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The SPIRIT of Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church  May 24, 2006
Click here to see the May calendar.

“THE SUMMER OF DAVID”

Starting June 17-18 and continuing throughout the summer, we’re going to explore the story of David. David is arguably the most important character in the Old Testament. He’s the most beloved king of Israel, a man after God’s own heart, and yet he has feet of clay. How does his story cast light on our stories? What does it teach us about God, the world, and our lives?

Here are the first three “chapters” of David’s story.

June 17-18
1 Samuel 15:34—16:13
David the shepherd boy is anointed king

June 24-25
1 Samuel 17:1-50
David and Goliath

July 1-2
2 Samuel 1:17-27
David laments for Saul and Jonathan

I hope you’ll join with us as we explore the story of David together.

-Richard

PARTY, PARTY, PARTY
for Ann Legg, Sheila Mohler, and Ken Stewart
on June 4th at 10:15 AM

Please come to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, June 4, 2006 from 10:15 – 11:15 AM to honor three members of RCLPC who are retiring from positions in which they have served the congregation so well. Ann Legg is retiring from her position of accompanist for 27 years! Sheila Mohler is retiring from the position of Director of Jubilation Choir, and Ken Stewart is retiring from the position of Music Director for the NewWay Service. Their gifts have blessed our worship experiences, so please join us as we thank them and wish them well.

OFFICE NOTES

Office Hours for the month of June: 9 am to Noon
Next Spirit will go out on June 21, 2006.

FROM SHEILA MOHLER, NewWay Director

Change is coming! After 6 years on Sunday morning NewWay worship is taking a bold step and moving to Saturday evenings starting June 10. After lots of prayerful consideration and thoughtful discussion the NewWay planning team decided to propose the move. We see this as a chance for NewWay worship to breathe and grow again, to better fulfill the call to reach out to the community, and to continue to be a creative non-traditional worship experience.

Seven years ago when a team began visioning for what would become NewWay we wrestled with lots of different days and times. While there was support for a Saturday evening worship gathering, the visioning team consensus was that our best course was to offer a non-traditional style worship experience on Sunday morning.

One and half years ago a worship times task force was brought together to discuss and investigate a better flow for the RCLPC worship life. A survey went out to the entire congregation and again there was support for a Saturday evening worship gathering. But the task force did not feel the time was right, so after lots of prayer and conversation they decided to go with three Sunday morning worship gatherings and a dedicated education time.

This brings us to the recent decision – the move to Saturday evening worship. The planning team believes the time is right for this change, and we are excited and eagerly looking for new and different ways to worship God. Time and space are no longer huge roadblocks to what we can do as worshippers. The Spirit is moving!

While this decision brings lots of new opportunities and opens new doors for fellowship, it also brings with it challenges and difficulties. We hope that as a community we will work through these difficulties with care and compassion.

Thank you to all who came to the question and answer time on May 14. Lots of people shared their comments and concerns. For those who were unable to attend, please feel free to contact me or any member of the planning team: Laurie Dayon, Sherri Dees, Cheryl Dutkiewicz, Richard Floyd, Sandy Quackenbush, and Melanie Wesa. We are eager to hear from you.

My new mantra is: “Give it a chance!” I hope that everyone at RCLPC will consider giving Saturday evening NewWay worship a chance.

I ask for your prayers. Thank you.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS (May)

*discussed the state of the church, including upcoming changes to the worship schedule, the way decisions are made, and the communication challenges we face

*agreed that elders need to be conduits of information to and from the session; need to structure "conversations with elders" to give people the opportunity to speak with elders; new link on webpage with elders' names and photos

*recognized that there used to be a deeper network of communication (especially people serving on committees); the move from committees to clusters did away with this network and we've never quite recovered; need to find ways to rebuild the network (without making everyone serve on a committee, and also recognizing the changing dynamics of communication as the congregation grows)

*approved summer communion schedule: June 4, July 1-2, August 5-6, September 2-3

*formed a Policy & Procedure Working Group to collate all the policies and procedures of the congregation into a single manual for revision and approval (Dale P. and Dan S.)

*formed a Visioning Processes Working Group to study possible visioning and strategic planning processes and propose a preferred process (Lori T., Jim P., Sally W.)

*David D. agreed to begin developing ways to communicate our new worship schedule to the community

*discussed (but have not yet scheduled) a picnic and congregational meeting (to elect a new class of deacons) in June or July (Phil W. agreed to coordinate the picnic)

*heard updates from the Building Task Force and the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (see updates in this Spirit)

ASSOCIATE PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee continues to meet to consider possible candidates for the position. So far, we have reviewed more than 80 personal information forms (PIFs), which come to us via two sources: system referrals from a computer match of candidate PIFs with our Church Information Form (CIF); and self-referrals from individuals who express an interest in our position. Based on these forms, the APNC has followed up with a handful of individuals. We’re at different stages with different candidates: requesting or reviewing additional information and sermon recordings, checking references, and doing initial telephone interviews. We continue to welcome your prayerful support.

BUILDING TASK FORCE UPDATE

The Building Task Force (BTF) continues its work. Survey results from about 100 individuals who participated in a series of open conversations with the BTF showed strong agreement that our congregation needs more space to expand its ministry and mission, and clear support for seeking to acquire adjacent farmland, one of the possible options presented. However, in the process of collecting more information with which to form a proposal to the congregation, we have encountered other challenges and obstacles that we are working to resolve.

We do not wish to be vague in our explanation of the situation, but trust that you appreciate the complex and delicate nature of discussions regarding property. As noted in previous communications, any property purchase first must be approved by the congregation and Blackhawk Presbytery, our denomination’s regional governing body. The BTF remains convinced that the congregation needs more space and is committed to exploring every option for making that possible. Please keep the BTF and its efforts in your prayers.

Have an interest in creating POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS for NewWay worship? We can use the help! Openings are available immediately, just call Sheila Mohler.

Immediate openings for SOUND BOARD TECHS!
Interested in helping the vocalists be heard over the exuberance of the NewWay band? Just call Sheila Mohler and learn more about this great opportunity.

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.

REGISTER NOW!

Registration information and forms for VBS – Adventure of the Treasure Seekers - can be found in the Connecting Link! You may also print out a registration form online. We are accepting registrations through June 16th. Invite friends and family as this is sure to be a fun filled week for the kids (volunteers too)! Adventure of the Treasure Seekers is being held June 26-29th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages preschool through third grade. We look forward to discovering the latest adventure with you!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Creative Work Nights

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…

DON'T LET YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES 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.

CHILDREN'S CHOIRS

Do you have a children’s choir folder at home? If so, please drop it by the church office. It is time for Mrs. Floyd to file and put away music. Thanks for a great year!

SHARE YOUR MUSICAL TALENTS During Summer Worship

Saturday, 5:00 pm OR Sunday, 9:00 am
All ages, vocal and instrumental, are welcome.

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

THANK YOUS

Thanks to Beth Esche and Cathy Bereiter for hosting and coordinating the Heritage Luncheon enjoyed by our seniors on Sunday, April 30th.

THANKS TO EVERYONE who helped out with the Palm Sunday pancake breakfast held on Sunday, April 9th: Karl Dencker, Cindee Robinson, Laura Beamer, Jim Bauman, Ed Krukiewicz, Lou Rabe, Nancy Vazzano, Lee Ekstrom, Pat Kay and many others who lent a helping hand.

THANKS TO PHIL WESA for coordinating our Spring Clean up work day and providing a wonderful lunch. Thanks to all who came out and worked to make our church a brighter place.

CONGRATULATIONS to Our Graduating Seniors

Mark Bulicek - Prairie Ridge
Amanda Schieler - Prairie Ridge
Lawson Dees - Prairie Ridge
Kayla Stewart - Prairie Ridge
Carrie Freund - Prairie Ridge
Stephanie Swanson - Woodstock
Linda Mandolini - Central
Eric Terlep - Prairie Ridge
Chris Miller - Prairie Ridge
Claire Weller – Central

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Thanks to all the teachers and assistants who helped out with Faith Explorers this past year. The children enjoyed learning and growing in their faith journeys:
Preschool: Nancy Blakely, Wendy Sanders, Joan Jensema, Emily Floyd, Debi Keyzer, Raechel Sowa, Susan Hetherington, Patti Hill, Joanne March, Laurie Dayon, Laura Middaugh, Karla Koenig, and Val Krukiewicz;
Kindergarten & 1st grades: Cheryl Lilly, Pattie Hill, Tom Lilly, Julia Baser, Eric Terlep;
2nd & 3rd grades: Jodi Iddings, Katie Price, Diane Terlep, Anna Woodruff;
4th & 5th grades: Laura Bauman, Laurie Jensen, Sally Sounhein;
6th - 8th grades: Jayne Zoerner, Karen Nelson, Lori Thompson;
9th - 12th grades: Jim Pracht and Melanie Wesa.

Thanks for a great year!
Kim Stewart, Coordinator of Faith Formation

NOTE TO PARENTS:

May 28th will be our last Sunday for education in PreK through 12th grades for this school year.

THANK YOU!!

Thanks to a lot of hard work, many trips and many hands we have wonderful playground equipment set up behind our church parking lot for children of the church and preschool to enjoy. Thank you Wayne Prindiville, Lou Rabe, Mike Lazar, Ken Miller, and Bill Blakely for setting up the playground equipment out back..

RUMMAGE SALE THANKS

The rummage sale raised $1432.00 for the senior high mission trip to Egypt. This could not have happened without all of the support from this congregation and their friends and families. We filled fellowship hall and overflowed into the connecting link and hallway with your donated items. Any leftover items were donated to the Home of the Sparrow and the Salvation Army.

This sale had so many more benefits than just raising money for the mission trip. Good will to our community, bringing new people to our church, and the fellowship of those working together to make it happen, to name a few.

Thank you so very much to everyone who donated items for our sale. A big thank you to Cynthia Maron for her help in coordinating the sale. Thanks to Mary Moltmann for all her work in advertising for the sale and donating the big ad. Thank you so much to Pat, Tina, Laura and Allen Kay for everything to do with the outdoor signs. Thanks also to Kim Stewart for all the inside signs. Thank you to Barb McCreary for the special sale bags.

So many people helped with setting up, working the sale and clean up. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you so much to Olivia Berg, Shelley Berg, Nancy Blakely, Lindette Bourne, Alice Haznedl, Marina Hoffman, Laura Kay, Pat Kay, Tina Kay, Kim Larson, Peggy Larson, Peter Larson, Cynthia Maron, Joy Martin, Leanna Miller, Jeff Mohler, Sheila Mohler, Kathy Rabe, Ellene Schmidt, Katie Sowa, Kim Stewart, Dennis Stipati, Giana Stipati, Betsy Vargason, and Sally Weller. I'm sorry if I forgot anyone. You did a great job!

-Tina Stipati

A BIG THANK YOU TO TINA STIPATI for taking this on!

THANK YOU FROM CY

I would like to thank the members of the congregation for their kind sentiments and birthday wishes as I celebrated my 80th. Our church has been a very important part of life for me and my family. Thank you for being a part of it. In gratitude, Cy Zank

THANK YOU

A big thank you to Kathy Rabe for organizing the Mother/Child Banquet. Everything looked wonderful and the dinner was delicious. Everyone really enjoyed the musical performance. Cynthia Maron did a great job with a very nice reading. Many thanks to Kathy's team of helpers, Karl Dencker, Dale Prindiville and Lou Rabe.

SUPPER CLUB off to a Great Start

The pulse of the Latin beat could be heard for blocks last Saturday evening (May 6th) as members of the new "Supper Club" gathered for a festive evening at the home of Lou and Kathy Rabe. Were you there? If you missed this event you still have time to join us for the two that remain on August 5th and October 28th. If you haven't already taken the opportunity to sign up for supper club, please consider adding your name to the newly added sign up sheets in the "Connecting Link". A special thank you to Lou and Kathy for providing a fabulous location and to the entire host team for creating a fun evening for all who attended. Next time, we hope YOU will join us too.

OPERATION PRAYERS AND COOKIE LIFT TO ANDY HUSHEK

So many of you stopped to write a greeting to Andy (friend of Sue Hayden) -- thanks! More applause also to Tom and Cheryl Lilly for donating DVDs, to Lou and Kathy Rabe for donating many food items, to Ed Bennett for more food and chapsticks, and to Marge Hansen for paying the postage. Please keep Andy and Matthew Trummel and Josh House in your prayers. If you have a loved one serving in the military in the Middle East, please contact me. ~ Mary Moltmann

SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, June 29th
All Church Ice Cream Social

SUMMER FELLOWSHIP

Summer is almost here and there are still summer fellowship activities that need to be organized if they are going to happen. These include, but are not limited to, father/son bowling, family mini-golf and adult bowling. Would you like to plan any of these events or maybe something new? No dates have been set, so you can set a date that works for you. Please call Tina Stipati to volunteer.

SINGLES GROUP ANYONE??

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

DOES THIS BELONG TO YOU?

A Janet Evanovich book? A winter hat? An umbrella? During the church's spring clean up, the lost and found box was discovered. The items in the box are now on display in the Connecting Link. Please claim your items by June 4, or they will be lost forever.

GET OUT YOUR GARDENING GLOVES!!

Due to rainy weather, the church work day did not include any outdoor work. The church grounds are in need of a spring spruce up, so please join us on Saturday, June 3, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to dig in the dirt and prune some bushes. Even if you can only be with us for an hour, we would love your help. Please join us for a fun day -- special treats will be provided! Questions? Call Kathy Rabe.

NATIVE AMERICAN CONNECTION

Claude Marie Barbour and Leech Lake Ojibwe

Two separate items you might be interested in knowing about!
Rev. Claude Marie Barbour recently celebrated a renewal of her ordination vows in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This special event was held at the Anawim Center at 4750 N. Sheridan Road, #255, in Chicago including a Sweat Lodge ceremony. If you wish to add your congratulations, her address is 1649 E. 50th St., Apt. 21A, Chicago 60615.
In the May 5-12th edition of The Lakota Journal is an article stating that five tribal projects across Minnesota will receive more than $781,000 in grants from the Minnesota Tribal Government Foundation. One is the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Cass Lake. This is the Reservation our Senior High’s visited on their mission trip in 2005. The $250,000 grant will support construction of a new Bena Community Center which will house an expanded Head Start program, child care center, larger communal kitchen, health center and clinic, community gym and exercise area, Elder nutrition program activities and a youth center. How exciting for our friends at Cass Lake Reservation.

Joy Martin, Dawn Condill, Alice Haznedl, Ann Legg, Janet Pearce, Rod Russell, Gloria Thorson.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

The total amount of the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering as of April 30 is $3,790.17. Thanks to all who so generously contributed.

MISSION NEWS

On June 3rd, Cheryl Brincks, Bill Pittenger (formerly of RCLPC) and MJ Towne will be going to Sitka, Alaska to be a part of a 2-week mission trip to Sheldon Jackson College. The trip was organized by Pastor John Baumann under the name of Kettle Moraine United Presbyterian Church of Hartland, WI where John is Pastor Emeritus. There will be 18 in the group, 5 from Illinois. Others are from Wisconsin, Arkansas, and California. Sheldon Jackson College prepares young Native Americans for fruitful lives in society. The prayers of the congregation will be truly appreciated. Any one wishing to make a contribution to Sheldon Jackson College for project supplies would also be greatly appreciated. Please contact MJ Towne if you have any questions.

NEW SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sundays at 9am beginning June 11th, and
the NewWay worship gatherings will be held on Saturday evenings at 5pm, beginning June 10th.

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Come to the celebration. Let us lift off the rooftops.
Let us make all the stained glass sing!

You are invited to the first Saturday evening NewWay worship gathering on June 10 and then stay for fellowship. Main course and drinks will be provided. You bring your favorite side dish, salad or dessert. Sign up in the Connecting Link so we have enough food! For more info call Joyce Berube.

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