ePulse from Second Presbyterian Church

July 26, 2012

Dear Friends,

Last week I attended a continuing education event at Cedar

Campus's annual Pastors' Seminar. Our speaker, Dr. John W. Smith, addressed us on the topic of "The Adventure of Faith: Learning to Trust God." He gave a wonderful exposition of Hebrews 11, and then pressed us throughout the week to look at our lives and how we do (or don't) trust God in specific areas.

I especially appreciated his thoughts about how we discern God

leading us. He drew mostly from a book by the late Mary Geegh,

who served for 38 years as a missionary in India. In the book,

God Guides, Mary says we need to observe the following steps:

1. Humble ourselves before the Lord

2. Confess our sins to the Lord, daily and with specificity

3. Be still and wait upon the Lord

4. Then, share with others how the power of Christ has

changed and guided us

Individually, this is a great way to live day-to-day. First, it places us in a position of dependency before the Lord. I get in the most trouble in my life when I begin to believe that I can solve most of my problems and face most of my challenges on my own strength. Depending upon the Lord is the way to live more faithfully. This perspective also places us in a position of expectancy. Geegh's counsel invites us not only to express ourselves to God, but also to expect that God will make his will plain.

This is also good counsel for a church. It occurred to me during

the week that, as the Mission Study Team Input Sessions were taking place, some of this was going on here at 2PC. We are expressing

our observations and hopes. We are trusting that God will work

collectively to lead us into the next chapter of our church's life even as he helps us discern who our next Senior Pastor will be.

Learning to trust God is a lifelong journey. I hope that we will follow Mary Geegh's steps, and that we'll then be able to share clearly with others how the power of Christ has changed us and guided us into a faithful future.

Alleluia!

Dave

2PC News

Sermons on YouTube

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

July 15

July 8

July 1

Mission Study Team Input | Through July 29

If you were unable to attend one of the Mission Study Team Input Sessions, please complete a paper copy of the survey or the online copy you received Monday, July 23. The paper copy can be returned to Kim Pare at the church or Connection Point Sunday, July 29.

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.

Summer Music at 2PC | July 29

Help to make this summer of music at 2PC a meaningful worship experience. Sunday, July 29, will be the final Sunday of the Summer Music program. A mixed choir of all ages will rehearse at 8am that morning. Families are encouraged to participate.

Please contact Dr. Judy Webb if you plan to participate. Help 2PC make a joyful noise this summer!

Vacation Bible School | July 23-27 and July 29

All week, kids and parents have been attending 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.

Bible-learning experiences, team-building games, Bible songs and tasty treats have been part of each day. VBS week will be celebrated at the Sunday, July 29, 11:11am service. Contact Keri Parker at 828.6297 with 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.

Kids OK | Registration Discount through August 5 Kids epulse logo

Kids OK (KOK) is a midweek program for students in kindergarten-fifth grade. This group will meet Wednesday evenings from 5-7pm beginning September 12. An early registration discount of $10 off per child applies through Sunday, August 5. Registration forms are here, in the kiosks near the Prairie Street entrance and in the south entry and at the Kids' Welcome Center. If you have any questions, please contact Miranda Frank.

Philippines Mission Trip Recap | August 5

The team which recently traveled to the LCP mission sites in the Philipines will share their experiences next Sunday, August 5, at 10am in Marquis Chapel. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Community Outreach Dinner | August 5

The Community Outreach Dinner (COD) is a monthly opportunity to bring the 2PC family together and to invite new people to 2PC. Dinner is from 11am-1pm in Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $6; $2 of that cost is used to fund tickets for 2PC community partners.There is a $22 maximum family cost.

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 Connection Point 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.