November 2007
Download a Copy for your Self September 2007

   Webster describes a miracle as a wonder; a marvelous thing; something which seems to go beyond the known laws of nature and is held to be the act of a supernatural being.

   Recently I read the story of a congregation in Le Chambon, France, during World War II. Descendants of Protestant refugees who had fled to the mountains, hounded and executed by the government, this village of some 3000 people decided to live an active, dangerous love by assisting Jews fleeing to escape the Gestapo. The small village had one church, pastored by Rev. Andre Trocme and his wife Magda.

   Rev. Trocme and two other men in the church were identified and arrested for civil rebellion. As the Nazi officials led them out of the village, the people lined both sides of the street singing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”. The moral courage of these men only inspired their wives and fellow congregants to open up their hearts even more to assist Jewish families. They established an underground network, which helped an untold number of Jewish families escape into Switzerland. Le Chambon became known as one of the safest places for Jews in all of Europe. 

   Imprisoned in a camp with communists and resistance fighters, the three men led religious services, discussion groups and classes that attracted not only the prisoners but the guards. To the congregation’s shock and dismay, the men were mysteriously released.

   When the Allied Forces moved through France, the news of this little congregation surfaced. It was discovered that they had sheltered some 3500 Jewish families.

   In reflecting upon that congregation, I see a marvellous thing as described by Webster above. I see ordinary people gripped by the presence of the Living God doing extraordinary things. I see miracles.  I think God was pleased with that little church.

   As I reflect upon our congregation, I see things that to my eyes are truly marvellous. As a congregation we have not chosen the easy, comfortable road. When we chose to go forth with our building, we were not choosing an easy, comfortable path. When we go out of our way to provide Sunday School classes that go beyond surface frills and provide opportunities for people to learn of ministry through Christian Life Groups, we are not choosing the easy, comfortable path. When we adopt a budget that moves us one more step in reaching the goal of giving 10% of our total budget to reaching parts of the world no one else seems to care about, we are not choosing the easy, comfortable path. When we participate in ministries who bring services to the needy of the community such as Frontline, Love INC, Hispanic/American Community Partners, and Tri-County Pregnancy Center, we are not choosing an easy, comfortable road.

   In all of these areas, I have seen miracles this year. I have witnessed the supernatural.

   Many people in our society today are attracted to churches because of crowds, because of Disney World type programs for children, because of entertaining services with positive, therapeutic pep talks. These people would not have been attracted to the little church in Le Chambon.

   I think of the story in Acts where the Apostle Paul visited a church and prolonged his message until midnight. How many churches in America today would have tolerated Paul? Probably not many. I have a feeling the folks of Le Chambon would have welcomed Paul. The church in most parts of the world where there is unspeakable suffering would welcome the extended message of any Godly leader such as Paul.

   Within a few blocks of our church lives a young girl who, because of people who care, received medical care that identified and removed a cockroach from her ear. One doesn’t have to go far to find real needs. Like most urban areas in America, we live within close range of much alcoholism, gangs, and physical abuse.

   What kind of congregation are we? We are not the most attractive congregation for many people looking for churches who will massage their easy-chair, cosmetic faith. We are a collection of folks who want to express a love that is dangerous. That expression of love moves us way beyond our comfort most of the time. That depth of love is risky.

   As a congregation we are not perfect and certainly have never claimed to be perfect. We make mistakes and hopefully are quick to apologize. We are not above occasionally offending people. With all that said, we are a congregation reminiscent of congregations throughout history that move forward with a potency that quietly gives hope, transforms lives and influences communities. We thrive on seeing the awesome power of God surface in ways that defy human understanding. We are a congregation that delights in God’s miracles.

     Pastor Curry

PULPIT FORECAST

"To regularly avail oneself to the public exposition of the Holy Scriptures is one of the highest and holiest habits one can ever attain in this life."

   I have noticed several of carrying around your copy of the book by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz as you are faithfully moving through it in your Christian Life Groups. Those two men certainly bring the color to surface in John’s Gospel. They quote William Barclay, “It is always true that there is no one closer to men than the man who is close to God . . . The nearer we are to suffering humanity, the nearer we are to God.”

   It should not surprise us that God cares for people, especially for the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the innocent children, the mentally handicapped, and those who have pain in their life unjustly imposed on them by others. Throughout much of John’s Gospel, we see this in Jesus. Most of his miracles focus on human need. Oh how the world needs to see Jesus in this light.

   Throughout most of November I will be using my sermon time to finish my series in John. Those in the Christian Life Groups studying John are probably wondering why I am leaving so much good stuff out. Selecting a few messages from John is like being at a fantastic smorgasbord with many types of meats, vegetables, fruits and pastries and only having a small plate. You will leave much more than you take. So it is with preaching and teaching from this really special book.

   So …….. what a joy to begin the week with Bible open singing praises to the author of my soul and yours. We want to be forever students of God’s Word.

NOVEMBER MESSAGES

 4^th    “Suffering that Leads to Saving Faith” is the title of the message taken from John 11:20-37. We will also share in Holy Communion.

11^th  “Suffering that Leads to Life” is the message title using John 11:38-47. The drama team will present a special. After the service we will gather downstairs for our Annual Meeting.

18^th  The singing group, “Souls Harbor”, will bring the message in song. Based in Michigan, they give their full time to visiting churches and communities singing southern gospel music.

        The Thanksgiving Community Service will be at the new Cultural and Civic Center and will begin at 3:00 P.M.

25^th   “Pilgrims for a While” is the message title taken from John 13:31-35.

ON THE RADIO EVERY SUNDAY 98.3

      Know of a shut-in who might enjoy our service? Make sure to have them tune in every Sunday. 

        At the end of each service, Jim Pillars makes a fast trip to the radio station to be on the air at 12:00 noon. Katie Margison has been assisting him.          

       People who live out of the area can tune in on the internet by visiting www.wrlr.fm . Look to the left side of the page and click on “on-air audio stream”.

BIRTHDAYS

If you know of anyone who is not on our list, contact Randy Margison.    

9: Jonathan Summers

18: Betty Jones

18: Nick Lyons

18: Alex Fazekas

18: Tim Fazekas

22: Roy Mauck

30: Annie Lyons

USE OF CHURCH BUILDING AND CHIMES CALENDAR??  

            The calendar in the Chimes each month only contains the events of our church life. It does not list all the groups using the church facility on different dates. If you wish inquire about using the facility, please call our Facility Coordinator, Jim Pillars. 

COFFEE HOUR  

11/4    Carol Lawrence & Joyce Richter

11/11  Megan Bosley & Joyce Richter

11/18  Jeanne Knoblock & Sandy Blake

11/25  Donna & Chris Kramer

USHER SCHEDULE

11/4    Carol & Bob Dawson

11/11  Mae Bachovitch & Linda Martin

11/18  Bill Peterson & Dan Schlabach

11/25  Linda Ellinger & Joyce Richter

PURCHASING AT MENARDS?

   As a fund raiser for the new Building we will have Menard's Scrip.  Some were not aware that we had it.  You purchase the scrip from the church in $25.00 increments.  You use these when you shop at Menard's just as you would cash.  Keep one or two on hand so that you are prepared when you go to Menard's.  If you have a big building project or other large purchase coming up there we can get larger denominations also.  See Marietta.  We get 4% on each and at the end of the year they send an additional 2% in merchandise certificates.  Thus. we actually get 6% profit.

WELCOME BILL AND FAMILY!

    Born: Aug 31,1960 Rochester NY. BA Art & Poli Sci at SUNY Geneseo 1983. Entered USAF 8/8/83 completed Pararescue training 1 yr later. Served 15 years (saved a few lives) One was a night jump mission 1000 mi east of FL and 500 mi North of Puerto Rico. Man was burned over 30% of his body with 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Over 400 parachute jumps etc,etc. Completed Community College of the Air Force AAS in Rescue and Survival. Completed MA in Human Relations from Univ of OK 1996. Started Physician Assistant School at Nova Southeastern Univ. in May 1998, Grad in Jul 2000. Practicing as a PA on and off ever since. Have 3 kids in Albuquerque NM: Alex 16, Cassie 14 on the tenth this mo, Daniel is 11. Speak with them often miss em terrible, all 3 are life-long Christians. Met current wife Madlyn while in PA school in Ft Lauderdale. Raya was born 9 mo later down in FL at Cape Canaveral Hopital. Jack 2.5 yrs later in Gallup NM. Been here Round Lake area 1.5 yrs. Saved @ 6 yrs ago. desire to become more involved in the Church, and ensure my younger 2 kids are brought up exposed to Christ and that we all grow in our Faith together. 

   We welcome Bill as a new member. Raya and Jack attend Sunday School. Bill is active in one of the Sunday morning Christian Life Groups.

 WELCOME HANK AND SUE!

    Sue McDonald- born and raised on the Near Northwest Side of Chicago. Graduated Kelvyn Park High School and the University of Illinois-Chicago. My career is as an accountant. I'm a fanatical animal lover. Avid reader.

I look forward to being a contributing member of the Community Church family. 

    Hank McDonald-   Born on the West Side of Chicago. Raised on the Near Northwest  Side of Chicago. Graduated Kelvyn Park High School, attended Northeastern Illinois University (when it was still Chicago Teachers College-North).

As a teen received Christ as my Savior and was given a true family with the church and with a Preacher and his family in particular. Served in all capacities at the church-Council, committees, choir, Sunday School leadership. Had a Local Preachers' license for a number of years and filled pulpits of vacationers, interim between assignments, etc. Three summers as Church Youth Camp counselor near Dixon, Il. One year as Youth Pastor of a North Side of Chicago church. Three years as counselor at a church-sponsered gang drop-in center on the Near Northwest Side of Chicago. The Church Council responsible for the gang drop-in center petitioned the City of Chicago to open a Community Mental Health Center in the neighborhood (only the third or fourth in the City of which eventually became thirty). They also petitioned The City to hire me as a mental health counselor in which capacity I was able to serve the community and the Lord for the next thirty years.

   I am now priveleged to be retired in the Round Lake community and look forward to serving in the Community Church. 

   We welcome the McDonalds as new members. They are active in the Wednesday evening Christian Life Group.

 DISCOUNT CARDS?

   Buy one large pizza and get a medium free? Not a bad deal for Pizza Hut. That is a good example of the great deals on the back of the discount cards.

   Expiration date is July of 08. Cindy Johnson still has plenty of cards left. If you think you could sell or give as gifts, she has them in packets of 10.

COUNCIL REPORTS from the most recent meeting are always available at the back of the church in the wooden rack at the top of the steps. Don’t hesitate to pick one up if you have interest. Council Meetings are always open to our members. We meet the first Tuesday evening to conduct church business and the third Tuesday evening to pray. Please contact Council President Mike Johnson if you wish to attend or speak at any meeting. 

NEW BUILDING UPDATE

   Special thanks to Joe Martin, Jim Summers, Jim Lyons, Chris Kramer, Alex Fazekas, Bill Peterson, Pastor Curry and Dan Schlabach who contributed the big part of one Saturday in getting the front of the new building prepared for grass and planting it. It is now up and has been mowed three times. Doesn’t it look nice! 

   We are trying to get all the doors painted and ready for winter. Special financial contributions make such a difference. We hope to have the trim done on the inside of the lobby soon.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY DECEMBER 18^TH

   Olin Mills will be here one day to take pictures. Everyone will receive a view their different poses on the spot and will receive one free 8X10 and will receive one free church directory. Time slots are filling up quickly so call Teresa Pillars asap to make appointment at 847-245-7260 

PRE-PAY  BAKE  SALE

   Have we lost our apple core’in minds?  Well, maybe, but we’re going to try it!!  A group of bakers from our congregation have offered up their services to make selected pies, cookies and breads for a Building/Sunday School fund raiser.   

   We ask for the orders to be paid in full ahead of time so we know exactly what to make and how many to make.  The delivery/pick-up days will be Nov 18, 19 & 20. 

   Get an order form from Marietta Eggert, Karen Eggert, Annie Lyons or Teresa Pillars.  Pass the word to your friends, family & neighbors.  All orders must be returned to one of these individuals and paid for by November 14. 

   YUM !!!! 

PRAYER PARTNERS

   Do you know the power of prayer?  We’re teaching our youngest Sunday School kids just what that power is.

   Each week we spend 5 – 10 minutes taking prayer request from every person in the class and then pray for each and every one.  Once a month we review the requests to see what God has shown us from our prayers.  Quite often the children request prayers for mommy and daddy.  You’re very lucky parents! 

   We also draw prayer partners as often as we can so the kids can pray for each other during the week. 

   Please pray for these young hearts as they continue to learn about prayer power and the different ways God answers all our prayers. 

SAMPLE:

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP COVENANT

Listed below are the qualifications for active church membership as described in our church constitution by-laws section I, p. 13.

It is the privilege of every member to take an active part in worship and in the activities of the Church.  Membership in good standing includes items 1 through 9 of the following:

1.      Regular attendance at divine worship service.

2.      Devout approach to baptism and communion.

3.      Fervent prayer for the welfare of the Church.

4.      Financial support according to each member’s means toward the maintenance of the Church and her benevolence.

5.      Untiring zeal in bringing the unchurched under the influence of the Church.

6.      A spirit of Christian fellowship toward one’s fellow man.

7.      Regular attendance at the business meetings of the Congregation.

8.      All members in good standing shall have the right and duty of voting at all Congregational meetings, and to hold office as desired by majority vote of their fellow members.

9.      Active participation in the life of the Church.

In good conscience, seeking to be a faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, I declare that I am an “active member” as described above.

Signature of member:          ++++++++++++++++++

Approved by Elder :       +++++++++++++++++

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE – NOV. 18^TH

   Sunday, 3:00 P.M., at the new Cultural and Civic Center, near the post office, several churches are joining together in praise to the Lord in thanksgiving of our nation and freedoms. Plan to be with us.

SOUTHERN GOSPEL GROUP FROM MICHIGAN TO BE SPECIAL GUESTS

   The well known singing group “Souls Harbor” will be ministering in song Sunday morning, November the 18^th. They will have most all the service. This would be a great time to invite friends or family. The trio – David and Joy Brown and Ron Brown (David’s brother) – have been singing gospel music their entire lives. They spend most of their spare time traveling and singing in churches and community events.

   You can learn more about them by visiting their web site at www.SoulsHarborMusic.com  .

ANNUAL MEETING COMING UP NOVEMBER 11^TH

   This year’s Annual Congregational Meeting will be somewhat different as we plan to institute our first ever active membership list. All those members who are active as defined by the constitution are invited to sign an active membership covenant. These will be distributed at the beginning of the meeting and collected at the end of the meeting. The list will take effect on January 1 and will be good for one year. We plan this to be an annual event at the congregational meeting. If you are active an unable to attend the meeting, please be sure to pick up a covenant form, sign it and give it to either Jim Pillars or Pastor Curry, before the Annual Meeting.

   Deacons and Elders will also be elected. A budget for 2008 will be discussed and passed. A sample of the active membership covenant is printed in this Chimes.   Plan to be there or be square!!!