ePulse from Second Presbyterian Church

July 19, 2012

"The Church exists by mission just as fire exists by burning."

Emil Brunner, 1966

This is one of my favorite quotes. I've found myself repeating it often since becoming the staff liaison for local and global missions upon Dr. Don Crittenden's retirement. I like the quote because it moves mission from being something the church simply does (e.g. sending people to Mexico or giving money for a piggery in the Philippines) to something the church essentially is. In other words, it moves "mission" from a function of the church to the essence of the church.

In some sense the church needs to "do" mission. Thanks be to

God for all those who have supported and prayed for the Chiapas, Mexico and Philippines trips! If we weren't sending people to the Philippines or Mexico, going on choir tour, working at a shelter or doing those countless deeds of kindness that may never be formally recognized, I believe we would be unfaithful in our discipleship.

But if we only see mission as what we do and don't see mission as who we are, then I believe we are also unfaithful in our discipleship. Brunner's quote prompts me to ask: Why do we take up any activity or mission in the church? Am I trying to start a fire without anything to burn? Our activities and initiatives, missions and programs need to start with God and how the church exists; not with us and what we can

do for God. Why does the church do mission? Why does the church worship? Why does the church _______ (fill in the blank)?

Because God had a mission in Jesus Christ:

God ushered in the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ and introduced a new covenant of grace and reconciliation for the sake of the world where, by faith, outsiders and sinners could become insiders and saints in God's plan for the world, a plan that will come to fruition when Christ returns. (See Romans 8)

Because Jesus Christ has entrusted us with this mission:

"As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20:21)

Because the Holy Spirit sustains us in this mission:

"...remember I am with you always, even to the very end of the

age." (Matthew 28:20)

Fuel for the church's fire is a deeper love and understanding of the Triune God who has given, entrusted and sustained our mission. I pray 2PC's mission life would burn brightly now and in the future.

Dean

2PC News

Sermons on YouTube

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

July 15

July 8

July 1

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.

Friday Prayer Lunch | Summer Hiatus

The final, summer Friday Prayer Lunch will be Friday, July 20. This group will resume meeting on Friday, September 7.

Mission Study Team Input Sessions | July 20, 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:

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?

Movie Night at 2PC | July 22

Everyone is invited to attend the final summer movie night in Grace Hall. An optional discussion time will follow.Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

July 22 - To Kill A Mockingbird - PG - 2 Hours 9 minutes, more information about the movie here.

Summer Music at 2PC | July 22, 29
Help to make this summer of music at 2PC a meaningful worship experience. Please plan to participate on the following Sundays.

July 22 | Orchestra Sunday

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!

Ashley Barnishes' Final Sunday | July 22

Ashley Barnish, 2PC's Childcare Coordinator, will move to the Chicago area soon. All are invited to a reception following the 11:11am service on Sunday in Fellowship Hall to thank her for her service.

Vacation Bible School | July 23-27 and July 29

Next Monday morning, kids and parents will come to 2PC for Sky, 2PC's 2012 Vacation Bible School. VBS is a church-wide project that offers a chance for kids throughout Bloomington-Normal to learn about God's love. The Children's Ministry Team appreciates your support of VBS. This includes prayers, an abundance of supplies and especially volunteer commitments. Please continue to pray that the Spirit would move in powerful ways this week during VBS.

There will be Bible-learning experiences, team-building games, Bible songs and tasty treats as part of their day. VBS week will be celebrated at the Sunday, July 29, 11:11am service. Contact Keri Parker at 828.6297 with questions or to volunteer.

Habitat for Humanity | July 28

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 July 28. Call Michael Kline at 336.880.6448 with any questions.

PC(USA) General Assembly Review | July 29
On Sunday, PC USA logo

July 29, at 12:30pm in Grace Hall, Dr. Bianchin will share an overview of the General Assembly meeting recently held in Pittsburgh, PA. A light lunch will be offered ($6). Childcare will not be available.

JOY Trip | August 1 Registration Deadline
Join the JOY group to carpool to the Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre to see An Evening with Patsy Cline on Sunday, September 2, at 1:30pm. Tickets and a buffet lunch are $38. Contact Dave Haake at 828-3591 with questions or to reserve your spot.

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.

Part II of The Unexpected Adventure | August 12, 19

The spring, 2012 study, The Unexpected Adventure, prompted great ideas without allowing time to discuss them. On Sundays August 12 and 19, Dr. David Webb and Rev. Dean Kladder will lead group discussion on the points raised in The Unexpected Adventure. Join them in F100A at 10am to discuss taking risks to share your faith.

2PC Fellowship Golf Outing | August 26

Mark your calendars for August 26, the date of the annual 2PC golf outing. Tee times begin at noon and the entry fee is $42 and includes green fees, cart, a light lunch and the chance to win great prizes. Contact Jason Smith at 830-3572 with questions. Registration forms are at a south entry table and should be returned to Jason or Terri Thede.

Joplin Mission Trip

The November, 2012 mission trip to Joplin, Missouri will be rescheduled to a date in the first quarter of 2013. More information will be available in 2PC publications as plans are made.

From the 2PC Finance Office

By now, you should have received your second quarter contribution statement. If you haven't, please contact Mary Flannery in the Finance Office. Also, if you would like to receive your contribution statement via email, please let Mary know.

2PC Camp Display | South Entry

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.