ePulse from Second Presbyterian Church

June 21, 2012

Dear Friends,

Saturday, June 30, marks the beginning of the 220th General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania through July 7. As a church in the PCUSA, it is important for us to be aware of what is happening in our
denomination and to be praying for God to work in it.

For review, the General Assembly consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries. Half of the commissioners will be Ministers of Word and Sacrament, half will be elders. GA reviews the work of synods, resolves controversies in the church, is responsible for matters of common concern for the whole church and serves as a symbol of unity for the church.

There are two "hot" issues coming to GA this year. The first issue relates to sexuality and marriage. Last year, the constitution was changed to permit the ordination of persons active in homosexual relationships. This year there are overtures that would allow pastors to officiate at same-sex marriages in states where such marriages are legal. Another effort would change the definition of marriage in our constitution, saying that it is a relationship between two
persons instead of between a man and a woman. There are
those advocating these changes and others opposing them.

The second issue has to do with the structure of the church. There are two topics in this area. One relates to the status of Presbyteries and Synods, addressing institutional practices and bureaucracies. There may be a change in our structure coming. The other topic revolves around congregations that wish to remain in the denomination, but which disagree on the sexuality issues and do not wish to be associated with the current policies. Discussions will explore whether Presbyteries can be formed on theological similarities rather than geographical location.

Within our church, local and national, there are persons who have opinions that run the gamut on both issues. I encourage you to keep up on what is happening at GA. You can get denomination updates here.

After GA is completed, we will provide an opportunity to discuss the decisions and implications for 2PC from those decisions. Please pray for the commissioners to GA, for our denomination in these days and for how the 220th General Assembly affects our life together here at Second Pres.

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

Chiapas Mission Trip Update | Currently Serving
While the team is away, you can read a blog written by the Chiapas summer mission coordinator at this link. It includes pictures and references to the 2PC team. On Sunday, July 8, at 10am, the team will share their experiences at at presentation in Marquis Chapel.

2PC Financial Update

As of May 31, year-to-date contributions to the operating fund are approximately 8%, or $63,000, less than what was budgeted for this time period. The operating fund covers ministry and missional work, personnel expenses and the maintenance and upkeep of our property. Fulfilling your commitment to giving will help the ministries of 2PC continue uninterrupted throughout the year.

Blood Drive Thank-You | From Barbara McGaughan
Seventy units of life-saving blood were donated at the 2PC blood donor drive on Wednesday, June 20. The American Red Cross goal for this drive was 58 units. A special thanks to all donors, volunteers and the American Red Cross.

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

Vacation Bible School | Registration Deadline Sunday

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.

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 24 - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - PG - 1 hour 53 minutes, click here for more information about this showing hosted by Jimmy Cooper and Marjorie Hauge

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.

Summer Music at 2PC

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.

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!

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!

Amanda Huels' Final Sunday | July 15

Amanda Huels, currently serving as a 2PC youth intern, will attend Princeton Theological Seminary this fall to pursue Masters of Divinity and Masters in Social Work degrees. Her final Sunday at 2PC will be July 15. There will be a reception following the 11:11am service that day to thank her for her service. Everyone is invited to attend.

Help to Welcome International Students | August

International Students, Inc. is a local campus organization that serves newly-arriving international students. Opportunities to serve with this organization are available beginning in early August. You may host a student for a few days, provide transportation from the bus station or airport, help at a new student Orientation, provide baked goods for the Orientation, host a student for a meal or prepare a meal for students with your small group or family.

For more information, contact John or Linda Berger at 664.0377 or by email. One training session is required for first-time participants. Multiple opportunities to receive this training are available.

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 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 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 24

10am | Worship | Sanctuary

11:15am | Reception in Fellowship Hall for the Crittendens

5pm | Restoration Church | F100A