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The SPIRIT of Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church  May 10, 2006
Click here to see the May calendar.

A LONG, LAZY SUMMER?

There are rumors of summer in the air. It may be a little early, but proms are underway, finals and graduations loom on the horizon, and high school seniors are already gone (at least in their minds). The weather is turning. Calendars are becoming less cluttered (at least theoretically). There is the promise that, soon, things will slow down a bit and we can all take a few deep summer breaths.

But as we are preparing for a long, lazy summer, things are heating up here at RCLPC. We are experiencing a number of transitions. Ann Legg is retiring after 27 years as our accompanist. Sheila Mohler has been leading Jubilation since its inception and is now stepping down. Ken Stewart, NewWay’s music coordinator for the past three years, is leaving to spend more time with his family. Of course we look forward to Ann, Sheila, and Ken continuing to participate deeply in the life of RCLPC, but we will feel their absence from these positions.

In addition to this, NewWay is taking a bold step forward, moving worship from Sunday mornings to Saturday evenings. This will impact our Sunday morning (traditional) worship schedule as well. It will also make it all the more important for us to develop fellowship and education opportunities that are not exclusively tied to Sunday mornings.

And if these transitions weren’t enough: the Building Task Force continues to meet, reviewing survey results, collecting data, weighing options. The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee is also busily at work, reviewing Personal Information Forms and following up with candidates.

So…our summer may not be as long and lazy as we might like! But this is the price we pay for being a growing, creative, risk-taking congregation. One of the things that came out of the Congregational Life Survey we did in January was that this congregation likes to try new things. We’re putting that to the test!

It’s not easy living through transitions. It can feel disorienting. Sometimes we have to let go of things that are important to us. But the simple truth is: growth means change. The only way to stop changing is to stop growing. And when you stop growing you stop living. May we continue to be a living congregation, even if that means we have to give up our long, lazy summers.

Richard

RCLPC RUMMAGE SALE - Saturday, May 20th from 9am to 3pm

Don't forget…. we also have a big week leading up to the sale. Remember, you can drop off your items from Monday, May 15th through noon on Friday, May 19th. Sign up is in the Connecting Link to help on either the day of the sale or anytime during the week leading up to the sale. We also need volunteers to deliver large items to the church for people who are unable to deliver them by themselves. All proceeds will go toward the senior high mission trip to Egypt. Thank you for your support.

If you're not sure about what to donate, we would like any usable items that are in good condition, except for a few things. Please DO NOT bring in computers or accessories, or anything that is living or moving, food, mattresses, or undergarments. If you are bringing in toys, games or puzzles, please make sure all pieces are there and boxes are sealed or parts are taped to the main piece. Please make sure anything mechanical is in good working order, and clothes are free of stains and tears. We would appreciate it if all items that are brought in are clean.

There are a few items that we could use to help with the sale. We need one cash drawer, or something similar for holding money. We may also need some bags, specifically, brown paper bags for our last hour of the sale when all items will be $2.00 a bag. If you have any of these items, or have any questions, please call Tina Stipati.

A SPRING CLEAN-UP is planned for our church on
Saturday, May 13, from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM!

A variety of fun and exciting maintenance opportunities are available; these are part-time positions with possibility for consideration for full-time positions based on performance and merit. Please consider helping out, as this beautiful old church does not run itself and many hands make light work. Great fun for families too! Lunch will be served which is always very tasty!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR…

Chili Luncheon on MAY 21st at 12:30pm in Fellowship Hall

Food Pantry Building Fundraiser The cost of the lunch is $6.

Should you be able to assist, please call Nancy Vazzano.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Leading the NewWay music ministry for the past few years has been a great joy for me, and I want to thank RCLPC for giving me this opportunity to serve. I especially want to thank all the wonderful musicians, who make this ministry so rich and vibrant, and Sheila for her overall leadership of the NewWay service.

It has been a difficult decision, but after much thought and prayer I’ve decided to resign my position as the New Way music coordinator. The main reason why I’ve come to this decision is that being responsible for organizing the NewWay band every weekend in addition to my full time job during the week has left me without enough time for family, vacations, and simple down time to rest and recover. In addition the responsibilities and travel requirements for my “day job” have increased. I do want to continue to serve our church’s ministry as a musician. It’s just that I need a break from having to play every week.

Sherri Dees has graciously offered to fill in as NewWay music coordinator over the summer. My last week as the coordinator will be Sunday May 28th. I hope that we will all take this opportunity to prayerfully consider and discern God’s will for us, and where we should go with the NewWay ministry. I believe that this ministry fills an important need, and I do want it to continue and become even more successful in the future.

Once again thanks for the opportunity to serve God and our church community in this exciting ministry.

Ken Stewart

Building & Grounds Corner: WOODS

Whose property is that wooded area by the church parking lot?


Why that is our woods, it belongs to RCLPC and you are invited to use it at any time. Janet Holub is our “woods” person, she can tell you all about the plants we have back there, the trails we maintain for a walk in the woods and the secret raspberry patch. Children are invited to explore for Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! The scouts have helped maintain the woods and built a fire pit for campfires. Our thanks to Janet for overseeing this wonderful resource.

PICTURE THIS…

A living tapestry of friends and members of our church family all along the wall outside the lounge/library. Our church is growing and we would like to create a living tapestry with everyone’s picture and names included. The tapestry will grow with us as we add more pictures to the wall. To create the living tapestry we need your help. Please send or bring in a recent snapshot or photo (any size up to a 4 x 6) to the office with the names of people in the photo and a phone number written on the backside. You can drop your picture in the black box on top of the bookshelf in the office. We can then add your photo (family or individual pictures) to our tapestry. Please call the church office to find out more at 815-459-1132.

DON'T LET YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE BE LEFT OUT...

Favorite recipes are needed for our RCLPC Family and Friends Cookbook. You may pick up the Recipe Collection Sheets in a bright orange box in the Connecting Link. Please complete the sheets and place in the “Cookie Walk” mailbox outside the office. Any profits will go to the Cookie Walk Missions Fund. Questions, please call Nancy Blakely. Deadline to contribute to the cookbook is July 1st.

Vacation Bible School CREATIVE WORK NIGHTS

No more "Yipeeeees"or "Howdeeeee pwartners" to speak of… This time, close your eyes and think of digging in the sand... dodging some big boulders, the thrill of the search for buried treasures! Whoa! I can hardly contain myself! RCLPC will begin its transformation yet again for another amazing Vacation Bible School the last week of June! As a part of the preparation, we are "hosting" a series of creative work nights again this year in the preschool room from 7 pm until about 9 pm for 5 Wednesdays in a row: May 24th, 31st and June 7th, 14th, and 21st! These five evenings are a great way to relax, chat with old and new friends, color, cut, paste, paint, tape, and more! All supplies and a fun "To Do" list will be provided...just bring the most important thing of all....YOU! Thank you in advance! Any questions please call Debi Keyzer or email her. For now, back to digging…

THANKS TO ALL Who Donated Blood

Thank you so much to everyone who donated blood (or tried to donate) at the blood drive. We collected 21 pints of blood. Thanks again for your support! ~ Melissa Zoerner

SINGLES GROUP ANYONE??

I am interested in getting a singles group started here at RCLPC to meet and greet others. Anyone interested in helping to organize events for singles, please call. Thank you for your consideration, Lyndette Bourne

SHARE YOUR MUSICAL TALENTS During Summer Worship

Sunday, 9:00 am OR Saturday, 5:00 pm NewWay

All ages, vocal and instrumental, are welcome.

Sign up sheets are located on the bulletin board next to the music room. Contact Sherri Dees.

NATIVE AMERICAN CONNECTION

As some of you know, Dawn Condill, Ann Legg, Joy Martin and Gloria Thorson have just returned from visiting Rosebud and Pine Ridge reservations in South Dakota.

This was Dawn’s first trip and she would like to share her reflections with you. “My first trip to the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations was POWERFUL. First we were immersed in the present day reality of Lakota Sioux life – poverty. Then we were allowed to listen and learn about the traditional Lakota culture from loving, strong leaders. These remarkable people are meshing their traditional Lakota spirituality with Christian beliefs, bringing hope to people who have been suffering for generations. This was a humbling experience. I am forever grateful to those who shared their lives with us.”

Joy completed her fifth trip and echoes Dawn’s comments. She adds, “Every trip has its own unique qualities through new acquaintances and information shared by Native American leaders. The wisdom conveyed through this mission-in-reverse program is indeed illuminating and life changing. I feel enriched and blessed as each stone is added to this bridge of friendship and understanding.”

Ann and Gloria, having made two trips, will add their thoughts in the next Spirit. Joy Martin, Dawn Condill, Alice Haznedl, Ann Legg, Janet Pearce, Rod Russell, Gloria Thorson.

JOY MARTIN wins 2006 “Sparrow Award”

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Home of the Sparrow shelter program and this year’s “Sparrow Award” was presented to Joy Martin as one of the outstanding contributors to Home of the Sparrow’s efforts. Joy has worked with Home of the Sparrow since it’s beginning and was recognized for her many years of commitment and dedication. Congratulations Joy! ~ Kim Stewart

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Trinity International University is a liberal arts college with a campus in Deerfield, Illinois affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. Steve Geggie (a recent new member here at RCLPC) works as Trinity’s Chief Information Officer and can make 50% tuition scholarships available for anyone interested in an advanced theological degree. If you are interested, you may contact the church office or Steve directly.

NEW SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Our traditional summer worship schedule begins on Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 9am and will continue through Labor Day weekend.

Beginning SATURDAY, June 10, 2006 and continuing through the 2006/2007 worship year, the NewWay worship gatherings will be held on Saturday evenings at 5pm.

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