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May 9, 2007
The SPIRIT of Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
Click here to see the May calendar.
Confirmation Day—May 20th
At the 11:00 service on May 20th, we will welcome our confirmands into active membership! These are some really outstanding youth and we are excited to celebrate their journey, their claiming of the baptismal promise, and their decision to become full and active members of our church community. Youth being confirmed are: 8th graders Collin Berg, Kayleigh Jensen, Samantha Koenig, Connor Murgatroyd, Grayson Randall, Norma Thompson, and Amber Yedinak; 9th graders Paul Dolmon, Laura Esche, Jon Freund, Mack Geggie, Alan Kay, Kelli Remeeus, Stacy Terlep, Carl Wesa, and Anna Zoerner; and 10th graders Matt Hillmann, Matt Miller, Alex Nelson, and Charlie Weller. There will be a reception following the service.
Christianity and Other Religions
Starting Tuesday, June 5th at 7pm in the sanctuary, we will explore the relationship between Christianity and other religions. We will begin by reflecting on the reality of religious diversity and what we have to learn by studying other religions. We’ll then consider several options for how Christians might think about the possibility of “salvation” in other religions. Then we will turn to the religions themselves, with quick introductions to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity (an “outsider” perspective), and others.
If you’ve ever wondered how the reality of religious pluralism might impact Christian faith, or if you’ve ever wanted to learn just a bit about the major religions of the world, this class is for you. Richard will lead the conversation, all starting on June 5th at 7 pm.
Extended Bidding!
The bidding on the youth service auction has been extended until 11:00am Sunday May 13!! Bid now and put these youth to work, while supporting their mission trip! The services on offer are in the Connecting Link.
Do you need something that isn’t offered in the auction? Do you need someone to pick up your groceries, someone to walk your dog, someone to housesit while you’re on vacation, someone to clean your garage, someone to re-sod your yard? We can help! In the Connecting Link you can find bright colored forms to fill out for any service that isn’t listed in the auction. Just fill one out and give it to Teri by Sunday, May 20, and we will match you with some youth who can do the work you need! Thanks!
Adult Ed Series—Peace and Justice for All God’s Children
Join us on May 13 at 10:00 am in the sanctuary as we explore the situation in Colombia and learn ideas for prayer and action. Our guest speaker will be Eunice M. Escobar, an Afro-Colombian woman who has lived in the United States since 1988. Eunice is a graduate of the University of Valle in Colombia and currently works in Chicago as a mass transit financial analyst. She is a co-founder of two projects: the Cuentos Foundation which creates cross-cultural interdisciplinary art programs to open doorways to global understanding and the Committee on Anti-Militarization which works to prevent militarization in society.
Eunice has recently founded an organization called the Association for Creative Human Ecology (Ache) which works on health and development projects in Colombia. On her many trips to Colombia, Eunice has seen first hand the effects of U.S. policy there. As a member of the Coordinating Council of the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN), Eunice advocates for changes in U.S. policy that will bring peace to Colombia.
The Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN) is an interfaith information and action network that mobilizes religious leaders and congregations in Illinois to advance peace, justice and human rights in our hemisphere. CRLN is a member of the Chicago Presbytery’s Advance Justice Mission Priority Leadership Team Congregations in Solidarity with Latin America (CSLA) and helped to coordinate the Presbytery’s trip to Colombia last August to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church there. RCLPC member Ann Legg was a member of that delegation.
Ann Legg to Return to Colombia as an Accompanier
Several years ago, the Colombian Presbyterian Church asked the PCUSA to send its members to accompany members of the Colombian church whose lives were being threatened by members of the paramilitary. In response to this request the PCUSA in conjunction with the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship has been training volunteer accompaniers who spend a month or more serving as an international presence.
Ann Legg will serve in this capacity from May 31 through July 2. On May 20, we will celebrate Days of Prayer and Action for Peace in Colombia and will receive a special offering to help support Ann’s mission trip. Envelopes will be provided for this purpose on May 20, or you may send a check to the church office with Colombia on the purpose line.
Opportunities to Study and Create
* Lectionary Study group (LSG--Get High on the Bible!).
The LSG meets every Tuesday at noon. We invite everyone to bring a brownbag lunch and an open mind. We study the lectionary texts (the scripture readings) two months ahead of when they will be used in worship. Not only is this an opportunity for scripture study and spiritual growth, but it also helps to shape the theme for our worship.
* Worship Planning Group (WPG).
The WPG meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm. This group takes the theme for a given Sunday and helps develop creative ways to worship for each of our services. If you have an interest in helping to plan our worship, please come on Thursday at 6:30 pm. Open to everyone!
* RCLPC Worship Blog.
Have an idea for worship but can’t make the WPG meeting? The RCLPC Worship Blog is updated every week with scripture and themes for upcoming worship services. You are invited to read the text and the theme and then share whatever comments, suggestions, or ideas you have. We will do our best to incorporate these into the planning process. The Worship Blog is at rclpcworship.blogspot.com. It is also linked on our main website from the worship page
30 Hour Famine update
Thanks to all of you who sponsored youth during the 30 Hour Famine—we raised $3,132! That’s enough to feed and care for 8 children for a whole year, and a 9th child for more than half the year. It’s very exciting! Many thanks also to the adults who helped out during the Famine: Tom Lilly, Cecily Weber, Jim and Andrea Pracht (and Arthur!). We spent the 24 hours together playing games, learning about children in Uganda, learning how poor families see the grocery store, praying, studying scripture, worshipping, and gathering 70 pounds of food by raiding YOUR pantries in a food drive for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry! Thanks for all your help and support!
Building & Grounds Corner
The ladies restroom looks very nice, who did all the hard work remodeling?
Many thanks go to Dawn Gilman who offered to step forward right away and pitch in. She spent many evenings stripping the old wall paper and preparing the walls for painting. Ed Waters installed a new handicap toilet and grab rails, Kristi Geggie picked out the new color and mirrors, Kathy Rabe painted the walls and Wayne Prindiville installed the new lights & mirrors.
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All Church Work Day - We need you!
Saturday morning, May 19
Twice a year, Spring & Fall we schedule a morning to help make our church building sparkle. And we need everyone’s help to make it a success. We will work from 8 am to noon. Please come for whatever time you can and give us a hand. Can’t make it Saturday but still want to contribute? Just drop the church office an email or phone call and we can match you up with a job that meets your time schedule. Thank you to all.
Join in the Pentecost Celebration - May 27
Sunday, May 27th is Pentecost, but what is Pentecost? It is the seventh Sunday after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. As we prepare to celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit, we are asking each of you to join in the celebration and wear red to church on that Sunday. Together in the traditional color of Pentecost, red, we will celebrate the hope that is evoked by the knowledge that God, through the Holy Spirit, is at work among God’s people.
CHURCH PICNIC - June 3rd
Help celebrate the kick-off of our new Sunday morning worship schedule on June 3rd. Come down to our meadow following the last service for food, fun and fellowship. Bring a dish to pass and lawn chairs or blankets. BBQ pork, hot dogs, lemonade and ice tea will be provided. Questions please call Laurie Pohl.
Women’s Choir on Father’s Day, June 17th
Attention all women who like to sing--young and mature, singles, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, etc.
We will form a Women’s choir for worship on Father’s Day, June 17th.
Practices are Sunday, June 10th, at 10:30 am, between 9:30 and 11:00 worship, and Wednesday, June 13th, at 7:00 pm.
Questions? Contact Sherri Dees, or call the church office, 815-459-1132. There will also be information at the music link on our church’s website, for you to keep informed. I look forward to some fun music making and fellowship time. Sherri Dees
Share Your Music in Worship this Summer
Summer is around the corner. If you would like to share your music in worship this summer, please sign up on the sheets posted on the bulletin board outside the music room. Please contact Sherri Dees with questions or suggestions.
Mark Your Calendars!
The Senior High Youth will be available to wash your car on June 2 from 9-12 at the 1776 Restaurant!
Are you looking
for a new way to get involved?
Are you both energetic and patient, idealistic and realistic, caring and challenging? Then you might be just the person we’re looking for! The Senior High Youth Group is looking for new adult leaders. We need people with energy and ideas, people who want to have fun and also who want to learn and grow, people who can share their faith journeys and walk with us on ours, and people who want to know more about this “human battleship” game…if that might be you, please call or email Teri right away! Thanks!
Youth Groups
End-of-Year Party
May 20th, 1-3pm.
We’ll welcome 5th graders into the Middle School group, 8th graders into the Senior Highs, and say goodbye to our graduating seniors. Come for food, fun, and fellowship! Location TBA.
VBS
Needs You!
We are still looking for a few good men and women to assist with this year’s Vacation Bible School. Please contact Cheryl Lilly for details and to volunteer! We are looking for Adult and Youth leaders for the following positions:
Adult : Crafts, Recreation, Team Leaders
Youth: Team Leaders, Snacks, Recreation, Music
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Older Americans Month
The month of May has been declared Older Americans Month.
In celebration, Faith in Action is providing a luncheon.
We would like to invite your seniors to join us that day.
Older Americans Luncheon
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Noon – 2 P.M.
Hosted by the
Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake
575 E Crystal Lake Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Luncheon will include salads, sandwiches, beverage, and dessert.
Life stories from Corrie Ten Boom will be presented by Karla Chandler.
Please join us. Seating is limited, reservations are required.
Please call Sharon at the Faith in Action office: 815.455.5363
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Native American Connection
Recent exciting events at a South Dakota high school have sparked an emotional and pro-active program by Laurette Fourier and Dowell Caselli-Smith, cofounders of SANI-T, established to provide the opportunity for Indians and non-Indians to join together for joint equity in the areas of housing, education, employment, the helping agencies. As Mrs. Fourier, in a recent edition of the Dakota/Lakota Journal stated, “We wanted to speak to racial, hate crime. Spitting on someone is an assault, threatening them could easily be interpreted as a death threat”. The initial suggestion by Caselli-Smith was for a “talking circle” mediation rather than “two days suspension”. “Perhaps forming them into better human beings, as well as affecting the attitudes of their parents is the answer”, said Mrs. Fourier. At the Talking Circle or mediation circle, boys who offend a girl and the boy’s parents are helped to see the light so their actions don’t happen again.
“Primarily, we want our children to have a good education, and obviously they are not getting it from the Rapid City school system when they have to watch their backs in fear”. Honoring people who come to SANI-T with a complaint is the first step as it takes a great deal of courage as they are already offended, hurt, traumatized and angry” added Fourier. Parents and community members have been at the action meetings, taking a proactive, long-term approach to achieve what is best for the children. “This new approach allows the freedom to operate in a way that’s best for the kids, but mostly respects and cherishes our children, and their minds”.
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