Transitions
Someone has said that on the way out of the Garden of Eden, Adam said to Eve, "My dear, we are living in a time of transition." Obviously, this is not literally true, but it does carry a bit of truth. Change began early in human history. We continue to find ourselves in a time of transition amid the winds of change.
During this time, I especially want to pause to remember my friend and colleague in ministry, Dr. Roane Deckert, whose passing we mourn deeply. Second Pres gladly recognizes its debt to this good man, whose presence we will greatly miss. I especially recall his laughter in the face of hardship, which for me, was an act of courage. Well done, Roane, well done.
This week, we welcome a new interim pastor, the Rev. Dr. David Bianchin. Despite the titles, you will quickly come to call him
Pastor Dave or just Dave. He moves among people with ease and comfort. I join the rest of the staff in looking forward to working alongside him. I believe his leadership will make navigating these next few months a much easier task. Welcome to 2PC, Pastor Dave.
With this edition of the Pulse, my role as Acting Head of Staff comes to a close. It has been both challenging and enjoyable and I appreciate your support during these two months. I especially want to thank those of you who increased your pledges or pledged for the first time in January. It made our January budget meeting productive and easier than it would have been otherwise. I also want to thank this church staff. This staff is the strongest I have seen in my tenure here. Pastors, program staff and assistants work together to keep the ministries of this church on track to empower the congregation to share the heart of Christ in the heart of this community. I especially want to thank Rev. Josh Erickson and Dr. Judy Webb for their partnership in ministry. Their energy and passion for ministry is incalculable. Whether it was a worship service, a Session meeting or an unforeseen issue, I could count on both to rise to the occasion. Time and space fails to allow thanking other staff members who performed with excellence. It has been a joy to work with them. Years ago, I heard someone say, "No one succeeds in this life alone." Certainly, these past two and one-half months have reinforced this maxim in my mind. In Christ, Dr. Don CrittendenPastor/Acting Head of Staff
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 2PC News
Sermons on YouTube
You can click on the dates below to watch that morning's sermon. March 4 February 26 February 19 February 5 Encouragement Notes and CaringBridge To share a note of encouragement with Mark Brown, there is a collection box at Connection Point. These cards will be gathered weekly and shared. To follow the Browns' entries on CaringBridge, go here.
Pioneer Woman
 Advocate BroMenn Medical Center has agreed to permanently display Dr. Roane Deckert's powerful limestone sculpture, Pioneer Woman, at the juncture of the atrium and the new Mother/Baby Unit. Friends who love Roane and Ardelle can pull together to raise the artist's asking price of $39,000 through a tax-deductible donation.
Please click here to donate by credit card or click here to donate by check, or pick up these forms and a self-addressed stamped envelope at Connection Point Sunday to mail your contribution. Once the funds are raised, the Foundation will purchase Pioneer Woman from the Deckerts. JOY Fellowship | March 9
Sarah's Garden at the David Davis Mansion will be shared by the McLean County Master Gardeners at the Friday, 10:30am fellowship. All are encouraged to attend. You may also stay for the Friday Prayer lunch ($6 donation). Contact Kim Pare to make your lunch reservation.
Lenten All-Church Study | Sunday
 The all-church study, The Unexpected Adventure, is Sunday at 10:10am in Grace Hall. Walk-ins are welcome and should check in with Ann Crittenden for a table assignment. Contact Sue Taulbee or Barby Pratt-Mecherle with questions.
Easter Lily Memorial
 To purchase an Easter lily in memory, honor or celebration of a loved one, please visit Connection Point to complete a card and make the $15 donation. These lilies will be displayed in the sanctuary Easter morning and will then be given to 2PC shut-ins. Please contact Kim Pare at 828-6297 with any questions.
Give it up for LCP! | Through Easter
Each year, the children connected to Little Children of the Philippines (LCP) receive one gift. During Lent, 2PC kids can purchase a gift as part of a Lenten sacrifice. The $2.50 gifts are a doll or a ball/jax set. Beginning March 4, these toys will be available in the south entry. 2PC members and kids may trade in their saved money for a toy and place the toy in the hut outside the sanctuary.
The Easter morning Give it up for LCP offering will go towards the purchase of sausage-making equipment. This equipment will open up opportunities for increased revenue for those served by LCP. Lenten offering boxes are available at Connection Point. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Don Crittenden.Treats for the Troops  Collection of "We Care" package items for those serving in the military with 2PC connections is underway. The list of needed items, along with a red collection box, is at Connection Point. You may also see the list here.
If you don't know if a serviceperson with a 2PC connection is on the list to receive a box, please contact Jeanie Wendt at 828-3506 or by email. Prayers and encouragement will accompany each shipment! Chapel Memories | by Phyllis Gehrt Phyllis Gehrt, the current 8:15am Chapel service pianist, recently recorded a CD of piano hymn arrangements. The sale of this $10 CD will benefit the Chapel Choir Robe Fund. To purchase a CD, please go to Connection Point. PW Circle Meetings | March Ruth Circle | March 15, 7pm | Teri Parker's home Alice and Grace Circle | March 18, 10am | Westminster Village Lydia Circle | March 2o, 9am | 2PC Sarah Circle | March 21, 9:30am | Barbara McGaughan's home Welcome Reception for Dr. Bianchin | March 18 Dr. Bianchin will share his first message at 2PC on Sunday, March 18. There will be a welcome reception for him at 12:15pm in the Fellowship Hall. You are encouraged to attend, introduce yourself and make him feel welcome.
Tickets are now available for the Laymen's Lenten Breakfast on Thursday, March 22, 6am, at the ISU Bone Student Center Ballroom. The morning includes great food, fellowship and a message from comedian Taylor Mason. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students through college seniors. For more information about the event and ticket information, call the Immanuel Bible Foundation office at 452-6710 or visit here. Also, at 7pm on March 22, an Evening of Laughter with Taylor Mason will be at the Bloomington High School auditorium. For more information, call Immanuel Bible Foundation office at 452-6710 or click here. JOY Trip | March 23 Registration Deadline Join the JOY group at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts to see Say Goodnight Gracie on Saturday, April 14, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $24. Please contact Dave Haake at 828-3591 with questions or to reserve your spot. Parents' Morning Out | March 24  Children from six months-5th grade are invited to a Parents' Morning Out event from 9am-noon on Saturday, March 24. The cost is $10 per child with a $25 family maximum. The morning will include games, crafts and Easter stories. Sign-up by email or in Martin Hall by Sunday, March 18. Contact Ashley Barnish for more information or to register. Spring Break with FriendsFirst | March 27 All families are invited to play games, make crafts and eat snacks with members of FriendsFirst on Tuesday, March 27, from 9:30-11:30am in the 2PC south entry. There will be an optional lunch provided at 11:30am for $5 per person. Please RSVP to Jessica O'Malley, Children's Ministry Intern. Helping Hands Service Morning | March 31 If you need assistance with light maintenance or lawn tasks OR you would like to assist a team completing these projects on Saturday, March 31, please contact Kim Pare or Gene Gant at 963-4361. The team will meet at 2PC at 8:30am for a devotion and donuts before moving out to service sites. Holy Week | April 1-8
 April 1 - Palm Sunday, worship services at 8:15, 9 and 11:11am, Little Children of the Philippines in worship, Community Outreach Dinner (pig roast) April 5 - Maundy Thursday, Seder Meal in Fellowship Hall at 5:30pm, family-friendly event, suggested donation of $6 per person/$22 family maximum. RSVP to Kim at 828-6297.
April 6 - Good Friday, What's So Good About Good Friday art show in the south entry from 5-8pm, Tenebrae service in the sanctuary at 7:30pm, childcare is available.
April 8 - Easter, Sunrise service in the sanctuary at 6:30am, Brunch in the Fellowship Hall following the Sunrise service-11am, Worship services at 8:15, 9 and 11:11am; no Christian Education hour.
What's So Good About Good Friday? | April 6  Calling all artists! 2PC is once again hosting a Good Friday art show. The theme is What's So Good About Good Friday? For more information about submitting a piece of art on this theme, please contact Rev. Dean Kladder.
Gathering of Men Lunch Series | Begins April 12
The Gathering of Men lunch series will be in April. Mark your calendars for April 12, 19 and 26 to hear an inspirational message over a Chef Paul lunch in Grace Hall.
2PC Group Sale | April 21
Mark your calendars and start gathering your treasures for the annual 2PC Mission Group Sale on Saturday, April 21 at the Interstate Center. Bookmark 2PCgroupsale.com to stay current on ways to assist. If you have questions, contact Bret or Linda Reinthaler at 473-2396.
50th Anniversary Celebration | May 6
If you and your spouse will celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary (married in 1962 or before) sometime in 2012 and haven't previously attended the 2PC celebration brunch, please contact Terri Thede. This year's brunch is May 6 and invitations will be mailed in early April.
Men's Softball League
 Please contact Rev. Josh Erickson if you want to play in a Normal Parks and Rec church softball league. If enough women are interested, he can also form a Co-ed team.
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Kids and Youth
 March 14 | KOK Save the Date | Camp and VBS
June 18-22 | Kids' Overnight Camp, grades
3-5 2011-12 school year
June 19-21 | Kids' Day Camp, grades K-2 2011-12 school year
July 23-27 | VBS, age 3 by 9.1.12 through grade 5 2012-13 school year
Registration information is available here.
 March 14 | Powerhouse
March 18 | Movie Night at High School Fellowship, special time of 6-8pm March 31 | Winter Jam Concert, meet at 2PC at 3:30pm, $15
Save the Date | Summer Camp June 24-30 | High School Mission Camp, Grand Rapids, MI ($375) Registration information is available here. July 9-14 | Jr. High Camp, Green Lake WI ($375) Registration information is available here.
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Christian Education Information10:10 - 11am Adult Christian Education
All-Church Bible Study - The Unexpected Adventure - Grace HallChildren and Youth Preschool | Martin Hall lower level Elementary | Martin Hall main floor Junior high and High School students | Waffles in Java Post at 10am Junior High Sunday School | Java Post at 10:15am Chancel Choir Rehearsal | Choir Room at 10:15am High School Sunday School | 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from
12:12-1:30pm in Grace Hall and Java Post
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Calendar
Sunday, March 11
8:15am | Worship | Marquis Chapel
9am | Worship | Sanctuary
10am | Christian Education Hour
10:10am | All-church Study | Grace Hall
11:11am | Worship | Sanctuary
12:15pm | Student Leadership | Java Post
5pm | Restoration Church | F100A
6pm | High School Fellowship
Monday, March 12
1pm | Women's Bible Study | Parlor
Tuesday, March 13
6:45am | Men's Bible Study | Parlor
Noon | Caring Ministry | F100C
1:30pm | Heritage Committee Work Session | M201
5pm | Evangelism Committee | F201
6pm | Adult Education Committee | Parlor
6pm | Merge Planning Team | F205
7pm | Deacons Meeting | F100A
7pm | Restoration Church Prayer Group | M201
7pm | Boy Scout Meeting | Scout Room
Wednesday, March 14
9am | Sisters | Java Post
Noon | Parish Nurse Meeting | Grace Hall
2pm | Alcoholics Anonymous| Grace Hall
5pm | KOK, Carillon/Covenant/Cherub Choir
5pm | Powerhouse
5pm | Chorale Rehearsal | Chapel
5pm | Prayer Group | F203
5:30pm | Sisters Decaf | Parlor
6:15pm | Chapel Choir | Sanctuary
6:30pm | TESL Class | M201
6:30pm | Bible Study | F204
7pm | Men's Bible Study | F203
7:30pm | Chancel Choir Rehearsal | Choir Room
7:30pm | Youth Committee | F201
Thursday, March 15 9:30am | Heritage Committee 4:30pm | Personnel Committee | F2054:30pm | Contemporary Band Rehearsal | Sanctuary
6pm | Mixed Boomers Small Group | Library
6:30pm | Second Half Ministry | F100C
7pm | Merge Women's Small Group | Parlor
7pm | Ruth Circle | Teri Parker's home
Friday, March 16 6:30am | Men's Bible Study | Kep's Restaurant
9:30am | Neighborhood Bible Study | F100C
Noon | Prayer Lunch | F100B 
Dr. Roane Deckert |
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