The Record
Second Presbyterian Monthly Newsletter - November 2020
Diverse. Inclusive. Community. Engaging. Passionate.
FROM YOUR PASTOR
I AM YOUR CHURCH
Love me!
Love my bricks, my mortar, my timbers
For I am a holy sanctuary
Where any person may commune
With the creator of the universe--
Through music, the word, or silence.
Love my people--
The rich, the poor, wise, ignorant,
Enthusiastic, despairing, dedicated,
Indifferent, loving, critical,
Tied together loosely by the silken web
Of divine love.
I am Your church, invest in me,
Lay your fears, your joys, your sorrows
On my altar.
Bring your true sacrifice
Of talent, time, imagination
And coin of the realm
That my presence may glow in a dark world
For the lost, the lonely, the spirit-ill.
I am Your church, pray for me.
Light emotions, minds, wills
That all people may be dignified, consecrated and safe.
I am your church. Love me! Invest in me!
Pray for me!
Musetta Gilman
Submitted by David 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.
SANCTUARY IS OPEN FOR WORSHIP
We are open for worship on Sunday mornings! The doors of the sanctuary open at 10:30 a.m. Each person must wear a mask, receive a temperature check, answer three questions and sign in for contact tracing. Social distancing is required for the pews. Our service is traditional, with the Quartet singing the hymns and limited responsive readings. Most people are overjoyed to return to worship. Please join us and help us keep sacred space as safe space.
ALL SAINTS' DAY
We celebrate our belief in the communion of saints on Sunday, November 1st. As Presbyterians, we believe the whole people of God are “saints.” Through faith, each believer is continually sanctified by God and consecrated in ministry until the moment we die. Then we join in the heavenly choir and see God face-to-face. On All Saints’ Day, we remember those who have died in the Lord this past year and ring a chime in their honor. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated.
Remember Daylight Savings Time ends on Saturday night, October 31st. Please set your clocks back one hour!
ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
The theme for our annual Stewardship Campaign is “Faith Matters-- Gifts Matter”. A letter with a pledge card has been sent to all members and friends. With joy, we will dedicated our pledges for 2021 to the Lord on October 25th, but it is not too late to Pledge by mail or online or increase your Pledge.
Please give intentionally and prayerfully.
WHAT THE CHURCH MEANS TO ME: ANDY OCHIABUTOR
The church is a safe haven, a place where all are welcome. The church is where all people come despite their differences and celebrate God. The church is and will always be my home. Having faith means trusting in God and knowing that no matter what path you are put on, you can handle because the Lord would not give you anything you can't handle. There is no faith without doubt, but having good faith in God will allow you to continue with that doubt, and trust in God.
Giving means to share your blessings with others. This means sharing God's gift with others, even if they don't want it to be shared. Giving doesn't have to be just materialistic. Giving could be as simple as sharing God's word. By giving you could be doing something as complex as saving someone's life or as simple as making their day.
During my youth, I have witnessed and participated in many holy events. I was baptized at Second Presbyterian Church. I also participated in Vacation Bible School, Summer Camp, Sunday School, etc. Over the years, I have grown, and with my increasing age, I am also growing spiritually and learning new things. But I will always remember that Second Presbyterian Church was my first church and I will never forget that. This is what the church, faith and giving mean to me.
Andy Ochiabutor
WHAT THE CHURCH MEANS TO ME: TRU ANNAFI
What does my church mean to me? Second Church means family to me. It is a place where I feel secure, cared for and loved. Second Presbyterian Church is made up of many different people, of different races, different backgrounds, different sexual orientations and different countries. We all come together to form a family church which I am a part of. I can remember the great times I've had at Second with the Deacon's picnic, and sometimes helping with the lunch bag program to feed the hungry. This is what makes Second Church a family for me. And in giving, I've learned that members of Second Church give in different forms. Not everyone at Second Church is financially secure to give money, thus they give in other ways. People give based on their financial means, time and or with their talents. By giving to the church, God is using these resources through our faithful giving to change the lives of the unfortunate and help various programs conducted by the church to spread the love and God's words throughout the world.
Tru Annafi
WHAT IS A PLEDGE?
A pledge is a commitment to express our faith in concrete, tangible ways. We are asked to return to God a very small portion of all the gifts that have been given to us by God. Pledging is not a matter of fundraising; it is a matter of worship. Offering a pledge involves being thankful to God for our material gains and our prosperity. It is a commitment to remembering that God is the source and center of our lives. All good gifts come from God and are given to us as a trust to use wisely and share joyfully. A pledge is a commitment that can be changed at any time as circumstances change. Let us all remember God's many gifts to us and share our blessings through our giving and our living.
The Session
You may also submit your 2021 pledge by clicking the link below and completing the online pledge form.
SUBMIT YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS
ADVENT BIBLE STUDY
Pastor Neff will offer a three week class on Prophecy and Fulfillment. What does the Jewish faith teach about the prophecies of the Messiah and Messianic Kingdom? How do Christians believe that the prophecies were fulfilled in the life and work, death and resurrection of Jesus? The class will meet on Wednesday nights from 6:15—7:15 by Zoom and phone call.
November 11, 6:15 p.m. Prophecies in Isaiah
November 18, 6:15 p.m. Matthew and Mark
December 1, 6:15 p.m. Luke and Acts
Topic: Advent Bible Study: Prophecy and Fulfillment
Time: Nov 11, 2020 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Wed, 4 occurrence(s)
Nov 11, 2020 06:00 PM
Nov 18, 2020 06:00 PM
Dec 2, 2020 06:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 890 8965 0091
Passcode: 865126
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ADULT BIBLE CLASS SUNDAY MORNING 9:30 A.M.
ADULT BIBLE CLASS SUNDAY MORNING 9:30 A.M.
The topic for November is “Godly Love among Believers”. We invite you to join us by phone each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.
November 1 Loving By Serving John 13: 1-35
November 8 Abiding Love John 15: 4-17
November 15 Confident Love 1st John 3:11-24
November 22 Sharing Love Acts 4:32-5:11
November 29 Impartial Love James 2
The phone # is (312) 248-0036
TUESDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY
The Reverend Dr. Joel Tolliver continues to teach on 2nd Corinthians, going through Paul's letter chapter by chapter each Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Please join us for a word of instruction and encouragement The phone call-in number is (312) 248-0036..
SECOND BOOK GROUP
Book Group: Our next book discussion is Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. This will take place both in person and via Zoom on November 15th at 9:30 a.m. In person, we will space ourselves in Fellowship Hall, wear masks and follow all church protocols. Others can join in via Zoom. Please email Ann Belletire if you would like to join this very lively discussion group at annabelle620e@aol.com.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82595103879 Meeting ID: 825 9510 3879 One tap mobile: +13017158592,,82595103879# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,82595103879# US (Chicago) Dial by your location: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Meeting ID: 825 9510 3879 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdP1wkKWdw
ALPHA TO OMEGA BIBLE DISCUSSION GROUP
The Alpha to Omega Bible Discussion Group meets monthly on the second and fourth Thursdays. Cal (312) 248-0036. For more information, please contact Flea Parker at flea@golden2.net or (210) 861-6988.
SECOND MOVIE GROUP
On November 20th, we will discuss Daughters of Destiny, episodes 1 & 2; on December 18th, we will discuss episodes 3 & 4. Daughters of Destiny (original Netflix documentary series) was shot over seven years, and follows a group of girls from rural India who are denied
education because of their caste. Please note that the dates were bumped up a week in November/December due to the holidays. Each person will watch the movie on their own and then we will gather on Zoom to discuss it. This event is brought to you by the RIM committee.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87830257932?pwd=alNtMUh6eFpNNlpobWZ
Time: November 20th at 6:30 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 878 3025 7932
Password: 602018
One tap mobile:
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Congratulations to the Highlanders Baseball Team who are the 2020 Champions in their league! The Highlanders Baseball Team was the last group to use our space before the quarantine in March began. Pastoral Assistant Leslie is a supporter of the team and friends with Bennie (back row, far right) and Nico Chinchilla (front row, second from the right). Go Highlanders!
THANK YOU
Thanks to those who supported the recent CROP Walk. Second Presbyterian raised $1,264 to help alleviate hunger for families in Chicago and throughout the world. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CROP Walk was a virtual walk this year and people could walk whenever, wherever and as far as they wanted. There was a "Zoom" celebration on Sunday, October 18 to show appreciation for the many walkers and to see the pictures that were taken of their walks. Chicago CROP has announced that donations will still be received until Thanksgiving so if you would like to support CROP and help those experiencing hunger, you may do so by going on-line to CROP Walk Chicago, scroll down to the bottom where it says "find a team," enter Second Presbyterian Church and contribute or you may send a check to the church made payable to "CROP Walk" and we will make sure it is received. The Lunch Bag Program receives a portion of the funds raised from the CROP Walk.
FIRST SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
The 1st Sunday Coffee Hour for November will be on Holiday Foods and Traditions as we begin to prepare for the upcoming Holiday Season. Sharing food, traditions and experiences related to diverse cultural backgrounds should be spiritually uplifting as we give thanks to God for his blessings of abundance. Argie Johnson, Barbara Chasnoff, Tracy Cargo and Flea Parker will begin the discussion as a means of changing the Season's focus from doom and gloom to Joy and Thanksgiving.
If you want to share a recipe that is special to your family or history, please send it to Barbara at splatbags@gmail.com. She will compile any recipes received and make them available to all.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 827 3997 3168
Passcode: 168269
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+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 827 3997 3168
Passcode: 168269
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kvRVwYp45
HANGING OF THE GREENS ON NOVEMBER 28
The Hanging of the Greens is Saturday, November 28th. All helpers are needed to decorate the sanctuary and church for Advent and Christmas. Please join us at 10:00 a.m. to bring out the bows and evergreens and prepare the church for Christmas! The workday will conclude by 1:00 p.m. The season of Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th.
ANNUAL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 29
The Session has called a meeting of the congregation for Sunday, November 29 immediately after the service. The report of the Nominating Committee will recommend its slate of new Elders and Deacons. The Nominating Committee for 2021 will also be voted upon. Any changes in pastoral! compensation will be considered. The 2021 budget will also be presented for questions and comments. The meeting will be offered in person, by phone call and by Zoom. Instructions will be sent out with the call. All are urged to join us for this important meeting
WHAT'S NEW AT BARBARA'S BASEMENT?
As we draw closer to the holidays, Barbara’s Basement Resale Shop is beginning to decorate for Thanksgiving and Christmas with pumpkins, Christmas tree ornaments and floral arrangements. Our store is stocked with a large assortment of new and used ladies and men’s watches, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings. Do you need extra dinner plates for the holidays? Check out our stock. Gift wrapping is available this year, beginning December 1st (by appointment only) Please provide boxes if needed.
New Store Hours are:
Tuesday 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. –-2:00 p.m.
All proceeds go to fund the mission and ministry of Second Presbyterian Church.
Virtual Classes and Discussions and Live Streaming Services
Since the Covid outbreak reached pandemic proportions in March, we have been live streaming our services and offering Zoom and Conference Call facilities for education classes, meetings of Deacons, Session, and Coffee meetings on first Sundays.
For live streaming, initially we were blessed to be able to tap into Adam Deslauriers' (THANK YOU AGAIN ADAM) expertise and creativity to be able to broadcast our services. Session then approved an investment in a two camera system which will enable us to broadcast clearly the spoken word from the pulpit while watching clear images of our Quartet and the church interior. We plan to continue to live stream after the congregation returns to the pews. We have found that among the thousands watching our services live or on YouTube, we have had an audience across the United States and as far away as Africa and Europe!
We continue to work with the engineers to produce the best quality Sanctuary sound we can. We know we still have some challenges. Please be patient while we fine tune the equipment and install the second camera.
Meanwhile, the Zoom, Conference call and Audio Visual installation have cost us nearly $13,000. As a result of our appeal to date, we have raised about 30% of this amount.
PLEASE CONSDIDER SENDING A CHECK FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION OR CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING BUTTON TO MAKE YOUR SPECIAL GIFT ONLINE
ONCE AN ARTIST...
Sherry Watkins, soprano in our quartet wrote this article for a recent LOSA (Lyric Opera Stage Artists) newsletter. All of our quartet members are Lyric Opera singers and have all felt the devastating effects of Covid-19. Second Presbyterian Church recognizes the blessing we have in being able to pay professional singers to be in or quartet. One of the ways that Second Presbyterian Church has shown its commitment to our mission and vision of bringing inspirational worship is to continue paying for our quartet members, who are struggling financially during this time. As you may know, we usually take a break in the summer but we recognized the gift of worship and hope that these singers bring to us week after week. Also mentioned in the article is Vince Wallace, our bass (photos below).
Once an artist...
by Sherry Watkins (with a little help from my friends)
In March of 2020, with spring peeking around the corner, our world as we
know it came to a screeching halt. We received the devastating news that
the Ring cycle at Lyric Opera of Chicago would have to be cancelled. Thus
began a long arduous journey of life with no live singing in large groups to
large audiences. That has meant no work for many artists. Life continues to
be a daily challenge for LOSA members financially and emotionally. As
musicians, we are born with music in our souls. As singers, our body is our
instrument. Whatever is happening in our bodies physically, mentally and
emotionally is reflected in our souls, through our voices. Many of us didn’t
want to sing, or couldn’t because it was too emotionally difficult. I was one
of those people. I am grateful that the church that I sing at every Sunday
did not stop allowing me to share my voice with the congregation virtually,
and recently in person again. That has been my only source of income from
singing for months. After the death of George Floyd, I had a hard time
getting to the church on the south side of Chicago. Streets were closed,
following a night of looting and destruction. I broke down sobbing during the
hymn, “They’ll Know We are Christians By Our Love”. I felt so hopeless.
Where is love among the fear, anger, and violence?
Making Lemonade...
When the pandemic started, I don’t think many of us thought it would
continue as long as it has. We were approaching a time that can be a bit
slower financially for those of us in the opera world. A lot of us rely on
unemployment insurance for some or all of our income during Lyric’s off
season. Thankfully, there was extra money from the government to help
those of us with no jobs. Vince Wallace used that extra money to invest in
recording equipment for his apartment and turned a closet into a recording
studio. Things were alright, as long as that financial aid continued, but of
course, it ended when a lot of Americans were allowed to return to work.
Not us. Not at Lyric.
I have seen posts from friends and colleagues who feel empty, lost, lonely
and devastated. As someone who tries to look on the bright side, I know a
lot of people have enjoyed extra time with their families, dinner together,
being home with their children at bedtime and spending a lot of time with
their pets. With low interest rates, those people who own a home and have
some equity, have been able to refinance and do some home
improvements.
Still alive..
My good friends and fellow LOSA members Wilbur Pauley, bass, and
August Tye, ballet mistress extraordinaire, along with their talented
children, have made the most of their extra family time hiking and traveling.
But, his life “professionally” has provided “ zilch” for Wilbur. He was
contracted by Chicago Opera Theater to perform a Rimsky- Korsakov
opera, Kashchej the Immortal. Wilbur expected that it was going to be
cancelled, but the creative folks at COT have decided to perform a concert
version and film it! Haymarket is another opera company that has donors
and board members who are willing and able to finance their survival. “It
ain’t live performance, but I’m thankful to have something,” said Wilbur. He
also really missed singing in the Grant Park Music Festival. “I really miss
seeing and making music with all the folks in Chicago that I never realized I
was taking for granted. Then it’s gone.”
“August has miraculously kept her neighborhood ballet school (Hyde Park
School of Dance) going, but it’s been a Herculean task- taking the time to
work out the technical details of remote learning and cleaning protocols- all
for a 60% reduction in enrollment and hourly salaries.” Their son Tye, who
has been seen on the Lyric stage in Madama Butterfly as Sorrow, attends a
private school. Athena, their middle daughter, continues doing
homeschooling. Their oldest, Georgia, is at Arizona State University. Wilbur
started driving for Uber at “exactly the right time to qualify her for a FREE
degree!” “All in all, we’re still alive. That’s a victory in itself.”
Final bow…
LOSA members have a private Facebook page, which has been a source
of comfort for many of us lately. Just knowing that we are sharing a lot of
the same feelings provides a new level of camaraderie. We are all at
different phases of our careers. Some are just starting out, having finished
their first season at Lyric, with so many years of singing on that magnificent
stage ahead of them. There are those in their singing prime, missing this
time to express themselves to audiences, through their strong voices.
Similar to athletes’ and ballet dancers’ bodies, singers' voices don’t last
forever. Then, there are those in the twilight years of their careers at Lyric,
like Tom Sillitti, bass, who is not sure that after this pandemic is over, there
will be “the possibility of ever walking onto that great stage again, among all
the history that I am now part of. It is already feeling like losing a loved one,
and not having closure. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the celebrations for
so many of my former colleagues as they prepared to leave the profession
they loved. But what happens now to those of us who will most likely never
experience that wonderful closeness of treasured colleagues, having the
experience of preparing your last entrance onto the stage, or the
bitter-sweetness of your final bow. I know that time will heal some of these
emotional wounds, but there will always be a feeling of something very
important and integral to my life being incomplete. Let’s just hope that there
is a viable treatment or vaccine soon that gives us just a little more time
together on that marvelous stage!”
Life goes on…
Many LOSA members have started to get low on funds and have found
other sources of income unrelated to our long and satisfying careers in live
opera. Ron Watkins is one of them. He is one of the hardest working
colleagues that we have. After 2 weeks of working 10 hour days, aerating
lawns, he is already being groomed to be a Lawn Specialist. However, he
was recently asked to record 2 songs for Lake Street Church of Evanston,
“It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and “What a Wonderful World”.
After taking time to practice and record those songs, he said, “No matter
what else I do, I am an artist.” My colleague Max Wier believes that every
employer should hire singers. “We are the most adaptable people, have
smiled through the worst, and have worked with every personality type,
becoming an expert in a skill that requires the most multitasking than
almost any other career path: language, subtext, technique, memorization.
Having the skills to survive the environment long enough to have a steady
career of any kind- mentally, physically, socially, we are armed and
armored with an amazing quiver of skills valuable in several workplaces.
We are the definition of self-motivated and team players.” Fortunately,
many of us have the ability, passion, and technical fortitude to teach voice
lessons, and make recordings. This musical outlet feeds our souls, and
helps the next generation of songbirds to find their voices. Once an artist,
always an artist.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE:
Over the last few weeks, about three dozen members, former members, community leaders, representatives of area foundations and friends have been asked to participate in a Feasibility Study being conducted for us by Partners for Sacred Places. This Study is preparatory to us beginning our $1 million Capital Campaign for the planned improvements in our building.
We expect our Campaign to begin in early 2021 and to last for about three years. Of our $1 million goal, we have so far received gifts and commitments for nearly $200,000 in addition to the grant for the National Fund for Sacred Places.
The Campaign will fund major upgrades to our electrical system, improvements to heating and ventilation, improved plumbing, upgraded interior design and functionality for Fellowship Hall, the North Parlor, the Boutique Room and all of our office spaces on the first, second and third floors.
The thinking behind these changes is to make our building more useable for multiple purposes by multiple users. This will support our own hospitality opportunities, provide comfortable and useable (and rentable) meeting room space.
Here are extracts from the letter sent to potential interviewees for the Study:
“In 2019, Second Presbyterian Church applied to the National Fund for Sacred Places (NFFSP) for a grant of $250,000 which would be used to improve safety, accessibility and usability of available space. We were among the 10 congregations selected from 220 applicants to receive a grant.
While much of the focus on Second is on our extraordinary Arts and Crafts Sanctuary and stained glass windows, much of the building’s use for education, community activities like Irish Dancing, orchestra rehearsals, school basketball and community meetings takes place in the 100 year old “parish house” on the west end of our building. This part of the building is in urgent need of modernization and infrastructure updates.
Our church is growing as a center for our South Loop community. As we reach out beyond our four walls, it is exciting to join in collaboration with other community groups and partner with them in the work of a greater unity. We are known as a church for our outreach and compassion. We are also known for our hospitality and inclusive spirit. Our 'can-do' attitude underwrites all our mission. We are becoming what our Mission Study envisioned: “a church that the community cannot live without”.
Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago is working with the national nonprofit Partners for Sacred Places on a feasibility study to measure the viability of a capital campaign to modernize our electrical installation, some of which dates back to 1901; upgrade our plumbing, heating and ventilation systems; and modernize the office, meeting room and gathering spaces in our historic church building. The initial list of projects will cost in excess of one million dollars, with $250,000 being provided by the NFFSP grant.
We have asked Partners for Sacred Places to conduct a Feasibility Study to help us design our capital campaign to raise in excess of $750,000. This feasibility study uses individual interviews and independent research to analyze the current state of Second Presbyterian and its impact on the life of the city of Chicago, providing insight into how residents feel about the church and its work in the community.
The feasibility study report will provide a roadmap for a potential community-wide campaign for preservation and renewal of our buildings in ways that will benefit our congregation and the entire community.”
We expect to provide additional updates at our Congregational Meeting at the end of November and our Annual Meeting in January.
MAJOR GIFT RECEIVED
The church recently received a gift of $76,000 from the estate of Marjorie Barbour. Marjorie, who died last year, loved Second Presbyterian Church. She joined Second Church in 1973, when she was baptized by Reverend Joe Francis. Always the first to arrive on Sunday morning, she sat in pew #102. She greeted each person with a hug and always showed her care, sending baskets of fruit and cards, assuring her prayers. Beautiful on the outside as well as the inside, she made a provision to leave Second Church in her will. She will be remembered on All Saints' Day and on her birthday November 15th . We praise God for the gift of her life and give thanks for her gifts which continue today!
TREASURER'S UPDATE
Year to date on an Operating Basis, we have generated an Operating Deficit of $20,688.55 including PILP Loan Repayments of $4,229.44. This compares to a forecast Budget Deficit YTD of $37,000.93.
Total Operating Income YTD to 30th June 2020 $ 226,274.97
Total Expenses, including Loan installments $ 246,963.52
Overall Deficit YTD $20,688.55
Offerings are close to plan. Member giving is a remarkable $14,000 over plan. Non-Member Giving is about $14,000 BELOW plan.
Mission Shop, Wedding and Building Use Revenue have been materially disrupted due to the pandemic, but Mission Shop revenue has been persistent during the summer months. Please do visit Barbara’s Basement, especially as you seek creative ideas for seasonal gifts.
As you will recall, we have received through Wintrust a forgivable loan under the CARES Act Payroll Protection Program of $37,910. We will shortly apply for forgiveness. In effect, this will eliminate this year’s operating deficit!
25th October 2020
DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE NEW GIVING APP
TAP, GIVE, DONE...
Supporting our church’s mission, especially through these trying times is as easy as 1-2-3 With GivePlus Mobile. Our congregation can express it’s generosity in the moment — right from the palm of your hand. Even though we are unable to gather on Sunday's, your giving helps support our efforts in the community and mission of our church. Please try our new app and let us know how your experience was!
1. Download the app GivePlus Church through the App Store and Google Play. Search for “GivePlus Church” to download the app, then be sure to allow access to location services if you’d like to use the app’s Find Churches Near Me feature.
2. Find our church. Search under zipcode 60616 and select Second Presbyterian Church
3. Give!
GivePlus Mobile supports donations via all major debit and credit, as well as ACH donations.
THE GIFT OF COMMUNITY
How many churches realize that community is one of the greatest gifts the church has to offer. We offer a new fellowship, a new brotherhood, a new sisterhood, a new way of belonging. We offer friendship, prayer, peace, love, fidelity, affection, ministry with those in need-- these offerings create and sustain lasting relationships. Community is first of all a quality of the heart. It grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive-- not for ourselves, but for one another.
Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
The Community Outreach Committee is sponsoring a winter coat drive again this year beginning mid-November. You may drop clean coats off at the church Tuesday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. or on Sunday mornings. Scarves, hats, gloves and mittens are also welcome.
MEMORY CARE CAFE
The Memory Cafe will be on Thursday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. The theme will be Thanksgiving. We will have our usual fun activities such as a sing-a-long, exercise with Andee Stacy, a fun quiz and a craft demonstration that everyone can do at home. Here is the Zoom link:
Topic: South Loop Village Memory Cafe Zoom Meeting
Time: Nov 12, 2020 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Second Thu, until Dec 10, 2020, 2 occurrence(s)
Nov 12, 2020 02:00 PM
Dec 10, 2020 02:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83330030114?pwd=Ui93dmRvUGdBbnExVCs5bnlZVXpZZz09
Meeting ID: 833 3003 0114
Passcode: 877151
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83330030114#,,,,,,0#,,877151# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 833 3003 0114
Passcode: 877151
IMPORTANT NORTHWESTERN STUDY
The South Loop Village is partnering with The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern in an effort to increase participation in clinical research. While people of color are much more likely to be affected by dementia, (and many other diseases) this population is dramatically underrepresented in clinical trials. Northwestern will be hosting a zoom meeting/presentation on November 12 on the benefits of research participation. Members and friends of Second Church are encouraged to register and attend. Please see the facebook South Loop Village or call (312) 225-4406 for more information.
LIAM'S TABLE THANKSGIVING DINNER
Each Thanksgiving, the family of Milam and Harpreet Jovon offer a free Thanksgiving dinner for all. The meal, in honor of the birth of their sons, features a traditional menu. All are welcome to pick up a packaged hot dinner between 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the church office.
SOUTH LOOP FARMERS’ MARKET
The South Loop Virtual Farmers’ Market is still going on. Go online to www.soucewhatsgood.com, register your name and address, then pick out your items to order for the virtual market. Your purchases can be picked up in the north parking lot on Thursday from 2:00—6:00 p.m.
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.
HIRING: Building Aides For Second Presbyterian Church
We are seeking building aides to staff for building rentals. The duties are to open/allow access to the church and offer a hospitable, friendly and responsible presence to all our guests, closing and securing the church afterwards. Light cleaning duties are required. Hours are flexible (including weekdays and weekends). If you might be interested, please contact the church office (312) 225-4951 or secondchurch1936@comcast.net.