ePulse from Second Presbyterian Church

November 8, 2012

It's been a few months since I assumed pastoral responsibilities for Global and Local Mission. I've learned so much in the past few months about what God is doing at and through Second Pres when it comes to mission and I want to update you on just a few mission related items.

1. Our Priority Mission Partner for the fall is Home Sweet Home Ministries. Last Saturday Home Sweet Home celebrated their 95th anniversary with a benefit dinner here at 2PC. Thanks to all of you who served and made it a great night. From the Culinary Arts Training Academy students making and serving the meal, to congregation members dressed in black and white to serve, to the speaker's enthusiasm for how God changes lives and calls us to reach out to the poor....God is good.

2. Thank you to anyone who contributed last week to

Hurricane Sandy relief efforts through Presbyterian Disaster

Assistance. Look for the announcement in below and in the Sunday Pulse about how you can support the effort if you missed the opportunity last week. Praise God that out of your generosity we are able to provide over $3,200 of support for relief efforts!

3. Home Sweet Home is in need of assistance for their annual Thanksgiving food distribution. See the announcement below and in the Sunday Pulse for how you can help feed hundreds in McLean country with just a few hours of service.

4. The groceries you'll see on the chancel Sunday morning are part of our food drive for Western Avenue Community Center's food pantry. At this time, there is great need for food in our community. You can pick up a bag and bring it to the south entry for purchase. You can also bring your own non-perishable food items from home.

5. The mission team is working on two mission trips next year to Chiapas, Mexico to assist Pabo and Jan Feliciano Cruz in their ministry to the indigenous people of Chiapas. From April 6-13, a team will help teach English. A clinical support team will travel in late May to assist at the medical clinic. No medical experience is necessary to participate.

6. In January I'll introduce 2PC's new Priority Mission

Partner in more detail - the Bachelor family in Israel Palestine - stay tuned for that announcement.

We are all one in mission.

Dean

2PC News

Sermons on YouTube

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October 28

October 21

October 14

2PC Stewardship
As 2PC continues to celebrate the ways that God uses our treasure to serve him, we hope you are able to return your pledge card soon. To assist those who can't regularly attend worship, reminder letters will be sent as the campaign progresses. Whether or not you are able to pledge, please return your pledge card so you can be removed from the follow-up list.

Clad Tidings Urgent Need

Clad Tidings (2PC's clothing pantry) is in URGENT need of mens coats size large, XL, 2XL and up. Please clean out your closets and share what you can for the people who are cold and don't have a winter coat. Any donations can be dropped off at Connection Point or near the 2PC receptionist's office.

"Whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you do unto me." Matthew 25:40

Blanket Need at Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has opened its winter warming center. They are in desperate need of blankets for those that need to come in from the cold. They are looking for any used or new blanket (any size) donations. If you can assist, please drop off your donation at 611 W Washington Street in Bloomington. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Schroeder at 309.829.9476, ext. 204.

Hurricane Sandy Relief

Just over $3,200 was collected Sunday, November 4, in the morning services. Thank you for your generosity! You may still contribute to the Hurricane Sandy relief effort through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance by texting PDA to 20222 ($10 donation); mailing a gift referencing DR000187 to PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264; or giving by credit card by calling PresbyTel at 800.872.3283.

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.

JOY Fellowship | November 9

Molly Householder from Westminster Village will share information about exercise at the Friday, 10:30am fellowship. All are welcome to attend. You may also stay for the Friday Prayer lunch ($6). Call Kim Pare to make a lunch reservation.

Boy Scout Troop 3 Pancake Breakfast | November 10, 11

The countdown to the Boy Scout's 10th annual pancake breakfast has begun! 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. Your service is valued, and we hope you can attend this event!

Food Drive | November 11, 18 and 25

The Western Avenue Community Center food pantry has been open since 2000 and serves 500 families monthly. Beginning November 11, bags and boxes of food will be available in the sanctuary to purchase for donation to the pantry. Simply make your selection, bring it to the south entry and make your payment. You may also donate food you purchase or write a donation check in the south entry. Contact Rev. Dean Kladder with questions.

Priority Partner Food Pantry | November 12-20

Volunteers are needed to assist at the Home Sweet Home Ministries food pantry in November. Although our food drive donations are being directed to Western Avenue, 2PC is still committed to assist HSH with sorting and packing the donations they receive from other sources. More information about this opportunity is at Connection Point. You may also contact Gretchen Cetin or the 2PC office to sign up to assist.

College Ministry Event | November 13

Regular meetings of 2PC-connected college students will be offered on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. This will kick-off Tuesday, November 13, at 7:30pm at the Coffeehouse in Normal. Also, on Saturday, November 24, at 7pm plan to hang out and reconnect with church friends at Jay and Cheryl Chrisman's home as we expand the 2PC college ministry. Questions? Contact youth intern Derrick Rohl.

PW Circle Meetings | November 14, 15 & 20

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.

Baptisms | November 18

At the 9am service Sunday, November 18, Kenzie Leigh North, daughter of Corey and Beth North; and Annabel Kate Slawski, daughter of Alex and Jamie Slawski, will be baptized. At the 11:11am service, Beau Dean Buhs, son of Brian and Jessica Buhs; and Elsey Day Green, daughter of John and Kyle Green, will be baptized.

Thanksgiving Worship and Dinner | November 22
All are welcome to gather for a Thanksgiving Day service at 10:30am in the sanctuary. Following the service, enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings at 11:30am. The cost is $7 per adult, $4 per child and maximum of $25 for immediate family members. Extended family and friends are welcome also. No advance ticket sales will be held this year.

New 2PC Website | November 25
On Sunday, November 25, a professional photographer will be in the building taking pictures of the worship service, the 2PC building and casual pictures of members. These pictures will be used in the development of a new 2PC website scheduled to be active January 1, 2013. If you have any questions, please contact Terri Thede.

Exploring Membership at 2PC | November 29,
December 1, 2
Explore what it means to serve Christ at 2PC by attending the New Member Exploration Course. Meet others interested in membership and the 2PC pastors. Meals and childcare are included. A dinner on Thursday, November 29, at 5:30pm will kick-off this process. The class will also meet Saturday, December 1, from 9:30am-noon. New members will join in worship on December 2. Register by calling or emailing Rev. Andrea Haughton Kladder.

Christmas Poinsettias
To honor someone's memory with a poinsettia, cards to order memorial flowers are at Connection Point and the front desk. The live memorial poinsettias are shared at the Advent Dinner and then with 2PC members who are shut in or managing health issues. The order deadline is Sunday, December 9, and the suggested donation is $12. Contact Rev. Michael McGaughan with any questions.

Missing Puppet Stage

The 2PC puppets would love to participate in a Christmas program, but parts of their aluminum tripod stage are missing. Every nook and cranny at 2PC has been searched with no success. If you know where the missing stage is located, can you please return it to the church? Your reward? Getting to see a Christmas play by the puppets! Thanks for your help.

Ann Lamkey

2PC Childrens Ministry Director