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Volunteers are still needed to help teach Summer Sunday School
No experience needed! Curriculum is provided for you. Preschool through 5th grades are combined during the Summer, and meet during the usual Sunday school time from 9:30 to 10:30am. If interested, please contact Karen Nelson or Patti Hill to see which dates are still available. Thank you.
Fall Sunday School
Teachers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to teach or assist Sunday School in the fall. Teachers are scheduled to help on average once a month. If interested, please contact Patti Hill or Karen Nelson.
Calling all 5th graders
Are you in 5th grade? Is someone you know in 5th grade? Please contact Teri so we can be sure to include you in the youth group plans for next year!
Confirmation Class!
Are you currently in 7th grade or above and haven’t participated in Confirmation Class yet? Please let Teri know so we can be sure to include you in the plans for next year. Mark your calendars now for the informational meeting on May 17th at noon. This meeting will be required for those who wish to participate in next year’s class, but attending the meeting does not obligate you to be in the class—come and check it out!
Save the Date for VBS: June 22 – 26, 2009
Anyone who would like to help can contact Denise Sokoloski or Jodi Iddings.
Calling all Camp E.D.G.E. Volunteers!!!
There will be a meeting for all volunteers for Vacation Bible School on Saturday, May 9th, at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall. Any questions please call Denise Sokoloski or Jodi Iddings.
VBS Registration Forms Now Available
Registration forms for Vacation Bible School are now available on our website at www.rclpc.org or you can pick them up from the tables outside the sanctuary.
Musical “Oh Jonah!” Presented by Children’s Choirs
Our Little Lambs and Sounds of Joy children’s choirs will present the musical, “Oh Jonah!” on Sunday, May 3rd at both the 9:30 and 11:00am services (no 8:30 service on that date).
Spaghetti Luncheon coming up!
On Sunday, April 26, join us in the Fellowship Hall at noon for a delicious lunch of spaghetti, salad, and bread. The High School Youth will share their experiences from the 30 Hour Famine, and we will also learn about ways we can be involved in ending hunger in our world of plenty. Suggested Donations of $5/adult, $3/child with all proceeds going to the youth summer trip to Montreat.
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April 22, 2009
The Spirit
of Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
Earth Day WEAVE
Join us at WEAVE this Wednesday at 6:45pm to celebrate Earth Day! Come for a video clip, dessert made with local fruit, a game, and prizes for all. We'll take a look at our faith and Creation and consider what sustainability would mean for us and our planet.
Help Needed for Youth Trip to Montreat!
Can you help our youth get to Montreat? They need the following things to make their trip happen and happen smoothly and well:
- TWO minivans capable of making a 1500 mile (round trip) drive safely and relatively comfortably. Youth leaders would be happy to trade cars with you for a week! (You know you want to drive a silver Honda Civic for a week...)
- someone to bring 14 brown-bag mid-morning snacks (think fruit, granola bars, juice packs, etc) to the church on the morning of June 13. We hope you’ll bring the 14 snack bags and then stay to see the youth off on their 12 hour drive—it’s always nice to have someone who’s not our parents there wishing us well!
- someone (or two someones to divide it up!) to bring 14 brown-bag lunches (think sandwiches, fruit, chips, cookies....and please note we do have 2 vegetarians) to the church on the morning of June 13. We hope you’ll stay to wave us off and wish us well too!
(by having brown-bag snacks and lunches, we are hoping to avoid fast food until dinner time—two or three fast food stops in a day can’t be good for us!) If you can help with any of these things, please let Teri know by May 17. Thanks so much!
There’s at least ONE stock that’s not declining in value!
Buying stock in our high school youth group is a great way to help with the summer trip to the Montreat Youth Conference, a time when our youth and leaders can grow in faith, learn together with other Presbyterian youth from around the world, and serve others in mission. Ten of our high school youth, along with five adults, will head to the North Carolina mountains for a week of learning about our calling, about God’s mission in the world, and about our faith. They’ll also spend time serving with the Asheville Youth Mission, so they can apply the things they’re learning even while they’re still learning them.
Why buy stock? What kind of return will you get?
Well—you will get a certificate saying you bought a share of the youth group’s trip from a particular member. You will also receive a postcard from that participant during the week they are gone, and close-up seating at the luncheon where they share their experiences with you.
How much is a share of stock in this trip?
One share costs $25. Feel free to buy from as many trip participants as you’d like!
When does this opportunity go public?
Stock will be on sale from May 3-31.
Who can I buy it from?
Alex Nelson, Amanda Nelson, Carl Wesa, Chris Palmer, Dale Wesa, Jessie Gronset, Kayleigh Jensen, Meredith Mitchell, Norma Thompson, or Samantha Koenig.
Easter Breakfast Huge Success!
Dear members and friends,
The Men's Group would like to thank you for the support given during the Easter Breakfast. We hope that we lived up to your expectations and maybe made Easter Sunday morning just a bit easier for all. We really enjoyed cooking for you and your donations will make a difference in lives while we go through these most difficult times. We look forward to serving you in the future. Also, for all the men of the church… Don't forget, the Men's Breakfast Group meets the first Saturday of each month at the Colonial Cafe on Rt. 14 in front of K-Mart at 8:00am for good food, good conversation and great camaraderie. Please join us! We are usually finished a little past 9:00am so your Saturdays can be used as you need. Again thanks to all for the great support. ~ The RCLPC Men's Group
Thank You!
We would like to thank the Men’s Breakfast Group for serving up such a wonderful breakfast on Easter morning. The food and service was exceptional.
Attention All RCLPC Men
You are invited to join with other men of RCLPC for our monthly breakfast and study. Our next meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, May 2, at 8:00am at the Colonial Café in Crystal Lake. The meeting will focus on “What the Bible Really Means When it Addresses Homosexuality.” With the proposed Session recommendations that RCLPC consider becoming a Covenant Church, this topic should be a concern for all. Hope to see you there!
The Bible Bowl is Coming!
It’s a little later than your average bowl game, but just as fun! Our Sunday School students will be practicing up for the Bible Bowl, a friendly competition between students and between classes. With categories like “places in the Bible” and “sayings of Jesus” our Sunday School youth will be learning about Scripture and earning prizes—as well as earning some bragging rights! They’ll practice each week and then the Big Event—Bible Bowl I—will take place in Fellowship Hall at 10.30 on May 31. Hope to see you there!
30 Hour Famine Food Drive— we need your help!
The 30 Hour Famine is nearly upon us… While worldwide last year’s statistics were slightly better than previous years, 26,000 children still die every day from hunger and hunger related disease. And here in our own area more and more people can’t afford food for their families. This year the youth are collecting food for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. We hope to build a house of food, representing the security hungry people often lack. (Learn more about how the American diet compares to the rest of the world at www.whattheworldeats.com.) Please bring your donations to the Fellowship Hall’s northeast corner (near the double doors). Wondering what to donate? Here are the Food Pantry’s top 20 most needed items:
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| Beverages | Canned foods | Boxed Items | Other | Personal Care Items |
| Small tins of Coffee | Tomato products | Noodle Side Dish | Saltine Crackers | Diapers- larger sizes |
| Tea bags | Fruit- oranges, mix fruit pears, peaches | Beans | Flour 1 or 5 lbs | Shampoo |
| Can Juice | Tuna Fish | Mash Potatoes | Sugar 1or 5 lbs | Bar Soap |
| Juice Boxes | Chicken, Spam | Rice | Spaghetti | Laundry Soap |
| Drink Mixes | Hash | Rice Side Dish | Noodles | Toilet Paper |
| Evaporated milk | Pasta- Ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s | Breakfast Cereal | Vegetable Oil | Kleenex |
| Hot Chocolate | Vegetables- corn, peas | Hamburger Helpers | Jelly or Peanut Butter | Feminine Napkins |
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Youth News
Middle School:
Last Day Of Youth Group is May 3rd! We will meet at noon for a picnic and mini-golf outing! Bring a picnic lunch and $5 for mini golf. Please RSVP to Teri or Cheryl by April 29.
High School:
30 Hour Famine is this weekend! Start fasting after lunch on Friday, come to church at 7pm, and we’ll be together doing mission projects, learning about hunger, and having fun too until 7pm Saturday night. Don’t forget your sleeping bag and toothbrush!
Last Day of Youth Group is May 3rd! Come to church from 5-7pm for Dare Night!
Food Pantry Needs Helpers
We have a great family opportunity to help on Saturday, May 9th, at the Post Office food drive. Tons of food must be sorted between 1:30 and 5:00pm at the Algonquin Township garage on Rt. 14 just east of Crystal Lake. Bring the children and grandchildren and help those in need. Let the children learn compassion. Almost half of all those served by the food pantry are children. So bring the family on May 9th to help sort the food at the township office. Call me for more info... Nancy Vazzano.
Food Pantry Has New Hours
The Crystal Lake Food Pantry is now open four days a week:
Monday: 10am to 2pm
Wednesday: 10am to noon
Friday: 10am to 2pm
Saturday: 9am to noon
What’s a spiritual gift? Do I have one? Can I have one??
Wednesdays May 13, 20, and 27, join Teri in the Fellowship Hall as we explore spiritual gifts—The Apostle Paul says everyone has at least one, but what are they? What does it mean to be gifted by the Spirit? What are MY spiritual gifs? How do I use them?
Well—find out on Wednesdays from 6.45-8 in May! (Note: This is after the end of WEAVE, so we won’t be offering dinner, but feel free to bring dinner with you!)
Offering of Letters
 Prov. 31:8-9 Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our elected leaders to end hunger at home and abroad. Over the years, Bread for the World has persuaded Congress to establish a grain reserve, create a survival fund, provide debt relief, expand funding for school lunches, and strengthen food stamps. As a result, until recently, hunger has steadily declined both in our country and overseas. Now though, as a result of the global financial crisis, there has been an alarming increase in hunger and poverty at home and especially abroad, where millions of people have been pushed into deep and desperate hunger.
Our Mission Outreach Ministry’s annual Offering of Letters following the worship services on April 26, will focus on Bread for the World’s goal of making foreign assistance more effective in order to reach more people. Our letters to Congress will urge that U.S. foreign aid be refocused and streamlined so it is more efficient in reducing hunger and poverty.
The work of addressing the needs of God’s most vulnerable people has never been more critical than right now. Our faith calls us to stand up and heed God’s calling “to act justly and to love mercy” (Micah 6:8). As individuals and as a church body, we work and volunteer in social ministries and give financially to hunger appeals. But a single decision by Congress can outweigh or multiply our contributions. Please join us in raising our collective voice through our Offering of Letters on April 26 in Fellowship Hall. We can make a great impact together for God’s people in need. ~ Mission Outreach Ministry
Welcoming Team Needs YOUR Picture!!
Our updated church directory was recently sent to you from the office. It is as up to date as possible except for one thing – it’s missing YOUR picture. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could match a person or family’s name with faces? Our last pictorial directory was done a few years ago and quite a few new members have joined since then.
The Welcoming Team of the Deacons thinks that it is time to re-do the pictorial directory. Kim has the information and the format that we need. All we have to do is get a picture of each member and their family and we can get the directory put together. Once pictures have been added, the directory will be re-sent for you to download to your computer and use to your heart’s content, or not, as you wish. It will not be part of the church’s website or linked to an off-site server so concerns about privacy should be alleviated. As new members are added, we will update the directory and the new version will be sent to you by e-mail.
Watch for more information coming of when we will begin taking informal pictures at church. Please feel free to call or e-mail any of the members of the Welcoming Team – Dave Steele, Dorothy Vick, Laurie Pohl, David Palmer or Jean Joslyn. And, of course, we can be found at church as well.
Coming Soon: Rent A Youth!
Ever wanted to hire a cleaning service for your garage, or a yard service for spring time cleanups, or a maid for your bathroom? Ever wanted to see a 15-year old do some real work? Well, here’s your chance to do these things AND support the High School Youth summer trip to the Montreat Youth Conference at the same time! On May 16th and 17th and June 7th the High School youth group will be hiring itself out to do any ugly jobs you can imagine (as long as they’re safe!). The kids will go out in groups of two (or more, if you need them), to do whatever it is you need them to do.
**How much does it cost?**
$25 an hour (one hour minimum)—a bargain compared to most cleaning or yard services!
**What time will the youth come over?**
You get to choose the time yourself: anytime after 9am on the Saturdays, or between 12 and 5 on the Sunday. Parents and other volunteers will likely be driving youth between jobs—please be patient if they are a few minutes late, who knows what they were doing at the last house!
**How do I sign up?**
Just use the work order form you can find in the Connecting Link or the Church Office.
**What if I need a babysitter?**
There is a separate request form for babysitters. You can arrange with your babysitter the day and time as long as it’s completed by June 7. Babysitting will be charged at a flat rate of $40.
TV Special—Poverty: A Time for Sharing
Illinois Conference of Churches has received word from the National Confer¬ence of Churches regarding an interfaith religion special entitled Poverty: A Time for Sharing, which CBS will air on April 26th. In a recent press release, the NCC said, "Half of humanity lives on less than $2 a day, and a billion people worldwide cannot read or write. Global poverty is on the rise despite ongoing efforts by gov¬ernments, the United Nations, and Non-Governmental Organizations, including reli¬gious groups." This program will include snapshots of campaigns such as the "Nothing But Nets" supported by The United Methodists, and Lutheran World Re¬lief, in addition to the Catholic Relief Services work in response to the tsunami in Indonesia, ongoing rebuilding efforts in Ethiopia, as well as the fight against HIV in Zambia. To view the full article about this special go to the NCC website at www.ncccusa.org. Check your local station for broadcast times in your area.
PADS Thank You
A special RCLPC thank you for all you wonderful people who helped with the PADS lunch program this year (October 2008 through April 2009 on the second and fifth Sunday and fourth Friday of each month): The Middle School and High School Youth under the guidance of Cheryl Lilly, Cecily Weber and Teri Peterson; Rebecca Floyd, our faithful shopper each month; Dick and Cheryl Brincks; Marge Hansen; Lydia Horvath; Jim and Gretchen Holder; Karen Hutchings; Rick and Lois Johnson; Joyce Lande; Dave, Allison and Anna Larsen; Ann Legg; Joy Martin; Bill and Pat Moll; Eric, Karen, Alex, Amanda, and Abby Nelson, who headed up teams and delivered the lunches several times; Bob and Kathy Novak; Ann Poremba; Marge Stewart; MJ Towne, who headed up teams and delivered lunches several times; Gloria Thorson; John and Susan Tredwell; and Ed Waters. We know there were other caring people who helped out so please forgive us if we missed you on this list. We could never have sustained this program without the generous donations of time and money from Share the Bounty and personal contributions. THANK YOU! ~ Mission Outreach Ministry
 What is “Share the Bounty”?
“Share the Bounty” is about sharing YOUR bounty with those who are less fortunate. During the growing season a “Share the Bounty” table is set up in the Connecting Link. Members and friends can bring plants and produce from their gardens and place them on the table; these items are available every Sunday for a free will donation. This year’s proceeds from “Share the Bounty” will be used to provide lunches for PADS clients next winter.
If you’re a gardener, now is the perfect time to start thinking about dividing your perennials. They’ll be poking up through the ground any time now. Please include a name tag for your plants with pertinent information so new owners will know how to plant them.
We also need volunteers to clean up the table at noon each Sunday from May through October. Look for the sign-up list on the table and let us know when you’re available.
Whether you plan on bringing plants and produce, or simply purchasing them, your contribution to this worthwhile mission is greatly appreciated. Mission Outreach Ministry
Members in Mission and In and Around the Community
- Bill Pittenger, Ed Waters, Dick and Cheryl Brincks, Marge Stewart, and Mary Lynn Bohn, will be heading down to Slidell, Louisiana, on April 25th for a week working on homes damaged by Katrina. Please keep them and the whole group from Blackhawk Presbytery in your prayers.
- Kimmie and Wendy Seleen are planning to participate in the Avon walk for breast cancer in June. Ask them about it and please keep them in your prayers.
- Faith in Action of McHenry County (FIAMC) is pleased to host its fourth annual Older Americans Luncheon in honor of McHenry County senior citizens on Tuesday, May 26, at 11:30AM. The luncheon will be held at The First Congregational Church, 11628 Main Street, Huntley, and is free of charge to attendees. Seating for the luncheon is limited; please contact the FIAMC offices at (815) 455-3120 or visit the FIAMC website, fiamchenrycounty.org., for reservations.
Native American Reverse Mission Opportunity
If you are interested in finding out more about joining a group planning to make a trip to Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations on June 21-26th, please let Joy Martin know. Classes will take place on May 17, May 24, and in June at dates to be announced. There is also homework that needs to be completed prior to our departure. ~ Mission Outreach Ministry
Let Your Light So Shine! Covenant Gathering 2009; June 28 - July 3
Join Christian friends from Synod of the Covenant and Synod of Lincoln Trails -- and beyond -- at lovely Michindoh Conference Center near the Ohio, Indiana and Michigan border in Hillsdale, MI.
You'll be able to learn about deepening spirituality through prayer, meditation, art and nature; using electronic media in the church, transforming congregations through the new evangelism, and preparing your congregation to respond to community crises. You'll also find a Bible study on the Gospel of John and a Christian Education Theory and Practice class approved for CE certification and CLP studies.
Children and youth will be exploring their place in the world God created in age-appropriate classes with experienced, seasoned teachers. Everyone can enjoy the trails, lake, water slide and water sports at Michindoh! It's an affordable, all-inclusive family vacation. (Less than $1000 total for a family of four of 2 adults and 2 kids ages 6-12.)
Go to www.covenantgathering.com for details on classes, costs and registration. Check out www.Michindoh.com for more information on our meeting place and accommodations. Or email covenantgathering@comcast.net with other questions.
In His service, Covenant Gathering 2009 Design Team
Coming Soon! Deacon Family Groups:
an old-new way of connecting and caring within our community
Our congregation is growing, and it’s getting harder to know one another and to care for each other, not to mention the challenges of communication and connectedness! In an effort to continue to create and maintain a caring community, the Deacons are trying a new thing. The new Family Group ministry will help us build community and establish connections within our ever-widening circle. Look for more information in a letter, coming soon!
Hi-Lites from Session
The Session of the Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church met on Monday evening, March 16, 2009. The following actions were taken:
- The financial report from the Treasurer was received.
- A motion was made and passed to have an Ice Cream Social on the Woodstock Square on June 25th with the proceeds going to Project Cookie Lift. This will be during the Woodstock Band concert.
- The communion schedule was approved for the year.
- Rev. Jan Kennedy reported that she will be on vacation and study leave from April 14th through April 25th.
- The baptism of Garrett William Keyzer, son of Dwight and Helen Keyzer was approved. The baptism will be on April 26th.
- Our pastors will be taking communion to homebound folks on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.
Dale Prindiville (Clerk of Session)
More Shoes for Afghanistan Children!
Mary Moltmann has received a request from 2nd Lt. Don Silva (stationed in Kunar Province at Camp Wright) with the Woodstock National Guard for shoes to distribute to the Afghani children. He heard about the success story of 1st Sgt. Andrew Fowles distributing shoes to the children who live near his base, Mehtar Lam. If you can donate a pair of gently worn children's athletic shoes or sandals up to a Men's size 9, please contact her.
RCLPC Sends Easter Eggs to the Troops
Members and friends of Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church filled 50 dozen Easter eggs with candy, and then sent them to the troops in the Middle East. Shown here left to right: Denise Sokoloski, Bill Pittenger, Ed Bennett, Gail Peterson, Nancy Vazzano, and Deb Steele. For more information, visit our website at www.rclpc.org and click on "Notes from the Troops".
Letter from Session
Dear members and friends of RCLPC,
We invite you to participate in a season of dialogue and information sharing as we journey together to explore action currently taking place within the Presbyterian Church (USA). This action directly relates to our congregation and our mission statement.
Last summer, the General Assembly approved a change to our church’s constitution, the Book of Order. This change has to do with the standards for ordained officers. The current language, found in G-6.0106b, says:
“Those called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of Word and Sacrament.”
The proposed amendment would strike all of that and replace it with:
“Those who are called to ordained service in the church, by their assent to the Constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church, striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the Church. Each governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate’s sincere efforts to adhere to these standards.”
This proposed amendment is broader, more consistent with the rest of our constitution, and does not single out our lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered brothers and sisters for exclusion from leadership.
The Blackhawk Presbytery, of which our ministers are members, and to which we send two elder commissioners, voted on this amendment on February 10th. The vote was 57-73, and the amendment failed. There are 173 presbyteries in the PC(USA), and in order for the amendment to pass, 87 of them need to vote yes. As of April 4, 65 had voted yes, 82 no. If the amendment passes the vote of the presbyteries, then it returns for final ratification at the General Assembly in 2010. If it does not pass, then it’s done for now, though it’s likely another overture would be presented for the Assembly to consider, and then we would begin the process in the presbyteries again. This discussion of sexuality has been going on in the PC(USA) for over 30 years, and will likely continue.
Our session has received communications from church members expressing dismay with the Presbytery’s vote and requesting that RCLPC take a more active role in issues of inclusivity. After much discussion and prayer, the session has decided to explore the possibility of becoming a Covenant Network church. We feel it is part of our calling as a congregation to be a voice for love, grace, and acceptance within our Presbytery, and this is one way we could do that.
The Covenant Network is a group of PC(USA) congregations and individuals who want the church to be more open and inclusive, and who think we can have that conversation in such a way that it builds up the church, rather than being destructive. Joining the Covenant Network is a way to join together with others as we work and pray for full inclusion within our churches.
Covenant Network churches are those that believe that excluding people from full participation in the life of the church is wrong—God gives gifts to all different kinds of people, calls all kinds of people into service, and to suggest that we can restrict God’s gifts is contrary to the loving God we proclaim.
The mission statement of the Covenant Network is “toward a church as just and generous as God’s grace.” We as a session feel that this fits well with our own mission statement, “an ever-widening circle of grace,” and we also feel that further exploring the issue of full inclusion for all God’s children in the life and leadership of the church is an important part of living into our mission statement.
In that spirit, we will be offering several educational and discussion opportunities this spring. We welcome everyone at any or all of these opportunities, so we might learn and grow together.
Wednesday April 29: WEAVE, 6.45-8pm in Fellowship Hall
Friday, May 8, 7-9pm: Movie night—For The Bible Tells Me So
Sunday, May 17, 9.30am: Adult Education Opportunity
Sunday, May 17, 10.30am: brief Town Hall Meeting
We hope you will pray and explore with us as we seek to be an ever widening circle of God’s grace in the church and in the world.
peace
The Session: Jim Bauman, Jim Pracht, Sally Weller, Connie Rasmussen, Bruce Gilmore, Mary Moltmann, Debi Keyzer, Jodi Iddings, Lois Johnson, Rick Thompson, Tom Lilly, Barb Dolmon
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