March 2017
First Chronicles
The Newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Evanston UCC
Its Complicated
Rev. Ann has returned from her monthlong mission trip
to Colombia. She posted this report during the trip.
Invariably, when I ask a question here in Colombia, the
answer will culminate in the phrase es complicado.
Its complicated. Really? Ive spent quite a bit of time in
El Salvador and have even navigated the political reali-
ties of Illinois, so I resisted what seemed to be a blanket
descriptor of the Colombian landscape. Today, I find I
couldnt agree more.
We began our month of accompaniment with a
discussion of what it means to be displaced from ones
home. Decades ago, at the start of civil unrest (this can
be traced to the 1920s in the coffee fields of Sumapaz,
the 1948 assassination of a presidential candidate, or
1960s US-backed anti-communist campaign), farmers
were displaced from their homes to the city. There was
no work in the city, increased deprivation, and a desire
for justice. Groups of rebels formed (what might be
called guerilla fighters) to push back. The elites were
backed by the government and used the arm of the mili-
tary to extinguish uprisings. The rebels grew in strength,
and the government backed off. Some major landowners
began using their own enforcers (paramilitary groups) to
maintain control over their land, threatening guerillas,
army, and civilian alike. Everyone ramped up their
forces, and the whole country became involved in trag-
edy, disappearances, kidnappings, torture, and murder.
In one sense you might think this is not so compli-
catedit is a story of land grabbing that has transpired
since the beginnings of society. However, layered on
top of this scenario are the internal and external influ-
ences of drug trafficking, immigration into Colombia
from neighboring countries at war, and the desire of
multinational corporations to buy up land for factories,
exploit natural resources for cash crops, and create trade
passages. Layered underneath the narrative are realities
of slavery, colonization, and underdevelopment toward
the end of creating economic dependency. Oh, and
then theres the interwoven history of the church and
political maneuvering for power and environmental
destruction Can I say it? Its complicated!
In the midst of this one can see the simplicity of
the gospel. Love your neighbors. Blessed are the peace
makers. Throughout these same decades, even in the
face of violence (often perpetrated in the name of God),
there has been a steady heartbeat of love emanating from
Christian communities. In Barranquilla we are in the
presence of the Colegio Americanoa school begun by
the Presbyterian Church 128 years agowhere children
learn the art and skills of critical thinking, experience
the joy of making music, and engage the possibilities
of the future. More recently, the Reformed University
was founded to continue this spirit of education and
empowerment, especially with a vision to bring dialogue,
cooperation, and peace into society.
The Presbytery of Barranquilla, in its strategic plan
for 201621, is direct in its mission to develop peace-
makers for the world. The plan encompasses leadership
development, social transformation, actions for peace by
congregations and pastors, and stewardship of the earth.
This model has the potential not only to unite the Pres-
byterian churches of the area but also to exemplify to the
country the benefits of coming to the table to converse
and voice even opposing ideas.
The best news, from what I have seen so far, is that
everyone is starting from a place of acknowledgement
that the Colombian story is, indeed, complicated. The
story in all its complexity and diversity is embraced,
unpacked, resewn, re-envisioned, and projected into a
future that is unknown, but for which peace is the plan.
Unfortunately, this plan is complicated by ongoing
threats and recent attacks against human rights workers.
Blessings, Rev. Ann
This Months Chancel Choir Anthems Confirmation Class This Month
The Confirmation Class will meet on Sunday, March 12,
March 5 4:005:30 p.m., in the Church House. There will be
Felix Mendelssohn, For He Shall Give His Angels no class meeting on Sunday, March 26, because of
(from Elijah) Evanston schools spring break.
The classs next service project will be Sunday,
March 12 March 19, 4:457 p.m., to lead craft activities and face
Gregory Pysh, A Psalm of Ascents painting for children attending Taste of Family Promise.
John Cornelius, Jesus Loves Me Parents and families are welcome to join us for this
fun evening of dinner, entertainment, and celebrating
March 19 Family Promise. Meet at Northfield Community Church,
Herbert Howells, Like as the Hart and 400 Wagner Road (at Willow Road), Northfield.
All My Hope on God Is Founded
Fasting and Feasting in Lent
March 26 When putting the Ash Wednesday Service together, I
John Rutter, The Lord Is My Shepherd came across some words that spoke to me about our
and God Be in My Head actions in the season of Lent, where traditionally we are
supposed to give up something and are supposed to
Pipe Organ Reaches Fundraising Goal observe fasting. From the blog What the Tide Brings
Our Skinner organ is 90 years old in 2017! Since 1927 In, they are notes for an Ash Wednesday sermon
our historic instrument has provided beautiful music for preached by Ann Fontaine. They give us a big picture
countless services and programs. The respected company for our fasting and feasting. Wayne MacPherson
of Erickson, Christian, and Associates has maintained Fast from judgment, Feast on compassion.
our organ since 2001 and advised us last fall that repairs Fast from greed, Feast on sharing.
were required to the instruments wind reservoirs. Work Fast from scarcity, Feast on abundance.
on this project began in mid-January and is nearing Fast from fear, Feast on peace.
completion. Fast from lies, Feast on truth.
We have now reached our $40,000 goal! Thank you Fast from gossip, Feast on praise.
to all those who generously supported this project: Fast from anxiety, Feast on patience.
Beth Babbitt Fast from evil, Feast on kindness.
Nan and Dick Conser Fast from apathy, Feast on engagement.
Jennifer Coyne Fast from discontent, Feast on gratitude.
Kingsley Day Fast from noise, Feast on silence.
Barb Ferguson Fast from discouragement, Feast on hope.
Sheran Fiedler Fast from hatred, Feast on love.
Craig Johnson What will be your fast? What will be your feast?
Vosse R. Lewis
Tom and Joan Lindsey Robinson Recital by Kevin Siembor on March 26
Bill Little Hear ye! Hear ye! Spread the word!
LIVE Marketing (Anne Trompeter and Paul Janicki) A Robinson Recital that must be heard.
David Lornson and Mark Duris On March 26th, at 3 on the dot,
Dan Martin Come to the sanctuary and find your spot.
Thekla Metz Bring your friends and all you know.
Melia Pappas and Mark Roberts You wont want to miss Cinderfellas fun show!
Cheryl Sefton Join Chancel Choir tenor soloist
Doug Smith Kevin R. Siembor and pianist Jason
Hal Sprague Carlson in the First Congregational
Peggy Tinzmann Church sanctuary at 3 p.m. on Sun-
Cherie Weil day, March 26, as they share a differ-
Sandy Whitely ent kind of fairys tale. Admission is
David Lornson, Music Director and Organist $10 (suggested donation).
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Lenten Services and Fellowship Rev. Ann in Colombia Reports
Thursdays, March 930, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 1 Church House Guild Room
Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m.
Church House Parlor March 9
Colombian Culture: Urban and Rural
Wednesday, April 5
First Wednesday Dinner, 6 p.m. March 16
Small Dining Room Colombia, Violence and the Peace Process

Sunday, April 9 March 23

Intergenerational Palm Sunday Pageant, 10 a.m. The Protestant Church in Colombia
Sanctuary
March 30
Thursday, April 13 Accompaniment: Compaer@s en Cristo
Maundy Thursday service, 7 p.m.
Sanctuary Building Chapel

Sunday, April 16 Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating

Easter Sunday Service, 10 a.m. a birthday in March! Birthdays are
Festival Brass and Choir acknowledged at the Wednesday Fellowship
Sanctuary Dinners (the first Wednesday of each month).
Social Action during Lent
Jane Baker Caden Krei
Faith in Action Team training
Michaela DeStefano Haven Krei
Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m.noon
Henry Doyle Charlotte Lillquist
New Landmark Church
Julia Doyle Tom Lindsey
Gabriel Fredrickson Barbara B. Meyer
Sack Lunch Program
Robert Gaskill Matthew Munro
Mondays, 11:45 a.m.1:15 p.m.
Margot Goode Jane Omundson
Second Baptist Church, Evanston
Gary Hardesty Harrison Stamell
Fridays, 11:45 a.m.1:15 p.m.
Craig Johnson Michael Wait
Church House, Plymouth Hall

Harvest Food Pantry

Wednesdays, 5:308 p.m.
Vineyard Church, Evanston

Warming Center
Thursdays, 15 p.m.
Church House, Plymouth Hall

Daylight
Saving Time
begins
March 12

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Neighbors in Faith
Our history, culture, and faith inform who we are and
how we view the world. An important part of under-
standing our own faith is learning about our religions
history and cultural development. This January and Feb-
ruary our confirmation students have been exploring the
Christian faith tradition while learning about its place
in the historical and cultural context of major world
religions. Through discussions, interactive religious time-
lines, readings, and a field trip, our group has learned
more about Christianity while also gaining an overview
of the core similarities and differences in the major reli-
gions. While diving deeply into our own faith lives, we
also have developed a deeper respect and appreciation
for the diversity of journeys of faith and spirit.
To complete our study of world religions, the confir-
mation group visited the Bahai Temple in Wilmette. We
experienced the architecture and spirit of this beautiful
center for prayer, study, and service through a time of
silent meditation together. We noticed the symbols for
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and
Above: learning about world religions (from left), top row: Linda,
Kitty, Gabe, Thekla, Sarah; bottom row: Zoe, Lindsey, Jansen
Right: confirmation students visiting the Bahai Temple
Ancient Native Traditions built into the pillars of the
Bahai Temple. Through films and exhibits we learned
about the Bahai faiths key beliefs, which focus on unity
of all humanity and recognition of the different world
religions as paths to one God.
The essential teachings of Jesus and Christianity
include love, peace, and justice for our neighbors.
Weve learned more about our neighbors near and far by
understanding what is important to their spiritual lives.
This enables us to deepen our connection and care for all
the people of the world and live more fully into our own
faith as followers of Jesus. If youd like to deepen your
understanding of our neighbors and world religions,
search for the free online course World Religions
Through their Scriptures through Harvard University
at www.edx.org, or visit the First Congregational Church
of Evanston UCC Facebook page to learn more about
the course.
In Peace and Discovery,
Sarah Petersen
Director of Learning and Outreach