ePulse from Second Presbyterian Church

June 14, 2012

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, June 24, we will celebrate our friend and brother, Dr. Don
Crittenden. As you know, Don is retiring from his work as a Minister. We want to give him a great send-off into this next chapter of his and Ann's life.

While I have only known Don a few months, I am filled with
gratitude for him and his work here. I appreciate his demeanor, his insights, his concern for people and his commitment to the Lord. You have many more memories than I have, and I know you would add to this list many ways Don has blessed and challenged you for Jesus Christ.

Dr. Howard Hendricks, Professor Emeritus of Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary, has both written and spoken at length on the subject of ministers "finishing well" in their work and life. Hendricks points out that too many pastors, in the "second half" of life and ministry, don't finish well. Don is a great example of a man who is finishing well in his work. (I'm not going to say "in life" because I know he has a long way to go!)

We have two events here at the church that I want to ask you to
attend. On Sunday, June 24, we will celebrate Don's ministry in a 10am worship service. Don will bring the morning message, and
we will have a reception in Fellowship Hall for Don and Ann
immediately following the service.

Then, on Thursday, June 28, at 6:30pm, Don will deliver a
Last Lecture. This event will mirror an academic world tradition
for retiring professors. Don will share some thoughts that are important to him and to us. It also gives us another opportunity to celebrate and express our appreciation to Don and Ann. The lecture will be followed by a dessert reception.

Please plan to join us for these events, in thanksgiving to God and in appreciation for Don and Ann. Also, be certain to scroll to the bottom of the ePulse to see a picture of Don in Mexico earlier this week with the class of pastors he is training.

Alleluia!

Dave Bianchin

2PC News

Sermons on YouTube

You can click on the dates below to watch that morning's sermon.

June 3

May 27

May 20 - visiting pastor, Rev. Douglas Cranston

2PC Chancel Choir
The 2PC Chancel Choir left Friday, June 8, on their western states tour. To follow them during their tour, bookmark this site. Their Home Concert will be Sunday, June 17, at 7pm in the 2PC sanctuary.

Chiapas Mission Trip Update | June 15
The team will leave Friday, June 15, from the short-term parking lot at the Central Illinois Regional Airport. Everyone is invited to join in a time of devotion and prayer with the team at 7:30pm. If it is raining, they will gather near the departure area inside the terminal. They will return Sunday, June 24.

On Sunday, July 8, at 10am, the team will share their experiences at at presentation in Marquis Chapel. While they are away, you can read a blog written by the Chiapas summer mission coordinator at this link. It will likely include references to the 2PC team.

Summer Music at 2PC | Begins June 17

The Chapel Choir is taking a well-deserved 6-week break this summer and it's your opportunity to be part of the summer ensembles that will sing or play for the 9am worship service. The commitment level is low and the music will be easy enough for non-music readers to participate (except on orchestra Sunday). Help to make this summer of music at 2PC a meaningful worship experience. Please plan to participate on the following Sundays.

June 17 | All women are invited to participate in a vocal ensemble at the Sunday, 9am service. Any woman of any age is welcome. No prior experience needed - just a desire to worship God in song. Rehearsal will be at 8am that day and the music will be easy. Please help kick off the special summer music for the 9am worship service by being part of this group.

July 1 | Men of the Church - any age men, rehearse at 8am that morning

July 8 | Hymn Sunday - Congregational hymn-singing, no choir or soloist

July 22 | Orchestra Sunday - anyone who plays an instrument, rehearse Wednesday, July 18, 6:00pm in the sanctuary

July 29| | Mixed Choir - all ages are welcome, rehearse at 8am that morning, families are encouraged to participate

To finalize plans, please contact Dr. Judy Webb if you plan to participate. Help 2PC make a joyful noise this summer!

American Red Cross Blood Drive | June 20

Second Pres will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, June 20, from 2-7pm. Sign up to donate blood or to assist with the Drive at Connection Point Sunday morning or contact Barb McGaughan at 830-3434.

Dr. Crittenden's Farewell Plans | June 24 and 28

On Sunday, June 24, Dr. Crittenden will share his final sermon at a combined 10am service. There will not be an 8:15am Marquis Chapel service that day. A reception with appetizers will follow the worship service.

On Thursday, June 28, a Final Lecture event with dessert will be in F100A from 6:30-8pm. Please RSVP by June 25 to Kim Pare if you need childcare.

Movie Night at 2PC | June 24
A special Christian Education opportunity is being offered this summer. Everyone is invited to attend movie nights in Grace Hall. An optional discussion time will follow. Mark your calendar for June 24 and July 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 6pm. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

Childcare will be available on June 24 and July 8.

June 17 - No movie - Chancel Choir Home Concert, 7pm

June 24 - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - PG - 1 hour 53 minutes

July 1 - Moneyball - PG-13 - 2 hours 13 minutes

July 8 - Finding Nemo - G - 1 hour 40 minutes

July 15 - The Help - PG-13 - 2 Hours 26 minutes

July 22 - To Kill A Mockingbird - PG - 2 Hours 9 minutes

Habitat for Humanity | June 30

On the final Saturday of June, July and August, plan to join 2PC members from 8am-noon at a local Habitat for Humanity worksite. The group will meet at 7:15am at the church and go together to the site. This is a great opportunity for a small group or family to volunteer together. Volunteers must be at least 16-years old and a parent's signature is required for 16-18-year old volunteers. Those forms will be available the morning of June 30. Contact Michael Kline by email or at 336-880-6448 with any questions.

Mission Study Team Input Sessions | July 11-22

The 2PC Mission Study Team will host sessions to gather information to help the Pastor Nominating Committee complete the Church Information Form. This form will be used in the new Pastor selection process. Sessions will be Wednesday, July 11, at 7pm; Sunday, July 15, at 10am; Friday, July 20, at 11am; and Sunday, July 22, at 10am. Childcare and location information will be shared soon.

Please think and pray about the questions below as 2PC seeks to be faithful to God's will in the selection process:
1. What brought you to 2PC and what keeps you here?
2. How does 2PC foster growth in your relationship with God?
3. Where is God leading 2PC to live out our mission statement?
4. How are the current ministries of 2PC fulfilling God's purposes and what needs are not being met?
5. What one thing would you change about 2PC?
6. Where is God challenging us to step out in faith in current and future areas of ministry?

Philippines Mission Trip | July 11

The Philippines Mission team leaving July 11 needs your help in collecting school and medical supplies. School supplies can include crayons, pencils, pens, scissors, pencil cases, erasers, rulers and backpacks. If you are a child sponsor and want to give a very special gift to your child, a filled backpack would be a blessing. Medical supply donations may include antibiotic cream, band-aids of all sizes, aspirin, ibuprofen, Tylenol and medication for upset stomach. Containers are in the south entry and near Prairie Street entrance through July 1. Thank you for blessing the children!

Vacation Bible School | July 23-27 Sky VBS 2012

Sky is the theme for VBS at 2PC this summer. At Sky, kids age 3 by September 1 through grade 5 in the upcoming school year will discover that everything is possible with God! There will be Bible-learning experiences where kids can see, hear, touch and taste their daily lesson. Team-building games, Bible songs and tasty treats will also be part of their day. Plus, kids will discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life.

The registration deadline is June 24 and forms are available at Connection Point and outside Marquis Chapel. If you have questions, please contact Keri Parker at 828-6297.

Westside Block Party | August 11
2PC and other downtown churches will sponsor the Westside Block Party at First Christian Church on Saturday, August 11. Hundreds of children will get free school kits and be treated to food, entertainment, games and prizes. Volunteers are needed to set up on Friday evening and for Saturday shifts. A sign-up table will be in the south entry during the Sundays in July.

Donations for the event are also needed and can be dropped off at the south entry table or at Kim Pare's office. Items needed include: school supplies, Kleenex, paper towels, hand sanitizer and books and trinkets for game prizes. You can also bring change or a cash donation to the south entry table. For more information, contact Linda Schaefer at 662.2030, Debbie Reed at 662.4235 or Georgia Tufts at 662.9368.

District 87 Summer Food Program | Books Needed

2PC will again offer age-appropriate books for children, youth and adults during the Summer Food Service Program. Books should be gently used, with little or no markings in them. Donations may be dropped off during the week to Kim Pare at the front office or on Sunday at Connection Point. If you have questions, please contact Barb Taylor at 662-8744.

Covenant and Carillon Choir Director Position Available

Second Pres is seeking a director for the Covenant Choir (3rd-5th grade) and the Carillon Choir (6th-8th grade). This is a part-time paid position and is open to 2PC members. For more information, please contact Dr. Judy Webb.

Chancel Choir Director Position Available
Second Pres is seeking a director for the Chancel Choir beginning August 15 following Amanda Murray's faithful service. The job is open to 2PC members and is a 10 hour per week salaried position. The Director will musically, relationally, spiritually and administratively lead the Chancel Choir (9-12 grade). For more information, please contact Dr. Judy Webb

Kids and Youth

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.

June 8-17 | Chancel Choir Tour

June 17 | Chancel Choir Home Concert, 2PC sanctuary, 7pm

June 22 | High School party at the Amble's home, 6-9pm, snacks and drinks will be provided, bring towels and life jackets (if you have one), incoming freshman are encouraged to attend
June 24-30 | High School Mission Camp, Grand Rapids, MI

July 9-14 | Jr. High Camp, Green Lake WI ($375)

Christian Education Information

10:10 - 11am

Adult Christian Education

The Gospel of Mark led by Dr. David Webb | F100A

Children and Youth classes are on break until

Rally Sunday, August 26.

Calendar

Sunday, June 17

8:15am | Worship | Marquis Chapel

9am | Worship | Sanctuary

10:10am | Dr. David Webb's Class | F100A