The Record
Second Presbyterian Church Newsletter-November 2022
Diverse ✶ Inclusive ✶ COMMUNITY ✶ Engaging ✶ Passionate
FROM YOUR PASTOR
Many years ago, I traveled to Cameroon on a medical mission. One Sunday, I preached in rural church in the rainforests of the northern region of Cameroon,
The church at the top of the mountain was made of cinder blocks with a tin roof. It was raining so hard that goats came into the sanctuary. We sang, we sang some more. After the sermon and the prayers of the people, it was time for the offering. The Bafut natives had no money to bring. They brought vegetables, fruits and other produce to baskets on the communion table. They brought beadwork, Kente cloth and other artisan objects they had made. Instead of a solemn, quiet procession, they danced forward, singing with great joy. They were grateful to have something to contribute, thankful to have something to bless the Lord.
The most majestic moment in our service on Sundays is the moment when we respond to God’s word and give of ourselves. From our abundance and poverty, we share and contribute. We are grateful to have something to bring! We offer our best to God as a response for all God’s generosity and goodness to us. Grateful for the breath of life, cherishing each moment of health, glorying in God’s spiritual and material blessings, our spirits overflow with a sense of amazement and wonder. When our organist intones the Doxology, we stand and sing:
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
It is a holy moment, an exclamation point; a profound acknowledgement that all exquisite gifts come from our wise and generous Creator. As we respond in joy, our faith soars. As we sing to the One who first sang to us in the creation of the world, all is right with the world. We know that God is good—all the time.
During the month of November, may our spirit of praise and gladness find new depths and heights. Meister Eckhart wrote “if the only prayer you ever say is thank you to God, that would suffice.”
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
In the Spirit,
David M. Neff
Pastor
DON'T FORGET TO TURN BACK YOUR CLOCKS SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 6th - ALL SAINTS’ DAY
ALL SAINTS’ DAY
On Sunday, November 6th, we celebrate those who have died in the past year and now rest from their labors. We remember their witness to the resurrection. Dr. Neff’s sermon is entitled “Elevation” taken from the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10). The sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be celebrated. For those watching online, please have bread and wine (or grape juice) on hand to join in our communion.
Sun, Nov 6, 2022, 11:00 AM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
NOVEMBER 13th - DEDICATION OF THE ST. PAUL PREACHING IN ATHENS WINDOW
DEDICATION OF THE ST. PAUL PREACHING IN ATHENS WINDOW
On Sunday, November 13th, Second Presbyterian Church will dedicate the St. Paul Preaching in Athens window in worship. Linda Miller, executive director of Friends of Historic Second Church, will present a minute for mission. Dr. Neff will preach on “To an Unknown God”, reflecting on his recent study leave in Athens. The service will conclude with a litany of dedication for this inspiring gift! Please join us for this special service.
Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 11:00 AM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
Installation of carpet
Window ready to be unveiled
Finishing touches on Fellowship Hall
NOVEMBER 13th - GRAND RE-OPENING OF NORTH PARLOR AND FELLOWSHIP HALL
GRAND RE-OPENING OF NORTH PARLOR AND FELLOWSHIP HALL
On Sunday, November 13th, we will also celebrate the reopening of Fellowship Hall and the North Parlor. The work detailed in this phase of our Capital Campaign has been completed. The Hospitality Committee, under the leadership of Anthony Ochiabutor, Sr. will provide a special coffee hour reception to inaugurate our re-entry into Fellowship Hall. Thank you to all who have given to our Capital Campaign Sacred Places and Safe Spaces! Great work has been done because of your committed and faithful giving! Thereafter, we hope to return to the new normal of holding coffee hour every Sunday. Please sign up to host a coffee hour in the near future!
Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 11:00 AM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
NOVEMBER 20th - RECOGNITION OF LUNCH BAG VOLUNTEERS
RECOGNITION OF LUNCH BAG VOLUNTEERS
On Sunday, November 20th, we will recognize our Lunch Bag Program volunteers. Our Lunch Bag Program has been a strong ministry of the church for over forty years. We feed approximately-200 guests a week. We provide fruits and vegetables, hygiene products, warm clothing and shoes donated by the community. We also provide a case worker who helps guests apply for employment, housing and other benefits. Each guest is greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly smile, then served care and compassion with their lunch, in hopes of a good day and good week.
Volunteers include:
Carol Bailey
Genevieve Barnard
Sabrina Boykins
Denise Conway
Barbara Floyd
Amy Haack
Eileen Holloway
Ozzie Kinnard
Josh Larsen
Debbie Larsen
Josh Latour
Stephanie Lazarus
Eugene Leonard
Darlene Pollard
Barb Psimoulis
Lisa Henry-Reid
Vicki Reynolds
Peggy Robinson
Sun, Nov 20, 2022, 11:00 AM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
NOVEMBER 20th - CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The Congregational Meeting of Second Presbyterian Church will be held at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 20th. Important business to come before the congregation includes:
- Report of the Nominating Committee
- Changes in Pastoral Compensation
- Report of the Capital Campaign Development Committee
- Presentation of the 2023 Budget
- Any Trustee Items to Come Before the Corporation
Please join us for this important meeting! A notice about the meeting and letter with the information will go out two weeks prior.
Sun, Nov 20, 2022, 12:30 PM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
NOVEMBER 20th - ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF BRIAN LOUIS
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF BRIAN LOUIS
Our former seminarian Brian Louis will be ordained and installed by the Presbytery de Christo on Sunday, November 20th at 3:00 p.m. The service will include preaching and the laying on of hands, followed by a charge to the minister and a charge to the congregation. Prayers are invited for Brian's ordination to the office of Minister of Word and Sacrament. Cards can be sent to Faith Presbyterian Church.
Sun, Nov 20, 2022, 03:00 PM
20253 E. Choctaw Drive, Sierra Vista, Arizona, 85650.
NOVEMBER 24th - LIAM'S TABLE THANKSGIVING MEAL
LIAM'S TABLE THANKSGIVING MEAL
Jovan and Harpreet Milam will host their tenth annual Thanksgiving meal “Liam's Table.” Everyone who does not have somewhere to go on Thanksgiving Day is welcome. A hot meal will be served; take-home cartons will also be available. Please join us on Thursday from 11:00 a.m.--1:00 p.m. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Thu, Nov 24, 2022, 11:00 AM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
NOVEMBER 27th - THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The season of Advent begins on Sunday, November 27th. Advent means “expectation”. During the exile of the people Israel, the Jewish people began to hope and pray for the Messiah to come and usher in the Messianic kingdom. Many Jewish and Gentile people believe that the First Coming of the Messiah was Jesus. After the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Christians began to hope and pray for the Second Coming. The four Sundays of Advent recast these expectations in hope relevant today.
- November 27 Isaiah 2: 1-5, Psalm 122; Romans 13: 11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
- December 4 Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72: 1-7; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3: -12
- December 11 Isaiah 35: 1-10; Psalm 146; Luke 1: 45-55; James 5: 7-10; Matthew 11: 2-11
- December 18 Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80; Romans 1: 1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
- December 24 Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-20
Please read the scriptures before each service
Sun, Nov 27, 2022, 11:00 AM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
NOVEMBER 27th - HANGING OF THE GREENS
HANGING OF THE GREENS NOVEMBER 27 AT 12:15 P.M.
The Worship and Music Committee invites everyone to stay after worship on the first Sunday of Advent to decorate the sanctuary and the church. Our time of work and fellowship will include hot chocolate and singing Christmas carols. Please join us and help make our sanctuary beautiful for Christmas!
Sun, Nov 27, 2022, 12:15 PM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
DECEMBER 11th - SING ALONG MESSIAH
SING ALONG MESSIAH
Our Sing-Along Messiah will be held on Sunday, December 11th at 3:30 p.m. We will continue this annual tradition by giving our neighbors a musical event to remember! Conductor is Tony Krempa. The 18-member South Loop Orchestra will accompany the chorus, backed by organist Michael Shawgo. Soloists include Sherry Watkins, Corinne Hale-Wallace, John Concepcion and Ron Watkins. A festive reception will be held after the concert.
We need your help! Stacks of Messiah flyers are in the narthex. Could you post a Messiah flyer in your building or invite someone you know to join us? For more information-- or for flyers-- contact the church office (312) 225-4951.
Sun, Dec 11, 2022, 03:30 PM
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA
BEARS GAMES AND PARKING
On Sundays, parking on the street is free. However, on Bears game days and other Wintrust Arena events, a parking placard is needed. Otherwise, your vehicle will be ticketed or towed. Parking is enforced two hours before the event and one hour afterwards.
THERE ARE SEVERAL HOME BEARS' GAMES IN NOVEMEBER AND DECEMBER
Please take note of these Sunday home Bears' games.
NOVEMBER 6, Noon Game
NOVEMBER 13, Noon Game --- Please be advised this is the Sunday of our window dedication and grand re-opening of Fellowship Hall and North Parlor
DECEMBER 4, Noon game against the Packers
DECEMBER 18, Noon game
DECEMBER 24, Noon game (Christmas Eve)
A number of one day passes are available on the back table in the sanctuary.
WELCOME PARISH ASSOCIATE
Through the action of Session, the Reverend Judy Landt has joined our staff as Parish Associate. A parish associate preaches and provides pastoral care when the pastor is away-- and fills other duties as mutually agreed upon by the Session. No monetary compensation is involved.
Reverend Landt received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Chicago, her Juris Doctor degree from Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago Kent College of Law. She was general counsel for World Book Encyclopedia for many years. While serving as a prison minister and Stephen’s minister at Fourth Presbyterian Church, she received a call to ministry. She attained her Master of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary and served as pastor in Wisconsin for ten years before retiring and moving to Chicago.
She also served as parish associate for six years at Grace Community Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is married to Michael Lindh, a recent member of the church.
Please welcome the Reverend Judy Landt to our staff!
LIVE STREAM TRAINING TO BEGIN SOON
Second Presbyterian Church is looking to expand our live streaming production crew. We will be training those interested in learning how to use sound boards, cameras, editing, and all the basics of live streaming. Contact Elder Amy Haack at amy.haack@att.net, if interested.
SACRED PLACES AND SAFE SPACES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
We are making GREAT progress with more than $1.2 million committed and raised to date, but we still have work to do…
Cash Receipt and Pledges:
Donations and Grants Received $700,200
Pledges to be fulfilled $141,816
Adopt a Landmark Grant Receivable 250,000
National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Receivable 125,000
Total Committed to date $1,217,016
Currently Projected Project Cost $1,390,000
To be raised $172,984
Please consider making a pledge to the campaign, increasing your existing pledges or making additional donations to help meet the full amount of the recent $50,000 Challenge Grant. We need an additional $17,000 to be able to use it in full.
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY 9:30am
Our Sunday morning Bible study is studying “God’s Exceptional Choice.” Using the Present Word Curriculum, our theme for this month is “We Are God’s Artwork”. The scripture readings are:
- November 6 - God Picked You! Revelation 2, - Ephesians 1
- November 13 - Christ Is Wisdom - Acts 19
- November 20 - We Are God’s Handiwork - Ephesians 2
- November 27 - God Gives Us Tools - Ephesians 6
The phone in number is (312) 246-0084.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY
The Reverend Dr. Joel Tolliver continues to teach on the book of Revelation 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..
IN ONE SPIRIT-- BASIC BIBLE STUDY
This fall, Dr. Neff will teach a once-a month class on Basic Bible Study. The class will meet on the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. The class will focus on the epistle of First Corinthians. The next class will be Saturday, November 19th at 10:30 a.m.
All are welcome to join us for basic bible study.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BOOK GROUP
Our next book for discussion is San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities by Michael Shellenberger. Sid Mitchell will lead that discussion. If you would like to join this lively book group, email Ann Belletire at AnnaBelle620e@aol.com.
Time: Sunday, November 20, at 9:30 am
Join Zoom Meeting using:
ID: 858 7377 4596
Passcode: 9349838
Or Call: (312) 626-6799
THANKSGIVING BLESSING
May an abundance of gratitude burst forth, as you reflect
upon what you have received.
May thanksgiving overflow in your heart, and often be
proclaimed in your prayer.
May you gather around the table of your heart the ardent
faithfulness, kindness and goodness of each person who
is true to you.
May the harvest of your good action bring forth plentiful
fruit each day.
May you discover a cache of hidden wisdom among the
people and events that have brought you distress and
sorrow.
May your basket of blessings surprise you with its rich
diversity of gifts and its opportunities for growth.
May all that nourishes and resources your life bring you
daily satisfaction and renewed hope.
May you slow your hurried pace of life so that you can
be aware of, and enjoy, what you easily take for granted.
May you always be open, willing and ready to share your
blessings with others.
May you never forget the Generous One who loves you
lavishly and unconditionally.
Joyce Rupp
THE JAZZ SHOWCASE
Join fellow church members and friends at The Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court for afternoon jazz on Sunday, November 13 at 4:00 pm. We’ll hear vocalist Samara Joy, who is currently the “hottest ticket” in the world of jazz.
She only recently celebrated her 21st birthday but has played many of the great jazz venues in NYC.
Each person buys his/her own ticket (either online or at the door) and then we will sit together.
Email Ann Belletire, annabelle620e@aol.com, if you plan to attend so that we can save seats together. Or text 312-501-8864.
SPIRITUALITY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Second Presbyterian Church partners with Old St. Mary's Church in an ongoing contemporary spirituality book discussion group. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. The location is 1500 S. Michigan Avenue. Future books include:
November 20 Building Unity: Field Notes on Democracy
Eboo Patel
All are welcome. If you would like to join via Zoom, please contact the church office at
(312) 225-4951 or secondchurch1936@comcast.net .
BARBARA'S BASEMENT SHOP
The shop hours are Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm and the 3rd Sunday of each month, 12–2pm. Please come support!
The Return of St. Paul Preaching at Athens:
Enjoy the completely restored St. Paul Preaching at Athens Tiffany window, fabricated in 1895, and recently re-installed in its home at 2nd Presbyterian. The window underwent a complete restoration under the skillful hands of Tom Venturella and Jim Murphy of Venturella Studio.
The final phase of the restoration includes plastering and painting around the window. Funded by Friends of Historic Second Church.
You can watch TV coverage about the re-installation at:
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/tiffany-glass-window-second-presbyterian-church/
Exciting Conservation Underway
Be sure to watch the complete restoration of the Tree of Life Mural and all its surrounding artistic elements (Heralding angels, light fixtures, organ screen, etc.). During the next three months, the entire front of the church will be transformed with progress visible from Sunday to Sunday.
This work is funded by Friends of Historic Second Church.
FREE TOURS
Please enjoy a free tour of the art and architecture of Second Presbyterian Church immediately following the Sunday service. A docent will meet you at the back of the church. Public tours are also given on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tours are given by trained docents from Friends of Historic Second Church.
SOUTH LOOP MEMORY CAFE
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 - Barbara Smith-Avery
1 - Geraldine Jackson
5 - Bianca Reeder
6 - Michael Allen
7 - Yolanda Streeter
13 - Lisa Armstrong
14 - Sharon Tolliver
21 - Vera Dix
22 - Tru Annafi
28 - Amazing Osazuwa
Happy Birthday to all!
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.