The Federated Church
612 W. State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178
Phone # 815-895-2706 Fax 815-899-2076
A Covenanted Congregation of
The United Church of Christ & The Unitarian Universalist Association
“An Open and Affirming Church”
THE FEDERATED FORECAST—page 1

Sunday, September 7
Liturgist: Karen Hamingson
Water Communion
Rally Sunday/Picnic
Feed My Sheep
Sunday, September 14
Liturgist: Gene Fogle
Holly Communion
Sunday, September 21
Liturgist: Pam Kitterman
Sunday, September 28
Liturgist: Brad Becker
Pastor’s Office Hours
The office hours for Pastor
Dennis are:
Tuesday through Friday
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Off on Monday
Please feel free to call the office, 815-895-2706, leave a message in Mailbox#1, and/or call me on my cell phone, 815-762-9179 or email:dennjo629@aol.com.
Please share your commemoration of personal dates with your church family by providing Altar Flowers for the morning worship.
The cost is $25.00 and envelopes are provided for your convenience.
You are welcome to take the flowers home with you following the service.
Please commit to these important roles by signing the sheets in Dutton Fellowship Hall.
Altar Flowers
September 7
September 14
September 21
September 28
In Honor of Max Baird’s 13th birthday
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
Fellowship Hosts
September 7
September 14
September 21
September 28
Rally Day and Picnic
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
THE FEDERATED FORECAST– page 2

Here's something I want you to know. Whether you've been here 25 years or 25 minutes, you are a part of our family of faith. Your life, your needs, your hopes and gifts are important to our little community of respect and faith. Banish all fear about that. We really, really need your presence, ideas and creativity in our midst.
Here's to the very best of a Simmering, Sumptuous September!
In hope,
Pastor Dennis
Worship Events in September!
September 7 is Rally Sunday.
Weather permitting, we will worship outside at 10 AM under the Greeley St. covering. We will dedicate Barb Tripp's generous gifts to our preschool. Bring a vial of water or a "symbolic" vial of water to tell us where you've been on your summer journeys. We will once again share Water Communion. Even if you didn't think to collect some water, come and tell us anyway. We'll have little communion cups of water to symbolically pour into our centering chalice. We will also, hopefully, receive new members into our family! Immediately after worship, games for all ages, and then a picnic lunch, with both inside and outside seating.
September 14 we will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Everyone is welcome to partake the unity we seek in daily life. We will also dedicate our somewhat newly completed nursery in back of our sanctuary.
There are many other events in our September worships, including great music by our chancel and handbell choirs.
Whatever your reason for attending, come and be family with us. We are a better church when you are here!
Pastor Dennis
THE FEDERATED FORECAST—page 3

Hello All: Church Council met on August 14.
The major agenda items were:
Church Council retreat and planning effort: Church Council met for the second time in June to discuss planning for the future of Federated Church. The outcome of these meetings will be the focus of discussion at August board meetings as well as a meeting for interested non-board members to be held after church August 24. The focus of the board meetings and the non-board member meeting will be to identify specific actions we can take to expand the ministry of our church to/ for/with the members of the congregation and the community. Council will meet again in September to “finalize” the plan.
2015 budget: Board budgets will be due to church council September 11, so
August Board meetings will include consideration of their 2015 budgets.
The draft budget will be considered in a congregational meeting October
19 th .
2015 Stewardship campaign: Discussed continuing with the Covenant of
God program and making a few modifications to make it work better.
Pork chop/chicken dinner report: Discussed the success of the drivethrough dinner held in July. Approximately $2,000 was raised. If you are interested in being a member of the leadership team for the dinner next year, please let Suzanne or Nancy know.
Fundraising: Discussed additional opportunities for fund raising. Suggestions included some presence at Pumpkin fest and/or a winter clothing sale for October. These ideas will be discussed further at the September
Council meeting.
If you want more information, you can contact me or Nancy Renfer, or other
Council members to find out the details. Council members in addition to the moderator and assistant moderator are the church clerk, treasurer, board chairs, and 2 at large members.
Suzanne
THE FEDERATED FORECAST– page 4

From the Board of Mission and Society
Feed My Sheep Sunday—September 7
Non-perishable food items are collected on the first Sunday of the month, but you are welcome to place them in the basket in Dutton Hall at any time!
September Love Offering will be the annual
DeKalb County’s CROP Hunger Walk
For more information go to http://www.churchworld service.org
Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will be returned to DeKalb County agencies including Food pantries, Meals on Wheels, Hope Haven Homeless Shelter, and Safe Passage. Seventy-five percent of the funds will be used by Church World Service and other international agencies for disaster relief and self-help development projects throughout the world.
The annual Crop Walk will be Sunday, October 19th
Winter Clothing Sale September 25 and 26
Church Council is sponsoring a winter clothing sale on Friday, September 25 from 9 am-5 pm and
Saturday, September 26 from 9 am-1 pm. This sale is for cold weather clothing items ONLY. This is not a fall thrift sale. No household goods, toys, books, etc. will be available.
If you are cleaning out your closets, please save warm coats, sweaters, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves for the sale. Watch for more information in the church email and in the Sunday bulletins and announcements. We will need your help for set up, selling the items, and clean up.
Wrapping Up the Drive Thru Dinner
Thank you to everyone who helped with the 2014 Drive Thru Dinner on July 11. A lot of time and effort went into the event. A special thanks goes to Skip Schramer (78 tickets) and Dave Wood (sold 46 tickets) for their hard work in selling one third of the tickets. The profit this year was $1,915, compared to $2,500 in
2013. We had hoped to increase the profits over 2013.
What a team of helpers we had! Thirty Federated members and friends came out on the 11 th
to fill cups with the sides, wrap meat, bag rolls and help with the clean up. A team of Boy Scouts and members did the running back and forth delivering the meals to the cars as they drove thru. It was group effort with everyone doing their share of the work and having lots of fun.
Thanks again to a great crew of helpers! As a special thank you to the congregation, the Membership
Board served ice cream sundaes at the August 3 coffee hour.
THE FEDERATED FORECAST—page 5

We were so honored and delighted when we saw that you offered your Love Offering for the month of July to your preschool.
Thank you so much from all of us at Federated Preschool. We will use the funds to purchase something permanent and long lasting for all the children. We really appreciate the continued support and loyalty from the church members. The classrooms and playground are almost finished with their improvements and are having the last finishing touches put in place. The first day of school will fill the rooms with little voices, laughter, smiles and amazing opportunities for learning. We begin our school year with 90 students! God continues to provide us with wonderful students and families. We will let you know what we purchase with the Love Offering gift. God’s blessing to all of you for the blessing you bestowed on us!
From Board Chair, Paula von Ende
Rally Day Potluck a Federated Tradition
Rally Day marks the beginning of the new Kids’ Club and Adult Education year. Rally Day for 2014 is September
7. We will celebrate with a congregational potluck luncheon, lawn games and more! Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share—meat, vegetable, salad, or dessert. Please bring your own table service. Beverages are provided.
Make your reservations by signing up in Dutton Hall. Don’t forget to bring your appetite!
Courtyard Garden is Spectacular!
Be sure to take a look at our own Federated Church garden. The men and women who have been tending this area have done a fantastic job! The huge deep red hibiscus is gorgeous. Thank you to everyone who has gotten their hands dirty this summer creating the beauty that we are all enjoying.
Coffee Hour Continues Year Round
Coffee hour is an important part of The Federated Church fellowship. In September, we look forward to Mission and Society to cover the open dates. Board members please take a turn covering open spots during your scheduled month.
Church members ---If you have never hosted a coffee and would like to help, a Membership Board member would be happy to guide you through the process. It’s easy. Juice and coffee are provided in the kitchen and treats are optional. Membership Board members are: Georgiann Baird, Lisa Becker, Sue Finney, Katelyn Fogle, Kay
Jacobson, Bev Whildin, and Paula von Ende.
Coffee Hour Hosts --Please let one of the Board members know if any of the paper supplies, cream, sugar, or coffee, dish soap, etc. are running low.
Activity Calendar:
September Coffee Hour hosts: Mission and Society -- Everyone is welcome to host a coffee hour. Sign-up sheet is on the divider in Dutton Hall.
September 7 Rally Day/Potluck
THE FEDERATED FORECAST– page 6

Kid’s Club Report from Pilgrim Park: Did you know… that we were able to send 14 kids to camp, through the generosity of our church members? It took all of us, working together, to make this dream come true for our kids. Thanks to all who came and worked hard at our fund-raisers and to all who gave to our Penny March, Bake
Sales, and Car wash! This next year, our kids are growing up and we’ll have more camping expenses as many of our Tenderfoot campers (1/2 week of camp) will be going to Spirit Camp (for a whole week). So… the struggle continues. This year, we hope to have more fund-raisers spread throughout the year, rather than so many things right at zero-hour. Please pray for our kids and youth… they aren’t just the future of the church, they’re here now… and they help make our church amazing!
Harry Potter Vacation Bible School … Loads of fun was had by all! This year was based on the second Harry Potter book, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAM-
BER OF SECRETS. The kids had four classes: Astronomy, Magic, Quilling (in a journal), and Potions. The kids played Quidditch, of course! We also had time for a snack and a Bible lesson. We’re grateful for all the caring adults who stepped in to help out. Thank you, everyone… for making our church a bit more magical!
Rally & Church Picnic, Sunday, September 7 th :
Fun for families and Everyone!
Please join us for a ton of fun on Rally Sunday. We’re hoping for clear weather, so we can move the party outside! We’ll have worship outdoors. Then, we’ll have games and fun for all. Expect to see some of your favorites: Bozo Buckets, Bean Bag Toss, and a Cupcake Walk. Plus, we have some new surprises up our sleeves! If you have an outdoor game that your family enjoys and you’d like to bring it… we welcome all fun! Afterwards, we’ll have lunch in Dutton Hall! Bring a dish to share! Bless our new year!
Tuesday 23rd Adult Study begins… please plan to attend and bring a friend!
The study is just not the same without you! Our church family is enriched by the
GIFT of your PRESENCE! The schedule for the book of JOB adult series is on page 9 of the newsletter.
Next BRE Meeting will be on Sunday, September 14, 2014 11:15 am
Pastor Amy
THE FEDERATED FORECAST—page 7

The Every Person: Job and the Life of Faith
The book of Job cuts straight to the heart of what it means to be human.
It is the most profound exploration of the life of faith ever written, and wrestles with some of life’s most perplexing question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? Is there a correspondence between sin and suffering, obedience and blessing? Can God be trusted? Why should we serve God if there are no guarantees?
There was never a time when the book of Job was not relevant, but it is especially relevant in a post-9/11 world. This is not because the book of Job has changed, but because we have.
We may be more ready to listen now, less certain of our own answers. Perhaps every generation has an experience that makes this possible. In any case, when Job asks, “ Why?” -we, too, strain to hear any answers. And if answers are not forthcoming, then we, like Job, at least need to know how to live without them.
The book of Job takes a deep journey into human suffering. It has been called, at the least,
“challenging.” It is one of the most difficult books as well as one of the most important books of the Bible. Beginning Tuesday, September 23, from 7 to 8:15 PM, we will try to meet that challenge.
Here are the sessions:
Introducing Job: The Book and the Person September 23
An Ancient Story, of Every Person
The Impatience of Job
When Familiar Answers Fail
Closing Arguments
The Voice of the Whirlwind
Life Within Our Limits
September 30
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
The last thing I want to leave you with, is this is adult education. Please, please don’t think you need to “know the Bible,” or be embarrassed about what you don’t know. I am constantly learning new wisdom from study, as learning is lifelong. Remember, we’re family, and have a unique opportunity to share or lives in and through these sessions. I am asking for a $5 donation from each participant. This will help cover the cost of materials. But please, don’t let anything stand in your way of this study. We do offer scholarships. Just see me. I am your pastor and here for you!
In care
Pastor Dennis
THE FEDERATED FORECAST– page 8

Thank You for the “love offering” of $44.00. In God’s love,
Sycamore Food Pantry Committee
From: Safe Passage: I would like to thank you for your donation of backpacks and school supplies. Your commitment to helping end violence and sexual assault in our community is sincerely appreciated. Support like yours is vital for us to be able to meet the increasing needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence. Our kids were so happy to have new backpacks and supplies! Thank you again for your generous support.
Best Wishes,
Mary Ellen Schaid, Exec. Director
Invites you for Brunc h
Pay-what-you-can
September 27
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Of DeKalb
158 N. 4th Street
DeKalb
For VAC Pick-up times and locations call (815)756-7089.
Y-T-D
Stewardship Report
Week ending August 24
Average Attendance: 58
Average Kids Club 4
THE FEDERATED FORECAST—page 9

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Dennis Johnson
Pastor’s Emergency: 815-762-9179
Pastor’s email: DENNJO629@aol.com
Director of Religious Education
Pastor Amy Johnson
Pastor Amy’s email jayneamy@aol.com
Kid’s Club Website
www.federatedkids.9k.com
Administrative Assistant:
Admin Asst., e-mail:
Liz Finney
thefederatedchurch@frontier.com
Or info@sycamorefederatedchurch.org
Director of Music: Gary Mattin
Music email: mattincurtain50@aol.com
Organist: Sara Vogeler
Handbell Director: Marilyn Montzka
Custodian: Almasa Camo
Parish Visitor: Sally Stevens
Web address:
www.sycamorefederatedchurch.org
Office phone: 815-895-2706
Office fax: 815-899-2076
Office email:
thefederatedchurch@frontier.com
Or info@sycamorefederatedchurch.org
Director: Jan Scheffers
Preschool phone 815-764-9473
Federated Preschool email:
Federatedchurchpreschool@gmail.com
Moderator:
Suzanne Juday
Assistant Moderator:
Nancy Renfer
Clerk:
Charles Sigwart
Treasurer:
David Wood
Council Members-at Large:
Tom Foster
Lynette Swedberg
Board of Deacons:
Gene Fogle
Board of Membership & Fellowship:
Paula von Ende
Board of Mission & Society:
Jerry Lane
Board of Religious Education:
Malorie Nelson
Board of Trustees:
David Finney
Pastor-Parish Relations Committee
Brad Becker
Roger Jacobson
Karen Hamingson
Nancy Renfer
15th
THE FEDERATED FORECAST– page 10