Newsletter of the Ravenswood Fellowship UMC Telephone 773.561.2610 Church Office Hours: Tues – Fri. 9:30am – 2:30pm email ravfelumc@yahoo.com Website www.ravenswoodfellowshipumc.org Worship Warm-up – First Cup of Joe: 9:00am book discussion group Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am Sunday School/Nursery Available Pastor Rev. Linda Misewicz-Perconte Circle Staff Editor Lisa Sloan Reporter Betty Morita, Donna Sagami Circle Crew Members of the RFUMC Walking Group

Ravenswood Fellowship UMC 4511 North Hermitage Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60640-5303

This IRCLE Made Especially For

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors The People of the United Methodist Church

I R C L E We are a Christian community that celebrates diversity and values social justice. All who seek

God, inclusive of age, race, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity and special needs, will find a place here.

Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church

November 2016

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greetings and Peace in the Name of Jesus Christ!

Following Jesus is an adventure. Whether it is giving your money so someone else has

enough to eat or being courageous in the face of bad news. Following Jesus is an adventure.

Our Bishop, Sally Dyck in her book A Faithful Heart shared a story about her aunt Dorothy. Her aunt was always the one to make food, to serve at church, to roll bandages, and to raise

money for a mission trip for someone else.

When she was 84 she decided to go on a mission trip. She traveled to help those ravaged

by Katrina. Her grandson went with her. She wasn’t able to “swing a hammer” or “repair a roof”. Dorothy cooked and she cleaned. She talked with people and made them feel at

home. The Bishop writes, “she was thrilled with the adventure of following Jesus”.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving and the Season of Advent we have the opportunity to

appreciate the adventure. Being thankful for the ordinary and extraordinary moments of hope and goodness is something we can do every day not only on Thanksgiving.

Remembering other people, even those we don’t know is something we can do every day not just during Advent and Christmas.

Being hopeful is what the season of Advent is all about. Advent hope is hoping in a future,

provided by God that is good and just. “The people in darkness will see and experience

light.” Visions of peace will become a reality. The prophet Isaiah’s message is bold. Mary the mother of Jesus prepares as with the message in her song of joy and justice in the gospel

of Luke. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices because of the good things God is doing and will keep on doing.” Mary is hopeful in a time of desperation and uncertainty in

her own life.

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The blue/purple color of Advent will swirl into the white/gold of Christmas and we are lifted up by the confident and committed words of Isaiah and Mary. God’s hope for justice for this world was a

real dream for both of them. How will you dream this season?

We follow Jesus and prepare as a congregation for his birth. God calls us to dream big. God reminds us we all have something to offer. God sustains us to be courageous and faithful in the face of

obstacles. God wants us to keep dreaming and working for love. We will worship together in the

coming weeks and sing about Emmanuel, God with us, revealed in us. Revealed in us? Yes, even in us!

“In this crossover moment, the moment of pause between preparation and celebration, heaven’s membrane begins to tear and eternity silently spills into time, and we meet

you, God. In this crossover moment the moment of “AHA!” waters part and the songbird sings and

promise is fulfilled and belonging confirmed and the Savior breaks through . . .”(Seasons of the Spirit)

The Savior breaks through; a son is born for us and we receive his light that shines in darkness. We boldly and courageously trust that he has called us light for the world. Advent is our time to prepare

and be on the adventure. This question from the Bishop’s book opens a window to how our light keeps burning bright, “what would it take to be on that adventure with Jesus that helps you see the

beauty, but also requires the courage of faith?”

With thanks for all of God’s gifts in you,

Advent Blessings,

Linda

Did you know our church is on Facebook? Find our page “Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church” and like us! We have also been working on our website which you can

find at www.ravenswoodfellowshipumc.org

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PRAYERS FOR HEALING and STRENGTH

Nora Yoshimura, Merle Kaneko, Diana Dinager, Adrien Chely, Steve Johnson (grandson of Rev. Bill Johnson), George Eng, Debbie Buscato, Rosalie Brozik, Diane Schmidt, Arnold Watanabe, Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, Donna Govas, Barbara Sechrest, Cristeta Villamin (Angelina’s sister), Kane Senda, Tom Shinsato, Robert Omachi, Susan Schroeder,Connie Long, Georgia Chilton, Russell Johnson, Sho Fukawa, Chiyo Omachi

ALTAR FLOWERS

Sunday October 9 – the floral arrangement was from Hisa Takami in memory of her daughter Lynne Takami Lavigne. Sunday October 30 – the floral pumpkin arrangement in memory of Oma Lawrence (Andrew’s mother) was given by the Lawrence family.

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SYMPATHIES AND CONCERNS

Our thoughts and prayers to Marlynne Nishimura and the Nishimura Family on the death of her sister Dianne. The visitation and funeral service will be held at Ravenswood Fellowship UMC on Sunday November 20. Visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 pm. The service will follow immediately at 2:30 pm. Food and fellowship will follow at 3:30 pm. Our sympathies and prayers to the family of Bonnie Nakamura Hamilton, sister of Kay Takagishi, who passes away at the age of 92. Services will be held in Washington DC.

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SPECIAL MUSIC Sunday October 30 – violinist Rachel Brown played several selections and accompanied Jonathan on the hymns. Many thanks to Rachel!

Please visit our new website, designed

by Isamu and Dave Handwerk, at

www.ravenswoodfellowshipumc.org

Birthdays 5th Charlotte Hoffman

Jason Moses

6th Carol Ruth Kimmel

Ann Myers

7th George Asai, Jr.

Julie Morita Trick

8th Barbara Sechrest

10th Richard Nakamura

12th Joe Eto

13th Pramodhini Bhonsley

Ann Warnecke

14th Carolyn Kanaya

16th Anita Bernak

18th Forrest Hendrix

21st Hisako Takami

22nd Gail Crider

23rd Debbie Wilson

28th Wyatt Hendrix

Preni Keshish

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FOR SALE A beautiful, modern, Italian-made dining room set was delivered to the church for our Rummage sale. It is still available for sale. The light-colored, walnut, Italian-made set consists of a large table (1 leaf), six chairs, 2 low buffets and a matching coffee table. Contact the church office at (773) 561-2610 if you are interested in seeing the set.

Evangelism: it really IS good news!

by Charlotte Hoffmann, Pastoral Intern

What do you think of when you hear the word “evangelism?” Knocking on doors? Someone standing on a street corner handing you pamphlets? A famous televangelist preaching to millions?

When I hear the word evangelism, I immediately think of a Christian music concert I attended, one

whose music renewed my faith and connected me with the Holy Spirit. But on my way out, a woman stopped me. She started asking me about my faith, and then she started asking me about my views

on particular issues. I felt put on the spot, uncomfortable, and didn’t know what to say. She kept

asking pushy questions, and all of a sudden she asked me, “Who are you planning to vote for?” It turned out she was there to evangelize her political candidate, not the gospel of Jesus Christ, or at

least that’s what it felt like to me. Unfortunately, her style of evangelism ruined that wonderful sense of connection I’d had with God before she interrupted.

By the time this issue of The Circle arrives in your mailbox, we presumably will know the outcome of this Presidential election. But no matter who wins, one thing will not have changed: we will still

have the good news of Jesus Christ to share with others and be called to live it out through our actions.

At its heart, that’s what evangelism really is: it comes from a Greek word meaning good news. All evangelism means is sharing that good news, and it doesn’t have to be in pushy ways or even in any

of the usual ways of evangelizing that we may think of off the top of our heads. My class in evangelism this semester has shown me that, while in U.S. culture we may associate evangelism

with particular traditions within Christianity (evangelical, politically conservative), in fact sharing the good news is something each person who is a Christian can do. And we can do it in ways which use

the gifts God has already given to each of us; we don’t have to fit anyone else’s mold.

Want proof? A June 2016 poll by Lifeway Research provides some helpful eye-openers which may encourage us to share our faith. Over 75% of those polled agreed with the statement, “If a friend

of mine really values their faith, I don’t mind them talking about it.” That means that people may be more willing to listen to what our faith means to us than we might give them credit for. Likewise,

this survey affirms that Sunday worship is no longer the top way that people are likely to explore the Christian faith. If invited to events at a church, people are most likely to attend events focused on

neighborhood safety, community service (over 50% said they would likely attend) and sports

or exercise (46% said they would likely attend).

May these ideas encourage and inspire each of us to re-imagine what we picture when we hear the word “evangelism” … and to think about the gifts God has already given us for connecting with

others.

We are again collecting items for Christmas stocking donations to the Night Ministry, which will be assembled on Dec 4thth during our fellowship time.

Requested stocking stuffers: (all items should be New)

Toothbrush & travel-sized toothpaste Adult thermal socks

Small packs of tissue Full size deodorant Lip balm Hand cream Hand warmers Pair of “magic gloves” Small memo pad/pens Assorted candy, chocolates, breath mints, gum Deck of cards

Gift cards: $25 cards for Target, Marshalls, Walmart $10 cards for Walgreens, CVS, Jewel-Osco, Marianos $ 5 cards for McDonald’s, Subway, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts

Winter gear: Hats, gloves, and Long Underwear: Warm, sturdy winter gear for teens and adults. Dark colors and large men’s sizes are preferred. Other needs: Financial contributions to the Holiday Celebration are always appreciated and will be used to fulfill specific needs such as buying transit passes. Collection boxes will be located in the sanctuary and outside the office door. Donations are due by Sunday, December 4th Please see Lisa Dyer for further information.

Capital Campaign Results By Gail Crider, Trustee

The trustees give thanks for your generosity in supporting the Capital Campaign to repair and refurbish the church’s exterior doors and windows on the community building. The windows and door frames were severely damaged. Your timely contributions made it possible to quickly begin the work. We hired an extremely competent and agreeable painter. We seem to be a good match, for Marshall Hoffman came to our rummage sale to confer about the painting project, but also stayed and bought a large ticket item. For me, repairing and refurbishing the doors and windows of a beautiful, historical church building makes an important positive statement about the concern of our congregation and the enhancement of the neighborhood. In our present work, we are also lifting up the people who built this church, and all those that came after to the present. Thanks be to God.

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December 4 – Nakapuna Ukelele Club performing at RFUMC!

On Sunday December 4, the Nakapuna’s will be performing at our worship service. With their ukulele accompaniment, they will sing several religious songs in Hawaiian. Several of our church members are part of the group: Sayo, Keiko, Roy and Jane. The Nakapuna’s, a senior group, originally began their ukulele classes at our church chapel 20 years ago. However, its membership grew rapidly so they had to seek a larger meeting room elsewhere. The group is led by Kaleo Lee whose late father, Calvin Lee, originated the class.

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Annual Charge Conference is Saturday January 21st

Staff Parish meets at 11:00am, Charge Conference at 11:30 am.

Pancake Breakfast 2016

It was a gorgeous day and the crowd was in high spirits after the awesome Cubs win in Game 7 of

the World Series and the overwhelming parade and rally on Friday.

The pancakes drizzled with maple syrup were especially yummy and the sausages tasted oh so good!

What a way to start a Saturday and end a historic week in Chicago!

Hats off to our master pancake makers – Chris Johnson, Jack Welch, Ed Pool and newcomer Isamu

Handwerk. To the kitchen crew – Teddi Olson, Grace Tsuru, Betty Myers, Erwin Buscato, Emily and

Tosh Asai. To our youth who did a fantastic job serving our customers – Taylor Fujisawa, Kelso

Matsunaga, Taka Handwerk, Kimiko Darcy, Maya and (mom) Linda Mancera, William and Olivia

Ogasawara and Jake Trick.

As if the food wasn’t enough to entice, there were also tables of beautiful handmade crafts, jewelry,

and baked goodies thanks to the efforts of Sayo Furukawa and Keiko Takemoto; Jane Ogasawara

and Marietta Hidaka; Theresa Asai, Nikki Buscato, Jean Fujiu and all who baked.

Many thanks to Betty Morita, Lisa Sloan, Dave Handwerk and Ty Momii who always do whatever

needs to be done.

We’re so grateful to all who came out and supported Pancake Breakfast. We’re pleased to report we

made about $1,000 in ticket sales and another $500 from the table sales. All monies go to support

the mission and ministry of our church.

See you next year!

Donna Sagami and Debbie Buscato

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NEWS TO YOU FROM

PASTOR LINDA

Trustee committee meeting after worship on November 13th.

Stewardship / Commitment Luncheon will be held Sunday November 20 in the gym. Belonging, Living, Giving in praise of God.

Advent Study – this year’s advent study will be led by Charlotte Hoffman and Pastor Linda. The study book is titled “Underdogs and Outsiders” by Tom Fuerst and is available at the church for $9.75. You may attend one or all classes as your schedule allows. The sessions will be held on the parlor on the following times:

1. Session 1: Tuesday November 29, 2:45 pm or 6:45 pm 2. Session 2: Sunday December 4, following fellowship 3. Session 3: Tuesday December 6, 2:45 pm or 6:45 pm 4. Session 4: Sunday December 11 following fellowship

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Christmas Eve candlelight service

December 24 – 3:00 pm

Belonging Living Giving

Commitment Sunday and Luncheon November 20

For more than 13 years, Chicago Books to Women in Prison has been offering women behind bars

the education, entertainment and self-empowerment that reading provides. We meet weekly to read letters and fulfill requests, and we do our best to choose the right books from thousands of

paperbacks donated year round by generous readers in Chicago and beyond.

Learn more. Get involved.

Check out our website and blog: chicagobwp.org

Follow us on Facebook and @ChicagoBWP

Drop off donations any Sunday 2-5 pm. (read first: chicagobwp.org/how-to-help/donations)

Volunteer: chicagobwp.org/how-to-help/volunteer

EVENTS AT THE COVENANT HOME OF CHICAGO, 2720 W. FOSTER AVE., CHICAGO, IL

Thursday December 1, 2016 Time: 5:00 pm Registration and refreshments: 5:30PM-7:30 presentation

Presenters: Dietitians at Home and In-Home Counseling for Seniors

Holiday Eating Survival Tips

Session I:

Learn how to control your emotions and food offerings during the holidays so that your regular eating and activity patterns are not disrupted. Learn the tips and tricks from a registered dietitian

nutritionist who knows where those hidden calories lie.

Session II: For some people, wintertime can trigger feelings of sadness or even bring on a more serious

seasonal depression. These variations in mood can happen for several reasons. In this program

we'll review the signs and symptoms of harmful mood changes, and learn about effective treatments and strategies for staying healthy and balanced during the winter months and holiday

season.

RSVP to: 773-596-2296 or mullin@cmsschicago.org

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