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Talents Program

THE TALENTS PROGRAM
On Sunday, January 24, First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake launched a "Talents" program based on the scripture of Matthew 25.

What is a "talent"? In this case, a talent is hand-made purse with $20 in it. It is meant to be seed money for you to develop and use your talent (hidden or otherwise) for the benefit of FCC.

This seed money has been made available to the church either as special contributions or as interest-free loans until the program concludes. Some people are working individually, some as families, and some are collaborating with friends. Youth and even children (with parental supervision) are welcomed to participate. Everything from social occasions to social networking can be shared, along with sewing, tutoring, music, massage, cleaning, cooking, driving, etc. Talents can be shared with neighbors and non-FCC friends, and even the larger community.

All the financial proceeds from the "talents" program will benefit the ministries of FCC.

If you have any questions, contact Cindi Tunnicliffe, Susan Mieth, Maridell Markison, Janice Selden or Amy Barry.


A Sampling of the Wonderful FCC Talents available on Feb 7
"Songs for My Children" is a CD currently in production for the Talents Initiative.
Jennifer Streit (soprano), Barbara Thorsen (piano, organ) and Brian Gier (recording engineer) have collaborated with Cynara Pierzina, Robin Restrepo, Amy Zakoian, Toni Gambini, Jeremy Tucker, WEG Thomas, Ann Tucker, and Stuart Streit to record 15 songs.
The CD price will be $15, although donations of $20 are gratefully accepted. All proceeds will benefit the ministries of FCC.
Come place your order at the "Songs for My Children" booth on February 7th.. The CD's will be available for delivery in a few weeks.

Old Fools' Pies
Just in time for Super Bowl! Stop by Nancy & Gordy Graham's table after the service Sunday, Feb. 7th, and choose a treat to take home to family & friends. We have pecan pies, coconut pecan pies, peanut butter pecan pies, and butterscotch pecan pies. They're pies you'll never forget! Buy a slice for $3 or a whole pie for $20. You can also get home-made Olive Tapanade, an incredible taste treat, for $5/container. See you Sunday!

She's Very Cute!
Nancy Graham is selling her children's "make-it-my-own" book on blurb.com (go to the site, click on "bookstore", and search for She's Very Cute!).
Encourage your child to personalize She's Very Cute! with his or her own pictures and watch this book turn into a treasured keepsake! The words in the book belong to the author, but the empty pages are reserved for your young illustrator's special pictures.. When the pictures are finished, share the book with everyone and ask each person to write a comment on one of the last pages. Won't it be fun to start your child on the path to becoming a life-long reader as you read the book and comments together? This book would be a great gift for that special young child in your life! All proceeds for the book for the month of February will go to FCC.

I am a long-time golfer and my "booth" will be aimed at enticing new golfers to the sport. I am offering for sale a beginning golfer's kit for $10 which includes a booklet outlining the basic rules entitled "Before You Tee Off..." along with a few extras- tees, a ball and discount coupons for the Crystal Lake Golf Learning Center. In addition, I will enclose a coupon that may redeemed with me for a short one-time lesson at a time and location to be decided later.
Diane Schultz
421 Rockland Road
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone 815/459-8841
mdsj421@sgbclobal.net

Couponing 401
Bring a re-useable shopping bag and a little cash to the Winter Wonderland on Sunday. Stop by my table to purchase some name brand food, health and beauty items, or over the counter medication for less than the stores' sale prices. While you're there, sign up for a "Couponing 401" class to learn some advanced couponing tips and techniques. Find out how I spend less money shopping at Jewel, Dominick's, Walgreens and CVS than I used to at Aldi, Target, and Walmart. Questions? Contact Beth Gier, bgier1@sbcglobal.net

Licensed Home Day Care Provided by Loving Mom
I have been a licensed home day care provider for over 2 years and, before that, taught in a middle school for 8 years. Currently, I have both full and part time openings for children 6 weeks to 6 years. Wether you're looking for a few hours a week or a full time spot, give Beth's Home Day Care a call. Any money earned from this advertisement during the month of February will be donated to FCC as part of the talents program. Want to schedule a time to meet me and see my home? Contact Beth Gier, 847-744-0456 or bgier1@sbcglobal.net

Dave Pieplow of Tiger Electrical Contracting Co is offering a basic electrical class. The replacement of outlets, switches and lights will be covered with an emphasis on electrical safety. If you have ever been shocked doing basic electrical work in your home the safety portion of this class will be worth your time. Please contact Dave with any questions at dave@tigerelectrical.com

Holy Brothers Brewing
Fine handcrafted beer is made for your drinking pleasure. Be the first on your block to sample the extraordinary homebrewing skills of the talented Holy Brothers! We've brewed some wonderful elixirs in time for you to celebrate the feast days of those wonderful Holy Brothers, Julius Caesar, St. Joseph and of course, the patron saint of all pagans, St. Patrick! Our samplings are a full bodied Irish Red Ale containing a wee bit of the Aulde Sod and one that will please even the most ardent of the ladies, a fine Raspberry Amber Ale. Be sure and place your order early as the samplings will go quickly and there will be no dregs to pass on to the wee ones! It's a fine bargain at a minimum price of two dollars ($2) a bottle and if you're daring, you can mix your purchase and try both of these fine potions. With a birth on the Feast of the Groundhog, these brews are guaranteed to be better than the swill you're used to drinking! See Randy Hallock, Dave Mahlebashian or Mark Ehlert for details.

Justfootprints will be offering a bean soup mix. An easy recipe is included all for $5.00.. Enjoy this hearty, healthy soup on chilly nights and pat yourself on the back for eating low on the food chain.

Beginning knitting lessons offered by Sandy Ehlert. Learn to knit, purl, read knitting instructions and knit a simple design. The scope can be extended based on individual progress. Four lessons at a mutually agreed upon time for $20.

Take a trip to the wilds of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This cabin is on a small, quiet lake near Munising, Michigan and is fully equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities. NO TV! It sleeps 8 but the loft can accommodate any number of extras. Listen to loons, spot an eagle, read on the deck (or dock or screen porch), canoe, fish for Northern pike,
build a fire on the beach and relax in the evening with a sauna and jump in the lake. The larger area abounds with hikes to waterfalls, a tour of Pictured Rocks, Lake Superior beaches and pasty shops. Pick a 7 day period week between July 23 and August 8 and go prepared to relax.
Welcome basket included. Offered by Mark and Sandy Ehlert
(815)356-1572 Minimum bid ~ $100

Rita is back again....this time with homemade apple butter, $3/pint. Sample will be available during the Winter Wonderland this Sunday!

Extraordinary Landscaping
Landscaping design, pruning, planting, bed preparation, mulching, whatever your landscaping needs, our expert team will provide it. Our team consists of landscaping professionals, master gardeners and experienced hobbyists who will do the planning and execution of your landscape or garden with your supervision. The planning begins now, the execution of the plans will take place in the spring or early summer, as soon as the weather allows and any desired plants become available. Free estimates provided before any financial commitment on your part. Contact Rob McCutcheon at 815-459-1137 or rmccutcheon@sbcglobal.net