Dear Friends,
Do you have time for a quick thought? One of my dear memories is a Christmas night after we had opened all the presents. That night my grandfather took us, the three grandchildren, to the back room and read to us the Christmas story from the Bible. It probably lasted all of five minutes, but those five minutes were a quiet time in the midst of all the “happenings” of the day. I have never spoken to my brother and sister about that night. I don’t know if it meant anything to them. For all I know, Grandpa was trying to give the other adults in the house a few moments of quiet, but for me it remains a good memory and instructive. Perhaps your grandchildren won’t be interested, but it might be something good for you in the midst of the “happenings” of Christmas to sit once again and find the peace of Christmas. Here are a few scripture passages:
Luke 2:1 to 20
Matthew 1:18 to 25
Matthew 2:1 to 12
John 1:1 to 18
Peace on earth and good will to all.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Worship with us at 7:30 p.m. on CHRISTMAS EVE. Our service will tell the story of Jesus’ birth through special music, Scripture, and the singing of best-loved Christmas carols. We will celebrate communion and conclude with the traditional lighting of the Christ candle and individual candles. Child care will be available for our smallest children, but we invite families to share Christmas Eve worship with even the youngest members of their family
We hope you are aware that the Mission Committee has two separate offerings this Christmas.
1. CHRISTMAS LOCAL MISSION OFFERING: Please place this offering in the envelope decorated with red poinsettias and marked “Southminster Local Mission.” This offering will be divided as follows: 75% to the Local Mission budget for 2010 and 25% to this year’s special designee, Family Shelter Services. SPC has always generously supported the Mission budget by giving at this time of the year.
2. CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING: Please place this offering in the white envelope with the red Christmas star marked “Christmas Joy Offering.” This offering is divided between the national denomination’s Board of Pensions for assistance to retired pastors and Presbyterian-supported racial/ethnic schools.
Envelopes for both offerings are in the pews now; both offerings will be dedicated on Christmas Eve. We thank you for your support of these special offerings.
We have received a holiday message from Cuba: “From the Presbytery of Havana we greet you and wish the greatest blessings of the Lord for all His creation.”
-Pastor Abel Mirabal Padilla
Winter weather has arrived, which means an even greater need for VALET PARKING. Each Sunday, we would like a “Valet” (or two) at the front door around 9:00 a.m. and then again for 15 minutes after the service to do any or all of these services: walk people to and from their cars, park cars (owners keep the keys during the service), and provide an extra arm at the front door. We need volunteers to make this possible, so please serve as a valet one Sunday. Sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
And, as these E-Notes are going out, there’s nobody signed up to help with Valet Parking on Christmas Eve! If you want to volunteer, reply to this email.
2010 OFFERING ENVELOPES are now available in the narthex. Be sure to pick up your own, and if there are some you could deliver (for family members, friends or neighbors), please get theirs too. If you would like envelopes but there is no box prepared for you, please let the church office know or contact Ron Birchall, Co-Moderator of the Finance Ministry.
COLLEGE STUDENT BRUNCH - Tuesday, December 29, in the parlor at 11:00 a.m.
The 2009 CHURCH FINANCIAL RECORDS must be closed promptly at the end of this month. Any deposits, donations or pledges that need to be recorded in calendar year 2009 or bills to be paid from the 2009 budget must be into the church office no later than 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 31. If you have any questions, please contact either Treasurer Pat Muehl or Tom Frey. (Please note that Barb will be on vacation the week following Christmas. If you need a Check Request or any other form, please request it before December 24. Someone will check the mail daily through 12/31, and even when the office is closed you can drop things through the mail slot to the right of the front door.
There will be no E-Notes next Wednesday, December 30, while Barb is on vacation.
The FLOWER CHART FOR 2010 is now posted in the narthex. There are lots of dates available! Sunday arrangements will be $20 each. We ask that you pay for your arrangements in advance; please write “Flowers” on your check memo line.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: DVDs of the Christmas Program are available at no cost. Please let Laura Baer know if you are interested either by phoning the church office or by email at smpcce@ameritech.net
Meet the PRIMARY CLASS! The primary class, K-2nd graders, is a very lively and large class! We have been blessed with a lot of children who like to participate. We spent the fall learning about Moses and the incredible journey that his life took. The children have done a lot of crafts, a lot of coloring, and even got to play instruments inside a tabernacle! The winter session has just started with the good news that the angel Gabriel gave to Mary about the very special baby she was going to have and will then be moving on to learn how Jesus touched many lives. Russell, Alexandria, Cori, Kayla, Kevin, Noah, Max, Elizabeth, and Ellie are a great group to be able to learn with! -Andrea Schmidt and Melissa Nachman
ROTATION UNIT: To supplement the curriculum, we will have a rotation format for grades K-middle school the weeks of January 17, 24, and 31. The purpose of having a rotation is to give the children an opportunity to experience the Word of God using various learning styles through media such as art, drama, music, etc. The Bible stories we will be using are from the New Testament times of Jesus. If you have any items that might visually aid our rotation such as rugs, pottery, wall hangings, etc. and do not mind them being used (but not handled), please contact someone in Christian Ed or one of the Sunday School teachers. Thank you.
ACOLYTE Schedule:
January 3 Maddie Frey
January 17 Dakota Dolister
January 31 Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
December 27 - No Sunday School.
January 17 - Second Helpings and all-church lunch.
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school.
Our ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASS will not meet this coming Sunday, December 27. If you would like to read the lectionary passages for that date, they are: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52. We will resume class on Sunday, January 3, with the following passages: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9) 10-18. Join us and we’ll learn together. -Blair
YOUTH: The youth groups will not meet on December 27 or January 3. But the high school class will meet on Sunday mornings both dates with Pastor Wendy.
LADIES’ BREAKFAST PARTICIPANTS: After doing dishes at the recent Women’s Circle cookie exchange, it was noted that we could use some new dish towels for the church kitchens. How about we each bring a dish towel to our Ladies’ Breakfast on January 4, 2010? This collection of towels can then be donated to the church. Thanks. See you at breakfast, 8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada East!
COMMITTEE MODERATORS AND STAFF: The due date for narrative reports for the Annual Reports packets is Tuesday, January 5. Financial reports are due as soon as the figures are available. Session has called the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION for Sunday, January 24, 2010, immediately after worship. Annual Reports packets will be available the previous week: Sunday, January 17.
PAINTING THE HALLWAY: The Property Ministry asks that members whose work is on display in the entry hall plan to remove it by Sunday, January 10, in preparation for painting. Committee members will begin taping and painting the hallway on Tuesday, January 12, at 9:00 a.m. and expect to be finished on January 13. New artwork is scheduled to be hung January 18.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: Barb is scheduled to have knee surgery on Friday, January 22, and will need to be out of the office for several days. If you would like to spend a few hours in the office answering the phone, greeting visitors, talking with the staff, running the copier, etc., please let us know.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
December 16, 2009
Dear Friends,
While I was standing at the pharmacy counter at Walgreen’s one of the techs said to a woman customer, “It will be only one more minute.” He was on the phone trying to sort out her insurance. The woman replied, “Is that real time or telephone time?” I had to laugh, and I said to her, “That sounds a lot like Advent.” She smiled, “You are right! Except we know that Christmas will come whether we are ready or not.” I said that I was waiting for Christ to return and for that, unlike with Christmas, there is no calendar. She said she liked that, too. Do you ever feel like you are dealing with telephone time?
Einstein said that time is relative, that the minute spent with a hot coal in your hand is longer than the minute spent holding a beautiful woman. Einstein had a way with words. Even so, he is right. As part of our devotional time at session, we each shared a small thing that had been beautiful, joyful, or funny during this season of Advent. Many shared notes of encouragement, responses to Christmas programs, memories of the past, and surprises, as when a spouse decorated the house without help. In the midst of the “one more minute” of Advent time, take a minute to consider small graces in your life and thank God.
I am thankful for you all; your faithfulness in stewardship, our shared joy in the Christmas program, the beauty of our music together, the hugs of our children, and so much more. Grace and peace in the minutes of waiting for all to be ready for receiving our Lord. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PRESBYTERIAN READERS: Several people discussed it, and we decided not to meet tonight because we’re all too busy. Join us when we resume meeting the third Wednesday in January.
The DEADLINE FOR THE JANUARY DIALOG is early this month: it’s tomorrow, January 17!
The Women’s Circle annual CHRISTMAS SALAD LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE is this Friday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m. in the parlor and narthex. Program: Pat Muehl, “Christmas Art.” Salads will be provided by the members of the circle. Guests are always welcome. The cookie exchange is optional; feel free to come for lunch even if you don’t wish to participate in the exchange. If you want to exchange, bring a plate or container of your special holiday cookies and take home an equal number.
We’re looking for ANYBODY INTERESTED IN PLAYING THE NEW CHOIR CHIMES FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE service. Must have at least a limited knowledge of note reading and be able to stay for rehearsal this Sunday right after worship. We’ll meet in the choir room.
This Sunday is our CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG SUPPER! Soup and sandwiches will start off the event on Sunday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to provide dessert for all. Following the meal we will “break into song'” singing Christmas favorites. We promise a fun time for all! All families and friends are welcome, whatever size “family” you are. Sign up in the narthex or show up that night. It will be great fun!
Worship with us at 7:30 p.m. on CHRISTMAS EVE. Our service will tell the story of Jesus’ birth through special music, Scripture, and the singing of best-loved Christmas carols. We will celebrate communion and conclude with the traditional lighting of the Christ candle and individual candles. Child care will be available for our smallest children, but we invite families to share Christmas Eve worship with even the youngest members of their family
Head usher Lanny Russell is looking for VOLUNTEERS TO USHER ON CHRISTMAS EVE. Please let him know if you’d like to help.
Winter weather has arrived, which means an even greater need for VALET PARKING. Each Sunday, we would like a “Valet” (or two) at the front door around 9:00 a.m. and then again for 15 minutes after the service to do any or all of these services: walk people to and from their cars, park cars (owners keep the keys during the service), and provide an extra arm at the front door. We need volunteers to make this possible, so please serve as a valet one Sunday (and don’t forget Christmas Eve!). Sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s Christmas program a truly delightful and worshipful event. A special thank you to Pastor Wendy for her spiritual guidance, Suzanne Tennyson for directing the children, Peter Davidson for set design, John Sundquist for sound/equipment, Darlene Crilly for music accompaniment, Roxanne Johnson for lighting, Dan Bohi for video taping, and Barb Doppelt for providing us with the program insert. And of course, a big thank you to all the children, youth and adults who gave their time and talents to participate in the program.
DVDs of the Christmas Program are available at no cost. Please let Laura Baer know if you are interested either by phoning the church office or by email at smpcce@ameritech.net
Christian Ed will be cleaning out the supply closet during the Christmas/New Year holiday, and we are in need of SMALL AND LARGE CLEAR PLASTIC TUBS (TOTES) WITH LIDS. If you would like to donate one or more tubs, please leave them on one of the tables in the narthex and mark “Christian Ed” on it. Thank you for your help.
ROTATION UNIT: We will have a rotation format for grades K-middle school the weeks of January 17, 24, and 31. Our regular teachers, for the most part, will enjoy these three weeks off from teaching. If you have thought about teaching, this would be an excellent (and short-term) opportunity to explore your gifts. Please call Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or email at smpcce@ameritech.net if you are interested.
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
December 27 - No Sunday School.
January 17 - Second Helpings and all-church lunch.
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school.
Our ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASS will continue this Sunday with the following passages: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55; Hebrews 10:5-10; and Luke 1:39-45. Join us and we’ll learn together. -Blair
YOUTH: Be at church at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to help with the Soup & Sandwich Sing-Along Supper, then School is almost out (!), and Christmas is coming, so we’re gonna have a LOCK IN beginning as soon has we have cleaned up from the dinner. Bring your sleeping bag, pillow, tooth brush, snacks, games, and $5 for late night pizza. Watch your facebook for the invite and let Blair know what kinds of snacks you like. We may go ice skating: Blair is looking for a location.
We hope you are aware that the Mission Committee has two separate offerings this Christmas.
1. CHRISTMAS LOCAL MISSION OFFERING: Please place this offering in the envelope decorated with red poinsettias and marked “Southminster Local Mission.” This offering will be divided as follows: 75% to the Local Mission budget for 2010 and 25% to this year’s special designee, Family Shelter Services. SPC has always generously supported the Mission budget by giving at this time of the year.
2. CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING: Please place this offering in the white envelope with the red Christmas star marked “Christmas Joy Offering.” This offering is divided between the national denomination’s Board of Pensions for assistance to retired pastors and Presbyterian-supported racial/ethnic schools.
Envelopes for both offerings are in the pews now; both offerings will be dedicated on Christmas Eve. We thank you for your support of these special offerings.
SOUTHMINSTER CHRISTMAS CARDS: Do you have a relative or friend who has everything, and you do not know what to give to them for Christmas? How about a gift to one of Southminster’s special Christmas offerings in the name of that special someone on your Christmas list? A special card with the image of Southminster’s Advent Banner on the front and a special inscription on the inside honoring the person you name and you as the gift giver is now available. For complete information, please open the attachment “Southminster Christmas Cards” that came with these E-Notes.
COLLEGE STUDENT BRUNCH - Tuesday, December 29, in the parlor at 11:00 a.m. Invitations have been mailed to students.
2010 OFFERING ENVELOPES are now available in the narthex. Be sure to pick up your own, and if there are some you could deliver (for family members, friends or neighbors), please get theirs too. If you would like envelopes but there is no box prepared for you, please let the church office know or contact Ron Birchall, Co-Moderator of the Finance Ministry.
The 2009 CHURCH FINANCIAL RECORDS must be closed promptly at the end of this month. Any deposits, donations or pledges that need to be recorded in calendar year 2009 or bills to be paid from the 2009 budget must be into the church office no later than 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 31. If you have any questions, please contact either Treasurer Pat Muehl or Tom Frey. (Please note that Barb will be on vacation the week following Christmas. If you need a Check Request or any other form, please request it before December 24. Someone will check the mail daily through 12/31, and even when the office is closed you can drop things through the mail slot to the right of the front door.
The FLOWER CHART FOR 2010 is now posted in the narthex. Sunday arrangements will be $20 each. We ask that you pay for your arrangements in advance; please write “Flowers” on your check memo line.
If you SHOP ONLINE for holiday gifts, it is now possible for a portion of what you spend to BENEFIT SOUTHMINSTER. When you buy online through the iGive.com network of over 700 online stores, Southminster will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend. For more information, including a list of online stores, just go to www.iGive.com/Southminsterpc, complete the registration form, and start shopping. All funds received by Southminster from iGive.com will be added to Southminster’s Mission Fund.
While I was standing at the pharmacy counter at Walgreen’s one of the techs said to a woman customer, “It will be only one more minute.” He was on the phone trying to sort out her insurance. The woman replied, “Is that real time or telephone time?” I had to laugh, and I said to her, “That sounds a lot like Advent.” She smiled, “You are right! Except we know that Christmas will come whether we are ready or not.” I said that I was waiting for Christ to return and for that, unlike with Christmas, there is no calendar. She said she liked that, too. Do you ever feel like you are dealing with telephone time?
Einstein said that time is relative, that the minute spent with a hot coal in your hand is longer than the minute spent holding a beautiful woman. Einstein had a way with words. Even so, he is right. As part of our devotional time at session, we each shared a small thing that had been beautiful, joyful, or funny during this season of Advent. Many shared notes of encouragement, responses to Christmas programs, memories of the past, and surprises, as when a spouse decorated the house without help. In the midst of the “one more minute” of Advent time, take a minute to consider small graces in your life and thank God.
I am thankful for you all; your faithfulness in stewardship, our shared joy in the Christmas program, the beauty of our music together, the hugs of our children, and so much more. Grace and peace in the minutes of waiting for all to be ready for receiving our Lord. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PRESBYTERIAN READERS: Several people discussed it, and we decided not to meet tonight because we’re all too busy. Join us when we resume meeting the third Wednesday in January.
The DEADLINE FOR THE JANUARY DIALOG is early this month: it’s tomorrow, January 17!
The Women’s Circle annual CHRISTMAS SALAD LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE is this Friday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m. in the parlor and narthex. Program: Pat Muehl, “Christmas Art.” Salads will be provided by the members of the circle. Guests are always welcome. The cookie exchange is optional; feel free to come for lunch even if you don’t wish to participate in the exchange. If you want to exchange, bring a plate or container of your special holiday cookies and take home an equal number.
We’re looking for ANYBODY INTERESTED IN PLAYING THE NEW CHOIR CHIMES FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE service. Must have at least a limited knowledge of note reading and be able to stay for rehearsal this Sunday right after worship. We’ll meet in the choir room.
This Sunday is our CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG SUPPER! Soup and sandwiches will start off the event on Sunday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to provide dessert for all. Following the meal we will “break into song'” singing Christmas favorites. We promise a fun time for all! All families and friends are welcome, whatever size “family” you are. Sign up in the narthex or show up that night. It will be great fun!
Worship with us at 7:30 p.m. on CHRISTMAS EVE. Our service will tell the story of Jesus’ birth through special music, Scripture, and the singing of best-loved Christmas carols. We will celebrate communion and conclude with the traditional lighting of the Christ candle and individual candles. Child care will be available for our smallest children, but we invite families to share Christmas Eve worship with even the youngest members of their family
Head usher Lanny Russell is looking for VOLUNTEERS TO USHER ON CHRISTMAS EVE. Please let him know if you’d like to help.
Winter weather has arrived, which means an even greater need for VALET PARKING. Each Sunday, we would like a “Valet” (or two) at the front door around 9:00 a.m. and then again for 15 minutes after the service to do any or all of these services: walk people to and from their cars, park cars (owners keep the keys during the service), and provide an extra arm at the front door. We need volunteers to make this possible, so please serve as a valet one Sunday (and don’t forget Christmas Eve!). Sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s Christmas program a truly delightful and worshipful event. A special thank you to Pastor Wendy for her spiritual guidance, Suzanne Tennyson for directing the children, Peter Davidson for set design, John Sundquist for sound/equipment, Darlene Crilly for music accompaniment, Roxanne Johnson for lighting, Dan Bohi for video taping, and Barb Doppelt for providing us with the program insert. And of course, a big thank you to all the children, youth and adults who gave their time and talents to participate in the program.
DVDs of the Christmas Program are available at no cost. Please let Laura Baer know if you are interested either by phoning the church office or by email at smpcce@ameritech.net
Christian Ed will be cleaning out the supply closet during the Christmas/New Year holiday, and we are in need of SMALL AND LARGE CLEAR PLASTIC TUBS (TOTES) WITH LIDS. If you would like to donate one or more tubs, please leave them on one of the tables in the narthex and mark “Christian Ed” on it. Thank you for your help.
ROTATION UNIT: We will have a rotation format for grades K-middle school the weeks of January 17, 24, and 31. Our regular teachers, for the most part, will enjoy these three weeks off from teaching. If you have thought about teaching, this would be an excellent (and short-term) opportunity to explore your gifts. Please call Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or email at smpcce@ameritech.net if you are interested.
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
December 27 - No Sunday School.
January 17 - Second Helpings and all-church lunch.
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school.
Our ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASS will continue this Sunday with the following passages: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55; Hebrews 10:5-10; and Luke 1:39-45. Join us and we’ll learn together. -Blair
YOUTH: Be at church at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to help with the Soup & Sandwich Sing-Along Supper, then School is almost out (!), and Christmas is coming, so we’re gonna have a LOCK IN beginning as soon has we have cleaned up from the dinner. Bring your sleeping bag, pillow, tooth brush, snacks, games, and $5 for late night pizza. Watch your facebook for the invite and let Blair know what kinds of snacks you like. We may go ice skating: Blair is looking for a location.
We hope you are aware that the Mission Committee has two separate offerings this Christmas.
1. CHRISTMAS LOCAL MISSION OFFERING: Please place this offering in the envelope decorated with red poinsettias and marked “Southminster Local Mission.” This offering will be divided as follows: 75% to the Local Mission budget for 2010 and 25% to this year’s special designee, Family Shelter Services. SPC has always generously supported the Mission budget by giving at this time of the year.
2. CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING: Please place this offering in the white envelope with the red Christmas star marked “Christmas Joy Offering.” This offering is divided between the national denomination’s Board of Pensions for assistance to retired pastors and Presbyterian-supported racial/ethnic schools.
Envelopes for both offerings are in the pews now; both offerings will be dedicated on Christmas Eve. We thank you for your support of these special offerings.
SOUTHMINSTER CHRISTMAS CARDS: Do you have a relative or friend who has everything, and you do not know what to give to them for Christmas? How about a gift to one of Southminster’s special Christmas offerings in the name of that special someone on your Christmas list? A special card with the image of Southminster’s Advent Banner on the front and a special inscription on the inside honoring the person you name and you as the gift giver is now available. For complete information, please open the attachment “Southminster Christmas Cards” that came with these E-Notes.
COLLEGE STUDENT BRUNCH - Tuesday, December 29, in the parlor at 11:00 a.m. Invitations have been mailed to students.
2010 OFFERING ENVELOPES are now available in the narthex. Be sure to pick up your own, and if there are some you could deliver (for family members, friends or neighbors), please get theirs too. If you would like envelopes but there is no box prepared for you, please let the church office know or contact Ron Birchall, Co-Moderator of the Finance Ministry.
The 2009 CHURCH FINANCIAL RECORDS must be closed promptly at the end of this month. Any deposits, donations or pledges that need to be recorded in calendar year 2009 or bills to be paid from the 2009 budget must be into the church office no later than 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 31. If you have any questions, please contact either Treasurer Pat Muehl or Tom Frey. (Please note that Barb will be on vacation the week following Christmas. If you need a Check Request or any other form, please request it before December 24. Someone will check the mail daily through 12/31, and even when the office is closed you can drop things through the mail slot to the right of the front door.
The FLOWER CHART FOR 2010 is now posted in the narthex. Sunday arrangements will be $20 each. We ask that you pay for your arrangements in advance; please write “Flowers” on your check memo line.
If you SHOP ONLINE for holiday gifts, it is now possible for a portion of what you spend to BENEFIT SOUTHMINSTER. When you buy online through the iGive.com network of over 700 online stores, Southminster will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend. For more information, including a list of online stores, just go to www.iGive.com/Southminsterpc, complete the registration form, and start shopping. All funds received by Southminster from iGive.com will be added to Southminster’s Mission Fund.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
December 2, 2009
Isaiah 11: 1-9
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him―
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -
and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
Dear Friends,
The year I turned twenty-one I lived alone in Connecticut. My family had moved, and with the move I lost my church. I lost my church because I was too embarrassed by my parent’s divorce and no one from the congregation knew how to say hello to a young twenty-something woman on her own. I think I was the one who was lost.
That Christmas season was difficult for me. I didn’t know how to have Christmas on my own, and I hadn’t developed a healthy habit of worship yet. Neither did I know how to get around in the Bible very well. But I did want to pray. I had a vague memory of Christmas involving the prophet Isaiah. What a surprise! I was looking for words of comfort, and instead I found judgment. The first chapters of Isaiah were all about judgment; in fact they were terrifying passages about how angry God was. I gave up and tired Matthew. I didn’t get past the genealogy in chapter one.
It’s too bad. If I had pushed past the tenth chapter of Isaiah I would have found chapter 11, a real message of hope. If I had even pushed past to the second chapter of Matthew, I would have been much happier.
Sometimes we stop looking when the answer is right nearby. In this season of advent, please keep your eyes open for what God is doing. Perhaps you won’t see God doing anything. It may that you will see something that God is calling you to. Perhaps there is someone without family who would love to hear a simple, “Hello” and invitation to worship. Each week till Christmas I will be highlighting a scripture passage that may bring you “tidings of comfort and joy.” Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Don’t you just love Christmas music? Join our FESTIVAL CHOIR! Plan to join us on Thursday nights in December at 7:30 in the choir room. If you like to sing but don’t feel you can commit to choir for the entire year, here’s a short-term “fix.” We’ll sing for Sunday services and on Christmas Eve (one service that evening at 7:30), and we always follow the Christmas Eve service with a party. We’d love to have you join us for this season!
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” deadline is this Sunday. If you have selected an ornament from our giving tree, bring your gift - unwrapped! - to the narthex any time up to Sunday, December 6. If you haven’t chosen an ornament, here are some suggested gifts: activity toys, push/pull toys for toddlers, stuffed toys, dolls, building blocks, puzzles, arts/crafts kits, sports equipment, cars/trucks, gift certificates for $20 or $25 from Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, or TJMaxx, or food gift cards for $20 or $25 from Jewel, Dominick’s, Ultra, or Aldi. Or, help the Sunday school collection for “Share the Spirit” by bringing warm children’s hats, gloves, and mittens.
The LADIES BREAKFAST GROUP has decided not to exchange Christmas socks in December. Instead we agreed to bring mittens or gloves for the “Share the Spirit” collection. You can bring these items to church on Sunday, December 6, or to our breakfast on Monday, December 7 (8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada), and we will make sure they get to the People’s Resource Center. Thanks!
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
This Sunday, December 6, is the FINAL REHEARSAL FOR THE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM! If your child has a speaking part, please practice with him/her at home to reinforce the part.
Schedule for December 6:
10:45-11:00 a.m. - Costume fittings - Sanctuary.
11:00 a.m. - Final practice/dress rehearsal. We will begin rehearsal promptly after costume fittings.
11:45 a.m. - Baked potato bar with trimmings for entire church family – Fellowship Hall
DECEMBER “SECOND HELPINGS”: Due to the Christmas program rehearsal, we will have “Second Helpings” on December 6. After adult Bible study and youth and children program rehearsal, the entire church family will enjoy a special “loaded” baked potato bar in Fellowship Hall.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, December 13 - “Too-oo-oo-oo Busy”
Parents, please have your child/children in the sanctuary by 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, so we can run through last minute preparations.
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” - A vision for missions: This is the last Sunday that Youth and Sunday School classes will be collecting hats and mittens. Please bring these items in any time this week and drop them off in the narthex.
ROTATION UNIT: We will have a rotation format for grades K-middle school the weeks of January 17, 24, and 31. Our regular teachers, for the most part, will enjoy these three weeks off from teaching. If you have thought about teaching, this would be an excellent opportunity to explore your gifts. Please call Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or email at smpcce@ameritech.net if you are interested.
WHAT’S COMING UP IN CHRISTIAN ED.?
December 6 - Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal and baked potato bar lunch
December 13 - Christmas Program
No “Second Helpings” third Sunday in December (activities on Dec. 6 will be our “Second Helpings” for this month)
December 27 - No Sunday School
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school
Our ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASS will continue this Sunday with the following passages: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6. Join us and we’ll learn together. -Blair (There was a lectionary bookmark attached to last week’s E-Notes. If you need another copy, please email the office.)
YOUTH: At SNL this Sunday, we will be doing some planning for special events, i.e. lasertag or ???, so bring your ideas and check your school, sports, concert, etc. calendars so we can plan around the other big events in your busy lives.
S.O.L.A.C.E. SINGLES are invited to come hear the Singing Men of Oak Brook in their annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 20, at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Church of Oak Brook. Tickets are $20 each. Call Lois Stevenson (630-858-9315) by December 10 to reserve your ticket.
POINSETTIAS: Order Christmas poinsettias by signing up on the chart in the narthex by Sunday, December 13. Poinsettias are $18.50 each (please write “poinsettia” on the memo line of your check) and may be taken home after the Christmas Eve service. If you choose, your poinsettia may be donated to someone who is homebound.
MUSIC NOTE FOR YOUTH AND TEENS: We’re seeking students of all ages and talents to play a verse of a hymn or Christmas carol for Prelude Music on Sunday, December 20. If interested in playing, please call the office or talk to Darlene Crilly for details.
Add this to your calendar: Friday, December 18, will be the Women’s Circle annual CHRISTMAS SALAD LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE at 11:00 a.m. in the parlor and narthex. Program: Pat Muehl, “Christmas Art.” Salads will be provided by the members of the circle. Guests are always welcome. The cookie exchange is optional; feel free to come for lunch even if you don’t wish to participate in the exchange. If you want to exchange, bring a plate or container of your special holiday cookies and take home an equal number.
And save this date, too! Come one, come all to a CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG SUPPER! Soup and sandwiches will start off the event on Sunday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to provide dessert for all. Following the meal we will “break into song'” singing Christmas favorites. We promise a fun time for all! All families and friends are welcome, whatever size “family” you are. Sign up in the narthex or show up that night. It will be great fun!
Here’s one reason why we need to be able to reach our college students: COLLEGE STUDENT BRUNCH – Tuesday, December 29, in the parlor at 11:00 a.m. Invitations will be mailed to students.
VALET PARKING is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
If you SHOP ONLINE for holiday gifts, it is now possible for a portion of what you spend to BENEFIT SOUTHMINSTER. When you buy online through the iGive.com network of over 700 online stores, Southminster will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend. For more information, including a list of online stores, just go to www.iGive.com/Southminsterpc, complete the registration form, and start shopping. All funds received by Southminster from iGive.com will be added to Southminster’s Mission Fund.
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him―
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -
and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
Dear Friends,
The year I turned twenty-one I lived alone in Connecticut. My family had moved, and with the move I lost my church. I lost my church because I was too embarrassed by my parent’s divorce and no one from the congregation knew how to say hello to a young twenty-something woman on her own. I think I was the one who was lost.
That Christmas season was difficult for me. I didn’t know how to have Christmas on my own, and I hadn’t developed a healthy habit of worship yet. Neither did I know how to get around in the Bible very well. But I did want to pray. I had a vague memory of Christmas involving the prophet Isaiah. What a surprise! I was looking for words of comfort, and instead I found judgment. The first chapters of Isaiah were all about judgment; in fact they were terrifying passages about how angry God was. I gave up and tired Matthew. I didn’t get past the genealogy in chapter one.
It’s too bad. If I had pushed past the tenth chapter of Isaiah I would have found chapter 11, a real message of hope. If I had even pushed past to the second chapter of Matthew, I would have been much happier.
Sometimes we stop looking when the answer is right nearby. In this season of advent, please keep your eyes open for what God is doing. Perhaps you won’t see God doing anything. It may that you will see something that God is calling you to. Perhaps there is someone without family who would love to hear a simple, “Hello” and invitation to worship. Each week till Christmas I will be highlighting a scripture passage that may bring you “tidings of comfort and joy.” Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Don’t you just love Christmas music? Join our FESTIVAL CHOIR! Plan to join us on Thursday nights in December at 7:30 in the choir room. If you like to sing but don’t feel you can commit to choir for the entire year, here’s a short-term “fix.” We’ll sing for Sunday services and on Christmas Eve (one service that evening at 7:30), and we always follow the Christmas Eve service with a party. We’d love to have you join us for this season!
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” deadline is this Sunday. If you have selected an ornament from our giving tree, bring your gift - unwrapped! - to the narthex any time up to Sunday, December 6. If you haven’t chosen an ornament, here are some suggested gifts: activity toys, push/pull toys for toddlers, stuffed toys, dolls, building blocks, puzzles, arts/crafts kits, sports equipment, cars/trucks, gift certificates for $20 or $25 from Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, or TJMaxx, or food gift cards for $20 or $25 from Jewel, Dominick’s, Ultra, or Aldi. Or, help the Sunday school collection for “Share the Spirit” by bringing warm children’s hats, gloves, and mittens.
The LADIES BREAKFAST GROUP has decided not to exchange Christmas socks in December. Instead we agreed to bring mittens or gloves for the “Share the Spirit” collection. You can bring these items to church on Sunday, December 6, or to our breakfast on Monday, December 7 (8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada), and we will make sure they get to the People’s Resource Center. Thanks!
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
This Sunday, December 6, is the FINAL REHEARSAL FOR THE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM! If your child has a speaking part, please practice with him/her at home to reinforce the part.
Schedule for December 6:
10:45-11:00 a.m. - Costume fittings - Sanctuary.
11:00 a.m. - Final practice/dress rehearsal. We will begin rehearsal promptly after costume fittings.
11:45 a.m. - Baked potato bar with trimmings for entire church family – Fellowship Hall
DECEMBER “SECOND HELPINGS”: Due to the Christmas program rehearsal, we will have “Second Helpings” on December 6. After adult Bible study and youth and children program rehearsal, the entire church family will enjoy a special “loaded” baked potato bar in Fellowship Hall.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, December 13 - “Too-oo-oo-oo Busy”
Parents, please have your child/children in the sanctuary by 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, so we can run through last minute preparations.
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” - A vision for missions: This is the last Sunday that Youth and Sunday School classes will be collecting hats and mittens. Please bring these items in any time this week and drop them off in the narthex.
ROTATION UNIT: We will have a rotation format for grades K-middle school the weeks of January 17, 24, and 31. Our regular teachers, for the most part, will enjoy these three weeks off from teaching. If you have thought about teaching, this would be an excellent opportunity to explore your gifts. Please call Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or email at smpcce@ameritech.net if you are interested.
WHAT’S COMING UP IN CHRISTIAN ED.?
December 6 - Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal and baked potato bar lunch
December 13 - Christmas Program
No “Second Helpings” third Sunday in December (activities on Dec. 6 will be our “Second Helpings” for this month)
December 27 - No Sunday School
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school
Our ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASS will continue this Sunday with the following passages: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6. Join us and we’ll learn together. -Blair (There was a lectionary bookmark attached to last week’s E-Notes. If you need another copy, please email the office.)
YOUTH: At SNL this Sunday, we will be doing some planning for special events, i.e. lasertag or ???, so bring your ideas and check your school, sports, concert, etc. calendars so we can plan around the other big events in your busy lives.
S.O.L.A.C.E. SINGLES are invited to come hear the Singing Men of Oak Brook in their annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 20, at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Church of Oak Brook. Tickets are $20 each. Call Lois Stevenson (630-858-9315) by December 10 to reserve your ticket.
POINSETTIAS: Order Christmas poinsettias by signing up on the chart in the narthex by Sunday, December 13. Poinsettias are $18.50 each (please write “poinsettia” on the memo line of your check) and may be taken home after the Christmas Eve service. If you choose, your poinsettia may be donated to someone who is homebound.
MUSIC NOTE FOR YOUTH AND TEENS: We’re seeking students of all ages and talents to play a verse of a hymn or Christmas carol for Prelude Music on Sunday, December 20. If interested in playing, please call the office or talk to Darlene Crilly for details.
Add this to your calendar: Friday, December 18, will be the Women’s Circle annual CHRISTMAS SALAD LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE at 11:00 a.m. in the parlor and narthex. Program: Pat Muehl, “Christmas Art.” Salads will be provided by the members of the circle. Guests are always welcome. The cookie exchange is optional; feel free to come for lunch even if you don’t wish to participate in the exchange. If you want to exchange, bring a plate or container of your special holiday cookies and take home an equal number.
And save this date, too! Come one, come all to a CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG SUPPER! Soup and sandwiches will start off the event on Sunday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to provide dessert for all. Following the meal we will “break into song'” singing Christmas favorites. We promise a fun time for all! All families and friends are welcome, whatever size “family” you are. Sign up in the narthex or show up that night. It will be great fun!
Here’s one reason why we need to be able to reach our college students: COLLEGE STUDENT BRUNCH – Tuesday, December 29, in the parlor at 11:00 a.m. Invitations will be mailed to students.
VALET PARKING is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
If you SHOP ONLINE for holiday gifts, it is now possible for a portion of what you spend to BENEFIT SOUTHMINSTER. When you buy online through the iGive.com network of over 700 online stores, Southminster will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend. For more information, including a list of online stores, just go to www.iGive.com/Southminsterpc, complete the registration form, and start shopping. All funds received by Southminster from iGive.com will be added to Southminster’s Mission Fund.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
November 25, 2009
Psalm 117:1-2
Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.*
*In Hebrew: “Hallelu Yah.”
Dear Friends,
In the Psalms of praise, the Hebrew word “hodu” means giving thanks. A key phrase that occurs in these Psalms is “Hodu l’adonai, ki tov” which translated means, “Giving thanks to God.” However, “hodu” is also the Hebrew word for turkey. So our phrase can be translated as, “Eating turkey for the sake of God is good.” I have searched and I have no idea why the Hebrews connected Turkey with Thanks. Their word for peacock, though, is “Tukki,” which sounds kind of close, doesn’t it?
I think it’s great happenstance that Turkey and Thanks are related in the language of our Old Testament. Of course, I was delighted at age seven to find out that God’s people had Hanukah. I thought about how loving God was to give them a holiday around Christmas, so they wouldn’t be left out. I know it sounds naive, but I was naive.
For me, each and every day is a gift from God. Thanksgiving should be every day. Thanksgiving should be a way of life, rather than one day a year. May you live your life aware of all that God has blessed you with - from opening your eyes in the morning, to hearing the joy of a laugh, to the smell of good food. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
BENEFIT CONCERT: St. Petronille Catholic Church in downtown Glen Ellyn will host a community performance of Handel’s “Messiah” this Saturday, November 28, at 8:00 p.m. (Note time change: first publicity said 7:30.) This is a joyful way to usher in the Christmas season. The proceeds from the free-will offering at the concert will benefit the Glen Ellyn Walk-In-Ministry, which is one of Southminster’s supported missions. Please make plans to attend.
Don’t you just love Christmas music? Join our FESTIVAL CHOIR! We won’t rehearse on Thanksgiving, but plan to join us on Thursday nights in December at 7:30 in the choir room. If you like to sing but don’t feel you can commit to choir for the entire year, here’s a short-term “fix.” We’ll sing for Sunday services and on Christmas Eve (one service that evening at 7:30), and we always follow the Christmas Eve service with a party. We’d love to have you join us for this season!
MUSIC NOTE FOR YOUTH AND TEENS: We’re seeking students of all ages and talents to play a verse of a hymn or Christmas carol for Prelude Music on Sunday, December 20. If interested in playing, please call the office or talk to Darlene Crilly for details.
POINSETTIAS: Order Christmas poinsettias by signing up on the chart in the narthex by Sunday, December 13. Poinsettias are $18.50 each (please write “poinsettia” on the memo line of your check) and may be taken home after the Christmas Eve service. If you choose, your poinsettia may be donated to someone who is homebound.
S.O.L.A.C.E. SINGLES are invited to come hear the Singing Men of Oak Brook in their annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 20, at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Church of Oak Brook. Tickets are $20 each. Call Lois Stevenson (630-858-9315) by December 10 to reserve your ticket.
If you SHOP ONLINE for holiday gifts, it is now possible for a portion of what you spend to BENEFIT SOUTHMINSTER. When you buy online through the iGive.com network of over 700 online stores, Southminster will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend. For more information, including a list of online stores, just go to www.iGive.com/Southminsterpc, complete the registration form, and start shopping. All funds received by Southminster from iGive.com will be added to Southminster’s Mission Fund.
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. Stop at the tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time up to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” below to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
The LADIES BREAKFAST GROUP has decided not to exchange Christmas socks in December. Instead we agreed to bring mittens or gloves for the “Share the Spirit” collection. You can bring these items to church on Sunday, December 6, or to our breakfast on Monday, December 7 (8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada), and we will make sure they get to the People’s Resource Center. Thanks!
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
Please remember there is NO SUNDAY SCHOOL this coming Sunday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Worship bags will be available in the hallway by the nursery for younger children. Please leave the laminated card and crayons in the bag, though for next time. Thank you.
Youth and Sunday School classes will be continuing the SHARE THE SPIRIT collection of hats and mittens through Sunday, December 6. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations. (See more information about “Share the Spirit” above.)
December SECOND HELPINGS: Due to the Christmas program rehearsal, we will have Second Helpings on December 6. After adult Bible study and youth and children rehearsal, the entire church family will enjoy a special baked potato bar with all the trimmings in Fellowship Hall.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM INFO - Only One More Rehearsal!
***If your child has a speaking part, please practice with him/her at home to reinforce the part.
Here’s the schedule for December 6:
10:45-11:00 a.m. - Costume Fittings in the Sanctuary.
11:00 a.m. - Final practice/dress rehearsal. We will begin rehearsal promptly after costume fittings.
11:45am – Baked potato bar with trimmings for entire church family.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, DECEMBER 13 - “TOO-OO-OO-OO BUSY”
Parents, please have your child/children in the sanctuary 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, so we can run through last minute preparations.
WHAT’S COMING UP IN CHRISTIAN ED.?
December 6 - Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal and baked potato bar lunch
December 13 - Christmas Program
December 27 - No Sunday School
No “Second Helpings” third Sunday in December
January 17, 24, 31 – Rotation units for K-middle school
Our ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASS will begin a new lectionary year this Sunday with the following passages: Jeremiah 33:14-6; Luke 1:68-79; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43. (A list of the Lectionary readings from now to the beginning of Lent is attached to this E-Note email.) Join us and we’ll learn together. -Blair
YOUTH: SNL as usual this Sunday night, PYNGUINS at 6:00 p.m., SPY at 7:00 p.m. See ya there.
Add this to your calendar: Friday, December 18, will be the Women’s Circle annual CHRISTMAS SALAD LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE at 11:00 a.m. in the parlor and narthex. Program: Pat Muehl, “Christmas Art.” Salads will be provided by the members of the circle. Guests are always welcome. The cookie exchange is optional; feel free to come for lunch even if you don’t wish to participate in the exchange. If you want to exchange, bring a plate or container of your special holiday cookies and take home an equal number.
And save this date, too! Come one, come all to our first CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG SUPPER! Soup and sandwiches will start off the event on Sunday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to provide dessert for all. Following the meal we will “break into song'” singing Christmas favorites. We promise a fun time for all! All families and friends are welcome, whatever size “family” you are. Sign up in the narthex or show up that night. It will be great fun!
We’d like to stay in touch with our COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS (for birthday and holiday greetings, invitations to gatherings over breaks, College Care packages later in the year, and things like that). Please update your college student or young adult’s mailing and email addresses so we can let them know we care. Thanks!
Here’s one reason why we need to be able to reach our college students: COLLEGE STUDENT BRUNCH – Tuesday, December 29, in the parlor at 11:00 a.m. Invitations will be mailed to students.
VALET PARKING is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.*
*In Hebrew: “Hallelu Yah.”
Dear Friends,
In the Psalms of praise, the Hebrew word “hodu” means giving thanks. A key phrase that occurs in these Psalms is “Hodu l’adonai, ki tov” which translated means, “Giving thanks to God.” However, “hodu” is also the Hebrew word for turkey. So our phrase can be translated as, “Eating turkey for the sake of God is good.” I have searched and I have no idea why the Hebrews connected Turkey with Thanks. Their word for peacock, though, is “Tukki,” which sounds kind of close, doesn’t it?
I think it’s great happenstance that Turkey and Thanks are related in the language of our Old Testament. Of course, I was delighted at age seven to find out that God’s people had Hanukah. I thought about how loving God was to give them a holiday around Christmas, so they wouldn’t be left out. I know it sounds naive, but I was naive.
For me, each and every day is a gift from God. Thanksgiving should be every day. Thanksgiving should be a way of life, rather than one day a year. May you live your life aware of all that God has blessed you with - from opening your eyes in the morning, to hearing the joy of a laugh, to the smell of good food. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
BENEFIT CONCERT: St. Petronille Catholic Church in downtown Glen Ellyn will host a community performance of Handel’s “Messiah” this Saturday, November 28, at 8:00 p.m. (Note time change: first publicity said 7:30.) This is a joyful way to usher in the Christmas season. The proceeds from the free-will offering at the concert will benefit the Glen Ellyn Walk-In-Ministry, which is one of Southminster’s supported missions. Please make plans to attend.
Don’t you just love Christmas music? Join our FESTIVAL CHOIR! We won’t rehearse on Thanksgiving, but plan to join us on Thursday nights in December at 7:30 in the choir room. If you like to sing but don’t feel you can commit to choir for the entire year, here’s a short-term “fix.” We’ll sing for Sunday services and on Christmas Eve (one service that evening at 7:30), and we always follow the Christmas Eve service with a party. We’d love to have you join us for this season!
MUSIC NOTE FOR YOUTH AND TEENS: We’re seeking students of all ages and talents to play a verse of a hymn or Christmas carol for Prelude Music on Sunday, December 20. If interested in playing, please call the office or talk to Darlene Crilly for details.
POINSETTIAS: Order Christmas poinsettias by signing up on the chart in the narthex by Sunday, December 13. Poinsettias are $18.50 each (please write “poinsettia” on the memo line of your check) and may be taken home after the Christmas Eve service. If you choose, your poinsettia may be donated to someone who is homebound.
S.O.L.A.C.E. SINGLES are invited to come hear the Singing Men of Oak Brook in their annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 20, at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Church of Oak Brook. Tickets are $20 each. Call Lois Stevenson (630-858-9315) by December 10 to reserve your ticket.
If you SHOP ONLINE for holiday gifts, it is now possible for a portion of what you spend to BENEFIT SOUTHMINSTER. When you buy online through the iGive.com network of over 700 online stores, Southminster will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend. For more information, including a list of online stores, just go to www.iGive.com/Southminsterpc, complete the registration form, and start shopping. All funds received by Southminster from iGive.com will be added to Southminster’s Mission Fund.
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. Stop at the tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time up to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” below to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
The LADIES BREAKFAST GROUP has decided not to exchange Christmas socks in December. Instead we agreed to bring mittens or gloves for the “Share the Spirit” collection. You can bring these items to church on Sunday, December 6, or to our breakfast on Monday, December 7 (8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada), and we will make sure they get to the People’s Resource Center. Thanks!
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
Please remember there is NO SUNDAY SCHOOL this coming Sunday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Worship bags will be available in the hallway by the nursery for younger children. Please leave the laminated card and crayons in the bag, though for next time. Thank you.
Youth and Sunday School classes will be continuing the SHARE THE SPIRIT collection of hats and mittens through Sunday, December 6. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations. (See more information about “Share the Spirit” above.)
December SECOND HELPINGS: Due to the Christmas program rehearsal, we will have Second Helpings on December 6. After adult Bible study and youth and children rehearsal, the entire church family will enjoy a special baked potato bar with all the trimmings in Fellowship Hall.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM INFO - Only One More Rehearsal!
***If your child has a speaking part, please practice with him/her at home to reinforce the part.
Here’s the schedule for December 6:
10:45-11:00 a.m. - Costume Fittings in the Sanctuary.
11:00 a.m. - Final practice/dress rehearsal. We will begin rehearsal promptly after costume fittings.
11:45am – Baked potato bar with trimmings for entire church family.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, DECEMBER 13 - “TOO-OO-OO-OO BUSY”
Parents, please have your child/children in the sanctuary 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, so we can run through last minute preparations.
WHAT’S COMING UP IN CHRISTIAN ED.?
December 6 - Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal and baked potato bar lunch
December 13 - Christmas Program
December 27 - No Sunday School
No “Second Helpings” third Sunday in December
January 17, 24, 31 – Rotation units for K-middle school
Our ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASS will begin a new lectionary year this Sunday with the following passages: Jeremiah 33:14-6; Luke 1:68-79; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43. (A list of the Lectionary readings from now to the beginning of Lent is attached to this E-Note email.) Join us and we’ll learn together. -Blair
YOUTH: SNL as usual this Sunday night, PYNGUINS at 6:00 p.m., SPY at 7:00 p.m. See ya there.
Add this to your calendar: Friday, December 18, will be the Women’s Circle annual CHRISTMAS SALAD LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE at 11:00 a.m. in the parlor and narthex. Program: Pat Muehl, “Christmas Art.” Salads will be provided by the members of the circle. Guests are always welcome. The cookie exchange is optional; feel free to come for lunch even if you don’t wish to participate in the exchange. If you want to exchange, bring a plate or container of your special holiday cookies and take home an equal number.
And save this date, too! Come one, come all to our first CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG SUPPER! Soup and sandwiches will start off the event on Sunday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Participants are asked to bring a plate of cookies to provide dessert for all. Following the meal we will “break into song'” singing Christmas favorites. We promise a fun time for all! All families and friends are welcome, whatever size “family” you are. Sign up in the narthex or show up that night. It will be great fun!
We’d like to stay in touch with our COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS (for birthday and holiday greetings, invitations to gatherings over breaks, College Care packages later in the year, and things like that). Please update your college student or young adult’s mailing and email addresses so we can let them know we care. Thanks!
Here’s one reason why we need to be able to reach our college students: COLLEGE STUDENT BRUNCH – Tuesday, December 29, in the parlor at 11:00 a.m. Invitations will be mailed to students.
VALET PARKING is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
November 18, 2009
Genesis 1:26-28
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Dear Friends,
“There was a pastor, a rabbi, and an imam...” Sounds like the beginning of joke, doesn’t it? It is no joke however. Last Thursday afternoon I was among a group of religions leaders who met at the mosque on Rt. 53. We met for fellowship and sharing of information. One of the ideas suggested was that we participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on June 18-19, 2010. It was with great pride that I shared that Southminster Presbyterian Church generally has a team. It made me wonder out loud, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a whole row of tents on that day representing all the Houses of Prayer in Glen Ellyn?” It is a possibility. The theme for 2010 is “Celebrating a World with More Birthdays.” Perhaps we could get the entire religious leadership of Glen Ellyn together to walk a few laps.
Rabbi Steven Bob, the Rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, shared another idea. He is the founder of “The Fourth Day Initiative,” which is a project to put solar panels on houses of worship. As you recall from Genesis, it was on the fourth day that the Sun was created.
While all of those at our clergy gathering may have had different opinions and thoughts on the important issues of faith and life, we all came together to share ideas about how we could faithfully live together as people created in the image of God. And that is no joke! Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Everybody is welcome to attend the PRESBYTERIAN READERS book club in the parlor this evening, November 18, from 7:30- 8:30 p.m. Our November book is “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold. Even if you haven’t read the book, you can listen to our discussion. (The movie version of “The Lovely Bones” will open sometime during the upcoming holiday season.)
Don’t you just love Christmas music? Join our FESTIVAL CHOIR! We start rehearsing Christmas selections tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 19) at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. If you like to sing but don’t feel you can commit to choir for the entire year, here’s a short-term “fix.” We’ll sing for Sunday services and on Christmas Eve (one service that evening at 7:30), and we always follow the Christmas Eve service with a party. We’d love to have you join us for this season!
The deadline for the December “DIALOG” is this Friday, November 20. It’s a short month with a holiday near the end... don’t delay or you may miss getting your information into this issue! (Looking ahead, we are going to move next month’s deadline up a couple days because of Christmas; the deadline for the January “Dialog” will be December 17.)
All women of the church are invited to WOMEN’S CIRCLE this Friday, November 20, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Betsy Rogers will share her experiences shopping in Africa. Betsy explains: “We are going to visit the informal economy of South Africa, beginning with a look at the informal economy in Langa, a township, where non-whites were located during apartheid and Joe Slovo, an informal settlement that now houses urban poor. I will also answer questions like the following: Where do the women in the informal settlements shop? How do they get around? What can they buy? How do they get water? What other services are available? What is the difference between the products we can buy in the city versus the countryside? Do they have stores like ours? This is an opportunity for those who love to shop and those who love to learn about other countries to get their questions answered. See you there.”
If you SHOP ONLINE for holiday gifts, it is now possible for a portion of what you spend to BENEFIT SOUTHMINSTER. When you buy online through the iGive.com network of over 700 online stores, Southminster will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend. For more information, including a list of online stores, just go to www.iGive.com/Southminsterpc, complete the registration form, and start shopping. All funds received by Southminster from iGive.com will be added to Southminster’s Mission Fund.
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. Stop at the tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time up to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” below to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
“Share the Spirit” - A vision for missions: Thank you to all who brought HATS AND MITTENS this past Sunday. Youth and Sunday School classes will be continuing the collection through Sunday, December 6. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations. (See the “Share the Spirit” notice above to see other ways to support this project.)
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM REHEARSAL! Children and youth have only one more practice (dress rehearsal) on Sunday, December 6, for the December 13 Christmas program, “Too-oo-oo-oo Busy.” If your child has a speaking part, please practice at home to reinforce his/her part.
We will begin rehearsal on December 6 with costume fittings promptly at 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. (During the rehearsal, other crews will be hard at work decorating the church for Christmas!) Afterwards, the entire church family is invited to enjoy a special baked potato bar lunch in Fellowship Hall.
Additionally, Darlene Crilly will be leading the children (Pre-K through third grade) in rehearsal time for the Christmas program songs on Sundays, right after they come downstairs following the Children’s Moment.
What’s Coming Up?
November 29 - No Sunday School; children remain in worship with their families
December 6 - Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal and baked potato bar lunch
December 13 - Christmas Program
December 27 - No Sunday School; children remain in worship with their families
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
ADULT BIBLE CLASS: Adults (or those who think they are), join us this Sunday for our continuing lectionary-based Bible study. 11:00 a.m. in the parlor.
YOUTH: SNL as usual this Sunday night, PYNGUINS at 6:00 p.m., SPY at 7:00 p.m. See ya there.
Benefit Concert: St. Petronille Catholic Church in downtown Glen Ellyn will host a community performance of HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” on Saturday, November 28, at 8:00 p.m. (Note time change: first publicity said 7:30.) This is a joyful way to usher in the Christmas season. The proceeds from the free-will offering at the concert will benefit the Glen Ellyn Walk-In-Ministry, which is one of Southminster’s supported missions. Please make plans to attend.
Add this to your calendar: Friday, December 18, will be the Women’s Circle annual CHRISTMAS SALAD LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE at 11:00 a.m. in the parlor and narthex. Program: Pat Muehl, “Christmas Art.” Salads will be provided by the members of the circle. Guests are always welcome. The cookie exchange is optional; feel free to come for lunch even if you don’t wish to participate in the exchange. If you want to exchange, bring a plate or container of your special holiday cookies and take home an equal number.
We’d like to stay in touch with our COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS (for birthday and holiday greetings, invitations to gatherings over breaks, College Care packages later in the year, and things like that). Please update your college student or young adult’s mailing and email addresses so we can let them know we care. Thanks!
VALET PARKING is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE coming up on Wednesday, November 25. Donate blood this Thanksgiving and start your holiday shopping with a $10 Target GiftCard. The Heartland Blood Center mobile unit will be in Glen Ellyn from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the B. R. Ryall YMCA (1/2 block north of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Lambert, just under the Glen Ellyn water tower). Donors will also receive a coupon good for $5.00 off at the YMCA Christmas tree sales trailer. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. Bring photo I.D.! Sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org or call Karen at 708-342-9773.
What’s with all the CAPITAL LETTERS in E-Notes? We’ve been getting some feedback that E-Notes is getting too long (So, whose announcements do we leave out?) and that it’s too hard to find the information that you really want to see. E-Notes goes out in plain text, which means no boldface, italics, underlining - any of those things that we use in other publications. (The reason for plain text is that some email systems can’t “read” special formatting; messages end up with multiple lines of symbols between words and the page looks like gobbledygook.) So the caps aren’t supposed to be “shouting” - they’re supposed to help you find the subject of each notice. We’ll try this for awhile. Another possibility would be to send E-Notes out in .pdf files, like we do with Dialogs. It’s a given that we can’t please all the people all the time, but if you have strong feelings one way or another, drop us a line.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Dear Friends,
“There was a pastor, a rabbi, and an imam...” Sounds like the beginning of joke, doesn’t it? It is no joke however. Last Thursday afternoon I was among a group of religions leaders who met at the mosque on Rt. 53. We met for fellowship and sharing of information. One of the ideas suggested was that we participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on June 18-19, 2010. It was with great pride that I shared that Southminster Presbyterian Church generally has a team. It made me wonder out loud, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a whole row of tents on that day representing all the Houses of Prayer in Glen Ellyn?” It is a possibility. The theme for 2010 is “Celebrating a World with More Birthdays.” Perhaps we could get the entire religious leadership of Glen Ellyn together to walk a few laps.
Rabbi Steven Bob, the Rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, shared another idea. He is the founder of “The Fourth Day Initiative,” which is a project to put solar panels on houses of worship. As you recall from Genesis, it was on the fourth day that the Sun was created.
While all of those at our clergy gathering may have had different opinions and thoughts on the important issues of faith and life, we all came together to share ideas about how we could faithfully live together as people created in the image of God. And that is no joke! Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Everybody is welcome to attend the PRESBYTERIAN READERS book club in the parlor this evening, November 18, from 7:30- 8:30 p.m. Our November book is “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold. Even if you haven’t read the book, you can listen to our discussion. (The movie version of “The Lovely Bones” will open sometime during the upcoming holiday season.)
Don’t you just love Christmas music? Join our FESTIVAL CHOIR! We start rehearsing Christmas selections tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 19) at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. If you like to sing but don’t feel you can commit to choir for the entire year, here’s a short-term “fix.” We’ll sing for Sunday services and on Christmas Eve (one service that evening at 7:30), and we always follow the Christmas Eve service with a party. We’d love to have you join us for this season!
The deadline for the December “DIALOG” is this Friday, November 20. It’s a short month with a holiday near the end... don’t delay or you may miss getting your information into this issue! (Looking ahead, we are going to move next month’s deadline up a couple days because of Christmas; the deadline for the January “Dialog” will be December 17.)
All women of the church are invited to WOMEN’S CIRCLE this Friday, November 20, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Betsy Rogers will share her experiences shopping in Africa. Betsy explains: “We are going to visit the informal economy of South Africa, beginning with a look at the informal economy in Langa, a township, where non-whites were located during apartheid and Joe Slovo, an informal settlement that now houses urban poor. I will also answer questions like the following: Where do the women in the informal settlements shop? How do they get around? What can they buy? How do they get water? What other services are available? What is the difference between the products we can buy in the city versus the countryside? Do they have stores like ours? This is an opportunity for those who love to shop and those who love to learn about other countries to get their questions answered. See you there.”
If you SHOP ONLINE for holiday gifts, it is now possible for a portion of what you spend to BENEFIT SOUTHMINSTER. When you buy online through the iGive.com network of over 700 online stores, Southminster will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend. For more information, including a list of online stores, just go to www.iGive.com/Southminsterpc, complete the registration form, and start shopping. All funds received by Southminster from iGive.com will be added to Southminster’s Mission Fund.
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. Stop at the tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time up to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” below to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
“Share the Spirit” - A vision for missions: Thank you to all who brought HATS AND MITTENS this past Sunday. Youth and Sunday School classes will be continuing the collection through Sunday, December 6. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations. (See the “Share the Spirit” notice above to see other ways to support this project.)
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM REHEARSAL! Children and youth have only one more practice (dress rehearsal) on Sunday, December 6, for the December 13 Christmas program, “Too-oo-oo-oo Busy.” If your child has a speaking part, please practice at home to reinforce his/her part.
We will begin rehearsal on December 6 with costume fittings promptly at 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. (During the rehearsal, other crews will be hard at work decorating the church for Christmas!) Afterwards, the entire church family is invited to enjoy a special baked potato bar lunch in Fellowship Hall.
Additionally, Darlene Crilly will be leading the children (Pre-K through third grade) in rehearsal time for the Christmas program songs on Sundays, right after they come downstairs following the Children’s Moment.
What’s Coming Up?
November 29 - No Sunday School; children remain in worship with their families
December 6 - Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal and baked potato bar lunch
December 13 - Christmas Program
December 27 - No Sunday School; children remain in worship with their families
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
ADULT BIBLE CLASS: Adults (or those who think they are), join us this Sunday for our continuing lectionary-based Bible study. 11:00 a.m. in the parlor.
YOUTH: SNL as usual this Sunday night, PYNGUINS at 6:00 p.m., SPY at 7:00 p.m. See ya there.
Benefit Concert: St. Petronille Catholic Church in downtown Glen Ellyn will host a community performance of HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” on Saturday, November 28, at 8:00 p.m. (Note time change: first publicity said 7:30.) This is a joyful way to usher in the Christmas season. The proceeds from the free-will offering at the concert will benefit the Glen Ellyn Walk-In-Ministry, which is one of Southminster’s supported missions. Please make plans to attend.
Add this to your calendar: Friday, December 18, will be the Women’s Circle annual CHRISTMAS SALAD LUNCHEON AND COOKIE EXCHANGE at 11:00 a.m. in the parlor and narthex. Program: Pat Muehl, “Christmas Art.” Salads will be provided by the members of the circle. Guests are always welcome. The cookie exchange is optional; feel free to come for lunch even if you don’t wish to participate in the exchange. If you want to exchange, bring a plate or container of your special holiday cookies and take home an equal number.
We’d like to stay in touch with our COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS (for birthday and holiday greetings, invitations to gatherings over breaks, College Care packages later in the year, and things like that). Please update your college student or young adult’s mailing and email addresses so we can let them know we care. Thanks!
VALET PARKING is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE coming up on Wednesday, November 25. Donate blood this Thanksgiving and start your holiday shopping with a $10 Target GiftCard. The Heartland Blood Center mobile unit will be in Glen Ellyn from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the B. R. Ryall YMCA (1/2 block north of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Lambert, just under the Glen Ellyn water tower). Donors will also receive a coupon good for $5.00 off at the YMCA Christmas tree sales trailer. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. Bring photo I.D.! Sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org or call Karen at 708-342-9773.
What’s with all the CAPITAL LETTERS in E-Notes? We’ve been getting some feedback that E-Notes is getting too long (So, whose announcements do we leave out?) and that it’s too hard to find the information that you really want to see. E-Notes goes out in plain text, which means no boldface, italics, underlining - any of those things that we use in other publications. (The reason for plain text is that some email systems can’t “read” special formatting; messages end up with multiple lines of symbols between words and the page looks like gobbledygook.) So the caps aren’t supposed to be “shouting” - they’re supposed to help you find the subject of each notice. We’ll try this for awhile. Another possibility would be to send E-Notes out in .pdf files, like we do with Dialogs. It’s a given that we can’t please all the people all the time, but if you have strong feelings one way or another, drop us a line.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
November 11, 2009
Romans 1: 8-10a
“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times...”
Dear Friends,
The officers of our congregation, the deacon and the elders, had a wonderful retreat/joint meeting on Saturday. We began our meeting with worship. We read scripture, sang, prayed, and asked the question, “What are we thankful for at Southminster?” There were many great things we were thankful for. Take a look for yourself. Those results are posted on the leaves on the bulletin board as you enter the building.
We also reflected on who we are and took a look at the development of our web site. We then broke up into small groups, discussed, and asked, “What are our opportunities and challenges?” What was most encouraging to me was the positive enthusiasm, good will and laughter the groups shared. It looks like we see some of the same opportunities and challenges. We also noted that our 50th Anniversary is March 8, 2011. The most beautiful thing to come out of our meeting is the recognition that Jesus Christ is at the center of the Southminster Church Family.
Our discussion will continue at another joint meeting with the deacons and elders on the evening of January 26. There we will ask, “Where is God taking us? Or, Where do we go from here?”
Friends, I encourage you to pray for us, to ask the same questions: “Who are we?” “What are you thankful for at Southminster?” “What are our opportunities and challenges” and “Where is God taking us?” Please share your thoughts with our deacons and elders. Please hold them in prayer. Please know that I am thankful for each of you in my life and in your ministry at Southminster. I am very grateful to our officers, for their joy in service and their presence on Saturday. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The WOMEN’S CIRCLE USED BOOK SALE will take place after church this Sunday in the narthex. You still have time to bring in books before Sunday; put them in the coatroom. The proceeds from the sale will go to the Women’s Circle to support their programs and mission. Call Linda Ellinghausen or Betsy Rogers with questions.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S THANK OFFERING jars will be dedicated on Sunday during the worship service. Please remember to bring your Thank Offering jar on Sunday morning. The Thank Offering gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. But you don’t need to have a Thank Offering jar... or even be a woman... to support an offering that goes to projects such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns. When the invitation is extended to bring the Thank Offering forward, please feel free to “give as you are blessed,” even if it’s simply the loose change in your pocket.
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. When you come to church this Sunday, you’ll find a tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time from November 15 to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” below to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” - A vision for missions: Beginning Sunday, November 15, through Sunday, December 6, Sunday School classes and youth will be collecting new and gently used hats and mittens for the People’s Resource Center. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the donation box in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations. (See the “Share the Spirit” notice above to see other ways to support this project.)
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – Sunday, December 13
This Sunday, November 15, is the first practice for the Christmas program, “Too-oo-oo-oo Busy,” for all children and youth, directed by Suzanne Tennyson and Lisa Frey. Children and youth who have speaking parts have been given their script. Parents, please practice at home with your child, as there will only be one more practice (dress rehearsal) on December 6, directly after worship). This Sunday we will begin rehearsal in the Sanctuary following worship and afterwards, the entire church family will follow the newly created “SECOND HELPINGS” tradition of a soup and bread meal.
Additionally, Darlene Crilly will be leading the children (Pre-K through third grade) in rehearsal time for the Christmas program songs on Sundays, right after they come downstairs following the Children’s Moment.
What’s coming up in Christian Ed.?
November 15 – Christmas Program Rehearsal and “Second Helpings”
November 29 – No Sunday School; children remain in worship with their families
December 6 – Final Christmas Program Rehearsal (right after worship)
December 13 – Christmas Program
December 27 – No Sunday School; children remain in worship with their families
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
ADULT BIBLE CLASS: We do not meet this Sunday. See you on the 22nd. Blair
YOUTH NOTES:
SNL this Sunday the usual times: PYNGUINS 6:00 p.m. and SPY 7:00 p.m. Blair will be out of town, but Peter, Jessica, and Alec will be there.
Thanks to all you participated and helped with Sleep Out Saturday, especially the one who ordered the extremely mild weather.
Everybody is welcome to attend the PRESBYTERIAN READERS book club in the parlor next Wednesday, November 18, from 7:30- 8:30 p.m. You still have time to find and read the book for November: “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold.
All women of the church are invited to WOMEN’S CIRCLE this Friday, November 20, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Betsy Rogers will share her experiences shopping in Africa. Betsy explains: “We are going to visit the informal economy of South Africa, beginning with a look at the informal economy in Langa, a township, where non-whites were located during apartheid and Joe Slovo, an informal settlement that now houses urban poor. I will also answer questions like the following: Where do the women in the informal settlements shop? How do they get around? What can they buy? How do they get water? What other services are available? What is the difference between the products we can buy in the city versus the countryside? Do they have stores like ours? This is an opportunity for those who love to shop and those who love to learn about other countries to get their questions answered. See you there.”
We’d like to stay in touch with our COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS (for birthday and holiday greetings, invitations to gatherings over breaks, College Care packages later in the year, and things like that). Please update your college student or young adult’s mailing and email addresses so we can let them know we care. Thanks!
For your calendar: HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” PERFORMANCE will benefit Walk-In Ministry. St. Petronille Catholic Church in downtown Glen Ellyn will host a community performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Saturday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m. This is a joyful way to usher in the Christmas season. The proceeds from the free-will offering at the concert will benefit the Glen Ellyn Walk-In-Ministry. Please make plans to attend.
VALET PARKING is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE coming up on Wednesday, November 25. Donate blood this Thanksgiving and start your holiday shopping with a $10 Target GiftCard. The Heartland Blood Center mobile unit will be in Glen Ellyn from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the B. R. Ryall YMCA (1/2 block north of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Lambert, just under the Glen Ellyn water tower). Donors will also receive a coupon good for $5.00 off at the YMCA Christmas tree sales trailer. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. Bring photo I.D.! Sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org or call Karen at 708-342-9773.
“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times...”
Dear Friends,
The officers of our congregation, the deacon and the elders, had a wonderful retreat/joint meeting on Saturday. We began our meeting with worship. We read scripture, sang, prayed, and asked the question, “What are we thankful for at Southminster?” There were many great things we were thankful for. Take a look for yourself. Those results are posted on the leaves on the bulletin board as you enter the building.
We also reflected on who we are and took a look at the development of our web site. We then broke up into small groups, discussed, and asked, “What are our opportunities and challenges?” What was most encouraging to me was the positive enthusiasm, good will and laughter the groups shared. It looks like we see some of the same opportunities and challenges. We also noted that our 50th Anniversary is March 8, 2011. The most beautiful thing to come out of our meeting is the recognition that Jesus Christ is at the center of the Southminster Church Family.
Our discussion will continue at another joint meeting with the deacons and elders on the evening of January 26. There we will ask, “Where is God taking us? Or, Where do we go from here?”
Friends, I encourage you to pray for us, to ask the same questions: “Who are we?” “What are you thankful for at Southminster?” “What are our opportunities and challenges” and “Where is God taking us?” Please share your thoughts with our deacons and elders. Please hold them in prayer. Please know that I am thankful for each of you in my life and in your ministry at Southminster. I am very grateful to our officers, for their joy in service and their presence on Saturday. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The WOMEN’S CIRCLE USED BOOK SALE will take place after church this Sunday in the narthex. You still have time to bring in books before Sunday; put them in the coatroom. The proceeds from the sale will go to the Women’s Circle to support their programs and mission. Call Linda Ellinghausen or Betsy Rogers with questions.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S THANK OFFERING jars will be dedicated on Sunday during the worship service. Please remember to bring your Thank Offering jar on Sunday morning. The Thank Offering gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. But you don’t need to have a Thank Offering jar... or even be a woman... to support an offering that goes to projects such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns. When the invitation is extended to bring the Thank Offering forward, please feel free to “give as you are blessed,” even if it’s simply the loose change in your pocket.
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. When you come to church this Sunday, you’ll find a tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time from November 15 to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” below to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
“SHARE THE SPIRIT” - A vision for missions: Beginning Sunday, November 15, through Sunday, December 6, Sunday School classes and youth will be collecting new and gently used hats and mittens for the People’s Resource Center. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the donation box in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations. (See the “Share the Spirit” notice above to see other ways to support this project.)
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – Sunday, December 13
This Sunday, November 15, is the first practice for the Christmas program, “Too-oo-oo-oo Busy,” for all children and youth, directed by Suzanne Tennyson and Lisa Frey. Children and youth who have speaking parts have been given their script. Parents, please practice at home with your child, as there will only be one more practice (dress rehearsal) on December 6, directly after worship). This Sunday we will begin rehearsal in the Sanctuary following worship and afterwards, the entire church family will follow the newly created “SECOND HELPINGS” tradition of a soup and bread meal.
Additionally, Darlene Crilly will be leading the children (Pre-K through third grade) in rehearsal time for the Christmas program songs on Sundays, right after they come downstairs following the Children’s Moment.
What’s coming up in Christian Ed.?
November 15 – Christmas Program Rehearsal and “Second Helpings”
November 29 – No Sunday School; children remain in worship with their families
December 6 – Final Christmas Program Rehearsal (right after worship)
December 13 – Christmas Program
December 27 – No Sunday School; children remain in worship with their families
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
ADULT BIBLE CLASS: We do not meet this Sunday. See you on the 22nd. Blair
YOUTH NOTES:
SNL this Sunday the usual times: PYNGUINS 6:00 p.m. and SPY 7:00 p.m. Blair will be out of town, but Peter, Jessica, and Alec will be there.
Thanks to all you participated and helped with Sleep Out Saturday, especially the one who ordered the extremely mild weather.
Everybody is welcome to attend the PRESBYTERIAN READERS book club in the parlor next Wednesday, November 18, from 7:30- 8:30 p.m. You still have time to find and read the book for November: “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold.
All women of the church are invited to WOMEN’S CIRCLE this Friday, November 20, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Betsy Rogers will share her experiences shopping in Africa. Betsy explains: “We are going to visit the informal economy of South Africa, beginning with a look at the informal economy in Langa, a township, where non-whites were located during apartheid and Joe Slovo, an informal settlement that now houses urban poor. I will also answer questions like the following: Where do the women in the informal settlements shop? How do they get around? What can they buy? How do they get water? What other services are available? What is the difference between the products we can buy in the city versus the countryside? Do they have stores like ours? This is an opportunity for those who love to shop and those who love to learn about other countries to get their questions answered. See you there.”
We’d like to stay in touch with our COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS (for birthday and holiday greetings, invitations to gatherings over breaks, College Care packages later in the year, and things like that). Please update your college student or young adult’s mailing and email addresses so we can let them know we care. Thanks!
For your calendar: HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” PERFORMANCE will benefit Walk-In Ministry. St. Petronille Catholic Church in downtown Glen Ellyn will host a community performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Saturday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m. This is a joyful way to usher in the Christmas season. The proceeds from the free-will offering at the concert will benefit the Glen Ellyn Walk-In-Ministry. Please make plans to attend.
VALET PARKING is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE coming up on Wednesday, November 25. Donate blood this Thanksgiving and start your holiday shopping with a $10 Target GiftCard. The Heartland Blood Center mobile unit will be in Glen Ellyn from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the B. R. Ryall YMCA (1/2 block north of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Lambert, just under the Glen Ellyn water tower). Donors will also receive a coupon good for $5.00 off at the YMCA Christmas tree sales trailer. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. Bring photo I.D.! Sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org or call Karen at 708-342-9773.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
November 4, 2009
Dear Friends,
Do you recognize this?
Our mission is to provide a spiritual home where people can
- Encounter God as revealed in Jesus Christ,
- Worship, strengthen, and renew their faith,
- Educate themselves and their children according to the teachings of God, as expressed in the Bible, and
- Respond to God’s grace by living as God’s disciples and actively serving others.
It is our Mission Statement. It not only provides our roots, but also our wings.
It has been said that children need “Roots and Wings” in order to thrive. It’s true of everyone, I think, adult or child; we need the nourishment of our roots, our past, and our present in order for our dreams to take wing and fly. It is particularly true for a Church Family. We are rooted in Christ, fed by the Holy Sprit and the fellowship of believers.
This coming Saturday our church officers, the session and the deacons, are going to meet for a fall retreat at Hope Presbyterian Church. We will be looking at our roots, the things we are grateful for, and our dreams, what we sense God is calling us to be and do at Southminster.
I am so very grateful for the hearts of the session and deacon members being open to God and what God may be calling us to. Regarding our church family, I wonder what your roots may be. What gives you joy? What are you grateful for? What gives you energy and hope for the future? What are some of your dreams for your church family? Where would your dreams fly to?
Thanks be to God! We live rooted in love of Jesus Christ and fly on the wings of the Sprit. Please keep me and our officers in prayer for this Saturday. Take it from here!
Love, Wendy
P.S. The youth also need your prayers this weekend. They will be sleeping out this Saturday night for Sleep Out Saturday and then attending worship Sunday morning.
Did you know...?
...that President Woodrow Wilson was a son of a Presbyterian pastor and lifelong Presbyterian? In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations...” When you see a Vet remember to say, “Thank you!”
Announcements:
Our Young Adult Group starts tonight! (It was supposed to be last week but rescheduled due to Wendy’s illness.) Join us at Blair and Wendy’s from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. You still have time to call and let us know you’re coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
Youth! Great news! The weather forecast for Saturday night, Sleep Out Saturday, has been revised. The low temperature is expected to be 44 degrees, instead of the 21 degrees they were saying a couple of days ago! Please let Blair know ASAP if you are participating. We’ll meet at the church at 4:00 p.m. to build our houses and have dinner. Then go to the Rally downtown, then back to church for games ‘n’ stuff. We’ll spend the night and stay right through church. Hey, it will be real cool (lol).
Adult education: We will have our lectionary Bible study this Sunday, but not on November 15.
We’d like to stay in touch with our college students and young adults (for birthday and holiday greetings, invitations to gatherings over breaks, College Care packages later in the year, and things like that). Please update your college student or young adult’s mailing and email addresses so we can let them know we care. Thanks!
Christian Ed. Notes:
Christian Ed Ministry Meeting – this Sunday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
“Share the Spirit” - A vision for missions: Beginning Sunday, November 15, through Sunday, December 6, Sunday School classes and youth will be collecting new and gently used hats and mittens for the People’s Resource Center. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the donation box in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations. (See the “Share the Spirit” notice below to see other ways to support this project.)
It will be here before you know it! CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – Sunday, December 13! Parts are being selected, and we need all children and youth to make a special effort to be at the only two rehearsals. The children and youth program for the November 15 “Second Helpings” will be dedicated to the Christmas Program rehearsal, Pre-K through high school, and will be coordinated by Suzanne Tennyson. We will begin rehearsal in the sanctuary directly after worship. Afterwards, the entire church family will follow the newly created “Second Helpings” tradition of a soup and bread supper. December 6 (directly after worship) will be the final dress rehearsal for the Christmas program.
Acolytes: Thank you to all children who expressed interested in serving as an Acolyte. A schedule will be sent out this week through the end of the school year. There are plenty of weeks open for service if your child is interested at a later time. Please contact Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or smpcce@ameritech.net with any questions.
Music Ministry: Aside from the November 15 and December 6 Christmas Program rehearsals, Darlene Crilly will also be leading the children in additional rehearsal time on Sundays, directly after the Children’s Moment in Fellowship Hall. |
Candy for PRC: Thank you to all families who brought in their candy offering on Sunday for the People’s Resource Center.
What’s coming up in Christian Ed.?
November 15 – “Second Helpings”/Christmas Program Rehearsal
November 29 – No Sunday School
December 6 – Final Christmas Program Rehearsal (right after worship)
December 13 – Christmas Program
December 27 – No Sunday School
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
The Women’s Circle Used Book Sale will take place after church on November 15 in the narthex. For those donating books, please put them in the coat closet before the 15th. We would like to get hard- and soft-cover novels and children’s books – books that you would like to take home and read to yourself or your children. Please, no textbooks. The proceeds will go to the Women’s Circle to support their programs and mission. Linda Ellinghausen and Betsy Rogers are the co-chairs for this event.
“Share the Spirit” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. When you come to church on November 15, you’ll find a tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time from November 15 to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering jars will be dedicated on Sunday, November 15, during the worship service. Please remember to bring your Thank Offering jar on Sunday morning. The Thank Offering gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. But you don’t need to have a Thank Offering jar… or even be a woman… to support an offering that goes to projects such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns. When the invitation is extended to bring the Thank Offering forward, please feel free to “give as you are blessed,” even if it’s simply the loose change in your pocket.
“Share the Spirit” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. When you come to church on November 15, you’ll find a tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time from November 15 to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
For your calendar: Handel’s Messiah Performance will benefit Walk-In Ministry.
St. Petronille Catholic Church in downtown Glen Ellyn will host a community performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m. This is a joyful way to usher in the Christmas season. The proceeds from the free-will offering at the concert will benefit the Glen Ellyn Walk-In-Ministry. Please make plans to attend.
Community blood drive coming up on Wednesday, November 25. Donate blood this Thanksgiving and start your holiday shopping with a $10 Target GiftCard. The Heartland Blood Center mobile unit will be in Glen Ellyn from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the B. R. Ryall YMCA (1/2 block north of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Lambert, just under the Glen Ellyn water tower). Donors will also receive a coupon good for $5.00 off at the YMCA Christmas tree sales trailer. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. Bring photo I.D.! Sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org or call Karen at 708-342-9773.
Marta Sundquist wrote us last week asking for prayers for her cousin, Scott. (He is the Scott mentioned in the Deacon Care Notes that follow.) “My cousin Scott Othoson had an intestine transplant this week. After a life time of the pain of Crohns disease, he has spent the last 8+ years with only 4 feet of intestine, requiring a daily ritual of 10+ hours on an IV to sustain himself. We are so thankful to God for giving him a successful surgery, and now must pray to help with the tremendous pain that comes with this surgery. Scott is a wonderful man, he not only embraces Gods love, but pours it out as well. Even on his tough days. Please pray for him.”
Do you recognize this?
Our mission is to provide a spiritual home where people can
- Encounter God as revealed in Jesus Christ,
- Worship, strengthen, and renew their faith,
- Educate themselves and their children according to the teachings of God, as expressed in the Bible, and
- Respond to God’s grace by living as God’s disciples and actively serving others.
It is our Mission Statement. It not only provides our roots, but also our wings.
It has been said that children need “Roots and Wings” in order to thrive. It’s true of everyone, I think, adult or child; we need the nourishment of our roots, our past, and our present in order for our dreams to take wing and fly. It is particularly true for a Church Family. We are rooted in Christ, fed by the Holy Sprit and the fellowship of believers.
This coming Saturday our church officers, the session and the deacons, are going to meet for a fall retreat at Hope Presbyterian Church. We will be looking at our roots, the things we are grateful for, and our dreams, what we sense God is calling us to be and do at Southminster.
I am so very grateful for the hearts of the session and deacon members being open to God and what God may be calling us to. Regarding our church family, I wonder what your roots may be. What gives you joy? What are you grateful for? What gives you energy and hope for the future? What are some of your dreams for your church family? Where would your dreams fly to?
Thanks be to God! We live rooted in love of Jesus Christ and fly on the wings of the Sprit. Please keep me and our officers in prayer for this Saturday. Take it from here!
Love, Wendy
P.S. The youth also need your prayers this weekend. They will be sleeping out this Saturday night for Sleep Out Saturday and then attending worship Sunday morning.
Did you know...?
...that President Woodrow Wilson was a son of a Presbyterian pastor and lifelong Presbyterian? In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations...” When you see a Vet remember to say, “Thank you!”
Announcements:
Our Young Adult Group starts tonight! (It was supposed to be last week but rescheduled due to Wendy’s illness.) Join us at Blair and Wendy’s from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. You still have time to call and let us know you’re coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
Youth! Great news! The weather forecast for Saturday night, Sleep Out Saturday, has been revised. The low temperature is expected to be 44 degrees, instead of the 21 degrees they were saying a couple of days ago! Please let Blair know ASAP if you are participating. We’ll meet at the church at 4:00 p.m. to build our houses and have dinner. Then go to the Rally downtown, then back to church for games ‘n’ stuff. We’ll spend the night and stay right through church. Hey, it will be real cool (lol).
Adult education: We will have our lectionary Bible study this Sunday, but not on November 15.
We’d like to stay in touch with our college students and young adults (for birthday and holiday greetings, invitations to gatherings over breaks, College Care packages later in the year, and things like that). Please update your college student or young adult’s mailing and email addresses so we can let them know we care. Thanks!
Christian Ed. Notes:
Christian Ed Ministry Meeting – this Sunday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
“Share the Spirit” - A vision for missions: Beginning Sunday, November 15, through Sunday, December 6, Sunday School classes and youth will be collecting new and gently used hats and mittens for the People’s Resource Center. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the donation box in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations. (See the “Share the Spirit” notice below to see other ways to support this project.)
It will be here before you know it! CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – Sunday, December 13! Parts are being selected, and we need all children and youth to make a special effort to be at the only two rehearsals. The children and youth program for the November 15 “Second Helpings” will be dedicated to the Christmas Program rehearsal, Pre-K through high school, and will be coordinated by Suzanne Tennyson. We will begin rehearsal in the sanctuary directly after worship. Afterwards, the entire church family will follow the newly created “Second Helpings” tradition of a soup and bread supper. December 6 (directly after worship) will be the final dress rehearsal for the Christmas program.
Acolytes: Thank you to all children who expressed interested in serving as an Acolyte. A schedule will be sent out this week through the end of the school year. There are plenty of weeks open for service if your child is interested at a later time. Please contact Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or smpcce@ameritech.net with any questions.
Music Ministry: Aside from the November 15 and December 6 Christmas Program rehearsals, Darlene Crilly will also be leading the children in additional rehearsal time on Sundays, directly after the Children’s Moment in Fellowship Hall. |
Candy for PRC: Thank you to all families who brought in their candy offering on Sunday for the People’s Resource Center.
What’s coming up in Christian Ed.?
November 15 – “Second Helpings”/Christmas Program Rehearsal
November 29 – No Sunday School
December 6 – Final Christmas Program Rehearsal (right after worship)
December 13 – Christmas Program
December 27 – No Sunday School
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
The Women’s Circle Used Book Sale will take place after church on November 15 in the narthex. For those donating books, please put them in the coat closet before the 15th. We would like to get hard- and soft-cover novels and children’s books – books that you would like to take home and read to yourself or your children. Please, no textbooks. The proceeds will go to the Women’s Circle to support their programs and mission. Linda Ellinghausen and Betsy Rogers are the co-chairs for this event.
“Share the Spirit” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. When you come to church on November 15, you’ll find a tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time from November 15 to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering jars will be dedicated on Sunday, November 15, during the worship service. Please remember to bring your Thank Offering jar on Sunday morning. The Thank Offering gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. But you don’t need to have a Thank Offering jar… or even be a woman… to support an offering that goes to projects such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns. When the invitation is extended to bring the Thank Offering forward, please feel free to “give as you are blessed,” even if it’s simply the loose change in your pocket.
“Share the Spirit” at Christmas! Once again Southminster is joining the People’s Resource Center in helping needy children in DuPage County have a brighter Christmas by buying toys or gift cards for children from ages 0 to 19. When you come to church on November 15, you’ll find a tree in the narthex with “ornaments” on it. The ornaments will have gift suggestions for the various age groups. Please take an ornament, select a gift, and bring it back unwrapped to the narthex any time from November 15 to December 6. The Mission Ministry thanks you for your support and the many needy children in DuPage County especially thank you for your outreach of love. (See the “Christian Ed. Notes” to see how children and youth can participate in this project.)
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
For your calendar: Handel’s Messiah Performance will benefit Walk-In Ministry.
St. Petronille Catholic Church in downtown Glen Ellyn will host a community performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m. This is a joyful way to usher in the Christmas season. The proceeds from the free-will offering at the concert will benefit the Glen Ellyn Walk-In-Ministry. Please make plans to attend.
Community blood drive coming up on Wednesday, November 25. Donate blood this Thanksgiving and start your holiday shopping with a $10 Target GiftCard. The Heartland Blood Center mobile unit will be in Glen Ellyn from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the B. R. Ryall YMCA (1/2 block north of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Lambert, just under the Glen Ellyn water tower). Donors will also receive a coupon good for $5.00 off at the YMCA Christmas tree sales trailer. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. Bring photo I.D.! Sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org or call Karen at 708-342-9773.
Marta Sundquist wrote us last week asking for prayers for her cousin, Scott. (He is the Scott mentioned in the Deacon Care Notes that follow.) “My cousin Scott Othoson had an intestine transplant this week. After a life time of the pain of Crohns disease, he has spent the last 8+ years with only 4 feet of intestine, requiring a daily ritual of 10+ hours on an IV to sustain himself. We are so thankful to God for giving him a successful surgery, and now must pray to help with the tremendous pain that comes with this surgery. Scott is a wonderful man, he not only embraces Gods love, but pours it out as well. Even on his tough days. Please pray for him.”
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October 28, 2009
Southminster E-Notes for October 28, 2009
Pastor Wendy has been ill all week. Please pray for her health and strength so she can return to us quickly.
Announcements:
Names are due today, please. This Sunday, November 1, we will celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning worship. Our closing benediction will occur outside in the Memorial Garden. During our Prayers of the People we will give thanks to God for the people who have touched our lives and are no longer present with us except that portion which lives in our hearts and minds. If you have a loved one, a friend or a family member whose death occurred since last All Saints Day and whom you would like mentioned during our All Saints Prayer, please contact the church office by today (October 28), giving us their name and date of death. You can help us be as accurate as possible by providing correct spelling and leaving your name and phone number so we can check with you if we have any questions.
Due to Wendy’s illness, our Young Adult Group, which was to start tonight, will meet next Wednesday night instead.
This Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.
This Sunday––and the first Sunday of every month––is the day we bring offerings for the People’s Resource Center. The November emphasis is coffee, tea, and sugar. Donations can be placed in the narthex (near the stairwell to Fellowship Hall).
Christian Ed. Notes:
Third Grade Bible: This Sunday, November 1, our only third grader, Dakota Dolister, will receive her Bible during the Sunday School hour. Please pray for God to keep Dakota’s heart open to His grace, mercy and wisdom.
Class Feature – Preschool: Be sure to catch the Preschool class feature in the upcoming November Dialog. You can get a first-hand glimpse into what our youngest Sunday School class is learning!
“Share the Spirit” - A vision for missions. Beginning Sunday, November 15, through Sunday, December 6, Sunday School classes and youth will be collecting new and gently used hats and mittens for the People’s Resource Center. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the donation box in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations.
Coming soon! CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – Sunday, December 13
The children’s program for the November 15 Second Helpings will be dedicated to the Christmas Program rehearsal for all children and youth (Pre-K through high school.), coordinated by Suzanne Tennyson. We will begin rehearsal in the sanctuary directly after worship and afterwards, the entire church family will follow the newly created Second Helpings tradition of a soup and bread lunch. December 6 (right after worship) will be the final dress rehearsal for the Christmas program.
Music Ministry: Aside from the November 15 and December 6 Christmas Program rehearsals, Darlene Crilly will also be leading the children in additional rehearsal time on Sundays, immediately after the children come downstairs for Sunday school.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
November 29 – No Sunday School
December 6 – Final Christmas Program Rehearsal (right after worship)
December 13 – Christmas Program
December 27 – No Sunday School
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
SLEEP OUT SATURDAY is soon, and we need some hardy adults to participate. Would you like to bless our youth by spending Saturday night, November 7, with them? (Or spend a part of it: if we get enough adults, you could do shifts!) Contact Blair, if you can help
SPY and PYNGUINS: It is time to commit! Let Blair know soon if you are committed to Sleep Out Saturday. Details will be on the group facebook site soon.
ADULT EDUCATION class: please note that we will be having our lectionary study November 1 and 8, but not on November 15.
The Women’s Circle Used Book Sale will take place after church on November 15 in the narthex. For those donating books, please bring them beginning this Sunday and put them in the coat closet. We would like to get hard- and soft-cover novels and children’s books – books that you would like to take home and read to yourself or your children. Please, no textbooks. The proceeds will go to the Women’s Circle to support their programs and mission. Linda Ellinghausen and Betsy Rogers are the co-chairs for this event.
At our next Ladies Breakfast on Monday, November 2, we will have a Fall towel (kitchen, etc.) exchange instead of a sock exchange. Please join us at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP at Danada Square East, with or without a towel. Hope to see you there!
Committee Moderators and staff members are reminded that budget requests are due a week from Friday (November 6).
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering jars will be dedicated on Sunday, November 15, during the worship service. Please remember to bring your Thank Offering jar on Sunday morning. The Thank Offering gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. But you don’t need to have a Thank Offering jar… or even be a woman… to support an offering that goes to projects such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns. When the invitation is extended to bring the Thank Offering forward, please feel free to “give as you are blessed,” even if it’s simply the loose change in your pocket.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
Pastor Wendy has been ill all week. Please pray for her health and strength so she can return to us quickly.
Announcements:
Names are due today, please. This Sunday, November 1, we will celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning worship. Our closing benediction will occur outside in the Memorial Garden. During our Prayers of the People we will give thanks to God for the people who have touched our lives and are no longer present with us except that portion which lives in our hearts and minds. If you have a loved one, a friend or a family member whose death occurred since last All Saints Day and whom you would like mentioned during our All Saints Prayer, please contact the church office by today (October 28), giving us their name and date of death. You can help us be as accurate as possible by providing correct spelling and leaving your name and phone number so we can check with you if we have any questions.
Due to Wendy’s illness, our Young Adult Group, which was to start tonight, will meet next Wednesday night instead.
This Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.
This Sunday––and the first Sunday of every month––is the day we bring offerings for the People’s Resource Center. The November emphasis is coffee, tea, and sugar. Donations can be placed in the narthex (near the stairwell to Fellowship Hall).
Christian Ed. Notes:
Third Grade Bible: This Sunday, November 1, our only third grader, Dakota Dolister, will receive her Bible during the Sunday School hour. Please pray for God to keep Dakota’s heart open to His grace, mercy and wisdom.
Class Feature – Preschool: Be sure to catch the Preschool class feature in the upcoming November Dialog. You can get a first-hand glimpse into what our youngest Sunday School class is learning!
“Share the Spirit” - A vision for missions. Beginning Sunday, November 15, through Sunday, December 6, Sunday School classes and youth will be collecting new and gently used hats and mittens for the People’s Resource Center. Please bring these items in any time during the designated weeks and drop them off in the donation box in the narthex. Thank you in advance for your donations.
Coming soon! CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – Sunday, December 13
The children’s program for the November 15 Second Helpings will be dedicated to the Christmas Program rehearsal for all children and youth (Pre-K through high school.), coordinated by Suzanne Tennyson. We will begin rehearsal in the sanctuary directly after worship and afterwards, the entire church family will follow the newly created Second Helpings tradition of a soup and bread lunch. December 6 (right after worship) will be the final dress rehearsal for the Christmas program.
Music Ministry: Aside from the November 15 and December 6 Christmas Program rehearsals, Darlene Crilly will also be leading the children in additional rehearsal time on Sundays, immediately after the children come downstairs for Sunday school.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
November 29 – No Sunday School
December 6 – Final Christmas Program Rehearsal (right after worship)
December 13 – Christmas Program
December 27 – No Sunday School
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
SLEEP OUT SATURDAY is soon, and we need some hardy adults to participate. Would you like to bless our youth by spending Saturday night, November 7, with them? (Or spend a part of it: if we get enough adults, you could do shifts!) Contact Blair, if you can help
SPY and PYNGUINS: It is time to commit! Let Blair know soon if you are committed to Sleep Out Saturday. Details will be on the group facebook site soon.
ADULT EDUCATION class: please note that we will be having our lectionary study November 1 and 8, but not on November 15.
The Women’s Circle Used Book Sale will take place after church on November 15 in the narthex. For those donating books, please bring them beginning this Sunday and put them in the coat closet. We would like to get hard- and soft-cover novels and children’s books – books that you would like to take home and read to yourself or your children. Please, no textbooks. The proceeds will go to the Women’s Circle to support their programs and mission. Linda Ellinghausen and Betsy Rogers are the co-chairs for this event.
At our next Ladies Breakfast on Monday, November 2, we will have a Fall towel (kitchen, etc.) exchange instead of a sock exchange. Please join us at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP at Danada Square East, with or without a towel. Hope to see you there!
Committee Moderators and staff members are reminded that budget requests are due a week from Friday (November 6).
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering jars will be dedicated on Sunday, November 15, during the worship service. Please remember to bring your Thank Offering jar on Sunday morning. The Thank Offering gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. But you don’t need to have a Thank Offering jar… or even be a woman… to support an offering that goes to projects such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns. When the invitation is extended to bring the Thank Offering forward, please feel free to “give as you are blessed,” even if it’s simply the loose change in your pocket.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
Thursday, October 22, 2009
October 21, 2009
Ephesians 1:18-19
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
Dear Friends,
2009 is the 500th birthday of John Calvin! This Sunday is Reformation Sunday, and we will remember the founder of Reformed Christianity and his faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
What do you know about John Calvin? Not much, probably. Unlike Lutherans and Methodists, we Presbyterians shy away from putting our heroes on pedestals. In fact, one of our elders at Southminster told me he was an “old sour puss.” If you look at his pictures you can see her point of view. In order to discourage veneration, he specified that he be buried in Geneva’s common cemetery in an unmarked grave. His house no longer stands, and no one even knows where it was. Anyone spending time in a Presbyterian meeting would not be surprised that he started out life as a lawyer.
There are two things that I would like you to know about John Calvin. One is his idea that we need Holy Spirit glasses when we read scripture. The way he put it is was, “Just as eyes, when dimmed with age or weakness or by some other defect, unless aided by spectacles, discern nothing distinctly; so such is our feebleness, unless Scripture guides us in seeking God, we are immediately confused.” Scripture is important to us because it helps us to live honestly in the world. Scripture helps us to see God truthfully, ourselves honestly, and God’s Way in the world clearly. The other was his personal prayer as request for “an unwavering declaration of surrender to the Lord, whom he sought to love with all his heart, soul, mind and strength.” His seal was a hand holding a heart offered to God.
This Sunday we will be offering our hearts to God as well. During the affirmation of faith we will have an opportunity to place commitment cards in our offering plates. These commitments range from declaring your pledge for 2010 to remembering our church family in prayer. Your commitment is personal and between only you and God. We will also host guests from Ghana Presbytery in Ghana. Join us in the parlor following worship for a chance to hear more about our sisters and brothers in Ghana. What a wonderful opportunity to share our faith with one another. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
Announcements:
If you missed the deadline (yesterday) for the November Dialog, get your information together right now and hit Reply. November and December are very busy times in the life of any church, and our members definitely want to know what’s going on.
We start tonight! A book club, Presbyterian Readers, is forming at our church that will meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the parlor. Tonight is our first get-together; we will discuss what books we have read in the past and what books we will want to read through the month of May. This group is open to all, men and women, members and non-members. If you have any questions please contact Wendy.
Mission is pleased to welcome 2 visitors from the Presbytery of Ghana this Sunday, October 25. They will be participating in worship with Pastor Wendy, as well as giving a short presentation in the parlor following the service. Dr. Quarshie is one of the founders of ACI, the first Presbyterian seminary in Ghana. If you can’t stay and hear their presentation, please stop by the reception in their honor and give our fellow brother- and-sister-in-Christ a warm Southminster welcome! How exciting it is to share our faith with international visitors on the same Sunday Gretchen and Bill are with our sister church in Guanabacoa, Cuba. We are truly “One in the Spirit.”
Adult Education: This Sunday, October 25, we not have our Sunday morning adult class so we can spend time with our guests from Ghana. Neither will there be a class November 15: Blair will be out of town.
Women’s Bible Study is meeting on Sundays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the parlor We are studying “Walking with God” by John Eldredge. Contact Ann Anderson (630) 469-2097 if you are interested in joining.
Christian Ed. Notes:
Tithing Halloween Candy: Parents, please talk to your child/children about contributing a free-will offering (tithe) of their Halloween candy this year to the PRC. If they bring their tithe in on Sunday, November 1, it will be delivered to the PRC that week.
Acolytes: We are still praying to get more children on board who want to be an Acolytes for the remaining year. A schedule will soon be published with each child serving three-four times per year. Please call the church office or email Laura Baer at smpcce@ameritech.net if your child is interested.
Music Ministry: Great singing job by our Pre-K - third graders this past Sunday! This concludes the formal music ministry for the children for 2009, as we now set our sights on the Christmas Program.
On Sunday, November 1, our only third grader, Dakota Dolister will receive her Bible during the Sunday School hour. If you see Dakota (often helping her mom out in the nursery), please congratulate her and let her know that you are praying for her to grow in God’s wisdom and grace.
The November 15 “Second Helpings” will be dedicated to the Christmas Program rehearsal from Pre-K through high school. We will begin directly after worship with selection of parts and rehearsing. Our program this year is being coordinated by Suzanne Tennyson. We will follow with the “Second Helpings” tradition of a soup and bread supper for the entire church family.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
November 29 – No Sunday School
December 6 – Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal after worship
December 13 – Christmas Program
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
SPY and PYNGUINS: For those of you not going to iWITNESS, join us for SLEEP OUT SATURDAY: November 7, all night long! Do you need practice being cold? Probably not. But lots of people don’t get that choice because they have no warm homes to be in at night. Sleep Out Saturday is an event sponsored by Bridge Communities to educate us about the homeless. We’ll sleep out on the church lawn in a cardboard city to experience homelessness first hand (sort of). There will also be a rally, games, and lots of fun stuff. Blair’s gonna need a head-count, so let him know that you are planning on it.
Grown-ups: Because there are two youth events November 7 we need some folks to help. Please contact Blair if you can participate in Sleep Out Saturday as chaperone. Also, we need corrugated cardboard for Sleep Out Saturday. Again, contact Blair if you have some to spare, and who doesn’t?
We’re starting a Young Adult Group! Once a month we will meet at Blair’s house for dinner and fellowship the last Wednesday of the month. Our first meeting is Wednesday, October 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please call and let us know if you are coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
On Sunday, November 1, Southminster will celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning worship. Our closing benediction will occur outside in the Memorial Garden. During our Prayers of the People we will give thanks to God for the people who have touched our lives and are no longer present with us except that portion which lives in our hearts and minds. If you have a loved one, a friend or a family member whose death occurred since last All Saints Day and whom you would like mentioned during our All Saints Prayer, please contact the church office by next Wednesday, October 28, giving us their name and date of death. You can help us be as accurate as possible by providing correct spelling and leaving your name and phone number so we can check with you if we have any questions.
The Women’s Circle Used Book Sale will take place after church on November 15 in the narthex. For those donating books, please bring them in after November 1 and put them in the coat closet. We would like to get hard- and soft-cover novels and children’s books – books that you would like to take home and read to yourself or your children. Please, no textbooks. The proceeds will go to the Women’s Circle to support their programs and mission. Linda Ellinghausen and Betsy Rogers are the co-chairs for this event.
At our next Ladies Breakfast on Monday, November 2, we will have a Fall towel (kitchen, etc.) exchange instead of a sock exchange. Please join us at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP at Danada Square East, with or without a towel. Hope to see you there!
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering jars will be dedicated on Sunday, November 15, during the worship service. Please remember to bring your Thank Offering jar on Sunday morning. The Thank Offering gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. But you don’t need to have a Thank Offering jar… or even be a woman… to support an offering that goes to projects such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns. When the invitation is extended to bring the Thank Offering forward, please feel free to “give as you are blessed,” even if it’s simply the loose change in your pocket.
We are in need of a second person to work in the nursery. We are asking you to share this information with anyone you believe is qualified (at least 18 and with some child care training or experience) and who might be interested. The hours for this position are Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon (depending on the need during programs following worship). There may also be occasional other times when this person will be asked, if available, to care for children in the nursery during special church activities. The wage for this position is $10/hour. Please ask anyone who is interested to speak to Laura Baer.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
Dear Friends,
2009 is the 500th birthday of John Calvin! This Sunday is Reformation Sunday, and we will remember the founder of Reformed Christianity and his faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
What do you know about John Calvin? Not much, probably. Unlike Lutherans and Methodists, we Presbyterians shy away from putting our heroes on pedestals. In fact, one of our elders at Southminster told me he was an “old sour puss.” If you look at his pictures you can see her point of view. In order to discourage veneration, he specified that he be buried in Geneva’s common cemetery in an unmarked grave. His house no longer stands, and no one even knows where it was. Anyone spending time in a Presbyterian meeting would not be surprised that he started out life as a lawyer.
There are two things that I would like you to know about John Calvin. One is his idea that we need Holy Spirit glasses when we read scripture. The way he put it is was, “Just as eyes, when dimmed with age or weakness or by some other defect, unless aided by spectacles, discern nothing distinctly; so such is our feebleness, unless Scripture guides us in seeking God, we are immediately confused.” Scripture is important to us because it helps us to live honestly in the world. Scripture helps us to see God truthfully, ourselves honestly, and God’s Way in the world clearly. The other was his personal prayer as request for “an unwavering declaration of surrender to the Lord, whom he sought to love with all his heart, soul, mind and strength.” His seal was a hand holding a heart offered to God.
This Sunday we will be offering our hearts to God as well. During the affirmation of faith we will have an opportunity to place commitment cards in our offering plates. These commitments range from declaring your pledge for 2010 to remembering our church family in prayer. Your commitment is personal and between only you and God. We will also host guests from Ghana Presbytery in Ghana. Join us in the parlor following worship for a chance to hear more about our sisters and brothers in Ghana. What a wonderful opportunity to share our faith with one another. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
Announcements:
If you missed the deadline (yesterday) for the November Dialog, get your information together right now and hit Reply. November and December are very busy times in the life of any church, and our members definitely want to know what’s going on.
We start tonight! A book club, Presbyterian Readers, is forming at our church that will meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the parlor. Tonight is our first get-together; we will discuss what books we have read in the past and what books we will want to read through the month of May. This group is open to all, men and women, members and non-members. If you have any questions please contact Wendy.
Mission is pleased to welcome 2 visitors from the Presbytery of Ghana this Sunday, October 25. They will be participating in worship with Pastor Wendy, as well as giving a short presentation in the parlor following the service. Dr. Quarshie is one of the founders of ACI, the first Presbyterian seminary in Ghana. If you can’t stay and hear their presentation, please stop by the reception in their honor and give our fellow brother- and-sister-in-Christ a warm Southminster welcome! How exciting it is to share our faith with international visitors on the same Sunday Gretchen and Bill are with our sister church in Guanabacoa, Cuba. We are truly “One in the Spirit.”
Adult Education: This Sunday, October 25, we not have our Sunday morning adult class so we can spend time with our guests from Ghana. Neither will there be a class November 15: Blair will be out of town.
Women’s Bible Study is meeting on Sundays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the parlor We are studying “Walking with God” by John Eldredge. Contact Ann Anderson (630) 469-2097 if you are interested in joining.
Christian Ed. Notes:
Tithing Halloween Candy: Parents, please talk to your child/children about contributing a free-will offering (tithe) of their Halloween candy this year to the PRC. If they bring their tithe in on Sunday, November 1, it will be delivered to the PRC that week.
Acolytes: We are still praying to get more children on board who want to be an Acolytes for the remaining year. A schedule will soon be published with each child serving three-four times per year. Please call the church office or email Laura Baer at smpcce@ameritech.net if your child is interested.
Music Ministry: Great singing job by our Pre-K - third graders this past Sunday! This concludes the formal music ministry for the children for 2009, as we now set our sights on the Christmas Program.
On Sunday, November 1, our only third grader, Dakota Dolister will receive her Bible during the Sunday School hour. If you see Dakota (often helping her mom out in the nursery), please congratulate her and let her know that you are praying for her to grow in God’s wisdom and grace.
The November 15 “Second Helpings” will be dedicated to the Christmas Program rehearsal from Pre-K through high school. We will begin directly after worship with selection of parts and rehearsing. Our program this year is being coordinated by Suzanne Tennyson. We will follow with the “Second Helpings” tradition of a soup and bread supper for the entire church family.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
November 29 – No Sunday School
December 6 – Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal after worship
December 13 – Christmas Program
(There will be no “Second Helpings” in December.)
SPY and PYNGUINS: For those of you not going to iWITNESS, join us for SLEEP OUT SATURDAY: November 7, all night long! Do you need practice being cold? Probably not. But lots of people don’t get that choice because they have no warm homes to be in at night. Sleep Out Saturday is an event sponsored by Bridge Communities to educate us about the homeless. We’ll sleep out on the church lawn in a cardboard city to experience homelessness first hand (sort of). There will also be a rally, games, and lots of fun stuff. Blair’s gonna need a head-count, so let him know that you are planning on it.
Grown-ups: Because there are two youth events November 7 we need some folks to help. Please contact Blair if you can participate in Sleep Out Saturday as chaperone. Also, we need corrugated cardboard for Sleep Out Saturday. Again, contact Blair if you have some to spare, and who doesn’t?
We’re starting a Young Adult Group! Once a month we will meet at Blair’s house for dinner and fellowship the last Wednesday of the month. Our first meeting is Wednesday, October 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please call and let us know if you are coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
On Sunday, November 1, Southminster will celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning worship. Our closing benediction will occur outside in the Memorial Garden. During our Prayers of the People we will give thanks to God for the people who have touched our lives and are no longer present with us except that portion which lives in our hearts and minds. If you have a loved one, a friend or a family member whose death occurred since last All Saints Day and whom you would like mentioned during our All Saints Prayer, please contact the church office by next Wednesday, October 28, giving us their name and date of death. You can help us be as accurate as possible by providing correct spelling and leaving your name and phone number so we can check with you if we have any questions.
The Women’s Circle Used Book Sale will take place after church on November 15 in the narthex. For those donating books, please bring them in after November 1 and put them in the coat closet. We would like to get hard- and soft-cover novels and children’s books – books that you would like to take home and read to yourself or your children. Please, no textbooks. The proceeds will go to the Women’s Circle to support their programs and mission. Linda Ellinghausen and Betsy Rogers are the co-chairs for this event.
At our next Ladies Breakfast on Monday, November 2, we will have a Fall towel (kitchen, etc.) exchange instead of a sock exchange. Please join us at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP at Danada Square East, with or without a towel. Hope to see you there!
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering jars will be dedicated on Sunday, November 15, during the worship service. Please remember to bring your Thank Offering jar on Sunday morning. The Thank Offering gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. But you don’t need to have a Thank Offering jar… or even be a woman… to support an offering that goes to projects such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns. When the invitation is extended to bring the Thank Offering forward, please feel free to “give as you are blessed,” even if it’s simply the loose change in your pocket.
We are in need of a second person to work in the nursery. We are asking you to share this information with anyone you believe is qualified (at least 18 and with some child care training or experience) and who might be interested. The hours for this position are Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon (depending on the need during programs following worship). There may also be occasional other times when this person will be asked, if available, to care for children in the nursery during special church activities. The wage for this position is $10/hour. Please ask anyone who is interested to speak to Laura Baer.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 14, 2009
Dear Friends,
Many events in my life have influenced my ideas of Stewardship. Today I would like to share just three:
The first was when I was 19 and in college. That was the seventies. One Sunday morning my mother put a $20 bill in the plate as it was being passed. Today $20 would be worth about $75. I was surprised because my mother is very thrifty. I asked as only a 19 year old could ask, “Are you doing that to get a break on your taxes?” She gave me a withering look and shook her head no. I was surprised, and it caused me to think. I had never given thought to Stewardship before. What does Stewardship mean to you? Is it more than a tax break or a charity donation?
The second event took place about six years later. I was an adult living alone and my church, the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich, Connecticut, was having their Stewardship drive. Each of us was to come in during the weekend and pray about what God was leading us to pledge for the year. At that time I was donating about $35 a month. After praying I raised my pledge to about $75. I wasn’t sure where the money would come from. The following week I got a raise, which was out of season because raises were generally given in July, not November. Stewardship is not about going out on a limb and giving because God will take care of the details, rather Stewardship is about taking the time to think and pray and do what God directs you to do. Do you pray about what God is leading you to give?
The third event took place when my children were small. I wanted to give Blair some peace and quiet on a Sunday afternoon so he could work on his dissertation. I avoid the cold so I had to find a way to get the kids away from home and keep me warm. So during the winter I would take our kids to the movies for a couple of hours. Of course we bought treats to go with the movie. One Sunday morning during Stewardship a lay leader, Tim Teelin, asked how much money we spent going to the movies. I realized that my movie budget was bigger than my God budget. I didn’t like that, so we raised our pledge. Tim made me ask the question, “What place does God have in my budget?”
Stewardship is knowing that all you have comes from the hand of God: our talent, our time, and our money. Stewardship is about asking questions like; “What place does God have in my budget? “God, what would you like me to do with what you have given me?” And “Is my church family more than a tax break or on the level as the other charities we give to?” The message of Stewardship has matured and changed as I have grown in faith. I didn’t “get it” all at once. Stewardship is a faith journey as much as our prayer lives. Please take some time this week and talk to God about where God is leading you. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”
Announcements:
A.M. Women’s Circle will meet this Friday, October 16, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Our speaker will be Pastor Wendy telling us about her medical mission trip to Haiti. All women of the church are invited to attend.
Our Fall Clean-Up Day is this Saturday, October 17. We will work from 8:00 a.m.–noon. Please come when you can and stay as long as you are able. As usual, we have a long and diverse list of projects, inside and out. And you’ll be rewarded with good fellowship, a sense of accomplishment… and refreshments. Come one, come all!
The Lions Club is offering FREE hearing screenings this Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Meadows of Glen Ellyn, 60 Nicoll Avenue.(A mobile hearing bus will be in the parking lot.) If you pass the screening, your hearing is normal; if you fail, you will be encouraged to seek a more thorough evaluation on your own. There are no sales or solicitations of any kind involved, and you don’t have to be a resident of Glen Ellyn to participate.
Parents, please remember that Pre-K through third graders will be singing the Zacchaeus Song (from Luke 19) on Stewardship Sunday, October 18. Please have your child in the sanctuary no later than 9:15 a.m. that morning so they can have one final rehearsal.
We’re including a Harvest Party along with the Second Helpings this Sunday, October 18, for all Sunday School children, Pre-K through middle school. We will begin the program in the sanctuary with Bible teaching with Pastor Wendy and then head down to Fellowship Hall for fun activities and snacks to celebrate the harvest season. Please let us know if you/your child will attend by calling the church office or email to Laura Baer at smpcce@ameritech.net. Adults and high schoolers will have class during the time of the party. Everyone comes together at 11:45 for a light lunch.
What a joyous occasion for Zaccheus, when Jesus joined his family for supper in their home! Not only had Zaccheus heard the good news and dedicated his life to Jesus that day, but he was also privileged to share a meal and enjoy fellowship with his savior. YOU are invited to come to the Lord’s house Sunday for a meal and fellowship - bring your family and a dish to share to Southminster’s Potluck Supper this Sunday, October 18, at 5:30 p.m. If possible, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the narthex, to help us with planning. However, feel free to join us for supper whether or not your have signed up!
Women’s Bible Study will meet this week and on subsequent Sundays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the parlor We are studying “Walking with God” by John Eldredge. Contact Ann Anderson (630)469-2097 if you are interested in joining.
Additional Christian Ed. Notes:
Acolytes: Thank you to the children who attended the training this past Sunday and their parents for getting them here. A schedule will soon be published with each child serving 3-4 four times. Please call the church office or email Laura Baer at smpcce@ameritech.net if you have questions.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
October 18 – Second Helpings/Harvest Party
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
December 6 – Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal after worship
December 13 – Christmas Program
SPY and PYNGUINS: No SNL this Sunday, Oct. 18. Instead, come to the church Potluck. Food is Good!
SPY’ers (high school youth) this is the land of choice, and you have one to make. We have two major events the weekend of Nov. 6-8. You can choose to attend iWitness, the Presbytery Senior High Retreat in Lake Geneva, WI, on Nov. 6-8 or be part of Sleep Out Saturday right here at SPC on Nov. 7. Unfortunately, you cannot be at both, unless you clone yourself now. [So what are you waiting for? Head for the lab now!!] The retreat costs $100. We will leave Friday at 5:00 p.m. and be back Sunday by approx. 1:00 p.m. Details on the Sleep Out will come later, but we will start setting up our cardboard city that Saturday afternoon.
Also, youth and adults, we need lots of cardboard for Sleep Out Saturday. Please start saving now and deliver it to the church on Nov. 7.
Adults: As you can see from my note to the youth, Nov. 6-8 is a very busy weekend for them. We need some help. I will need at least one other adult, a woman, to be a sponsor for the retreat, and we need help with the Sleep Out. The Sleep Out needs people to help set up, chaperones to stay the night, people to cook breakfast in the morning, and some to help clean up. Interested? Contact Blair: smpcyouth@ameritech.net.
We are working on a new schedule for liturgists. If you are interested in assisting in worship by serving as a leader/reader, then consider becoming a liturgist. Please contact Pastor Wendy Boden (630-469-9149 or wboden@ameritech.net) as soon as possible so we can add you to the schedule.
Next Tuesday, October 20, is the deadline for the November Dialog.
A book club, Presbyterian Readers, is forming at our church that will meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the parlor At our first meeting — October 21 — we will discuss what books we have read in the past and what books we will want to read through the month of May. This group is open to all, men and women, members and non-members. If you have any questions please contact Wendy.
On Sunday, November 1, Southminster will celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning worship. Our closing benediction will occur outside in the Memorial Garden. During our Prayers of the People we will give thanks to God for the people who have touched our lives and are no longer present with us except that portion which lives in our hearts and minds. If you have a loved one, a friend or a family member whose death occurred since last All Saints Day and whom you would like mentioned during our All Saints Prayer, please contact the church office by October 28, giving us their name and date of death. You can help us be as accurate as possible by providing correct spelling and leaving your name and phone number so we can check with you if we have any questions.
We’re starting a Young Adult Group! Once a month we will meet at Blair’s house for dinner and fellowship the last Wednesday of the month. Our first meeting is Wednesday, October 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please call and let us know if you are coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
We are in need of a second person to work in the nursery. We are asking you to share this information with anyone you believe is qualified (at least 18 and with some child care training or experience) and who might be interested. The hours for this position are Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon (depending on the need during programs following worship). There may also be occasional other times when this person will be asked, if available, to care for children in the nursery during special church activities. The wage for this position is $10/hour. Please ask anyone who is interested to speak to Laura Baer.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
Many events in my life have influenced my ideas of Stewardship. Today I would like to share just three:
The first was when I was 19 and in college. That was the seventies. One Sunday morning my mother put a $20 bill in the plate as it was being passed. Today $20 would be worth about $75. I was surprised because my mother is very thrifty. I asked as only a 19 year old could ask, “Are you doing that to get a break on your taxes?” She gave me a withering look and shook her head no. I was surprised, and it caused me to think. I had never given thought to Stewardship before. What does Stewardship mean to you? Is it more than a tax break or a charity donation?
The second event took place about six years later. I was an adult living alone and my church, the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich, Connecticut, was having their Stewardship drive. Each of us was to come in during the weekend and pray about what God was leading us to pledge for the year. At that time I was donating about $35 a month. After praying I raised my pledge to about $75. I wasn’t sure where the money would come from. The following week I got a raise, which was out of season because raises were generally given in July, not November. Stewardship is not about going out on a limb and giving because God will take care of the details, rather Stewardship is about taking the time to think and pray and do what God directs you to do. Do you pray about what God is leading you to give?
The third event took place when my children were small. I wanted to give Blair some peace and quiet on a Sunday afternoon so he could work on his dissertation. I avoid the cold so I had to find a way to get the kids away from home and keep me warm. So during the winter I would take our kids to the movies for a couple of hours. Of course we bought treats to go with the movie. One Sunday morning during Stewardship a lay leader, Tim Teelin, asked how much money we spent going to the movies. I realized that my movie budget was bigger than my God budget. I didn’t like that, so we raised our pledge. Tim made me ask the question, “What place does God have in my budget?”
Stewardship is knowing that all you have comes from the hand of God: our talent, our time, and our money. Stewardship is about asking questions like; “What place does God have in my budget? “God, what would you like me to do with what you have given me?” And “Is my church family more than a tax break or on the level as the other charities we give to?” The message of Stewardship has matured and changed as I have grown in faith. I didn’t “get it” all at once. Stewardship is a faith journey as much as our prayer lives. Please take some time this week and talk to God about where God is leading you. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”
Announcements:
A.M. Women’s Circle will meet this Friday, October 16, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Our speaker will be Pastor Wendy telling us about her medical mission trip to Haiti. All women of the church are invited to attend.
Our Fall Clean-Up Day is this Saturday, October 17. We will work from 8:00 a.m.–noon. Please come when you can and stay as long as you are able. As usual, we have a long and diverse list of projects, inside and out. And you’ll be rewarded with good fellowship, a sense of accomplishment… and refreshments. Come one, come all!
The Lions Club is offering FREE hearing screenings this Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Meadows of Glen Ellyn, 60 Nicoll Avenue.(A mobile hearing bus will be in the parking lot.) If you pass the screening, your hearing is normal; if you fail, you will be encouraged to seek a more thorough evaluation on your own. There are no sales or solicitations of any kind involved, and you don’t have to be a resident of Glen Ellyn to participate.
Parents, please remember that Pre-K through third graders will be singing the Zacchaeus Song (from Luke 19) on Stewardship Sunday, October 18. Please have your child in the sanctuary no later than 9:15 a.m. that morning so they can have one final rehearsal.
We’re including a Harvest Party along with the Second Helpings this Sunday, October 18, for all Sunday School children, Pre-K through middle school. We will begin the program in the sanctuary with Bible teaching with Pastor Wendy and then head down to Fellowship Hall for fun activities and snacks to celebrate the harvest season. Please let us know if you/your child will attend by calling the church office or email to Laura Baer at smpcce@ameritech.net. Adults and high schoolers will have class during the time of the party. Everyone comes together at 11:45 for a light lunch.
What a joyous occasion for Zaccheus, when Jesus joined his family for supper in their home! Not only had Zaccheus heard the good news and dedicated his life to Jesus that day, but he was also privileged to share a meal and enjoy fellowship with his savior. YOU are invited to come to the Lord’s house Sunday for a meal and fellowship - bring your family and a dish to share to Southminster’s Potluck Supper this Sunday, October 18, at 5:30 p.m. If possible, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the narthex, to help us with planning. However, feel free to join us for supper whether or not your have signed up!
Women’s Bible Study will meet this week and on subsequent Sundays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the parlor We are studying “Walking with God” by John Eldredge. Contact Ann Anderson (630)469-2097 if you are interested in joining.
Additional Christian Ed. Notes:
Acolytes: Thank you to the children who attended the training this past Sunday and their parents for getting them here. A schedule will soon be published with each child serving 3-4 four times. Please call the church office or email Laura Baer at smpcce@ameritech.net if you have questions.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
October 18 – Second Helpings/Harvest Party
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
December 6 – Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal after worship
December 13 – Christmas Program
SPY and PYNGUINS: No SNL this Sunday, Oct. 18. Instead, come to the church Potluck. Food is Good!
SPY’ers (high school youth) this is the land of choice, and you have one to make. We have two major events the weekend of Nov. 6-8. You can choose to attend iWitness, the Presbytery Senior High Retreat in Lake Geneva, WI, on Nov. 6-8 or be part of Sleep Out Saturday right here at SPC on Nov. 7. Unfortunately, you cannot be at both, unless you clone yourself now. [So what are you waiting for? Head for the lab now!!] The retreat costs $100. We will leave Friday at 5:00 p.m. and be back Sunday by approx. 1:00 p.m. Details on the Sleep Out will come later, but we will start setting up our cardboard city that Saturday afternoon.
Also, youth and adults, we need lots of cardboard for Sleep Out Saturday. Please start saving now and deliver it to the church on Nov. 7.
Adults: As you can see from my note to the youth, Nov. 6-8 is a very busy weekend for them. We need some help. I will need at least one other adult, a woman, to be a sponsor for the retreat, and we need help with the Sleep Out. The Sleep Out needs people to help set up, chaperones to stay the night, people to cook breakfast in the morning, and some to help clean up. Interested? Contact Blair: smpcyouth@ameritech.net.
We are working on a new schedule for liturgists. If you are interested in assisting in worship by serving as a leader/reader, then consider becoming a liturgist. Please contact Pastor Wendy Boden (630-469-9149 or wboden@ameritech.net) as soon as possible so we can add you to the schedule.
Next Tuesday, October 20, is the deadline for the November Dialog.
A book club, Presbyterian Readers, is forming at our church that will meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the parlor At our first meeting — October 21 — we will discuss what books we have read in the past and what books we will want to read through the month of May. This group is open to all, men and women, members and non-members. If you have any questions please contact Wendy.
On Sunday, November 1, Southminster will celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning worship. Our closing benediction will occur outside in the Memorial Garden. During our Prayers of the People we will give thanks to God for the people who have touched our lives and are no longer present with us except that portion which lives in our hearts and minds. If you have a loved one, a friend or a family member whose death occurred since last All Saints Day and whom you would like mentioned during our All Saints Prayer, please contact the church office by October 28, giving us their name and date of death. You can help us be as accurate as possible by providing correct spelling and leaving your name and phone number so we can check with you if we have any questions.
We’re starting a Young Adult Group! Once a month we will meet at Blair’s house for dinner and fellowship the last Wednesday of the month. Our first meeting is Wednesday, October 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please call and let us know if you are coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
We are in need of a second person to work in the nursery. We are asking you to share this information with anyone you believe is qualified (at least 18 and with some child care training or experience) and who might be interested. The hours for this position are Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon (depending on the need during programs following worship). There may also be occasional other times when this person will be asked, if available, to care for children in the nursery during special church activities. The wage for this position is $10/hour. Please ask anyone who is interested to speak to Laura Baer.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
October 7, 2009
Southminster E-Notes for October 7, 2009
Ephesians 5:18b-20
“...but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Dear Friends,
Come on Down and Sing! This Sunday morning you are invited to a prayer meeting. As the angel said, “Fear Not!” No one is asking you to pray out loud; rather you are invited to sing your heart out to God. Hymn singing is a form of prayer. We offer our voices and our hearts to God as we sing. This Sunday we will share in one another’s favorite hymns. We will not only have an opportunity to sing your favorite hymn, you will have the opportunity to sing someone else’s favorite hymn. This Sunday we will be sharing our hearts before God with one another. In a sense you will be given an opportunity to hear intimately how some of your sisters and brothers in Christ relate to God, how they best express in words their love of God. Singing is a significant and intimate form of spirituality. You may not like all the songs, in fact, there are a few I don’t know, but it is an honor and a privilege to get to know one another in such a personal way.
I can tell when my children are happy, because they sing as they go around the house. Many people sing as they go around the house—and elsewhere. I am not saying that the singing is always very good, but it is heartfelt. One of my spiritual disciplines is asking God to put a song in my heart for the day. I sing as I drive to the office. It opens my heart up to God as I greet the day. Sometimes they are “classic” hymns and sometimes they are “spirituals” and sometimes they are “contemporary,” but no matter what I sing, I sing it to God and it begins the day right. Perhaps after this Sunday you can ask God to put a song in your heart. It will change your day and it will change your prayer life. Take it from here! Come on down and sing!
Love, Wendy
Did you know?
... that work continues on a new Presbyterian hymnal? Use this link to read more:
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/pressreleases/ppc09005.htm
Announcements:
Today is the deadline if you wish to purchase a memorial brick in time for installation by All Saints Day. Don’t delay! Call Grace Van Beveren (630-469-6769) for the required form.
Calling All Acolytes: Being an Acolyte is a wonderful way for the children to serve God and the congregation. This fall’s training session will be held in the sanctuary this Sunday, October 11, at 8:45 a.m. Children from the 3rd grade through middle school are eligible to attend this event. We will wrap up the training with a light breakfast of donuts and juice. If your child is interested in serving please call Laura Baer 630-469-9149 or email at smpcce@ameritech.net.
Nursery Relocation this Sunday: Please be aware that due to recent heating issues in the building, on Sunday, October 11, the nursery will be held downstairs in Fellowship Hall (although separate from the Sunday School classes).
A special meeting of the session has been called for this Sunday, October 11, at 10:45 a.m. in the parlor. The two items of business for this meeting are the repair/replacement of the furnaces, and the support of the Lakeshore Christian Camping organization.
There will be no Adult Ed. Bible Study class this coming Sunday, October 11. Blair will be preaching at the Convalescent Center that morning.
More Christian Ed. Notes:
Parents, please remember that Pre-K through third graders will be singing the Zacchaeus Song (from Luke 19) on Stewardship Sunday, October 18. Please have your child in the sanctuary no later than 9:10 a.m. on the 18th so they can have one final rehearsal.
October Second Helpings/Harvest Party: October will be an especially exciting month as we include a Harvest Party along with the Second Helpings on October 18, for all Sunday School children, Pre-K through middle school. We will begin the program in the sanctuary with Bible teaching with Pastor Wendy and then head down to Fellowship Hall for fun activities and snacks to celebrate the harvest season. Please let us know if you/your child will attend by calling the church office or email to Laura Baer at smpcce@ameritech.net.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
October 11 – Acolyte Training, 8:45 a.m.
October 18 – Second Helpings/Harvest Party
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
December 6 – Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal after worship
We are in need of a second person to work in the nursery. We are asking you to share this information with anyone you believe is qualified (at least 18 and with some child care training or experience) and who might be interested. The hours for this position are Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon (depending on the need during programs following worship). There may also be occasional other times when this person will be asked, if available, to care for children in the nursery during special church activities. The wage for this position is $10/hour. Please ask anyone who is interested to speak to Laura Baer.
Our Fall Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 17. We will work from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Any time that folks can contribute is appreciated! Please come when you can, and plan to stay as long as you like. As usual, we have a long and diverse list of projects, inside and out. And you’ll be rewarded with good fellowship, a sense of accomplishment... and refreshments. Come one, come all!
You there... Come on down for a Potluck Supper! Join us Sunday, October 18, at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring a dish to pass (Make it yourself or pick up something at the store.), and bring yourself and your family. Plan to have a fun time! See the sign-up poster in the narthex. You don’t need to sign up to come, but doing so helps with the planning.
We will soon make a new schedule for liturgists. If you are interested in assisting in worship by serving as a leader/reader, then consider becoming a liturgist. Please contact Pastor Wendy Boden (630-469-9149 or wboden@ameritech.net) as soon as possible so we can add you to the schedule.
A book club, Presbyterian Readers, is forming at our church that will meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the parlor At our first meeting — October 21 — we will discuss what books we have read in the past and what books we will want to read through the month of May. This group is open to all, men and women, members and non-members. If you have any questions please contact Wendy.
On Sunday, November 1, Southminster will celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning worship. Our closing benediction will occur outside in the Memorial Garden. During our Prayers of the People we will give thanks to God for the people who have touched our lives and are no longer present with us except that portion which lives in our hearts and minds. If you have a loved one, a friend or a family member whose death occurred since last All Saints Day and whom you would like mentioned during our All Saints Prayer, please contact the church office by October 28, giving us their name and date of death. You can help us be as accurate as possible by providing correct spelling and leaving your name and phone number so we can check with you if we have any questions.
We’re starting a Young Adult Group! Once a month we will meet at Blair’s house for dinner and fellowship the last Wednesday of the month. Our first meeting is Wednesday, October 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please call and let us know if you are coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
Ephesians 5:18b-20
“...but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Dear Friends,
Come on Down and Sing! This Sunday morning you are invited to a prayer meeting. As the angel said, “Fear Not!” No one is asking you to pray out loud; rather you are invited to sing your heart out to God. Hymn singing is a form of prayer. We offer our voices and our hearts to God as we sing. This Sunday we will share in one another’s favorite hymns. We will not only have an opportunity to sing your favorite hymn, you will have the opportunity to sing someone else’s favorite hymn. This Sunday we will be sharing our hearts before God with one another. In a sense you will be given an opportunity to hear intimately how some of your sisters and brothers in Christ relate to God, how they best express in words their love of God. Singing is a significant and intimate form of spirituality. You may not like all the songs, in fact, there are a few I don’t know, but it is an honor and a privilege to get to know one another in such a personal way.
I can tell when my children are happy, because they sing as they go around the house. Many people sing as they go around the house—and elsewhere. I am not saying that the singing is always very good, but it is heartfelt. One of my spiritual disciplines is asking God to put a song in my heart for the day. I sing as I drive to the office. It opens my heart up to God as I greet the day. Sometimes they are “classic” hymns and sometimes they are “spirituals” and sometimes they are “contemporary,” but no matter what I sing, I sing it to God and it begins the day right. Perhaps after this Sunday you can ask God to put a song in your heart. It will change your day and it will change your prayer life. Take it from here! Come on down and sing!
Love, Wendy
Did you know?
... that work continues on a new Presbyterian hymnal? Use this link to read more:
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/pressreleases/ppc09005.htm
Announcements:
Today is the deadline if you wish to purchase a memorial brick in time for installation by All Saints Day. Don’t delay! Call Grace Van Beveren (630-469-6769) for the required form.
Calling All Acolytes: Being an Acolyte is a wonderful way for the children to serve God and the congregation. This fall’s training session will be held in the sanctuary this Sunday, October 11, at 8:45 a.m. Children from the 3rd grade through middle school are eligible to attend this event. We will wrap up the training with a light breakfast of donuts and juice. If your child is interested in serving please call Laura Baer 630-469-9149 or email at smpcce@ameritech.net.
Nursery Relocation this Sunday: Please be aware that due to recent heating issues in the building, on Sunday, October 11, the nursery will be held downstairs in Fellowship Hall (although separate from the Sunday School classes).
A special meeting of the session has been called for this Sunday, October 11, at 10:45 a.m. in the parlor. The two items of business for this meeting are the repair/replacement of the furnaces, and the support of the Lakeshore Christian Camping organization.
There will be no Adult Ed. Bible Study class this coming Sunday, October 11. Blair will be preaching at the Convalescent Center that morning.
More Christian Ed. Notes:
Parents, please remember that Pre-K through third graders will be singing the Zacchaeus Song (from Luke 19) on Stewardship Sunday, October 18. Please have your child in the sanctuary no later than 9:10 a.m. on the 18th so they can have one final rehearsal.
October Second Helpings/Harvest Party: October will be an especially exciting month as we include a Harvest Party along with the Second Helpings on October 18, for all Sunday School children, Pre-K through middle school. We will begin the program in the sanctuary with Bible teaching with Pastor Wendy and then head down to Fellowship Hall for fun activities and snacks to celebrate the harvest season. Please let us know if you/your child will attend by calling the church office or email to Laura Baer at smpcce@ameritech.net.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
October 11 – Acolyte Training, 8:45 a.m.
October 18 – Second Helpings/Harvest Party
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
December 6 – Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal after worship
We are in need of a second person to work in the nursery. We are asking you to share this information with anyone you believe is qualified (at least 18 and with some child care training or experience) and who might be interested. The hours for this position are Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon (depending on the need during programs following worship). There may also be occasional other times when this person will be asked, if available, to care for children in the nursery during special church activities. The wage for this position is $10/hour. Please ask anyone who is interested to speak to Laura Baer.
Our Fall Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 17. We will work from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Any time that folks can contribute is appreciated! Please come when you can, and plan to stay as long as you like. As usual, we have a long and diverse list of projects, inside and out. And you’ll be rewarded with good fellowship, a sense of accomplishment... and refreshments. Come one, come all!
You there... Come on down for a Potluck Supper! Join us Sunday, October 18, at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring a dish to pass (Make it yourself or pick up something at the store.), and bring yourself and your family. Plan to have a fun time! See the sign-up poster in the narthex. You don’t need to sign up to come, but doing so helps with the planning.
We will soon make a new schedule for liturgists. If you are interested in assisting in worship by serving as a leader/reader, then consider becoming a liturgist. Please contact Pastor Wendy Boden (630-469-9149 or wboden@ameritech.net) as soon as possible so we can add you to the schedule.
A book club, Presbyterian Readers, is forming at our church that will meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the parlor At our first meeting — October 21 — we will discuss what books we have read in the past and what books we will want to read through the month of May. This group is open to all, men and women, members and non-members. If you have any questions please contact Wendy.
On Sunday, November 1, Southminster will celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning worship. Our closing benediction will occur outside in the Memorial Garden. During our Prayers of the People we will give thanks to God for the people who have touched our lives and are no longer present with us except that portion which lives in our hearts and minds. If you have a loved one, a friend or a family member whose death occurred since last All Saints Day and whom you would like mentioned during our All Saints Prayer, please contact the church office by October 28, giving us their name and date of death. You can help us be as accurate as possible by providing correct spelling and leaving your name and phone number so we can check with you if we have any questions.
We’re starting a Young Adult Group! Once a month we will meet at Blair’s house for dinner and fellowship the last Wednesday of the month. Our first meeting is Wednesday, October 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please call and let us know if you are coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
Southminster’s fourth annual Art Show is coming up! We’re looking for artists from our congregation who would like to share their work in our gallery from November 15, 2009 to January 18, 2010. Holiday hangings would be nice, but any work you are proud of would be fine: stitchery, painting, quilting, glass, photography, or whatever form of art you do. Items must be able to hang on our walls, and we’d like to ask that there be no repeats from last year. Contact Linda Ellinghausen (630-469-9039) or sign up in the narthex.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
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