Recent News

Due to the overwhelming response to the medicine bottle collection, Joanna Circle will no longer be collecting bottles. The Malawi Project, the organization that was receiving the bottles, posted the following notice on their website updating the status of the project.

UPDATE – DECEMBER 20, 2015 – AFTER REACHING MORE THAN 1 MILLION PILL CONTAINERS THIS PARTICULAR PROGRAM HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. The Malawi Project Board of Directors has turned its attention to (1) famine relief, (2) getting medical supplies, including 30 kidney dialysis machines, to Malawi as well as another shipment of over 500 wheelchairs and, (3) gaining the funds from contributors to build a new birthing center south of the capital city of Lilongwe. Thank you for your support of the pill container program and please continue with us on future projects.

To learn more about the Malawi Project, visit malawiproject.org.

Joanna Circle would like to thank the congregation for their support in making this project a success!

In observance of the New Year, the church office will be closed on Thursday, December 31 starting at 12:00 p.m. and all day on Friday, January 1. If you need assistance during this time, please contact Pastor Jim at 630.788.3310.

Help us to brighten the sanctuary this Christmas by purchasing a beautiful poinsettia!

There are envelopes in the pews to be used for ordering poinsettias. If you would like to purchase a plant for $15, please fill out the information on the front of the envelope and enclose a check. You may indicate on the envelope if you would like it in memory of someone or in honor of someone. Place your order in the offering plate on Sunday or bring it to the church office.

You may also order your Poinsettia online via Paypal. The price will be $15.00 for the plant and $2.00 for the Paypal service charge. If you choose to order via Paypal and would like your poinsettia in memory or honor of someone please send that information to Sheila in the church office.

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we enter this season of harvest and gratitude, we are reminded of the importance and power of giving thanks every day of the year. Christians are called to “give thanks in all circumstances,” (I Thessalonians 5:8) and so experience the gifts of God that we might otherwise overlook. Thankfulness is a choice we can make that opens our lives toward greater contentment and joy, and opens our eyes to see our neighbors with God’s love.  

On Thanksgiving Day we are invited to reclaim the story of a meal long ago, shared in love and thankfulness among people who grew from feared strangers to trusted friends, that began our nation’s Thanksgiving tradition. And we are invited to remember those who in this day are in need of food, shelter, compassion, and justice.

One of the ways we as a church show God’s love for our neighbors is through our Thanksgiving offering. The Thanksgiving offering goes specifically to ministries of local outreach and social justice. Our gifts are directed through our congregation’s Mission, Justice, and Community Work Area (combining the former Mission and Church and Society Work Areas); and will be used to reach out to lives, speak out about needs, and work to bring improved circumstances to others through the organizations described on the reverse side of this letter. 

If you haven't received a Thanksgiving offering envelope, they are available in the church office.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed with God’s abundant love.

Pastors Jim and Greta McDonald
Mission, Justice and Community Work Area