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April 25, 2007
The SPIRIT of Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
Click here to see the April calendar.
Many Voices, One Vision
We want to thank you for your participation thus far in the Many Voices, One Vision process. Through small group meetings, an afternoon of historical reflection, and an evening of norm identification, we have learned a great deal about where we are and where we’d like to be. We are still in the process of working through all the data, but here are some common themes that are emerging:
- The building is seen as both a tremendous asset and a tremendous liability. Decisions about what to do with the building, shall we stay or shall we go, etc., are very difficult and produce anxiety and conflict.
- The youth need a space to call their own. (Obviously this is related to the building question.)
- People feel the need for a clearer church structure (who does what when and how). Some remember fondly the days of large, active committees.
- We need better channels of communication.
- Our worship and music programs are strong. We should continue to build on these assets.
- We need to find ways to get more congregational ownership of our mission programs. We need more focus. Some feel we do too many things. Some suggest we need a single, unifying mission project, something the whole congregation would support, something we’d be known for in the community. Some wonder about our mission to our immediate neighborhood.
- Many people desire more “fellowship & food” opportunities.
- There is a need for more small group spiritual growth opportunities.
- We need to do a better job of integrating new members into the life of the church.
This is just a sample of some of the themes that are emerging; there are more. We are also in the process of interviewing key community leaders to determine the perceived needs in our community. No doubt this will impact how we understand our mission.
The next step is to take all these themes and convert them into specific goal statements. We want to build on our strengths; we also want to try to address our dysfunctions. We will bring these goal statements to a congregational meeting for your input so that you can help us prioritize.
Please note: the congregational meeting initially scheduled for May 27 has been postponed, both because it falls on Memorial Day weekend and because we feel we need more time to process the information coming in. We will propose a new date shortly.
Thank you, as always, for your prayerful support.
-The Session
Every 3 seconds a child dies of hunger
That means that in the time it takes you to read this little article, 20 children will die of hunger and hunger-related preventable diseases. It doesn’t have to be this way. Every year, youth from around the world participate in the 30-Hour-Famine. Youth gather sponsors, then get together to fast for 30 hours to learn about hunger, to pray together, and to do service projects that feed the hungry in our own community. The money they collect goes to feed hungry children. Last year, 600,000 30-Hour-Famine participants from 21 countries raised enough money to feed 29,000 children for a year.
It only takes $360 to feed a child for a year. Our goal is for each of our youth to raise $360. In addition, the normal cost of food for a lock-in will be added to our total raised.
We have 10 youth participating in the 30 Hour Famine: Mack Geggie, Jessie Gronset, Matt Hillmann, Alan Kay, Laura Kay, Donatella Smith, Giana Stipati, Carl Wesa, Anna Zoerner, and Melissa Zoerner. Ask them how they are preparing, ask them about their fundraising, and pray for them as they prepare to help change the world, one hungry child at a time.
The 30 Hour Famine at RCLPC is on April 27 and 28. Please sponsor a youth before then! For more information, you can go to www.30hourfamine.org. To donate online to our general fund, you can go to http://www.firstgiving.com/rclpc.
Blood Drive - May 6
Heartland Blood Centers will be at RCLPC on May 6, 2007 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Here are some “Blood Facts.” Did you know:
- Anyone in good health, at least 17 years old, and at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days, or every two months. (In some states, 16-year-olds may donate. There is no upper age limit.)
- 4.5 million American lives are saved each year by blood transfusions.
- 38,000 pints of donated blood are used each day in the United States.
- Since a pint is pound, you lose a pound every time you donate blood.
We will be hosting a blood drive on May 6. Signup is located in the Connecting Link. If you have never donated blood in the past, please consider becoming a first-time donor. Contact Ken Zoerner if you have any questions, or call the church office to make an appointment (815-459-1132).
Blood donation. It's about an hour of your time. It's About Life.
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Spring Musical –
April 29th
The Little Lambs and Sounds of Joy children’s choir will be presenting the musical “Heroes of the Faith” at both the 9 and 11 am worship services on Sunday, April 29th.
Reminder: Rehearsals are on April 21st and dress rehearsal is on April 28th from 9 am to noon.
Teas of China
This is a reminder for the women of the church to come to our Women’s Brunch and Tea on May 6 at 12:30 pm. Remember to invite and bring your mom, sister, daughter, aunt, grand daughter and any other woman that would like to attend this wonderful afternoon brunch and learning experience. The speaker is Sherry Brewer who will speak on the “Teas of China”. There will be activities for the children during this time. Please bring your favorite tea cup with you and Sherry will tell the story behind it. Tickets will be available on April 29 between services. Ticket prices are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under 10. Please join us for a wonderful afternoon.
VBS Needs You!
We are still looking for a few good men and women to assist with this year’s Vacation Bible School. Please contact Cheryl Lilly for details and to volunteer! We are looking for Adult and Youth leaders for the following positions:
Adult : Crafts, Recreation, Team Leaders
Youth: Team Leaders, Snacks, Recreation, Music
Flower Dates are Still
Available
There are a few opportunities left to sign up for flowers on Sunday. Please see the flower chart sign up on the new board outside the church office. The dates still available are July 22, September 2, 9, & 23,
November 4 & 18, and
December 2, 9, & 30.
Thank You! Thank You!
The Prime Timers group who meet on the third Thursday of the month have been working so hard to complete the never ending “TO DO” list around the church. I want to personally say thanks for everyone’s continued hard work and how much I really do appreciate it. ~ Kim Stewart
Please Label
Just a reminder to please label and date food left in the refrigerator. A number of items have been left in the refrigerator and need to be cleaned out. If you put an item in the refrigerator and see something that is outdated or questionable and should be pitched, please do so. Thank you
Building & Grounds Corner
Golden Gate Bridge
How do we maintain our historically plaqued 133 year old building?
Continuously! Like painting the Golden Gate Bridge, the job never ends. In addition to our large building & grounds committee, we have a small dedicated group of helpers who come in every Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock to help with the never ending list of things needing attention. If you would like to help, just show up any Wednesday with a smile. First time helpers are treated to a free lunch at Crystal Lake’s world famous Andy’s restaurant.
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Opportunities to Study and Create
* Lectionary Study group (LSG--Get High on the Bible!). The LSG meets every Tuesday at noon. We invite everyone to bring a brownbag lunch and an open mind. We study the lectionary texts (the scripture readings) two months ahead of when they will be used in worship. Not only is this an opportunity for scripture study and spiritual growth, but it also helps to shape the theme for our worship.
* Worship Planning Group (WPG). The WPG meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm. This group takes the theme for a given Sunday and helps develop creative ways to worship for each of our services. If you have an interest in helping to plan our worship, please come on Thursday at 6:30 pm. Open to everyone!
* RCLPC Worship Blog. Have an idea for worship but can’t make the WPG meeting? The RCLPC Worship Blog is updated every week with scripture and themes for upcoming worship services. You are invited to read the text and the theme and then share whatever comments, suggestions, or ideas you have. We will do our best to incorporate these into the planning process. The Worship Blog is at rclpcworship.blogspot.com. It is also linked on our main website from the worship page (www.rclpc.org).
Bethelehm Craft Fair
continues in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 29th.
New Adult Ed series continues...
peace and justice for all God’s children
This series on Christians in the Middle East is preparing us to participate in the Week of Prayer and Witness with Christians in the Middle East, which we kick off here at RCLPC in worship on May 6. Learn about the people and situations you are praying for!
April 29: Awad Sifri will lead the adult ed discussion in the sanctuary. Awad is a Palestinian American who lives in Naperville and attends the Knox Presbyterian Church. Awad will give an historical background and current perspective of the Christians living in the Middle East.
On Sunday, May 6, the children’s Sunday School will learn about the Middle East in Fellowship Hall at 10am during the education hour.
Exploring Colombia
On May 13 during the 10am Education Hour, we continue the theme of praying for justice and peace for all God’s people—this time in Colombia. Ann Legg will help us explore the situation in Colombia, as well as giving us ideas for prayer and action.
Middle School Youth
Earth Day 2007 - Report RCLPC – Waste Audit
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The middle school youth group audited the waste from the above-mentioned Sunday and the following was found:
- A total of 120 gallons of waste, from garbage cans within our church was audited. This garbage was obtained mostly from Sunday.
- 1/2 of the waste, 60 gallons could have been avoided.
Half a bag of garbage alone, was holding disposable tablecloths, which could have been wiped down and reused (assuming they were not all damaged).
The remaining amount of waste was categorized into two groups. That which should have been placed in recycling and that which could have been avoided, if washable dishware had been used. (Including plates, cups, flatware)
The audit showed the youth, just how they would be able to make a difference by making little changes and thinking about what to do with a piece of refuse. Hopefully the findings will do the same for all of us.
Bunk Beds
A nine-year project by students from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire and the University of Virginia has served 7,000-8,000 people at Pine Ridge Reservation. This non-profit, Christian orientated program based in Pine Ridge has built 4,000 bunk beds across the reservation.
“We are currently working our way up to building houses”, said Looking Horse, cultural director and five-year veteran of this program, in the Dakota Lakota Journal. “The need is big.” This project started, as a response to needs voiced in the community. Housing is a major issue on the reservation with many homes being overcrowded. Families initially contact Re-Member, which then recruits students from campuses nationwide. Also involved is housing rehab – repairing Lakota family homes. This year, more than 25 students participated. They cleaned houses, wiped down walls, mopped, cleaned the bathroom and painted wheelchair ramps for some elderly residents, putting in shelving and generally helped to improve the lives of people.
Pine Ridge was chosen for this “Alternative Spring Break” originally to learn about the Indian culture and found such a need that they had to do whatever they could to help. Re-Member provides the tools and template on what the beds should look like. Upon completion they deliver them to houses and have a meal with the family members using food donated to the organization. Not only do they learn about construction but about the terrible poverty on the reservation along with issues of respect and spirituality that they take home with them to share with others. Sounds like a worthwhile project, doesn’t it? ~ The Native American Connection.
Dog Days of Summer Project for Marines
Holly Richards, Director of the Raue Center, has generously allowed us to have a Cookie Lift booth at the Bob Blazier Run/Walk for the Arts and Cultural Festival on May 6 from 10 AM - 4 PM in downtown Crystal Lake. The theme of the next project to be mailed in early June is "The Dog Days of Summer." Stop by and tape a photo or drawing of your favorite dog and sign the banner of greetings to the marines in the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron #29. Or even better, bring your dog - an ink pad will be provided for canines who wish to stamp their own paw print! You may also bring donations that are requested for this mailing: sun lotion with SPF 30 or higher, lip balm with sun block, saline eye drops, saline nose drops, bug spray, anti-itch powder or creme. If you donate an item, please tape a note to it with a greeting to the soldier. If you have questions, please call me or e-mail me, Mary Moltmann, at cookielift@rclpc.org.
Loaves and Fishes Ministry
April 28 Distribution
Distribution from the mobile food truck will take place on Saturday April 28 at the Fellowship of Faith Lutheran Church. FOF is located at the intersection of Mason Hill Road and Walkup Road. Mason Hill Road is south of Bull Valley Road. The distribution of food will begin at 10 AM and will end at approximately noon.
Fellowship of Faith Lutheran Church
6120 Mason Hill Rd, Mchenry, IL 60050, (815) 759-0739
Volunteers should be at the church at 9:00 AM
If you would like to volunteer for the April distribution or for more information on how you can be a part of this ministry,
contact Bob Dorn at rdorn1@sbcglobal.net
or Shelly Davidson at mcdavidson@aol.com
May 5 Distribution
The May distribution will be held in conjunction with the Harvest Bible Chapel Cinco de Mayo Festival.
The festival and food distribution will be held behind the church offices located at
110 W Woodstock St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, (815) 477-2377
The festival will include food service, live music and games for the children. The mobile food truck will be part of the celebration and will begin at 10:00 AM until approximately 11:30 AM.
Loaves and Fishes volunteers will need to be at Harvest Bible Chapel at 9:00 AM.
Please Come
Salad Luncheon
in Honor of Older Americans
Compliments of Faith in Action
Thursday, May 31, Noon
Program:
The Life of Corrie Ten Boom
Karla Chandler, Impersonator
Evangelical Free Church
of Crystal Lake
575 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake
Seating is Limited,
call the Faith in Action office for
reservations by May 21
at 815-455-5365
Great Family
Volunteer Opportunity
On May 12 the Post Office will hold their annual food drive for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. We need all the help we can get from 2 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, May 12th at the Algonquin Township on Rt 14 just east of Crystal Lake. Come for an hour or several. Any help sorting food (we get tons) would be great. For more information call Nancy Vazzano.
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