Click here to see the February calendar.Click here to see the Worship Teams Schedule.
 ASHES AND DUST Several of us gathered in the sanctuary on Wednesday to do a very strange thing. We had ashes put on our foreheads in the form of the cross while these words were spoken: "Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return." Maybe that sounds a bit depressing. We never like to be reminded that we are mortal, that we are made of dust. We like to think that life is something we possess and manage and control, but our tradition tells us otherwise. It tells us that life comes to us from God, that life is God's very breath within us. At any given moment, God could stop breathing life into us and we would fall to the ground as ashes and dust. Ash Wednesday (and the season of Lent) reminds us: we are dust. But we are dust with the breath of God within us. We are "holy dust", filled with God's Spirit ("spirit" and "breath" are the same word in the Bible), gifted with life. How precious this gift is! On the one hand, we are nothing but dust, incredibly insignificant; on the other hand, we are "holy dust" with the divine breath within us, incredibly graced and blessed. Many people fast during Lent, giving up something of value as a way of refocusing their lives on God. The "Education for Ministry" program of the Episcopal Church has another suggestion about fasting: rather than giving up something of value, perhaps we should try to give up old, destructive habits and attitudes and replace them with new, life-giving ones. The following suggestions are adapted from their "Education for Ministry": Fast from judging others; feast on the image of God in all people. Fast from words that tear down; feast on words that build up. Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; feast on patience. Fast from pessimism; feast on hopefulness. Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion. Fast from suspicion; feast on truth. Fast from gossip; feast on silence. Fast from worry; feast on faith. Fast from fear; feast on love. As we go through this season of Lent together, as we reflect on our condition as "holy dust", let us strive to make good use of the breath God has given us by letting go of old, destructive habits and attitudes and taking up new, life-giving ones. - Richard |
INQUIRER'S CLASS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 5TH We have scheduled an inquirer's class for Saturday, March 5th, from 9 am until 12 pm. The class will be held at the church, and both a light breakfast and lunch will be provided. During the class we will explore three things: what it means to be Presbyterian, Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church's past, present, and future, and the meaning of membership. Of course attending the inquirer's class does not obligate you to become a member. But for those of you who do wish to become a member, session elders will be joining us for lunch and will be happy to talk with you. Please RSVP to the church office (815-459-1132) so that we can know how much food to prepare. Childcare will be made available upon request. GOOD FRIDAY USHERS NEEDED: Sign up in the Connecting Link or call Pierre Berubé, if you are able to serve as an usher for the Good Friday Service on Friday March 25th at 7:00 pm. Thank you in advance for your willingness to serve. FINAL WEEK for 2005 GOURMET GROUP Sign Up All adults are invited to join Gourmet Group as we go "Island Hopping" throughout the year. Five events are planned and you are invited to attend all five events however, you will be a part of the host team for the one you sign up for. Membership sign-up continues this week in the Connecting Link through Sunday or call Jodie LeFevre with additional questions. |
TUESDAYS AT BORDERS
Great discussion, delicious coffee and good friends - all can be found at "Tuesdays at Borders". We have just started a new book by Max Lucado called "A Gentle Thunder". The cost of the book is $15. Please contact Sheila Mohler if you need a copy of the book.
Come join us on Tuesday mornings in the Borders Cafe in Crystal Lake from 10 to 11:30 am for a time of lively soul-filling discussion. Share your story over a great cup of coffee or tea. (They have an awesome bakery too!) For questions, feel free to contact Sherri Dees, Dale Prindiville, Kim Stewart, Melanie Wesa, or Sheila Mohler. See you next Tuesday!
EASTER MISSION PROJECT:
As part of the Kingdom Club activities for the month of March, the kids will be making Easter Baskets for Home of the Sparrow children. This is our 7th year doing this project and this year we need to fill 45 baskets. Items needed are candy, fruit snacks, little games, small storybooks, small stuffed animals and large plastic eggs. Donation bins are in Fellowship Hall. Please bring items by March 13th. Contact Julia Baser or Lynda Mauro if you have any questions.
EXTREME COMMUNICATION MAKEOVER:
All Middle school and Senior High youth and their parents are invited to be a part of an Extreme Communication Makeover on Feb 13th and Feb 20th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We will explore healthy communication and the physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions of our sexuality. There will be a shared meal mid-way through each Sunday session. The workshop is being led by Tammy Freund and Anita Rehberg from McHenry County Youth Services Bureau, and Nancy Delware and Richard Floyd from RCLPC. Cost for both sessions is $5/individual and $10/family. Please sign up in the Connecting Link or call Jeff Mohler. We hope you take advantage of this great opportunity.
MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT A SUCCESS:
The weekend of January 28-30 the middle school youth group (10 kids and 3 adults) attended the Presbyteries of Chicago and Blackhawk winter retreat. It was a wonderful weekend of worship, fellowship and making new connections. When you see one of the youth ask them how life is a like a cake. I truly cannot say enough about the great group of kids we are blessed with.
We want to extend a BIG thank you to the Wesa family and the Jensen family for letting us borrow their vans for the weekend and to Erin McGibbon for being the female chaperone.
HOME COMMUNION
Are you homebound and unable to attend church and receive communion? Do you know someone who is? We would like to deliver communion to those in need at their homes on communion Sundays. Please contact Galen Vargason for more information or to be scheduled for home communion.
A STEPHEN MINISTRY MESSAGE
Are you feeling down? Our Stephen Minister's can help. Stephen Ministers aren't just there for "big" crises. They're also available for the little ones, because many times the little things can really add up. So don't wait until you have really big crisis; consider Stephen Ministry if the little things have you feeling down.
Please talk to Pastor Richard or Dale Prindiville if you would like to know more about Stephen Ministry.
CONGRATULATIONS to Carl and Sue Hayden on the arrival of their newest family member, Gabriel Thomas-Alan, who was born on January 25th.
HOW DOES RCLPC MINISTER TO YOUNG FAMILIES?
Did you know...? Our nursery has recently had a makeover! It has been painted and wallpapered and arranged to accommodate all our young children. Our nursery staff will be happy to look after your little ones on Sunday mornings. Please come down and take a look at our nursery's new look! And right next door from 9:30-10:30 is our Little Lambs Sunday preschool program. We are using Bible Quest as our curriculum for the first time this year and it seems to be working out well. The children really enjoy it and learn more about God, Jesus, and our faith each week.
We are hoping that with all our changes and improvements our youngest children will begin a relationship with God that will last them a lifetime.
MUSICAL MATINEES AND DINNER:
Two free programs for the Chronologically Gifted
Prairie Ridge High School hosts a FREE musical matinee and dinner for senior citizens on Thursday March 10th at 1:30 pm. This year's musical is Seussical. Dinner and theater reservations are necessary, as seating is limited. The ticket hotline will open February 3rd so feel free to call then or any time up until two days before the performance. The Hotline number is 815-479-0404 ext. 404.
A shuttle bus will be running from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (located on Walk-up, across from Veteran's Acres Park) to the High School starting at 12:30 pm until show time. The bus will then make return trips to the church immediately following the show and continuing throughout the dinner until everyone is accommodated.
Crystal Lake Central High School offers a FREE musical matinee for senior citizens on Wednesday March 16th at 1:30 pm. This year's musical is Guys and Dolls. The free dinner following the performance will be served by cast members and Senior Class Mentors. Dinner and theater reservations are necessary, as seating is limited. Please call Andi Miller at Central High School (459-2505 ext. 267) for reservations no later than February 20th by noon.
Group transportation is encouraged, because parking can be a problem. Bethany Lutheran Church has offered the use of their parking lot. A shuttle bus will be there to transport guests between the high school and the parking lot.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Our Meals on Wheels date of service is the week of February 14-18. This mission to homebound people, takes about 1 1/2 hours on the day you commit. Hot meals are picked up and delivered on a route to people expecting their main meal for the day. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve our neighbor's need. We usually try to pair up a drive and a "navigator". Please sign up in the Connecting Link. Questions?? See Barb Turley
MISSION IMAGININGS
Nearly half of the "Imaginings" printed in the Spirit recently were directly related to Mission goals. The Peacemaking Team would like to extend an invitation to all those with ideas related to Mission. Come to a luncheon to Brainstorm with others who share a passion for Christ's work on Sunday, February 13 from Noon to 1:30 PM. Childcare will be available. Questions? Call Phil Wesa or Joan Jensema.
"Called as partners in Christ's service, Called to ministries of grace, ...May we learn the art of sharing, Side by side and friend with friend, Equal partners in our caring to fulfill God's chosen end."
(The Presbyterian Hymnal, no.343)
FOOD PANTRY
The Christmas Food is running out and the pantry could use your help. The Food Pantry needs baby food, crackers, milk, coffee, tea, cocoa, juices, jello, and pudding mixes. Bring your donations and leave them in the boxes in the stairway going up to the sanctuary from the Connecting Link.
February 28th is our next date to help volunteer at the Food Pantry. All volunteers are welcome. Contact Nancy Vazzano to answer any questions.
NATIVE AMERICAN CONNECTION
The family of Dolores and Ray Kurtz is a wonderful Tapestry of cultures including, as mentioned in the last Spirit article, Navajo/Hopi. As they state. "There is so much beauty and love in the Natives of this beautiful country that none of us have really appreciated. Hollywood sort of ruined that image for all of us".
To continue with the story of Princess Blue Waters (from the Reservation we have been blessed to visit) as quoted from the magazine, Native Peoples, "Rose Nelson (Princess Blue Waters) led a delegation from Pine Ridge to Cheyenne, Wyoming where the tribe participated in the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days Celebration. The Oglala Lakota elders appointed her to the National Council of Indians, and in 1940 became the first woman to serve as a judge on a Native American tribal court, a high honor for anyone, but especially for a woman.
Marirose Morris remembers her grandmother, Princess Blue Waters, as being a bit straight-laced but taking joy in life and having a good sense of humor. She particularly recalls "Grandma's lark-like laugh" and the aroma of delicious banana cake that she baked for special occasions. Food plays an important role in traditional Native American culture and hospitality, which is a tradition Marirose, seeks to preserve. As an art specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council, one of her goals is to re-establish a folk arts program that would include food."
Dolores and Ray kindly sent us the copy of Native Peoples with her story, which includes a recipe for Lima Bean Soup:
1 Lb. (2 1/4 cups) dry lima beans
Salt and Black pepper to taste
1 or 2 large smoked ham hocks
6 pats of butter (optional)
1 onion, diced small
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 carrots, sliced or julienned
Wash and soak beans overnight in cold water to cover or do a 'quick soak' by bringing pot to a boil, removing from heat and soaking beans for 1 hour. Drain and cover the beans with 2" fresh water. Add ham hocks and vegetables to the pot, simmer and partially cover with a lid for 2 1/2-3 1/2 hour. When beans are tender, pull meat from the bones, dice and return it to the pot. Serve hot soup in bowls garnished with a pat of butter and sprinkling of green onions ---- with Fry Bread. Yum. Thanks to Dolores and Ray, Joy Martin, Alice Haznedl, Ann Legg, Janet Pearce, Ginger Robinson, Rod Russell, MJ Towne and Gloria Thorson.
IN AND AROUND RCLPC WITH BARB
I'm back! I want to thank you for all the nice things you did for me during my back surgery and recuperation time. I really am blessed to have so many wonderful, caring friends. I am feeling quite well and worked three half days last week. I was very tired, but felt stronger every day.
I thank you too for telling me you missed my article. Now, get me some news!
* I had a wonderful phone call from MARY GUBITZ this last week. She says they miss us very much but that they wouldn't want to leave Florida. Can you imagine, they like the warmth of the sun better than our weather? They have found a nice church where they are becoming very involved. The kids are in all kinds of sports and dance activities. ALLISON asked me to say "hi" to all of her friends and to tell you she really misses you. (She might be willing to come back :- )
* I also had a nice call from HAZEL DUNN. She and ERNIE are back home and were shoveling out the snow. Their son, RICK, bought a house near them, but they have not been able to get in and check for any snow damage as RICK lives up on a little hill. They will be coming back to Illinois real soon, I'm sure, as they cannot stand to be away from the three grandchildren as they grow up too fast. We are always glad to welcome them back.
* Did you see the picture in the NEIGHBORS section of the Herald last Saturday? It was a picture taken of some of our members making Valentine cards for the servicemen. It had EDITH PIERSON, NORMA and RICK THOMPSON, JUDY HUMPHRIS and her daughter GRACIE, KARL DENCKER and BILL PARKER and his daughter REBECCA. The article told about R.C.L.P.C. sending boxes to our friends and family in the service. This box was sent for Valentines. Thank you so much MARY MOLTMANN.
* I just got off the phone with GLORIA THORSON. She had quite a hectic, but exciting, January. It began with sadness as her younger brother, BILL VANCE, passed away on the 10th. GLORIA went to Texas for his funeral on Wed. and then had to leave for Belize for a wedding on Sat. Her grandson, RANDALL THORSON, married TALISYN FLAGG on the 15th of Jan. They now reside in St. Paul, Minn. Gloria had a great time hiking through the jungle and visiting some Mayan ruins. She was joined by 38 family and friends. We are glad to have her back home with us. Now it is time to say goodbye and to ask you to please get me some news so we can keep this article going.
"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do." Mother Teresa. Let's put on a big smile and share it with all around us. I am, Barb Turley