Scripture: Romans 8:18-22:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”
Dear Friends,
On Sunday we read a Psalm of great comfort, Psalm 36:5-10. During fellowship a member told me that he had trouble reading the Psalm given the earthquake in Haiti. Good thought. For me, when evil things happen, and the earthquake was a great evil, I remember that sin is bigger than our individual actions. The fall affected creation as well as humanity. The passage above from Romans talks about creation waiting for the revelation of the children of God. So when great evil happens, like so called “acts of God,” I don’t ask what God is doing. I ask what I am doing to help reveal the children of God. Our task when an evil strikes is to bring hope, to bring relief, to bring comfort.
One of the bright spots, if we can talk about bright spots during a tragedy, is the aid that is coming to this small country. Our globe, not just America, is experiencing an economic challenge. Many are struggling financially. Despite this, aid is coming to Haiti! Countries around the world, not just the United States, are helping. The children of God are bringing light and love to people in need.
Another quake hit Haiti this morning. I am not surprised; after shocks are common. Meanwhile search your heart and ask the Lord what you are called to do. Also, if you have a heart to donate but not the financial resources, you do have the resources to pray - not only now, but into the future, because this is going to be a long term project. Take it from here,
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
TONIGHT: PRESBYTERIAN READERS! We will finally meet to discuss the book we had originally chosen for December: “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout. Join us at 7:30 p.m. in the parlor for a lively discussion.
HOCKEY FANS! Any last-minute takers for the Chicago Wolves “Faith and Fellowship” night on January 30? Contact Megan or Blair by this Friday morning, Jan. 22. Tickets are $10/each and will be ordered on Friday. This is a CE/Youth sponsored family event, so bring the whole clan. This is for everyone - you don’t have to be involved in CE or be a youth to attend this event!
The Session of Southminster Presbyterian Church has called the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION AND CORPORATION to be held this Sunday, January 24, immediately following the worship service. Annual reports packets will be available in the narthex. Please pick up one copy per family as you arrive for worship Sunday morning.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES: 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 by the CE office. We also need re-closable boxes (like those from Market Day). Instead of recycling these boxes, bring them in to church and drop them by the CE office. 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!
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 are looking for a spiritually-charged person who loves to see God’s light shine on the faces of all who take part in the event - young and old alike - no other experience needed. We also need people to run, and assist, in each station, so if you love crafts, snacks, 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:
January 31 - Haley Jablonski
February 14 - Nalani Johnson
February 28 - Jack Hecker
March 14- Billy Petersen
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
January 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school.
January 30 - Family Fellowship at Chicago Wolves
April 3 - Annual Easter Breakfast
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 Nehemiah 8:1-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, and Luke 4:14-21. -Blair (With no E-Notes next week, here’s the list of passages for the following Sunday, January 31: Jeremiah 1:4-10; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30.)
YOUTH: Join us for SNL this Sunday, PYNGUINS at 6:00 pm and SPY at 7:00 pm.
Get ready for our “SOUPER BOWL,” Feb. 7 at 5:00 p.m. Cost of admission, one can of soup!! Get it, “Souper Bowl.” Note that there will be no SNL on Jan. 31.
CHURCH OFFICER RETREAT, PART 2. Elders and deacons, remember that we planned to continue the discussions we began during our retreat? That gathering will replace the deacon meeting this coming Tuesday, January 26. For anyone interested, we’ll have a baked potato supper at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to the church by January 25 if you will join us for dinner. The Retreat Part 2 meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.
WOMEN’S BREAKFAST: Always the first Monday of the month, the next one comes up on February 1. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada.
“Souper Bowl” Sunday is coming!!! Please bring a can of soup for the People’s Resource Center Food Pantry on February 7 or 14. Drop it in the big “soup can” in the Narthex.
FEBRUARY FELLOWSHIP EVENT: Save the date of Saturday February 13, starting at 6:00 p.m.! We’ll celebrate Mardi Gras, feast on a pancake buffet (with a variety of toppings), and play board games and Bingo. Mark your calendars now.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 13, 2010
Scripture: Matthew 23:26-28
“Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Dear Friends,
I am really very grateful to the Property ministry this week. First, they cleaned the entrance hall, took everything down, and taped the edges. The following day folks painted the hall. Everything looks fresh and new! It looks beautiful. More than that, it looks really clean. They did a great job. Right now, they are doing the hard work of vacuuming and cleaning up. They have been faithful from beginning to end. What they have done has made a real difference!
Recently, I told Blair that one of the good things (yes, there can be good things) about a heavy snow is that everyone’s homes look great! A big white blanket of beauty is spread all over the town. Everything looks fresh and new! However, that beauty is deceitful, because as it melts, the sand from road work emerges, and the scattered trash is uncovered. It may have been beautiful for awhile, but it takes time, spring rains, and sunshine to bring real genuine beauty to people’s yards.
In Jesus Christ God makes all things new, but it does take time and effort. Just like our Property ministry had to work on the hall, just like homeowners need to put some effort in their yards, transformation takes a commitment. Dallas Willard, one of my favorite Christian thinkers says, “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone.” (Dallas Willard in “The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’ Essential Teachings on Discipleship”)
Grace has to do with how we live our lives. May we remember that grace is something offered to us free, but also something we grow into. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
TONIGHT: QUILT MINISTRY! Sue Clary and Sue Knisely invite anyone of any skill level to join them in starting a quilt ministry. First meeting is tonight -Wednesday, January 13- in the narthex. The projects will be very simple, and the quilts will be donated to places such as the Convalescent Center. Questions? Contact either Sue: Sue C. at 630-790-1109 or Sue K. at 630-462-7140.
WOMEN’S CIRCLE: Join us this Friday, January 15, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Our program will be Sarah Allen, APN, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife. All women of the church are invited.
The annual SECRET PALS SALAD LUNCHEON will be this Saturday, January l6, at 12:00 noon at the church. Bring a small gift for your Secret Pal and also a salad to pass. Any women of the church who are currently not part of our group but would like to learn more about us are welcome to come to the luncheon. We would love to have you! Look for the sign-up sheet posted in the narthex, or talk to Joan Koska (630-469-7935).
C.E./YAT SPECIAL MEETING: Christian Education and Youth Action Team ministries will have a brief meeting after church this Sunday - at 10:45 in the parlor - to discuss the filling of the Youth Director and Christian Education Director positions, presently served by our two capable interim staff members, Blair Nelson and Megan Bohi. All are welcome. Plan to grab a quick cup of coffee and join us right after worship.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
SECOND HELPINGS: Come join us after worship this Sunday, January 17, for “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. This month we will explore baptism and will conclude with a light lunch and fellowship, beginning at 11:45. Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun!
COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES: We will be collecting re-closeable boxes for our annual college care packages. Instead of recycling these boxes, bring them in to church and drop them by the CE office. Also, if you have a child 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. Thanks!
FAMILY FELLOWHIP EVENT: Southminster’s CE and Youth ministries invite you out for a time of family fun at a CHICAGO WOLVES GAME. Saturday January 30th is the Wolves “Faith and Fellowship Night.” That includes a “Fun Fest,” pre-game fireworks, and a post-game fellowship time with goalie, Drew MacIntyre! And the hockey game, of course. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Skyline Room, (adjacent to the Allstate Arena Box Office) and will finish around 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each purchased through the church. Deadline for ordering tickets is this Sunday, January 17. Come on and have a night with the kids and our church family. The Wolves will be taking on the Hamilton Bulldogs.
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) (Put it on your calendars!). We are looking for a spiritually-charged person who loves to see God’s light shine on the faces of all who take part in the event - young and old alike - no other experience needed. We also need people to run, and assist, in each station, so if you love crafts, snacks, 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:
January 17 - Dakota Dolister
January 31 - Haley Jablonski
February 14 - Nalani Johnson
February 28 - Jack Hecker
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
January 17 - Second Helpings and all-church lunch. (Everyone’s invited-Come join us!)
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school.
January 30 - Family Fellowship at Chicago Wolves (All Families Welcome!)
April 3 - Annual Easter Breakfast
July 26-30 - Vacation Bible School (6-8:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION: This week’s lectionary passages for our adult study are: Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11. Join us for warm fellowship, study, and edifying conversation. -Blair
YOUTH: Youth and families, we’ve got an outing planned to a Chicago Wolves hockey game on January 30. Look above in the Christian Ed. Notes for all the details.
PRESBYTERIAN READERS will meet Wednesday, January 20, to (finally) discuss the book we had originally chosen for December. You still have time to find and read “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout. Then plan to join us on the 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the parlor for a lively discussion.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: Barb is scheduled to have knee surgery on Friday, January 22, and will need to be out of the office for about a week. If you would like to spend a few hours in the office answering the phone, greeting visitors, talking with the staff, running the copier, (reading a good book, keeping up with your correspondence, chatting with other members) etc., please let us know.
Session has called the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION to be held Sunday, January 24, 2010, following the worship service. Annual Reports packets will be available for distribution prior to the meeting.
CHURCH OFFICER RETREAT, PART 2. Elders and deacons, remember that we planned to continue the discussions we began during our retreat? That gathering will replace the deacon meeting on Tuesday, January 26. For anyone interested, we’ll have a baked potato supper at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to the church by January 25 if you will join us for dinner. The Retreat Part 2 meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.
We need volunteers for our VALET PARKING service. Each Sunday, we would like a “Valet” (or two) at the front door around 9:00 a.m. and then again for 15 minutes after the service to do any or all of these services: walk people to and from their cars, park cars (owners keep the keys during the service), and provide an extra arm at the front door. We need volunteers to make this possible, so please serve as a valet one Sunday. Sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
FEBRUARY FELLOWSHIP EVENT: Save the date of Saturday February 13, starting at 6:00 p.m.! We’ll celebrate Mardi Gras, feast on pancakes, and play board games and Bingo. Mark your calendars now.
“Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Dear Friends,
I am really very grateful to the Property ministry this week. First, they cleaned the entrance hall, took everything down, and taped the edges. The following day folks painted the hall. Everything looks fresh and new! It looks beautiful. More than that, it looks really clean. They did a great job. Right now, they are doing the hard work of vacuuming and cleaning up. They have been faithful from beginning to end. What they have done has made a real difference!
Recently, I told Blair that one of the good things (yes, there can be good things) about a heavy snow is that everyone’s homes look great! A big white blanket of beauty is spread all over the town. Everything looks fresh and new! However, that beauty is deceitful, because as it melts, the sand from road work emerges, and the scattered trash is uncovered. It may have been beautiful for awhile, but it takes time, spring rains, and sunshine to bring real genuine beauty to people’s yards.
In Jesus Christ God makes all things new, but it does take time and effort. Just like our Property ministry had to work on the hall, just like homeowners need to put some effort in their yards, transformation takes a commitment. Dallas Willard, one of my favorite Christian thinkers says, “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone.” (Dallas Willard in “The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’ Essential Teachings on Discipleship”)
Grace has to do with how we live our lives. May we remember that grace is something offered to us free, but also something we grow into. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
TONIGHT: QUILT MINISTRY! Sue Clary and Sue Knisely invite anyone of any skill level to join them in starting a quilt ministry. First meeting is tonight -Wednesday, January 13- in the narthex. The projects will be very simple, and the quilts will be donated to places such as the Convalescent Center. Questions? Contact either Sue: Sue C. at 630-790-1109 or Sue K. at 630-462-7140.
WOMEN’S CIRCLE: Join us this Friday, January 15, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Our program will be Sarah Allen, APN, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife. All women of the church are invited.
The annual SECRET PALS SALAD LUNCHEON will be this Saturday, January l6, at 12:00 noon at the church. Bring a small gift for your Secret Pal and also a salad to pass. Any women of the church who are currently not part of our group but would like to learn more about us are welcome to come to the luncheon. We would love to have you! Look for the sign-up sheet posted in the narthex, or talk to Joan Koska (630-469-7935).
C.E./YAT SPECIAL MEETING: Christian Education and Youth Action Team ministries will have a brief meeting after church this Sunday - at 10:45 in the parlor - to discuss the filling of the Youth Director and Christian Education Director positions, presently served by our two capable interim staff members, Blair Nelson and Megan Bohi. All are welcome. Plan to grab a quick cup of coffee and join us right after worship.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
SECOND HELPINGS: Come join us after worship this Sunday, January 17, for “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. This month we will explore baptism and will conclude with a light lunch and fellowship, beginning at 11:45. Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun!
COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES: We will be collecting re-closeable boxes for our annual college care packages. Instead of recycling these boxes, bring them in to church and drop them by the CE office. Also, if you have a child 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. Thanks!
FAMILY FELLOWHIP EVENT: Southminster’s CE and Youth ministries invite you out for a time of family fun at a CHICAGO WOLVES GAME. Saturday January 30th is the Wolves “Faith and Fellowship Night.” That includes a “Fun Fest,” pre-game fireworks, and a post-game fellowship time with goalie, Drew MacIntyre! And the hockey game, of course. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Skyline Room, (adjacent to the Allstate Arena Box Office) and will finish around 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each purchased through the church. Deadline for ordering tickets is this Sunday, January 17. Come on and have a night with the kids and our church family. The Wolves will be taking on the Hamilton Bulldogs.
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) (Put it on your calendars!). We are looking for a spiritually-charged person who loves to see God’s light shine on the faces of all who take part in the event - young and old alike - no other experience needed. We also need people to run, and assist, in each station, so if you love crafts, snacks, 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:
January 17 - Dakota Dolister
January 31 - Haley Jablonski
February 14 - Nalani Johnson
February 28 - Jack Hecker
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
January 17 - Second Helpings and all-church lunch. (Everyone’s invited-Come join us!)
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school.
January 30 - Family Fellowship at Chicago Wolves (All Families Welcome!)
April 3 - Annual Easter Breakfast
July 26-30 - Vacation Bible School (6-8:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION: This week’s lectionary passages for our adult study are: Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11. Join us for warm fellowship, study, and edifying conversation. -Blair
YOUTH: Youth and families, we’ve got an outing planned to a Chicago Wolves hockey game on January 30. Look above in the Christian Ed. Notes for all the details.
PRESBYTERIAN READERS will meet Wednesday, January 20, to (finally) discuss the book we had originally chosen for December. You still have time to find and read “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout. Then plan to join us on the 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the parlor for a lively discussion.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: Barb is scheduled to have knee surgery on Friday, January 22, and will need to be out of the office for about a week. If you would like to spend a few hours in the office answering the phone, greeting visitors, talking with the staff, running the copier, (reading a good book, keeping up with your correspondence, chatting with other members) etc., please let us know.
Session has called the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION to be held Sunday, January 24, 2010, following the worship service. Annual Reports packets will be available for distribution prior to the meeting.
CHURCH OFFICER RETREAT, PART 2. Elders and deacons, remember that we planned to continue the discussions we began during our retreat? That gathering will replace the deacon meeting on Tuesday, January 26. For anyone interested, we’ll have a baked potato supper at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to the church by January 25 if you will join us for dinner. The Retreat Part 2 meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.
We need volunteers for our VALET PARKING service. Each Sunday, we would like a “Valet” (or two) at the front door around 9:00 a.m. and then again for 15 minutes after the service to do any or all of these services: walk people to and from their cars, park cars (owners keep the keys during the service), and provide an extra arm at the front door. We need volunteers to make this possible, so please serve as a valet one Sunday. Sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
FEBRUARY FELLOWSHIP EVENT: Save the date of Saturday February 13, starting at 6:00 p.m.! We’ll celebrate Mardi Gras, feast on pancakes, and play board games and Bingo. Mark your calendars now.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010
Mark 2: 1-12 Jesus Heals a Paralytic
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’
Dear Friends,
In the scripture above, friends bring a paralyzed man to Jesus. If it weren’t for the friends, the man would never have been able to get inside the door because of the crowd, much less see Jesus. There is a group of people in our congregation who have the same problem. No, they are not paralyzed, but the snow and the ice of winter are daunting given the hill on which our church is set. The hill is a problem for some even in good weather, but in the winter the hill might as well be Mt. Everest.
You can help!
We need licensed drivers to sign up to be Valets. Right now, January 10 is open, as are January 24, February 7, February 14 and February 21. The duties of the valet are simple: please be at church from 9:00 to 9:30 before worship, and be available after the service for 15 minutes. (Look below among the announcements for more information about duties.)
There are times when we all need a little extra help. With this gift of service you will give someone the gift of fellowship, grace, prayer, song, and worship. Please respond by email, call Barb in the office at 630 469-9149, or sign up yourself. The list is on the board on your left as you come in the front door. Give it some thought, and take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
YOUNG ADULTS are invited for dinner and fellowship tonight (Wednesday, January 6) from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Blair and Wendy’s home. Please call and let us know you’re coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
PAINTING THE HALLWAY: The Property Ministry asks that members whose work is on display in the entry hall plan to remove it by this Sunday, January 10, in preparation for painting. Committee members will begin taping and painting the hallway next Tuesday, January 12, at 9:00 a.m. and expect to be finished on January 13. New artwork is scheduled to be hung January 18.
QUILT MINISTRY: Sue Clary and Sue Knisely invite anyone of any skill level to join them in starting a quilt ministry. First meeting is Wednesday, January 13, in the narthex. The projects will be very simple, and the quilts will be donated to places such as the Convalescent Center. Questions? Contact either Sue: Sue C. at 630-790-1109 or Sue K. at 630-462-7140.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
SECOND HELPINGS: Come join us after worship on Sunday, January 17, for “Second Helpings!” “Second Helpings” is an extra serving of Christian Education for the whole Church family offered on the third Sunday of the month, and ALL are welcome. Each week 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. This month we will explore baptism and will conclude with a light lunch and fellowship, beginning at 11:45. Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun!
ROTATION UNIT: To supplement the curriculum, we will have a rotation format for grades K-middle school the weeks of January 17, 24, and 31. The purpose of having a rotation is to give the children an opportunity to experience the Word of God using various learning styles through media such as art, drama, music, etc. The Bible stories we will be using are from the New Testament times of Jesus. If you have any items that might visually aid our rotation such as rugs, pottery, wall hangings, etc. and do not mind them being used (but not handled), please contact someone in Christian Ed or one of the Sunday School teachers. Thank you.
FAMILY FELLOWHIP EVENT: Southminster’s CE and Youth ministries invite you out for a time of family fun at a CHICAGO WOLVES GAME. Saturday January 30th is the Wolves “Faith and Fellowship Night.” That includes a “Fun Fest,” pre-game fireworks, and a post-game fellowship time with goalie, Drew MacIntyre! And the hockey game, of course. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Skyline Room, (adjacent to the Allstate Arena Box Office) and will finish around 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each purchased through the church. Deadline for ordering tickets is Jan. 17th . Come on and have a night with the kids and our church family. The Wolves will be taking on the Hamilton Bulldogs.
ACOLYTE Schedule:
January 17 Dakota Dolister
January 31 Haley Jablonski
February 14 Nalani Johnson
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
January 17 - Second Helpings and all-church lunch. (Everyone’s invited- Come join us!)
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school.
January 30 - Family Fellowship at Chicago Wolves (All Families Welcome!)
ADULT EDUCATION: This week’s lectionary passages for our adult study are: Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. Join us for warm fellowship, study, and edifying conversation. -Blair
YOUTH: See you this Sunday (6:00 p.m. PYNGUINS & 7:00 p.m. SPY) for the first SNL of 2010!!!!!!!!!
Youth and families, we’ve got an outing planned to a Chicago Wolves hockey game on January 30. Look above in the Christian Ed. Notes for all the details.
The FLOWER CHART FOR 2010 is posted in the narthex. There are still dates available! Sunday arrangements will be $20 each. We ask that you pay for your arrangements in advance; please write “Flowers” on your check memo line.
Have you picked up your 2010 OFFERING ENVELOPES? They are available in the narthex. If you would like envelopes but there is no box prepared for you, please let the church office know or contact Ron Birchall, Co-Moderator of the Finance Ministry.
WOMEN’S CIRCLE: Join us on Friday, January 15, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Our program will be Sarah Allen, APN, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife. All women of the church are invited.
The annual SECRET PALS SALAD LUNCHEON will be Saturday, January l6, at 12:00 noon at the church. Bring a small gift for your Secret Pal and also a salad to pass. Any women of the church who are currently not part of our group but would like to learn more about us are welcome to come to the luncheon. We would love to have you! Look for the sign-up sheet posted in the narthex, or talk to Joan Koska (630-469-7935).
PRESBYTERIAN READERS will meet Wednesday, January 20, to (finally) discuss the book we had originally chosen for December. You still have time to find and read “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout. Then plan to join us on the 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the parlor for a lively discussion.
Session has called the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION to be held Sunday, January 24, 2010, following the worship service. Annual Reports packets will be available for distribution prior to the meeting.
We need volunteers for our VALET PARKING service. Each Sunday, we would like a “Valet” (or two) at the front door around 9:00 a.m. and then again for 15 minutes after the service to do any or all of these services: walk people to and from their cars, park cars (owners keep the keys during the service), and provide an extra arm at the front door. We need volunteers to make this possible, so please serve as a valet one Sunday. Sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: Barb is scheduled to have knee surgery on Friday, January 22, and will need to be out of the office for several days. If you would like to spend a few hours in the office answering the phone, greeting visitors, talking with the staff, running the copier, etc., please let us know.
FEBRUARY FELLOWSHIP EVENT: Save the date of Saturday February 13, starting at 6:00 p.m.! We’ll celebrate Mardi Gras, feast on pancakes, and play board games and Bingo. Mark your calendars now.
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’
Dear Friends,
In the scripture above, friends bring a paralyzed man to Jesus. If it weren’t for the friends, the man would never have been able to get inside the door because of the crowd, much less see Jesus. There is a group of people in our congregation who have the same problem. No, they are not paralyzed, but the snow and the ice of winter are daunting given the hill on which our church is set. The hill is a problem for some even in good weather, but in the winter the hill might as well be Mt. Everest.
You can help!
We need licensed drivers to sign up to be Valets. Right now, January 10 is open, as are January 24, February 7, February 14 and February 21. The duties of the valet are simple: please be at church from 9:00 to 9:30 before worship, and be available after the service for 15 minutes. (Look below among the announcements for more information about duties.)
There are times when we all need a little extra help. With this gift of service you will give someone the gift of fellowship, grace, prayer, song, and worship. Please respond by email, call Barb in the office at 630 469-9149, or sign up yourself. The list is on the board on your left as you come in the front door. Give it some thought, and take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
YOUNG ADULTS are invited for dinner and fellowship tonight (Wednesday, January 6) from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Blair and Wendy’s home. Please call and let us know you’re coming so we can set a place at the table for you.
PAINTING THE HALLWAY: The Property Ministry asks that members whose work is on display in the entry hall plan to remove it by this Sunday, January 10, in preparation for painting. Committee members will begin taping and painting the hallway next Tuesday, January 12, at 9:00 a.m. and expect to be finished on January 13. New artwork is scheduled to be hung January 18.
QUILT MINISTRY: Sue Clary and Sue Knisely invite anyone of any skill level to join them in starting a quilt ministry. First meeting is Wednesday, January 13, in the narthex. The projects will be very simple, and the quilts will be donated to places such as the Convalescent Center. Questions? Contact either Sue: Sue C. at 630-790-1109 or Sue K. at 630-462-7140.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
SECOND HELPINGS: Come join us after worship on Sunday, January 17, for “Second Helpings!” “Second Helpings” is an extra serving of Christian Education for the whole Church family offered on the third Sunday of the month, and ALL are welcome. Each week 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. This month we will explore baptism and will conclude with a light lunch and fellowship, beginning at 11:45. Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun!
ROTATION UNIT: To supplement the curriculum, we will have a rotation format for grades K-middle school the weeks of January 17, 24, and 31. The purpose of having a rotation is to give the children an opportunity to experience the Word of God using various learning styles through media such as art, drama, music, etc. The Bible stories we will be using are from the New Testament times of Jesus. If you have any items that might visually aid our rotation such as rugs, pottery, wall hangings, etc. and do not mind them being used (but not handled), please contact someone in Christian Ed or one of the Sunday School teachers. Thank you.
FAMILY FELLOWHIP EVENT: Southminster’s CE and Youth ministries invite you out for a time of family fun at a CHICAGO WOLVES GAME. Saturday January 30th is the Wolves “Faith and Fellowship Night.” That includes a “Fun Fest,” pre-game fireworks, and a post-game fellowship time with goalie, Drew MacIntyre! And the hockey game, of course. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Skyline Room, (adjacent to the Allstate Arena Box Office) and will finish around 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each purchased through the church. Deadline for ordering tickets is Jan. 17th . Come on and have a night with the kids and our church family. The Wolves will be taking on the Hamilton Bulldogs.
ACOLYTE Schedule:
January 17 Dakota Dolister
January 31 Haley Jablonski
February 14 Nalani Johnson
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
January 17 - Second Helpings and all-church lunch. (Everyone’s invited- Come join us!)
January 17, 24, 31 - Rotation units for K-middle school.
January 30 - Family Fellowship at Chicago Wolves (All Families Welcome!)
ADULT EDUCATION: This week’s lectionary passages for our adult study are: Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. Join us for warm fellowship, study, and edifying conversation. -Blair
YOUTH: See you this Sunday (6:00 p.m. PYNGUINS & 7:00 p.m. SPY) for the first SNL of 2010!!!!!!!!!
Youth and families, we’ve got an outing planned to a Chicago Wolves hockey game on January 30. Look above in the Christian Ed. Notes for all the details.
The FLOWER CHART FOR 2010 is posted in the narthex. There are still dates available! Sunday arrangements will be $20 each. We ask that you pay for your arrangements in advance; please write “Flowers” on your check memo line.
Have you picked up your 2010 OFFERING ENVELOPES? They are available in the narthex. If you would like envelopes but there is no box prepared for you, please let the church office know or contact Ron Birchall, Co-Moderator of the Finance Ministry.
WOMEN’S CIRCLE: Join us on Friday, January 15, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. Our program will be Sarah Allen, APN, CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife. All women of the church are invited.
The annual SECRET PALS SALAD LUNCHEON will be Saturday, January l6, at 12:00 noon at the church. Bring a small gift for your Secret Pal and also a salad to pass. Any women of the church who are currently not part of our group but would like to learn more about us are welcome to come to the luncheon. We would love to have you! Look for the sign-up sheet posted in the narthex, or talk to Joan Koska (630-469-7935).
PRESBYTERIAN READERS will meet Wednesday, January 20, to (finally) discuss the book we had originally chosen for December. You still have time to find and read “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout. Then plan to join us on the 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the parlor for a lively discussion.
Session has called the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION to be held Sunday, January 24, 2010, following the worship service. Annual Reports packets will be available for distribution prior to the meeting.
We need volunteers for our VALET PARKING service. Each Sunday, we would like a “Valet” (or two) at the front door around 9:00 a.m. and then again for 15 minutes after the service to do any or all of these services: walk people to and from their cars, park cars (owners keep the keys during the service), and provide an extra arm at the front door. We need volunteers to make this possible, so please serve as a valet one Sunday. Sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: Barb is scheduled to have knee surgery on Friday, January 22, and will need to be out of the office for several days. If you would like to spend a few hours in the office answering the phone, greeting visitors, talking with the staff, running the copier, etc., please let us know.
FEBRUARY FELLOWSHIP EVENT: Save the date of Saturday February 13, starting at 6:00 p.m.! We’ll celebrate Mardi Gras, feast on pancakes, and play board games and Bingo. Mark your calendars now.
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