/7 - Family Bonfire at 5:30pm - Hot dogs, s'mores, and outdoor fun
10/24 - Halloween Harvestfest

 

Baby Diaper Drive

You can still support a couple that had been attending the Trans Community Dinners hosted by MCC! Onyx and Drew Rooch have had their first baby. One round of diapers and changing pads has been delivered, and you can bring more to church until Sept. 9. There is also a meal train.

 

Judith Bible Study

Judith morning Bible study will meet on Tuesday, Sept 8 at 9:30 am in the Covenant Room.  We have one more lesson in the Summer issue of Gather magazine; it’s the third session of I Am Worthy and begins on p.48.  The study is open to everyone, and we enjoy different perspectives and stories.  If you have questions, contact Joyce Anderson.

 

Our Befrienders Are Ready to Befriend!

The Befriender program recently passed its two year anniversary, which means it's a great time to remind everyone that are Befrienders are active and ready to be there for you. Befrienders can be helpful in all sorts of situations-- both short term and long term. Need a listening ear in a time of transition? Experiencing a time of grief? Having a  health change, and it would be comforting to have some company now and then? These and more are excellent times to consider a Befriender!
 
You can learn more, including about how to request a Befriender, on the MCC website or by reaching out to pastors Jen or Nick. 
 
If you feel like you might be called to this ministry and want to learn how to become a Befriender, please reach out to Pastor Jen. 

 

McNatts

Myrna McNatt is still at home for now. The family has hired somebody to check on her daily, but they think visits from people she knows could be helpful, as well as rides to church. You can contact Nick if you’d like to be involved.
The family is looking toward Thursday, Sept. 10 - visitation at 1:00 and service at 2:00. Here is a link to the livestream. A light reception will follow, and if you’d like to bring cookies or a dessert, please let Kaisa know. Here is his obituary 

 

MCC Camping - Sept 18-19th

Our annual time for outdoor fellowship at beautiful Bethel Horizons is coming up! All ages are welcome to join at the group site for camping overnight Friday-Saturday or to just hang out during the day on Saturday. Email Andrea@themcc.net to RSVP or if you'd like to help with planning.

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Vacation's Over for Mini-Jesus

Thanks to all who shared photos of Mini-Jesus over the summer! We really enjoyed seeing all of the adventures you went on together. One last photo to wrap things up, as Jesus heads to the first day of Middle School with Freddie. 

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Sexuality Statement Updates

Save the date: Sept. 27, after worship. We’ll have a discussion on the ELCA social statement on human sexuality (adopted in 2009) about proposed changes to the document. (The church is taking feedback through 9/30.) ELCA Social Statements guide theological reflection on a wide variety of topics/issues. Background reading for this week is an FAQ. You can also see last week’s suggestion of the CURRENT Social Statement, particularly the distinctions on pages 19-21.
Also, the ELCA has Social Messages issued by the Church Council, a simpler and quicker process. Visit ELCA.org/homelessness to read the draft reconsidered social message and to submit your feedback via a survey before Nov. 30. Feedback, questions and concerns can also be sent to DraftSocialMessage@ELCA.org.

 

Efficiency Upgrades

Faith in Place partnered with Focus on Energy and we are part of a pilot program for energy efficiency upgrades in houses of worship. Altogether, we will complete about $50,000 of projects but only have to pay $20,000.

The HVAC work for the Focus on Energy project was completed last week.  We replaced three aging AC units with heat pumps, and one furnace with a more efficient model.  The benefits of the heat pumps go beyond just being newer and more efficient.  They will enable us to do most of our heating and cooling using electricity, instead relying solely on fossil fuels. Not only does MCC generate some of our own electricity with solar panels, but MG&E is also working to increase their inventory of renewable resources.
 

Lighting in the preschool space has been updated to LEDs and the Covenant Room is the remaining portion of that project.

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