September

August2021
2020

First Chronicles
The Newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC


From
From the the Minister’s
Minister’sDesk Desk alternative major. (whose
Sarah Petersen Even with that setback
children’s messages(which
are would
so elegantly
Once
The monthduring of a children’s message in
July has certainly September,
flown by. I’ve Ibeen have devastated many students),
askedbusy done), and Miko Fentanes (who weaves all the she proceeded withvideo
ifmeeting
everyone wascommittees
with excited about andgoing school. on enthusiasm
back tomembers
individual as she so
pieces together followed new paths.
beautifully). And She always
to all had a
the volunteers
They answered with a resounding “No!” I was a little smile and a confidence that things would turn out well.
Zoom or by phone. It’s been great to meet folks and who have stepped in to read scripture, share announce-
surprised, but probably shouldn’t have been. Summer After she graduated, I heard from her only sporadically.
learn about many aspects of First Congregational Church. First, ments, and sing for us. You may know that liturgy means
she was working in an advertising agency back
generally means greater freedom and fewer obligations
I’m impressed by all the work that’s being done by so “theinwork
home of the
Atlanta. people.”
Then she had What
movedis true during
to New York normal
—no homework! The start of the school year means
many dedicated
having to work hard people to further
learning the work
new things. of the church City
It means times is even
to work fortruer
a PR in these
firm. Thentimes of pandemic.
I heard that she had If you
and care for one another in these difficult times. I have have ideas or
spending long hours in the classroom when you’d rather gotten a part in an off-Broadway play, and then the play feedback you would like to share, please
a strong
be havingsense fun withthatyourwe are pulling together as a church. went
friends. feeltofree
LostoAngeles.
do so. We I fewareyears
all learning
ago, we as we watching
were go forward.
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I can remember all of that, youevenwilliffind
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an I would
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tion about
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remember undertaking
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TVa because
“Coffee IKlatch”
thoughton oneThursday, August 6, at
of the characters
church.
fall: I’m excited
the possibility of about the new Anti-Racism
new beginnings, the opportunity Task looked
2 p.m. very familiar.
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an informal that to
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friendin with
to be reunited
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helpseen understand Adrienne
all summer,
us better one anotherhad a and
major recurring
engage role in
is casual the series. She
conversation. Join
and
issuestheofrealization
race in this thattime,
my world was gradually
to identify ways wegettingas a has come a long way from the starry-eyed
the Zoom gathering at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ first-year
achurch
little bigger. Fall was
can address somehow
systemic invigorating.
racism, and to take action student.
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82227173405; never would
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new clothes and new school supplies. It was exciting would land there. And who knows what
Everyone will need to bring their own coffee! Sorry wonderful
that will join with others to seek justice in our world.
to have advanced to a new grade level. It was like adventures lie ahead for her?
Another task force is looking ahead to plan for us to I Ican’t provide that.
guess that’s one of the reasons I get excited about
starting all over with a blank slate. The lazy, hazy days
re-gather as a church community. The term re-gathering, the beginning I am always eagerschool
of a new to connect
year andwiththefolks.
coming If you
of
of summer had passed. The time for new adventures
rather
had arrived.than reopening, has been chosen deliberately, are
fall. Newin need of pastoral
adventures lie care
ahead. or
I just
hope someone
you’re justtoa talk
little to,
because First itCongregational
I suppose is because I’ve has spent never
prettybeen
much all This bitplease
closed. excitedfeelas free
well.to email me or call. I’m happy to speak
group
my adult is life
looking at policies
in academic and procedures
communities thatget
that I still will by phone
Blessings or to set up a Zoom chat.
and peace,
allow usabout
excited and theour beginning
guest organizations
of the newto makeyear.
school use of Blessings
I the Rev. Tim and Peace,
buildings
really have in a way
lived a kindthatofisprolonged
responsible and safe. We
adolescence. Tim Senior Minister
Still,are Interim
all looking
what a greatforward
privilegetoit awas daytowhenmark we thecan resumeofin-
beginning
each
person newworship.
academic The year by force
task welcoming a fresh
is looking at new class of Upcoming Events
a myriad
of students. (The term “freshmen” has fallen into
concerns that will go into a sensible and well-thought- Sunday, September 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
disfavor.
out plan.We Theareforemost
supposedconcern to call themis our“first-year
responsibility to Rally Day
students.” But I still think
care for one another, especially those there is something
among“fresh”us who are Sunday, September 19, 3 p.m.
about those
most vulnerable. arriving on campus for the very first time.) Lindsey Hammond Service of
Endless possibilities lie ahead. Who knows what
Under the leadership of the Fellowship Committee, Ordination and Installation
will happen in the next few years? Who knows what
a group is looking
disappointments ahead
there will to
be?Rally
WhoDay knows on what
Sunday, Sunday, September 19 and 26
September 13. We
unanticipated joys lie ahead? are looking for creative ideas for this and October 3, 4–5:30 p.m.
opportunity
I remember to acelebrate our lifeAdrienne
student named together whomas a churchI met Faith, Justice, & Reparations
and kicka off
through the newprogram
mentoring church year. Rally Sunday
for first-year students. can in Evanston workshop
offerhad
She us boundless
a time to renew energyour andcommitments
excitement. Sheand toldperhaps via Zoom
become
me that she involved in new ways.
was definitely going to become a doctor. Sunday, September 26, 5–7 p.m.
That’s all shelike
It looks everonline
wantedworship
to be. Her willenthusiasm
continue for wasthe All-Church Bonfire,
foreseeable future. I am very grateful to everyone who Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
contagious, though I didn’t think I was really qualified
to mentor
works a pre-med
so hard to make student. Thingsworship
our virtual went along pretty
a meaningful
well for her—until the first quarter
and inspiring experience. It’s surprising how much extraof organic chemistry.
Iteffort
was quickly
is required apparent
to putthat she needed
together a weeklyto find an
streaming
1
broadcast. Many thanks to David Lornson (for provid-
ing and coordinating the music that is so uplifting), Our new church sign!
Welcome Back to Sunday School
We have all been through so many changes,
unknowns, and ups and downs in the past year and
a half. Families have experienced a wide range of
trials, traumas, and triumphs that linger with us.
While we still wade through uncertainties, new
routines are being established and we’re learning to
find a new path through life that centers what we
value most. This fall, children are back in school,
and we invite you to join us back in Sunday School
for purposeful time together. Children ages 5–12
will gather for Sunday School to grow deeper in
faith together and learn to put our love in action
in the world.
At First Congregational Church of Evanston,
we’ve made plans to keep all our children safe with
more outdoor learning, masks, hand sanitizer, extra
cleaning, and socially distanced stations when
indoors. Beginning on Rally Day, September 12,
and for as long as weather permits, we’ll be holding
Sunday School classes outside at the Church House
under our canopy tent. Dress for the weather and
send children in their masks. We’ll hear stories from
the Bible, engage in discussions, and practice hands-
on learning with active games and creative crafts to
build community and enliven our lessons.
Parents, caregivers, and children have all been
through a lot since we last gathered for Sunday
School in person in March 2020. Looking ahead,
we hope church can be a touchstone and grounding
point for your week this year. We hope to be a
reminder that we are all connected, no matter how
far apart. We want you to know that you are loved,
just as you are. We want to develop our under-
standing as a community that we each have a unique Volunteer to Teach
role to play in letting our love shine in the world. Do you want to get to know our young people better?
As a church family we also want to care for one Do you like being creative or want a fresh perspective
another. Please let us know how we can best serve you on faith? Become a Sunday School teacher! We’re
and your family this year. What fills you up? Where do looking for a few caring adults to guide our students
you feel empty? What do you have left to share with this year.
others? How can church serve as part of your care We provide the easy-to-use Seasons of the Spirit
package this year? You can reach me at spetersen@ curriculum, which makes prep simple. We always teach
firstchurchevanston.org with questions about Sunday in pairs on a rotating basis and welcome first-time
School, to register for Christian Education, or to teachers. Flexible schedules are available. Adults and
share what’s on your heart and mind. I look forward students will all be masked; we’ll hold lessons outside
to finding a way through it all together this new whenever possible, and socially distanced inside for
program year. extra safety. Background checks are required for
With Hope, volunteers working with youth.
Sarah Petersen Interested in learning more about how your gifts
Director of Learning and Outreach might fit this call? Email Sarah.

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 Volunteer for Rally Day
We need “all hands on deck” for “All Hands Together”:
Rally Day 2021. Can you help set up tables and chairs
outside on the morning of Sunday, September 12? Or
can you stay a little longer to help clean up? Set-up
helpers will gather at 9 a.m. before worship to set up for
our post-worship Rally Day fellowship time. Clean up
helpers will put tables and chairs away at 1 p.m. Email
Ashley Benirschke if you can help. Thank you!

“All Hands Together”: Rally Day, September 12

This Rally Day, join us at 10 a.m. for masked worship in
the sanctuary, the first day of outdoor Sunday School,
and fellowship time on the block. While we’re safely
distanced, we’ve found creative ways to put our hands
together as helping hands, praying hands, and raised
hands to receive love and be God’s love in the world
today. Look for creative projects where we can share
who we are, what we need, and what we can give to
express God’s love in action, compassion, and justice.
After worship and Sunday School, boxed lunches
will be served outside and there will be ice cream
sandwiches for the kids. Come enjoy socially distanced
games, reflective activities, and a chance to reconnect;
the celebration will continue through 1 p.m. Bring a
friend, your family, and a mask to safely come together
to create community, find support, and share our gifts
with the world.

Faith, Justice, & Reparations in Evanston

Provide a Meal to Family Promise
Please join with area congregation members to help
provide meals to our Family Promise guests. You’re
invited to prepare a home-cooked meal or support our
local restaurants and have food delivered to the Day
Center at the First Congregational Church House.
And if you’d like, you’re welcome to bring your own
family and enjoy a socially distanced meal together. To
sign up for a date and for more details about numbers
of guests and dietary restrictions, please click here.
Register today to attend a three-part workshop on Faith,
Justice, and Reparations specifically for people of faith
in Evanston. Sessions will take place via Zoom from 4
to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons: September 19 and
26 and October 3.
The sessions will explore what “reparation” means,
how Evanston’s history of exclusion and discrimination
calls for repair, what is happening with our current
reparations programs—and will consider how we,
as people of faith, are called to act at this significant
moment in history. Click here for more information
and registration.
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All-Church Bonfire on September 26
Our All-Church Bonfire returns to the Lighthouse
Beach Fire Circle for fun and fellowship around the fire
on Sunday, September 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. We’ll have
individual s’more kits, guitar music, storytelling, and
time to connect outside together. Bring your mask and
bring a friend (and if it’s really warm, bring your bathing
suit and towel!) to enjoy sunset at the beach together.
Learners and journeyers of all ages received a backpack tag from Sarah Petersen along with a blessing from Illustrated Ministry for the
new year: “May you be curious and kind, gentle and strong, brave and loving.”
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In Memoriam: Bernice Valantinas
September 3, 1949—July 30, 2021
Bernice Valantinas passed away
peacefully on July 30 in Evanston
Hospital. A longtime Evanstonian,
she was born in Engelstadt,
Germany, where her parents had
fled to escape the Russian takeover
of Lithuania after World War II.
She grew up in Chicago, attended
the University of Chicago, and
earned an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg
Executive Managers Program in 1985. During this
time she met Jeffrey Roseberry, and they married on
September 26, 1993. Bernice worked at Evanston
Hospital for 17 years, as director of volunteers and then
as assistant vice president of the hospital’s auxiliary.
More recently she was active in a joint business with
Jeff. As a member of First Congregational Church
of Evanston for 22 years, she served on multiple
committees and also as treasurer, working with a
professional money management company to protect
the church’s endowment. A graveside gathering was
held at Memorial Park on August 6, followed by an
informal reception in Congregational Park. A memorial
service will be held this fall.
September Birthdays
Benjamin Bagley
Dorothy Brooks
Annika DeStefano
Peter DeStefano
Jacob Guerra-Martinez
Bob Krause
John Lee
Isaac Lumpkin
Nancy Lutton
Emeka Obgolumani
Peter Omundson
Todd Omundson
Julia Page
Chris Petersen
Sarah Petersen
Brock Snider
Mary Todd
Stacey Ullery