The Record
Second Presbyterian Monthly Newsletter - June 2018
Second Presbyterian Church is building a Christ-Centered Community Through Inspirational Worship, Education Ministry and the Power of Service.
FROM YOUR PASTOR
During the summer, many churches slip into a more casual and relaxed mode. As people go on vacation, take time off for family trips or engage in recreational activities, participation in church services and programs seems to “slack off.”
Here at Second Presbyterian Church, we are going through a time of focus and renewal. There is a lot of energy in the church, and we invite you to become part of our in-reach and outreach!
On Tuesday afternoons, we are starting a Summer Reading Club for children (grades 1-6). We need tutors or reading coaches for an hour. We also need people to provide snacks, and people who will donate books and comic books and gift cards. Through our hands-on caring, we hope to stimulate the love of reading!
On Thursday afternoons, we host the South Loop Farmers’ Market from 4:00 –8:00 p.m. Our church provides hospitality to the entire South Loop community! We welcome shoppers and vendors and share information about the church’s ministries and programs. We also sell bottles of root beer, dog treats and Amazing Grace cookies. We register people to vote, operate Barbara’s Basement Resale Shop, and assist in the Kids’ Zone. Docents from Friends of Historic Second Church offer free tours.
On Sunday mornings, our Summer Choir meets for rehearsal at 10:00 a.m. Choir director Mark Veselack and music director Michael Shawgo make music come alive! They are planning a creative and inspirational schedule of music each Sunday. All singers are invited to join as you are able.
We are beginning to form Shared Interest groups. Do you like to knit? There is a group. Line Dance? A group is forming. Explore “A Year with the Bible”? A Tai Chi or Yoga group? Enjoy free musical events in the city? We will invite you to join us as each group begins.
I hope you can feel the enthusiasm and excitement of our growing congregation! We are building relationships and creating a vibrant sense of community here.
Welcome to summer at Second Presbyterian Church!
David M. Neff
Pastor
JUNE 10 ~THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
We will celebrate the sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, June 10th. Samuel Homer Buzzard, son of Kyle and Kate Buzzard, will be welcomed into the body of Christ. Dr. Neff’s sermon will be on “Every Child Has Two Families” based on Jesus’ teaching on family (Mark 3:31-35).
JUNE 17 ~ CELEBRATING FATHER'S DAY
On Father’s Day, the Presbyterian Women celebrate the men of the Church. The scripture lesson will be the anointing of David by the prophet Samuel. “The LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks upon the heart” (1 Samuel 16: 7). On this special day, women will serve as ushers, greeters and liturgists. Women also host a special reception in honor of the men.
That morning, we will also celebrate Baccalaureate Sunday, in which we honor all graduates. If you have a son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter or member of your family that has graduated from kindergarten, 8th grade, 12th grade, college, graduate school or vocational/technical school, please contact the church office (312) 225-4951 with your graduate’s name and place of graduation. Congratulations to all graduates and their families!
JUNE 24 ~ THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
WELCOME NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR
On Sunday, June 3rd, Michael Shawgo will return as our organist and music director. Formerly the music director at First United Methodist Church, Mike has served here for two stints from1990-2000 and from 2011-2016. Michael received a Bachelor of Arts in music from Illinois Wesleyan University. He studied organ with Marcus Ritchey at St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia and Dexter Bailey, long-time organist at Bethany Union Church in Chicago. Michael is “very happy to be returning to Second Presbyterian Church.” Please welcome Mike on his first Sunday, June 3rd!
SUMMER CHOIR BEGINS JUNE 3RD
Calling all singers! The Summer Choir will begin rehearsals on Sunday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. Directed by Mark Veselack, the choir will sing each Sunday during the summer, accompanied by a member of the Second Church Quartet. No experience is necessary, just a desire to sing. All are welcome to each rehearsal.
FARMER’S MARKET BEGINS ON JUNE 14
The South Loop Farmers’ Market will begin on Thursday night June 14 and continue throughout September. From 4:00-8:00 p.m. a wide array of vendors will sell fresh bread, fruit, produce, ice cream, meats and cheeses. The popular Dixie Mudcats will play each week. Docents from Friends of Historic Second Church will be offering tours of the sanctuary. Barbara’s Basement Resale Shop will be open. Second Presbyterian Church will host a booth, selling root beer, flowers, dog treats and Amazing Grace cookies. The Kids Zone will be staffed to provide art for children and families.
All kinds of helpers are needed! If you would like to volunteer or can serve, please contact Elder Vicki Reynolds (312) 203-4933 or Deacon Jane Tiffen (312) 961-1647.
SPIRITUALITY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
On Tuesday, June 10th, Prayer: Our Holiest Longing by Ronald Rohlheiser will be discussed at Old St. Mary’s Church at 9:15 a.m. Please join us for this discussion before the group takes a break for the summer.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM TO BEGIN
The Summer Reading Program will begin on June 19th and continue each Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. through the summer. A program of reading, book discussion and spoken word performances will help our children learn the joy of reading. Reading coaches are needed, as well as books and comic books for students in grades 1-6. Afrocentric books are especially needed. We also need gift cards to provide incentives for our summer readers. For more information, please contact Pastor Neff.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Youth Summer Reading Club Volunteer Opportunity
The Community Outreach Committee is planning to offer a Youth Summer Reading Club for youth in the neighborhood. If you are interested in being involved, please contact Vicki Reynolds, 312-203-4933 or the church office.
Farmer’s Market Volunteer Opportunity
The Farmer’s Market begins June 14 and runs through September 27 and is held in the church parking lot. Volunteers are needed for set-up, take-down, hosting the Second Church booth and helping with the Kids Zone. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jane Tiffen, Vicki Reynolds or the church office.
Lunch Bag Program
Volunteers are always needed to help with the Lunch Bag Program which Second Church hosts each week Tuesday through Friday. Volunteers are needed between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are also needed to pick up food donations at Panera Bread and Pret A Manger early mornings or evenings Monday through Thursday. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Vicki Reynolds, 312-203-4933 Substitute volunteers are also needed.
FORGIVENESS DISCUSSION GROUP BIBLE STUDY
The Forgiveness Discussion Group’s final meeting has been CHANGED to June 10th at 12:45p.m. If you are interested in participating in this group, please contact Rev. Theola Jones.
June 20 ~ Chicago's Historic Motor Row Program
During the Golden Age of Automobiles, Chicago’s Motor Row was the center of the city’s car culture. At its peak over 100 makes of automobiles were sold in opulent showrooms on South Michigan Avenue. The dealership buildings were built to grab attention with their creative architectural design. Many of these buildings still stand paying tribute to when automobiles first came to Chicago.
Please join Friends as we celebrate “Chicago’s Historic Motor Row”
Wednesday June 20, 2018
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Docent Tours
6:00 p.m. – Chicago’s Motor Row presentation by Chicago Historian Dennis McClendon
Reception to follow
Admission is free
Return of the Cobb Peace Window
July 29 ~ Rededication Service
BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITY
Please join us for Bible study on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Library. The curriculum is “Living the Word”. A different lesson is highlighted each Sunday morning.
NEWS FROM THE PEWS
Congratulations on Lloyd Carter on his 90th birthday on May 7th!
Congratulations to Helen Smith on her acceptance to the University of Chicago Masters of Arts in Creative Writing.
Congratulations to Michael Brown on retirement from the City of Chicago Police Department after 29 years of service.
Congratulations to Andy Ochiabutor who won the Heritage Excellence Award at his school.
Congratulations to Lovie Annafi who medaled in the Long Jump and 4x1 relay at the Illinois State Finals!
Congratulations to Zari Watts, great granddaughter of Lois Mosley, graduating summa cum laude from Hampton University!
TUTORING MINISTRY CONCLUDES FOR THE SEMESTER
The Tutoring Program has concluded a successful year of tutoring students. Approximately 25-30 students attended our Wednesday night program on a regular basis. Special thanks to Kids in the Kitchen, who provided nutritious snacks and education about healthy eating. The 25 Junior League tutors were directed by Kara Goodbrand and Maggie Brown. Tutors from Second Presbyterian included Ramon Smith, Annette Adams, Anne Calgano and Helen Smith. Community tutors included Fran Horn, Nick Newell, Lindsey McReynolds and Officer Jamal Williams from the 3rd District. A special thank you to Denise Conway who served as building aide and program administrator!
CALL TO PRAYERS FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The congregation is called to pray for the 223nd General Assembly which meets June 16-23 at the Convention Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The theme for the assembly is “Healing Racism”. A new initiative for churches will be launched at General Assembly entitled “Hands and Feet for Healing Racism.” There are business sessions, committee meetings, daily worship services and mission tours.. The General Assembly will act on hundreds of business items and overtures proposed by local presbyteries and other General Assembly agencies. The Presbytery of Chicago sends six teaching elders and six ruling elders, along with many Youth Advisory Delegates. Many sessions will be live-streamed. For more information, please see the website: www.pcusa.org
ALL INVOLVED POTLUCK, FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
The Hospitality Committee would like to invite everyone to an "All Church Potluck" every first Sunday of the month EXCEPT for June 3 (Confirmation Sunday).
Our next potluck is Sunday, July 1st. Bring your favorite dish to share at the potluck. All dishes are welcome!
We ask in order to minimize the cleanup afterwords, you bring your favorite dish in a foil pan or a dish you will take home. The foil containers will be put in the recycle bin.
If anyone would like to help serve or has any questions please feel free to contact or Barbara Floyd at 312-485-0362.
Thank you for all you do!
Barbara Floyd
COMMUNICATION
Do you feel like you’re missing out on information on the church? Have you missed a worship service that you would have liked to attend? Be sure to read your monthly newsletter, check your email, read the announcements in the back of your bulletin, check the church calendar (on the website and the bulletin board outside of the kitchen, and above the water fountain) and check social media. The calendar on the church website is a google calendar and you can even sync your phone or tablet so that you’ll never miss another church event! If you’d like more information or would like to update your contact information, please contact Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers (studentpastorleslie@gmail.com) or call the church office (312) 225-4951.