Romans 5:17-18
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.”
Dear Friends,
I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God evident at Southminster. All week long leading up to our Easter Saturday Family Party the sun shined bright! However, come Saturday we had drizzle and rain. One man with a big smile on his face put it this way, “God is good to us to let it rain early so there wouldn’t be a big debate about inside or out!” What a wonderful attitude! And the goodness of God overflowed as thousands of Easter eggs covered our sanctuary. The crowd of attendees seemed positive and happy despite the rain outside.
Sunday’s fellowship was warm and friendly as well. The decorations were delightful! The deacons outdid themselves. The choir’s gift of song was glorious! God’s words came through their musical offering. Contributions to “One Great Hour of Sharing” exceeded last year! And the children collected enough money for Heifer to buy 125 chicks! How very generous! The abundance of God’s love in you all is joyous.
Easter is a season in the church calendar, not just one day. Now is the time for us to unpack, renew, and live into our faith, a faith that the apostle Paul expressed in the book of Romans as “God’s abundant provision of grace.” Our abundance of grace was clear this past weekend. Just think how much more God’s abundant grace is available to all of us. Live into grace and take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
We pray for comfort for Ron and Camille Grabski and family on the death of Ron’s mother, Stella. Visitation will be Friday, April 9, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue (Route 53), Lisle, with the funeral on Saturday, April 10, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 820 Division St., Lisle.
MISSION:
The Presbyterian Women’s Morning Circle is sponsoring a collection of ITEMS NEEDED BY FAMILY SHELTER SERVICES. We will have a collection box in the narthex starting this Sunday, April 11, and we ask that any who can contribute to this collection. The items are as follows: lip gloss (clear-neutral); ladies’ deodorants; hair conditioners; shower gels; Lysol spray; dishwasher soap; liquid dish soap; garbage bags (white-13 gal. & black); Ziplock bags (gallon & quart).
REBUILDING TOGETHER AURORA: Every year we gather a work team in April to rehab the home of a needy family in Aurora through Rebuilding Together Aurora (formerly Christmas in April). We need volunteers - no special skills required (but if you do have special skills, we’d love to know in advance for planning purposes). Please look for the photo display and sign-up sheets in the narthex or talk to our House Captain Norm Ellsworth.
NEW CHURCH OFFICERS
TRAINING DATES:
Sunday, April 11, 6:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, April 14, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 28, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.
MEET WITH SESSION on Tuesday, May 18, at 7:00 p.m.
FORMATION OF SEARCH COMMITTEE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR AND YOUTH DIRECTOR: Steve Johnson has agreed to moderate a committee to identify candidates for Christian Education Director and Youth Director and make the appropriate recommendations to the Session. The candidates may be interested in a full-time position to cover both of these sets of responsibilities or they may be interested in a part-time position for either Christian Education Director or Youth Director. At present Steve is putting together a small committee to head up this process. Anyone who knows of someone who might be interested in one or both of these positions should contact Steve.
All women are invited to join the WOMEN’S CIRCLE on Friday, April 16, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Pat Wiedner will present a program on the scriptural texts and musical settings of Mendelssohn’s oratorio, “Elijah.” The Circle will welcome guests from the Islamic Center of Naperville – Al Hidayah.
SOLACE SINGLES will have a potluck in the church parlor on Friday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. We will be sharing our favorite dishes and discussing future plans.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
PRACTICE FOR YOUTH SUNDAY: Children in pre-school through grade 3 begin their Sunday School Class with a short singing practice. They are learning “Jubilee!” Grades 4 and 5 will be given handchime parts to play this Sunday at the beginning of Sunday School.
SPRING BULB SALE: We are selling Spring Bulbs to help raise money for this year’s Vacation Bible School. These beautiful bulbs from Dutch Mill Bulbs, selling for $6 each set, include strawberries, Stargazer Lilies, and Hostas, among others. The sale has begun, so grab an order form from the C.E. bulletin board in the narthex or talk to someone from Christian Ed to find out more!
EASTER BREAKFAST: Thanks to your donations of time and delicious food, the Easter breakfast was a success. Thanks to everyone who made the breakfast possible!
ACOLYTE Schedule:
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
May 9 - Nalani Johnson
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
May 16 - Youth Sunday
June 6 - Used Book Sale
July 26-30 - Vacation Bible School (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION: Our lectionary passages for this Sunday are Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, and John 20: 19-31. Join us at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor for thoughtful conversation and study, and laughter, too. -Blair
YOUTH:
SNL on Sunday, usual time and place. We will be picking some hymns for Youth Sunday’s service, so come with your favorites.
MISSION TRIPPERS: Please turn in your deposit for the Mission Trip to Rushville.
RUMMAGE SALE: Save your stuff for the Rummage Sale fund raiser in support of the Youth Mission Trip. We’re asking you to mark your donations with prices as we did last year. Look for price stickers to pick up starting this Sunday. They will be in a display stand on the name-tag shelf. Doing the pricing yourself saves us a huge amount of work. But please, keep your donations at home until we ask for them; we have no place to store everything at church! Thanks to you all for your cooperation.
Peter Davidson has completed basic training! He wrote to Southminster:
“Thank you for all of your cards & letters. They made standing in formation waiting for mail call every night a little more exciting. The Valentine’s & St. Patrick’s Day cards were reminders of the outside world, as holidays and even events like the Super Bowl were little more than conversation up in the bays. I look forward to AIT and the letters I will continue to receive while there. I cannot wait to hear from everyone again.”
-Peter Davidson
Peter is now assigned to Ft. Lee, in Virginia. We will again have address labels available in the narthex area. Please send Peter notes, cards or post cards from your heart and home. Thanks.
