Isaiah 55: 12-13:
“So you’ll go out in joy,
you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.
The mountains and hills will lead the parade,
bursting with song.
All the trees of the forest will join the procession,
exuberant with applause.
No more thistles, but giant sequoias,
no more thorn bushes, but stately pines—
Monuments to me, to God,
living and lasting evidence of God.”
Dear Friends,
“The hills are alive with the sound of music!” Do you remember the splendor of the opening scene for the film “Sound of Music”? I do. I was only seven. I remember the beauty of the sky, the mountains, the meadow, and Julie Andrews’ exquisite voice. She had to sing because of the beauty God’s creation around her. Song is a gift from God. Sometimes, our hearts are so full, just saying the words fails to express what is in our hearts, whether it is joy or sadness.
I am so very grateful to our musicians this summer who have given us the gift of music, whether with voice or with instruments. This Sunday, August 23, we have a special offering to God and a gift to us. The sermon will be in the form of songs sung, not by me, but by “The Messengers.” The Messengers formed as a group in 1983 to sing at an ecumenical Good Friday service. They got together to perform one song, one time. But 25 years, a dozen albums, and countless concerts later, The Messengers continue to inspire with a mixture of styles, mostly gospel music. They are friends of mine and have offered to give us this as a free gift to our congregation.
They have toured Wisconsin and as far as Washington, D.C., where thieves relieved the group of its sound equipment at the outset of a regional tour. Venues have ranged from a Milwaukee Hilton to nursing homes. The Messengers have played for crowds in the hundreds at a July Fourth celebration and at an elementary school. It is their desire to be Messengers of the good news of Jesus Christ. This is an opportunity for you to invite friends who are looking for a church home to come and visit. Session has given approval for them to sell their CD during fellowship.
As the prophet Isaiah wrote, God’s joy sometimes goes beyond the bounds of humanity and causes even creation to burst into song as well. Please join us. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
Announcements:
The September Dialog deadline is upon us―tomorrow. The September issue is always jam-packed with start-of-the-year information, so please be sure to get your articles and calendar items turned in quickly.
The installation of the new carpet in the main office, Christian Ed. office, choir room, and nursery will take longer than originally planned; the removal of the old carpet begins Thursday around noon and the installation will continue on Friday. If you call the church office during that time, there’s a chance you may not get either a live person or the answering machine. We ask your patience (and maybe a few prayers) while we go through this process.
Hear The Message with The Messengers! This Sunday, August 23, The Messengers, a musical outreach ministry, will bring its special blend of gospel music to our worship service. (See Wendy’s message above.)
Notes from Christian Ed.:
Teachers’ Meeting - Reminder for fall teachers and subs: We have our first meeting on Sunday, August 23 at 8:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall to discuss the upcoming school year.
Fall Kick-off for Education! Come meet and greet our Adult Ed and Sunday School teachers after Fellowship on Sunday, September 13. This is a great opportunity to get to know our dedicated group of teachers on a more informal basis and talk about plans for the upcoming year. We will have a barbeque outside of Fellowship Hall directly afterwards, so bring your appetite. Please sign-up on the Christian Ed bulletin if you plan to attend!
“Second Helpings:” Please join us for “Second Helpings” on September 20, from 11:00a.m. until noon. Adult Bible class and High School classes will meet, as Sunday school-aged children will get a “second helping” of Christian education and nurture. Fellowship continues as everyone shares a light lunch afterwards. Consecutive dates for “Second Helpings”: October 18 and November 15.
Child Protection Policy Training: We will offer training on Thursday, September 24, 7:00-9:00 p.m. on our Child Protection Policy. This training is for staff and all regular volunteers who work with youth and children’s ministries and special events such as VBS, SNL, mission trips, etc. Please contact Laura Baer if you plan to attend at 630-469-9149 or email at smpcce@ameritech.net.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
August 30 - Bible story by Jim Shiflett (during Sunday School)
September 6 - Last day of summer Sunday School
September 13 - Fall Kick-off. Please encourage your child/children to bring friends.
September 20 - Second Helpings event/start of Adult Lectionary Bible Study class
September 24 – Child Protection Training
Presenting the PYNGUINS! Middle schoolers, this year you get your very own youth group! High school and middle schoolers, stay tuned for information on this fall’s SPY and PYNGUINS programs. Mark your calendars: it all begins Sept. 20. PYNGUINS (middle schoolers) will meet Sundays, 6:00-7:30 p.m., and SPY (high schoolers) will meet from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Both groups will be together from 7:00-7:30 for a time of music and spiritual stuff. Have a great start of the school year, and get set for our kick-off on September 20. -Blair
“Sing to the Lord a new song!” If you are searching for a new ministry to become involved in at Southminster, and can carry a tune, then the Choir just might be the right place for you. We are saving a chair for you in the sanctuary! Come fill our space with joyful song! The first choir rehearsal will take place on Thursday evening, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room followed by food and fellowship. Welcome back to all returning members, and we welcome and are in need of some new talent in each section of the choir. High School age students are also invited to join. For more information, please contact Darlene Crilly, our Music Director.
The Alzheimer’s Project, a documentary produced by HBO, will be presented free of charge at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 22W415 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn, on three consecutive Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The schedule will be: August 20: “The Memory Loss Tapes;” August 27: “Momentum in Science;” and September 3: “Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?” and “Caregivers.” Reserve your space by calling Kathi or John at 630-681-1234 four days prior to each event.
