Click here to see the September calendar.Click here to see the Worship Teams Schedule.
ASSOCIATE PASTOR: FIRST STEPSAs you may be aware, the Structure Task Force has been meeting for the past six months. They have been examining our congregation’s current organization and imagining what our future structure and staffing needs might be.Their first recommendation was to elect deacons to strengthen the caring ministry of the congregation. Deacons were elected by the congregation on August 7 and will be ordained and installed (after study and examination) on October 2. The second recommendation of the Structure Task Force is that we begin the process of calling an associate pastor. To quote the proposal: “We have carefully and prayerfully considered the congregation’s present and future needs, and we feel very strongly that there is a need for a second full-time ordained staff person. Specifically, we envision an associate pastor with a passion for Christian formation, such that she or he could provide a leadership role in faith development for youth and adults.” At its last meeting, the session approved forwarding a request to the Committee on Ministry of Blackhawk Presbytery to allow us to begin the process of forming an associate pastor nominating committee. This is the first step in the process of calling an associate pastor. Once the Committee on Ministry gives its approval, the nominating committee will begin forming a slate of candidates for the associate pastor nominating committee. The nominating committee will invite the congregation to suggest names, and will make every effort to make sure the slate of candidates reflects the diversity of the congregation. This slate of candidates will then be presented to the congregation for approval at a congregational meeting. Once the associate pastor nominating committee has been elected by the congregation, they will engage in a process of study and discernment, seeking the input of the congregation, trying to further clarify what we are looking for in an associate pastor. They will take the Structure Task Force’s recommendations as a starting point, but they are free, in conversation with the congregation, to imagine the position in different ways. At this point we are only at the very first step of a very long process. But the Structure Task Force and the session felt strongly it was time to take that first step. We will make every effort to keep you informed and to invite your participation at every step along the way, and we thank you for your continued support. Update: In a stunning display of Presbyterian swiftness, the Committee on Ministry of Blackhawk Presbytery has already approved our request to begin the process. Keep an eye out for more information as the nominating committee begins its work. |
IN THIS ISSUE:
WorshipMusic Notes New This Fall Special Events Session Update New Deacons Fellowship VBS Update Mission News Library Lines Thank Yous Around RCLPC |
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
In an effort to improve communication, we will include highlights from each session meeting in the Spirit. Here are the highlights from the August session meeting:* Approved the following communion schedule for the fall:
First Sunday of the month: September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4, January 1
Christmas Eve: December 24
Special Communion for Advent/Christmas: November 27, December 11, December 18, December 25
We are experimenting with making communion a more frequent part of our worship experience. To that end, we will be celebrating communion every Sunday through the season of Advent. We welcome your feedback as to whether or not this enhances your worship experience.
* Approved two special worship services on October 30 for an intergenerational music program. The two special services will be at 9:15 and 11:15. The 10:15 faith formation hour will be unchanged. We will still have a traditional service at 8am.
* Approved forwarding a request to the Committee on Ministry of Blackhawk Presbytery to allow us to begin the process of forming an associate pastor nominating committee.
* Approved two special worship services on October 2 (World Communion Sunday) intended to foster congregational unity. The two services will be identical and will blend elements from both traditional and NewWay worship. The two services will be at 9:15 and 11:15. There will be no 8am service this Sunday.
DEACONS
According to the Book of Order, the office of deacon as set forth in scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ (G-6.0400). When ordained for service, deacons are asked this question:Will you be faithful deacons, teaching charity, urging concern, and directing the people’s help to the friendless and those in need?
In your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ?
Charity, concern, and compassion for people in need both within and beyond the congregation are the primary responsibilities of the deacon.
We are happy to report that the following individuals were elected as deacons at the congregational meeting on August 7:
Class of 2006: Joy Martin, Ken McCreary, Bill Moll, Dorothy Vick;
Class of 2007: Doug Crane, Karen Hutchings, Ann Legg, Al Popp;
Class of 2008: Cindy Borre, Cheryl Dutkiewicz, Linda Peel, Laurie Pohl
We are excited about the gifts and passions each of these people bring to our caring ministries. They will go through a period of preparation and be examined by the session, and then they will be ordained and installed in worship on October 2.
ADULT CHOIR RETREAT- SAT. AUGUST 27TH, 9:00 - 11:30 AM.
Join us in Fellowship Hall for Fun, Fellowship, Music and Food! Come for a preview of the year at the choir retreat. Bring your favorite breakfast goodie, and a friend. If you are new to choir, please be our guest! RSVP to Sherri by Thursday August 25th.HAND CHIME DIRECTOR
The chime choir is looking for a new director. Responsibilities include nurture and development of the chime program, planning and rehearsing weekly, and participating in worship. If interested, please contact the church office for more information, or call Sherri Dees, music director.NEW CHILDREN'S CHOIR DIRECTOR
Emily Floyd will be the new children's choir director this fall. She will be leading the preschool group, "Little Lambs", and the elementary age choir, "Sounds of Joy". Many of you know her as "Richard's wife" or "the pastor's wife". Did you also know Emily has worked professionally in the field of vocal music education for 10 years? We are very excited to have her join the music ministry at RCLPC.OUR NEW CHILDREN'S MUSIC SCHEDULE BEGINS THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER. COME ONE COME ALL!
Little Lambs Choir
5:15 - 5:45 pm in the music room on WednesdaysThis choir is for preschoolers age 3 and up. We will sing in worship once every 4-6 weeks, and may participate in the children's musical.
Sounds of Joy
5:45 - 6:30 pm in the music room on WednesdaysSounds of Joy includes children in kindergarten through fifth grade. This choir will sing in worship once every 4-6 weeks. They will sing on Christmas Eve, on Palm Sunday, and will also put on a musical.
IT IS TIME FOR "JUBILATION"!
All youth, middle school through senior high, are invited on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 12:15 for lunch, an informational meeting and some singing. Come learn all about the Jubilation choir, what the plans are for the 2005-2006 school year, meet some new people and even sing a few songs. Our meeting will be over at 1:15. Still plenty of time to get all that homework finished.Hope to see you on Sep 11. It’s your chance for a free lunch, no obligation to join. You never know, you just might want to come back again and again. Regular rehearsals will be the first and third Sundays of the month from 12:15 to 1:30 with time for lunch. If you have any questions call Sheila Mohler.
SPECIAL EVENT: OPEN MIC NIGHTFriday, September 23Doors open at 7:00 PM / program starts at 7:30 PMClick here to see more information! |
| Dear Church Family, By now, I’m sure you have all heard about or experienced our incredible VBS week. We had 55 children at RCLPC for vacation bible school. Fifty-five children was just about the maximum amount of children that our building can accommodate. Only two rooms of our church were not used (the computer lab and the youth room)! Throughout the week we took an adventure through the open door at the Circle G Ranch. The children sang songs, made crafts, ate delicious snacks, played games, learned Bible stories, and had a time for mission. Each of these stations tied into our ranch theme. The creativity of our volunteers was amazing. Speaking of volunteers, we couldn’t have done it without the help of so many. Thanks to the whole church for pitching in by setting up, donating items, cleaning up, teaching, and working the nursery, etc. We found that we really made a difference to each child by giving up some of our time and energy to make this week special for our own RCLPC children and the 20 children who visited RCLPC for the first time at VBS. We are called to give of ourselves to children, both our own and others in the community. Our church has incredible energy. We know how to pull together and share our joy with others. May we continue to give so generously. Emily Floyd, VBS director *Special thanks to Cindee Robinson, our custodian, for volunteering extra time to help with set-up and clean-up of VBS. It is so great when a staff member goes above and beyond to support a new program in the church. Her enthusiasm was wonderful (considering the piles of hay we left everywhere in the church)! Thanks Cindee! |
VBS VOLUNTEERS
Nancy Blakely – Stations Leader; Debi Keyzer - Decorations; Karla Koenig - Registrar; Kristin Bauman – youth helper; Rebecca Dolmon - decorations; Collin Berg – bible story actor; Paul Dolmon – bible story actor; Evan Berg – bible story actor; Lucy Grivett – mission/crafts; Shelley Berg – bible story actor; Midge Fish - nursery; Amy Collins - snacks; Sue Hayden – nursery and supplies; Laurie Dayon – preschool teacher; Patti Hill - snacks; Sherri Dees - music; Carol Hoefer – supplies; Karl Dencker – supplies; Jodi Iddings – K-1st teacher; Joan Jensema – recreation equipment; Heidi Pride – teaching assistant; Laura Kay – teaching assistant; Kathy Rabe - decorations; Mike Keyzer - decorations; Megan Rabe – decorations; Dwight Keyzer - decorations; Rod Russell – clean-up; Helen Keyzer - decorations; Wendy Sanders –preschool teacher; Todd Koenig – vbs signs; Sally Sounhein - decorations; Ann Legg - missions; Deb Steele - nursery; Cheryl Lilly - crafts; Karissa Stewart – youth helper; Tom Lilly - crafts; Kim Stewart - sound; Kathy Manchester - hay; Alan Stewart – 2nd-5th teacher; John Manchester - hay; Barb Turley – teaching assistant; Cynthia Maron–bible adventure leader; Nancy Vazzano – mission; Taylor Maron - videographer; Claire Weller - decorations; Joy Martin–bible adventure/assistant; Sally Weller - decorations; Ron Miller - hay; Anna Woodruff – youth helper; Karen Nelson – teaching assistant; Anna Zoerner – youth helper; Alex Nelson – teaching assistant; Jayne Zoerner - recreation; Amanda Nelson – youth helper; Melissa Zoerner – youth helperVBS PICTURES ARE HERE ONLINE
Click here to see pictures of the week during Vacation Bible School.PARENTS OF CHILDREN who attended Vacation Bible School:
Please show or read this letter to your child.
| July 22, 2005 Dear Boys and Girls of the Circle G Ranch, What a surprise to receive the bags you decorated and filled with candy for children at the Home of the Sparrow. We will be distributing them to delighted children in our program next week. Thank you for thinking of us. I know you all felt a closer relationship with God at your Circle G Ranch as well as having a lot of fun. Sharing with our children is certainly a great way to express some of what you have learned with kids you don’t know but who will be thanking God for your expression of love. Sincerely, Rev. Karen Stunkel Executive Director |
"THE INGS of VBS" By Debi Keyzer
Now that my slang has retreated to a place inside, only to be beckoned during another ranch/western situation in the future, I’ve had some time to reflect on my VBS experience. No, I haven’t actually sat in a serene spot gazing out into the night sky nor spent time on the couch reflecting, but during the course of the last few weeks, and during VBS week I’ve been touched in many ways, and have come to re-realize many important things.It was, and still is, very meaningful to be a part of, and to watch as our church family worked together so naturally to materialize an idea. For me, this is all new; since this is the first time I have jumped right into really volunteering for a RCLPC activity. All of it was done from the heart by everyone who participated in any way…and the follow through was amazing to me. There I went with my first “ing” word. What a wonderful flurry of “ings” happened during VBS week, and thus my list begins: Dropping off, picking up, cleaning, copying, vacuuming, taping, painting, setting up, taking down, teaching, listening, positive reinforcing, brainstorming, emailing, lifting, moving, driving, providing emotional support, cutting, smiling, talking, watching children, hoping, finding, calling, drawing, singing, organizing, hanging, dancing, jumping, hugging, holding…and more…
There was a feeling of giving freely of time and talent, lots of energy and enthusiasm for children and each other, true caring and concern not only for the event, but also for all situations surrounding VBS, and a feeling of wanting to be closer to God.
You see, each person who did one of the “ing” words above no matter how small made a big difference. Putting literally hundreds of what may have seemed like little “ing” tasks together is what made a huge difference in the end. One “ing” depended on the other. I watched each day, as VBS took shape and became a reality.
I feel blessed and privileged to be a part of the RCLPC family and to be a part of this VBS “ing” experience. Our church family has shown once again that working together and giving freely of time and talents results in endless possibilities…thank you all for enriching my life in yet another way. I am looking forward to the future, and to experiencing God’s callings in other ways in my (our) life (lives).
VBS ATTENDANCE STATISTICS28 were RCLPC members; 27 were non-members 50% of our attendees came from outside our church; Of the non-members who attended: 10 were grandchildren of RCLPC members; 3 were from families who have visited RCLPC; 14 were friends of RCLPC members 0 were from outside advertising |
MEN'S BREAKFAST
Join together with other men in the church and enjoy a breakfast together while you study the following Sunday's scripture. We will meet in Fellowship Hall on Saturday September 10th at 9 a.m. Join us! Questions? contact Karl Dencker.GREEN THUMBS NEEDED
Are you a gardener? The RCLPC Garden Group will be meeting on September 1, Thursday morning, at 8:30 a.m. to do some weeding, watering, and fellowship at RCLPC. We would also like your gardening input as we plan what needs to be done to the church grounds for 2006. Please join us for a fun morning (bring your own tools and gloves!). Questions? Contact Kathy Rabe.ROAD RALLY
Do you like adventure on the highways and byways of McHenry County? Have you ever ‘parked’ on the back roads in the daytime? Like cemeteries? Do you get easily lost but can read clues? Do you like to party with your RCLPC friends? Then you need to attend the third scheduled, but never happened (ask Karl), RCLPC Road Rally on Saturday, October 1st. Hold the date and watch for the sign up in the Connecting Link soon. Open to all brave and daring RCLPC adults and their friends.NEW BOOK CLUB
The Tuesdays @ Borders book study group has been enjoyed by so many, but there are some who cannot attend on Tuesday mornings. NOW IS YOUR CHANCE! There is a sign up sheet in the Connecting Link for all of those who are interested in an evening Borders book study group. Please indicate your interest and join a very interesting and lively group.NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
Many new books came in this summer. The new list of titles is posted on the bulletin board in the Connecting Link. Check out one of the many new titles like Church Suppers there are 722 favorite recipes from many church communities, please use in the Library, there will be recipes cards in the book or copy the recipe, this way many of you can use it. New Fiction book is the Da Vinci Code, many have already read it, so if not pick it up and read it. You won’t be able to put it down. There are so many children books, and young adult books to list so check it out in the Library. Over the summer I have been busy entering all the church library books in a data base, to automate the library collection. We have 611 titles in the library collection. So far I have added 130 new titles to the Library, which ones have you read? There are many opportunities to help the Library to grow like: Turn in some of your Credit Card Points for a Gift Card at a Book Store, a donation to the Bug on the cart, or purchase a book you would like to see in the Library. With these extra funds I can purchase Large Print or Books on Tape for the Library.THANK YOU to ALL USHERS
A great thank you for those who ushered over the summer months, it was cool to have cross over people from NewWay to work traditional and traditional working NewWay. Even though both services are different in style they are both the same in nature. That is we find goodness in our hearts to serve under one roof that is God’s roof. Thanks again to all. Serving God is like the sound of our bell, it calls us to serve and worship under one roof. Keep the Bell ringing , Peace and Love in Music, PierreTHE CHURCH PICNIC was July 23rd.
Fun, fellowship, and food (especially dessert), were had by all. It couldn't have happened without the many helpers. A big thank you goes out to Karl Dencker, Emily Floyd, Ken McCreary, Phil Wesa, Dan Schweers, Jim Pracht, and Dennis, Derek and Giana Stipati. I'd also like to thank everyone who pitched in to clean up. Thanks to the Blakely's, the Lilly's, the Stewarts' and M. J. Towne. I'm sorry if I missed anyone. Most importantly, thanks to our Lord for the beautiful day. -Tina StipatiMARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR CROP WALK 2005
A Recruiter Rally will be held on 8/30/05 at 7:30 pm at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake. The Crop Walk will be held on 10/16/05 this year. Crop Walk funds will be used for disaster relief and self-help development around the world and right here in our local area by the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and PADS. Last year the city raised almost $13,000. It was also the biggest year for RCLPC with a contribution of $1367. We can do better this year and the need is greater. For more information contact MJ Towne.BUILD A DREAM UPDATE
First, thank you to all who donated to help Claudia and her family in Mexico last year. I will be returning this fall to complete closing in their home to make it weather tight, connecting the electricity and water as well as to provide moral support and encouragement. If you are not familiar with this family, they live in desperate poverty in Mexico. I shared slides of my last trip with you during our worship service. This project and family are close to my heart. Whatever donations our church family can make, Dale and I will match. Please drop your tax-deductible donations in Sunday’s offering or at www.buildadreamproject.com.PS. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “To share often and much…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.”
I hope you will choose to help this family.
Grace & peace,
Wayne Prindiville
ARABIC LANGUAGE CAMP
We (Ron and Alice Haznedl) are still reveling in the exhilaration and peace which we experienced at the Language Immersion and Global Awareness Camp at Stronghold the second week in August. Sponsored by Chicago Presbytery and the Office of Multicultural Ministries of the PC(USA), the camp was a perfect combination of top-level language instruction and grounding in the spiritual and theological aspects of global awareness. This was integrated through community building, worship and music.It was a privilege to be in community and share stories with others who were so committed to intercultural communication and global ministry. Some of the participants are involved in partnership with churches in Cuba, just as we have a sister church in Alexandria, Egypt. Each morning we worshiped and sang together and each evening we shared with one another in small groups or heard stories from other cultures. Julia Garcia-Roch, who taught the Spanish section, grew up in Cuba and shared her family’s story and that of her country. The Arabic teacher, Estaphan Salameh, shared his life in Ramallah in the West Bank during the first intefada. Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders who lived in the West Bank in the Christian village of Zibabdeh for three years as mission workers for PC(USA) showed a section of the series of films they made portraying the everyday life of people in the Northern West Bank. (Their DVD, “Salt of the Earth” is available at www.saltfilms.net and is accompanied by a series of study guides for use by church groups.) Ron Haznedl also showed slides of his experiences on an archaeological dig and shared his poem and some harmonica playing.
Studying Arabic intensively for six hours a day for six days was challenging and fun. We learned the Arabic alphabet, the sounds and structure of the language as well as many useful words and phrases.
Most of all we were being the Church. We were learning languages in an effort to be the Church more intentionally – both around the world and in our own back yard.
THE TRUTH ABOUT SUICIDE: Real Stories of Depression in College
McHenry County College, Centegra Behavioral Health, and the McHenry County Crisis Services are hosting a new documentary, "The Truth about Suicide: Real Stories of Depression in College on Wednesday, September 7, 2005, from 10 to 11:30 AM and on Thursday, September 8, 2005, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Conference Center at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Route 14, Crystal Lake. An open discussion will follow the film, and free, confidential depression screenings will take place during the program. Those who undergo screenings will have the opportunity to meet with mental health professionals. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and the third-leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds. The purpose of the video is to bring the subject into the open in order to prevent further deaths. For information, please contact the McHenry County Crisis Line at 800 892-8900 or Mary Moltmann through the Church office.Children's Programs:Little Lambs Preschool and Little Lambs ChoirFaith Explorers and Sound of Joy Choir Youth Programs:Faith AdventurersFaith Builders Jubilation Choir Adult Programs:Adult Growth OpportunitiesAdult Choir Celebration Chimes |
TAIZÉ UPDATE:
Throughout the summer, attendance for the Taizé services has been in the mid-30's. The August service was interesting because we had 21 visitors. The advertising effort is making a difference as is word of mouth. We anticipate a surge in attendance as fall and the start of school brings back vacationing families.GIVE IT A TRY!
If you haven't had an opportunity to check out the Taizé style of worship yet, please come. How often do we stop and seek peace in our hectic lives? The sung prayers are so beautiful. For many of us, we need different styles of worshipping and praying to keep our spirituality fresh. Carve out one hour a month to come and breathe with us. As always, new experiences take a while to settle in. Attend a few times and see if this meditative experience is helpful to you.
NEXT TAIZÉ WORSHIPSeptember 1st @ 7:00 pm**RCLPC Taizé Services are always held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. |
TAIZÉ SERVICES IN CRYSTAL LAKE
Taizé style of worship is meant to be ecumenical - without denomination. If you find these sung prayers meaningful, there are two other monthly services in Crystal Lake: Bethany Lutheran on last Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm and First Congregational Church on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm.INTRODUCING PEW PALS
Outside the double doors in the sanctuary, there are some beanie babies for children to take in with them to worship. There are also some clipboards with coloring pages and crayons attached. We hope that the beanie babies and clipboards will help your children be excited about coming to worship. With our new fall schedule on Sunday mornings, we anticipate an increase in the number of children in worship.with Barb |
*I’m starting off with an update from JULIE JONES and the CURTIS GIRLS. As most of you know, they are living in Wisconsin where we find JULIE busy working in Peds and Peds/Oncology at UW Hospital. She will soon be taking her certification exam for Pediatric Oncology nursing. Julie is the Parish nurse for the First Presbyterian Church in Baraboo, where they are members. COURTNEY graduated from NIU this May with a degree in Vocal Performance and is continuing there for Grad School, studying Musicology. AMY graduated from Sauk Prairie HS where she was class president the last two years. She was also captain of the gymnastics team and went to State. Amy spent the summer at Stronghold as a Life Guard. She will go to Carroll College and then to Hawaii Pacific Univ. to complete her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. (WOW! She doesn’t seem old enough, does she?) MACKENZIE is eleven and will be in the sixth grade. She went to Camp Wyoming with the gang from First Pres and then to Hoofbeat Ridge for a week of horseback riding. It sounds like they are all very busy and have found a place that is (almost) as good as RCLPC. Continue to update us, Julie, as we miss you.
*Retiree Update finds two more: * LOU RABE ( husband of KATHY, father of BJ, ANDREW, and MAGGIE) retired early from Delta Air Lines, where he worked for 26 years flying around the country. Lou will spend his time continuing weeding at RCLPC but isn’t sure what else. Kathy is a little more sure as she has a “Honey Do List” ready. An exciting side note - son Andrew just became a Pilot-in-Training for Air Wisconsin. He will be in Appleton for 4 weeks of training and then on to Denver for two weeks. * DOUG CRANE (husband of MAGGIE, father of ELIZABETH, father-in-law of FRANK, grandpa of ALEX and ALDEN) retires from his work at Pioneer Center after 33 years. He has already been busy with GRANDPAS’ BOOT CAMP where he found himself teaching math, spelling, doing book reports, and then off to the pool. This job is almost over but he and Maggie will be off to Paris and the South of France for two weeks. Then he will fish with his brother in WI. The whole family (including the newly weds) went camping in WI, where Alden (almost) caught a 6 lb 22 in large mouth bass. Maggie has warned him that he WILL have a schedule by the end of Sept. Congratulations to all! *RON and ALICE HAZNEDL were delighted to have a ten day visit with son Craig Farr and his wife Velma, and 13 month old Abigail. How exciting to watch a first grandchild go from first steps to really walking! The Farr’s have just completed three years in Turkey and will be going to Baku, Azerbaijan (get out your maps.)
*On a sad note (at least for us), we find HEIDI and BUDDY PRIDE, along with EMILY and LUKE, moving to Roscoe, Illinois where Buddy will be the Director of Technology and Assessment for the Harlem School District. They will be living in Machesney Park. We are very happy for you, but oh, how we will miss you all!
I am, Barb Turley