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March 11, 2009
The Spirit
of Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
Building Committee Hires Architect
As previously communicated in the Spirit, the Building Committee has spent the past few months interviewing architects to develop formal plans for expanding our church facilities.
Now, as announced in worship on March 1, the committee is pleased to report that we have retained the services of David F. Schultz Associates. Based in Barrington, the Schultz firm specializes in the design of churches, preschools, parochial schools and other facilities for church-based ministries. Since its founding in 1986, the firm has designed dozens of churches, church expansions and church renovations throughout the region, including work for numerous Presbyterian congregations.
David Schultz and his team provide vast experience in the special nature of church construction projects, including the need to involve all interested members of the congregation, the need for plans that can be readily adapted based on a congregation’s financial resources, and, as in our case, the need to maintain the historic integrity of the structure. The Schultz firm is also well versed in and committed to environmentally responsible and sustainable design principles, including energy conservation and minimizing impact on natural resources. This expertise will be an asset to the Building Committee as we seek to be good stewards of all God’s gifts. For examples of the firm’s work, we invite you to look on-line at www.dfsal.com.
The starting point for the architect’s plans will be the preliminary design approved by the congregation last fall. Mr. Schultz will help guide the Building Committee through the formal design process, which will involve seeking extensive input from the congregation. We expect that this process will take several months to complete. Once formal plans have been created, and a capital campaign has been conducted to determine the level of financial support, another congregational meeting will be called to seek approval to proceed to the construction phase.
If you have questions or suggestions about the design process, please speak with a Building Committee member. Thank you.
– The Building Committee: Chairperson Wayne Prindiville, David Dees, Al Esche, Kristi Geggie, Stan Sumner
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News from the Deacon’s Welcoming Team
Our updated church directory was recently sent to you from the office. It is as up to date as possible except for one thing – it’s missing YOUR picture. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could match a person or family’s name with faces? Our last pictorial directory was done a few years ago and quite a few new members have joined since then.
The Welcoming Team of the Deacons thinks that it is time to re-do the pictorial directory. Kim has the information and the format that we need. All we have to do is get a picture of each member and their family and we can get the directory put together. Once pictures have been added, the directory will be re-sent for you to download to your computer and use to your heart’s content, or not, as you wish. It will not be part of the church’s website or linked to an off-site server so concerns about privacy should be alleviated. As new members are added, we will update the directory and the new version will be sent to you by e-mail.
In the next few weeks the Welcoming Team will be available to address questions you might have regarding the directory. We have discussed the idea of informal pictures being taken at church. We’d be interested in your feedback. Please feel free to call or e-mail any of the members of the Welcoming Team – Dave Steele, Dorothy Vick, Laurie Pohl, David Palmer or Jean Joslyn. And, of course, we can be found at church as well.
A Word From Your Interim Pastor...
Your 2008 Dollars to Blackhawk Presbytery
Dollars Working in Ministry and Mission
Being Missional on the Ground; what does it mean? Being missional means an outward focus, a focus on participating in God’s work in engaging the world. This is different than just doing mission work where “mission” is only one of a number of items in the budget.
Our mission dollars to Blackhawk Presbytery support the shared ministry and mission with the congregations. The funds go to expenses that train, equip, empower and send the members out into the world to “be” mission. Each member congregation chooses the dollar amount it wishes to contribute to the mission budget.
The multitude of ways mission dollars are put to work is more than I have space for in the Spirit. But here are just a few:
- Providing competent pastoral leadership. Your PNC is using the resources of the Committee on Ministry in the search for a new pastor.
- Resourcing to energize ministry
- In the fall Dr. Kenneth Bailey, noted biblical scholar, led a pre-presbytery event.
- Learning opportunities for clergy and lay leaders are presented at each presbytery meeting.
- Congregational and partnership mission dollars have gone to Westminster Church in DeKalb to support the campus ministry, important particularly in 2008 at the time of the shootings; the ongoing Kenya partnership trains clergy and deacons in Imenti; Rockford
Third has developed a low power 24/7 radio station with mission grants; and the MSRB sponsored a presbytery-wide mission trip to New Orleans.
- Peacemaking dollars were used to support Joy Gaska’s trip to South Africa and Malwai to study HIV/AIDS issues; a camp experience for homeless children was introduced at Stronghold; members of First and Third Presbyterian Churches in Rockford were given a grant toward a trip to Ghana.
- The presbytery, as well as the Synod of Lincoln Trails and the General Assembly, provided continued support for the development of a Latino Ministry in Marengo; a Redevelopment program for the congregation in New Lenox also receives support.
- New support for a multi-site church development feasibility study in the Rockton/Roscoe area was partnered by the presbytery, synod, and Westminster Church in Rockford.
- Developing networks and partnerships of Presbyterians
- The Pro-Life network was recognized for a total of 8.
- Development of a Domestic Violence Awareness Network is in process.
- Stronghold ministry and mission
- Christian faith formation is supported through the summer camps and Confirmation Retreats
- Outdoor learning experiences are provided with religious and secular programs.
- The retreat center is available to congregations for sessions, women’s and men’s programs; trained leaders are provided for youth and adult groups on the ropes and challenge courses.
- Training for church leaders like the recent Magnetic Church workshop are held at Stronghold.
That’s quite a list, isn’t it? It shows us what can happen in the world when we commit to being missional together.
Pastor Jan
Home of the Sparrow Easter Basket Donations
Spring is just around the corner...or so we hope!! It is time for our church-wide mission project of collecting donations for Easter Baskets for families at Home of the Sparrow. The Sunday school classes will be helping to put the baskets together and fill eggs on Palm Sunday, so donations are needed by Sunday, March 29.
The following items will be needed for the baskets: plastic eggs, candy, snacks (no nuts please), small toys, books, small stuffed animals, card games, etc. There are presently 15 moms that we are asking $10.00 gift cards for or donations so that we may purchase additional cards. In addition to gift cards, the moms could use lotions, bath gels, etc. We do not need baskets or grass as there are enough from last year. There are 22 children and their ages are as follows: 3 children under 1 year (all girls); 4 children ages 1-3 (all girls), 8 children ages 5-10 (5 girls, 3 boys), 6 children ages 11-14 (5 boys, 1 girl). In addition, there is one 13 year old boy with severe disabilities who is the size of a 3 year old, so he could use socks, loungewear, size 3 or 4, stuffed animals or soft blankets.
Thank you so much for your consideration in helping with this very important mission project. Donations can be dropped off in the box across from the office. Any questions, please feel free to contact either of us.
Karen Nelson or Patti Hill
Offering of Letters
Next month we will have an opportunity to write our members of Congress on behalf of hungry people worldwide. This year’s effort focuses on making foreign assistance more effective in order to reach more people.
The World Has Changed + We Can Effect Change = End Poverty and Hunger—Reform Foreign Aid!
The world has changed...
The Foreign Assistance Act was created in 1961 and has not seen significant change since. In 1961:
• 1st class stamps cost $.04.
• Gas was $.27 a gallon.
• The Cold War largely determined our foreign policy.
U.S. foreign aid is greatly weakened by inefficiencies and lack of direction. We could be doing more for hungry people with what we have already committed as a nation.
We can effect change...
Since 2000, the US has more than doubled foreign assistance.
150 million: The number of additional people worldwide who have been pushed into poverty because of both the food crisis and the economic downturn, according to the World Bank.
To learn more, visit http://www.bread.org/learn/background-papers/2009/jan-09-background-paper.pdf.
End poverty and hunger—Reform Foreign Aid.
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Baker’s Dozen Giving Plan
Baker’s Dozen is a way to give 13 monthly offerings in a 12 month period. If you give a monthly offering every 4 weeks, at the end of one year, you will have given 13 offerings. If you would like to participate; Mar 22nd is the 3rd “Baker’s Dozen” offering of the calendar year. We will place this icon on the church calendar as a reminder of the “Baker’s Dozen” giving days.
2009 Presbytery-wide
Mission Trip
The group will be working with Presbyterian Community Outreach (PCO) in Slidell, LA, currently working to rebuild the New Orleans area. PCO accepts and houses volunteer groups free of charge to do home repair to low income families, elderly persons and disabled individuals affected by hurricane Katrina. PCO provides housing, tools, materials, and instruction. We plan to leave on Saturday, April 25, and return Sunday, May 3, working in the New Orleans area Monday through Friday of that week. If you are interested and/or have questions about what to expect, ask MJ Towne or Dick and Cheryl Brinks or Pastor Jan. They have all experienced working at this location. Also check web site www.pcoslidell.org. for more information. Interest and questions – please see Bill Pittenger
Shepherd’s Fold Preschool Accepting Applications
Attention parents of children ages 3-6! Shepherd’s Fold Preschool is now accepting enrollment applications for the 2009-2010 school year. Shepherd’s Fold preschool meets right here at RCLPC. Contact Cynthia Maron if you are interested.
Illinois Migrant Council Special Request
Our friend and Executive Director, Pedro Enriquez, has sent
us a request from the Illinois Migrant Council. "At the moment we have 25 ESL students who attend classes Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 12:30pm and we provide them with a 15 to 20 minute break. During this break we try to provide them with hot chocolate, coffee and cookies but with such an amount of students and no line item in the budget for such things, it has become very expensive for the instructor and myself to take care of that expense. If your congregation can help with that need, we would greatly appreciate it." Please contact Joy Martin if interested in helping out.
Cookie Lift Update
Justin Roach (son of Cindee and Mike Robinson) came home this week - this completes his last tour! Thanks to everyone who came to Fellowship Hall to make a St. Patrick's Day Banner that came to 49 feet 10 inches! Care packages were just mailed to RCLPC's troops: Joshua Fidder (Cindee Robinson's nephew) in Iraq, Andy Fowles (with the Woodstock National Guard) in Afghanistan, Nathaniel Lieb (son and brother of friends of Cary Woodruff and Mary Moltmann) in Iraq, Amy McCall (sister of Steve Dayon) in Afghanistan, Ryan Schack (friend of Kimmie Seleen) in Iraq, and Matt Trummel (son of Betty and Chris Trummel) in Afghanistan. Please keep them and all of our troops in your prayers. - Mary Moltmann and Ed Bennett
P.S. There is still time to donate Girl Scout Cookies to be sent to RCLPC's troops.
Help Send Our Troops on an Easter Egg Hunt!
Come to Fellowship Hall from 10:00 - 11:00am this Sunday, March 15, to stuff candy into plastic Easter Eggs and to write greetings on a blow-up bunnies. If you can donate plastic fillable eggs or small candy, please contact us. We will need a lot of eggs and candy for RCLPC's troops: Matt Trummel in Afghanistan, Ryan Schack in Afghanistan, Joshua Fidder in Iraq, Amy McCall in Afghanistan, Justin Roach in Quatar, and for the 56 soldiers with the Woodstock National Guard in Afghanistan. Thanks! Mary Moltmann and Ed Bennett
RCPLC Men can Cook!
Easter Breakfast is coming back after popular demand.
Be on the lookout for more details and keep April 12th, Easter Sunday open for Breakfast between services.
Local Mission Opportunity
Celebrate Earth Day 2009 at Stronghold
Saturday, Aprith 25th
9am - 3pm
All age groups can make a contribution!! Stronghold maintenance staff and other crew leaders will be on hand to facilitate all projects. Please bring along work gloves, rakes, and digging tools. Stronghold will provide a hot lunch, snacks, and drinking water. |
Lent: Newness and Covenant
During Lent we are focusing on newness and covenant. God keeps promises including the promise to do a new thing. We’ll explore that theme in worship through such stories as Noah, Abraham, the Ten Commandments, and the prophets lifting up voices of hope in the midst of despair. And of course, we’ll reflect on what the New Covenant established by Jesus means to us today. “Behold,” God says, “I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it? Even now it springs forth.” That’s a promise we can count on.
Third Sunday in Lent (March 15): “New Community” - Exodus 20:1-17; I Corinthians 1:18-25
Holy Foolishness - an image of God’s grace. Moses receives the community-forming words of the Lord. In Corinth, the church has gone into a meltdown. We think about what it means to be a community transformed by knowing God. (JK)
Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 22): “New Chances” - Numbers 21.4-9
This Sunday we hear a strange story, not part of our usual church experience, and contemplate together what it means to have a second (or third or fourth or hundredth) chance at life together with God and with the community of God’s people. (TCP)
Fifth Sunday in Lent (March 29): “New Heart” - Jeremiah 31: 31-34; John 12: 20-33
God’s amazing desire for us – an image of God’s grace. “The days are surely coming…” Jeremiah announces. “The hour has come...” announces John. (JK)
Palm Sunday (April 5): “New King” - Mark 11.1-11
“Jesus enters Jerusalem as a King... but what kind of king is this, who rides not a warhorse but a donkey’s colt? What kind of king is surrounded not by an army but by singing children? This is not your usual parade, not your usual power, not your usual king... (TCP)
Lenten Study Opportunities
6:45 – 7:45pm, in Fellowship Hall, Wednesdays March 18, April 1 and 8:
Chocolate for Lent continues!
Lent isn’t just about self-denial, nor is it about short-term changes that don’t impact our lives after Easter...and it’s certainly not about just giving up chocolate! Lent is a season for growth and exploration, about preparation for a major change—to the post-resurrection life. Join us Wednesday evenings during Lent at 6.45-7.45 in the Fellowship Hall to indulge in a new class that explores our life of faith during Lent. We will use the book Chocolate for Lent and the movie Chocolat to contemplate together life, faith, community, indulgence and self-denial, spiritual growth, and spiritual disciplines. Each week will include viewing some clips of the movie, discussion, and of course some sampling of chocolate! Class continues to meet Wednesdays March 18, April 1 and 8. (no class March 25) Copies of the book will be available in the church office for $10. (feel free to eat dinner during class if that’s the time you arrive—we have food!) If you plan to participate in the class, it is recommended (though not required) to view the entire film.
Sunday morning Lenten Study opportunities continue...
9:30am, in the Lounge, Sundays March 15-April 5:
A Clearing Season, by Sarah Parsons, is a personal journey into our own wilderness and what beasts there are in our lives: the obstructions and chaos that interfere with our relationship with God, followed by guidance and reflection on how to welcome God into our busy lives. This class will be based on discussion of our spiritual journey mixed with discussion of the book, and will be facilitated by Kathy Rabe. Books will be available at the first class or in the church office for $10.
11:00am, in the Lounge, Sundays March 15-March 29:
Reading the Gospel according to John. John’s gospel is full of poetry, teaching, stories, praying—it contains some of our favorite scripture passages. This class will focus on daily reading—participants commit to read one chapter each day, and then to come together on Sunday morning to discuss what we’ve read. All you need is a Bible and a willing heart to enter this Lenten journey. Facilitated by Jim Condill and Laura Gilmore.
Holy Week Schedule
Tuesday Taizé (April 7) - 7:30pm in the Sanctuary
Join us as we pray for peace in word, song, and silence, during this Holy Week.
Wednesday WEAVE (April 8) - 6:45-7:45pm —at the Crossing (in the fellowship hall)
We will explore Holy Week and its place in our spiritual lives.
Maundy Thursday Seder (April 9) - 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall - Exodus 12; Luke 22
We will celebrate the Festival of Passover, and remember that it was this festival party that was Jesus’ last meal with his friends before his death.
Good Friday (April 10) - 7pm in the Sanctuary: “New Hope” - Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25
On the darkest of nights – an image of grace. What is good about this day? On Good Friday, a night of silence and great despair, we wait long hours, confident of God’s saving grace.
Easter Sunday (April 12) services: 8, 9 (alt), 10:15, 11:15am - “New Life!!!” – Mark 16:1-8
From death, life – an image of grace. Alleluia, shouts of joy - Resurrection! We laugh and sing and celebrate. Easter breakfast served all morning in fellowship hall.
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