Congo Connection - Fall 2021

FALL 2021 IT'S A HOMECOMING We come together to celebrate new beginnings and hopeful reunions at the All-Church Picnic on our own front lawn — Aug. 29 at 10AM. TTHHEE FFIIRREEHHOOUUSSEE An amazing organization interrupting the cycle of violence in North Lawndale. PPRREESSCCHHOOOOLL PPOOWWEERR!! Introducing the wonderful new teachers at First Congo Preschool! First Congregational Church of Western Springs | 1106 Chestnut Street | 708.246.1900 | wscongo.org

A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR — Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr Welcome to the First Congo Connection! prayed as I hiked in the Berkshires and This is the inaugural issue of our new church walked our labyrinth; traveled to magazine. A great deal of effort, planning and Connecticut and New Hampshire to be with dreaming have gone into this, and I want to family; and gardened with Clare in our yard. I take a moment to say thank you to Stephanie even restored my childhood sled — more King-Myers, Beth Tracy, Jeannette Lloyd and about that in the months ahead. Meredith Onion for their vision and patience in bringing this to fruition. They surveyed the Clare and I also made our annual pilgrimage staff and congregation for the name, and to the Chautauqua Institution for worship, may it bear out in our life together: Congo lectures and concerts, movies and recitals Connection: Bringing Together Faith and (I’ve learned to love dance there). The theme Community. I am profoundly grateful for their of the week was Trust, Society and efforts! However, it has been a labor of love Democracy, and it brought together diverse from our amazing communications ministry. and insightful voices on this timely topic. The presentations were sobering, yet I am honored to be asked to pen the first balanced and brightened by glimmers of contribution. You have heard me share the hope for our nation. You will hear more ancient advice: \"If the only words you say are about that in my sermons this fall. 'thank you,' that is a faithful beginning.\" So, I am grateful to all of you for the gift of It was all lovely, but I’m eager to be back. my sabbatical. Sabbath literally means to (Well, it wasn’t ALL lovely; for example, I cease and desist, and it was restorative to be decalcified the shower heads.) released from the normal rhythm and pattern of my responsibilities. Thank you for So again, thank you for this generous gift of affording me this precious gift; it was not time, and I can’t wait to see you! I’m excited squandered. Also, let me express my and energized to return, and so proud of our gratitude for and to my colleagues, who new publication — First Congo Connection. shouldered additional burdens in my absence. I am deeply appreciative. Yours in Christ, Rich During my sabbatical I read widely and [email protected] kayaked often at our place in Michigan;

IN THIS ISSUE 04 COMING HOME: THE 06 ALL-CHURCH PICNIC 07 An amazing day of worship, fun, food & fellowship awaits in partnership with The Firehouse Community Arts Center, an organization doing powerful work in one of Chicago's neighborhoods. NURSE'S NOTES Our Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson talks about the intersection of her life, faith, and nursing. PRESCHOOL POWER We meet the newest members of the First Congo Preschool staff! 08 SOPHOMORE WORK 09 TOUR Following their most recent mission tour, our sophomores give their thoughts on what it means to do God's work. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT We talk with new member Tanya Terzo about her new church home. 10 SENIOR WISDOM Pearls of wisdom from the elder members of our congregation. 11 10:12 Our Adult Faith Formation group reunites this fall with wonderful programming! If you'd like to submit an article for First Congo Connection, please email [email protected].

COMING HOME CONTRIBUTORS: Clare Kralovec & Stephanie Mortimer \"Worshipping on a beautiful day outdoors with informal, casual, fun setting. It's simple and The Band playing ‘Good Day Sunshine,’ people welcoming to everyone — such a fun in chairs, families on blankets, kids running opportunity for all different ages to experience around. I love all of it!” exclaims Clare Kralovec, a true sense of our church community,” wife of Pastor Rich Kirchherr, when asked about Stephanie declared. her favorite memories from the All-Church Picnic at First Congregational Church. The This year’s picnic will take place on August 29th picnic, held every two years, was last held in on the church lawn following worship at 2019, and given the difficulties and distance of 10AM. “Worshipping outdoors really connects the last year and a half, the focus has been on me to a sense of glory for God and the amazing togetherness, joy, excitement and fun for this creation of our world and all of its natural year's event. “The picnic has always been a time beauty. I'm always awed by how incredible our to renew our connections and start the year out Creator is when I get to experience nature,” with a fun bonding experience where we are Stephanie added. taking advantage of the beauty of the Earth,” Safety precautions will be in place — but it won’t Clare explained. stop the fun! The Picnic Committee has been hard at work planning wonderful activities, Stephanie and David Mortimer, who joined First games and crafts for the whole family. And of Congo 25 years ago, have 4 sons, ages 17–25, and course, The Band has another tremendous have so many fond memories of picnics, setlist that's sure to get your toes tapping. baptisms, choirs, confirmations, worship services, Sunday school, PF work tours, And who can forget the food?! This year's picnic Rummage sales and many social activities. “It’s a will be catered by The Firehouse. Read on to chance to spend time together in a more learn more about our newest mission partner.

INTERRUPTING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE THE FIREHOUSE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER By Rev. Meredith Onion Photographs courtesy of The Firehouse Can you imagine a more and shop in peace — FIRST CONGO CONNECTION | 5 audacious or important something most of us take objective than this one: for granted. As Simone, The mission of The one of their participants, Firehouse Community Arts said, “This place is a healing Center is to interrupt the space.” cycle of violence in the lives of youth and young The Firehouse received one adults in North Lawndale of First Congo’s special through the power of Arts COVID impact grants and and Faith. we are honored to begin building a meaningful North Lawndale’s history is partnership with this filled with the pandemic important organization. of violence, and of Pastor Phil believes deeply academic, economic, and in breaking bread as an housing injustices that important first step in have all but obscured the creating such a relationship. strength of its residents. It Several church volunteers takes an incredibly attended the recent Firefest dynamic and faith-filled Block Party, and our All- individual to lead this Church Picnic is being mission and ministry. catered by The Firehouse. Founder/CEO Pastor Phil And — save the date — Jackson has served youth Pastor Phil will be in North Lawndale for over preaching at First Congo on 28 years and 13 years with October 17th at both The Firehouse. Pastor Phil services, 9AM & 10:30AM. and his team’s work centers around living and Explore their website at being salt and light to thefcac.org to learn more youth and young adults about their mission and caught in violence, so that how to get involved. And, residents in this keep an eye out for ways neighborhood can live, First Congo will continue to work, walk, go to school become an engaged partner with them.

HOW BLESSED AM I? by Jean Larson, MSN, RN I have been asked to write about how two of the most important aspects of my life, faith and nursing, intersect with my role as your Faith Community Nurse. Gladly! I was introduced to Jesus through flannel board Sunday School lessons that my dear mother brought me to at an early age. We attended South Park Church every Sunday morning. I memorized Bible verses, participated in Son City youth group, and was dunked underwater to be baptized in a swimming pool during the Church Picnic as a young adult. Faith has always been important to me and nursing was a career that would help me live into who God created me to be. Faith sustains me through the difficult moments that arise when one practices nursing, and the practice of prayer provides clarity, peace, and direction both in my nursing practice and throughout my life. I am often amazed at how situations unfold when time is spent in prayer! The opportunity to serve as your Faith Community Nurse truly interweaves my faith and nursing practice. I can provide health education and referrals, with attention to the integration of body, mind, and spirit. I am looking forward to organizing volunteers for our Congo Cooks Meal Ministry, and our Soup & Bread Ministry — both provide nourishment for the body, mind, and the spirit. These are a few examples of how my faith and nursing practice come together. But, my favorite part of working as your Faith Community Nurse is the opportunity to pray both for you and with you! Blessings, Your Faith Community Nurse, Jean [email protected] FIRST CONGO CONNECTION | Page 6

PRESCHOOL POWER! Meet the new members of our amazing Preschool staff! Hello! I'm Shannon Arendt, one of the new Kids Day Out teachers starting this Fall at First Congo. I grew up in Joliet and my husband Tony grew up in La Grange. We have three children, Kilian (12), Caitlin (10) and Quentin (8)... and a puppy named Penny. My family and I have moved a good amount but have been grateful to call Western Springs home for the past six years! I studied Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign, have been a private English tutor abroad, supervised family visitations, and was an assistant preschool teacher before starting our family. I am looking forward to the Fall and getting to meet all of the students and their families! My name is Cindy Carsello and I grew up in Western Springs for most of my childhood. I went to college at Ohio University and got my master’s degree in Education from the University of Illinois. I taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Western Springs and Palatine for 12 years. My husband, Frank, and I have 3 kids, Jack (16), Sara (14) and Ellie (10). I have been substituting for the past 3 years in District 101 and am excited to get back into the classroom with the Almost 3’s at First Congo, especially since we've been members for 17 years, and my 3 kids and myself attended preschool here. It’s such a positive environment for kids and staff alike! I'm Barb Smiles and children’s education is my passion! I graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education and did further education at National Lewis University. I started teaching at Hinsdale Middle School as a reading specialist and taught special education until I took time off to raise my family. My husband Tom and I raised our four wonderful children in Clarendon Hills. For the past seven years I've been teaching children ages 2.5 – 5 years of age. My goal is to help children learn in a fun and loving environment. I look forward to helping the children at Congo to ask questions, look at things in a variety of ways and ultimately to love learning. My name is Lisa Graber. I grew up in Hinsdale and now live in Western Springs with my husband Brian (married 20 years), daughter Kate (16), and son Jake (14). I taught 4th grade at Laidlaw from 2004– 06, was a paraeducator at Lyons Township from 2019–20 and have been a substitute teacher here. I was drawn to apply for a permanent position because from the moment I walked into the classroom here, I was smitten with the gentle, child-first, play-based philosophy, and the other teachers were so kind and welcoming! I love teaching preschoolers because everything is new and exciting to them and it's such a gift to get to see the world through their eyes! For more information on First Congo Preschool, visit firstcongopreschool.org.

REFLECTIONS FROM ...I learned even more that small SOPHOMORE WORK TOUR things can make a big difference. By Stephanie King-Myers When asked about their summer Sophomore Work Tour to three churches in southern Indiana, five high schoolers recount their experience and the impact it had on their lives and their faith. Kate Graber, who was part of the middle school youth group JRneys in middle school and in Plymouth Fellowship (PF) since high school recalled, \"I was working to sort clothes and I didn’t really feel like I was making progress. But when we were done for the day, I looked back at all of the tables we had filled. It was so rewarding to see how far we had come.” Helen Lloyd has been involved in JRneys for 3 years and in Plymouth Fellowship (PF) for 2 years. Helen was part of the crew that helped move furniture, organize a nursery, fold clothes, and paint shelves and cabinets. “When we talked with a woman at the church the second day, she told us how grateful she was for our help because she would have had to do the whole project herself. I could not imagine how she would have gotten it all done by herself.” Maddie Green has been in the youth group since Freshman year. “What surprised me most is that even though it was a small group of us, what we did in four days went such a long way.” Kate Graber added, “I learned even more that small things can make a big difference. And I got to experience a community of people who love God even if they are all strangers. There was such a sense of togetherness with all the people that we worked with.” And it's not all hard work — there's definitely some fun to be had. A member of the youth group for 2 years, Brodie Hill said he learned that everyone in the group is always friendly no matter what — even if you don’t know them well.“ Grant Bloedorn joined PF 2 years ago. His favorite memory was playing basketball with everyone when they first arrived. \"Through our church we have such a great community that can help others to improve their lives and their communities. That's what I love most,\" added Maddie with a smile. For more information about First Congo's youth programs, visit wscongo.org/youth- programs. FIRST CONGO CONNECTION | Page 8

SPOTLIGHT: TANYA TERZO By Jeannette Lloyd Meet newest First Congo member Tanya Terzo. She and her husband Justin moved to Western Springs in 2019. Right after moving to the suburbs, Tanya says her priority was finding a church home here because she was very involved in contemporary worship and small group Bible study in their church in Chicago. In this small group Bible study, Tanya loved learning about the gospel and exploring her faith with others. She didn't have to look far for a new church. Upon moving, she searched on her phone and realized First Congo was just a couple of blocks away. When she and Justin visited worship, they loved it right away. Some highlights she recalls were Pastor Katherine’s sermon and also a Welcome Team member greeting and showing her around. Justin has a Catholic background and preferred a more traditional church to their previous contemporary church in the city, and he also felt right at home. They decided it was a place where they could both deepen their faith. In addition to the visits, they loved the size of the church, the community preschool, and all of the wonderful recommendations they heard from the neighbors. When a neighborhood friend invited Tanya to join First Congo's small group, Moms in Faith, on Friday mornings, she took it as a clear sign of God, as everything began to fall into place. Moms in Faith offered free childcare for their fun-loving son Luca and a great place to meet other moms from the church and the community. Tanya credits Moms in Faith with getting to know Pastor Katherine on a deeper level, and she loved the other members who offered wonderful support when rejoicing in good times and offering specific support and prayers during difficult moments. After two years in Moms in Faith, Tanya has found deep friendships, involvement in community service through the group, and an ever-growing faith. Registration for Moms in Faith is open now. Anyone can attend — you don't have to be a member of the church. The cost is $30 (mornings) and $10 (evenings) to help cover childcare, guest speakers and/or other incidentals, but scholarships are available, if needed. For registration information, please email Pastor Katherine at [email protected]. For more information about Moms in Faith, visit wscongo.org/small-group-faith-and- fellowship/. FIRST CONGO CONNECTION | Page 9

SENIOR WISDOM MILESTONES By Kathryn & Val Price BIRTHS Francesca Lyla Cross Pictured: Kathryn & Val Price Noah Wesley Kutlu It’s a little intimidating to be the first to share BAPTISMS words of “Senior Wisdom” when neither of us James Hanson feels that we are all that wise. Val said, “Oh, you Cameron Yount mean “Senior moments?!\" We have a few of Ruby Wells those, too. Basically we both just feel so fortunate to MEMORIALS have lived so well for so many years. We feel John & Sybil Gilbert such gratitude! We are so grateful for all the Peggy Grosse wonderful people with whom we have shared our lives; our family, dear friends, and certainly MEMBER DEATHS: our church where we have had chances to be Dick Glenn inspired, use our God-given gifts, learn, share, Peggy Grosse listen, and enjoy many wonderful moments. We make every attempt to include Some favorite words of wisdom that we see the milestones of every member. If everyday are, “Life is not measured by the we've somehow missed yours, please number of breaths you take, but by the email [email protected] so we can moments that take your breath away.” As God include it in our next edition. has walked with us, we have tried to live for and cherish those moments, large or small. A NEW PSALM There have been so many!! We’ve tried to respond to God’s “nudgings.” If there was a By Rev. Meredith Onion nudging to do something and the energy to do it, it was God’s way of telling us what was be still right to do and helping us do it. Sacred soul. And finally, we have tried to remember that “This is the day the Lord has made, so let us wait. rejoice and be glad in it.” Those are words of wisdom for all ages! breathe. trust. listen. there it is… that still small voice it’s been there all along. listen. She does. always.

By Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey Pictured: Susan & Rev. Dr. John Rodgers Why should kids be the only ones who a new faith journey get to head off to Sunday School? Our of discovery and Adult Faith Formation ministry, 10:12, enlightenment. returns this fall with a phenomenal set of opportunities to learn and grow. Unless September 12th: otherwise noted, we’ll gather every Rachel Shaw Callahan & Heidi Bonjean: Sunday in the Seim Room at 10:12am. LGTBQ+ Inclusion Note that Rev. Dr. John Rodgers will September 19th: be leading a 5-week series on Katherine Willis Pershey: Convictions, a book by Marcus Borg. Faith in the Secular Age John has received rave reviews from members who have attended his September 26th: classes in the past. Nanette Farina Christian Ventures: shared, “I have always enjoyed the Homecoming Labyrinth in Plymouth Hall seminars that John has presented. He brings a fresh and insightful approach October 3rd: that leads me into a new faith journey Mission & Outreach: of discovery and enlightenment.” Ministry in Partnership Convictions reflects on Borg’s life and October 10th – November 14th: how he developed his beliefs and John Rodgers: why they matter. His work is both Convictions personal and invites you to reflect on your core beliefs. The result is an invitation for all progressive Christians who seek the best path for following Jesus today. Each chapter focuses on a distinct conviction which will guide our 5-session discussion and faith journey. Chapter titles include: “God is Real and a Mystery,” “The Bible can be True Without being Literally True,” and “To Love God is to Love Like God.” FIRST CONGO CONNECTION | Page 11

First Congregational Church of Western Springs First Class 1106 Chestnut Street U.S. Postage Western Springs, IL 60558 PAID Western Springs, IL Permit #50 UPCOMING EVENTS FAITH All-Church Picnic: Sunday, Aug. 29 following worship at 10am Worship: Sundays at 9am and 10:30am starting September 12 Childcare and Sunday School is available at both services. Virtual worship services are available on demand at youtube.com/FirstCongregationalChurchofWesternSprings. Adult Faith Formation: Sundays at 10:12am Labyrinth Walk: September 26 from 9–12pm Thursday Morning Women’s Book Discussion: Thursdays from 9–11am Moms in Faith - Morning: Fridays from 9–11am Moms in Faith - Evening: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 7–8pm Seek.Pray.Love: Thursdays from 5–6:30pm MUSIC Chancel Choir Practice: Wednesdays at 7:30pm Words & Music Rehearsal: Thursdays at 7:30pm Words & Music Performances: Every third Sunday at 5pm Lord of the Ringers Children's Handbell Choir Practice: Mondays from 3:55–4:55pm Tower Chimes Adult Handbell Choir Practice: Tuesdays from 9–11:15am YOUTH Jrneys (Junior High Schoolers): First, second and third Wednesday of the month at 7pm Plymouth Fellowship (PF - High Schoolers): Sundays at 7pm FELLOWSHIP Men’s Breakfast: Second Saturday of the month Woman’s Society: September 16 at 12:30pm Congo Tots: Mondays at 4pm To learn more about these and other opportunities, including Faith & Flow Yoga, Watercolor classes, Flu Shot Clinic, and NAMI Family Support Group, visit our website at wscongo.org. First Congregational Church of Western Springs | 1106 Chestnut Street | 708.246.1900 | wscongo.org