Copy of What's Happening feb 2018

February 4, 2018:

Hi, folks!

That snow is really coming down, and we hope you are reading this all warm and cozy and safe at home while those Super Bowl chicken wings are baking in the oven.

Several football fans wore their favorite jerseys to morning service, and we got a good laugh to see who is cheering for which team this afternoon. Pastor Billy started his new sermon series, “Samson”, using text from Hebrews 11:32-34 and Judges 13 as we learned about the birth of Samson.

Greeters, Ushers, and Offering Takers: Immediately after service next week you will have a brief meeting with Blaine Petersen.

Membership Class is also next Sunday. If you are interested in joining our church or asking questions to learn more of what we believe, you need to be here. Since we are providing child care and a light snack, we need an accurate headcount. You must let us Pastor know you are coming. There is no obligation to join after the class.

Baptisms will take place February 18th during the morning service. 9:30 am Pastor Julian will teach a quick class to explain why and how we baptize here. If you are just curious, you can attend simply to learn with no obligation to be dunked. Sign up at the Connection Table.

If you are new at Revolution Church, you are invited to dessert at Pastor’s home Friday, February 23, at 7pm. Fellowship, eat, and get to know several of our staff members who will also be present. Please sign up at the Connection Table.

The following morning, Saturday, February 24, men are invited to FREE breakfast, devotional, and a time of fellowship. We begin at 8 am, so be on time if you want to stand a chance at getting some bacon strips. We need you to RVSP at the Connection Table for this one.

Do you receive our “Daily Scripture” devotionals? Eileen DeSando does an excellent job writing these, so sign up to receive them or read them on Face Book. Thank you, Eileen! She is also available to privately disciple women if you are the type person who doesn’t do well in a group or desires more one-on-one teaching. There is more info on the Connection Table if this invitation has sparked your interest.

Graybars Project is hosting their 3rd annual Art/Poetry/Craft contest for our inmates across the USA in February! If you are a pen-pal and have received such items from your prisoner, please bring them all to church for competition. We will vote on our favorites and award cash prizes!

Happy Birthday to Miriam Sandoval! Her daughter, Gabriella Herrera, and boyfriend traveled all the way from Florida for the special occasion! We wish them safe travels home in this winter weather. Jan Poort has a birthday Friday! (If you have a birthday or anniversary you’d like to see mentioned here, give the info to the piano player at least a week early.)

Thanks to each person who shared their time, treasure, and talent to make our service run smoothly today. There are so many good folks among us who quietly volunteer behind the scenes to make sure you are comfortable and have your needs met. God keeps good records! We hope to see everybody back next Sunday. Now, get off this website and go enjoy the big game!

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January 28, 2018:

Hi, friends!

Today Pastor Billy formally kicked off, “The Moriah Project”, Revolution Church’s building campaign! For what we pay to lease our facility, we could be making payments on our own property. Check out the “Rock in the Box” at the Connection Table. This stone is actually from Mt. Moriah in Jerusalem where Solomon’s Temple stood. Contributions can be left in that display cabinet or specifically marked and dropped into the offering. This money will never be mingled with our basic operating fund. You will hear more about this next step in weeks to come!

Pastor Billy concluded “In the Beginning” series today with a message titled “The Fall”, the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit and being booted out of the Garden of Eden. Text was the entire third chapter of Genesis and Isaiah 14:12-15. In keeping with the Eden theme, the worship team sang the classic hymn “In the Garden” (also known as “The Andy Song” -- “Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me….” LOL) We sang “Sweetly Broken” and shared in Communion. After the service, several folks stayed for a prayer meeting.

Did you remember to pick up your Giving Statement? You will need this for your taxes. Thanks for every dollar you contributed to keep us running smoothly this past year! Nothing you give is ever wasted.

Judy Fash, thank you for being the speaker for Saturday’s “Hello My Name Is” women’s breakfast! We appreciate all who rolled out of bed early to attend and all who contributed a dish to share. Thank you for hosting, Eileen DeSando!

February 11 there is Membership Class after service. We want to bless you with a light snack and childcare, so help us prepare by signing up at the Connection Table. There is no obligation to join, so come and learn what this church teaches and ask questions before you make your decision.

Have you been baptized? February 18 we will have be baptizing believers during the morning service. Pastor Julian will be teaching a brief class at 9:30 a.m. about the reason we do this for anybody who wishes to learn. Sign up, so he can prepare for you.

Newcomers, you are invited to Pastor Billy’s home for dessert and to meet with the other pastors and some of our staff. You can ask questions and enjoy fellowship. Please sign up at the Connection Table.

Men, our quarterly breakfast will be here at the church February 24th at 8 a.m. This was very well attended in the past, so we expect a strong turnout again. You must sign up at the Connection Table if there is to be enough bacon fried! Male friends are encouraged to come with you.

Our favorite West Virginian, Donna Windberg, celebrates her birthday this week!

FYI: Little Jimmy Leatherman is allowing friends to sign his new arm cast. Better hurry as he is super popular and space is limited!

We want to see all of you back here next week. Don’t you dare skip church just because it is Super Bowl Sunday. You will have plenty of time to come out and worship and still get home in time to bake them chicken wangs and whip up the guacamole for your buddies. Have a blessed week!

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January 21, 2018:

Happy Sunday!

Welcome, visitors! We are glad you were with us this morning, and glad you are visiting this page now. Let us remind you there is a special gift waiting for you on the Connection Table.

Pastor Billy continued his “In the Beginning” series with text from Genesis 1:26-27 and all of Genesis 2. If you missed his “Created in the Image of God” message today, you can view it Monday afternoon by going to the Home Page and clicking WATCH. Revolution Kids had a whooptido time in their church as evidenced by the children toting around the awesomely cool balloon creations made by our own “Magic Autumn”.

Giving Statements for contributions to the church in 2017 were handed out today. They will be available for pick up next Sunday at the Connection Table. Get yours, for the tax man cometh.

After the morning service, members and all those interested in becoming members were invited to stay for our annual business meeting. Pastor Billy, Pastor Bob, Pastor Julian, and Elder Tom Wozny took the stage for Q&A after Pastor Billy reviewed the budget, what we accomplished in 2017, and cast vision for 2018.

A dozen folks gathered in Frankfort to enjoy a Senior Ministry loaded baked potato supper on Friday night. Thanks to all who shared their favorite toppings, and a special thanks to the Lees for their gracious hospitality. Durk is walking exceptionally well with his new hip, and for that, we are thankful.

Iron Men’s gathering was a success Saturday morning here at the church. 17 guys rolled out of bed early for the fellowship event! Thank you, Pastor Julian for the devotional. Thank you, Pastor Billy for the Dunkin’ Donuts.

Saturday the 27th at 9-11 am ladies are invited to “Hello My Name Is” breakfast at Eileen DeSando’s home in New Lenox. One of the guests will be sharing her story. This is free, but potluck if you’d like to share food.

Happy 15th Birthday to Madi Leatherman today! Cynthia Petersen, Drama Team leader, also has a birthday today! Tech Team member, Joey Meskin, turns 18 on Thursday! Younger brother, Tim Meskin celebrated his birthday last week! Justice Petersen and Erin Van Kuiken also will be blowing out their birthday candles this week!

Jimmy Leatherman fractured his right wrist playing basketball this week and will be in a cast five weeks. Sorry, man. That’s a real bummer. Get well fast!

Next week all who wish to stay are invited to prayer meeting following the morning service. We hope to see you all back in church next Sunday. We start at 10 am, but if you come a bit early, you will have time to enjoy the hospitality table refreshments, browse the Connection Table for upcoming Bible studies/fellowship events, and sign an inmate birthday card at the Graybars Project table. We have lots of new folks, so come early and make a new friend.

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January 14, 2018:

Hello!

What a good crowd we had this morning! Lots of visitors, too. We love to see new folks walk through those doors, so continue inviting, because it is working. If you are new, remember to stop at the Connection Table to claim your free welcome gift.

Pastor Billy continued his “In the Beginning” series by preaching from the whole first chapter of Genesis. The worship team led songs that spoke about the universe and the majesty of God: “Salvation Is Here”, “This Is Amazing Grace”, “The Stand”, “How Great Is Our God” and the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art”. Special thanks to John Nordsell for playing bass today!

Pastor Bob was feeling much better than last weekend, so he put on his protective mask and ventured out to church which made us happy. He invites you to his Foundations class each Sunday morning at 9 am in the kitchen if you want to learn the basics of Christianity. There is no charge.

There are two events this week that might interest you:

Seniors 55+ Ministry will meet at the Lee home in Frankfort on Fri, Jan 19th at 6 pm to enjoy a loaded baked potato supper. This is free, but you should bring a topping to share. You must RSVP so enough potatoes will be baked.

The second free event is Saturday, Jan. 20 at the church for 7 am donuts/coffee/devotional. This is for MEN ONLY, and is expected to last less than an hour. Please RSVP to Pastor so he will know how many tables to set up.

“Hello My Name Is” women’s breakfast with a speaker is now taking sign-ups for attendance and food to share. This is free, but we need you to let us know you are coming. Eileen DeSando is hosting in her New Lenox home. Penny Knott can provide you with additional info. Female friends always welcome!

Several of you were unaware Su Parker’s funeral was last week. She had just filmed portions of our Christmas Eve candlelight service music for Facebook, so we were shocked and saddened at her sudden and unexpected death. We send our condolences to her family as they are reading this from across the miles. She will be missed.

Little Owen Arnott had an appendectomy last week. He is now home and recovering well.

Congratulations to our Samantha Jasinski who just got her driver’s license! Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly, Sam!

Kevin Ward has now passed three of his exams toward earning his GED! We love to see adults working hard to better themselves. We are pulling for you, Kevin! You can do this!

We want to see everybody back next Sunday, because immediately after service we will have our annual business meeting to review what we have done in 2017 and what we plan to do in 2018. There will also be a time for Q&A. This meeting is for MEMBERS ONLY. (When you walk in, be sure and give Cynthia Petersen and Madison DesLaurier their birthday hugs!)

Inclement winter weather is blowing in tonight, so bundle up and stay safe, so we all can meet again next week. Thanks for all you do to keep this ministry doing what it does.

You are loved!

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January 8, 2018:

Welcome, friends!

We kicked off 2018 with a new sermon series, “In the Beginning”. Pastor Billy was back in the pulpit, and taught from Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-3, and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Yes, this is the passage that inspired the Byrds’ 1965 hit “Turn! Turn! Turn!”). Since this month is all about Creation, the worship team led us in “God of Wonders”, “Cannons”, and “Open Up the Heavens”.

We missed Pastor Bob and Heather Smith today. He was in the ER last night, and gave a whole new meaning to “Saturday Night Fever”, but he’s home now. Continue to pray he does well with chemo treatments.

We were thrilled to see not only several visitors, but also two of our folk who have been absent for a while. Sara Moehle was beaming from the front row, and that did our hearts good to see her happy and healthy again. She is made of tough stuff, and we give God the praise for all he has done for this beautiful girl! Durk Lee was back after hip surgery, and has made remarkable progress. His gait is steady, and he hopes at be behind the plate umpiring games again in the spring.

Durk and Linda Lee invite all seniors 55+ to eat loaded baked potatoes at their Frankfort home on Friday, January 19, 6 pm. The event is free, but we ask you to bring your favorite topping to share. Sign up so Linda knows how many taters to hoe.

The next morning, Saturday, January 20, men will meet at the church at 7 am for coffee, donuts, and a devotional. This is expected to last about 45 minutes. Sign up at the Connection Table so we will have plenty of donuts.

The following Saturday, Jan 27th, “Hello My Name Is” women’s event will be from 9-11ish at Eileen DeSando’s New Lenox home. One of the women will share her testimony, and there will be a light breakfast. There are sign-up sheets for attendance and food at the Connection Table.

We want to give a belated shout out to Miriam Sandoval and Brenda Hajek for hosting a holiday event for the cast of “Good News, Jerusalem”. Our youth worked hard to put on a fantastic Christmas program for us, so they were invited to Brenda’s home for silly games, cookie baking, and all kinds of snacks. At bedtime, the guys went home, and the girls had a sleepover and shared breakfast in the morning. How fun!

Pre-service prayer begins at 9:30 a.m. for those who want to participate. There will also be a churchwide prayer meeting immediately following the Jan. 28th service for all who want to stay. Our annual business meeting for MEMBERS ONLY is immediately following the Jan. 21st service, so pencil those dates on your calendar.

The roads are icing quickly, so watch your step, and drive carefully so we can see all of you back with us next Sunday!

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January 1, 2018:

Hey, f-f-f-ffff-f-f-ffff-f-folks!

Man, is it COLD! We bundled up and braved the frigid temps and slushy roads to come worship together on this 2017 New Year’s Eve. Special thanks to Deacon George Carroll for shoveling snow and salting the parking lot and walkway while many of you were still snoozing in your fuzzy PJs you got for Christmas. Thanks, George, for making it safe for our people to get into the church! That was mighty neighborly of you.

We sang “We Fall Down” and shared in Communion together on this Family Sunday where our children stayed in service with the adults. Pastor Bob Smith delivered the message on this final service of the year using text from Luke 2:8-14 with emphasis on verse 14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” Worship team reinforced this scripture by singing, “Glory in the Highest”. We pray daily for Pastor Bob, as he began chemo last week. So far, so good! Thank you, Lord!

Wednesday night 18 youth and chaperones enjoyed a night out at the AMC Theater in New Lenox. They divided into three groups and chose between “Justice League”, “Jumanji – Welcome to the Jungle”, and “Star Wars – The Last Jedi”. The church treated to tickets, popcorn, and soft drinks. Next youth group meets at church Wednesday at 6:30 pm for 6-12 graders.

Loaded baked potato night for seniors 55+ is at Durk and Linda Lee’s home in Frankfort on Friday, January 19th at 6:00 pm. This is free, just bring your favorite topping to share with everybody else. Sign up at the connection table so Linda will know how many potatoes to hoe.

Saturday, January 20th, men will meet at the church for donuts, coffee, and a devotional. We begin at 7 am, and plan to be done before 8. There is a sign-up sheet on the connection table for you.

Saturday, January 27th at 9 am ladies will gather at Eileen DeSando’s New Lenox home for “Hello My Name Is” potluck breakfast event. Come to hear one of our women share her testimony and enjoy getting to know each other better. This is free. We just ask you to sign up at the connection table. Direct your questions to Penny Knott.

“Foundations” (Christianity 101) is taught by Pastor Bob each Sunday morning at 9 am here at the church. This is free, and all are welcome to come learn.

We have several among us celebrating this week: Ken Poort, Vivian Meskin, and Susan Mulder (reading this in flip-flops in AZ) are all eating burfday cake this week! If you read it on the internet, it must be true, so according to Face Book, Jason Hippenhammer and his magnificent beard turn 113 years old this Saturday! There is also a birthday card on the Graybars Project table if you want to write some encouragement to lonesome inmate Johnnie. (If you have a birthday, anniversary, or achievement you’d like mentioned on this page, write it down, and give to the piano player.)

Revolution members, prepare to stay a bit later on January 21st, as you are invited to our yearly business meeting immediately after service. We will talk about what happened here in 2017, and what we foresee happening in 2018. Questions? Speak with Pastor Billy.

The final Sunday of the month you are invited to stay for a prayer meeting immediately following service. All are welcome, and you are not required to pray aloud, so nobody out there get all nervous and fret over that.

Next week Pastor Billy returns to the pulpit and starts a new series called “In the Beginning- The Creation Story from Genesis”, so prepare to take notes and learn lots!

May you be FILTHY RICH in 2018! Rich in knowledge, rich in friendship, rich in health, rich in laughter, rich in family, rich in love. Happy New Year!

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December 25, 2017:

We braved the weather and came out on a snow white Christmas Eve to worship the Lord this chilly morning. Welcome to all our visitors! We were very surprised and delighted to have the Arnott family drop in from the Carolinas, and to see our Sue Mulder all the way back from sunny AZ.

Pastor Billy continued his series, Christmas in Who-ville, with a message entitled, “No Room At The Inn” with text from Luke 2:1-7. He asked us if we will make space for Jesus in our lives. Will you be part of the inn crowd or one of the stable few?

The fourth candle of Advent, the flame of LOVE, was lit by the Fischer/Van Kuiken/Gonda families. Their scripture reading was from John 3:16-17.

Worship team led us in holiday music: “Go Tell It On the Mountain, “Away In A Manger”, “Mary Did You Know”, “Oh, Holy Night”, and a jazzed up “Do You Hear What I Hear”.

Many roads were iced and hazardous in time for our 5 pm service after we got more snow than was predicted and plows had trouble keeping up with the scraping, so our crowd was smaller than anticipated. No matter, though, because it was an intimate service of prayer, a brief presentation of the gospel, and worship. Lakeda Vaughn and granddaughter, Trinity lit the final Advent candle of Christ. Among others, some songs sung were “I Celebrate the Day”, “Christmas Hallelujah”, and “Silent Night” during the candle lighting portion of the evening. Thank you for coming. We hope you left feeling blessed.

Applause for "Team Leon" for troubleshooting the lights on the tree and having it back to all its glory for our Christmas Eve services. You have no idea how many untold hours quiet people put in behind the scenes to give us all a beautiful, warm, and comfortable place to worship. Thank you, too, to the people who provided us with the special cookies and the basket of candy canes at the hospitality table.

Volunteers with Graybars Project were busy, busy, busy last Wednesday morning and evening passing out hugs, candy, handshakes, and the cards you people donated. We had so many prisoner cards signed we decided to share the love with residents at Tinley Court, Hanover Place, Porter Place, Frankfort Terrace, and the staff and every diner at Arby’s. It was such a rewarding endeavor to give attention to many who are the Last, the Lost, and the Least among us. Thank you to each person who helped make these outings successful. Special recognition to Diane Neakarse who deserves stars in her crown for her over the top efforts with the card project.

Several of our youth who served at Frankfort Terrace hurried back to church for the Wednesday Night Live Christmas pizza party. If your kids have not yet joined this group, come and try it! There is a Bible lesson, games, snack, and fellowship. Pastor Billy leads this group and can answer any questions. This group as well as Larry DeSando’s Acts study is cancelled until January.

Congratulations to Robbie Fosen as he graduated Lewis University last Sunday with a degree in Computer Programming!

Reagan Olivia Hippenhammer turned 5 on the 19th! “Announcement Lady” AKA Mishel Rych, celebrates her birthday Saturday!

Safe travels, keep warm, and have a blessed and restful holiday week with those you love. Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us at Revolution Church!

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December 18, 2017:

Hello!

Today was Ugly Sweater Day at Revolution Church, so many of you dressed up in fun and creative garb to participate in the contest. We had silly Santa hats, lit up clothes, funky boots, doodleboppers, tacky sweaters, Christmas tights, and glitter and sequins galore! Judges awarded Justin Graniczny 1st place with his Barbie sweater. He won a $25 gift card to Target. Twins, Diamond and Destiny Torres, placed 2nd and 3rd and won holiday Chapsticks and a Twister game. Thanks to everybody who participated!

The music team welcomed Pastor Bob (in his ugly Packers sweater) to the stage, and they led us in “Feliz Navidad”, and a rocked out version of “Little Drummer Boy” before we settled into our morning worship.

Sam and Lisa Jasinski lit our third candle of Advent, the candle of JOY, and read scripture from Luke 2:10-11 (Lisa was also responsible for those fancy decorated cupcakes at the hospitality table!)

Pastor Billy continued “Christmas in Who-Ville” by focusing on the shepherds and angels. His text was from Luke 2:4-7. Drama Team reenacted the story during the message. Shepherds were played by Pastor Bob Smith and Chris Meskin. Angel Gabriel was Greg Struck. Thank you, Cynthia Petersen for costuming and overseeing this group.

At 5pm, Ozinga’s Merry Mixer concrete truck put on a free light/music show in our parking lot. Thank you, to Al, the driver, who brought us the fun tonight! The spectacle was visible to the highway and brought in some new folks who wanted to get a closer view.

At 6 pm, our youth presented “Good News Jerusalem”, a play that included candle lighting, music, puppets, and an inspirational shadow skit that reminded us to bring an offering of worship to our King. Appreciation gifts of flowers and treats were presented at the end to Pastor Julian & Miriam and Cynthia Petersen. Thank you to all the folks who worked behind the scenes crafting, painting, and helping the kids shine brightly tonight. We were blessed! Big thanks to the folks who baked cookies and provided us with hot chocolate while we enjoyed the shows!

Friday night’s progressive dinner was attended by 17 people! Thank you to the Woznys for the appetizers in Frankfort, the Fashs for the main course in New Lenox, and the Griffords for dessert and games in Manhattan!

Wednesday Night Live youth group Christmas party is Dec. 20. 6:30 pm at the church. Expect fun, games, and food with Pastor Billy!

Wednesday evening Bible study at the church is cancelled this week and next to give people time at home for the holidays.

Graybars Project invites you to pass out Christmas cards, candy, hugs, and handshakes with the residents of Frankfort Terrace Nursing Home on Wed, Dec. 20. We begin at 5 pm sharp, and will be done when supper trays are passed at 5:20 pm, so dress festively, and meet out front a few minutes early.

Inmates are mailing the church several Christmas cards to say thanks for loving them this past year. Please stop at the bulletin board table and read these, and sign some birthday cards while you are there.

Ladies, “Hello, My Name Is” breakfast fellowship event will be at Eileen DeSando’s New Lenox home on Saturday, January 27th, at 9:00 am. Penny Knott can answer your questions and help you sign up at the Connection Table.

We are thankful Durk Lee’s hip replacement surgery went well!

Happy birthday to bass player, Phil Graniczny on the 21st, and to cameraman, Bruce Smit on the 23rd! Our beloved Brenda Hajek shares a birthday with JESUS on Christmas Day!

We will see you on Christmas Eve for 10 am service and again at 5 pm for a different candlelight service. Let’s fill up the church on this holy holiday! Invite, invite, invite!

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December 11, 2017:

Welcome to WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Thank you all for coming out to God’s house on this frosty Sunday morning! We saw several visitors in the crowd, and we hope you felt loved today. Did you take home a welcome bag?

Kathleen and Bryan Milligan lit our second advent flame, the candle of peace. Scripture reading was from Isaiah 9:6. Worship team welcomed John Nordsell on the bass to help with new Christmas music today. Thank you, John!

Pastor Billy continued “Christmas in Who-ville” with a message titled “The Gift”, as he focused on a study of Mary. Text was from Luke 1:26-??? and Matthew 1:18. Actors pantomimed a reenactment of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. Thank you to Samantha Hines as Mary, Joey Meskin as Joseph, and Greg Struck as the Angel Gabriel in sparkle wings and cargo pants! Thank you, Drama Team director, Cynthia Petersen. We enjoy the background skits!

Approximately 70 women gathered here Friday evening for our second Merry Mixer Christmas event. Penny Knott opened with prayer. There was a tasty meal of appetizers, chicken tetrazzini, broccoli, salad, bread, punch, coffee, and various desserts. Each table was uniquely decorated by different Revolution women. Table hostesses were Jan Golden, Brenda Hajek, Pat Wozny, Cynthia Petersen, Eileen DeSando, Carrie Grafrath/Darla Carroll, Judy Fash, Heather Smith/Jesse Taylor, and Tammy Smit.

Thank you to our men who dressed up and stepped up to wait tables and clean after the Merry Mixer: Chris Meskin, Bob Hensle, Bruce Smit, Larry DeSando, Phil Grifford, Tom Wozny, Darren Rych, Bob Smith, Durk Lee, and Brian Fisher. Pastor Billy and Vivian Meskin provided the music. Judy Fash and Pat Wozny demonstrated making various holiday décor crafts which were given as prizes. Eileen DeSando and her magic pen created the gorgeous scripted window panes so many of you admired. Speaker, Pat Wozny, was presented flowers at the end of the evening. Thank you to each woman who contributed in any way to make the night special!

The HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) mission is to prevent, treat, and support anyone affected by the heroin epidemic in our communities. Narcan is a drug that is able to block or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. FREE TRAINING AND FREE NARCAN will be given on Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. at New Lenox Village Hall, 1 Veteran’s Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451. RSVP to jdombrowski1990@gmail.com. HERO and HA (Heroin Anonymous) will have literature tables set up at this event so people who want help, can find it. This is open to the public, but you MUST register thru our Jan Dombrowski no later than Monday night. 815-258-9294. www.theherofoundation.org www.facebook.com/BeAHeroToo . Thanks for caring, Jan!

Remember to mark your calendars for our four final special events of 2017:

Progressive Dinner for ages 18+ on December 15. $20/person.
Ugly Sweater Day December 17th, 10 am service!
Ozinga Merry Mixer concrete truck synchronized music and light show with cookies and hot chocolate, December 17th, 5 pm, in our parking lot.
Children’s Christmas Play, 6 pm, December 17 after the light show.
Christmas Eve Sunday 10 am service
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, December 24, 5 pm. Please take the printed invitations from the back table to share with friends, so we can fill the church that night.

Thanks for all you do to keep this ministry well oiled and running smoothly. God sees all, and he keeps good records. Remember that! See you Sunday in your tackiest Christmas garb. Throw your pride out the window, put on your sequin thinking cap, and let loose with the creativity. Show us what ya got!

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December 4, 2017:

Wow! What an awesome day of worship and praise in the House of the Lord! Aren’t you glad you came?

We began the traditional lighting of our Advent candles. Jan Golden and her twins, Destiny and Diamond, read Jeremiah 33:14-16 and lit the first candle - the flame of HOPE.

Pastor Billy began the December series “Christmas in Whoville, Who’s Who in the Christmas Story”. Using text from Matthew 2, he named his message “Three King Makers and the Grinch”, and told us the story of the Magi and King Herod. Our drama team made appearances to illustrate the story. Autumn and Bob Hensle, Blaine Petersen, and Justin Graniczny were the actors. Thank you, Cynthia Peterson for the costuming and props. She actually used REAL frankincense and myrrh!

Speaking of kings bringing gifts, the worship team kicked off the Christmas season with the lyrics, “We fall down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus, and we cry holy, holy, holy.” That was powerful stuff right there. Wise men saw a star, so we sang Hank William’s classic, “I Saw the Light”. We also did the modern version of “Joy to the World”. We will have more good Christmas music for you next week!

Ladies, today was the final day to purchase your tickets for the Merry Mixer which is THIS FRIDAY at 6:30 pm at the church. Hostesses are decorating their tables Thursday night and Friday morning, and we are eager to see each woman’s personality come shining through with her creations. Pat Wozny can answer all questions about this event.

Our Progressive Dinner will begin in Frankfort for appetizers, move to New Lenox for salad and entrée, and then finish in Manhattan with dessert and games. Space is limited, so sign up quickly. $20/person. You must be 18+ to attend, so find sitters for the chillrens, and come join the fun on December 15. Michelle Grifford leads this event.

Many have viewed the Face Book video clip of the Ozinga Christmas concrete truck, but you can see it up close and personal at our church before our children’s Christmas play on December 17th! Play starts at 6 pm, but you can enjoy free hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and the light/music truck show at 5 pm. Invite friends now, because this is not something you see everywhere!

Mark the calendar now for December 24th. We will have our usual 10 am church service, and then at 5 pm we will have a brief candlelight gathering with different music and a meaningful devotional and prayer. Invites are found on the connection table. Please do not let any go to waste. Share these!

Wednesday Night Live youth group sure has fun here. This past week they had a light supper together, a Bible study, games and prizes! Their Christmas party is coming up December 20. Talk to Pastor Billy if your youth are interested in being included.

Stop by the Graybars Project prison outreach table and read the Christmas cards that the inmates are sending to US! Thanks to all who donated cards this year. Unused boxes will be saved for 2018!

Thank you to Bryan and Kathleen Milligan for assembling our new photo directory! Did you get yours? Take one per family, please. Thanks for taking the pictures, Cynthia Petersen!

Finally, we must thank the decorating team who put in unbelievable hours to beautify the sanctuary and our outside entrance for the holidays. Please feel free to have photos taken in front of that magnificent tree and the cross. Applause for Greg and Judy Fash, Larry and Eileen DeSando, Diane Neakarse, Tom and Pat Wozny, Pastor and Penny Knott, George Carroll, and the lovely Kathleen Milligan for providing Christmas music while they all worked.

Harvey Ferguson, Jr, we wish you a happy birthday from across the miles all the way to Tennessee. We love and miss you!

See you next Sunday. Stay warm, and let’s be sure and look after each other best we can this week.

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November 26, 2017:

Welcome back, friends!

Considering how many of you wore your drawstring sweats and elastic pants to church today, we can assume you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. Several were still out of town with family, but they will be home shortly. We took a couple minutes this morning to turn to our neighbors and share the things we are grateful for during our time of greeting. The worship team led us in some appropriate holiday songs including “The Table” and “Good Good Father” during Communion.

Pastor Billy concluded the November sermon series with a message titled, “We Made It Through Thanksgiving….Now What?” Text was taken from Mark 4, Matthew 13, and Luke 8. We learned that sharing the gospel is like spreading seeds, and we explored the parable of the sower. Pastor also had a large bag of coins and some loud-bottomed buckets and pots and demonstrated paying it forward when it comes to maintaining good working relationships with others and with the Lord. (Poor Kathleen will have her job cut out for her when she rolls out the vacuum cleaner this week, won’t she!) Go to our Home Page and click WATCH, if you missed church today, because we learned lots. There was also a brief prayer meeting after service for those who wished to stay.

Pastor Bob’s Foundations class that meets in the nursery at 9:00 am had good attendance. You are welcome to drop in and take in a lesson. This is FREE, and suitable for anybody seeking to learn more about the fundamentals of Christianity.

Invites were handed out for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, and we were all asked to take a stack to distribute to fill up this place for the 5 pm service. Did you take some?

Children’s Christmas Play, “Good News, Jerusalem” is the Sunday evening before Christmas Eve. Play starts at 6 pm, but at 5 pm we will have free hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy while we clap and cheer for the Ozinga Merry Mixer concrete truck synchronized light and music show in the parking lot. This is something highly unusual, so prepare to be wowed!

People who took Graybars Project Christmas cards home to sign for the nursing home need to bring them back to church no later than December 5th. Those who took stacks of inmate cards home must have them in the mail by December 1 to meet mailroom deadlines. Thank you for donating and for taking time to write kind words. We are already receiving numerous holiday cards from the prisoners, so be sure and read what they want to say to us.

Merry Mixer Christmas event for ladies and their friends is December 8, 6:30 pm at the church. Admission is a $10 pre-paid ticket which covers your meal, entertainment, fellowship and surprises! There are three things to sign up for on the connection table: Attendance, Table Hostess/Decorator, Male Servers. Speak with Pat Wozny, Director of Women’s Ministry for more information.

Holiday Progressive Dinner for adults 18+ is December 15th starting at 6 pm. You will begin at one home for appetizers, then move to another for the meal, and finish at the final house for dessert. Cost is $20/person, and is due at time of sign up. Space is limited, so hurry if you want to join the group! Michelle Grifford can answer all questions for this event.

Happy Birthday to Zachary Smith and to Kevin Ward, both good men we wish could see more often!

Next Sunday Pastor begins the December sermon series called, “Christmas in Who-ville”, and the church will be festive for the season! Can’t wait to see what the decorating team has thunk up for us this year! The outside already looks better with the new bronze colored guttering! No more “Niagara Falls” crashing on our heads on rainy Sundays. Now THAT is something to be thankful for!

We will see you next Sunday. There is optional pre-service prayer in the kitchen at 9:30, and worship kicks off at 10:00 sharp. In between, feel free to enjoy a hot coffee and explore the connection table and bulletin board while you get to know others better. Thanks for stopping by this page to see “What’s Happening”. We will now let you get back to your Turkey Coma. Carry on!

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November 20, 2017:

Good Morning, Friends!

Yesterday Pastor Billy continued his “Elephant in the Family Room” series with a message from Psalm 1:1-6 and Acts 28:1-6. All of you ophidiophobes out there would’ve busted a new door in the back of the church after peeking into his mysterious covered basket! If you don’t know what that means, go to the home page and click WATCH to see what you missed!

The worship team led us in some songs to honor the Thanksgiving holiday that is fast upon us. “You Are Good” with that funky beat, “Another Hallelujah”- a new version of Leonard Cohen’s classic, and “Doxology” to praise God from whom all blessings flow. Our keyboard is in the shop for repair after going “kaput” last week, and Tyler Yost was kind and generous to provide us a loaner from his home. Thank you, Tyler!

In this season of gratitude, we want to acknowledge some other folks who have worked hard and are doing or have done nice things:

Seniors group 55+ put on their galoshes and paddled their rafts in buckets of rain Friday night to Chicago Dough in New Lenox for pizza. Afterwards, the group headed back to Frankfort for dessert with Durk and Linda Lee. Pumpkin pie, apple pie, eclairs, ice cream, and coffee were served. We also had the joy of touring Durk’s man-cave and his super cool garage. Even ladies who don’t give a flying flip about garages are impressed with this one. Thank you, Lees!

Appreciation gifts of pumpkin pie bottled sodas and bags of autumn snack mixes were given to the Graybars Project pen-pals who work hard to be Hebrews 13:3 people to inmates suffering with loneliness. We are getting lots of positive feedback from the Thanksgiving card mailout. Applause to Tom Williamson, Diane Neakarse, and Linda Lee for personalizing all those November holiday cards! The whole board was done by prisoners this week. Check out what is on their minds.

Thank you to all those who donated the heap of CHRISTMAS CARDS for prisoners, to ladies in a Mokena group home, and also for the residents of Frankfort Terrace! Our youth worked hard signing cards before service, and several of you are personalizing cards at your home this week. (Put finished cards in the giant Ziploc on the Graybars table.) Pastor Bob should be called the “Patron Saint of Postage Stamps” as he faithfully donates to be sure we never run low. As of now, WE HAVE ENOUGH donated cards to meet our needs for 2017. If you would like to spread some joy to a person who might be feeling forgotten, you are welcome to use the extra cards from the basket.

Thank you to Pat Wozny and her team of women who are busy preparing for “MERRY MIXER” here on Friday, December 8, 6:30 pm. Fancy invites were handed out yesterday, and they are now signing up guests. $10 is due at the time you reserve your seat. This will include your meal, entertainment, and a chance to win some really cool prizes. They need two things: Men to serve that evening, and women to get creative and decorate a table. If you would like to help in these areas, there is a sign-up sheet on the Connection Table. You will not want to miss!

As we saw on the video announcements yesterday, here are some events that need to be on your calendar:

There is a PROGRESSIVE DINNER for adults on Friday, December 15th at 6:00 pm. Space is limited, so sign up quickly if you want to be included. $20/person is due at time of sign-up. We will travel from house to house for appetizers, entrée, and dessert. Sounds like a lot of fun, doesn’t it? Hire a sitter, because you must be 18+ to attend this event. Michelle Grifford can give more info.

Revolution KIDS' PLAY is Sunday, December 17th! If you come early at 5 pm, you can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and homemade cookies baked by members of the church. We will also be treated to the Ozinga CONCRETE TRUCK LIGHT SHOW that is timed to flash to Christmas music! How cool and unique is THAT? Start inviting now, because this is free and something you don’t see every day. Pastor Julian and Miriam can answer your questions about the play.

Pastor Bob and Heather Smith had a good-sized group at their Sunday morning “FOUNDATIONS” class that meets in our nursery at 9 am. This is free and open to anybody who wants to learn more about the basics of Christianity.

"DAILY SCRIPTURES" are written by Eileen DeSando and can be viewed online. She is such a talented writer! Ladies, if you want to meet with Eileen one on one for a PERSONALIZED BIBLE STUDY, she has graciously offered to help you grow in your faith. There is no charge. She offers this out of love and a desire to make your journey easier, so don’t be bashful if this idea interests you.

Happy 7th Anniversary to Jason and Kristen Hippenhammer! Greg and Debbie Struck are also celebrating their 3rd anniversary! Our little Mason Moore turned six fingers old! Congratulations to Deacon Tom Williamson for landing a new job as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Muenster, Indiana! Yay! Their house also sold, so that is another huge blessing. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayers for this family!

Church people, if you have found yourself alone for Thanksgiving, we have two families who say they will scoot over and make room at their tables for you. The Bob Smith family and the Chris Meskin family welcome you. Some of us are widowed, divorced, new to the area, family is too far away, or spouses have to work the holiday. No shame. Stuff happens. Get it touch ASAP if you want to be included.

THANK YOU for all you give, for all you do, for all your efforts on behalf of Revolution Church! You are LOVED! Aren't you glad God opens His arms and receives even the biggest turkeys? That is the beauty of GRACE. Safe holiday travels to all!

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November 13, 2017:

Hi, Friends!

Thank you for coming out to worship with us on this chilly, rainy Veterans Day weekend. Let us begin by recognizing all our military men and women and their families here at Revolution Church. Thank you for your service! We honor you today!

We had several visitors with us as immediately following preaching we held a memorial service for our eldest member, Grandma Mildred Ferguson, who was also a charter member. Her children, Harvey Jr, Pat and Brenda all spoke, and then the mic was passed through the crowd for the sharing of memories by others. There was horn honkin’, candy tossin’, and lots more laughin’ than cryin’. A huge luncheon followed, and we thank all who attended, cooked, set up, cleaned up, and helped honor our Mildred. She (and her notorious broken arm) will be missed, but we know she is up there eating tomatoes with Jesus, so all is well.

We were proud to have Pastor’s daughter, Noel Yost, as a guest on the worship team today. Unfortunately, just in time for her song, that dern piano went clink-clank-clunk-KAPUT! Sorry about that, but sometimes stuff just happens with electronics, and it can’t be helped. If she will come back, we will gladly give her a do-over. We do love that girl and Tyler so much! The keyboard will go in for repair this week, so we hope to be back up and running next Sunday.

Volunteers are already busy signing cards for Graybars Project inmates and for members of a group home in Mokena. These two groups are totally taken. Thank you for your willing hearts! Who will take home a short stack of Christmas cards to personalize for the residents of Frankfort Terrace Nursing Home? If you will help, donated cards can be found in the basket on the prison outreach table along with instructions. Cards will only be collected the next two Sundays.

The men’s breakfast Saturday was a success! Bacon, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and pancakes were on the menu. Thank you, Pastor Bob Smith for delivering the devotion. Round of applause for TEARDROP CAFÉ in New Lenox that catered much of the food. Stop in and give these good people some business next time you are in their area, and thank them for supporting our Iron Sharpens Iron ministry.

Seniors 55+ are meeting for pizza at Chicago Dough in New Lenox Friday at 6 pm. $10 in advance pays for your meal and for dessert which follows at Durk and Linda Lee’s home in Frankfort. Linda leads this one.

Merry Mixer Women’s Christmas event will be the evening of Friday, Dec. 8th at the church. We are currently signing up hostesses to decorate tables and men to help serve. Mark the clipboards on the welcome table if this sounds like fun for you. We sure had a good time last year, and we expect no less this year. Pat Wozny is the go-to person for this.

Adult Connection Group’s December 15 event is a Progressive Dinner! The group will travel to various homes for different courses of a meal. Cost is $20/person paid in advance. Michelle Grifford leads this one. Remember, this is only for 18+.

Ladies, on the Connection Table there is a take home paper that tells in detail about Eileen DeSando’s “One On One” Bible study. If you need some confidential guidance and wish to focus on particular areas of growth in your Christian walk, let Eileen help you tailor a study that is a custom fit especially for you. Don’t be shy. She will make you feel loved and comfortable in a heartbeat. Promise!

Her husband, Larry DeSando, is teaching the study of Acts on Wednesday nights at the church while the kids are learning in another part of the building with Pastor Billy. You can begin either group now if you want. Oh, they eat donuts, too. Jesus AND donuts….. Win-Win! 6:30 pm.

Thank you, Pastor Bob and Heather Smith for teaching Foundations class in the nursery each Sunday at 9 am. This is also a class you can begin now. If you would like more knowledge in the basics of why Christians believe and act in certain ways, this is probably a class you would enjoy. It’s free, too!

The leader of our “Fishes and Loaves” cooking ministry, Dawn Gonda, celebrates her birthday Thursday! We love you, Dawn!

Pastor Billy preached on “ healthy boundaries” within our relationships, and used text from Deuteronomy 30:11-20. We learned to view each choice through the L.I.F.E. lens (Lordship, Investment, Fellowship, and Emancipation). If you have no clue what this means, click WATCH on our Home Page, and see a replay of the message there. Next week the “Elephant in the Family Room” series message is about dealing with difficult family members. With Thanksgiving around the corner, we all need to pay attention to this one! See you all next week! 9:30 pre-service prayer and 10:00 worship!

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November 6, 2017:

Happy Monday!

Did you enjoy your extra hour of sleep yesterday with the time change? We had a good crowd, several new families, and FREE cinnamon rolls and coffee before service. There’s not much breakfast in the whole wide world that tastes better than FREE.

Our newest member, baby Scarlett Hippenhammer was dedicated to God with her immediate family surrounding her and extended family smiling from their seats. Pastors Knott, Smith, and Sandoval assisted with this blessing.

The worship team debuted a new song that the folks really seemed to enjoy: Third Day’s “Revival”. Pastor Billy kicked off November’s sermon series, “The Elephant in the Family Room” with a message called “Family Communication” with text from James 1:19-21, and James 19. Know God’s word. Do God’s word. Don’t ride a wobbly bike with only one pedal! (If you don’t know what that means, go to our home page and watch the sermon video.)

Men’s breakfast is SATURDAY 8 am at church. You MUST let us know you are coming so the guys can shop for enough food. If you plan to just pop in and surprise them, then this is a BYOB meal for you. That means Bring Your Own Bacon!

Graybars Project is already busy collecting boxes Christmas cards! These must be finished by Dec. 1st to make it to the prisoners in time. This year we are also delivering cards to the residents at the Frankfort Terrace Nursing Home. We need signers to personalize these at home. Nov/Dec inmate prayer requests sheets and current addresses/birthdays for all our pen-pals are now available at the Graybars table. There are also two birthday cards to sign. Special thanks to Tom Williamson, Durk & Linda Lee, and Diane Neakarse for graciously handling all the Thanksgiving card signings!

Chicago Dough in New Lenox is the place for all pizza loving seniors 55+ to meet at 6 pm, November 17. After the meal, everybody is invited back to Durk and Linda Lee’s home for dessert and more fellowship. Cost is $10 paid in advance to either Pat Wozny or Linda. Some of you work and cannot attend the morning fellowships, so here is a pm event just for YOU.

Our nursery is still needing help. Seriously? Come on, guys. Volunteering ONE SERVICE every now and again is not going to kill you. This is the greatest area of need right now at this church. Will you take a turn? See Miriam Sandoval to sign up or get more info.

Ladies: “One on One” with Eileen DeSando is FREE and is offered for those women who need more individualized time vs a group study. She is the author of our online Daily Scriptures. You will never meet a kinder or more soft-spoken, educated woman than Eileen, so don’t be timid if you think this is something that can help you grow. Mark your connection card if you want more info!

Pastor Bob and Heather Smith invite you to “Foundations” at 9 am Sundays in the nursery. This is also FREE, and is excellent for anybody wanting more knowledge on the basic beliefs of Christianity!

Interested in studying the Book of Acts? Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Larry DeSando teaches this class at the church while the youth meet in another part of the building. You can bring your kids, and both of you can learn at the same time. Oh, and Larry brings DONUTS!

Did you fill out an Encouragement Card yet? These are found under each seat. Just write some uplifting words to anybody who attends, drop it in the connection card box, and we will apply the postage and mail for you. There is great power in the tongue…and also in postcards.

Next Sunday let us remind you at 11:45 there will be a 45-minute Memorial Service to honor our eldest member, Mildred Ferguson. There will be open mic for those who have special memories to share. We expect several family members to be joining us. All are invited to stay for lunch. If you would like to assist Brenda Hajek with this special service and meal for her mom, contact her right away, as we want this to be as stress-free as possible for her.

Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11th, so this week many businesses are offering special savings, free haircuts, and discounted and/or free meals and beverages for veterans and spouses. Google and see what shows up for your family. We love our military folks here at Revolution!

Happy Birthday to Michelle Grifford on the 9th! She sure works hard here , so take “Time Out” to send her some good wishes!

See everybody next Sunday! --- Tammy

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