View this email in your browser

March 2023 Newsletter

“Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food

or thirsty and gave you something to drink?” -Matthew 25:37

Lenten Mission Project:

Well Child Center Emergency Food Pantry

Since opening last November, Elgin’s Well Child Center Emergency Food for Families Pantry has helped many families. With emergency food needs increasing due to higher prices, Michelle Esquivel reached out to us asking if we would like to sponsor the pantry for a month. One of their pressing needs is for kid-oriented foods. The Mission Ministry feels as we are seeking this Lenten season, we should help others who are seeking - in this case, food and diapers for their children. Following is a list of possible items to donate. Feel free to find other possibilities. Please bring donations to the bookcase at the front of the sanctuary before worship on Sundays.

- The Mission Ministry

• Snack crackers

• Snack size trail mix/nuts

• Velveeta type Shells & Cheese (no milk required)

• Snack size raisins

• Granola and Cereal Bars

• Snack size peanut butter crackers

• Chips (a variety)

• Snack size cheese dip and crackers

• Pancake mix (add water)

• Snack size popcorn

• Fruit pouches/cups

• Fruit snacks

• Jello/pudding cups

• Fruit drink pouches/boxes

• Baby food (jars)

• Diapers Size 1 and 2

Evening Study at the Mission House

Join the discussion. Come and seek. We’ll read the scripture from Sunday - for example, Jesus tempted in the wilderness - and use the week’s question as our guide: Who will you listen to? We will listen for new connections, new comforts, new challenges. We’ll also hear poetry and study a piece of art inspired by the scripture. Every question is a good question. All wonderings welcome. Dessert served. Drop in for any or all gatherings: Mar 2, 9, 14, 23, 30. I hope you can join us!

- Pastor Liz

Easter Breakfast Meeting

Sunday, March 5th

8:30 AM before worship

Please meet Dale and Janet at the back hall table across from the nursery.

Scout Sunday

& Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, March 12th

Pancakes, blueberries, fruit, syrup - yum!

We will recognize our scouts in worship, then enjoy pancakes. The kids will serve and bus tables. The free will offering will support our Lenten Mission Project. Please see sign-up to make sure we have enough batter.

Family Event: Kids Helping Kids

Saturday, March 18 at 10 AM

Families are invited to the church at 10 am to learn about the Well Child Food for Families Pantry we are supporting this Lent. Then families are invited to drive to the Elgin Aldi where kids will help shop for after school snacks for the pantry using pancake breakfast proceeds.

All-Church Yard Sale

Planning Meeting

Sunday March 26th at 10:30AM

Come and see how you can help make this an enjoyable and welcoming event for the community. The sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 11th. Individuals are invited to rent, set up, and price their own table(s). The plan is to hire Junkluggers (a local eco-conscious company) to haul away and recycle what you do not wish to take back home. Bring your ideas to the meeting.

March Calendar

Saturday, March 4

Drum Circle 7-9 PM

Sunday, March 5

Easter Breakfast Meeting 8:30 AM

Worship with Holy Communion 9:30 AM

How do we begin again? | John 3:1-17

CE Nursery Meeting 10:30 AM

Sunday, March 12 Scout Sunday

Will you give me a drink? | John 4:5-42

Sunday School Pancake Breakfast 10:30 am

Saturday, March 18

Family Event: Kids Shopping for Food Pantry 10 AM

Sunday, March 19

Who sinned? | John 9:8-41

Healing Service

Friday, March 24

Spring Card Party 6:30 PM See hall sign-up.

Sunday, March 26

Can these bones live? Ezekial 37:1-14 and John 11:1-45

Planning Meeting - All Church Yard Sale 10:30 AM

Saturday, April 1 Kids Holy Week Walk

A station walk through the stories of Holy Week. 10 am

Sunday, April 2 Palm Sunday

Where are you headed?

Visit with miniature donkey Katie

Thursday, April 6 Maundy Thursday

Will you wash my feet?

Holy Communion & The Last Supper Presentation at 7 pm

Friday, April 7 Good Friday

Why have you forsaken me?

A service of word and shadows at 7 pm

Sunday, April 9 Easter Sunday

Who are you looking for?

7 am Sunrise Worship Service

8-9:30 am Breakfast

9:30 am Worship Service

10:30 am Kids Easter Egg Hunt

March Anniversaries

None. (I don’t blame you. March weather is crazy.)

March Birthdays

Nicole Thielke 03/02

Gay Bouwmeester 03/06

Christopher Heinrich 03/13

Pastor Liz 03/20

Ainsley Wilson 03/20

Bill Pate 03/21

Dorothy LeVault 03/22

Colman Smith 03/22

Mona Volkening 03/23

Polly Russell 03/24

Kylie Smith 03/27

Benjamin Cowan 03/29

Debbie Wodrich 03/29