ePulse from Second Presbyterian Church

October 25, 2012

Greetings, Saints!

In my kitchen hangs this small print I purchased in Santa Fe a few St. Pasqual

years ago. It's an icon of Saint Pasqual, the patron saint of cooks, who is also apparently the patron saint of sheep and shepherds. A quick Google search tells me that he lived in the 1500s, and his Feast Day is May 17. He is appropriately chubby and jovial, armed with a spoon and adorned with a halo.

Presbyterians typically don't talk much about saints, but the Bible consistently does. In the Bible, we see that saints aren't special people with a better relationship with God, but that the saints of God are all people who follow Jesus. In other words, I'm as much the saint of cooking as my friend Pasqual. You can check out the opening verses of Romans, 1 Corinthians and Ephesians for examples. It's a little daunting to think of myself as a saint, so I like to remember that Martin Luther said that we are "simultaneously sinners and saints."

One week from today, November 1, is All Saints' Day; a chance to give
gratitude to God for the motley crew of faithful saints and sinners. On Sunday, November 4, 2PC will host an All Saints' Day service at 2pm in the Sanctuary. The service will include music, Scripture, a brief homily and communion. There will be a time to light candles in remembrance of the faithful who have passed away this year, to celebrate the great cloud of witnesses who surround us even now and to pray that we might continue to serve God faithfully in our day.

We don't put saints on pedestals. Instead, we celebrate that God works in the ordinary, humble lives of believers now and in every age. We remember with joy and sadness those we have lost, but who now stand healed and whole in God's presence. We marvel together that God would use us for his glory, and pray that we might be one day united with all God's saints from every time and place. I hope you'll join us.

Grace and peace,

Andrea

2PC News

Sermons on YouTube

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

Merge 20s/30s Bonfire | October 27
On Saturday, October 27, from 6-8pm, Branden and Dana Sholty
(1307 W Elm St., Bloomington) 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.

Pledge Sunday | October 28

As 2PC celebrates the ways God uses our time, talents and treasure to serve him, the collection of the 2013 financial pledge cards will begin this Sunday. If you didn't receive a card in the mail, cards will be available in the racks on the back of each sanctuary pew and at Connection Point.

All-Church Study | Continues Sunday

The 2PC fall all-church study continues Sunday and it isn't too late to join! Come to Grace Hall at 10am to register. 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!

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 DVD presentation in the 2PC Parlor. Three interviews with experts will be shown with small-group discussion between each video segment. Flyers with additional information about this event are at Connection Point. To RSVP or ask any questions, please contact Rev. Michael McGaughan.

Gathering of Men Lunch Series | October 31

Men, mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 31, for a great inspirational speaker and meal at 11:30am. The October 31 speaker is Rev. Dave Bianchin. You are encouraged to bring a friend or co-worker. Contact Rev. Josh Erickson with any questions.

Volunteers Needed | November 3 HSH Anniversary Benefit Dinner

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

HSHM benefit banquet 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.

Volunteers are needed that day to set tables, prepare food, serve, assist guests and clean up. Various shifts are available and you may sign up for as many as you wish. Sign-up sheets are located near Connection Point and Marquis Chapel on Sundays. During the week, please call Kim Pare.

You may also still sponsor a ticket for $20, a table of tickets for $200, or donate any other amount with a check payable to 2PC with HSHM on the memo line. Please contact Rev. Dean Kladder with any questions.

2PC Congregational Meeting | November 4

A congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, November 4, after the 11:11am service in the sanctuary to vote on a change in the terms of call of Rev. Andrea Haughton Kladder. All members should be in attendance, and all visitors are welcome. Andrea has requested a change from full-time to part-time work. This has been approved by the Personnel Committee and endorsed by Session.

All Saints Service | November 4

2PC will host an All Saints worship service on Sunday, November 4, at 2pm in the sanctuary. This service will honor those who have gone before us, and serve as a reminder of the hope of Heaven and the assurance of eternal life with Christ. Candle lighting and a service of communion with all the saints will be part of this service. Today's Pastor's Page has more information. Please contact Dr. Judy Webb with any questions.

Time Change | November 4

As a reminder, daylight saving time will end at 2am on Sunday, November 4. Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour or you'll arrive extra early for Sunday morning worship!

Election Day Worship Service | November 6

God tells us to pray for our nation and our leaders. On Tuesday, November 6, Marquis Chapel will be open from 8am to 7pm for a time of prayer. Rev. Dean Kladder will lead a brief service at noon. Please enter the building near the receptionist's desk.

Boy Scout Troop 3 Pancake Breakfast | November 10, 11
The countdown to the Boy Scout's 10th annual pancake breakfast has begun! Advance tickets are available Sunday at Connection Point. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children and includes pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee. You can enjoy the pancake breakfast on Saturday, November 10, from 8am to 1pm or on Sunday, November 11, from 10am to 1pm. Tickets can also be purchased at the door or by contacting Ellen and Mark Wylie at 829-6246. All proceeds benefit 2PC's Boy Scout Troop 3.

Veterans Day Recognition Brunch | November 11

Second Pres is honored to host the annual Veterans Day Recognition Breakfast on Sunday, November 11, at 10am in F100A. Veterans from all branches of service, including those currently serving in reserve units, are invited to attend with guests. This is a free event, but please make a reservation by contacting Kim Pare or stopping by Connection Point. Your service is valued, and we hope you can attend this event!

JOY Trip | November 16 Registration Deadline

Join the JOY group for a matinee showing at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts to see Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas on Tuesday, December 18 at 2pm. The ticket price is $24. Contact Dave Haake at 828-3591 with questions or to reserve your spot.

2PC on TV

Each Sunday morning, the technical team records the 9am service.This service is aired on Comcast channel 20 at 8am and 3pm the following Sunday and at 7pm on the following Monday. Beginning in November, the 11:11am service will be recorded on the final Sunday of each month and will be the service aired on Comcast the following week.

Young Adult Addresses Needed

If you have contact/address information for young adults who are local or away at school and still consider Second Pres their church home, please send that information to Rev. Josh Ericson or Derrick Rohl. This includes high school graduates through graduate school students. Whether they are in school, the military, the work force or unemployed, 2PC wants to stay in touch.