S T R E A M E R Willow Creek Presbyterian Church of Argyle

7300 Belvidere Road Caledonia, Illinois 61011

815-885-3455

April 2018

Greetings, Sisters and Brothers in Christ!

When Christmas came and went, I shared a poem by theologian Howard Thurman about how the work of Christmas—the entering of Christ into our lives and through our lives into the world—is NOT over and MUST continue. Now, as Easter nears, I feel God is sending me a similar word to share—the work of loosing the bonds that tie us to the ways of death is NOT done—we are an EASTER people!

What does it mean to be an Easter People? I remember the much favored Pope of my youth, John Paul the Second, who said, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” With all the atrocities, tragedies and suffering in the world today, the statement sounds too blythe. You can’t just slap a smile on and go about your day. But the Pope’s statement is not an exhortation to superficiality, it is a definition of our identity in Christ. We ARE the EASTER PEOPLE. Our lives are touched by New Life.

What do Easter People do in the face of despair, suffering, injustice, tragedy and death? We don’t abandon ourselves to just sit in it, and we don’t just stand there either. When Mary found the tomb was empty, she ran back to her community. And so we, in the face of suffering, we go, we run, we act like a people with hope—not because we no longer see the brokenness, but because we have been called to participate in healing it. We can cry with those who grieve, pray with those who hurt, give voice to the voiceless, stand with the ostracized, see a need and meet it! Every morning is Easter morning, every day is resurrection day. Stop feeling paralyzed by despair, take up your mats and walk as Jesus calls us!

Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on! Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone! Goodbye guilt, goodbye fear, good riddance! Hello Lord, Hello sun! I am one of the Easter People! My new life has begun!

Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on! Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone! Daily news is so bad it seems the Good News seldom gets heard. Get it straight from the Easter People: God's in charge! Spread the word!

Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on! Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone! Yesterday I was bored and lonely; but today look and see! I belong to the Easter People! Life's exciting to me!

Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on! Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone! Ev'ry morning is Easter morning, Ev'ry morning is Easter morning, Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on!

Richard K. Avery, Donald S. Marsh Words © 1972 Hope Publishing Company

Dear Friends:

Thank you foryour kind donation of Emergency Clean-up Buckets to Church World Service. Your compassion has given individuals and families touched by disaster the tangible evidence that they matter. That someone cares. And they are not alone.

Disasters can strike anywhere, anytime. And they can take many forms: tornadoes, earthquakes, civil conflict, drought, hurricanes and more. Caring people like you - who understand the urgency of responding after a disaster - allow people in crisis to receive help when they need it, and hope for the future.

Learn more about the power of your compassion at cwskits.org.

Here at home or overseas, when tragedy strikes your donations ensure that help is never far behind.

With deepest gratitude, Rev. John L. McCullough

Dear Partners in God’s Mission:

Thank you for your support of Presbyterian Mission! Your faithful and generous giving allows all of us who

work together in God’s mission to bring the gospel of Christ to all corners of the world. It provides the funds to help bear the burdens of those in times of crisis, those in poverty, those who are in need. Thank you for partnering with us in that call.

The generosity of you congregation has provided the following support: On February 21, 2018, we received $507.26 for the Christmas Joy Offering.

Yours in Christ, Chris Roseland, Mission Engagement Advisor

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the children and staff of Kemmerer Village, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your recent gift of $115 on 2/20/2018. We continue to be grateful for your interest and support of our ministry.

Today we are helping 35 children between the ages of 12 to 19 on our campus. We are also overseeing the care of over 100 children in our Foster Care Program between infancy and age 21. This has all been made possible through the efforts of friends such as you. Please know that you are always welcome at Kemmerer Village. Feel free to schedule a visit and tour of our campus. You may also look us up online at www.kemmerervillage.org.

Sincerely, Michael A. Havera, Director of Development and Fundraising

($115 was sent to Kemmerer Village from your donations to the Christmas Card Tree on the Sanctuary Landing.)

As parents, we have many hills and valleys to climb and travel. My heart aches. Thank you for the prayers and cards I received, on the death of my son Ted. Grace & Blessings, Jeane Shallenberger

To our Willow Creek Family:

Sharing our gratitude for your kind expressions of sympathy in our recent loss of JoAnn's father. Your prayers, beautiful cards, and warm hugs have all comforted us as we deal with the emptiness left by his passing. Thank you so much for your love.

JoAnn and Loren Buffington

I would like to say a big “Thank You” to all the members that have donated cakes, helped set-up and helped with the luncheon after the two memorials services. I appreciate all you help.

Thanks again, Carolyn J. Wheeler

I wanted to send along my thanks. I really enjoy playing at Willow Creek. Methodist theologian John Wesley speaks of radical hospitality. I experience that when I come to Willow Creek. The people are so friendly and seem to appreciate what I am giving. I look forward to seeing you all again in July at Worship in the Park. Blessings and Peace, Dan

STEWARDSHIP RECOGNITION ABOVE and BEYOND the CALL of DUTY recognizes individuals, couples or groups that serve God through Willow Creek Presbyterian Church.

Nominations forms can be obtained on the welcome stand outside Fellowship Hall near the Education Wing. Completed nominations can be deposited in the box on the welcome stand. Nominations can also be made directly to Pastor Judith.

Fellowship is an important part of our gathering. Sign-up is available in the Kitchen Window. Help us welcome newcomers with light refreshments and warm hearts. If you need any assistance setting up or serving for Fellowship, please call Sandy Bell cell # 815-871-6301.

Habitat for Humanity - Boone County If you are interested in putting together a work crew, contact Beth @ Habitat (phone 815-980-6247). There are ongoing builds in both the Belvidere and South Rockford areas.

Want to help out at Northern IL Food Bank? Go to website www.SolveHungerToday.org

or call 815-639-1257 to sign up.

I am sure that sometimes you wonder if the box tops for education that we send to Kemmerer Village are worthwhile or not. I spoke with someone there last week and she said the Village received $1100.00 last year from the box tops so keep cutting and saving them and we will continue to mail our little contribution. They said it makes a great addition to their efforts to provide supplies, etc. at the school. Delores

WCPC Operating Statistics

February let us know that it is still winter in Northern Illinois with snow removal costs running over $1,000 for the month. That, coupled with a sub par month for offerings, contributed to our loss in excess of $5,000. Thanks again for your support.

Do you like to sing or play an instrument? We are looking for people to share their gifts of music as anthems and offertories during worship. Please talk to Pastor Judith if you (or someone you know) is interested. Choir Rehearsal: The Chancel Choir (all voices, youth included) will continue to sing on the first Sunday of the month. Rehearsal at 8:45 am on First Sundays.

WCPC Operating Statistics

February 2018 Year-to-Date

Income

8,963.49 20,072.63

Expenses

14,107.10 28,707.57

(5,143.61) (8,634.94)

Children's Sunday School (geared for children in grades PreK-5th)

Youth Group Dates Sat, Apr 7, 5:00 pm thru Sun am - Lock-In at Church Sun, April 15, 11:30-1:30 - lunch, games and a lesson at church Sun, April 22, 11:30-1:30 - lunch, games and a lesson at church

You are invited to join us on April 8th for

Holy Humor Sunday a celebration of The Resurrection

with fun music, laughter and praise

Dress backwards (normal is ok, too!). Practice smiling a lot.

Invite someone who likes to laugh. Invite someone who needs to laugh.

Mariners April 10th, 11:30 am at the Hoffman House in Rockford. Richard and Pat Nortch will host. Please let Pat know if you plan to attend. Hopefully we will have ten or more so we don't have to pay a fee to use the room off of the dining-room.

Plans have been finalized for the August 8th outing to the White Pines Dinner Theatre. We will carpool from the church to arrive around 11 a.m. We will be seated

at 11:30 and eat from the buffet at noon and enjoy "Forever Plaid" at 1 p.m. Tickets have been reserved and are to be paid for to Delores Hall.

Faith Explorers April 17th at 9:30 am

Faith Explorers @ Church; “In Community with the Hope of the Future” facilitated by Pastor Judith in the Library

Apr 8- 11:15 Apr 15- 10:30 Apr 29- 11:15

Save the Date 2018 Willow Creek Summer Camp Monday, June 25 thru Friday, June 29

Vacation Bible School – Pre-K (Ages 4-5)

Stronghold Day Camp – Elementary (Grades 1-5)

Local Mission Tour – Middle School (Grades 6-9) (Sunday Evening, June 24 Family Fun Night)

Volunteers Needed to sign up and host Fellowship Hour

1. Write your name or group on the sign-up sheet and mark the date in your calendar. 2. Ask at least one other person to help you serve. 3. Arrive by 9am to start the coffee and plate & cover your goodies.

a. put a filter and 1 scoop coffee in the basket, an empty pot underneath, and then pour in a pot of water at the top (it starts brewing immediately).

b. pour one and a half to two pots of regular and decaf in the thermoses for serving. 4. Come downstairs at start of last hymn to get ready to serve. 5. Wipe down tables, clean dishes & coffee urns, take out trash before you leave.

Attention High School Seniors The Flora McEachran Scholarship Fund

If you are interested in applying for the Flora McEachran Scholarship, please submit a letter to the Clerk of Session, Maren Reid, stating your intent to apply for the Flora McEachren Willow Creek Presbyterian Church Scholarship. The letter should include the name of the college or secondary school you are planning to attend and your field of study, if you have decided. You may also wish to include information about yourself including activities, community service, etc... Please mail the letter to the church office. (Maren Reid, Clerk of Session, Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, 7300 Belvidere Road, Caledonia, IL 61011)

This is a one-time grant with a maximum of $500. Prior to the September 30 Scholarship disbursement, recipients chosen for the scholarship will need to show proof of enrollment in a course of basic study or training beyond high school.

April 2018 All Church Calendar Sun 4/1 8:00 am Easter Sunrise Service @ Scottish Cemetery

8:45 am Breakfast at WC 8:45 am Choir Practice (As soon as finished with Breakfast) 9:30 am Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 am Easter Worship with Traditional Communion 5:00-6:00 pm AA Meeting (Sold on Sobriety)

Mon 4/2 --- No Preschool; Office Closed Tue 4/3 7:50-8:50 am Pastor @ Washington Academy in Belvidere

7:00-8:00 pm OA in Library Thur 4/5 Noon Pastor Stateline Pastors’ Lunch

6:00-8:00 pm Women’s Study in Library (Jodi Henderson) Sat 4/7 5:00 pm Youth Group Lock-In

Sun 4/8 10:00 am Worship; Holy Humor Sunday 11:00 am Fellowship 11:15 am Children’s Sunday School 5:00-6:00 pm AA Meeting (Sold on Sobriety) 6:15-7:30 pm Drum Circle

Tue 4/10 9:00 am-3:00 pm Presbyterian Meeting @ Fox Valley Presbyterian in Geneva 11:30 am Mariners @ Hoffman House (Richard & Pat Nortch Hosting) 7:00-9:00 pm Session Meeting in Fellowship Hall 7:00-8:00 pm OA in Library

Thur 4/12 1:30 pm Deacon Meeting in Library 6:00-8:00 pm Women’s Study in Library (Jodi Henderson)

Sun 4/15 9:00 am Adult Sunday School in Library 10:00 am Worship 10:30 am Children’s Sunday School 11:00 am Fellowship 11:30 am-1:30 pm Youth Group-Lunch, games, and a lesson at Church 5:00-6:00 pm AA Meeting (Sold on Sobriety)

Tue 4/17 7:50-8:50 am Pastor @ Washington Academy in Belvidere 8:00 am Buildings & Grounds Meeting in Fellowship Hall 9:30 am Faith Explorers @ Church; “In Community with the Hope of the

Future” facilitated by Pastor Judith in Library 7:00-8:00 pm OA in Library

Wed 4/18 Noon Pastor Presbyterian Lunch Thu 4/19 6:00-8:00 pm Women’s Study in Library (Jodi Henderson)

Fri 4/20 --- May Streamer and Calendar Submission Deadline

Sun 4/22 9:00 am Adult Sunday School in Library 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Fellowship 11:30 am-1:30 pm Youth Group-Lunch, games, and a lesson at Church 5:00-6:00 pm AA Meeting (Sold on Sobriety)

Tue 4/24 7:50-8:50 am Pastor @ Washington Academy in Belvidere 9:00 am Pastor Presbytery Council @ Stronghold 7:00-8:00 pm OA in Library

Thu 4/26 6:00-8:00 pm Women’s Study in Library (Jodi Henderson)

April 2018 All Church Calendar Continued Sun 4/29 9:00 am Adult Sunday School in Library

10:00 am Worship (Lucas Greenlee Preaching)

11:00 am Fellowship 11:15 am Children’s Sunday School 11:15 am Finance & Personnel Committee Meeting in the Library 5:00-6:00 pm AA Meeting (Sold on Sobriety)

Sun 4/29 thru Sun 5/12 Pastor Holy Land Mosaic of Peace Trip

Holy Week

Wednesday March 28

11:00 am Lenten Lunch @ Boone County Family Restaurant TBA Lenten Supper (Kids Welcome) “What it means to follow the one who said, ‘I AM.’”

Maundy Thursday March 29

7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion

Good Friday March 30

Noon Good Friday Community Worship @ Prince of Peace Lutheran in Rockton

Saturday March 31

9:45 am Please Join Us for Easter Crafts @ Maple Crest Nursing Home in Belvidere

Easter Sunday April 1st

8:00 am Easter Sunrise Service @ Scottish Cemetery

8:45 am Breakfast @ Willow Creek 8:45 am Choir Practice (as soon as finished

with Breakfast) 9:30 am Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 am Worship with Traditional Communion