ePulse from Second Presbyterian Church

July 5, 2012

Dear Friends in Christ,

Your outpouring of affirmation and appreciation June 24 was

awesome! As you moved through the receiving line, I found myself

marveling that many of you stood in line for more than an hour in order to express your gratitude to me. You should not have gone to so much effort, but I am so glad you did! As the day ended, I reflected on how blessed I was to hear such gracious words said to me and not merely about me. I think it was Mark Twain who wrote, "I can live for a week on Don's last Sunday

one sincere compliment." If so, I will go on for many more weeks!

I have many other reasons to be thankful. I want to thank you for the Bed and Breakfast gift certificate. Ann and I look forward to finding some home-cooked comfort at some of the quiet, out-of-the-way places which are part of this association. I am equally amazed at the avalanche of personal cards and notes many of you took the time to send me. I will treasure them.

As I reflect upon this time in my life, I recall a maxim that has stuck with me over many years: "No one succeeds in this life alone."

Certainly this has been an accurate description of any success that has come my way. Of course, this begins with my wife, Ann. No words are adequate to describe her affirmation and support throughout our marriage, both personally and professionally. At times, she has been a full partner in ministry. Even while she has been fully employed, she has been a minister of Jesus Christ in countless ways.

Finally, I want to thank those of you who have served Jesus with me in the many ministries of Second Pres. One of the first observations I made upon my arrival was that committees actually work at 2PC. Committee members take full responsibility for creating and developing plans of ministry. It has been both challenging and refreshing to work with lay people whose passion for Jesus knows no bounds. As I look back on eight years of ministry with you, I remember individuals who dared to dream dreams and to see them fulfilled. I especially recall the Small Groups ministry and the development of Priority Partners.

Meister Eckhart, a thirteen century spiritual writer said, "If the only prayer you ever said is 'Thank you,' that will be enough." While he did not mean this literally, I would like to offer that prayer on your behalf.

Grace and peace,

Don Crittenden

2PC News

Sermons on YouTube

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

July 1

Clad Tidings | Urgent Shortage - Donations Needed

Clad Tidings is a clothing resource housed at 2PC for the community. They are currently experiencing a critical shortage of men's clothing. Items specifically needed include khaki slacks, jeans, socks and boxers (preferably new in any size or color) and shoes. All sizes are needed.

To donate items, please drop them at Connection Point on Sunday or at Kim Pare's desk during the week. For more information, please contact Kim Pare at 828.6297.

Tech Team Volunteer Opportunity | Available Now
A few individuals are needed to take turns running the Sunday morning worship slides. The commitment would be once a month from 7:30am-12:30pm. The slides will already be created. Contact Dr. Judy Webb if you have questions or are interested.

DVD Available | Dr. Don Crittenden
A DVD will be produced that includes Dr. Crittenden's Sunday, June 24, message and his Thursday, June 28, Last Lecture. The cost will be $5. If you would like a copy, please contact 2PC Media Coordinator, Terry Fitts.

Chiapas Mission Trip | July 8

On Sunday, July 8, at 10am, the team will share their experiences at a presentation in Marquis Chapel. Although the team has returned, you can read a blog about their service written by the Chiapas summer mission coordinator at this link. It includes pictures and references to the 2PC team.

Movie Night at 2PC | July 8
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.

July 8 - Finding Nemo - G - 1 hour 40 minutes, more information about the movie here

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

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

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 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. Session dates are:

   Wednesday, July 11, 7pm, F100B, childcare provided
   Sunday, July 15, 10am, Grace Hall, childcare provided
   Friday, July 20, 11am, F100B
   Sunday, July 22, 10am, Grace Hall, childcare provided

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?

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.

High School-College Student Membership Exploration Course | July 19

A summer Membership Exploration Course will be offered for high school and college students who came into the church after 8th grade and did not go through Commissioning Class. The course covers 2PC's vision, church membership and fulfills the 2PC membership requirements. The kickoff dinner is Thursday, July 19, followed by a class on Saturday, July 21. On Sunday, July 22, new members will be introduced at the 11:11am service. You can go online for more information or contact Rev. Josh Erickson. Please email Tiffany Ward to register.

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 662.9369.

2PC Camp Display | South Entry Conference Point logo

Take a few minutes to enjoy the display in the south entry Heritage Ministry cabinets about 2PC's involvement in camp ministry. If you have any questions about the display or the ministry, please contact Jeanie Wendt.

Childcare Coordinator Position Available

Justin and Ashley Barnish are moving to the Chicago area for a career opportunity for Justin. Ashley's service as the Childcare Coordinator has been exceptional and she will be missed! Second Pres is seeking her replacement to supervise care and ministry to 2PC's youngest family members. The Coordinator trains, schedules and supervises staff, maintains childcare spaces and plans some programming. This 12-18 hour per week, paid position has Sunday morning and Wednesday evening responsibilities. The position is open to 2PC members. Contact Laurel Wintersteen for more information or to apply.

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 to begin 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.

Vacation Bible School

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.

A few preschool spots are still available and forms are available at Connection Point and outside Marquis Chapel. All elementary spots have been filled. If you have questions, please contact Keri Parker at 828-6297.