The Record
Second Presbyterian Monthly Newsletter - August 2018
Second Presbyterian Church is building a Christ-Centered Community Through Inspirational Worship, Education Ministry and the Power of Service.
FROM YOUR PASTOR
A recent cartoon in the The New Yorker involves two people working at
their desks in a corporate office. As they shake their heads in consternation, the
caption reads: A committee has been formed to investigate ‘where has the
summer gone?’,
Summer means many things in our culture. It’s a time for lazing or for
frantic fun. It’s a time catch up on other things than those mandated in our
scheduled world. Some head for the mountains, others head for the
shores. Some garden. Some play golf. Some sit on a park bench and read a
good book. Others go on family vacations or take in a family reunion. Some take
in a ball game or a museum.
Time slows down (hopefully). Life becomes less crazed and filled. We take a
step back, in order to find rest and relaxation.
Frank Hoffman writes: “Summer is a time to put together body and soul.
We owe a debt to the flesh. The debt we owe is to take good care of our
bodies, to revive its energies as best we can, to shore up its sagging walls,
to get our physical selves ready for the next spiritual go round.”
In the same way, Hoffman writes, “we have a debt to the spirit. No amount
of body building, rest, fresh air or idle toe wiggling will bring renewal to
the spirit as much as developing relationships will. Nothing revives us like
people. Renewal of the spirit comes most of all from deepening friend-
ships, from relationships that are strengthened or resolved; being with friends
who bless and delight.
“What made Jesus’ hectic life of ministry more bearable was a gentle and
humble heart and an openness to the love and friendship of his Father.
Jesus regularly took time away from his ministry with the disciples to be alone.
Jesus regularly took time off from the needs of the world to cultivate his own
soul and spirit Worship renews our relationship with God. Prayer renews our
spiritual senses. Bible study renews our soul’s attunement to God’s holy
presence and truth. Enjoying God’s beautiful creation renews our deep
connection to the whole of life. All of life is a good from God who creates and
redeems us.
During the month of August, I invite you to name and claim all your
deepest desires to be one in body and soul—to find their spiritual
fulfillment. Jesus is the Lord of every season. It is not too late to allow him
to be Lord of summer.
David M. Neff
Pastor
THANK YOU RECEIVED
I offer my thanks and gratitude to all members and friends of the church
during my recent knee replacement surgery. Thank you for all the cards
you sent, visits you made, meals you shared, phone calls and e-mails.
Slowly, with the help of lots of therapy, I am on the mend. Thank you for
your love, your support and most of all your prayers.
Pastor David Neff
LOVE: THE ONE CREATIVE FORCE
Spread love everywhere you go: first of all, in your own house. Give love
to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor. Let no
one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living
expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes,
kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.
Saturday, August 4th ~ Young Hearts
Saturday, August 4th, join Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers for brunch at Brunch (644 N. Orleans, 60654 brunchit.com) at 11am. Reservations must be made so please let Leslie know if you are planning to attend by Thursday, August 2nd at noon. You may contact Leslie via email (studentpastorleslie@gmail.com) or cell (615-630-2495).
August 9 ~ Adult Education Opportunities Meeting
The Recreation and Interest Missions Committee (formerly Adult Education), chaired by Howard Tiffen, will be meeting on Thursday, August 9th at 2pm. All members and visitors are welcome to this meeting as we plan secular and religious education opportunities for our congregation and community. If you are unable to attend but would like to see a topic studied, please contact Elder Howard Tiffen (htiffen@gmail.com), or Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers (studentpastorleslie@gmail.com).
August 12 ~ Hymn Sing Sunday
Our annual hymn sing will be on Sunday, August 12th at 11:00 a.m.
Members and friends of the congregation are invited to submit their
favorite hymns to be sung that morning. We will try to include them if
possible. Hymns may be turned in by insert, or called in to the church
office (312) 225-4951.
August 27 ~ Development Committee meets at 6pm
September 9 ~ Christian Education Week
Mark your calendars! Sunday, September 9th begins Christian Education Week in our church calendar which means our Sunday School classes will begin again! Sunday School for ALL AGES begins at 9:45am. More information about the classes and meeting locations will be coming soon!
ALL-CHURCH PICNIC ON AUGUST 12th
The All-Church Picnic is August 12th at 12:00 p.m. noon. The Board of
Deacons will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, brats (vegan options will be
available), and all beverages. Church people are invited to bring side
dishes, salads, sweets and desserts. What is a summer picnic without
watermelon and potato salad?
Tents and tables will be set up in the north parking lot. A children’s area
will be set up for fun games. As always, D.J. Michael Brown will be spinning
tunes for musical enjoyment and dancing. Please join us and help us celebrate summer in the city!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Children and Young Adult Education Committee is looking for volunteers for the 2018-2019 Sunday School year! We are looking for substitute teachers, volunteers for activity days near Christmas and Easter, and volunteers to help provide snacks and supplies from time to time. If you are able to help in any capacity (supplying needs or giving time), please contact Elder Eric Annafi (eannafi@gmail.com) or Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers (studentpastorleslie@gmail.com) or you may call the church office.
A BIG THANKS
The Children and Young Adult Education Committee would like to thank the following volunteers for their help in making VBS 2018 a huge success! Thank you to: Antoinette Ashmore (crafts), Linda Johnson (Bible story), Amy Haack (recreation), Denise Conway (building aide/clean-up), Sabrina Boykins (clean-up), Barbara Crawford (snacks), Chioma Ochiabutor (snacks), Eric Annafi (chair and co-organizer), & Leslie Deslauriers (co-organizer/planner).
CALLING ALL SINGERS!!!
The Summer Choir has begun rehearsals each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Directed by Mark Veselack, accompanied by Michael Shawgo, the choir sings 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.
SOUTH LOOP FARMERS' MARKET
Second Presbyterian Church hosts the Farmers’ Market every Thursday night (rain or shine) from 4:00 –8:00 p.m. Approximately twenty vendors sell fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits and other items. Three vendors sell meals. “Tinny Tunes Studio” provides musical activities for children. The church hosts a booth and sells flowers, bottled root beer and Amazing Grace cookies. Friends of Historic Second Presbyterian Church provides free, docent-led tours. Free parking is provided at the Ada S. McKinley lot 1863 S. Wabash. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Elder Vicki Reynolds or Deacon Jane Tiffen.
SUMMER READING CLUB
The Summer Reading Club is a new venture to help our students learn to read and enjoy reading. The congregation has donated age-appropriate books (especially Afrocentric books) and journals, book bags, gift cards and snacks to serve the children. “Reading is fun” is the theme each Tuesday at 1:30pm.
Volunteers or reading coaches are still needed! We also need gift cards to provide incentives for our summer readers. For more information, please contact Pastor Neff.
Volunteers include Annette Adams, Anne Calgano, Helen Smith, Jennifer Kim, Venus Griffin, Angel Dickerson, Jacoby Dickerson, Barbara Crawford, Fran Horn, Vanessa Huff, Shanessa Huff, Maggie McGuire and Officer Jamal Williams.
GENERAL THEMES OF THE BIBLE DISCUSSED
How many times have you set a goal of reading the Bible from cover to cover? Flea Parker has put together an informal discussion group for supporting each other in accomplishing such a wonderful goal. Just to clarify this is not a Bible study group; instead, general themes of each book within the Bible will be the be discussed.
JOIN A COMMITTEE
Last year, the congregation reviewed, discussed, and approved the Strategic Plan. Now that the plan has been approved, it is time to start implementing the plan into our church budgets, planning, mission, and ministries and we need YOU! The Planning and Evaluation Committee (formerly the Strategic Plan Task Force) is committed to supporting the congregation and committees in making sure that we follow-through with our commitments to growing our church and resources. How can you help? Whether you are a member or visitor, you can serve on a committee. Listed below are each committee offered at Second Presbyterian Church along with the name/names of the chair, scheduled meetings (or next meeting if they do not meet at a regular time) as well as a description of the main focus of each committee.
Joining a committee does not require that you volunteer for every opportunity that is offered. Committees need diverse membership so that the whole of the congregation is represented and heard in every aspect of our church life.
We were all gifted from God with spiritual gifts and lucky for us, God is diverse and created each of us with different skills, talents, and interests. Please prayerfully consider how you may help grow our church and offer missions and ministries that will sustain us long into the future.
LIST OF COMMITTEES
Community Outreach-chair: Vicki Reynolds; meets 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2:45pm in Fellowship Hall. (however the next meeting will at Pizanno's Pizza on Tuesday, August 14th at 3:00pm)
Main focus is to oversee the Lunch Bag Program (recruiting volunteers, providing training, etc); oversee Chicago CROP Walk; oversee Winter Coat Drive and Liam’s Thanksgiving Table; oversee Farmer’s Market; develop community memberships; oversee mission and ministries of the church in the community.
Facilities-co-chairs: Rowena Balogun and Mike Belletire; meets 2nd Sunday of each month at 9:30am in Fellowship Hall.
Main focus is overseeing the facilities and grounds of the church (everything from the basement to the bell tower; boilers to roof); maintain lists of short-term and long-term needs of the church; oversee building rentals (weddings, meetings, gym use, etc); oversee the interior and exterior of the church grounds.
Hospitality-co-chairs: Barbara Floyd and Dr. Argie Johnson; meets 2nd Monday of the month in Fellowship Hall at 1:30pm.
Main focus is Coffee Hour and specialty meals/events. This committee is seeking more members to help with the planning and execution of spectacular Coffee Hours!
Recreation and Interest Missions (formerly Adult Education)-chair: Howard Tiffen; next meeting August 9th at 2pm.
Main focus is creating opportunities for our congregation to grow both spiritually and socially. This committee provides opportunities to learn both secularly and religiously by offering useful workshops and classes about things like creating a will, 401K investment, budgeting as well as offering workshops and classes focused to help feed the soul like workshops and classes on prayer, women in the Bible, the Christian response to things like Healthcare and Poverty.
Worship & Music-chair: Darlene Pollard; meets on 5th Sundays (next meeting September 30th at 12:45pm in the Pastor’s study).
Main focus is planning of weekly and special worship services (Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, etc), providing ushers weekly and for specialty services, set-up and clean-up of Communion monthly, coordinating the decorating of the sanctuary for different church seasons (Christmas, Easter, etc).
Children and Young Adult Education-chair: Eric Annafi; next meeting August 19th at 9:30am.
Main focus is to provide formal, standardized curriculum for nursery age through high school; recruit teachers and volunteers to work with each age group; develop effective relationships with parents; plan and execute Vacation Bible School; oversee Tutoring Program during the school year and the Reading Club during the summer; coordinate Youth Choir; help youth participate in worship services.
Communications-chair: Eric Annafi; meets 1st Monday of the month at Kroll’s (1736 S. Michigan Ave) at 6pm.
Main focus is admin the church website; promotions for worship services, specialty services, and events; update social media; press releases to various newspapers and online sites; creating flyers for special events; communicating with the congregation.
Planning & Evaluation-chair: Mike Belletire; next meeting August 28th at 5pm.
Main focus is to assist the Deacons and Committee chairs in formulating annual objectives associated with implementation of the long-term plan (strategic plan that was reviewed, discussed, and approved last year); support committees in their execution of the quantifiable steps to fulfill the long-term plan; develop and implement an evaluation process that allows the Session to assess the success/challenges with long-term plan implementation and effectiveness of committees.
Development-chair: Howard Tiffen; next meeting is Monday, August 27th at 6pm via conference call. Please speak to Howard Tiffen if you are interested in joining this committee.
Our goals are to build an endowment consistent with the church's growth goals. Our initial target will be $1 million. We are considering a "Generosity Audit" to help us assess how we give and how we might become a more generous community.
Personnel-chair: Dr. Cliff Crawford; meets ??
Main focus is to oversee all office equipment; support staff; prepare job descriptions for all employees; conduct yearly review of all staff performances
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.
Friends of Historic Second Church invites you to Save the Date now for these three upcoming events. Ordering tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Saturday, September 15, 2018: Second Presbyterian and the South Loop: A Century of Perspective
Tour limited to 20 people. Admission is $20. Meet at the church. To make a reservation, contact Friends at historic2ndchurch@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018: Rediscovering Chicago's Legendary Artist Edgar Miller
This lecture is co-sponsored by Glessner House Museum and Friends of Historic Second Church. It is part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide celebration of the city's art and design legacy spearheaded by the Terra Foundation. $10 per person/ $8 for members. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.glessnerhouse.org/programs/2018/9/25/rediscovering-chicagos-legendary-artist-edgar-miller
Sunday, October 28, 2018: The World's Columbian Exposition in Music and Story
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Step back in time 125 years to relive the grandeur and majesty that was the World's Columbian Exposition. The Fair was attended by 27 million people and secured Chicago's place as a world-class city. This special performance will feature musical selections related to the fair, performed on the church's historic 4 manual Austin organ by Music Director Michael Shawgo. October 28th also marks the 125th anniversary of the assassination of five-time Chicago mayor Carter H. Harrison, Sr. Commentary by William Tyre during the performance will provide a rich variety of stories about the Fair, its impact on Chicago and the world, and how Chicagoans honored their fallen mayor as the Fair drew to a close.
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
Steven Bowman Jr will be playing at the Jazz Institute of Chicago on August 10, 7:00 p.m. as part of the Next Jazz Emerging Artists Project.
SUMMER GIVING
During the summer months, as members and friends miss worship for vacation, holidays or family time, our budget usually goes into a deficit. Our expenses and ministries continue during the summer, even when church members and friends are not able to be here. Please keep your pledges and giving constant during the summer months! Thank you for your faithful support!
The Session
Worship and Music Committee Upcoming Events
· August 12th Hymn Sing- The Sunday Worship will consist of hymns recommended by the Congregation
· September 9th – The Quartet returns from Summer Break
· September 20th 6:00 pm– Pet Blessing (during the Farmers’ Market)
· September 30th Laity Sunday – Recognizing volunteers
· October 7th – Africa Sunday
Treasurer’s Report
Year to date on an Operating Basis, we have generated an Operating Surplus of $5,682.43 before PILP Loan Repayments of $10,034.26. Our Deficit YTD, including loan repayments, is $4,351.83. This compares to a forecast Budget deficit YTD of $17,232.70.
This is all pretty good news, but a deficit is still a deficit.. We do still have to work out how we will repay the loan from PILP. Currently, the balance of this loan stands at $536,021.43. We need to devise a plan to make a significant prepayment this year.
Less good news is that the rate of giving has dropped off pretty dramatically as we have entered the summer months. Please continue to support the church and its missions throughout the year.
We have begun an appeal to raise $44,000 to complete the roof repairs on the south side pf the building and to be able to reopen the Cullerton Street Garden, which is to be renamed in honor of Gary Schuetz whose memorial gift provided so much to get this campaign started. Please address your pledges or additional gifts in support of this campaign to the Pastor or the Treasurer.
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.