ePulse from Second Presbyterian Church

October 11, 2012

Dear Friends,

We are moving into the church's annual stewardship season. As I preach this week on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, I'd like to make a few observations about how the story relates to stewardship that are beyond what I'll have time to say Sunday morning.

Stewardship is Biblical. From the moment God created Adam and Eve, God has asked us to tend our world on His behalf. God has not abandoned it to us, rather, God has deeply included us in the care and management of our world. The examples of the early church's response to God included many financial matters, as they shared with one another, and blessed the needs of the newly-birthed church. There is a tremendous amount of teaching in the Bible about stewardship and the handling of our finances.

Stewardship is personal. There is no place in the Bible where
it tells us how much we are to give. The Bible gives us starting
points, such as the first-fruits of our labors (Leviticus 23:9-10),
and the tithe, 10% of our income, (Malachi 3:10). These are starting points, because we are also free to give much more. Barnabas gave the proceeds from a whole field. Ananias and Sapphira were not compelled to, but tried to pretend as if they had. God gives us freedom in this, but it needs to be with faith and integrity. It is an act of obedience in the context of our personal discipleship.

Stewardship is beneficial. While we sometimes look upon our giving as what we are parting with, it is a better perspective to
identify how much God has blessed us. This perspective fosters
gratitude. It reminds us how generous God is with us, and how blessed we are. It also enlarges our perspective on our participation in God's work. It is actually beneficial in two ways. First, it benefits the church in its ability to do the work God is calling us to do. Second, and just as important, it benefits us. It is extremely gratifying to participate in God's work, and it grows our faith as we see God taking our resources and using them to change lives.

Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel, in our proclamation, our service, our discipleship and our stewardship.

Thanks Be to God!

Dave Bianchin

2PC News

Sermons on YouTube

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

Parking at 2PC

On October 1, State Farm began removing their downtown Bloomington parking deck located at the southeast corner of our shared lot. During this construction project, parking for 2PC members and visitors will be limited to the Prairie Street lots (including the Capen Building lot) Monday through Friday. On Sunday, 2PC members have access to all of the south parking lot not under construction. Please contact Tammy Haggard with any questions.

American Red Cross Blood Drive | October 11

Second Pres will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive today from 2-7pm. If you last donated before August 16, you are eligible to donate whole blood at this drive. Sixteen year-old students are eligible to donate with a signed parental consent form. Contact Barb McGaughan at 830-3434 if you are able to donate.

JOY Fellowship | October 12

Denny Steele will share information about the Western Avenue Community Center at the Friday, 10:30am fellowship. All are welcome to attend. You may also stay for the Friday Prayer lunch ($6). Contact Kim Pare to make a lunch reservation.

Helping Hands Fall Assistance | October 13

The 2PC Helping Hands Ministry will help with simple fall household projects like raking leaves, trimming hedges or landscape clean-up on Saturday, October 13, from 8am-noon. If you or a 2PC member needs assistance, contact Kim Pare. Also, if you are able to assist with tasks that day, please contact Gene Gant at 963-4361 or Kim Pare.

Home Sweet Home Mission 95th Anniversary Benefit Dinner | Registration Deadline October 15

Great is God's Faithfulness is the theme of the Saturday, November 3, HSHM benefit banquet Priority Partners logo

celebrating God's faithfulness over the past 95 years. Phil Newton, author and CEO of Peoria's South Side Mission and Chef Paul's inspiration for 2PC's Culinary Arts Training Academy, will be the speaker.

While the banquet is free for anyone who wants to attend, 2PC members may sponsor a ticket for $20 or a table of tickets for $200. You may reserve your tickets by October 15 at this site. Please contact Rev. Dean Kladder with any questions.

PW Circle Meetings | October

Gathering of Men Lunch Series | October 17, 24, 31

Men, mark your calendars for Wednesdays, October 17, 24 and 31 for a great inspirational speaker and meal at 11:30am. The October 17 speaker, Mike Manahan, is a retired wrestling coach, high school teacher and member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2006 inductee). Mike and his wife, Susan, are 2PC members.You are encouraged to bring a friend or co-worker. Contact Rev. Josh Erickson with any questions.

Kids of the Kingdom and Powerhouse Family Fall Fest | October 17

All 2PC Kids' and Junior High families are invited to join Wednesday, October 17, 5-7pm event. The evening will include games for the whole family, dinner and a special drama featuring 2PC pastors. Kids can dress in their favorite costume. Dinner is $5 for each non-Kids OK registrant. Contact Miranda Frank with questions.

Community of Care Brunch | October 21

If you have ever been widowed, even if you are remarried, you are invited to attend a delicious Chef Paul brunch on Sunday, October 21 at 10am in Fellowship Hall. Friends are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Kim Pare by October 14.

Baptisms | October 21

At the 9am service on next Sunday, Ellasyn Lu Stoller, daughter of Jaime and Sarah Stoller, will be baptized. At the 11:11am service, Kacy Jo Bersche, daughter of Jay and Katy Bersche; and Eve Beatrice Kladder, daughter of Dean and Andrea Haughton Kladder, will be baptized.

All-Church Study | October 21

The 2PC fall all-church study begins Sunday, October 21, and it isn't too late to join! Contact Sue Taulbee or Barby Pratt Mecherle to sign up and to order the study text, Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them.

Rev. David Bianchin and Dr. John Florell will be the presenters and share on true friendship, authenticity, empathy, conflict and gratitude. You are encouraged to join in this time of learning and fellowship!

Home Sweet Home Ministry Art Show | October 23

Art classes are currently being offered by 2PC artists at HSHM. A few pieces of clients' work are now on display in the 2PC south entry as a preview to their October 23, 6:30-8pm event. Please enjoy the art on display at 2PC and also plan to attend the event at Home Sweet Home Ministry.

Merge 20s/30s Bonfire | October 27

On Saturday, October 27, from 6-8pm, Branden and Dana Sholty will host a bonfire with a hotdog roast and s'mores. Kids may attend and you are welcome to bring a pumpkin to carve. Contact Rev. Andrea Haughton Kladder with any questions.

Caring for a Loved One With Alzheimer's | October 28

If you, or someone you know, is providing care to someone with Alzheimer's, you are invited to this Sunday, October 28, 2pm seminar in the 2PC Parlor. A video including three interviews with experts will be shown with small-group discussion between each video segment. To RSVP or ask any questions, please contact Rev. Michael McGaughan.

Pastor Nominating Committee Biographies

Biographies for Pastor Nominating Committee members are available at Connection Point.

Hospital Stays

Federal law greatly restricts the disclosure of patient information by hospitals. As a result, 2PC pastors may not know that a member has been admitted to the hospital. If you are hospitalized, and would like to notify a pastor, please call Kim Pare during the week at 828.6297.

Lost and Found

A lost and found table will be in the south entry on Sundays October 7 and 14. All items left behind will be donated. If you have questions, please contact Joan Guenther.