The Recorder
Second Presbyterian Monthly Newsletter - November 2017
Second Presbyterian Church is building a Christ-Centered Community Through Inspirational Worship, Education Ministry and the Power of Service.
FROM YOUR PASTOR
For me, November is the season of Thanksgiving. Before the consumer hype and
glitter of the holiday shopping season assaults us, November seems to be a buffer
month set aside to give us time to contemplate all we have been given. We are
gifted with a month to pause and reflect on the many blessings in our lives--
calendar time to recollect where we have been in the past months and years—and
consider where we are in the present moment. For many whose lives are a
whirlwind of daily duties and non-stop demands, even one hour set aside to be still
and quiet, can make a real difference.
Local author Barbara Mahany has written a book entitled Slowing Time. Written it
as a “field guide to wonder and wisdom. . . of beholding the everyday miracle, of
wrapping our arms around the Holy Within and the Holy All Around.” She records
her life through the rituals of family time enacted out within the larger rhythms of
the seasons. As fall moves into winter, she grows to rejoice, celebrate and exult in
each and every moment.
This moment-by-moment celebration “is the very act which makes us human”. To
cherish each material blessing of life; to be fully alive experiencing all the senses;
to be appreciative of each person and cherish each relationship; to become
attentive in noticing all the good things that come our way; to be reverent in
praising God from whom all blessings flow.
As we thank God for all God’s good and gracious gifts, we become more aware of
the Spirit, the source of all goodness. We become more alive and open to sharing
more and more of ourselves, so that we pass our many blessings on, in that same
spirit of generosity.
May November become a season of thanksgiving for you, a holy season of slowing
down time, to give thanks for the joy of being alive, and rejoice in all the miracles
we experience every day that live. “Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
David M. Neff
Pastor
ANNUAL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 12th
The Session has called a meeting of the congregation for Sunday, November 12
immediately after the service. The report of the Nominating Committee with its
slate of new Elders, Deacons and the Nominating Committee for 2018 will be
voted upon. The compensation of the pastor will be voted upon. The 2018 budget
will also be presented for questions and comments. Other items will be shared and
discussed. All are urged to attend this important meeting
CONTEMPORARY SPIRITUALITY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP NOVEMBER 14th
The Contemporary Spirituality Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday,
November 14 at 9:15 a.m. . All are welcome to these discussions at Second Presbyterian Church led by Pastor Neff and Father Paul Huesing.
The group will meet to discuss Escape from Nigeria: A Remembrance of Love,
War and Hope by local resident Angelina Ihejirika.
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19th
On Sunday, we will celebrate Thanksgiving as a congregation. Morning worship
will focus on the sermon “All Good Gifts” based on Matthew 25:14-30.
The Youth Choir will sing, under the direction of Mark Veselack and Jay Yau. We will recognize the volunteers and give thanks for the ministry of the Lunchbag Program. Thanks to our faithful and committed volunteers, including Michelle Anderson, Rowena Balogun, Lenora Crusoe, Margaret Davis, Kevin Fiorini, Roslynne Gully, Geraldine Jackson, Linda Johnson, Darlene Pollard, Ken Reeder, Roman and Sharon Swiercz, Michael Brown, Nate Battle, Tyson Thompson, Doug Walters, David Topazian, Audrey Topazian, Katie Topazian, Vicki Reynolds, Maria Wicks, Barbara Chen and Cathy McCallister.
MEN’S ASSOCIATION THANKSGIVING DINNER NOVEMBER 19th
This year, the Men’s Association will host the Thanksgiving Dinner after the
service on November 19th. The menu will include turkey, ham, dressing, mashed
potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, yams, rolls and dessert. Carry-outs will
also be available to go. The cost of tickets is $12 adult and $7 for children. Please
join our congregation in giving thanks!
LIAM’S TABLE THANKSGIVING DINNER
On Thanksgiving day, Jovon and Harpreet Milam and friends will host a free
Thanksgiving dinner for all. The meal, in honor of the birth of their sons Liam and
Henderson, will feature a traditional menu. All are welcome to come to the dinner
at 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. and join in the fellowship of the holiday season. For
more information, please contact Harpreet Milam at The Nail Social by calling
(312) 583-9903.
LET THE THANKFUL HEART SWEEP THROUGH THE DAY
If one should give me a dish of sand, and tell me that there were particles of iron in
it, I might look for them with my eyes and search for them with my clumsy fingers
and never detect them. But let me take a magnet and sweep through that dish of
sand, and that magnet would draw those tiny particles of iron to it through the
power of the magnet’s attraction.
The unthankful heart is like my finger in the sand. It discovers no mercies. But let
the thankful heart sweep through the day. As the magnet finds iron, so it will find
in every hour some heavenly blessing; only the iron in God’s hand is gold.
Henry Ward Beecher, 1851
CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26
Christ the King Sunday is the traditional end of the liturgical year, before the new
year begins with the season of Advent. On Sunday, November 26, we will
celebrate and anticipate the coming reign of Christ’s kingdom on earth. Dr. Ken
Vaux will preach on Matthew 25:31-46
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
The Lunchbag Program is collecting used winter coats, gloves, scarves, mittens
and caps; warm socks; sweaters, sweatshirts and hoodies. There is a receptacle to
leave your donated items in Fellowship Hall. All donations of clothing and food
will go directly to provide warmth and care for our neighbors in need.
THE SING ALONG MESSIAH
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN HOSTS THE PRESBYTERY OF CHICAGO
On Saturday, December 2nd, our church will host the Presbytery of Chicago
assembly. Teaching and ruling elders, commissioners and other Presbytery leaders
will help us celebrate our 175th anniversary. The Second Church Quartet, under the
direction of Jay Yau, will lead worship. Coffee hour will be hosted during registration time, and a catered lunch will be served. A nursery will be staffed for children. Donations of cookies and baked goods are needed. We will also need a host of volunteers to serve throughout the day. If you can help, please contact Dr. Argie Johnson and Jane Tiffen
HANGING OF THE GREENS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
We will hold our annual “Hanging of the Greens” on Friday, December 1 from
2:00—6:00 p.m. in anticipation of the Presbytery of Chicago meeting.
Banners will be hung, wreaths and garlands set up, and festive Christmas
decorations set out in Fellowship Hall and around the church. Hot cider and other
beverages and treats will be provided. All are encouraged to join us on Friday
afternoon, December 1st at 2:00 p.m.
BASIC BIBLE STUDY TUESDAYS AT 1:30p.m.
Basic Bible study is offered each Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Taught by the Reverend Dr.
Joel Tolliver, the bible study group is working chapter by chapter through the book
of Genesis. All are welcome to this inspiring and informative study and discussion!
IN MEMORIAM
Our church angel Gary A. Schuetz passed away on Sunday, October 22nd. Gary
joined the Second Presbyterian Church in 2003 and was an Elder. He supported
every ministry of the church, from the Lunchbag Program to the Sing-Along
Messiah, from the Giving Tree to the building restoration projects He always could
be counted upon to say yes and give beyond what was needed. He especially is
remembered for his weekly role as the Master Greeter! Every Sunday, he greeted
all with a friendly glance, a warm smile and handshake. He welcomed all into the
Church! We will miss the Second Church Angel. “Do not neglect to show
hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some have entertained angels unaware”
(Hebrews 13: 2).
A Service of Reflection will be held on Saturday, November 18th at 11:00 a.m.
followed by a repast, hosted by the Board of Deacons. In lieu of flowers, memorial
gifts are designated for Friends of Historic Second Church.
CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER
December 1 Hanging of the Greens, 2:00—6:00 p.m.
December 2 Presbytery of Chicago Assembly
December 3 First Sunday of Advent
December 9 Church School Christmas Activity 10:00 A.M.
December 10 Second Sunday of Advent
Sing-Along Messiah, 3:30 p.m.
December 17 Third Sunday of Advent
Children’s Christmas Pageant
December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Table, 6:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
The Christian Education Committee at Second Presbyterian Church would like to
welcome all children and youth at to a new school year and a new Sunday school
year! We have 3 classes available for children and youth ages 5 to 18.
The classes offered are:
Biblical Foundations-kindergarten-5th grade (meeting in the children’s Sunday
school room)
Confirmation Class-6th-8th grade that have not previously been confirmed (meeting
in the North Parlor)
Post-Confirmation Class-all youth that have been confirmed in the church (meeting
in the church office on the 2nd floor)
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TIME HAS MOVED TO 9:30a.m.-10:30a.m
scripture lessons in worship helping to build upon their Biblical foundations.
We look forward to growing in Christ with you!
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS NEEDED
The Christian Education Committee is seeking volunteers to be substitute teachers
for our children and youth. Substitute teachers are an important part of this
ministry as it allows us to both follow our Child Protection Policy and allows for
our 2-teacher model to work. The children of this church desire to know God’s
love and joy through the adults that work with them. If you are interested in
volunteering, please contact Eric Annafi (eannafi@gmail.com) or Leslie
Deslauriers (studentpastorleslie@gmail.com)
NEW ADULT EDUCATION SERIES
The Adult Education Committee is excited to announce a new educational series
focusing on Healthcare & Religion. This series will meet on Wednesday evenings
beginning November 1st at 6p.m.
Schedule:
Nov. 1-What does the Bible say about healthcare? Is it a right or a privilege?
Nov. 8-The US Healthcare System: How does it work? How much is public? How
much is private?
Guest Lecturer: Jeff Miller, former Vice Dean of Northwestern Medical School
Nov. 15-Issues in global healthcare including how do we as American Christians
respond?
Guest Lecturer-Nana Fenny, MD, MPH
Nov. 29-Issues that arise in the midst of medical emergencies and end of life
Guest Lecturer-Rev. Dirk Labuschagne
If you have any questions, please contact Howard Tiffen (htiffen@gmail.com) or
Leslie Deslauriers (studentpastorleslie@gmail.com)
CHANGES TO LUNCH BAG PROGRAM
For the past several months, the outreach committee has been working to reorganize the The Lunch Bag Program. Effective November 7th, the lunch bag program hours will be from 11:00p.m. to 1:00p.m. and hot soup will no longer be served. Lunch Bag Program guests may pickup their lunch and sit in Fellowship Hall to eat or may take the lunch away with them. More volunteers are always needed to help pack lunches, setup, clean up or just sit and chat with the guests that eat in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like to volunteer or serve, please contact Elder Vicki Reynolds or the church office.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE AND PEACEMAKING
ADVOCACY LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN
The Outreach Committee has begun sponsoring an Advocacy Letter Writing campaign which will take place once a month in the Fellowship Hall following the worship service. A sample letter will be made available along with background information on a social justice issue and those attending the worship service are invited to write a letter using wording provided or compose your own letter. This is one small way we can make our voices heard and make a difference regarding issues that we care about.
BARBARA'S BASEMENT RESALE SHOP
Barbara’s Basement encourages you to visit the shop each time you are at the church as new merchandise is displayed each week. There are many treasures to be had at bargain basement prices. Volunteers are also needed to help in the shop from 10:00 - 1:00p.m on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Holidays are just around the corner!