Dear Friends,
There is an old joke told about a pastor trying to rid the church of an infestation of squirrels. After much reflection, the pastor baptized and confirmed the squirrels and they were never seen at the church again. Do you know why this is funny? It is funny because it can be all too true. The intention of confirmation is not to graduate from Sunday School or Worship. The intention of confirmation is for young people in our congregation to confirm the vows made on their behalf at baptism and to accept the rights and responsibilities of full adult membership in our church family. This class of confirmands has not only studied the Christian faith, they have been taught about participating in the life of faith we have here at Southminster. Most of them have made a commitment to serving on committees or ministries of Southminster. They will need your help to stay active. Though they are adult members, they are not yet fully adults. As they serve, please remember that they are new at this. Though they have grown up in church, they may not know how to be the church unless we continue to show and teach them. This is not always easy.
Do you remember when you first learned to drive? I got lost several times because the view from the passenger’s seat is very different than from the driver’s seat. I literally didn’t know where I was going at times, and it was all so new. Perhaps you were a better beginning driver than I was, but our Toyota Corolla had many dinks from my first year at the wheel. My mother would sit and cringe, hugging the passenger side of the door as I drove. It might have been easier if she had done the driving herself, but otherwise how would I have learned?
“Being the Church” is much the same. It may be easier if we just did it ourselves, but how are young people going to learn unless we invite them along on our journey?
We are deeply blessed by the mentors of this confirmation class, who not only committed to walk through the season of confirmation with our youth, they have committed for the long haul. Their relationship with the confirmands will continue on into the future. Confirmation is not just for our young people; it is a witness and an invitation into the full of community at Southminster, to be the Church together. Take it from here,
Love, Wendy
P.S. None of us graduate from church until we are at home with God.
2 Timothy 3:14-17:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man or woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Did you know...?
A Presbyterian, Fred Kearney, invented Cool Whip. Many people make that claim to fame, but while working at General Foods the team of inventors working on the prototype referred to it as “Fred.” Enjoy your summer whipped toppings.
Announcements
Our annual Spring Clean-Up Day is this Saturday, May 30, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Come one, come all, and 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.
Preschool through second graders are singing in worship this coming Sunday, May 31, for Pentecost/Confirmation Sunday. Please have your child/children in the sanctuary by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday for one last practice.
This Sunday is also confirmation. The Confirmation Class is asked to meet in the parlor at 9:00 a.m. to set up and go over the ceremony.
The Deacons would like to offer Valet Parking year round. Would you be willing to help? Please sign up at the bulletin board at the entrance of the church. We ask that those of us who are more able bodied please park at the back of the lot, leaving room for those who would be blessed by parking closer. By the way, have you noticed the parking spots at the south end of the lot that are striped as if no parking is allowed? The striping was a mistake; those places may be used.
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.
Offer good only until the end of the month: Multiply 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.
The Fellowship committee would like to have a “Summertime Progressive Dinner” event, and they are requesting feedback from the congregation to find out if there is enough interest to go ahead with definite plans. If you want fun and good food and have a desire to attend, please let us know by signing the Progressive Dinner Questionnaire in the narthex. Thank you.
Women’s Breakfast meets the first Monday of the month – that’s this coming Monday, June 1 - at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada East. New friends are always welcome!
From Christian Ed.:
Summer Sunday Fun! Summer Sunday School begins June 14 for preschool through fifth grade. Middle schoolers are welcome to assist teachers by helping with games and activities during Sunday school. Otherwise, they can remain in worship with their parents.
We are still looking for teachers and helpers for summer Sunday school. If you are interested in teaching a lesson or two or helping with games or activities, please contact Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or smpcce@ameritech.net, or see the sign-up sheet on the Christian Ed bulletin board.
VBS registration begins in early June! See our website for details (click here) or call the church office for information. Be sure to tell your friends and family about this year’s exciting program, Crocodile Dock! Don’t wait till the last minute to sign on for this week of fun.
Items Needed: If you come across the following items during spring cleaning, we could use it for our VBS bayou theme: 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 donations.
SKADOOSH Update: Our program year is winding down, so SKADOOSH will be published only as needed during the next few months. Look for special editions for special events.
Pennies 4 PADS: Our children are still trying to collect a mile’s worth of pennies (84,480) to donate to our PADS mission. We’re about three-fourths of the way there! 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: Isaiah 11:1-9; 1 Corinthians 2:1-13; John 14:21-29. Join us and we’ll learn together. –Blair
Family Camp Fun! Want to make this summer a memorable one with filled with worship, community and fun? The Presbyterian camp at Saugatuck, MI is close to home and offers all this, and more. The Family Week Camp, July 12-17, is filling up quickly, but there are some spots still available. Can’t fit an entire week into the family’s schedule? Check out the Family Camp Kick-off the Week, August 1-4, or the Family Camp Short Week, August 4-7. Call 1-800-728-1164 for more information or visit prescamps.org/retreats and register online.
Please join Lew Garrison, Donna Marton and the Southminster Team for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Winfield on June 12, at Glenbard South H.S. Come walk the track to honor those who have had cancer or to show your support for those who have battled and survived. If you are a survivor, come at 5:15 p.m. to register and be served a dinner. The ceremony kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with the survivors doing the first lap. Food, activities, music, and family fun are planned. Sign up sheets, survivor sheets, and forms for the purchase of luminaries are in the narthex. Help us fight back against cancer by joining us on June 12.
Today! Share the gift of life and receive a special Oberweis gift card (worth $11)! 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.
