Dear Friends,
May is a sneaky month. While clearly September is busy, with the start of school and getting back into the groove of things, the month of May deceives us. May promises us spring flowers and warm and sunny days when in fact, the month of May is very, very busy. Schools and groups have end-of-the-year programs; concerts, recitals, plays, luncheons, and parties before we go our separate ways for summer. I am sure you can add a few items from your calendar to the list. Do you ever wish or dream to have time to pause, however briefly?
The church has a gift for you, a gift of pausing briefly. Tomorrow, Thursday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m. Southminster is having a Taize worship service celebrating the Ascension of Jesus Christ to Heaven. Time pauses in a Taize worship service and gives the participants a refreshing gift of renewal. Taize worship uses beautiful chants and instrumental music, scripture, and silence to help us come near to God. In a busy world it gives us a time to pause and remember what God has given us in Jesus Christ.
The Christian Church has a calendar as well; we keep time in a different way than the rest of the world. We celebrate the great events of Christ’s life and the Sprit’s work within us. Ascension is the bridge between the joy of the resurrection at Easter and Pentecost, living life in the power of Spirit. On Ascension we remember the gifts and blessings that Christ has poured out on his people. Christ is enthroned. Not only does scripture speak of the ascension, but the creeds and confessions of our Presbyterian tradition do as well. As early as the 300’s the Ascension has been a time to pause and reflect on the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Both the Nicene Creed and Apostles’ Creed state “...He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the father.” In terms of belief, the ascension implies Jesus’ humanity is fully taken into Heaven. Christ, our judge intercedes for us. It reminds me of the passage from Romans 8:
31What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Come this Thursday, rest, pause as you worship God, knowing that in Jesus Christ, God has poured upon you Grace upon Grace. When times are busy, when the pace is rushed, it is good to stop, take a breath, and remember that you are in the hands of a loving God. Take it from here,
Love, Wendy
Did you know...?
Dr. James Naismith, inventor of basketball, was a Presbyterian. When he applied at the Springfield (Massachusetts) YMCA in May 1889, he was asked, “What is the work of a YMCA Physical Director?” He answered, “To win men for the Master through the gym.”
Announcements
TODAY is the deadline for the June Dialog. It’s a short month, between the Memorial Day holiday and the way the weekends fall, so if items aren’t turned in on time, they may not be published. And don’t forget that we want to list those graduating from high school or college this spring. Please give us the student’s name, school, degree (for college grads), and future plans.
Special Worship Service: Ascension of the Lord—May 21
We will have a worship service tomorrow (Thursday, May 21) at 7:00 p.m. in observance of Ascension Day. The service will include elements of Taizé worship (similar to what we did on Ash Wednesday). We invite you to join us for this special service. (See Wendy’s invitation in her message above.)
S.O.L.A.C.E. is having a breakfast reception with Pastor Wendy as our guest this Friday, May 22, at 10:00 a.m. S.O.L.A.C.E. means Sharing Our Love and Concern Effectively. The group was started in 1996 to support the widowed and to provide a social atmosphere. This reception is not limited to the widowed; we are also reaching out to anyone who needs to experience a friendly relationship with others. Contact Pat Petersen (630-690-1434) if you plan to attend.
This Sunday - the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend - we will remember those among us who have served in the armed forces. We don’t know the name of everyone who has served, and we don’t want to miss anyone. Please let the office know by email or phone no later than Thursday (May 21) if you have served in the armed forces. We are also looking for mementos such as letters, diaries, or even clothing. We would like to display these items on the Lord’s Table as demonstration of our lives as a gift to God.
The liturgical color for the Day of Pentecost – the birthday of the church – is red. We will decorate our sanctuary on Pentecost (Sunday, May 31) with red geraniums. The plants for $11.00 apiece and will look great transplanted to your garden after they’ve been seen here. Please sign up in the narthex by this Sunday, May 24.
Double your giving power with “Gifts Grow!” During the month of May please prayerfully consider donating to Gifts Grow so that others may know God’s love through your donation. The Mission Committee will match your gifts up to a collective amount of $3000. There is detailed information in the May Dialog (click here to view) and in the bright green bulletin inserts we’ve used on Sunday mornings. Extra envelopes and the green information sheets can be found on the nametag shelf in the main hall and in the narthex. Be sure to see how our gifts are growing by checking the display above the narthex windows.
Homelessness and Hunger don’t take a summer vacation! Southminster will be providing meals for PADS the second Saturday of June, July, and August. Sign-up sheets for June 13-14 meals are located on the shelf under the Mission bulletin board in the narthex. Please sign up for what you would like to provide. Any questions? Contact Chris Kozich, Caroline Linde, or Pat Wiedner.
From Christian Ed.:
Music is Worship! Preschool through second graders will have one last “performance” until the next school year. They will sing on May 31, Pentecost/Confirmation. Please have your child/children in the sanctuary by 9:00 a.m. on the 31st for one last practice.
This was an exciting year in Christian Education from Sunday School to various special programs. Please take a moment or two to browse the Christian Ed. bulletin board to see some snapshots taken throughout the year.
We are looking for teachers and helpers for summer Sunday School, which begins June 14. If you are interested in teaching for part of the summer, for just a week or two or helping with snacks or activities, please contact Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or smpcce@ameritech.net.
Our VBS 2009 theme is “Crocodile Dock!” Got stuff tucked away that might fit in with our VBS theme? If you come across the following items, we could use it for VBS: Spanish moss, inflatable alligators (yes, really!), rope lights, green and blue material, fishing nets or other fishing equipment, bug catchers, lanterns, crates, greenery. We are also in need of refrigerator boxes or boxes which are similar in size for games. Please contact Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or at smpcce@ameritech.net with any donations.
Pennies 4 PADS: Our children are attempting to collect a mile’s worth of pennies (84,480) to donate to our PADS mission. We collected 562 last week to bring our total to 61,655 or 73%. Please keep bringing in your extra pennies; there is a collection box in the narthex.
Our Adult Education class will continue the lectionary-based Bible study this Sunday with the following passages: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19. Join us and we’ll learn together. –Blair
This Sunday, May 24, is Presbyterian Heritage Sunday. Visit the Web site of the Presbyterian Historical Society, www.history.pcusa.org/cong/ heritage.html, for resources to help celebrate your Presbyterian heritage.
Come one, come all! Put this on your calendar: the annual Spring Clean-Up Day on Saturday, May 30, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Come join us for all or part of the morning. We’ll have a long list of outside and inside projects waiting for volunteers—no matter your age or skill level, there’s always a way you can help. We’ll provide tools (though you’re welcome to bring your own), refreshments, and good cheer —in abundance. And you’ll feel great to be part of the effort to keep our church in top shape.
Share the gift of life and receive a special Oberweis gift card! Glen Ellyn Community Blood Drive, Wednesday, May 27, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at B.R. Ryall YMCA (1/2 block north of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Lambert Road – just under the Glen Ellyn water tower). Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. You must provide photo I.D. Sign up with Heartland Blood Centers: online at www.heartlandbc.org or contact Karen at 708-342-9773 or kschwarz@heartlandbc.org.
