The Western Avenue Community Center food pantry has been open since 2000 and serves 500 families monthly. Continuing this Sunday, 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.
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.
College Ministry Event | November 24
Calling all 2PC college students! There is a new group just for you. Join a time of Christian fellowship on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at the Coffeehouse in Normal. Also, on Saturday, November 24, at 7pm plan to hang out and reconnectwith church friends at Jay and Cheryl Chrisman's home as we expand the 2PC college ministry. If you have any friends looking for a church connection, ask them to join us; all are welcome. Questions? Contact youth intern
Derrick Rohl.
Eagle Scout Court of Honor
November 24David Wylie's family would like to invite 2PC members to David's Eagle Court of Honor ceremony on Saturday, November 24, at 1pm at the church followed by a short reception. David is the 5th member of the Wylie family to earn Eagle Scout from 2PC's Troop 3 joining his brothers, father, uncle and late grandfather. David is the 152nd Eagle Scout from Troop 3.
Holiday Cards Available | Connection Point
If you would like to send or share a large postcard with friends or family members detailing 2PC holiday events, you may pick those up at Connection Point. If you mail a card, it requires a 45 cent stamp.
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.
Holiday Decorating at 2PC | November 30, December 1
Volunteers are needed to assist with decorating 2PC for the holidays. No experience is needed and you're invited to come Friday, November 30, at 9am and/or Saturday, December 1, at 9am. Questions? Contact Joan Guenther.
Heritage Committee Nativity Display | December 2
The Heritage Committee will share a nativity scene exhibit on the south entry display wall beginning Sunday, December 2. The display will replace the current fellowship history display. Nativity scenes formerly used at Second Pres, as well as contributions from Carolyn Winterroth's unique collection, will be included.
The Music and Message of Handel's Messiah
December 2, 9 and 16
A unique adult Christian Education class will be offered that explores
Handel's Messiah. Taught by Ron and Doris Hill, the class will examine Handel's magisterial and beloved piece, the Scripture texts he used and how he composed the music to magnify the meaning of God's word. This class will meet in Marquis Chapel from 10:10-11am and no preregistration is necessary.
Community Outreach Dinner | December 2
The Community Outreach Dinner (COD) is a monthly 2PC tradition designed to bring the entire 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.
Advent Dinner, Congregational Meeting and
Concert | December 5
Celebrate the Advent season and enjoy a delicious meal at 2PC with your church family. Doors open at 4:45pm. Adult tickets are $7.50, children under 12 are $4 with a family maximum of $25. The meal will be followed by a congregational meeting at 6pm for the installation of new 2PC officers. Childcare is available for children up to 5-years old during the meeting and program. Following the meeting, there will be a program featuring the 2PC children's and youth choirs.
Parents' Morning Out | December 8
This 9am-noon Christmas event is for children 6 months through 5th grade. Crafts, stories, games and cookies are included. Cost is $10 per child with a $25 family maximum. Please RSVP to Dana Sholty or sign-up in Martin Hall by Sunday, December 2.
Lessons and Carols | December 9
You are encouraged to spend the morning in worship and celebrate the holidays through this 2PC tradition. The 9am service will include participation by the Chancel and Chapel Choirs, the Chorale, Scripture and dramatic readers, soloists and instrumentalists. The focus will be on the anticipation of Christ's coming. During the 11:11am service, there will be a telling of the nativity story by 2PC children and worship will be led by the 2PC worship band.
Priority Partner Christmas Party | December 13
You are invited to participate in the final official event for our Priority Partner, Home Sweet Home Ministries. Seven volunteers are needed to help serve, clear tables and clean up from 5-9pm after a special holiday meal. Please call Kim Pare or sign up near Connection Point as soon as possible. Volunteers must be at least age 12, and all who assist must complete a
Volunteer Application Form if you have not done so this year. Contact
Gretchen Cetin with questions.
Live Nativity | December 15
2PC will host a live nativity Saturday, December 15, from 5-7pm at the corner of East and Monroe Streets. Volunteers are needed to spread the joy by serving as carolers, working on the set crew and/or portraying Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels and kings. We'd love to share this "heart of the community event" with all. Contact
Katie Klein or
Dr. Judy Webb with any questions and to volunteer.
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.
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.
