Dear Friends,
I will be having my last week of “staycation” this week. I will be spending the time getting the kids ready for school, and on Friday I will be flying out to Virginia Beach to officiate at a friend’s wedding. (For pastoral care arrangements while I am gone, see paragraph following Deacon Care Notes.)
Some people get anxious when school starts, even if they have been out of school for years. I suppose after all those years spent getting ready, it’s hard to reset your internal clock. The church is the same way in many ways. During the summer people come and go and vacation, the programming of the church is a bit different, the choir takes a break, and we are blessed with anthems on a more personal level.
But now we are getting back in gear. Christian Education is planning a BBQ for September 13, and we will be in full swing with new plans and a new program year. The Youth Program is planning a new format. Christian Education is planning “Second Helpings.” It will be the third Sunday of each month. In September it will be September 20 and we will finish May 16.
“Second Helpings” is an extra serving of Christian Education for the whole Church family. This event is intended to serve the entire congregation by offering Bible study and fellowship to all ages and, consequently, serve a number of educational purposes:
The first purpose would be a means of supplementing the Sunday school classes for the children with objectives such as learning the books of the Bible, exploring the Reformed faith, and understanding the sacraments.
Second, this monthly event would give parents an opportunity to get involved in a Bible study without having to make arrangements for child care. (In addition to programming for children, childcare would also be made available for infants and toddlers, as is currently offered during adult Bible study.) Even if they can’t attend other Sundays, during “Second Helpings” parents can join the adult class offered in the parlor each week.
Last, we have become aware that it is difficult for families to make practices for special worship services such as the Christmas program and Youth Sunday. Time would be made to practice for these upcoming special worship services.
“Second Helpings” will end with a light lunch, allowing us additional time to share our learning experiences and fellowship. We hope to have you heading home about 12:15.
Please be in prayer and consider joining with us about this exciting opportunity. We are open to suggestions for “Second Helpings” and would appreciate a response on your interest as a family as well as the timing of the event. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
Announcements:
What is Going on This Fall in Christian Ed?:
Never Stop Climbing! Building our lives on Christ and his Word. (Matthew 7:24-27) This year is going to be a truly exciting one in Christian Education. We will be climbing together to learn and apply the Word of God. There is virtually something for everyone. Here is a line-up beginning this fall:
1. Fall Kick-off for Education! Not just for Sunday School families! Come meet and greet our Adult Ed, Music Ministry, 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, talk about plans for the upcoming year, and view our Sunday School curriculum. We will have a barbeque with hot dogs and burgers on the grounds outside Fellowship Hall directly afterwards, so bring your appetite. You are also encouraged—children as well as adults—to bring a friend to this event. Please sign up on the Christian Ed. bulletin board so we can make sure we have enough hot dogs and burgers for everyone. (And High Schoolers – there is going to be a class for you this year, led by Pastor Wendy following Sunday worship. Plan to meet her in her office on Sept. 13 after you’ve had some BBQ foods to discuss the plans for the year.)
2. “Second Helpings!” Please join us for “Second Helpings”—our first all-church, fall event, on September 20, from 11:00 a.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. Remaining fall dates for “Second Helpings:” October 18 and November 15.
3. Music Ministry! Beginning September 20, preschool through third grade children will begin music lessons with Darlene Crilly directly after the Children’s Moment in Fellowship Hall.
Sunday School Curriculum: We will again be using Cokesbury’s “Rock Solid” curriculum for Sunday School. This is a comprehensive overview of the Bible for preschool through older elementary children, covering the major stories of the Bible over a three-year period. The outline of Bible stories follows the church year, so the children experience stories of Christmas, Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost. For Tweens (Middle School): Rock Solid speaks to them in language they can relate to and outlines the entire Bible in a scope of two 1-year surveys. The second year builds upon the first, providing greater insight and perspective into the Bible’s big picture.
Child Protection Policy Training: We will offer training on Thursday, September 24, 7:00-9:00 p.m. on our Child Protection Policy for Youth and Children ministry staff and volunteers. If you plan to attend, please contact Laura Baer 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.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? We will hold a 3-session New Member Class on Sunday mornings, September 13, 20, and 27, from 8:30-9:15 a.m. If you are interested in attending, please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
“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 remaining schedule is: 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.
