What did you think of that sentence? Try us again, for the first time was a slogan used by Kellogg's Corn Flakes. I believe Kellogg's was reaching out to people who had tried corn flakes in the past but may have moved on to other cereals. The slogan was intended to remind people how good corn flakes are, and to return to purchasing corn flakes. To try something again for the first time seems like a contradiction. But it was Kellogg's way to welcome people back to this cereal, recalling for people how good it is. They were asking people to taste it again, with a fresh perspective.

It is important for all associated with our church to know how important you are. When you are missing, we are not the same. There are no accidental attenders and friends of a church. Each is a tile in the mosaic God has created. Your presence makes us what we are. And when you are missing, we feel the loss. We want to see you, minister to you, welcome your gifts and ideas. You are important to us. We invite you to try us again, for the first time.

To build a church takes people. There is something rewarding about working together to build something. From our days in school and onward, we have been building things with others. We have built families and completed group projects. But the church is to be a lighthouse in this world, and it takes people to build it. Your presence provides hope and encouragement in the ongoing mission of building the church.

The church does not simply exist to perpetuate itself. The church exists to provide hope, to build faith, to spread love. We have a mission to fulfill. I would insert that this mission is one of the most important causes we can join. For, with other Christians, we join hands to actually do God's work. We need your gifts and ideas to further the Kingdom of God. Your viewpoints are especially sought.

The church is always in need of new beginnings. God is a creative God, and the church is always looking for new and fresh ways to minister. Your presence makes possible a new As we gather in God's name, God visits us with His presence. We are encouraged and built up in our faith. We are challenged to a higher plane of living. We are called to be God's people in a needy world. We cannot fulfill our mission unless every tile of the mosaic is in place. So, please be reminded afresh that you are important to God's mission and to this church. You are special. If we have not seen you for a time, I would like to meet you, and your presence would be a great joy to all of us at St. Paul's.

Let me know if there is some way we can serve you. We want to build our church more and more into a people and a place that brings new life into our community. You are extended a very warm invitation:

St. Paul's United Church of Christ: Try us again, for the first time!!!

Come and taste of the good things of God!

Rev. Brad Thompson

There are young people on the streets of Chicago who have been used and abused to the point of not owning winter clothing. These young people have been used up by predators, drugs, and poor choices. And, in the winter, they shiver and shake from the cold.

I would encourage you this year to be generous. All of us can find something(s) in our closet to benefit those without protection from the cold. When the appeal is made this year, please reach deeply into your heart and your closet to give to those who need it. If you saw first hand what these young people face, I believe you would literally give the clothes off your back! Thank you for your kindness and consideration for these street kids of Chicago.

Pastor Brad

The Night Ministry's HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 10-Year Anniversary - 2008

"The holidays can be lonely, depressing and dangerous for the homeless and abandoned in our community. Without help, they will be isolated in a season of togetherness. Without help, they will have only the company of the cold harsh winter. Join this Holiday Celebration and help us give the priceless gift of a caring community season of togetherness.
Rev. Julie Delezenne
Coordinator, Congregational and Community Relations

For the past several years, St. Paul's has participated in The Night Ministry's Holiday Celebration by collecting hats, gloves, and scarves to assist the more than 2,400 homeless or at-risk youth in Chicago. This year, as part of the 10 year anniversary celebration, we would like to expand our efforts and support by providing 12 Holiday Stockings.

The items we will need are: deck of cards, one pair of adult thermal socks, small first aid kit (99 cents size), small pack of tissues, full size deodorant, small flashlight, lip balm, hand cream, small memo pad, pens, assorted candy, chocolates, breath mints/gum, hand warmers, toothbrush/toothpaste (small size), pair of magic gloves (at Walgreens) dark colors.

The cost of each stocking should be less than $20.00. Please contribute as generously as you are able. We will have a box in Fellowship Hall for your donations. Or, if you wish to make a monetary donation, special envelopes will be available. Our Congregational Care team will make the necessary purchases from your donation.

It is hard to believe that summer is over and the fall and winter months will be approaching fast. There is something sad about the flowers and trees going to sleep for the winter, yet other beautiful natural sights await us.

Here at St. Paul's we have many beautiful sights. We have seen many of our members return from summer activities; we have a pancake breakfast to look forward to and of course, the beautiful Advent season.

At this time of the year we also have our annual Stewardship campaign starting November 2nd. Everyone knows that our church is struggling financially. The council has done everything we can to keep our beautiful church alive and purposeful. Take a minute and think about all of the missions we help support; Rainbow Hospice, Bensenville/Lifelink, St. Paul's House, the Share Wear Closet, the personal items for soldiers, Leyden Food pantry, school supplies for the Back Bay Mission and donations to the greater church. We are doing a great job! Please help us keep our church going. We need you to think about your pledge this year and increase it if you can. You may not think that your increase of $5.00 would mean anything, but it would all add up. We will be dedicating our pledge cards on Nov. 16th. Also on that date we will also have our annual congregational meeting to discuss the budget and our Endowment and Memorial Funds. Please plan to attend as we dedicate our pledge cards and plan for our future.

Thank you for your continued support.

Thank you,
Debbie Wisowaty
Council President

A big "Thank You" to Sal Maggio for leading our "New Beginning's Planning Meeting on September 27.

Thank you to Irene Forster for taking food to Leyden Food Pantry.

Thank you to all the bakers and buyers of our September Bake Sale.

Thanks to Allison Shragal for helping out with Share Wear and its closing.

Thanks to Debbie Wisowaty for packing up the cell phones and mailing to the organization that will in turn get paid phone cards for our soldiers.