We recently added two pages to the history collection here on ickenmore.org.  The first of these outlines the meanings behind many of the symbols that decorate the interior of our church. Our second is a page dedicated to the  individuals from Immaculate Conception who have answered God’s call to serve.

Although not a part of our website, there is a growing community of Immaculate Conception School alumni on Facebook.  With nearly 200 members, they are preserving memories of our old school through stories and photographs.

This year our guest speakers include Fr. Norm Douglas, Fr. Pete Colletti, Sr. Margaret Mach, and of course our very own Fr. Michael B. Smith. There will also be presentations by several Life in the Spirit Team Members including an Explanation of the Mass and a Healing Service. Please join us for two days of Spirit-filled worship, inspirational speakers, and praise & worship music. Saturday, dinner will be provided by the 356th Fighter Group.

Saturday April 21st 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday April 22nd 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Total Cost $10 per Person or $15 per Couple

For more information please contact Grace Ortschied
330-753-8429
ickenmore@yahoo.com

Jazzy Tomato Soup:

2 Cans of Tomato Soup
2 Cans of Milk
1 Can of Seasoned, Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
Garlic Salt and Onion Powder to Taste
*Heat together in pan until hot then serve.

Hearty Potato Soup:

2 Cans of Potato Soup
2 Cans of Milk
1 Can of Diced Potatoes (drained)
*Heat together in pan until hot then serve.

5 Can Vegetable Soup:

1 Can of Diced or Sliced Potatoes (drained)
1 Can of Sliced Carrots (drained)
1 Can of Corn (drained)
1 Can of Peas (drained)
1 Can of Short Cut Green Beans (drained)
Better than Bouillon – Vegetable Flavor (follow directions on jar)
* Make broth according to bouillon directions. (Use 7 or more cups of water depending on consistency of soup desired.)
Add drained vegetables.
Stir and serve.

As Natalie prepares for her father’s funeral, she remembers serving with him at his new job-a homeless shelter. When she grows increasingly resentful at the work and the ingratitude of a belligerent young female resident, Eric makes the painful decision to bar Natalie from volunteering. Natalie defiantly returns determined to prove that she, like her father, is genuine and willing to make painful sacrifices for her faith. Eric tells her that what separates the genuine from the fake is not dutiful sacrifice, but love. Natalie apologizes to the testy resident, who turns out to be Lily. After the funeral, the Nelson family is profoundly moved at the effect Eric’s life had on so many people. Natalie and Anna agree that Eric truly led an abundant life, and they want to do the same.

Did you like the not a fan series? Consider checking out these other not a fan resources.

The Book: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus [Paperback]

Facebook: notafan

Twitter: @iamnotafan

DVD: Movie

Bill disapproves of Eric’s new job and his misguided attempts to help “those people” at the expense of providing for his own family. Bill takes particular issue with Lily, a pregnant teenager who has moved in with the Nelsons. Eric’s sister, Kim, suffers a miscarriage and is further devastated when Bill suggests the tragedy is the result of sin in her life. Enraged, Eric confronts his father about his merciless self-righteousness. Days later, Eric offers the olive branch and tells Bill he loves him. Bill is silent. Minutes later, Bill and family watch in horror as Eric suffers his fatal heart attack.

Anna remembers life after Eric recommitted to their marriage and began to take his faith seriously. She quickly finds herself disturbed at how seriously – and stubbornly resists his attempts to scale back their extravagant lifestyle for the sake of helping the less fortunate. After Eric’s ethical stand results in his unemployment, luxurious living is no longer an option. As all her worldly comforts are stripped away, Anna experiences first-hand the tremendous cost of following Jesus Christ.

Lesson 3 – What Must I Do

From his high-rise office, Darren reflects on Eric’s transformation from cutthroat businessman to compassionate Christ-follower. Darren’s Christian convictions are initially rattled by Eric’s business ethic, but, as Eric coldly explains, “This isn’t church. It’s business.” By the time Eric has a change of heart, Darren has learned to compartmentalize his faith and to view conscience as an obstacle to prosperity. When both men are asked to skirt their stated Christian convictions for the sake of keeping their jobs, Eric courageously follows the way of Christ and Darren walks away sad.

Lesson 2 – Follow Me

As Gary examines his own life in the wake of Eric’s death; he recalls their days of pleasure-seeking rebellion. Driven to the brink by a demanding job and an imploding marriage, Eric collapses in Gary’s apartment from a non-fatal heart attack. Convinced he’s received a divine wake-up call that must be answered, Eric is never the same again. Now, devastated by the death of his friend, Gary must decide what path he will take.

not a fan. is more than a just another series at Immaculate Conception, it is a movement of people from around the world wanting to refocus their love for Christ. You can join others from our world-wide Cristian community by becoming a part of the not a fan. facebook page.

Lesson 1 – Fan or Follower

ERIC NELSON collapses. Family and friends desperately try to revive him. At a football stadium across town, Pastor KYLE IDLEMAN receives news of Eric’s heart attack. Kyle rushes to the hospital, arriving as Eric’s friends and family are given the devastating news: Eric has lost all brain function. The family makes the painful decision to let Eric go.

The next day, Kyle arrives at the Nelson home to pay his respects and offer pastoral care. As Kyle speaks with friends and family, enigmatic details of Eric’s life emerge. Eric had suffered a mild heart attack five years earlier. The near death experience caused him to completely surrender his life to Jesus. He went from fan to follower and it had a profound impact on those around him. ANNA, Eric’s wife, is forced to evaluate what really matters in life. DARREN, Eric’s longtime business associate, subtly indicates that their friendship was strained when Eric took a new job. Eric’s father, BILL, disliked the new job and the people with whom Eric worked – and claims his objections were based on Christian principle. GARY, Eric’s friend since High School, alludes to Eric’s dark past and a subsequent transformation.

Are you a fan of Jesus Christ or are you a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ? Perhaps the question is a little confusing. Being a fan doesn’t seem like such a bad thing. Often we really enjoy the Jesus environment; he has some great music, and getting together with friends and family at church is fun! However, you can know about him, love his bio and be well read on his miracles and message, and yet miss the real invitation that Jesus has made to all of us! Twenty times in the New Testament, Jesus Christ issued a compelling and challenging invitation: “Follow Me.” He is not interested in mere fans. He doesn’t want enthusiastic admirers. He wants completely committed followers.

This year, we invite you to Experience Easter through a six week cinematic journey designed to help shape today’s believer into a first century Christ-follower. Join us as we follow the journey of Eric Nelson, a man leading a compartmentalized triple life as a pleasure-seeking rebel, a cutthroat corporate executive, and a nominal Christian. But when confronted with a near death experience, Eric embarks on a spiritual journey that transforms his commitment to Jesus Christ and tests the faith of his friends and family.

Free Early Registration Has Ended

Registration Fee: $15.00/person – to be paid at Session 1

Followers Journal will be available at Session 2.

To register, call the parish rectory or use our online registration form.

Program Dates

Friday, February 24, 6:00pm “Fan or Follower”
Friday, March 02, 6:00pm “Follow Me”
Friday, March 09, 6:00pm “What Must I Do”
Friday, March 16, 6:00pm “Bury The Dead”
Friday, March 23, 6:00pm “Dead Men’s Bones”
Friday, March 30, 6:00pm “Decision Time”