The Record
Second Presbyterian Monthly Newsletter - October 2018
Second Presbyterian Church is building a Christ-Centered Community Through Inspirational Worship, Education Ministry and the Power of Service.
FROM YOUR PASTOR
The Reformation set into process a dynamic that transformed the face of the Church. The movement was to take the church out of the hands of the clergy and hierarchies of the church, and put its leadership into the hands of God’s people. The reformers stressed “the priesthood of all believers”. As each person shares their individual gifts and talents, the work of God is accomplished. As every person lives out their call to serve the Lord, the church grows in spiritual power and accomplishes Christ’s mission.
We have a chance to make the Reformation a reality in our congregation. Every fall, the Stewardship Committee asks people to make a pledge or a commitment to give. We invite people to take the lead in supporting the ministries of the church. The budget of the church represents our mission. It includes the building, lights and heat, staff salaries, music, church school curriculum-- money that funds all our important ministries. Every program and activity involves taking on a sense of ownership. Every ministry requires us to say “yes, that’s important!” “Yes, that’s essential!”-- and then commit a part of our financial resources to the church.
During October, we also invite members to say yes to serving as leaders in the congregation. The Nominating Committee is meeting to seek God’s guidance in calling Ruling Elders and Deacons to serve. The ministries of the church require that each person commit to using your God-given talents and gifts to serve, so the ministries of the church may continue to reach out to the community.
Through your service and your gifts of time, talent and treasure, the church does more with its human capital than any corporate enterprise or social organization on the face of the earth!
Christ has entrusted the mission of the church into our hands. Each one of us has a strong say in determining whether our mission will continue to go forward. Each one of us is offered a big part in helping the church grow in its outreach to the community. Please say yes to giving of yourself this fall!
In Christ,
David M. Neff, Pastor
CHICAGO MARATHON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7TH
Sunday, October 7th is the date for the Chicago marathon. Road closures may present
extra challenges in getting to church. Please see https://www.chicagomarathon.com/participant-information/course-amenities/street-closure-notification/ for road closures and alternative routes.
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7TH
On the day of the Chicago Marathon, we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Before the service, children from the church will cheer on the runners with posters. During the service, breads from every country will adorn the communion table. As global Christians, we will celebrate the ties that bind us with Christians all over the world.
“CELEBRATION OF AFRICA” SUNDAY OCTOBER 21
Second Presbyterian Church and the Ghanaian Presbyterian Fellowship will co-host our sixth “Celebration of Africa Sunday” on Sunday, October 21. Together as one congregation, we will celebrate our African heritage with a lively service of worship and music. The Ghanaian Presbyterian Fellowship Praise Choir will provide special music. All are invited to wear their traditional gowns on this day of celebration. All are also invited to bring an African potluck dish to share.
FALL GATHERING—PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OCTOBER 27TH
On Saturday, October 27th, the Chicago Presbytery Presbyterian Women will hold their Fall Gathering at Second Presbyterian Church. A continental breakfast and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Workshops and classes will be offered all morning. The closing worship concludes at noon. All are welcome to join Presbyterian Women on this day!
STEWARDSHIP DEDICATION SUNDAY OCTOBER 28TH
On Sunday, October 28th, we will dedicate our pledges for 2019 to the Lord. The miniature church (created by Kate and Kyle Buzzard) will be placed on the communion table. During the offertory, we will come forward, drop the pledge and offering in the church, then return to our seats in the pews. Please give prayerfully, thoughtfully, thankfully and generously!
SUNDAY MORNING PARKING AND BEARS’ GAMES
Street parking is free every Sunday, except for Bears’ home games. Please park in the Ada S. McKinley lot (1863 S. Wabash) on
October 7, 21 and 28
November 11 and 18
December 9 and 16
The parking lot opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes promptly at 1:30 p.m. One day parking passes are available in the church office.
The north parking lots is available for parking on Sunday worship. We encourage those whose mobility permits to part on the city streets, so as to leave parking lot space for those with more limited ability.
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. Let us all remember God's many gifts to us and share our blessings through our giving and our living.
The Session
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday morning are a busy time at Second Presbyterian Church! Every Sunday we have 2 children and youth classes at meet at 9:45am and 1 adult Bible study that meets at 9:30am. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday, adults are invited to the Alpha to Omega Bible Discussion group at 9:30am.
NEWS ANNOUCEMENTS DURING COFFEE HOUR
We have begun putting all of our announcements on the television screen during Coffee Hour. Please be sure to pay attention to these announcements so that you don’t miss out on the great opportunities that we offer!
IN MEMORIAM
On Thursday, September 20th, long-time member Margaret Davis finished this earthly life. Her Homegoing Service is Tuesday, October 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Margaret was a faithful member of our church, serving in every way. Margaret’s joy in service was matched by her beautiful smile and can-do spirit. Margaret was an ordained Deacon, served in the Rummage Sale, the Hospitality Committee and was a faithful server and contributor every Friday to the Lunchbag Program. She also was a faithful participant in the Sunday morning Adult Bible Class, where she brought honey buns and bananas. Margaret was known for making creative cards and sending them to congregation members and friends. We will miss her! Our continued prayers are with her husband George, her sister Lois Mosely, her three sons George, Jr., Christopher and Cory.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT TUTORING PROGRAM
The Wednesday Night Tutoring program has begun. Thirty-five students have signed up, with approximately twenty-five adult tutors. The first hour involves help with homework, math, science and reading. Afterwards, a healthy snack is offered, followed by an arts and crafts project. The goal is to promote learning skills in a structured, fun environment. Special thanks to the women leaders of the Junior League and all community volunteers who help with this ministry. We still need tutors. If you would like to make a commitment to serve, please contact the church office (312) 225-4951.
DONATIONS FOR THE SAFE HAVEN NETWORK
We are also taking up donations for The Safe Haven Network. This organization provides dedicated housing options for domestic violence victims and their pets by placing the pets in shelters and foster homes while the victims stay in domestic violence shelters. By providing a dedicated service for domestic violence victims to escape abuse with their pets, The Safe Haven Network offers the safety options, support and the peace of mind that your pet is free from abuse as well. All donations can be brought to the church September 15-October 31. Items needed include: pet food, cat litter, personal hygiene products for women (shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, tampons, etc.). Please contact Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers if you have any questions.
TAI CHI CLASS TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER
Tai Chi classes will begin on Monday, October 15 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and run for six weeks, ending on November 19. They will meet in Fellowship Hall. To help in your commitment to complete the entire six weeks, if you pay up front at the first class, the cost is $50, a $10 savings. Otherwise the sessions are $10 per week. For questions or to register, please contact Deacon Flea Parker at flea@golden2.net or by phone at 210.861.6988. The instructor is Dr. Yong Gao Wang, President of Chicago College of Oriental Medicine and a Licensed Acupuncturist.
MINDFULNESS IN MOTION
Helen Smith will then lead a series of Monday evening floor and chair yoga sessions. Poetry and meditation techniques will be part of this series. These Monday night classes will begin right after Tai Chi ends.
SPIRITUALITY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
The Contemporary Spirituality Book Discussion Group will meet to discuss Creativity: Where Divine and Human Meet. This book by Matthew Fox is one of the first in the new discipline of creation spirituality. The discussion is on October 9th at 9:15 a.m. at Old St. Mary’s Church. Our book for November is Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin Laird. We will meet on Tuesday, November 13th at 9:15 a.m. at1500 S. Michigan Avenue.
All are welcome.
URGENT NEED-- LUNCHBAG PROGRAM
As many of you know, our church’s six-year relationship with Pret a Manger recently came to an end, as the company has chosen another agency to share their food items. Pret a Manger provided day-old sandwiches, salads, wraps three days a week. Our Lunchbag Program guests were grateful recipients. Now, we are looking for other restaurants, shops or vendor to provide their day-old sandwiches and salads. If you have contacts in this area—or know of a restaurant or shop that donates its food, please contact Darlene Pollard or Vicki Reynolds. Our Lunchbag Program serves approximately 12,000 meals a year to our neighbors and guests.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR OCTOBER
Facilities Committee: Sunday, October 14th 9:30am
Community Outreach Committee: Tuesday, October 9th 2:45pm
Worship & Music Committee: Wont meet in October
Hospitality Committee: Monday, October 8th 1:30pm
Communications Committee: Monday, October 1st 6pm @ Kroll’s South Loop
Children and Young Adult Education Committee: Sunday, October 28th 12:45pm
Recreation and Interest Ministries Committee: Thursday, October 25th 5pm
Board of Deacons: Sunday, October 14th 12:45pm
Planning and Evaluation Committee: Tuesday, October 23rd 6pm
BOOK CLUB!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Lunch Bag Program needs you!! Our guests are served a bag lunch each day Tuesday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to prepare the bag lunches and serve our guests between 9:45 and 1:00 on those days. Substitute volunteers are also needed to help out on days when regular volunteers are unable to serve.
A few of our Lunch Bag volunteers who pick up food donations will be away for several weeks this winter so substitute volunteers will also be needed to pick up food donations while they are away. Substitute drivers can choose either early morning or early evening food pick-up.
If you are available to volunteer in any way for the Lunch Bag Program, please contact Vicki Reynolds at 312-203-4933
JOIN THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
CROP WALK
Second Presbyterian is hosting the 2018 CROP Walk on Sunday, October 14. Walkers will begin gathering at 1:00 p.m. for registration and activities with a short program and kick-off at 2:00 p.m. The Walk is a beautiful six miles down to the Museum Campus, up the path along the lake then returning back to the church. Please sign up to walk, volunteer or support with a monetary contribution.
The purpose of the CROP Walk is to help alleviate world hunger and a portion of the proceeds will be contributed to the Lunch Bag Program at Second Church.
For more information or to sign up, please call Vicki Reynolds at 312-203-4933.
YOUNG HEARTS
Young Hearts: Our next Young Hearts (all those ages 21-40ish) gathering will be on Saturday, October 6th at 12pm at Bulldog Ale House (901 S. State Street). Please RSVP to Pastoral Assistant Leslie Deslauriers by Thursday, October 4th at 5pm if you plan to go!
Friends of Historic Second Church invites you to Save the Date now for these three upcoming events. Ordering tickets in advance is highly recommended.
OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO
BASEMENT TO BELFREY: HALLOWEEN EDITION
Saturday, October 27, 2018, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Architect Nate Lielasus will provide a behind the scenes look at areas of the church not typically visited on regular tours, from the basement dirt floor to the charred roof timbers. The tour will focus on original architectural features from the 1874 construction and evidence of changes during Shaw's reconstruction. Watch out for Halloween frights. $20 per person. To reserve a space, go to our events page at: www.2ndpresbyterianfriends.org/visit/events.
THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION IN MUSIC AND STORY
Sunday, October 28, 2018, 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Doors will open at 2:00 pm for docent-led tours of the National Historic Landmark sanctuary. A reception will feature selected food items introduced at the Fair, including brownies which were developed at the request of Bertha Palmer. A small exhibit of Fair memorabilia will be on display. This event is co-sponsored by Glessner House Museum. $25 per person / $20 for members. To purchase tickets visit www.glessnerhouse.org.
Step back in time 125 years to relive the grandeur and majesty that was the World's Columbian Exposition. This very special performance will feature musical selections related to the fair, performed on the historic 4 manual Austin organ of Second Presbyterian Church by its music director Michael Shawgo. 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.
CHICAGO CRAFTSMEN AND SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ADULT BIBLE CLASS SUNDAY MORNING 9:30 A.M.
October 7 ~ Noah’s Steadfast Faith ~ Genesis 6-8
October 14 ~ God Is Always Working ~ Genesis 9-12
October 21 ~ Birthing God’s People ~ Genesis 18-21
October 28 ~ Continuing the Legacy ~ Genesis 24
All are welcome.
BASIC BIBLE STUDY BEGINS
Have you ever wanted to learn about the basics of the Bible? Join us each Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. for a “Basic Bible Study” class. Taught by Reverend Dr. Joel Tolliver, this class focuses on the Gospel of John, chapter by chapter. All are invited to attend and bring a friend.
ALPHA TO OMEGA BIBLE STUDY
The Alpha to Omega club is off and running. This group is specifically designed to help people reach their goal of reading the Bible cover to cover and provide an opportunity to share their excitement. This is not a replacement of any bible study group but rather an informal discussion group. September's goal is to read the book of Exodus. The theme is "Deliverance and how this message impacts us in modern times." The group offers two meeting times. The second and fourth Wednesday at 6:00pm and second and fourth Sunday at 9:30am.
Please see Flea Parker for more information.
NEWS FROM THE PEWS
Congratulations to Linda Johnson, whose son Oscar Johnson IV was ordained on August 8th as an elder in the Church of God in Christ by Bishop Marshall.
Congratulations to Jillian Bowman, daughter of Dr. Steven and Karen Bowman. Jillian worked on a medical mission trip to Cusco, Peru sponsored by the University of Chicago.
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.
TREASURER’S REPORT
For the Year to 31st August 2018, on an Operating Basis, we have generated an Operating Deficit of $10,788.95 including repayments on the loan taken to fund the major building repairs in 2016 of $13,379.94. This compares to a forecast Budget deficit YTD of $19,018.60.
Total Operating Income YTD to 31st August 2018
$203,524.00
Total Expenses, including Loan installments
214,312.95
Overall Deficit YTD
$-10,788.95
Offerings are about $24,000 over budget. Member Giving is on plan and Non-Member Giving is $24,000 above plan.
We have also raised a total of nearly $50,000 towards needed roof repairs and rehabilitation of the Cullerton Garden to supplement the $75,000 committed by Gary Schuetz and others.