1. Preparing the Way for Grace United Church of Christ
2500 223rd St, Sauk Village, IL 60411
Rev. Melody Seaton, Senior Pastor
“It isamazinghow muchthat youngchurch has accomplishedthroughGod'sguidance andable pastoral
leadership.Ihave the impressionthatmore spiritual formationisneededwhile the congregationlearns
more about discoveringGod'sworkinthe community. Thatwayempowermenthappens.Withyour
relational social giftsyourprojectcouldbe alignedwiththe expressedvision.“
Rev.Dr. Daniel Rodriguez-Diaz
Submitted by: Priscilla Rodriquez, 2015-16 Intern
McCormick Theological Seminary Field Studies

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Table of Contents
Coupled Course Description for Grace UCC
The Gift of Prayer—
Prayer Walking during the Spring/Summer/Fall 2
The Gift of Crocheting / Knitting 5
The Gift of Gardening—
The Gift of Gardening in Sauk Village, Illinois
9
The Gift of Gardening—
The Gift of Gardening in South Africa / An idea
15
The Gift of Music / Dance 17
The Gift of Preparation for the Future 19
The Gift of Working with Children/Youth--
Vacation Bible School
21
The Gift of Social Media 23
The Gift of Cooking 24

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MCCORMICK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
FIELD STUDIES PROGRAM
Coupled Course/Ministry Project Proposal
Date:___November 29, 2015 Semester: Spring: 2015
Student Name: Priscilla Rodriquez
Field Site: Grace United Church of Christ, Sauk Village, Illinois, Rev. Melody Seaton, Senior
Pastor
Supervisor: Rev. Melody Seaton, Senior Pastor
Project Proposal:
Project Title: Empowering the Sauk Village Community with the Power of Grace
One of the visions that Rev. Melody Seaton has for Grace United Church of Christ is to
see how Grace can effectively help out the community. She would like to “open the
doors of the church.” A very strong point that Rev. Melody Seaton has and often shares
with the church and others is that she want to empower people.
In conversations with Rev. Melody Seaton, and this I’ve heard her say these are some of
the things that she sees being done at Grace United Church of Christ in the future:
Empowerment equals offering help with writing a resume to help someone get a job;
listing jobs that are available on the website of the church; if a majority of the members
may need help with some financial guidance, inviting someone to the church to educate
them on this matter; if someone wants to buy a house, bring someone to the church to
speak about how to go about doing this, etc.
Right now, the theme for the 2016 year is Faith Giving. Rev. Melody will be focusing on
the theme of stewardship with the church. The stewardship is not only in the sense of
money, but also in preparing Grace and teaching them how they can use their spiritual,
professional, and/or any other gifts they may have, and commitments for the church and
to reach the community. Since Rev. Melody will be focusing for this peace, what I’d like
to do is to lay the ground work for the next step in the ministry of Grace.
Preparing the way would consist in getting the needed contacts, information, and/or
suggest any other “different” ways in which the doors of the church can be opened to the
community of Saulk Village.
This will require some research on my part regarding the different kinds of activities that
Sauk Village currently has, finding out what social services are available, perhaps see
how the church doors can be opened perhaps to children or senior citizens within the
Sauk Village, etc.
Goal: (How does this project address my learning goals and growth as a pastoral
leader?) One of the things that I would like to eventually do, should I be called as a
Pastor, is to involve the church within the community. The question that has been
running through my mind is what is it that the church can do to help those grass roots,
social agencies, etc., within the community. How can the church be of service to them?

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Rationale: (How does this project address ministry issues at the field site?) Grace
United Church of Christ is entering its second year of existence. In October 2015, Grace
celebrated its first year anniversary and the formal installation of the Rev. Melody Seaton
as their senior Pastor.
Although the church has only been opened for one (1) year, the following ministries have
been formed and are operating well: Board of Deacons, Board of Directors, Worship
Team, Education (Sunday School and Bible Study), Usher Ministry, Music Ministry, etc.
Course Name, Number, & Faculty: (From the classes you have taken at McCormick,
choose one that intersects with the project goal and ministry issues at the field site.
Identify the course name, number, and faculty member.)
Strategy for achieving the goal: (Using what you learned from the class identified above,
describe the project strategy. In the description, please include the class learnings to be
applied; the practices/arts of ministry to be engaged; and the tasks to be completed to
achieve the project goal. What, if any, prior educational experiences might aid your
project?)
Evaluation of the Project:
How did this project contribute to the life of the ministry site?
In what ways has this project integrated learnings from the course with practical
ministry experience?
Faculty Signature: __________________________________Date:___________
Site Supervisor Signature: ____________________________Date:___________

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The Gift of Prayer
Prayer Walking During the Spring/Summer/Fall
This idea is inspired by the many heartfelt prayers that I’ve heard at Grace United
Church of Christ. Prayers that were not read from a book, but prayers that can
straight from the hearts of many. The prayers that I experienced at Grace UCC
were powerful prayers that spoke directly to your Spirit, a gift that should
definitely not be kept within the four walls of Grace UCC. This is a gift that can
directly impact the community of Sauk Village, Illinois in such a powerful way.
An activity that can be done:
o As a Community (Grace UCC Church Community)
o Gather at Grace UCC on a Bible Study Night
o Walk around the neighborhood together and pray
o Individually and/or as a couple or group of 2 or 3, etc.
o If you normally take walks around the community in Sauk Village, this is
something that you can practice as you walk.
o If you walk with someone, share your prayers and concerns with each other.
Be prepared to just smile and say hello and you do your walking. A smile and a friendly God-
filled hello is an open door to conversation.
Resource taken directly from:
http://pastors.com/prayer-walking-putting-legs-to-your-prayers/
PrayerWalking: Putting Legs to Your Prayers
By John Herring
Resource taken directly from:
http://pastors.com/prayer-walking-putting-legs-to-your-prayers/

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Prayer Walking During the Spring/Summer/Fall – 2
Resource taken directly from:
http://pastors.com/prayer-walking-putting-legs-to-your-prayers/
If we want to see God show up and show out we have to be willing to get out of the
way. We are a culture that ‘plans’ everything and then asks God for His approval. But I
believe that if we are going to see God move beyond our abilities or our plans, we must
start with one very powerful thing. This is called PRAYER! Prayer is not ‘plan B’ or an
afterthought. Prayer should be our ‘plan A’. It should be where we start with everything we
do.
There has never been a mighty movement of God where He did not call His people to
pray. Prayer revives the hearts of God’s people as it prepares our communities for God’s
word to be spread. As we pray for our communities, we can begin to see a spiritual
awakening around us that is prompted by God, not our gimmicks. Prayer allows us to tap
into God’s power. Realizing all of this, we can know that concentrated prayer has the
power to literally change the world around us. A great way to put our prayers into
motion is through prayer walking our communities and neighborhoods.
Prayer walking is putting legs to your prayers. Instead of sitting in your house praying, it
puts you into the community where the people are living. This allows you to see the area
that you’re praying for and be more intentional in your prayers. You may see kid’s toys in a
yard and know to pray for the kids at that house, you may see recreational items in a yard
and pray specifically for safety and protection. Every house you walk by you can pray that
God will bring them closer to Him and into a relationship with Him.
Prayer walking makes us more aware of what is around us and helps us see prayer needs
of the area on a more personal level. As we walk through the neighborhoods we are trying
to reach, we can begin to feel more connected to the area and learn to pray more
specifically.
As you’re preparing to prayer walk, I would encourage you to be ready to share your faith at
any point during your walk. If you’re praying that people would come to know Jesus as their
Savior, don’t be surprised if He gives you the opportunity to share your faith as you meet
people in their yards, on the street or on sidewalks.
Also, prayer walking can be combined with neighborhood canvasing. As you are canvasing
neighborhoods with door hangers or flyers, include prayer walking as an essential part of
this canvasing. God may use the canvasing to bring people to Him, He may use the prayer
walking or He may use a combination of both.

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Prayer Walking During the Spring/Summer/Fall – 3
Resource taken directly from:
http://pastors.com/prayer-walking-putting-legs-to-your-prayers/
There are 3 areas to pay attention to as you prayer walk:
1. Before you go:
 Be sure you’re in good relationship with God. Prepare your heart by praying and studying His
word. Confess your sins to allow him to use you and work through you.
 Ask God to give you His heart and His eyes for the area. What is it He wants you to see?
 Set a time when you will actually go prayer walking. It is important to schedule it or you will
never fit it in. I’ve noticed there is strength in numbers as we go. This strength comes from
the encouragement and additional prayer support that comes from even having one more
person with us as we prayer walk.
2. While you’re walking
 Be sensitive to God’s Spirit.
 Expect God to do something through His power as you walk and pray.
 Pray for People, Marriages, Families, Businesses, Government, Leaders, Husbands & Wives,
Children, Civic Leaders, Senior Adults, Churches, Revival and Spiritual Awakening, God’s
word to spread, people to accept Jesus as Savior and whatever the Spirit prompts you to pray
about
 You can pray out loud as you walk. This is helpful especially when you are with a group. You
can also pray silently at times.
 If you encounter people as your walking and praying, you can say, “We’re out praying for
people in our community, is there a special way we can pray for you?”
3. When you finish your prayer walk
 Celebrate what God is doing and going to do as a result of the prayers.
One last note to consider as you go, EXPECT GOD TO ACT. Our prayers should be based
on a faith in a living God who is active in the world around us. When you finish your time in
prayer. Expect that things will be different in your perspective, in your desire to see people
grow closer to Him, in your hunger to reach the lost and the least around you. Let God use
you to be His hands and feet.
Source: Inside Ministry

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The Gift of Crocheting / Knitting
Stories to inspire you:
Knitting clubs provide refuge for teens from high-crime neighborhoods
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-teen-knitting-clubs-met-20150314-
story.html
The Knitting Revival
http://www.peoriamagazines.com/as/2007/nov-dec/knitting-revival

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The Gift of Crocheting / Knitting - 2
Little Hats, Big Hearts
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Little-Hats-Big-Hearts-
Chicago_UCM_470828_SubHomePage.jsp
Giving Back: 7 Ways to Knit and Crochet for Charity
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/03/crocheting-and-knitting-for-charity/
Purpose:
 Creative way to get people together to socialize and work at something at the
same time.
 Provides a safe space for people to gather and have conversation.
 A great opportunity to have something that is intergenerational. An activity
that people of all ages can enjoy, from young to old.
 Relaxing pass time.
 This is something that can be free.
 Open to men and women.
How and what?
 Begin each session with prayer. End each session with prayer. (Invite only
those that wish to participate in prayer, as there may be someone who comes
in from the community that may not want to pray and/or be of a different
faith.)
 Decide on how long the sessions will be.
 First session would be a lesson on “how to” begin a project.
 Figure out about how sessions would it take to work on one project.
 You could work on one project a year.

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The Gift of Crocheting / Knitting- 3
 Set a particular month that will be dedicated to crocheting / knitting.
o For example:
 First Project will be crocheting/knitting a scarf.
 The days that will be dedicated to this particular project are on
Thursday, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
 This project will need four sessions in order to complete the
project.
Local Yarn Shops
We will list independent yarn shops in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. If you would like to
suggest any additions or changes to the list, or if you are a member and would like to add a shop review,
please contact us atinfo@windycityknittingguild.com.
http://windycityknittingguild.com/knitting-around-town/local-yarn-shops/
The following craft stores have Charitable giving programs. Please see the
purpose in their programs and website address to access an application:
Joann Fabrics:
The vision of Jo-Ann’s Charitable Giving program is to make significant impact on local communities
and national causes that align with charitable tenets through multiple forms of giving. Our charitable
tenets include: Arts & Education, Health & Wellness and Military Support. Since 1943, we have
contributed to programs that serve our communities and have strived to ensure their ongoing strength
and well-being.
Today, this support is continuously increasing as we discover new ways to give, share and help. To
assist in making a larger impact, we've partnered with these worthwhile national organizations:
 Kids In Need Foundation
 American Heart Association
 Ronald McDonald House Charities®
 United Way
Funding Exclusions
 Individuals
 Organizations without a current, valid 501(c)(3) tax exemption status
 Sponsorships for athletic teams/events
 Requests to support travel costs for groups or individuals
 Political advocacy groups

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 Scholastic scholarships
The Gift of Crocheting / Knitting- 4
 Association/Chamber memberships
 Aid for foreign countries
 Advertising or film projects
 Program advertising or other marketing efforts
 Funding for general operating expenses
https://joanngiving.versaic.com/Login.aspx
10% Discount Card is available.
http://www.joann.com/discountcardform/
Michael’s Craft Store:
Michaels is proud of our involvementin helping build a better communityby giving back. As part of our commitmentto
giving, each year our charitable donations are specially earmarked to support several non-profit organizations.
All of our efforts, manyof which supportour customers, are directed corporately to help us focus our giving to do the
most good by working with nationally recognized organizations that align with our giving goal. In addition to the
national affiliations, our associates are involved with various volunteer efforts in local communities.
Michaels will continue to be committed to giving back and to help make a difference with our philanthropic endeavors.
http://canada.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Michaels-
Site/default/Page-Show?cid=corporate-donation-policy
Hobby Lobby:
Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. would like to be able to donate to all of thewonderful communities, ministries and organizations in our
area. Regrettably, this is not possibledue to thethousands of requests we receive annually.
Instead, Hobby Lobby has chosen to donate to, and substantially support severalcharities and organizations that the Green family
has selected based on each charity's specific needs and mission.
Hobby Lobby also gives a 10 percent in-store discount to churches, schools, and national charitable organizations for purchases
made with an organizational check or credit card. Please see your local storemanager in regard to obtaining this discount.
http://www.hobbylobby.com/about-us/donations-ministry
10% discount cart is available
See a local store manage to obtain a 10% discount card.

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The Gift of Gardening
The Gift of Gardening in Sauk Village, Illinois
This idea is inspired by the fact that the resources to fresh vegetables and fruits can
be something costly, and by the story of Emanuel who started a producebus in
food deserts (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-rahm-emanuel-produce-bus-
0711-20150710-story.html). Grace UCC may not have a food bus, but it has talent
and plenty of land that can be used to bless the community of Sauk Village, Illinois
from the soil to human bodies by providing fresh vegetables or fruits. Even the
simple of act of maybe giving away fresh flowers along with that fruit to help
beautify someone’s spirit, day or house.

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The Gift of Gardening – Sauk Village – 2
Purpose:
 A way to give healthy, fresh vegetables to the community and promote
healthy eating in Sauk Village.
 A way to help beautify the community by possibly having a flower garden.
 A skill that can be taught and shared so that people can start their own
gardens in the houses and/or apartments.
 Can be an intergenerational event with the community in Sauk Village.
How and what?
 Begin each session with prayer. End each session with prayer. (Invite only
those that wish to participate in prayer, as there may be someone who comes
in from the community that may not want to pray and/or be of a different
faith.)
 Decide on how long the sessions will be.
 First session would be a lesson on “how to” begin a project.
 You could work on one project a year.
 Set a particular month that will be dedicated to:
 Preparation of the soil that will be used for the garden
 Session(s)on how to plant
 Session on weeding the garden, to maintain growth
 After the productis done a session on canning to preserve some of the fruits
and/or vegetables from the garden for the fall/winter months.
Garden ABC Education / A page you can visit for Ideas and Grants Available
https://www.facebook.com/GardenABCs/?ref=hl
Grants that are available: http://www.gardenabcs.com/grants.html

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The Gift of Gardening – Sauk Village – 3
Grants that are available for projects such as this:
http://www.thegranthelpers.com/municipal-grants/community-garden-grants
The above site has various grants available for community gardens. Below, I have
listed just three of the opportunities for your information.
 Fiskars: Project Orange Thumb
Fiskars’ Project Orange Thumb is a grant program that supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the
United States, or Canadian organizations that are registered charities under the Canada Revenue
Agency, in building community gardens. Fiskars will award ten organizations $5,000 in tools
and money to support their gardening goals. One additional award will be given for a complete
garden makeover.
 The Home Depot Community Impact Grants
The Home Depot Community Impact Grants are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations,
public schools, or tax-exempt public services agencies in the United States. Grants of up to
$5,000 are given in the form of Home Depot gift cards, which can be used for purchasing tools,
materials, or services. The Home Depot’s local stores also have limited supplies of $25 donation
coupons to aid local organizations with smaller donation needs. It wouldn’t hurt to check with
your local store to see if one of these coupons can be provided, as every little bit counts, and
when gardening, $25 can provide a lot of seeds!
 Nature Hills Nursery’s Green America Award
Nature Hills Nursery’s Green America Award supports community improvement projects by
providing trees, bushes, shrubs, and more. Some examples of winning projects include
reclaiming abandoned lots to create an orchard that will provide fruit to low-income residents,
developing or refurbishing landscaping in a community park, using plants to create a soil erosion
control plan along hillsides or river banks, etc. In 2012, awards ranged from $500-$2,000, and
awards are given in plan materials, such as trees, bushes, seeds, etc., not actual dollars.
Jewel-Osco
http://www.jewelosco.com/our-company/in-the-community/

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The Gift of Gardening – Sauk Village – 4
Project-Orange-Thumb
http://www.americainbloom.org/resources/grant-opportunities.aspx
http://www2.fiskars.com/Community/Project-Orange-Thumb/Fiskars-
Community-Garden-Infographic
Seeds of Change
https://www.seedsofchangegrant.com/Guidelines.aspx
https://www.seedsofchangegrant.com/PastWinners.aspx
Other related websites:
Chicago Community Gardeners Association
http://chicagocommunitygardens.org/
Lowe’s
Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation
Founded in 1957, Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has a long and proud
history of improving the communities we serve. The foundation's support has grown to
match the growing needs of our communities, going from $3 million in contributions in 2004
to nearly $19 million in 2010.
http://www.lowes.com/cd_Charitable+and+Educational+Foundation_9362587
79_
http://www.lowes.com/cd_Corporate+Citizenship_674540029_
Although their charitable and educational foundation grant cycle is currently
closed, you can visit the website to see when grants are offered.
High Mowing Organic Seeds
http://www.highmowingseeds.com/donations.html

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The Gift of Gardening – Sauk Village – 5
SeedDonations
OrganicSeedDonationProgram
We have donated more than 200,000 seed packets to thousands of
education farms and gardens around the country!
We see seeds as an excellent resource to teach and empower kids and adults
about food security and nutrition. Our donation program provides free seed to
farm and nutrition education programs like school and community gardens, senior centers, and seed
libraries.
Knowing that our seeds have supported these incredible projects inspires us as we work towards a
peaceful, well-fed world. Seeds are an investment in our future.
If your project brings farm and garden education to diverse populations, please complete and submit the
form below.
Be aware that our donation program provides a pre-determined bundle of 25 assorted seed packets.
Each bundle includes a nice variety of vegetables and also includes a few herbs and flowers.
We also ask that donation recipients cover the shipping and handling for donation, which is $5 per 25
packet bundle. Each donation is limited to 400 seed packets. For larger donations, please contact us
directly using the form below,
http://www.highmowingseeds.com/donations.html
SeedSavers Exchange:
We donate seeds each year to hundreds of gardens across the United States.
The financial support of Herman Warsh and his wife Maryanne Mott helped to establish
our headquarters in Decorah, Iowa: Heritage Farm. To honor their support, we donate
seeds to organizations and gardens in need through our Herman's Garden Seed
Donation Program.
Groups that qualify for seed donations include:
 Community and educational groups who will freely share the harvest
 Community and educational groups who will save seed for others in need
 Non-profits, schools, community gardens, seed libraries and educational programs
http://www.seedsavers.org/seed-donation-program

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The Gift of Gardening – Sauk Village – 6
Terroir Seed—Home ofUnderwood Gardens
We provide seeds, education and knowledge to worthy organizations. The seeds aren’t
only last year’s overstocks; our membership program help us supply fresh seeds in the
exact varieties that are most needed in that location. The vast majority of seed
donations are overstock or old seeds; we provide what is really needed for the specific
needs of the organization. As a small seed company, we make a noticeable, positive
difference in being able to donate exactly what is needed or missing from the larger bulk
donations.
This is what your membership dollars are supporting!
http://www.underwoodgardens.com/seed-donation-request-form/

18. 18
The Gift of Gardening
The Gift of Gardening in South Africa / An idea
This idea came to me from Willow Creek Community Church located,
Compassionand Justice Ministry at 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington,
Illinois 60010. When I saw this, I remember Rev. Melody Seaton indicating that
she’d like to partner some kind of with South African. So, I thought I’d bring the
idea of this project as it would combine the gift of gardening with the social media
ministry at Grace UCC.
One of the things that I learned at Grace UCC under the supervision of Rev.
Melody Seaton was that we can’t keep putting a band-aid on things and issues that
are affecting our people of color. We must get to the root of the problem and work
from there. We cannot help people if we continue to put band aids on problems,
but if we get to the root of it, we can give a better solution. An example of this
was when the Flint, Michigan water crisis arose. Rev. Seaton did not just want to
send water, becauseshe felt in her Spirit that there was a greater need. Instead of
going with the flow, she reached out to a local pastorand asked how Grace UCC
would help them in the midst of their crisis.

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The Gift of Gardening in South Africa / An idea - 2
This is my personalinterpretation of what I learned by having conversation with
the Rev. Melody Seaton and observing ways in which she and the Grace family
can bless others.
http://compassion.willowcreek.org/the-seeds-have-arrived/
https://www.facebook.com/willowcreekcc/
Family Seed Packs
Last year, Willow volunteers filled 500,000 family seed packs for local church partners in Zimbabwe. The
success of 2012 inspired a goal of 3/4 of a million family seed packs this year. Not only was this goal met,
it was exceeded: 19,079 volunteers filled 778,750 garden packs. This enabled Willow to send seeds, not
only to Zimbabwe, but also to Zambia, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic.
How? During one section community serve in particular, a first-time Willow volunteer finished his two-
hour session and wanted to do more, so he stayed for the next two-hour serve. Another seed packing
veteran not only trained to help lead a session, he shared tips with the leaders of the next session for
efficient packing. Other volunteers wore their 5K Run for Shoes t-shirts as a fun way to show their
commitment to Celebration of Hope (COH) during the seed-packing event.
This would be a ministry that would have to be adapted accordingly.
Purpose:
 A way to give healthy, fresh vegetables to the community and promote
healthy eating in South Africa.
 A skill that can be taught and shared so that people can start their own
gardens in the houses and/or apartments.
 Can be an intergenerational event with the community in Sauk Village.
How and what?
 Secure an/some accountable partner(s) in South Africa to collaborate with.
 Promote a day to the community and the UCC churches located within the
Chicagoland area to pack envelopes with seeds.
 Begin each session with prayer. End each session with prayer.
 Prepare a “How to Garden” video to send off with the seeds.
 Have a general church e-mail where people can send questions if needed.

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The Gift of Music / Dance
Some videos to inspire you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMVwtILcd3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfCHcAAF41k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN9Wi3-MlIU
An article for inspiration:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hilary-young/senior-citizen-
proms_b_3749246.html
This idea came to me from a postthat I saw on Facebook. A former student at
McCormick Theological Seminary, who is my friend on Facebook, posteda video
of a senior dance that she had attended. They were having so much fun. I thought
this would be something worth sharing as an activity with the church. This
reminded me that Senior Citizens love to have fun also. We just need to create a
spacewhere this can happen for them.

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The Gift of Music / Dance - 2
Purpose:
 According to the website, Sauk Village has Senior Groups: Leisure Timers,
Sauk Village Fun Club and Sunshiners.
o Would need to get the contactfor these senior groups.
o Incorporate the leaders, if there are any, in the planning to get their
suggestion and feel of what might attract them to an event such as this
one.
o Try and get some additional ideas of how Grace UCC can impact the
Senior Citizen population in Sauk Village, Illinois.
 A way to give back to a population and group of people that are often
forgotten about, the seniors.
 Have a safe spaceto have good clean fun.
 Maybe have a Senior Citizen Program Dance or a Dancing with the Sauk
Village Senior Stars event.
 Free event for senior in the Sauk Village area.
 This could be held in the church hall.
 The equipment to play the music is in the hall.
 A DJ (non-professional) can be used to play music.
 Someone with a lot of energy can be the MC for the evening. The person
who will make announcements and motivate the seniors to dance.
How and what?
 Possible Theme:
o Motown Senior Dance Prom
o Harlem Nights Senior Dance Prom
 Light Refreshments could be served.
 I’m willing to supply Salsa and Merengue music, and give some merengue
dance lessons!

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The Gift of Preparation for the Future
This idea was inspired by the importance that Grace UCC has put on education. The gifts of
education / teachers / mentors that are Grace UCC should not be kept within the four church
walls. These are gifts that can bless the Sauk Village Community, and help transform the lives
of those who currently are without jobs.
Mission
The Mission of the Christian Education Department is to provide sound educational experiences
based on the Word of God to empower God’s people for transformational action in their lives,
their communities, and the world.
Vision
The Vision of the Christian Education Department is to promote biblical literacy and application
of biblical principles of discipleship. These principles will be presented and reinforced through
structured and non-structured educational programs, including Sunday school, Bible Basics
classes, Thursday Evening Bible study, in addition to other thematic and applied courses of study
offered on a regular basis.
Goals: The overall goal of the Christian Education Department is to deliberately cultivate and
effectively teach a Bible-based, culturally relevant curriculum designed to promote justice and
transformation within the body of Christ and the community at large

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The Gift of Preparation for the Future -- 2
CareerDayat Grace United Church of Christ
Purpose:
 An educational resource that would be free to the community.
When?
 This could be an event that takes place right before the summer begins. I
have seen a lot of postings for summer jobs targeted at teenagers.
What?
 Host a ½ day workshop dedicated to:
o How to write a resume.
o The dos and don’ts at a job interview.
o Have sessions of mock interviews, and give feedback to the each
personafter each mock interview.

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The Gift of Working with Children
Vacation Bible School
Purpose:
o Bring in the neighborhood children and parents.
When?
 Normally, VBS takes place during the summer months.
 VBS can be done in the day or evening hours.
o At the church I used to be a member at, we held VBS in the evening
from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Other Idea:
o Maybe do this as a Sunday Series and end with a celebration with the
children and/or youth .
VBS Materials:
I’ve God TalentVBS
http://urbanministries.com/vbs/
http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/348287/

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The Gift of Working with Children - 2
Mega Sports Camp Epic Moments
http://www.familychristian.com/church-resources/vbs/my-healthy-
church/mega-sports-camp/epic-moments.html?dir=desc&order=price
http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/367064/
Decorationsfor VBS:
Oriental trading has a lot of things available with different themes at reasonable
prices.
http://www.orientaltrading.com/teaching-supplies-and-stationery/vacation-bible-
school-a1-551532.fltr

26. 26
The Gift of Social Media
“This is a great time to be at Grace United Church of Christ,”* and
the world needs to know how God is moving amongst you!
*Inspired by words often heard at McCormick Theological Seminary, “This is a great time to be
at McCormick Theological Seminary.” Rev. Veronica Johnson
Send Deacon Jim Reed via inbox:
o Photographs that you might take during special events so that they can be posted on the
Grace UCC Facebook page.
Share you story:
o Post a testimony on the Grace UCC Facebook page and share what God has done in your
life at Grace UCC.
o If there was something you heard during the many preachings and/or teachings while at
Grace UCC, share it with everyone.
o Was there something that was said during Worship or Bible class that really spoke
to you? Put in quotes; give credit to the person who said it, post on Facebook,
and share why it blessed you so.
 How has Deacon in Training Class transformed you?
 Talk about the “safe space” created in the Sunday School and Bible Study
to share with others, and how these testimonies, stories and people’s
insights have broadened your knowledge of God and/or the Bible, etc.
Continue to Like and Share the many Grace UCC postings on Facebooks and Educational
materials that are available online.
Like the Sauk Village Facebook page to know what is happening at Grace.

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The Gift of Cooking
Grace UCC has a wonderful Hospitality Committee, and this is a gift that can be
incorporated into many of the other events listed within this document.
It will be a gift that will definitely be taken out of the four church walls. One way
to promote the cook book that Grace UCC has put together is by highlighting a
recipe at each event hosted by Grace UCC and marks it with a sign that says,
“This food item (cake, dish, etc.) is featured in the Grace UCC Cook Book. For
purchase please see (The person in charge.) All proceeds for this cook book go
towards the upcoming ministries (or whatever you’d like to dedicate the monies to)
at Grace UCC.