Scripture: John 19:38-42
“After this Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to him by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds’ weight. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”
Dear Friends,
On the way home from worship Sunday, my son Max said to me with a sigh, “I always feel ambivalent on Palm Sunday.” I told him that I felt the same way. On one hand, we have the joy and positive energy from the blessing of the palms, we rejoice right along with the crowd, but Palm Sunday leads us straight into the Passion of Christ, and there is great sadness when we ponder Holy Week.
Have you ever felt ambivalent about faith? I think it can be a common feeling. There is a small piece of scripture you will probably never hear a sermon on which I think bears considering. It’s the burial of Jesus from John 19. In it Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus bury Jesus in the garden tomb. The spices they used demonstrated great devotion of Jesus, they were quite expensive, and there was a huge quantity, fit for a King! What is interesting is that both men were thought to be members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This is the first time we see Joseph, but it is the third time we meet Nicodemus in the gospel of John. Nicodemus firsts visits Jesus at night in chapter 3. His second reference is during the Feast of the Tabernacles, when he speaks up for Jesus -sort of. Look at John 7:45-51 and see if you think so. Believe it or not, many Pharisees became disciples of Christ after the resurrection. Often, during Holy Week, we think about Jesus’ gift to us of new life from the disciples’ perspective. This year we might want to ponder what the Holy Week experience meant to Joseph of Arimathea or Nicodemus: people who came to faith with ambivalence.
There is a song, “To Know You,” by Nichole Nordeman. Her song includes the lyrics “Nicodemus could not understand how You could truly free us. He struggled with the image of a grown man born again. We might have been good friends, ‘cause sometimes I still question too how easily we come to You.”
Faith isn’t always straightforward. Many of us come to faith by the side door, just like Joseph, Nicodemus, and Nichole. It doesn’t matter how we come, but that we do come. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Betsy Rogers is organizing an EASTER EGG DYEING event at church tomorrow (Thursday, April 1 - no fooling!) at 1:00 p.m. Junior and senior high, please come and help for an hour or two. Questions, call Betsy (630-858-3538).
This is HOLY WEEK. Please join us for these services and events:
MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 1: Worship service at 7:30 p.m. Tenebrae (The Service of Shadows) with communion.
GOOD FRIDAY, April 2. Worship service at 7:30 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Christ.
FAMILY EASTER PARTY, April 3: Come at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, crafts, games (weather permitting), the Easter story, and an egg hunt. Bring friends and neighbors! Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required.
EASTER/THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD, April 4: Worship service at 9:30 a.m., communion. No Sunday school - nursery care available for children through kindergarten age; older children remain in worship with their families.) Deacons host continental breakfast after the service.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Jesus’ call could not be clearer. Extending his love to us and to all who suffer, he calls us to share that love with those who need it. Today we can respond to his call through a generous gift to One Great Hour of Sharing. By joining with other Presbyterians in taking that call seriously, we can bring hope to the lives of families around the world. Please give now and, for the sake of those whose needs are greater than we can imagine, give generously. We will dedicate this offering on Easter.
This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, is the day we bring OFFERINGS FOR THE PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER. The April emphasis is laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. Donations can be placed in the narthex (near the stairwell to Fellowship Hall).
WOMEN’S BREAKFAST meets the first Monday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada. The next gathering is April 5, the day after Easter. All women are invited, and we’re always happy to have new friends join us!
The church office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 5.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
FREE EASTER EGG HUNT AND BREAKFAST!
THIS Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m. is our Annual Easter Party/Breakfast. There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt for children up through fifth grade. Come join us, and bring your friends! Everyone is welcome and no advance reservations are required.
There is NO SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS SUNDAY so that children and youth can worship with their families. The following Sunday practice for Youth Sunday resumes: 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 after Easter Sunday.
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 will begin on Easter, this Sunday, so start thinking about what flowers would make your garden whole! The order forms will be on the C.E. bulletin board in the narthex.
ACOLYTE Schedule:
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
May 9- Nalani Johnson
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
April 3 - Annual Easter Breakfast (9:30 a.m.)
June 6- Book Sale
July 26-30 - Vacation Bible School (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION: This Sunday is Easter. Our class will not meet, but if you would like to read the scriptures for the day, they are: Isaiah 65:17-25; Acts 10:34-43; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; John 20:1-8. See you next week. -Blair
YOUTH: No SNL this week. Happy Easter! Remember: deposits for Mission Trip are due. See you next week.
SYS!! Save your stuff for the RUMMAGE SALE, May 15-16. More information to come after Easter.
Presbyterian Camps is looking to fill summer positions for the 2010 Summer Camp Season. Don’t miss the opportunity to work in “Saugatuck.” Positions Available:
Assistant Director for Summer Camp Programming
Summer Counselor
Please visit the camp website at www.prescamps.org or contact Brad Fries at director@prescamps.org.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 24, 2010
Dear Friends,
When we think of Easter, many of us think of rabbits, eggs, and butterflies. All of them are symbols of new life in Christ Jesus. How about a rooster? What does a rooster symbolize?
In Jewish tradition the rooster is a symbol of redemption because the rooster sees the light, the truth, the dawn before anyone else. The rooster stands between the night and the new dawn. This was true for the disciple Peter; when the rooster crowed he knew the truth about himself. In our Christian tradition, the rooster has a similar meaning but with a twist. All over Europe, churches are toped with weathervanes of roosters reminding the people who enter that we are all like Peter. We all fall short. We are all in need of redemption. And that knowledge is a good thing. It is good to know that while we are not always faithful, Jesus is always faithful. Faith is about trusting Jesus rather than yourself.
We are all a bit like Peter: human, fallible and... loved. The wonder of the Passion Week - the holy week coming up - is not simply the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The wonder is God’s great love and mercy that continue past Easter and are available even to us. Peter’s story - and ours - doesn’t end with the rooster’s cry. Peter’s story continues with forgiveness, service, and a life given selflessly to God. As we begin to enter Holy Week, do not forget that we are all a bit like Peter. We trust in Jesus and not ourselves. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
P.S. If you are willing to be a reader for Holy Week, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday. or Good Friday, please email me directly at wboden@ameritech.net.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Each Wednesday in March you have been invited to share in G.I.F.T. (GROWING IN FAITH TOGETHER). We meet at 6:30 for soup supper, clean up together, and then have a blended worship at 7:00. There will be both traditional and contemporary worship music, all of it honoring God. At 7:30 we have dessert and fellowship, and folks head home by 7:45. Tonight is our last gathering, so we hope you’ll join us.
Next week is HOLY WEEK. Make plans now to join us for one or all of the following:
PALM SUNDAY, March 28: Worship service at 9:30 a.m. Gather in the narthex before worship; we will enter the sanctuary together, singing and waving our palms. (Palm Sunday is the deadline for ordering Easter lilies and other blooming plants.)
MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 1: Worship service at 7:30 p.m. Tenebrae (The Service of Shadows) with communion.
GOOD FRIDAY, April 2. Worship service at 7:30 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Christ.
FAMILY EASTER PARTY, April 3: Come at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, crafts, games (weather permitting), the Easter story, and the egg hunt. Bring friends and neighbors! Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required.
EASTER/THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD, April 4: Worship service at 9:30 a.m., communion. Deacons host continental breakfast after the service.
CHIME CHOIR needed for APRIL 18TH SERVICE! Junior High, High School, and Adults interested in ringing for the service on April 18th need to sign the sheet on the choir room door. The first mandatory rehearsal is this Sunday in the choir room right after worship for about 20 minutes. (The second is on April 11.)
FLOWERS FOR EASTER: In addition to lilies, we would like to add the beauty of other spring flowers at Easter this year. Watch for a sign-up in the narthex–lilies will be $15.00 each; tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will be $8.50 per container. Please check which flowers you would prefer. The sign-up deadline is this Sunday, March 28. If possible, we would like the colorful flowers to remain in our sanctuary for several weeks following Easter. The more, the better!
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Jesus’ call could not be clearer. Extending his love to us and to all who suffer, he calls us to share that love with those who need it. Today we can respond to his call through a generous gift to One Great Hour of Sharing. By joining with other Presbyterians in taking that call seriously, we can bring hope to the lives of families around the world. Please give now and, for the sake of those whose needs are greater than we can imagine, give generously.
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 after Easter Sunday.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL MISSION PROJECT: *Cheep* *Cheep* Chicks, to many of us, symbolize spring, rebirth, childhood. But for some, chicks can mean more; they can mean survival. Southminster’s children will be collecting money to purchase chicks for Heifer International, helping to fight world hunger. Just $20 buys a flock of chicks for a hungry family, providing eggs and nutrition to the recipients. Please help your children collect change to aid in supporting Heifer, and consider donating. We will be collecting until Easter. Thanks!
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 will begin on Easter, so start thinking about what flowers would make your garden whole!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m.! There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt. Come join us, and bring your friends! Everyone is welcome, and no advance reservations are required.
ACOLYTE Schedule:
March 28 - Maddie Frey
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
March 24 - G.I.F.T. (6:30-7:30 p.m.) Tonight is the last night!
April 3 - Annual Easter Breakfast (9:30 a.m.)
July 26-30 - Vacation Bible School (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION: This Sunday we will be studying Isaiah 50:4-9a, Phil. 2:5-11, and Luke 23:1-49. Join us for edifying study, conversation, and fellowship; eleven o’clock in the parlor. -Blair
YOUTH: It’s time! It’s time! It’s time! . . . Time for what? . . . Time to start thinking about MISSION TRIP. All SPY’ers, and those gonna be freshmen in the fall, consider joining the youth mission team for our trip to Rushville, IN, June 13-19, and register with Blair, with $100 deposit, by March 31st. (If you can’t find a C-note by then, talk to me.)
SYS!! Save your stuff for the RUMMAGE SALE, May 15-16. More information to come after Easter.
Presbyterian Camps is looking to fill summer positions for the 2010 Summer Camp Season. Don't miss the opportunity to work in “Saugatuck.” Positions Available:
Assistant Director for Summer Camp Programming
Summer Counselor
Please visit the camp website at www.prescamps.org or contact Brad Fries at director@prescamps.org.
When we think of Easter, many of us think of rabbits, eggs, and butterflies. All of them are symbols of new life in Christ Jesus. How about a rooster? What does a rooster symbolize?
In Jewish tradition the rooster is a symbol of redemption because the rooster sees the light, the truth, the dawn before anyone else. The rooster stands between the night and the new dawn. This was true for the disciple Peter; when the rooster crowed he knew the truth about himself. In our Christian tradition, the rooster has a similar meaning but with a twist. All over Europe, churches are toped with weathervanes of roosters reminding the people who enter that we are all like Peter. We all fall short. We are all in need of redemption. And that knowledge is a good thing. It is good to know that while we are not always faithful, Jesus is always faithful. Faith is about trusting Jesus rather than yourself.
We are all a bit like Peter: human, fallible and... loved. The wonder of the Passion Week - the holy week coming up - is not simply the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The wonder is God’s great love and mercy that continue past Easter and are available even to us. Peter’s story - and ours - doesn’t end with the rooster’s cry. Peter’s story continues with forgiveness, service, and a life given selflessly to God. As we begin to enter Holy Week, do not forget that we are all a bit like Peter. We trust in Jesus and not ourselves. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
P.S. If you are willing to be a reader for Holy Week, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday. or Good Friday, please email me directly at wboden@ameritech.net.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Each Wednesday in March you have been invited to share in G.I.F.T. (GROWING IN FAITH TOGETHER). We meet at 6:30 for soup supper, clean up together, and then have a blended worship at 7:00. There will be both traditional and contemporary worship music, all of it honoring God. At 7:30 we have dessert and fellowship, and folks head home by 7:45. Tonight is our last gathering, so we hope you’ll join us.
Next week is HOLY WEEK. Make plans now to join us for one or all of the following:
PALM SUNDAY, March 28: Worship service at 9:30 a.m. Gather in the narthex before worship; we will enter the sanctuary together, singing and waving our palms. (Palm Sunday is the deadline for ordering Easter lilies and other blooming plants.)
MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 1: Worship service at 7:30 p.m. Tenebrae (The Service of Shadows) with communion.
GOOD FRIDAY, April 2. Worship service at 7:30 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Christ.
FAMILY EASTER PARTY, April 3: Come at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, crafts, games (weather permitting), the Easter story, and the egg hunt. Bring friends and neighbors! Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required.
EASTER/THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD, April 4: Worship service at 9:30 a.m., communion. Deacons host continental breakfast after the service.
CHIME CHOIR needed for APRIL 18TH SERVICE! Junior High, High School, and Adults interested in ringing for the service on April 18th need to sign the sheet on the choir room door. The first mandatory rehearsal is this Sunday in the choir room right after worship for about 20 minutes. (The second is on April 11.)
FLOWERS FOR EASTER: In addition to lilies, we would like to add the beauty of other spring flowers at Easter this year. Watch for a sign-up in the narthex–lilies will be $15.00 each; tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will be $8.50 per container. Please check which flowers you would prefer. The sign-up deadline is this Sunday, March 28. If possible, we would like the colorful flowers to remain in our sanctuary for several weeks following Easter. The more, the better!
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Jesus’ call could not be clearer. Extending his love to us and to all who suffer, he calls us to share that love with those who need it. Today we can respond to his call through a generous gift to One Great Hour of Sharing. By joining with other Presbyterians in taking that call seriously, we can bring hope to the lives of families around the world. Please give now and, for the sake of those whose needs are greater than we can imagine, give generously.
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 after Easter Sunday.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL MISSION PROJECT: *Cheep* *Cheep* Chicks, to many of us, symbolize spring, rebirth, childhood. But for some, chicks can mean more; they can mean survival. Southminster’s children will be collecting money to purchase chicks for Heifer International, helping to fight world hunger. Just $20 buys a flock of chicks for a hungry family, providing eggs and nutrition to the recipients. Please help your children collect change to aid in supporting Heifer, and consider donating. We will be collecting until Easter. Thanks!
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 will begin on Easter, so start thinking about what flowers would make your garden whole!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m.! There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt. Come join us, and bring your friends! Everyone is welcome, and no advance reservations are required.
ACOLYTE Schedule:
March 28 - Maddie Frey
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
March 24 - G.I.F.T. (6:30-7:30 p.m.) Tonight is the last night!
April 3 - Annual Easter Breakfast (9:30 a.m.)
July 26-30 - Vacation Bible School (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
ADULT EDUCATION: This Sunday we will be studying Isaiah 50:4-9a, Phil. 2:5-11, and Luke 23:1-49. Join us for edifying study, conversation, and fellowship; eleven o’clock in the parlor. -Blair
YOUTH: It’s time! It’s time! It’s time! . . . Time for what? . . . Time to start thinking about MISSION TRIP. All SPY’ers, and those gonna be freshmen in the fall, consider joining the youth mission team for our trip to Rushville, IN, June 13-19, and register with Blair, with $100 deposit, by March 31st. (If you can’t find a C-note by then, talk to me.)
SYS!! Save your stuff for the RUMMAGE SALE, May 15-16. More information to come after Easter.
Presbyterian Camps is looking to fill summer positions for the 2010 Summer Camp Season. Don't miss the opportunity to work in “Saugatuck.” Positions Available:
Assistant Director for Summer Camp Programming
Summer Counselor
Please visit the camp website at www.prescamps.org or contact Brad Fries at director@prescamps.org.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March 17, 2010
G.I.F.T. TONIGHT 6:30 to 7:40 p.m. Eat dinner with us!
Scripture: Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”
Dear Friends,
This past weekend was packed, but very good. Sunday morning was a beautiful day for the church family. It was a great joy to baptize Anastasia. Her face was attentive and sweet, and YOUR faces were glowing. It was a great day to be family.
Sunday night was FUN! I was so impressed with the teamwork in getting the spaghetti dinner organized and the “talent” on stage. Sean Salins was a masterful master of ceremony. The gentleness the audience gave to young performers warmed my heart, and the laughter shared among us all was a great joy. Over 70 people came! In fact, one guest family that doesn’t normally attend church is planning to come and visit on Easter. They told me that they didn’t realize there was a church located here until their friends invited them to come! It was a great day to be family.
Monday, I officiated at the funeral of Lorene Peterson (Sid Peterson’s mother) at St. Patrick’s residence in Naperville. She was a wonderful woman! What was touching for me was to see members of Southminster there to lend love and support to Sid and Carole. By the way, at the meal following someone asked what congregation I served. Their response upon hearing Southminster was, “Oh yes, they are great supporters of Rebuilding Together - Aurora.” I felt very proud of you. It was a great day to be family.
On Saturday, I had an opportunity to visit with one of our college students, Kelly Henkels. She asked me a question, and I think the answer may be important to you. She asked, “When you talk about your kids in a sermon, do you TELL them ahead of time?” I said, “No, I don’t tell them, I ASK their PERMISSION.” I always ask permission or change the name for any story I tell, unless the person involved has passed away. Kelly learned a little about me, and I learned a little more about her and Southminster. It was a great day to be family.
The joy of baptism, conversations and laughs shared, a farewell to a loved one... These are all the small things that make a church a home rather than an institution. I rejoice in the love of God found in Southminster. It was a great day to be family. So take Paul’s advice and think about such things, and take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Join us for G.I.F.T. TONIGHT! Each Wednesday in March (excluding Holy Week) you are invited to share in G.I.F.T. (Growing In Faith Together). We meet at 6:30 for soup supper, clean up together, and then have a blended worship at 7:00. There will be both traditional and contemporary worship music, all of it honoring God. At 7:30 we have dessert and fellowship, and folks head home by 7:45. Your participation in G.I.F.T. will make a difference not only in our lives together in Southminster, but in your own spiritual growth as a person.
Hurray! The TRACTOR 2010 campaign was a huge success! We raised a total of $9780 toward the tractor and expenses. This is almost double the original goal! The generosity and compassion of the donors is greatly appreciated by everyone on the property ministry. Special thanks to Wendy, Barb, Camille, Bill, Marta, and Grace for their help with the fundraiser details. Look for a new tractor sometime in April!
All women of Southminster are invited to attend WOMEN’S CIRCLE this Friday, March 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. We will work on our Family Shelter service project and hear stories from trips to our Cuba Sister Church.
Reminder that the deadline for the APRIL DIALOG is this Saturday, March 20.
CHIME CHOIR needed for APRIL 18TH SERVICE! Junior High, High School, and Adults interested in ringing for the service on April 18th need to sign the sheet on the choir room door. Two rehearsals are mandatory: Sundays, March 28 and April 11, for about 20 minutes immediately following the worship service. Location: Choir Room.
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.
FLOWERS FOR EASTER: In addition to lilies, we would like to add the beauty of other spring flowers at Easter this year. Watch for a sign-up in the narthex–lilies will be $15.00 each; tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will be $8.50 per container. Please check which flowers you would prefer. The sign-up deadline is Palm Sunday, March 28. If possible, we would like the colorful flowers to remain in our sanctuary for several weeks following Easter. The more, the better!
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Jesus’ call could not be clearer. Extending his love to us and to all who suffer, he calls us to share that love with those who need it. Today we can respond to his call through a generous gift to One Great Hour of Sharing. By joining with other Presbyterians in taking that call seriously, we can bring hope to the lives of families around the world. Please give now and, for the sake of those whose needs are greater than we can imagine, give generously.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
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 after Easter Sunday.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL MISSION PROJECT: *Cheep* *Cheep* Chicks, to many of us, symbolize spring, rebirth, childhood. But for some, chicks can mean more; they can mean survival. Southminster’s children will be collecting money to purchase chicks for Heifer International, helping to fight world hunger. Just $20 buys a flock of chicks for a hungry family, providing eggs and nutrition to the recipients. Please help your children collect change to aid in supporting Heifer, and consider donating. We will be collecting until Easter. Thanks!
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 will begin on Easter, so start thinking about what flowers would make your garden whole!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: 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 will have another egg-stuffing party on March 21. All are invited! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m.! There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt. The breakfast wouldn’t be possible without your support!
SECOND HELPINGS: This Sunday, March 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. This month children will be learning about the Lord’s Prayer, and practicing for Youth Sunday (which will be May 16). Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun!
ACOLYTE Schedule:
March 28 - Maddie Frey
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
Wednesdays in March (excluding Holy Week) - G.I.F.T. (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. Our lectionary passages for this Sunday’s class are: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8. Consider joining us for the fellowship of study. -Blair
YOUTH!
Thanks to all who helped with TALENT SHOW AND DINNER, especially Sean Salins and Steve Henkels, and many others. We ate, we were entertained, and we launched the fund raising for the Youth Mission Trip. Thanks to all who came and gave.
SNL this Sunday, same time, same place, more fun. Note that there will be no SNL on Easter Sunday, April 4.
Youth through college aged: Considered being part of this year’s MISSION TEAM to Rushville, IN. Think about, pray about, let Blair know BY MARCH 31. There is joy in serving Jesus!
REMEMBER: Save Your Stuff for the RUMMAGE SALE, coming May 15-16.
Our journey through Lent to Easter concludes with HOLY WEEK. Make plans now to join us for one or all of the following:
Palm Sunday, March 28: Worship service at 9:30 a.m. Gather in the narthex before worship; we will enter the sanctuary together, singing and waving our palms. (Palm Sunday is the deadline for ordering Easter lilies and other blooming plants.)
Maundy Thursday, April 1: Worship service at 7:30 p.m. Tenebrae (The Service of Shadows) with communion.
Good Friday, April 2. Worship service at 7:30 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Christ.
Family Easter Party, April 3: Come at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, crafts, games (weather permitting), the Easter story, and the egg hunt. Bring friends and neighbors! Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required.
Easter/The Resurrection of the Lord, April 4: Worship service at 9:30 a.m., communion. Deacons host continental breakfast after the service.
Scripture: Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”
Dear Friends,
This past weekend was packed, but very good. Sunday morning was a beautiful day for the church family. It was a great joy to baptize Anastasia. Her face was attentive and sweet, and YOUR faces were glowing. It was a great day to be family.
Sunday night was FUN! I was so impressed with the teamwork in getting the spaghetti dinner organized and the “talent” on stage. Sean Salins was a masterful master of ceremony. The gentleness the audience gave to young performers warmed my heart, and the laughter shared among us all was a great joy. Over 70 people came! In fact, one guest family that doesn’t normally attend church is planning to come and visit on Easter. They told me that they didn’t realize there was a church located here until their friends invited them to come! It was a great day to be family.
Monday, I officiated at the funeral of Lorene Peterson (Sid Peterson’s mother) at St. Patrick’s residence in Naperville. She was a wonderful woman! What was touching for me was to see members of Southminster there to lend love and support to Sid and Carole. By the way, at the meal following someone asked what congregation I served. Their response upon hearing Southminster was, “Oh yes, they are great supporters of Rebuilding Together - Aurora.” I felt very proud of you. It was a great day to be family.
On Saturday, I had an opportunity to visit with one of our college students, Kelly Henkels. She asked me a question, and I think the answer may be important to you. She asked, “When you talk about your kids in a sermon, do you TELL them ahead of time?” I said, “No, I don’t tell them, I ASK their PERMISSION.” I always ask permission or change the name for any story I tell, unless the person involved has passed away. Kelly learned a little about me, and I learned a little more about her and Southminster. It was a great day to be family.
The joy of baptism, conversations and laughs shared, a farewell to a loved one... These are all the small things that make a church a home rather than an institution. I rejoice in the love of God found in Southminster. It was a great day to be family. So take Paul’s advice and think about such things, and take it from here.
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Join us for G.I.F.T. TONIGHT! Each Wednesday in March (excluding Holy Week) you are invited to share in G.I.F.T. (Growing In Faith Together). We meet at 6:30 for soup supper, clean up together, and then have a blended worship at 7:00. There will be both traditional and contemporary worship music, all of it honoring God. At 7:30 we have dessert and fellowship, and folks head home by 7:45. Your participation in G.I.F.T. will make a difference not only in our lives together in Southminster, but in your own spiritual growth as a person.
Hurray! The TRACTOR 2010 campaign was a huge success! We raised a total of $9780 toward the tractor and expenses. This is almost double the original goal! The generosity and compassion of the donors is greatly appreciated by everyone on the property ministry. Special thanks to Wendy, Barb, Camille, Bill, Marta, and Grace for their help with the fundraiser details. Look for a new tractor sometime in April!
All women of Southminster are invited to attend WOMEN’S CIRCLE this Friday, March 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor. We will work on our Family Shelter service project and hear stories from trips to our Cuba Sister Church.
Reminder that the deadline for the APRIL DIALOG is this Saturday, March 20.
CHIME CHOIR needed for APRIL 18TH SERVICE! Junior High, High School, and Adults interested in ringing for the service on April 18th need to sign the sheet on the choir room door. Two rehearsals are mandatory: Sundays, March 28 and April 11, for about 20 minutes immediately following the worship service. Location: Choir Room.
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.
FLOWERS FOR EASTER: In addition to lilies, we would like to add the beauty of other spring flowers at Easter this year. Watch for a sign-up in the narthex–lilies will be $15.00 each; tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will be $8.50 per container. Please check which flowers you would prefer. The sign-up deadline is Palm Sunday, March 28. If possible, we would like the colorful flowers to remain in our sanctuary for several weeks following Easter. The more, the better!
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Jesus’ call could not be clearer. Extending his love to us and to all who suffer, he calls us to share that love with those who need it. Today we can respond to his call through a generous gift to One Great Hour of Sharing. By joining with other Presbyterians in taking that call seriously, we can bring hope to the lives of families around the world. Please give now and, for the sake of those whose needs are greater than we can imagine, give generously.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
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 after Easter Sunday.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL MISSION PROJECT: *Cheep* *Cheep* Chicks, to many of us, symbolize spring, rebirth, childhood. But for some, chicks can mean more; they can mean survival. Southminster’s children will be collecting money to purchase chicks for Heifer International, helping to fight world hunger. Just $20 buys a flock of chicks for a hungry family, providing eggs and nutrition to the recipients. Please help your children collect change to aid in supporting Heifer, and consider donating. We will be collecting until Easter. Thanks!
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 will begin on Easter, so start thinking about what flowers would make your garden whole!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: 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 will have another egg-stuffing party on March 21. All are invited! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m.! There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt. The breakfast wouldn’t be possible without your support!
SECOND HELPINGS: This Sunday, March 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. This month children will be learning about the Lord’s Prayer, and practicing for Youth Sunday (which will be May 16). Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun!
ACOLYTE Schedule:
March 28 - Maddie Frey
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
Wednesdays in March (excluding Holy Week) - G.I.F.T. (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. Our lectionary passages for this Sunday’s class are: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8. Consider joining us for the fellowship of study. -Blair
YOUTH!
Thanks to all who helped with TALENT SHOW AND DINNER, especially Sean Salins and Steve Henkels, and many others. We ate, we were entertained, and we launched the fund raising for the Youth Mission Trip. Thanks to all who came and gave.
SNL this Sunday, same time, same place, more fun. Note that there will be no SNL on Easter Sunday, April 4.
Youth through college aged: Considered being part of this year’s MISSION TEAM to Rushville, IN. Think about, pray about, let Blair know BY MARCH 31. There is joy in serving Jesus!
REMEMBER: Save Your Stuff for the RUMMAGE SALE, coming May 15-16.
Our journey through Lent to Easter concludes with HOLY WEEK. Make plans now to join us for one or all of the following:
Palm Sunday, March 28: Worship service at 9:30 a.m. Gather in the narthex before worship; we will enter the sanctuary together, singing and waving our palms. (Palm Sunday is the deadline for ordering Easter lilies and other blooming plants.)
Maundy Thursday, April 1: Worship service at 7:30 p.m. Tenebrae (The Service of Shadows) with communion.
Good Friday, April 2. Worship service at 7:30 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Christ.
Family Easter Party, April 3: Come at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast, crafts, games (weather permitting), the Easter story, and the egg hunt. Bring friends and neighbors! Everyone is welcome, and no reservations are required.
Easter/The Resurrection of the Lord, April 4: Worship service at 9:30 a.m., communion. Deacons host continental breakfast after the service.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 10, 2010
G.I.F.T. TONIGHT 6:30 to 7:40 p.m. Eat dinner with us!
Scripture: Romans 5:1-5
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Dear Friends,
I call my father every Monday. This past Monday he told me that he had a criticism of me. He said, “You tend to look at life with rose-colored glasses!” Scandal! In his book, that is obviously a bad thing to do. People need to be realistic! My answer was that I didn’t look at life with rose-colored glasses; rather I look at life with hope. He paused and laughed. We both had a good laugh.
For most people hope is simply rose-colored glasses or just wishful thinking, unconnected to reality. Hope is not even positive thinking. For Christians hope is connected to a deeper reality: the anchor of our faith, Jesus Christ. Our hope, my hope, is in Jesus Christ, not in my checking account, not in any talent or skill, but in Christ. In fact, the chapter known in the Bible for love, First Corinthians 13, puts faith and love right next to hope. Hope is a virtue, a grace of God for God’s people.
I find the transition between winter (February) and spring (March), kind of tough. Taxes are almost due. Many of us have colds that never seem to go away. Cabin fever sets in, and we can get on one another’s nerves. Some of us have more serious circumstances to deal with from chronic illness to job situations to marriage. Those are times that require hope in Christ. There are times when we feel that we are sailing a vast ocean and our oars are broken and the rudder doesn’t work. If you are feeling swamped by your circumstances in life, remember that Christ is our anchor. From the earliest days of Christianity the anchor has been a symbol of hope. Your hope is in Christ. Christ is our anchor. Some of us have trouble praying, but rest assured that “Help” is not only a simple prayer, it is a fine prayer. The fishermen of Brittany have this prayer, “Dear God, be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small.” Remember we live into hope, help is a fine prayer, and Christ is our anchor. God Bless. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
In April we would like to add email addresses to our church directory. If you would like your current email address posted, please let the church office know. We can only keep our directory up to date by you checking your own personal information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Join us for G.I.F.T. TONIGHT! Each Wednesday in March (excluding Holy Week) you are invited to share in G.I.F.T. (Growing In Faith Together). We meet at 6:30 for soup supper, clean up together, and then have a blended worship at 7:00. There will be both traditional and contemporary worship music, all of it honoring God. At 7:30 we have dessert and fellowship, and folks head home by 7:45. Your participation in G.I.F.T. will make a difference not only in our lives together in Southminster, but in your own spiritual growth as a person.
We are looking for adults and children to participate in our G.I.F.T. celebrations. Would you be willing to read? Play an instrument? Sing (by yourself or with a group)? Please talk to Wendy.
CHOIR MEMBERS ARE STILL NEEDED TO SING FOR EASTER SUNDAY! If you can make a short-term commitment, then come to our rehearsal this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. Those who sing, pray twice!
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME begins this weekend! Don’t forget to change your clocks before you go to sleep on Saturday night. (“Spring Forward” – turn them one hour ahead.)
Children in Pre-School through Grade 3 will begin their Sunday School Class with a short singing practice. They will be learning “Jubilee!” Grades 4 and 5 will be given handchime parts to play after Easter Sunday.
SPAGHETTI DINNER AND TALENT SHOW THIS SUNDAY! Don’t miss a show guaranteed to put the Academy Awards to shame - featuring fantastic food and amazing talent (really, you will be amazed), and benefiting the Youth Mission Trip. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with the show following. Adults $5.00, children $3.00, and children under three, FREE!
The fund drive to purchase a NEW LAWN TRACTOR is in high gear! Look for a 2010 tractor poster and fundraiser box 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.
CHIME CHOIR needed for APRIL 18TH SERVICE! Junior High, High School, and Adults interested in ringing for the service on April 18th need to sign the sheet on the choir room door. Two rehearsals are mandatory: Sundays, March 28 and April 11, for about 20 minutes immediately following the worship service. Location: Choir Room.
FLOWERS FOR EASTER: In addition to lilies, we would like to add the beauty of other spring flowers at Easter this year. Watch for a sign-up in the narthex–lilies will be $15.00 each; tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will be $8.50 per container. Please check which flowers you would prefer. The sign-up deadline is Palm Sunday, March 28. If possible, we would like the colorful flowers to remain in our sanctuary for several weeks following Easter. The more, the better!
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL MISSION PROJECT: *Cheep* *Cheep* Chicks, to many of us, symbolize spring, rebirth, childhood. But for some, chicks can mean more; they can mean survival. Southminster’s children will be collecting money to purchase chicks for Heifer International, helping to fight world hunger. Just $20 buys a flock of chicks for a hungry family, providing eggs and nutrition to the recipients. Please help your children collect change to aid in supporting Heifer, and consider donating. We will be collecting until Easter. Thanks!
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 will begin on Easter, so start thinking about what flowers would make your garden whole!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: 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 will have another egg-stuffing party on March 21. All are invited! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m.! There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt. The breakfast wouldn’t be possible without your support!
SECOND HELPINGS: On March 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. This month children will be learning about the Lord’s Prayer, and practicing for Youth Sunday (which will be May 16). Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun!
ACOLYTE Schedule:
March 14 - Billy Petersen
March 28 - Maddie Frey
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
Wednesdays in March (excluding Holy Week) - G.I.F.T. (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. Our lectionary passages for this Sunday’s class are: Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. Consider joining us for the fellowship of study. -Blair
YOUTH!
ALL Youth! Join us at noon on Sunday for pizza lunch (bring $3.00 for the food, please) and to work on our acts for the TALENT SHOW. If you can’t make that, please be at church by 3:00 for set up and final rehearsals.
Remember to SAVE YOUR STUFF for the annual RUMMAGE SALE coming in mid-May! Your trash is another person’s treasure; your junk is someone’s jewels; your garbage is your neighbor’s gold; your... well, you get the idea.
YOUTH MISSION TRIP: Youth, entering high school thru college-aged, please register with Blair for the Mission Trip (June 13-19) by March 31.
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.
Scripture: Romans 5:1-5
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Dear Friends,
I call my father every Monday. This past Monday he told me that he had a criticism of me. He said, “You tend to look at life with rose-colored glasses!” Scandal! In his book, that is obviously a bad thing to do. People need to be realistic! My answer was that I didn’t look at life with rose-colored glasses; rather I look at life with hope. He paused and laughed. We both had a good laugh.
For most people hope is simply rose-colored glasses or just wishful thinking, unconnected to reality. Hope is not even positive thinking. For Christians hope is connected to a deeper reality: the anchor of our faith, Jesus Christ. Our hope, my hope, is in Jesus Christ, not in my checking account, not in any talent or skill, but in Christ. In fact, the chapter known in the Bible for love, First Corinthians 13, puts faith and love right next to hope. Hope is a virtue, a grace of God for God’s people.
I find the transition between winter (February) and spring (March), kind of tough. Taxes are almost due. Many of us have colds that never seem to go away. Cabin fever sets in, and we can get on one another’s nerves. Some of us have more serious circumstances to deal with from chronic illness to job situations to marriage. Those are times that require hope in Christ. There are times when we feel that we are sailing a vast ocean and our oars are broken and the rudder doesn’t work. If you are feeling swamped by your circumstances in life, remember that Christ is our anchor. From the earliest days of Christianity the anchor has been a symbol of hope. Your hope is in Christ. Christ is our anchor. Some of us have trouble praying, but rest assured that “Help” is not only a simple prayer, it is a fine prayer. The fishermen of Brittany have this prayer, “Dear God, be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small.” Remember we live into hope, help is a fine prayer, and Christ is our anchor. God Bless. Take it from here.
Love, Wendy
In April we would like to add email addresses to our church directory. If you would like your current email address posted, please let the church office know. We can only keep our directory up to date by you checking your own personal information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Join us for G.I.F.T. TONIGHT! Each Wednesday in March (excluding Holy Week) you are invited to share in G.I.F.T. (Growing In Faith Together). We meet at 6:30 for soup supper, clean up together, and then have a blended worship at 7:00. There will be both traditional and contemporary worship music, all of it honoring God. At 7:30 we have dessert and fellowship, and folks head home by 7:45. Your participation in G.I.F.T. will make a difference not only in our lives together in Southminster, but in your own spiritual growth as a person.
We are looking for adults and children to participate in our G.I.F.T. celebrations. Would you be willing to read? Play an instrument? Sing (by yourself or with a group)? Please talk to Wendy.
CHOIR MEMBERS ARE STILL NEEDED TO SING FOR EASTER SUNDAY! If you can make a short-term commitment, then come to our rehearsal this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. Those who sing, pray twice!
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME begins this weekend! Don’t forget to change your clocks before you go to sleep on Saturday night. (“Spring Forward” – turn them one hour ahead.)
Children in Pre-School through Grade 3 will begin their Sunday School Class with a short singing practice. They will be learning “Jubilee!” Grades 4 and 5 will be given handchime parts to play after Easter Sunday.
SPAGHETTI DINNER AND TALENT SHOW THIS SUNDAY! Don’t miss a show guaranteed to put the Academy Awards to shame - featuring fantastic food and amazing talent (really, you will be amazed), and benefiting the Youth Mission Trip. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with the show following. Adults $5.00, children $3.00, and children under three, FREE!
The fund drive to purchase a NEW LAWN TRACTOR is in high gear! Look for a 2010 tractor poster and fundraiser box 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.
CHIME CHOIR needed for APRIL 18TH SERVICE! Junior High, High School, and Adults interested in ringing for the service on April 18th need to sign the sheet on the choir room door. Two rehearsals are mandatory: Sundays, March 28 and April 11, for about 20 minutes immediately following the worship service. Location: Choir Room.
FLOWERS FOR EASTER: In addition to lilies, we would like to add the beauty of other spring flowers at Easter this year. Watch for a sign-up in the narthex–lilies will be $15.00 each; tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will be $8.50 per container. Please check which flowers you would prefer. The sign-up deadline is Palm Sunday, March 28. If possible, we would like the colorful flowers to remain in our sanctuary for several weeks following Easter. The more, the better!
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL MISSION PROJECT: *Cheep* *Cheep* Chicks, to many of us, symbolize spring, rebirth, childhood. But for some, chicks can mean more; they can mean survival. Southminster’s children will be collecting money to purchase chicks for Heifer International, helping to fight world hunger. Just $20 buys a flock of chicks for a hungry family, providing eggs and nutrition to the recipients. Please help your children collect change to aid in supporting Heifer, and consider donating. We will be collecting until Easter. Thanks!
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 will begin on Easter, so start thinking about what flowers would make your garden whole!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: 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 will have another egg-stuffing party on March 21. All are invited! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m.! There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt. The breakfast wouldn’t be possible without your support!
SECOND HELPINGS: On March 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. This month children will be learning about the Lord’s Prayer, and practicing for Youth Sunday (which will be May 16). Remember, everyone is invited, so don’t miss out on the fun!
ACOLYTE Schedule:
March 14 - Billy Petersen
March 28 - Maddie Frey
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
Wednesdays in March (excluding Holy Week) - G.I.F.T. (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. Our lectionary passages for this Sunday’s class are: Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. Consider joining us for the fellowship of study. -Blair
YOUTH!
ALL Youth! Join us at noon on Sunday for pizza lunch (bring $3.00 for the food, please) and to work on our acts for the TALENT SHOW. If you can’t make that, please be at church by 3:00 for set up and final rehearsals.
Remember to SAVE YOUR STUFF for the annual RUMMAGE SALE coming in mid-May! Your trash is another person’s treasure; your junk is someone’s jewels; your garbage is your neighbor’s gold; your... well, you get the idea.
YOUTH MISSION TRIP: Youth, entering high school thru college-aged, please register with Blair for the Mission Trip (June 13-19) by March 31.
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.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 3, 2010
Scripture: Luke 13: 34
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”
Dear Friends,
Have you looked at our Lenten station near the entrance of the Sanctuary? Each week there is a different display reflecting our scripture for the day. Last week someone commented to me that their children asked why a rooster was in the sanctuary. They were able to give a good answer about the role of the rooster in the passion of Christ. Which was great! However, they wondered to me why we had the rooster out so early in Lent. The answer is that it isn’t a rooster; it’s a hen, with baby chicks underneath. We had a good laugh, and I had to agree that our hen looks more like a rooster than a hen.
Throughout scripture various descriptions for God have been offered, from rock, to fortress, to wind, but one that is very rich, but not often preached about it that of a mother bird. Deuteronomy 32:11 and Psalm 17:8 are two verses for example. Do you remember the song, “On Eagles’ Wings”? It’s a favorite of many and it is based on the prophet Isaiah.
At first glance the protection of a mother bird doesn’t seem like much; just a bunch of feathers and a sharp beak, but there is more! There is the willingness of mother birds to put themselves between danger and their babies even putting their lives on the line. Isn’t that what Christ did for us? He put his life on the cross for us.
Next week we will have “wine” and milk at the station along with a loaf of bread. After listening to the sermon you may know why. Take it from here,
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
G.I.F.T. STARTS TONIGHT! Each Wednesday in March (excluding Holy Week) you are invited to share in G.I.F.T. (Growing In Faith Together). We meet at 6:30 for soup supper, clean up together, and then have a blended worship at 7:00. There will be both traditional and contemporary worship music, all of it honoring God. At 7:30 we have dessert and fellowship, and folks head home by 7:45. Your participation in G.I.F.T. will make a difference not only in our lives together in Southminster, but in your own spiritual growth as a person.
We are looking for adults and children to participate in our G.I.F.T. celebrations. Would you be willing to read? Play an instrument? Sing (by yourself or with a group)? Please talk to Wendy.
CHOIR MEMBERS ARE STILL NEEDED TO SING FOR EASTER SUNDAY! If you can make a short-term commitment, then come to our rehearsal this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. Those who sing, pray twice!
Sign-up deadline is this Sunday for the MARCH FELLOWSHIP EVENT: the Lisle Sr. High School spring musical “Music Man.” We will attend the play on Friday, March 19, 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Sign up in the narthex by March 7. Any questions please contact Karen Fitzgerald (cell phone: 630-738-8060).
Yes! Finally! The long-awaited and dearly loved ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER AND TALENT SHOW is almost here!! Mark this on your calendar: Sunday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. Please sign your act up, on the sheet in the narthex (look for the picture of Eric and Robby), and also sign your party up on the sheet so we know for how many people we will be feeding. For only $5 per adult and $3 per child (anyone 3 or under is free) you’ll get a good meal, you’ll have lots of fun... and you’ll be supporting a good cause: our Youth Mission Trip.
Children in Pre-School through Grade 3 will begin their Sunday School Class with a short singing practice. They will be learning “Jubilee!” Grades 4 and 5 will be given handchime parts to play after Easter Sunday.
The fund drive to purchase a NEW LAWN TRACTOR revs up in March! Look for a 2010 tractor poster and fundraiser box 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.
This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, is the day we bring OFFERINGS FOR THE PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER. The March emphasis is personal care and sanitary products. Donations can be placed in the narthex (near the stairwell to Fellowship Hall).
CHIME CHOIR needed for APRIL 18TH SERVICE! Junior High, High School, and Adults interested in ringing for the service on April 18th need to sign the sheet on the choir room door. Two rehearsals are mandatory: Sundays, March 28 and April 11, for about 20 minutes immediately following the worship service. Location: Choir Room.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL MISSION PROJECT: *Cheep* *Cheep* Chicks, to many of us, symbolize spring, rebirth, childhood. But for some, chicks can mean more; they can mean survival. Southminster’s children will be collecting money to purchase chicks for Heifer International, helping to fight world hunger. Just $20 buys a flock of chicks for a hungry family, providing eggs and nutrition to the recipients. Please help your children collect change to aid in supporting Heifer, and consider donating. We will be collecting until Easter. Thanks!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MEETING THIS SUNDAY: There’s a high seas adventure happening at Southminster this summer at Vacation Bible School. For those adults that are brave enough to help lead our adventure, there will be a brief meeting this Sunday after church in the parlor. We need all hands on deck to make this a successful voyage. So, climb aboard, and get your passport to fun this Sunday!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: This Sunday, following worship, come join us for Easter egg stuffing! Just sit down, relax, and chat while filling eggs with delicious candy and fun toys which will make lots of kids very happy. Also, 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 will have egg-stuffing parties on March 7th and 21st. All are invited! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m.! There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt. The breakfast wouldn’t be possible without your support! We hope to see you this Sunday!
ACOLYTE Schedule:
March 14 - Billy Petersen
March 28 - Maddie Frey
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
Wednesdays in March (excluding Holy Week) - G.I.F.T. (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. Our lectionary passages for this Sunday’s class are: Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, and Luke 13:1-9. Consider joining us for the fellowship of study. -Blair
YOUTH!
SPY and PYNGUINS: We will be preparing for the Talent Show at SNL this week. PYNGUINS meet at 6:00 p.m. SPY, please join us at 6:30 p.m., instead of the usual 7:00 p.m., this Sunday so we can have more time to work with the PYNGUINS for Talent Show.
SYS = Save Your Stuff. We need your salable surplus stuff for our RUMMAGE SALE, coming in mid-May. So put that stuff in a safe place and watch for information about when to bring it to church.
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.
RECORDINGS OF OUR WORSHIP SERVICES: If you enjoy listening to the Sunday service again but can only listen on a cassette tape, please let Andrea Schmidt know (630-629-4526 or lizzie3@comcast.net). If no one is using the cassettes, we are going to phase them out because the service is available for viewing on DVD.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”
Dear Friends,
Have you looked at our Lenten station near the entrance of the Sanctuary? Each week there is a different display reflecting our scripture for the day. Last week someone commented to me that their children asked why a rooster was in the sanctuary. They were able to give a good answer about the role of the rooster in the passion of Christ. Which was great! However, they wondered to me why we had the rooster out so early in Lent. The answer is that it isn’t a rooster; it’s a hen, with baby chicks underneath. We had a good laugh, and I had to agree that our hen looks more like a rooster than a hen.
Throughout scripture various descriptions for God have been offered, from rock, to fortress, to wind, but one that is very rich, but not often preached about it that of a mother bird. Deuteronomy 32:11 and Psalm 17:8 are two verses for example. Do you remember the song, “On Eagles’ Wings”? It’s a favorite of many and it is based on the prophet Isaiah.
At first glance the protection of a mother bird doesn’t seem like much; just a bunch of feathers and a sharp beak, but there is more! There is the willingness of mother birds to put themselves between danger and their babies even putting their lives on the line. Isn’t that what Christ did for us? He put his life on the cross for us.
Next week we will have “wine” and milk at the station along with a loaf of bread. After listening to the sermon you may know why. Take it from here,
Love, Wendy
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
G.I.F.T. STARTS TONIGHT! Each Wednesday in March (excluding Holy Week) you are invited to share in G.I.F.T. (Growing In Faith Together). We meet at 6:30 for soup supper, clean up together, and then have a blended worship at 7:00. There will be both traditional and contemporary worship music, all of it honoring God. At 7:30 we have dessert and fellowship, and folks head home by 7:45. Your participation in G.I.F.T. will make a difference not only in our lives together in Southminster, but in your own spiritual growth as a person.
We are looking for adults and children to participate in our G.I.F.T. celebrations. Would you be willing to read? Play an instrument? Sing (by yourself or with a group)? Please talk to Wendy.
CHOIR MEMBERS ARE STILL NEEDED TO SING FOR EASTER SUNDAY! If you can make a short-term commitment, then come to our rehearsal this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. Those who sing, pray twice!
Sign-up deadline is this Sunday for the MARCH FELLOWSHIP EVENT: the Lisle Sr. High School spring musical “Music Man.” We will attend the play on Friday, March 19, 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Sign up in the narthex by March 7. Any questions please contact Karen Fitzgerald (cell phone: 630-738-8060).
Yes! Finally! The long-awaited and dearly loved ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER AND TALENT SHOW is almost here!! Mark this on your calendar: Sunday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. Please sign your act up, on the sheet in the narthex (look for the picture of Eric and Robby), and also sign your party up on the sheet so we know for how many people we will be feeding. For only $5 per adult and $3 per child (anyone 3 or under is free) you’ll get a good meal, you’ll have lots of fun... and you’ll be supporting a good cause: our Youth Mission Trip.
Children in Pre-School through Grade 3 will begin their Sunday School Class with a short singing practice. They will be learning “Jubilee!” Grades 4 and 5 will be given handchime parts to play after Easter Sunday.
The fund drive to purchase a NEW LAWN TRACTOR revs up in March! Look for a 2010 tractor poster and fundraiser box 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.
This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, is the day we bring OFFERINGS FOR THE PEOPLE’S RESOURCE CENTER. The March emphasis is personal care and sanitary products. Donations can be placed in the narthex (near the stairwell to Fellowship Hall).
CHIME CHOIR needed for APRIL 18TH SERVICE! Junior High, High School, and Adults interested in ringing for the service on April 18th need to sign the sheet on the choir room door. Two rehearsals are mandatory: Sundays, March 28 and April 11, for about 20 minutes immediately following the worship service. Location: Choir Room.
CHRISTIAN ED. NOTES:
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL MISSION PROJECT: *Cheep* *Cheep* Chicks, to many of us, symbolize spring, rebirth, childhood. But for some, chicks can mean more; they can mean survival. Southminster’s children will be collecting money to purchase chicks for Heifer International, helping to fight world hunger. Just $20 buys a flock of chicks for a hungry family, providing eggs and nutrition to the recipients. Please help your children collect change to aid in supporting Heifer, and consider donating. We will be collecting until Easter. Thanks!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MEETING THIS SUNDAY: There’s a high seas adventure happening at Southminster this summer at Vacation Bible School. For those adults that are brave enough to help lead our adventure, there will be a brief meeting this Sunday after church in the parlor. We need all hands on deck to make this a successful voyage. So, climb aboard, and get your passport to fun this Sunday!
EASTER EGG MADNESS: This Sunday, following worship, come join us for Easter egg stuffing! Just sit down, relax, and chat while filling eggs with delicious candy and fun toys which will make lots of kids very happy. Also, 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 will have egg-stuffing parties on March 7th and 21st. All are invited! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Children’s Easter Egg Breakfast on Saturday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m.! There will be games (weather permitting), crafts, breakfast, and an Easter egg hunt. The breakfast wouldn’t be possible without your support! We hope to see you this Sunday!
ACOLYTE Schedule:
March 14 - Billy Petersen
March 28 - Maddie Frey
April 11 - Dakota Dolister
April 25 - Haley Jablonski
WHAT’S AHEAD IN CHRISTIAN ED?
Wednesdays in March (excluding Holy Week) - G.I.F.T. (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. Our lectionary passages for this Sunday’s class are: Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, and Luke 13:1-9. Consider joining us for the fellowship of study. -Blair
YOUTH!
SPY and PYNGUINS: We will be preparing for the Talent Show at SNL this week. PYNGUINS meet at 6:00 p.m. SPY, please join us at 6:30 p.m., instead of the usual 7:00 p.m., this Sunday so we can have more time to work with the PYNGUINS for Talent Show.
SYS = Save Your Stuff. We need your salable surplus stuff for our RUMMAGE SALE, coming in mid-May. So put that stuff in a safe place and watch for information about when to bring it to church.
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.
RECORDINGS OF OUR WORSHIP SERVICES: If you enjoy listening to the Sunday service again but can only listen on a cassette tape, please let Andrea Schmidt know (630-629-4526 or lizzie3@comcast.net). If no one is using the cassettes, we are going to phase them out because the service is available for viewing on DVD.
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