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By now you should have received a letter from the church describing three actions taken by the session: shifting worship times in the fall to allow for a dedicated spiritual formation time; hiring Kim Stewart as (interim) director of spiritual formation; and instituting a board of deacons. These actions are intended to increase opportunities for spiritual growth and enhance the caring ministries of the church—two commitments made by the session to guide our future ministry. Of course these are changes, and change is never easy. In a world that always seems to be shifting beneath our feet, often we want our churches to be places where everything stays the same, where everything is stable and dependable. But we all know that living things change. Growing things change. The only way to stop changing is to stop living, to stop growing, and I think we would all agree that’s not our preferred future for RCLPC. I’m in my ninth month with you as your pastor. For the first six months I spent most of my time trying to get to know you. (And I still don’t know most of you as well as I would like. That’s one of the challenges of a church our size. We’ll have to keep working at it.) Over the last three months, we’ve started laying out a direction for the future and making changes to move in that direction. And we’ve only just begun. We’re still seeking greater clarity about our mission and vision. (The six commitments are guiding us in the interim.) We’ve got two task forces meeting—a building task force and a structure task force—and both are wrestling with very important issues that will significantly impact RCLPC’s future. All of this is to say: you may have noticed things are beginning to change. And there’s almost certainly more change (and more significant change) to come. Change can create stress, but there are a few things we can do to ease the stress. First, we need to trust God. We have to ask constantly for God to open a path for us, and trust that God will walk with us every step of the way. Second, we need to trust each other. We’re all in this together. If we can trust each other, if we can be compassionate toward each other and communicate with each other, if we can work together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish. Third, we need to have patience. Change takes time. There are always bumps along the road. Things will fall through the cracks. People won’t know exactly what they’re supposed to do or how to do it. We need to have patience that, in time, the new thing we are becoming will take shape and everyone will find their place. And finally, we need to have passion! We have so much to share. There are so many people in our community who need what we have to offer. If we are truly passionate about sharing our life with others and making a difference in our community and our world, we won’t let anything stand in our way. Many churches are resistant to change, but we know that God’s spirit is always on the move, always calling us to new expressions of faithfulness. I feel privileged to be a part of a community of faith that is willing to risk change in its efforts to follow God into the future.         ~ Richard

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 June 22nd. Articles will be due by NOON June 17th. The office will be CLOSED on Monday May 30th in observance of Memorial Day. HELP NEEDED Are you interested in helping with making a farewell gift for the high school seniors who are graduating this June? We are planning a surprise for the graduates. We are meeting Tuesday May 31st at 6:30 in Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in learning more and lending a hand please call Andrea Pracht. 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 June 4th at 9 am. Join us! Questions? contact Karl Dencker. 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 Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. 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.

TAIZÉ WORSHIP

first Thursday of each month
7 pm in the sanctuary
Beginning June 2nd

ABOUT TAIZÉ SERVICES The Taizé community began in France in the 1940’s emphasizing peace and reconciliation. Today, Taizé style worship services have become very popular. Services have been described as a deep, spiritual experience and a creative opening to the world. Attendees are asked to enter in silence. The mood of the service is peaceful, with silent meditation being at the heart. A typical service consists of meditative singing, a scripture reading, prayer, and silence. The atmosphere is inspiring….lit candles adorn every corner of the worship space. Music is a prominent part of the service…not the typical organ and choir music that you would expect. Instead, you will hear a “folk music” kind of sound. The instrumentalists sit in the back so that the intense sound washes over your ears, leaving your eyes to focus on the glowing candlelight. The repetitive and simple nature of the songs will put you at ease and encourage you to lift your voice. With each repetition, the songs build and grow as new solo instruments improvise on top of the melody. RCLPC is blessed with many talented musicians, so come and give this new service a try. Our charming and historic sanctuary provides the perfect setting for this transforming new style of worship. Join us in this new adventure ... beginning in June. Musicians (singers and instrumentalists) who are interested in participating should contact Emily Floyd by phone or via email. Come ... Feel peace ... Be transformed

“STOMP AND PRAISE” ON SUNDAY JUNE 5th Sounds of Joy, from the Kingdom Club music rotation, will “make a joyful noise to the Lord”, Sunday, June 5, at the 9:00 am. worship service, when they present a mini-musical of three exuberant songs of praise accompanied with stomp instrumentation. For those of you who don’t know what that means, think of garbage cans, homemade shakers made from potato chip cans, whistles, coffee cans, and a new instrument called a “ratlboom”. It’s a metal trash can lid with small metal objects attached to add a “rattle” to the sound. They will be assisted by Tricia Schieler on keyboard, and Ben Dees on drum set. Please join us for this “different” worship experience! Sherri Dees

SUMMMER MUSICAL OPPORTUNITES

LOOKING FOR IDEAS ? ? ? We are evaluating the woods North of the church for ways we can use it better and take advantage of the space. Dr. David Nieman, a botanist, has given us a report on the types of plants that are there. We are looking for some people that have ideas how we can use this space. If you have ideas how we can do this please contact Janet Kvam-Holub.

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 above and download the form!!

APPRECIATION BRUNCH The Family, Children and Teen Ministry Appreciation Brunch is scheduled for June 5th, from 9:30 - 10:30 am, in Fellowship Hall. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have generously shared their talents with RCLPC’s Sunday School (Preschool, Primary, and Middle School), Youth Groups, Youth Music, and Child Care. The Ministries could not happen without these amazing individuals. Those involved will also be recognized during the services on June 5th. Invitations will be mailed this week. If you were inadvertently missed, please call the church office. Please contact Julia Baser with any questions, or if you would like to help.

Do You Know Any Compassionate People?

MEALS ON WHEELS

NATIVE AMERICAN CONNECTION - AN OPEN INVITATION

IN and AROUND RCLPC with BARB

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