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The SPIRIT of Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church                   June 22, 2005
Click here to see the June calendar or the July calendar.
and the Worship Teams Schedule.




CALLINGS

I have been thinking a lot about God’s call lately, and the challenge to follow that call wherever it might lead us. We believe that everyone is called by God, that we are all partners in God’s mission to fill the world with grace and peace. I found some quotes that make the point better than I can:

Christ has no body now on earth but yours; yours are the only hands with which he can do his work, yours are the only feet with which he can go around the world, yours are the only eyes through which his compassion can shine forth upon a troubled world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours. –Teresa of Avila

Each of us is a completely unique creature, and if we are ever to give any gift to the world, it will have to come out of our own experience and fulfillment of our own potentialities, not someone else’s. –Joseph Campbell

Did you think that the universe went to twenty billions years of work to create you if there was not a particular function that you—and only you—could do? –Brian Swimme

In this life-long conversation with God we continue to hear the hints and rumors of who we might become, of what we are to do. –James & Evelyn Whitehead

The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. –Frederick Buechner

I challenge you to reflect anew upon your calling. Who has God created you to be? What has God created you to do? It’s never too late to listen again for the still, small voice whispering in the night, reminding you to be true to your deepest identity as a child of God. No one knows exactly what shape that will take in your life—our callings are as diverse and unique as our fingerprints. But if you can find that place where your “deep gladness” and the world’s “deep hunger” meet, you will find your calling.

I also challenge you to reflect anew upon our calling as a congregation. What new chapter is God writing in our life together? Where is God leading us? How can we be co-creators with God, sharing God’s dream for the world and helping to make it a reality? How can we use whatever gifts we’ve been given to make a difference in people’s lives and in the life of our community?

Being a part of what God’s up to in the world: not only is that our calling; it’s also our joy.

~ Richard

TAIZÉ WORSHIP

July 7th
7 pm
in the sanctuary

Come ... feel peace ...
be transformed

OFFICE SCHEUDLE

Just a reminder that all articles and information for Sunday bulletins and announcements need to be in the office by Noon on Wednesdays.

The next Spirit will be sent out July 20th. Articles will be due by NOON July 15th.

The office will be CLOSED on Monday July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

WET PAINT

You’ll soon be seeing new paint in our Sanctuary. Plans are underway to begin sprucing up our worship space and we are looking for your input. There will be a meeting on Monday, June 27th, at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary to finalize our painting plans. We will be discussing what will be painted and choosing colors. If you would like to contribute to this conversation, please join us on Monday night with your ideas. If you can’t make it to the meeting, but have some ideas, please call Dale Prindiville.



We're celebrating summer and the end of Vacation Bible School with a picnic. It will be held on Saturday, July 23rd at noon. We're planning games for all ages including, horse shoes and sack races. You'll get a sneak peek at the special singing performance by the children in Vacation Bible School, as they rehearse for Sunday's church service. We'll supply the hot dogs, burgers, brats, and drinks. You just need to bring a side dish or dessert and a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Come on out and relax and have some fun! Watch the Sunday bulletins for more information and check the Connecting Link for a sign up sheet.

UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP

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 July 9th at 9 am. Join us! Questions? contact Karl Dencker.

FAMILY MINI-GOLF OUTING

We are planning a family mini-golf outing on Tuesday, July 12th at 7:00 pm. It will be at Crystal Highlands golf on Ackman Road just west of Swanson Road in Crystal Lake. The cost is $3.00 per person. Sign up in the Connecting Link. This isn't just for families. If you're a couple, or single and you like mini-golf, please sign up and come along. Any questions, call Tina Stipati.

FOLK FEST IN HARVARD

The Folk Fest at First Presbyterian Church in Harvard returns this year on August 28th from Noon till Sundown (Rain or Shine). Bring your lawn chair or blanket for an afternoon of great music and food. Admission is $5.00, students and seniors $3.00. See the flyer in the Connecting Link for more details or contact Greg Amelianovich at 815-569-2539.

TUESDAYS AT BORDERS

Great discussion, delicious coffee and good friends—all can be found at “Tuesdays at Borders”.

We are discussing the book called "The Red Tent" by . Come join us on Tuesday mornings in the Borders Café in Crystal Lake from 10:15 am to Noon for a lively soul-filling discussion. Share your story over a great cup of coffee or tea. See you next Tuesday! Questions? Contact Sheila Mohler or Kim Stewart.

2005 GRADUATES

Andrea Bauman, daughter of Jim and Laura Bauman, graduated from Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge High School and plans to major in Elementary Education.

Elizabeth Dalton, daughter of Amy and Steve Connell, graduated from Crystal Lake Central High School and will attend DePaul University in the Fall.

Patrick Douglas, son of Donna Douglas and grandson of Alan Swanson, graduated from Woodstock High School. He will attend Harper College in the Fall and plans to participate on the wrestling team. He is planning to study education at the high school level.

Katie Ehlenburg, daughter of Steve and Debbie Ehlenburg and granddaughter of Alan Swanson, graduated from Woodstock High School. She will attend McHenry County College in the Fall and play softball. She plans to transfer to Northern Illinois University and major in Education.

Matt Hjerpe, Joan Black’s grandson, graduated from Crystal Lake South High School.

Katie Lopuszynski, daughter of Frank and Cynthia Lopuszynski, graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Sociology. She is deciding whether to work or continue with Graduate School.

Meghan Mohler, daughter of Jeff and Sheila Mohler, graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Landscape Architecture. She is currently looking for work in the Chicago area with a landscape architect.

Emily Pohl, daughter of Rick and Laurie Pohl, graduated from Crystal Lake South High School and will be attending NIU in the fall.

Maggie Rabe, daughter of Louis and Kathy Rabe, graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a major in advertising and a minor in Spanish.  She has a job as marketing coordinator for Junction Solutions in Lincolnshire.

Kyle Sounhein, son of Allen & Sally Sounhein, graduated cum laude from Drake University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in sociology and a Bachelor of Arts in Law, Politics, and Society. He plans to attend Drake University Law School in the Fall.

Derek Stipati, son of Dennis and Tina Stipati, graduated from Crystal Lake South High School and will attend McHenry County College for a year and transfer to Northern Ilinois University to study music and theater.

Stephanie Swanson, daughter of Don and Sue Swanson and granddaughter of Alan Swanson, graduated from Woodstock High School. She will attend the University of Illinois and plans to major in Agriculture Communications and Education. She plans on becoming a teacher.

Frederick V. Thompson, son of Rick and Lori Thompson, graduated from Crystal Lake Central High School and will attend Iowa State University and major in engineering.

Sara Walters, daughter of Tom and Sue Walters, graduated from Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge High School and plans to attend Luther College in the Fall and play soccer.

Breanna Webb, daughter of Matt and Diane Webb, graduated from Crystal Lake South High School and will attend Monmouth College in the Fall.

LOOKING FOR AN AUGUST ACTIVITY FOR YOUR INFANT/PRESCHOOLER?

CHILDREN’S MUSIC CLASS EVERY FRIDAY IN AUGUST, 11:00-11:45 am

Emily Floyd will be offering a music class for infants through kindergarteners every Friday morning in August 11:00-11:45.  A parent, grandparent, or caregiver must stay and participate with their child during the class.  If you have a child within the age requirements who has older siblings, the older sibling(s) may attend class as long as they participate.  This class is offered to RCLPCers and potential RCLPCers (friends/neighbors).  A practice cd will be given to you to take home. 

In music class we will:
  • tap steady beats
  • explore ways to use our singing voices
  • express rhythms with sticks, drums, and bells
  • demonstrate dynamics (softs and louds)
  • dance to the music
  • snuggle in our parent's arms during lullaby time
  • enjoy music
Both parents and children will leave at the end of each class having felt the joy of music.  This class is based on the Kindermusik curriculum, which is an excellent music education program for infants-preschoolers. Please RSVP by July 25th to the RCLPC office via email, office@rclpc.org or via phone, (815) 459-1132 to register for the class.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
SAVE THE DATE!

WHEN: July 18-22

WHERE: RCLPC

WHO: 3 year olds – 5th graders

THEME: Circle G Ranch

You can get registration forms by doing one of two things...

* You'll find a Circle "G" Ranch basket located in the Connecting Link complete with the form, envelope, etc. Just fill out and leave it in the basket... don't forget to include your payment. The cost is $15 each for the first 2 children and $7.50 for each add'l child. (Scholarships are available... contact the office for further info at 815-459-1132.

* OR click on the link below and download the form!!



Click here to view and print the VBS Registration form.
THANK YOUS

I want to send a BIG thank you to the women who volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels for me this week. They are: Laurie Dayon (first time by herself), Rita Gealow, Leanna Miller, Laurie Jensen, Kathy Rabe, Helga Chomor (a name that was given to me, but not a member of RCLPC), Dale Prindiville, Ann Legg (a first timer for me), Ellene Schmidt, Joan Jensema (a first timer), and Joanne March (another first timer).

I welcome the first timers, but I definitely could not do Meals on Wheels without the other faithful willing helpers.

I would like to ask if any of you reading this have any desire to take on another responsibility, one of helping others who are in need, and only has to be done one day every four months, to please drop me a note, a phone call, an e-mail, or….. I am in need of more people to call when it is our delivery time. I know you are all very busy, but this is really a wonderful way to serve God, and it doesn’t take more than a couple of hours. Please pray about this and then look me up.

With sincere thanks, Barb Turley

A special thank you to everyone who sent cards, flowers or came to my Dad’s funeral. You are all very special to me. It has been a long year and I wouldn’t have been able to make it without all of the kindness everyone here at RLCPC has given to me and my family. I am blessed to work with such wonderful people.

 Cindee Robinson

MISSIONS

CRYSTAL LAKE GALA PARADE

Please help support the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and bring non-perishable food or non-food items (toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.) to the Parade Route on Sunday July 3rd at 1:00 pm. Food Pantry volunteers will be pushing carts down the street during the parade to collect the donations.

Thank you for your support! Any questions how you can help, contact the Food Pantry at 815-455-0961 or Nancy Vazzano.

OPERATION PRAYERS AND COOKIE LIFT UPDATE

Great news!  Blake Curtis (cousin of Phil and Melanie Wesa) has returned to the U. S. from Iraq!  Our prayers and best wishes go to him and his family.

I just found out that one of my high school class mates is still in the National Guard, and his unit has been sent to Iraq.  Please come to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, July 10 to send him a greeting.  I will post a sign up in the Connecting Link if you would like to donate sunblock, lip balm, ice pops, sweetened kool-aid mix, current magazines like Time, Newsweek, People etc. 

If you have a loved one stationed in the Middle East, please contact me - Mary Moltmann

OUT OF THE DARKNESS OVERNIGHT SUICIDE PREVENTION MARCH IN CHICAGO

More than 30,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., and suicide is the third leading cause of death for young adults aged 15 to 24. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the only national not-for-profit organization that funds research and education programs to prevent suicide and assist family members after a suicide. They sponsor  the OUT OF THE DARKNESS OVERNIGHT march every summer in a major city to draw attention to the problem and to raise money for prevention and advocacy. This summer, Chicago will host the event on July 16 - 17, 2005.  If you would like to learn how you can participate (marchers must raise at least $1,000 in pledges), you can visit www.afsp.org.  If you cannot march and would like to make a donation, Dr. Vidak, psychiatrist with Horizon Behavioral Health is marching and accepting donations at Horizons, 970 S. McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake, IL.  60014.  If you would like more information, please contact me - Mary Moltmann

NATIVE AMERICAN CONNECTION

We have made two trips to the Trickster Gallery at 190 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, 847-301-2090 and invite you to share this opportunity with us. It is open Tue/Wed/Thu/Sat 11-6 p.m. and Fridays 11-8 p.m.

Those who have joined us have felt that it was a very worthwhile day, browsing the Art Gallery's artwork created by young Native Americans in the Chicagoland area.

One can feel the emotions the artists were experiencing as their creations came alive. The Narratives accompanying each exhibit are thought-provoking and explanatory in understanding Native American history, culture and spirituality. Watching movies on the American Indian Center, Inc. 50 Years of Pow Wows and Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew provided additional insight into the lives of our Indian brothers and sisters. Having an opportunity to just sit and listen to the Director, Dave Spencer (Choctaw/Navajo) was a special treat all by itself. In addition, one of the artists interpreted his art expression and growth process for us one week and on the other, two curators added their perspective to a Hand Drum presentation.

**UPCOMING EVENTS**

A workshop is planned for July 13th, 12-1:30 and 2-3:30 on creating Dreamcatchers for ages 12-18. Reservations are needed as capacity is 20 per session.
A Film and Video Series is ongoing with a variety of offerings each month. Four different Gallery Tours are also available, including a School Tour program that makes us wish we were back in school.
Curator talks on "Dance Styles" - July 29th,
"Let's Powwow" - August 26th, and
Artist talks on July 9th -
"I is for Indian" and "The Lowbrow Native American Art of Chris Pappan" as well as July 16th & August 13th on "Nobody Ever Sees Indians".
July 30th highlights "The Face of the Indian:The Creation and Recreation of an Image".

Joy Martin, Alice Haznedl, Ann Legg, Janet Pearce, Ginger Robinson, Rod Russell, MJ Towne, Gloria Thorson

IN and AROUND RCLPC
with BARB

A pleasant good day to you all. I have many little things to share with you today. Thank you to those of you who passed on some news to me. I can’t do this without you.

* On June 2nd Bernotas Middle School in Crystal Lake held a Band Banquet. Jon Freund (son of Jill, brother of Megan, Caroline and Shauna, and grandson of Cy and Joyce Zank) was given five certificates and received two top awards. One of the awards was for Outstanding Seventh Grader in the Concert Band and the second award was a National Award given to the Top 1st Year Jazz Band Member. This is a Woody Herman Jazz Award. Jon plays the Tenor saxophone. WOW! What a wonderful accomplishment Jon. We are very proud of you!

* Tara Ekstrom (daughter of Paula and Lee) is engaged. She will be marrying Jon Shinnick and they will make their home in Parker, Colorado. Jon and Tara are both pilots for Sky West Airlines. Congratulations to all!

* I finally figured out why Mary Moltmann is always taking photos. It is because her picture is always in the paper and she likes publicity. Yep--You guessed it. Her picture was in Saturday’s Northwest Herald. Look for it on the bulletin board in the Connecting Link. Seriously, Mary, we love seeing you in the papers and we love having you take our photos for the paper. Keep smiling and shooting!

* I received a wonderful phone call last week from Mary Gubitz. Mary, Al, and all the little Gubitz’s (Allison, Amy, Al) will be visiting us in Crystal Lake from June 30th through July the 11th. Big Al will be leaving July 4th but the others will be staying at The Country Inn and Suites in Crystal Lake. They will be going to Michigan first to visit with Al’s family and then they will come to us. It will be so much fun having them with us again and maybe we can have some meals together. I am so excited and I know you will be, too.

“Where your friends are there your riches are.” Titus Maccius Plautus

Thank you for spending this time with me. I am Barb Turley

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