Dear Friends,
Ash Wednesday is today! Please join us for either or both the soup/chili supper (6:30 p.m.) and the Taize Worship Service with imposition of Ashes (7:15 p.m.).
John Calvin didn’t believe in observing lent, much less Ash Wednesday. Does that surprise you? It is not surprising given that he was so close to the issues of the reformation. The Christian calendar in the “ol’ days” for Presbyterians was simply Easter and Christmas, with the lavishness of Christmas viewed as something questionable.
What a difference 500 years makes! Back in the 1970’s the Presbyterian Church moved toward a more gracious attitude toward the observance of lent and other customs liturgical, as well as other Christian traditions. Our observance of lent is just a little different way from the way some other Christian traditions practice lent. Presbyterian Christians are more apt to take something on rather than give something up. We focus more on our walk with Christ and our baptismal promises rather than the sufferings of Christ. For us, it is more about getting closer to God rather than acts of penance. As for me, each of us is unique in how we relate to God, and one person’s spiritual practice is another person’s distraction. The point is to focus on God and not get distracted from our relationship with our Lord.
What comes to mind when thinking of Lent is “Be Still and Know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) If giving up chocolate for lent will help you know God better, good. If fasting from surfing the net will help you know God better, good. If making time to read scripture or a spiritual book will help you know God better, good.
Southminster is offering a few opportunities to not only get to knew God better, but grow closer to one another as well. Each week we will have a bulletin insert that you can take home with you for prayer and reflection during the week. There will be one scripture reading: a greeting from one of Paul’s epistles. It will also list ministries of this congregation, asking you to remember them in prayer. It wasn’t until I went to Cuba that noticed in a new way just how important church relationships are. You probably remember the saying that the cross not only goes up to God, it goes out to people. Reflecting and praying for our ministries may be one way to embrace our sisters and brothers in faith.
Another opportunity to grow closer to God and one another is sharing in GIFT, (Growing in Faith Together). Each Wednesday evening in March we will meet at 6:30 for a simple supper, then worship, and then dessert. The Rev. Jim Shiflett and Linnea Holman will help us with their theater storytelling gifts as we reflect on parables during our worship time. We plan to be done by 7:45. Everyone is welcome for some or part of GIFT, even kids in p.j.s! This is based on Acts 2:42 - “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Whatever you do in observance of Lent, may you grow closer to Christ and to one another. Take it from here,
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Today is ASH WEDNESDAY. Join us for a simple SOUP AND CHILI SUPPER at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. We will have a Taize WORSHIP SERVICE at 7:15 p.m. in the sanctuary including the imposition of ashes. (Choir rehearsal follows the service.)
PRESBYTERIAN READERS will meet a week later than usual, to allow everyone to attend the Ash Wednesday service. Join us Wednesday, February 24, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the parlor. Everyone is welcome, and you may invite friends from outside of church. Our book for February is “Life of Pi,” a fantasy adventure novel written by Canadian author Yann Martel. The story was inspired by Martel’s childhood friend Eleanor and her adventures in India.
WOMEN’S CIRCLE: All women of Southminster are invited to attend Women’s Circle this Friday, February 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. We’ve had a change in the program from what was previously announced; Chris Kozich has kindly agreed to speak on her profession as an attorney.
Reminder: The DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH DIALOG is this Saturday, February 20.
PRESBYTERY was postponed until Saturday, Feb. 20, at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church. Pre-Presbytery business will begin at 9:00 a.m.; Assembly begins at 11:00 a.m.
“SECOND HELPINGS” this Sunday! See the paragraph under CHRISTIAN ED. below.
JUBILEE CELEBRATION 2011! Southminster will be 50 years old on March 5, 2011. Plans are underway for a year of celebration beginning on New Year’s Day 2011.
The 50th Anniversary Planning Team needs your input and help - whether you have been a member or friend of Southminster for 50 years or 50 days. There are opportunities for long-term assistance on the Planning Team itself, or short-term commitment to plan one of the monthly anniversary activities or help with a single event.
If you are interested in joining the 50th Anniversary Planning Team or if you would like to assist with a particular celebration event, please contact Sue Clary (630-790-1109, or sueclary@sbcglobal.net ) or Pat Wiedner (630-858-0761, or pjwiedner@hotmail.com ) by Sunday, February28, 2010.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES: Thanks to those who have already donated! This is the last week we are collecting donations for our annual college care packages! Any non-perishable food (granola bars, pretzels, and the like), small school supplies (like pens, highlighters, or erasers), or even travel packs of tissues would be appreciated. Just bring them to church and drop them off in the narthex. We also need re-closable boxes (like those from Market Day). Instead of recycling these boxes, bring them in to church. Also, if you have a son or daughter currently enrolled in college, please send their school addresses to Megan Bohi at smpcce@ameritech.net, call the church with the information, or even slip a note under the door of the Christian Education office as soon as possible. (It doesn’t hurt to give us the current address, even if you think we already have it.) Help remind our college students how much they are loved! Thanks!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: There will be an Easter Egg stuffing party this Sunday after church! Come join us for some egg-stuffing fellowship! All are welcome! We are also collecting candy to stuff those eggs with. Help make the Easter party as tasty as possible and donate small candies (No Valentine’s candy or candy with peanuts, please) for the Easter egg hunt. We will be collecting candy until March 21. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m! Yum!
SECOND HELPINGS: This Sunday, February 21 we will have Second Helpings. “Second Helpings” is an extra serving of Christian Education for the whole Church family, and ALL are welcome. On the third Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m., adults and children alike spend time learning about Christ, God, and themselves as they participate in either adult Bible study or children’s programming. We follow this with a light lunch. Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun! We saw many of you there last month, and hope to see even more this time!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: It’s time to start thinking about Vacation Bible School! Summer feels like a long time away, but it is not too soon to begin making preparations for this year’s VBS, which will be the last week in July (26-30) from 6:00-8:30 p.m. (Put it on your calendars!) We also are looking people to run Music and Games, and for assistants in Music, Games, Crafts, and Story, and all-around helpers for each day; so if you love crafts, playing games, or music, please contact someone in the Christian Ed ministry to learn more about it.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR ALL AGES: Christian education is not just for our children. Don’t forget about all of the wonderful adult programming. After the service on Sunday, think about staying for Adult Ed! Blair leads a great group following fellowship in the parlor. (See below for the scripture passages Blair’s class will discuss this week.) We hope to see you there!
ACOLYTE Schedule:
February 28 - Jack Hecker
March 14- Billy Petersen
March 28- Maddie Frey
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
February 21- Second Helpings
Wednesdays in March- GIFT (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
April 3 - Annual Easter Breakfast (9:30 a.m.)
July 26-30 - Vacation Bible School (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION: Join us at 11:00 a.m. Sunday for our continuing Bible study. The lectionary passages for this week are Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13. -Blair
YOUTH!
SKI/SNOW TUBING TRIP is Feb. 26-27. If you have not told me you are coming, please do so ASAP. Gonna be a great time!
TALENT SHOW: Mark you calendar for Sunday, March 14, 5:30 pm, at Southminster. It’s our Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show, in support of the Youth Mission Trip. Sign-up sheets for attendees and performers are in the Narthex.
RUMMAGE SALE is coming! (May 15-16), so Save Your Stuff (SYS) for the sale.
Rushville, Indiana, is our YOUTH MISSION TRIP destination for this June 13-19. Teen-agers (age 14 & up), prayerfully consider being a part. Talk to Blair or one of last year’s team members to learn more.
Important announcements from the PROPERTY MINISTRY:
After careful discussion and planning, we are happy to announce that we will be resealing and restriping the parking lot this spring! This work will improve the appearance and condition of our lot and even add an additional handicapped parking space.
Because of very large unplanned expenditures in 2009 for lighting systems and furnaces, our 2010 budget for capital expenditures is now $0. As you may know, one of our challenges for 2010 is to obtain funds to purchase a NEW LAWN TRACTOR to maintain the grounds. The current equipment is broken or in very poor condition. Southminster is now in need of a new tractor this spring before the grass begins to grow (and weeds). Graciously donated time (5-10 hours/week) and equipment in years past has spared Southminster from expensive landscaping fees. ($5000-6000/summer!) The Property Ministry would rather see this money go to local/international mission or important programs that reach out and help people. A 2010 tractor poster and fundraiser box will be in the Narthex on March 7 and 14 for the sole purpose of funding this special purchase in April. Please support this important fundraiser with a monetary donation and your prayers. Email or call John Sundquist for details: Sundquist_john@comcast.net or 630-469-2273.
MARCH FELLOWSHIP EVENT: 76 Trombones are calling your name! There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex for anyone who would like to attend the Lisle Sr. High School spring musical “Music Man.” We will attend the play on Friday, March 19, 8:00pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. You must order by March 7. Any questions please contact Karen Fitzgerald (cell phone: 630-738-8060).
QUILT MINISTRY is going to move to the third Wednesday of each month. (The next gathering will be March 17.) The quilters are glad to have received a sewing machine and iron but are still hoping to get an ironing board. If you have one you’re not using, let Sue Clary or Sue Knisely know.
The S.O.L.A.C.E. SINGLES group is planning to go to the FREE Global Flick (“Happy-Go-Lucky”) at the COD McAninch Art Center on Tuesday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. We will meet for dinner at 5:00 p.m. at Giordano’s, 455 W. Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn. The sign up sheet is in the narthex.
