PROMISES, PROMISES
This past Sunday, more than 90 million people tuned in for the Super Bowl. Some tuned in to watch the game; others tuned in to watch the commercials. Each year, the commercials during the Super Bowl give an intriguing snapshot of American culture.
If we take last Sunday as any indication, the first thing we might notice is that we drink a lot of beer. About half of the total commercials were beer ads. Not only do we drink a lot of beer, but apparently we highly value beer. We will abandon our friends to hungry bears for beer. We will fall down and worship (literally) at the “magic refrigerator” that offers us beer. Many of the commercials carried the implicit promise that beer will make us younger, sexier, funnier, and so on (though the evidence suggests it often has the opposite effect).
Then there were the car commercials. We love our cars. They promise us freedom, power, adventure, romance… Of course they also promise us financial heartache (especially with gas prices these days), not to mention traffic jams and global warming.
I could go on: razors that promise a revolutionary new shave (whatever that might be); job services that promise to forever liberate you from the monkeys and jack-asses (literally) you currently work with; even cell phones that promise theft deterrence (by throwing them at your assailant’s head).
Now I know these spots were all done in good humor, and some of them were pretty funny. And there were some commercials that seemed to promise something worthwhile. The Dove ad for their new self-esteem fund seemed especially poignant.
But the point is: commercials make promises. If we buy and use their product, we will find happiness. Promises, promises. Maybe these products can give us some measure of happiness. But we know they can’t provide the deep happiness, the deep joy, we all need.
We will soon enter the season of Lent together, starting with Ash Wednesday on Wednesday, March 1 (worship at 7pm). On Ash Wednesday we remind ourselves of the hard truth that we are “dust in the wind,” that we are frail and mortal. But we also remember the promise that, despite our dustiness, God loves us beyond our wildest imaginations.
And then as we travel through Lent, each week—in place of the promises of TV ads—we remember one of God’s promises. God promises us peace (March 5); God promises to travel with us and provide for us (March 12); God promises us freedom—the freedom that comes from living within gracious limits (March 19); and God promises healing in the midst of trouble (March 26). These promises may not seem as slick or sexy as what we see on television, but they are deep, and they endure.
And of course, they are only the prelude to the most amazing promise of all, the promise we see on Easter, the promise that, while we may mortal dust, death does not get the last word. But that promise awaits us on the other side of Lent. I hope you’ll join us for the journey.
~ Richard |
 SOUPERBOWL SUCCESS
No Disney World for this team. But great satisfaction in knowing we helped!
Thanks to all who donated, your generosity was overwhelming. Our church had a record high collection of $910.26. We also collected 24 cans/non-perishable items. All will be donated to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. The national total of funds raised was over $1,864,823.00.
Thank you again for you support!
RCLPC Youth Groups
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YOU ARE INVITED
Please Join us for a Reception for the Flood Family
Sunday March 12 10:15 in Fellowship Hall
Please take a moment to come and say hello to the family. |
The Floods are doing well and are no longer in need of material donations. There still remains an opportunity to help with their rent. We need an additional $900 in pledge $$ to make their rent for the year. Please contact Laura Middaugh if you are able to help with the rent in any way.
The pot luck was an enjoyable afternoon of fellowship. Thanks to everyone who brought a dish, there was more than enough delicious food to go around. I'd like to send out a big thank you to everyone who helped with the set up and clean up, especially the Wesas, the Krukiewiczs and Sally Sounhein. Wouldn't it be nice to do this more often? Comments, suggestions, helpers? Call Tina Stipati.
 VALENTINE DANCE
Do you need something fun to do this Saturday? If so, plan on coming to the Valentine dance. The party starts at 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 11th. The location is the Four Colonies clubhouse at 680 Cress Creek Ln. at St. Andrews Lane, off of Barlina Rd. in Crystal Lake. This is NOT just for couples. All adults are invited. All you need to do is bring your dinner and drinks and we'll provide dessert. Our DJ for the evening will be Rick Thompson. If you need directions or have any questions, call Tina Stipati.
FELLOWSHIP
There are quite a few activities that could be scheduled for the spring and summer. These include, but are not limited to, Mother and Child Banquet, Father and Child Bowling, Adult Bowling, Family Mini Golf Outing, Ice Cream Social, and Family Picnic. A couple of these happened last year, but most did not because no one wanted to plan and organize them. If you think you would like to organize one of these activities or help in the planning of any of them, or have any other ideas for activities, please call Tina Stipati.
FIGHT THOSE WINTER BLUES and GET YOUR KIDS MOVING!
RCLPC Winter Outings for Children Ages 0-6
Call Emily Floyd or email her for more info. Our next outings are schedule for:
Feb. 17 Cary Gymnastics 10:15-11:30 am, 600 Industrial Dr. in Cary, www.carygymnastics.com, open gym costs $5 per child
Feb. 24 Chuck E Cheese 10am-noon on Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake
 CIRCLE OF FREINDS
The next Circle of Friends will be at the Four Colonies Clubhouse on Sat., March 4, 4:30-8:30pm. We will be having soup and salad and enjoy the game room. Please Contact Laura Middaugh for details.
OPERATION PRAYERS AND COOKIE LIFT
Great news for Andrew Pohl (nephew of Jim and Laura Bauman and Rick and Laurie Pohl) -- he is returning to the U.S. soon, and he notified his family not to send packages. This means that your abundant donation of magazines, food, and grooming supplies were sent to Matthew Trummel (son of Chris and Betty Trummel) this week. Thanks to Nancy Vazzano, the Nelson Family, Jim and Andrea Pracht, Carol Hoefer, Bill and Pat Moll, the Raupp Family, George and Judy Garrety, Dick and Cheryl Brincks, Gerry Lyons, George and Tricia Schieler, and Marge Hansen for paying the postage. Thanks also to everyone who wrote messages of support to Matthew. Please keep him and all of our soldiers in your prayers.
If you have a loved one serving in the military in the Middle East, please contact me.
Mary Moltmann
 MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels will be the week of Feb. 27. Please sign up in the Connecting Link or call Barb Turley
COOKIE WALK recollections:
Yes, the holiday rush is over, but not the great memories! You're invited to the Cookie Walk Recollection Celebration to share the stories, the camaraderie, and the gratitude of the Cookie Walk coordinators! We're celebrating the giving spirit of RCLPC! Please plan on joining us Feb. 19th right after the New Way service. Refreshments will be provided. See you there!
Nancy Blakely and Marypatriece Raupp, Cookie Walk Coordinators 2005
THANK YOUs
This thank you is long overdue. When Ken died, a big part of me died with him. I've been struggling to acknowledge and deal with my grief and, in the process, I sort of went into a protective shell. It was especially hard for me to come to church without Ken's sitting beside me. All of you have been so understanding with your hugs, your looks of compassion and caring and your loving words. And, all those things have helped so much. The tears still come and I know they will continue for a long time. But, I'm beginning to recognize life's goodness again and your support has and continues to play a huge part in my adjustment to life without Ken. Richard has been wonderful -- understanding and guiding me when I desperately needed help. We are so fortunate to have him. And, I'm so fortunate to be a part of this special church, one that Ken loved dearly. Thank you with all my heart.
Barb McCreary
 BUILDING & GROUNDS CORNER
Lighting
How many light bulbs are there in our church?
I have no idea, but if you ask Bill Blakely or Tom Pinkley, they will tell you that it is a very big number. These guys spend lots of time replacing fluorescent light tubes, exit sign light bulbs, inside light bulbs, outside light bulbs – they literally light up RCLPC. So next time you see Bill or Tom, tell them thanks for keeping the light on for us.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Interfaith Earth Stewardship Workshop
Who should attend: YOU!
When: Saturday, March 4th at 9am – 4pm
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin –
39W830 Highland Ave., Elgin, IL 60123
Cost: $12 per person, coffee, tea, lunch and materials included - What a deal! ($15 at the door)
What do I do next? Fill out the form (see copy in the Connecting Link) and send it to us and show up
Questions: interfaithgreenteam@gmail.com or call (847) 695-0144 and leave a message for the Green Team. RSVP Today, or by February 23, to reserve your spot! We can’t wait to see you there. Send your completed registration (name, address, phone, email, congregation, religious affiliation, payment included) to Messiah Lutheran Church, Attn: Interfaith Green Team, 500 Church Road, Elgin, IL 60123. Checks should be payable to Messiah Lutheran Church.
MUSICALS
Prairie Ridge
“Crazy For You” based on music by George & Ira Gershin and a book conceived by Broadway great Ken Ludwing. Free Senior Citizens performance and dinner Wednesday, March 8th at 1:30 pm. Shuttle bus will run from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the high school starting at 12:30 pm up until show time. Please call Ticket Hotline at 815-479-0404 ext. 401 to let us know how many will be attending the show and if your party would like to stay for the dinner.
Central
Musical is Irving Berlin’s “Annie Get Your Gun”Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 1:30 pm followed by free dinner beginning around 4:00 pm.Cast members and Senior Class Menotrs esrve the meal. Dinner reservations are necessry, as seating is limited. To make a reservation for individuals or groups, please call Andi Millera t Central High School 815-459-2505 x267. Deadline for reservations is Tuesday, February 22 at 12:00pm. Other performances are March 16th-18th at 7;30pm. tickets are $5 for seniors for the regular performances.
South
“Beauty and the Beast” Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, Book by Linda Woolverton. February 24th & 25th at 7:30 pm, February 26th at 2:30 pm. March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at 7:30 pm. Students $7.00 / Adults $9.00 For reservations call CLS ticket hotline: (815) 455-3860 ext. 236
MOVIE NIGHT at RCLPC
Friday, February 24th
Doors open at 6:45 pm - Movie starts at 7:30 pm
Dessert and drinks to follow
Free will donation will go to
Fairhaven School in Alexandria, Egypt |
MOVIE: TRAVEL and EXPERIENCE THE WORLD
Destination: Egypt
Egypt: One of the most magical and historical destinations. Egypt is a vast desert country that inspires all travelers. Now home to a quarter of the worlds Arab population, it was once the center for one of the oldest and most extraordinary civilizations on earth--the Ancient Egyptians.
Take a hot air balloon over the Nile’s west bank. Explore the Valley of the Kings with an Egyptologist. Reveal the secrets of King Ramses’s temple in Abu Simbel. Marvel at Egypt’s most famous symbols -- the Great Pyramids of Giza. Shop in the beautiful bazaar of Khan al - Khalili -- One of the biggest in the Middle East.
These are some of the experiences you can share with traveler Megan McCormick as she starts her journey in the sprawling capitol of Cairo. She then travels into the western desert via El Alamein to the oasis town of Siwa, close to the Libyan border. Heading south for a five day desert trek she arrives at her final destination - Luxor, which claims to be the world’s greatest open air museum.
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Please help support our
Senior High Youth mission trip
to Egypt this summer June 7—June 17
 MAY RUMMAGE SALE
Spring is almost here and you may be thinking about getting around to that spring cleaning. When you do, don't throw all of that old, but still usable, stuff away. Hang onto it for our rummage sale in May. It's going to be a benefit for the senior high mission trip to Egypt. We'll need lots of stuff to sell. We'll also need lots of helpers. We really need someone to plan and organize the whole thing and people to help with that. We'll also need helpers to sort, price and set up during the week of the sale. More helpers will be needed the day/s of the sale to greet customers, keep things organized, collect money, bag items and repack what's left over to donate to a yet to be determined charity. When we get some plans going and a date, we'll put up a sign up sheet. Think about how you'd like to help and give me a call and let me know. Thanks! Tina Stipati
NICK’S PIZZA and PUB will be sponsoring the Sr High Youth mission trip to Egypt this summer. Please join us at Nick’s Pizza & Pub on March 8, 2006 any time from 11am to midnight. Bring your friends and family, enjoy a great night of fun, and help us raise the money needed for this trip. 15% of sales generated from this fundraiser will be given back to RCLPC. Contact Peggy Larson or pick up a flyer from the Connecting Link. (You must have a copy of the flyer when you pick up your pizza in order for us to get the 15% credit.)
AMERICAN INDIAN WARS NOT OVER!
Excerpts from Mike Graham, Founder of United Native America.
“It’s a flash back to Paul Revere’s famous ride all over again, only this time the cry is about American Indians”, says Mike Graham in a newspaper article. He goes on, “Politicians across the country are rallying the troops against Indians, telling all who will listen that Indians are back and mean business!”.
This new “Indian war” is playing out in our nation’s courts to include anti-Indian legislation formed to hold Indians back economically and keep them back on the reservation. Each year Indian tribal governments are forced to spend millions of dollars defending their rights in U. S. courts rather than on Indian health care, education and ending poverty.
Indians claim in part that due to the federal government’s mishandling of the Indian trust fund, ten to forty billion dollars are missing and no one has any idea of where the money went. The trust fund was set up in 1887 by the federal government to collect royalties from gold, oil, gas, timber, coal and other economic goods removed from Indian land. The original premise proposed by the U. S. Government was good if properly administered. Instead of being the poorest group in America, Native Americans would be the richest (cash wise) group in the nation.
American Indians now call America the “rented country”, and say that the federal government is a bad tenant. To analyze this problem for yourself, you might want to look up the Website www.IndianTrust.com. Yes, it is reassuring to know that the vast majority of Americans know today that Indians got a raw deal from the beginning and support them in their quest to regain what is theirs. Can we do more???
Joy Martin, Alice Haznedl, Ann, Legg, Janet Pearce, Ginger Robinson, Rod Russell, MJ Towne, Gloria Thorson.
 IN and AROUND RCLPC WITH BARB
Good morning! It is a little dreary as I am writing this, but my news is NOT dreary.
* I received a lovely letter from MARTIE and TED COE . It was really great hearing from them again, and I will pass some of their news on to you. As you may remember, they moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, where they have joined a Presbyterian (of course) Church. They are both in the choir and Martie says there are 12 - 14 altos. They also have huge robing rooms for the men and the women with mirrors and a bathroom. Make you jealous, Sherri? Ted has finished all of his education classes and is now student teaching. He holds a credential in Special Ed for grades pre-k thru 12. Congratulations, Ted. You will be a wonderful and caring teacher. Martie is working in a small store part time (I think just for the discount.) They are very happy, but miss their two grandchildren very much. They also miss us. We miss you guys, too.
* I received another little note from a friend with some good news. On Feb. 20th one of our members will be celebrating three-quarters of a century. BILL MOLL (husband of PAT) is that member. Bill is a very active member where he serves as a deacon and a volunteer for assembling The Spirit. He has also been an elder. Bill is a lover of both the opera and railroads. Each Wed. he volunteers at the Railroad Museum in Union. But, his greatest love is his 3½ year old granddaughter, Samantha. Our birthday wishes go out to you, Bill. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
* I would like to take a moment of your time to brag about “my” Caring Crafters. They have been very busy making some beautiful cards. If you have not checked the cards out lately, please stop by The Caring Cart in the Connecting Link and take a look. You will find many new cards, and they can be yours for just a small donation (if you are able.) We would also welcome any of you to come visit us on the 1st and 3rd Thursday mornings in Fellowship Hall.
* One of the most exciting things happening at our church is the Sunday School hour (10:15 - 11:00.) Not just for the children, but it is wonderful to have so many adults and high schoolers joining together to listen and discuss the topic of the week. Between 60 and 65 have been attending and it is great having people from all of our services coming together. Our Pastor does such a terrific job leading us (even if he can’t write clearly or straight.) If you haven’t given this a try yet, please do come out and join us. You will not be sorry!
“Dreams become miracles when you believe.” Anon. I am a dreamer and do believe in miracles. How about you?
Again, thank you for spending time with me. I am:
Barb Turley
WAR PROFITEERING:
Stop the Merchants of Death
With G. Simon Harak, S.J.
Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 7:00 pm
McHenry County College Conference Center
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Click here to see the February calendar.