Dear Friends,
I look forward to sharing in the glorious celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday! We celebrate the fact that Jesus, crucified for our sins, was raised by God to new life. When Jesus was raised from the dead, God opened the door to eternity to us, and made it possible for us to have a personal relationship with Him. I love the Easter season, for it reminds us of so many wonderful things: Easter reminds us that we're loved. Jesus came to earth for the purpose of seeking us out and saving us. God would not have sent His only Son to us if He had not loved us in the most personal and deep ways. Whenever we wonder about God's love for us, we have only to remember the Cross and the Empty Tomb, which remind us of God's care for us. God loves us! Easter reminds us that God is victorious. The world is a precarious place in which to live. Each day we read or hear of senseless violence, awful tragedies and harsh consequences. We can easily become overwhelmed by the negativity and pressure that surround us. But those circumstances will never be the last word. God will eventually bring all things in this sinful and dangerous world back under His order. God will make all things new and will do away with the sort of pain and problems that unsettle us so.God is victorious! Easter sets us free to live graciously and fully. Because we are loved, and because God is victorious, we can live without fear. We can serve without worrying about ourselves; we can love without worrying whether we'll be loved in return; we can attempt great things for God because we know that God will never leave us nor forsake us. We can live out of God's grace and in confidence of His presence! My prayer for you is that your will know these truths with new confidence and great assurance this Easter season, and for life. May the Lord bless you richly with an awareness of His loving presence. Alleluia!
Dave Bianchin
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2PC News
Sermons on YouTube
You can click on the dates below to watch that morning's sermon. April 1
March 25 March 18 March 11
Holy Week | April 1-8
April 5 - Today: A New Testament worship experience, Maundy Thursday: The Night He Was Betrayed, will bring attendees into the story of Jesus' disciples during the final week of His life. This 5:30pm family-friendly dinner service will include setting the tables, a hand-washing experience and the sharing of discussion questions.
After communion, attendees will move to the sanctuary to conclude the service with a short time for prayer related to the disciples' experiences. At this time, younger children may go to the south entry for a separate activity. Scripture readings will support each part of this interactive evening. The meal cost is $6 per person/$22 family maximum. RSVP to Kim Pare by email or at 828-6297.
April 6 - Good Friday: Community Good Friday service at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington at 12:10pm
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. Walk with Jesus in the Tenebrae service as He endures through the betrayal, abandonment and the agony of His suffering. Experience His deepening sense of darkness as extinguished candles recreate the shadows of His Passion.
April 8 - Easter: Sunrise service in the south entry at 6:30am
Brunch in the Fellowship Hall following the 6:30am Sunrise service-11am, cost is $6 per person with a $22 family maximum
Worship services at 8:15, 9 and 11:11am; collection of the Give it up for LCP! offering; no Christian Education hour.
The 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.
Caring Cards | Connection Point
Because of the positive response to card boxes at Connection Point, a box will remain there for use by 2PC attendees who would like to leave a card of encouragement, get-well wishes or condolence for another attendee. A 2PC staff member will make certain the card is delivered to the appropriate person. If you have any questions, please contact Terri Thede.
Treats for the Troops Donations for those serving in the military with 2PC connections is underway. The list of needed items and a collection box is at Connection Point. You may also see the list here. Contact Jeanie Wendt at 828-3506 to be certain a serviceperson you know is on the list to receive a box. 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 | April Alice Circle | April 9, 10am | Westminster Village Lydia Circle | April 17, 9am | Dorothy Kennett's home Sarah Circle | April 18, 9:30am | Darlene Sommer's home Grace Circle | April 18, 1pm | 2PC Parlor Ruth Circle | April 19, 7pm | Irene DenBesten's home
Gathering of Men Lunch Series | Begins April 12
The Gathering of Men lunch series will carry the theme, News Too Good To Keep. Mark your calendars for April 12, 19 and 26 to hear an inspirational message over a Chef Paul lunch in Grace Hall. The cost is $8. Speakers:April 12 | Mark Johnson, Director of the Champaign-Urbana YMCA and retired wrestling Coach, University of Illinois April 19 | Dan McNerney, Representative for Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship April 26 | Dr. Don Crittenden, Director of Mission and Discipleship, Second Presbyterian Church
JOY Fellowship | April 13
Jim VanCauwenberge will discuss work at the Peoria US Department of Agriculture lab at the Friday, 10:30am fellowship. All are encouraged to attend. You may also stay for the Friday Prayer lunch ($6 donation). Call Kim Pare to make your lunch reservation. American Red Cross Blood Drive | April 18  Second Pres will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, April 18, from 2-7pm. Sign up to donate blood or to volunteer in F100B on Sunday or contact Barb McGaughan, 2PC Blood Drive Coordinator.
2PC Mission 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.
 New Opportunity to Assist: During the week preceding the Group Sale, dozens of volunteers set up, unload cars and sort/price merchandise to ensure a successful sale. Additional volunteers are needed to provide a meal, snacks or drinks for those workers. Suggestions include doughnuts, baked goods (homemade or store bought), salty snacks, fresh fruit, beverages and casseroles for 50 people. Please see Sue Hughes at the Group Sale tables in the south entry, email her or call 585-0729 to volunteer.
Restoration Christian Church Anniversary | April 22 Second Pres members are invited to attend the Celebrating the Harvest service at 4:30pm on Sunday, April 22, at 2PC. Restoration Christian Church is celebrating their 8th anniversary.
Choir Sunday and Congregational Meeting | April 29 Plan to join in worship on Sunday, April 29, to celebrate the rich tradition of choirs at 2PC. After a traditional 8:15am service in Marquis Chapel, there will be a single 10am worship service with all 2PC choirs in the sanctuary. Following the 10am service, there will be a congregational meeting for the purpose of electing a Mission Study Team, the first step in the process of calling a new installed pastor to 2PC.
Membership Exploration Course | begins May 3 If you've visited 2PC for a while, or are wondering about church membership, you're invited to the upcoming Membership Exploration Course. The course introduces 2PC's vision, lets you meet others coming into the life of 2PC, teaches about church membership and fulfills a 2PC membership requirement. The kickoff dinner is Thursday, May 3, followed by a class on Saturday, May 5. On Sunday, May 6, new members are introduced to the congregation. Childcare and meals are provided. You can go here for more information or contact
Rev. Dean Kladder. Email Tiffany Wardto register.
Chick-fil-A Leadercast | May 4 2PC will host this world-class leadership event for the 8th year on Friday, May 4. Speaker information is here and registration information is here. Contact Dr. Don Crittenden with questions about this event. Broadcast live from Atlanta, Georgia, it will be seen by 125,000 people around the world. Speakers include nationally recognized leaders, including Soledad O'Brien of CNN; award winning authors Patrick Lencioni and Marcus Buckingham; Angela Ahrendts, President of Burberry Corp.; Andy Stanley of North Point Church and Tim Tebow. Another speaker is Sheena Iyengar, a visually-handicapped Harvard University professor whose choices led her to write a the book, The Art of Choosing.
Choice is the theme for this year's event. The choices you make define the person you are and will become. Your choices determine the impact you have on everyone around you, whether at home, in the workplace or your community. Plan to be inspired, encouraged and challenged. The cost for this event is $65 and includes all training sessions, a continental breakfast, sit-down lunch and afternoon drinks. 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. Second Pres Preschool | Board Members Needed The Preschool Board is the governing body for the 2PC Preschool. It is comprised of volunteer Second Pres members. Meetings are held once per month over the noon hour and the commitment will last for at least one year. Contact Marijane Galvan if interested.
Pioneer Woman
Dr. Roane Deckert's powerful limestone sculpture, Pioneer Woman, has been placed at the juncture of the atrium and the new Mother/Baby Unit at Advocate BroMenn. The Advocate BroMenn Foundation will purchase the statue after they receive donations totaling $39,000 (the artist's asking price).
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.
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Kids and Youth
 April 11 | KOK 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.
Sunday, April 8 | No High School Fellowship
April 11 | No Powerhouse
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
There will be no Christian Education classes on Easter Sunday. Classes will resume
Sunday, April 15. Adult Christian Education
The Gospel of Mark led by Dr. David Webb | F100ACan We Integrate Science with Faith? led by Dr. Scott Hamilton | F201
The Good and Beautiful Community led by Gregg and Barby Pratt
Mecherle (SG Network) | F203
Ephesians Bible Study led by Brian and Julie Hiles | F202
Children and Youth Preschool | Martin Hall
Elementary | Martin Hall 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, April 8
6:30am | Sunrise Service | South Entry
7:30am | Brunch | F100B
8:15am | Worship | Marquis Chapel
9am | Worship | Sanctuary
11:11am | Worship | Sanctuary
5pm | Restoration Church | F100A
Monday, April 9
2PC Building and Offices Closed
Tuesday, April 10
6:45am | Men's Bible Study | F100C
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 | Restoration Church Prayer Group | M201
7pm | Boy Scout Meeting | Scout Room
7pm | Deacons Meeting | F100A
Wednesday, April 11
2pm | Alcoholics Anonymous| Grace Hall
5pm | Chorale Rehearsal | Chapel
5pm | Prayer Group | F203
5pm | Contemporary Band Rehearsal | Sanctuary
6:15pm | Chapel Choir | Marquis Chapel
6:30pm | Bible Study | F204
6:30pm | TESL class | M201
7pm | Men's Bible Study | F203
7:30pm | Chancel Choir | Choir Rooms
Thursday, April 12 Noon | Scrapbooking Small Group | F100C
5:30pm | Maundy Thursday Meal and Service | F100B
6pm | Mixed Boomers Small Group | Library
7pm | Merge Women's Small Group | Parlor
Friday, April 13 6:30am | Men's Bible Study | Kep's Restaurant
12:10pm | Community Good Friday Service at Wesley United
Methodist Church | Bloomington
5pm | What's So Good About Good Friday? Art Show | 2PC south
entry
7:30pm | Tenebrae Service | Sanctuary
 Alleulia!
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