The Record
Second Presbyterian Monthly Newsletter - February 2020
Diverse. Inclusive. Community. Engaging. Passionate.
FROM YOUR PASTOR
Recently, the actress Cicely Tyson was interviewed on the occasion of her award at the Kennedy Center. She said “I never signed on for a play or role unless I felt my heart tingle inside when I read the script. “ Cicely Tyson rightly calls attention to the role passion plays in our lives—and our ongoing need to find inspiration and guidance.
During the month of February, our worship services will focus on becoming a disciple of Jesus. Each Sunday, we will recall a vignette from Jesus’ life where he invites the disciples to follow him and participate in the kingdom of God. Through his teaching and example, Jesus calls each person to an intimate relationship with God. At the same time, he invites the disciples to grow close to God through their interactions with each other. That is where the passion and inspiration come! Through our encounters with family members and friends, neighbors and church members, co-workers and strangers, through the shared call to be Christ’s disciple with others, the divine life is offered.
Being a disciple might be different for everyone. Yet some common patterns and values emerge.
A sense of urgency about being part of the kingdom of God
A sense of importance in reaching out to others
A sense of being inclusive and hospitable in welcoming others
A sense of care and compassion for all, especially those in need
A keen sense of one’s personal mission and purpose in life
A sense of warm fellowship and vital connection with others in the
faith
A sense of the priority of prayer and mediation; waiting on the Lord.
In the call to become a different kind of people, new commitments are forged; new understandings are achieved. Gradually over time, our worship becomes our service and our work becomes our prayer.
Jesus doesn’t call us to be spectators and admirers. He calls us to be followers of his way, students of his truth, and receivers of his Spirit. As we accept the life he offers, we become the people he intends us to be.
‘Come and follow me’ are the most challenging and comforting words ever spoken—good words for 2020. Or “whatever makes our hearts tingle.”
David M. Neff
Pastor
MISSION STATEMENT
We are a diverse and inclusive community, bringing people to Christ through the power of service, education, hospitality and compassion.
VISION STATEMENT
Second Presbyterian Church seeks to be a diverse, vibrant and passionate Christ-centered community of hospitality and outreach actively serving the South Loop, the city of Chicago and the world. We accomplish this through inspirational worship in our historic sanctuary, educational ministry to all ages, and the power of compassionate service to our neighbors.
FEBRUARY 2 ~ SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
The Ghanaian Presbyterian Fellowship and Second Presbyterian Church will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. The sermon by Dr. Neff will focus the beatitudes in Matthew 5: 1-12. All are welcome to the table of the Lord.
FEBRUARY 2 ~ SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
The Souper Bowl of Caring is Sunday, February 2nd. As you arrive, the Confirmation Class will greet you at the door with buckets in hand to collect cans of soup and other non-perishable food items which we hope you will bring to donate to our Lunch Bag Program. Cash donations will also be accepted.
FEBRUARY 23 ~ IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black Chicago Aspires for Residential Security: Battling the Restrictive Covenant, 1927-1948
- Sunday, February 23, 2020
- 1:30 PM 2:30 PM
On December 31, 1940, a “Colored Restriction Agreement” went into effect prohibiting “any person found to have 1/8 part or more negro blood, or any person generally considered to be a colored person” from residing in an area bounded by Roosevelt Road on the north, Cermak Road on the south, the alley west of State Street on the west, and the Illinois Central Railroad Tracks on the east. These restrictive covenants were all too common in Chicago and across the country until they were outlawed by the U.S. Supreme Court in a unanimous vote in May 1948.
This PowerPoint presentation will address the impact of restrictive covenants in four parts - the promise of democracy and aspirations, institutional racism and its limited successes, institutional resistance from the NAACP movement, and the triumphs of democracy by 1948 and 1968. The talk will be given by Dr. Christopher R. Reed, professor emeritus of history at Roosevelt University, and recognized as “the Dean of Black Chicago History” for his numerous books and articles and his work within the Black Chicago History Forum.
FREE ADMISSION, reservations not required
This event, held in recognition of Black History Month, is sponsored by Glessner House, Friends of Historic Second Church, Second Presbyterian Church, and Quinn Chapel.
FEBRUARY 26 ~ ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
The season of Lent begins with our Ash Wednesday worship service at 7:00 p.m. The sermon will be preached by Seminarian Kjirstin Almos. The traditional imposition of ashes will be observed, followed by the serving of the Lord’s Supper. We take on ashes as a sign of our mortality, and as a sign of our desire to say yes to God more completely and fully. All are welcome to this solemn service that marks the traditional beginning of the season of Lent. “
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February 2nd-- Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31; Matthew 5: 1-12
February 9th-- Isaiah 58: 1-12; Psalm 112: 1-10; 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16; Matthew 5: 13-20
February 16---Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Psalm 119: 1-8; 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9; Matthew 5: 21-37
February 23—Exodus 24: 12-18; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17: 1-9 (Transfiguration)
Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season.
It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future
year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow.
Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the
harvest and the playtime.
W.E.B. DuBois
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
The Sunday Adult Bible Class is engaging the theme “Jesus Teaches about True Worship” during the month of February. Lessons include:
Feb. 2 Single Minded Obedience Matthew 5: 1-11
Feb. 9 Prayer that Honors God Matthew 6: 1-8
Feb. 16 The Prayer of Jesus Matthew 6:9-15
Feb. 23 Perseverance in Prayer Luke 11: 1-13
All are welcome at 9:30 a.m.
BASIC BIBLE STUDY ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON AT 1:30 P.M.
The Reverend Dr. Joel Tolliver teaches a lively Bible study discussion each Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. The group is currently discussing Paul’s letter to the Romans. No prior knowledge of the Bible is needed, just an open mind! All are welcome.
ALPHA TO OMEGA BIBLE DISCUSSION GROUP
The Alpha to Omega Club is a group designed to help folks with meeting their goal of reading the Bible cover to cover. Rather than discussing specific verses we discuss a general theme of the overall book in the Bible. Last year we completed Genesis through Psalms but you can join anytime.
We meet in the Second Floor Office (Leslie and Ashley's office) on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Flea Parker.
SECOND BOOK GROUP
The March 15th book will be Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell.
If you would like to make a book group suggestion, please see Howard Tiffen, Ann Belletire or Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers.
SECOND MOVIE GROUP
Our new Movie Group will be watching and discussing the movie BlackKklansman on Friday, February 28th at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This movie is NOT appropriate for children. This is a FREE event and we will discuss the movie briefly after it has been shown! All Movie Group gatherings will be on the 4th Friday of the month at 7 p.m. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Ann Belletire or Leslie Deslauriers.
PER CAPITA ENVELOPES
There is a per-capita envelope at the front of your box of offering envelopes. Our church is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), one of eleven thousand “Presbyterian” churches in this country. “Per Capita” assessment is the way we pay for the world-wide mission of the larger church. Being part of a denomination enables us to undertake mission work which no congregation could begin to engage on its own. A set amount is assessed each year on every member of every church to cover the expenses of our larger denomination. The amount assessed this year is $36.00 which our Treasurer pays for every member of the church. Please pay your per-capita today!
WELCOME OUR NEW SEMINARIAN KJIRSTIN ALMOS
AMAZING GRACE HOLY LAND TOUR
Dr. Joel Tolliver will be leading a nine-day tour of the Holy Land June 1st through 8th. Cost include round trip airfare, all meals and entrance fees, and seven nights of accommodation. The group will visit the Sea of Galilee, the fortress of Masada, the Dead Sea, the Shrine of the Book, the Via Dolorosa, the Knesset, the Israel Museum, Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Dome of the Rock. Brochures are available on the literature table. For more information, please contact Dr. Joel Tolliver (312) 842-1971.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HOUR
Christian Education Hour is such a special time for children to learn about Biblical themes and stories. It is through Christian Education Hour that children are able to ask questions, learn more thoroughly about scripture, and connect with other children from the church.
Confirmation Class: The Confirmation Class for 2019-2020 has begun! All students 6th grade and up who have not yet been confirmed are invited to join this class that meets the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 12:15 p.m. For more information, please contact Eugene Leonard.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR REHEARSALS
The Children’s Choir will be directed by Lisa Armstrong this year. The children will rehearse immediately after worship on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. All children are invited to sing and “make a joyful noise to the Lord” (Psalm 100:1)
CONFIRMATION CLASS
The confirmation class for grades 6 and above meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at 12:15 pm. Join us on this journey to discover, nurture and develop your faith.
For more information and a registration form, please contact Eugene Leonard.
JOIN A COMMITTEE
Facilities Committee: Chair---Howard Tiffen until a new chair can be found Meets 2nd Sunday (usually) of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Development Committee: Chair--Howard Tiffen
Recreation & Interest Ministries Committee: Chair--Ann Belletire Meets 2nd Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Children & Young Adult Education Committee: Co-Chairs--Amy Haack & Dr. Lisa Henry-Reid
Community Outreach: Chair--Vicki Reynolds Meets 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Communications: Co-Chairs--Eric Annafi & Amy Haack
Stewardship: Chair--Howard Tiffen
Hospitality: Chair--Argie Johnson Meets 4th Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Worship & Music: Chair--Darlene Pollard Meets 5th Sunday at 12:45 p.m.
Administration & Personnel: Chair--Dr. Cliff Crawford
EVERYONE is welcome to join a committee whether you are a member of the church or not. As we work to fulfill our Vision Statement, we need your help in accomplishing this task.
CHICAGO COMMUNITY CHORUS CONCERT
“Remembering Our Past, Protecting, Defending and Caring for Our Present, Looking to the Future” is the theme of the next Chicago Community Chorus concert on Sunday, February 9th at 4:00 p.m. The concert is at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1000 East 47th Street.
All are welcome.
MCCORMICK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY FAITH AND SCIENCE LECTURE
McCormick Theological Seminary presents a lecture by Brother Guy Consolmagno S.J. on February 13th at 7:00 p.m. “Faith, Science and the Common Good.” Brother Consolmagno is the director of the Vatican Observatory. He has done post-doctoral research at Harvard and MIT and is the recipient of the Carl Sagan Medal for planetary science activism. The lecture is free and preceded by a reception at 6:00 pm.
TAI CHI
Tai Chi will resume Thursday, January 9th at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Your first class is FREE! All additional classes are $10 and it is open to anyone and everyone!
SOUTH LOOP MEMORY CAFÉ
The South Loop Memory Cafe is a community gathering for all who are experiencing memory loss and their caregivers. The next South Memory Café will be on Thursday, February 9th from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There will be a special celebration of the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For more information or to register, please email southloopvillage@gmail.com
SOPHISTICATED LADIES
Sophisticated Ladies went to Broadway on March 1, 1981 and ran until January 2, 1983. This multi-Tony award winning performance highlights the music of jazz musician Duke Ellington. To read the rave review from the Chicago Tribune, click here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/reviews/ct-ent-sophisticated-ladies-porchlight-review-0131-20200130-xnvnid5iefcd7cofe2iagdlvhq-story.html
You can reserve your spot by purchasing your ticket directly from Howard Tiffen.
AUSTRALIA FIRE RELIEF BENEFIT CONCERT WITH LYRIC OPERA
BARBARA'S BASEMENT SALE!!!
BARBARA’S BASEMENT having a HUGE sale! All items (excluding jewelry) is marked down 50-75%!! Don't miss out on this opportunity to shop for all of the South Loop’s greatest finds Tuesdays & Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations of gently used items may be dropped off during shop hours.
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
The Lunchbag Program is collecting used winter coats, gloves, scarves, mittens and caps; socks; sweaters, sweatshirts and hoodies. There is a receptacle for your donated items in Fellowship Hall. All donations will go directly to provide warmth and care for our neighbors in need.
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 (pastoralassistant.2ndpreschgo@gmail.com) or call the church office (312) 225-4951.
EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE FOR LESLIE DESLAUREIERS
Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers’ email address has changed. Her new email address is PastoralAssistant.2ndpreschgo@gmail.com please update your contacts as she will no longer be checking the studentpastor email.