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The Tower
Weekly Newsletter of Second Congregational United Church of Christ May 20, 2012 Contents of this Issue: The Celebration of Worship First Presbyterian Update: This Week’s Calendar Collier Garden Food Pantry Suggestion for May A Trip to the Circus Museum Free Tickets to a Riverhawks Game Addition to May Birthday List The Tower in large print Jeremiah Development’s Garden Going Strong! Tidbit of History from Second Con Summer Singers, Instrumentalists, Liturgical Dancers WANTED! Invitation to Serve in our Video Ministry Prayer List Are You Graduating this Year?…… Videos Progressive Dinner: Save the Date Recycle for the Church! Tower Hill Get to Know....the Fellowship Board Who Wants to Be A.....Lay Worship Leader? Electronic Giving Sunday Schedule Questionnaire
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The Celebration of Worship
Sunday, May 20, 2012
9:15am – Christian Education 10:30am – Worship 11:45am –Refreshments and “Con”versations
Sermon The Rev. Dr. J. Michael Solberg “Wow, You Are Out of This World!” Scripture: John 17:6-19
Music: Organ: Bob Bates, organist “Prayer of Christ Ascending to the Father” Messiaen “Acclamations”, Suite Medievale Langlais Instrumental: “Victorious Love” Gastoldi; arr. Sayre “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” Traditional; arr. Laprade “Austrian Hymn” Haydn; arr. Sayre Second Con Brass Ensemble __________________________________________
First Presbyterian Update: Congregational “Town Hall” Meeting on June 3
On Tuesday evening, May 15, the Governing Council met with the Session and Transition Team of First Presbyterian Church, for our first direct discussion about what it might be like if people from First Pres were to decide to come to Second Con when First Pres closes their building. We listened to the experience of Forrest “Frosty” Krummel, a pastor who serves a congregation in Peoria that is a “federation” of a Congregational/UCC church and a Presbyterian Church. We asked lots of questions of Frosty, and then our members talked with each other about issues surrounding a possible “coming together.” It was a very helpful meeting, and I think many of our Governing Council members have a better idea of what it would mean for First Pres to join us, and I think their people feel like they have more information that will help them make a decision about their future on June 23.
Governing Council invites you to participate in a congregational “town hall” meeting on Sunday, June 3, following worship. We know that people have lots of questions (and, honestly, some concerns and anxiety) about the possibility of welcoming First Pres into our midst. We cannot claim to have all the answers, and we certainly can’t predict the future, but we can let the congregation know what we have learned and discussed so far, and I think it is fair to say that we can now give a general outline of what it might mean for people from First Pres to join us. So the “town hall” meeting on June 3 will be to give the congregation as much information as we can, answer questions, as well as hear, and perhaps address, concerns - all the while recognizing that there are still many unknowns, and that First Pres will only be making a decision on June 23, at the earliest. No decisions will be made at our “town hall” meeting on June 3 - it is for information and discussion only.
So please plan on attending our congregational “town hall” meeting on Sunday, June 3, following worship. We will meet in the Dining Hall.
Peace, Mike ________________________________________________________________
This Week’s Calendar Sunday, May 20 9:15am – Christian Education 10:30am – Worship Monday, May 21 2:00pm – Boys and Girls Club Tuesday, May 22 9:00am – Thrift Shop 2:00pm – Boys and Girls Club Wednesday, May 23 11:00am – Staff 2:00pm – Boys and Girls Club Thursday, May 24 2:00pm – Boys and Girls Club Friday, May 25 2:00pm – Boys and Girls Club ________________________________________________________________
Collier Garden Food Pantry Suggestion for May
May is Pasta Dinner Month! Please bring in boxed pastas, sauces, canned vegetables and fruits. Let’s try to make this a complete meal. Is May your birthday month? Consider making a birthday bag for the patrons of Collier Gardens. As always, these are suggestions and any food item is always appreciated. ________________________________________________________________
A Trip to the Circus Museum
Interested in a Field Trip for Adults? We have some seats left on the bus for the Film Seminar’s trip to Circus World in Baraboo, Wisconsin. We will leave early on June 16th and return the evening of the 17th. The trip will include tickets to Circus World (including a behind the scenes tour), an overnight at the Best Western, and worship at the Baraboo United Church of Christ. Please contact Doreen Vickery for information and reservations. jd-vickery@hotmail.com or phone 815-601-2567. ________________________________________________________________
Free Tickets to a Riverhawks Game ________________________________________________________________
Addition to May Birthday List
May 27 – Milagras “Angel” Ramos
________________________________________________________ If you would like to receive The Tower in large print, please notify the church office at 815-963-8431 or e-mail Bob at bobbates@secondcon.com __________________________________________________
Jeremiah Development’s Garden Going Strong! Everyone at Jeremiah Development would like to thank the congregations for their generous support of this year’s garden. The church members raised over $2300 to help build new beds, purchase new plants, and add mulch and new dirt. We also had hundreds of volunteer hours in April from across the churches to help get the garden in place. We have had the students at the Regional Learning Academy growing starter plants for themselves and for our garden courtesy of a grant from the Rockford East Rotary. We also had students from St. Peter’s school working in the garden and becoming involved in their community. When you visit this year, you might notice that we installed an irrigation system, courtesy of a grant from the Alpine Kiwanis. We will also have flowers in the garden awarded to us by the Rockford Park District City in Bloom program. We have already been busy, but have more work to do and we are always looking for new people to get involved. So, watch for another work day to be scheduled in late May. Again, thanks for helping us to promote the well-being of our neighborhood. ________________________________________________________________
Tidbit of History from Second Con From May, 1977:
ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC – JUNE 5 THE ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC AND SPECIAL CHILDREN’S DAY PROGRAM WILL BE SUNDAY, JUNE 5 AT BLACKHAWK PARK PAVILLION. The following is a schedule of events for the day. 11:00 a. m. – Church Service featuring the Church School Classes 12:00 noon – Parents will get picnic lunch ready while the children watch clowns tie balloons. (Grills will be available for those wishing to cook.) 12:30 p. m. – Lunch time 1:15 p. m. – Magic Show by Jingles the Clown 1:45 p. m. – Games for all ages and pony rides for the kids. 3:15 p. m. – Pie Eating Contest. REMEMBER!!! There will be a regular church service at 9:00 a. m. in Gordon Chapel. ________________________________________________________________
Summer Singers, Instrumentalists, Liturgical Dancers WANTED!
Do you sing, play an instrument, or dance interpretatively? If so, please consider contacting Paul Laprade at paul@secondcon.com to ask for a summer service in which you can share your talents with your church family. We need, want, and appreciate your gifts in our services. – Paul ________________________________________________________________
Invitation to Serve in our Video Ministry
Yes, this is one more call for volunteers, and yes, we do need you. Our video ministry has grown to where each Sunday service is represented on our website and provides a way of presenting our congregation to the world. Are the videos watched? Yes, they are. In fact, we have had visitors and new members tell us that the website with the videos were one of the reasons that they came to Second Congregational in their search for a faith community. If interested, or just need additional information, contact me. – Pastor Fred ________________________________________________________________
Prayer List (Additions to the prayer list are always welcome – please help keep members of the congregation praying for each other.) = In joyful thanksgiving for each other, members and friends of our congregation, with whom we worship, serve, and enjoy the gift of life. = In joyful thanksgiving for all those who are finishing up service on our Boards and Committees, and for those beginning new service. Thank you for sharing your gifts! = In joyful thanksgiving for the four baptisms we are having this month: Avery Sir and Adelaide Sir (May 6), Arthur Smith Ortiz (May 20), and Carla Adamari Campa (May 27). May God bless them as they receive the visible sign of God’s eternal grace, and their families as they follow the way of Christian discipleship. = For the people of First Presbyterian Church, as they discern where God is leading them in the future, and for our congregation, as we continue to explore a possible relationship with First Pres. = For the roughly fifty young people in the Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center. May God be with them and their families. May they know God loves them, and may they grow in faith. = For racial understanding and real reconciliation in our community. = For those in our congregation dealing with addictions. May God give them strength, courage, and healing. = For Jeff Hallberg, undergoing medical treatment. = For Jim Brown’s father. = For Brendon Coleman, recovering from a car accident. = In thanksgiving for the birth of Zianna Aria Bolek, granddaughter of Fred and Nancy Krauss. = For those in our congregation dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses, and for their loved ones: peace and strength to them all. = And we pray for all those at home, and in long-term care facilities, who are not able to be in worship regularly, but who remain part of our family of faith: Bob Bailey, Minnie Ballam, Nancy Bert, Judy Bossier, Marylin Erickson, Elaine Green, Blanche Honeycutt, Elsie Kayser, Dusty Lawton, Ruthann Lenard, Maybeth Martin, Gil Morris, Hattie Morris, Ann Raup, Ben Riplinger, Roger Schuette, John Showers, and Ruth Todd. ________________________________________________________________
Are You Graduating this Year?……
If so we would like to celebrate your accomplishments! Whether you have graduated from High School or College or are getting a second or third degree, let us hear from you. Send in a brief bio with your accomplishments and we will put it in the Tower and Worship bulletin. High school Seniors, send us a Senior picture. Graduation Sunday is this Sunday, May 20! ________________________________________________________________
Videos
Our church website has videos of sermons, Early Moments, and a variety of music events and more that have taken place at Second Congregational. Check out the videos and let your friends and neighbors know where to find them. It’s a good way of sharing news and events and inviting others to join us. Go to http://www.secondcon.com/ and follow the big yellow link for the videos. Also, click on the Facebook link and become a “friend” of the congregation. ________________________________________________________________
Progressive Dinner: Save the Date The Fellowship Board heard more than enough interest for a Progressive Dinner and so we are beginning to “cook” up all the details. The date will be Saturday, June 23rd. If you are interested in hosting a table of 8 to 10 at your house, please let Kathi Ferrero know at kferrero55@hotmail.com. Look for sign up information in mid-May. ________________________________________________________________
Recycle for the Church!
We now have a technology recycling program through eScrip to raise money. By recycling your cell phones, ink cartridges, digital cameras, GPS devices, iPods, and even laptops you can help the church earn cash. Please take a few moments of your week to collect the unused items in your house that are listed above and bring them to the church during the week or on Sunday morning. There is a collection bin in the sitting area outside the church office. What a great way to help the church, and recycle! ________________________________________________________________
Tower Hill
Tower Hill is just around the corner! We have reserved July 6th - 8th at Tower Hill. Campsite 2 is reserved as usual. Gammon Hall will be closed for renovations this summer. All the cottages have been reserved. If you don’t want to tent camp, you may want to check local motels. Information Sheets regarding the Tower Hill trip, including rates, are in the Church office. Please contact Kristine Youman at 815-645-1516 if you are interested in going or if you have any questions. Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center in Sawyer, MI is owned and operated by the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ. ________________________________________________________________
Get to Know....the Fellowship Board Who are we? Currently the board is made up of Amanda and Drew Sir, Teresa Hill, Doreen Vickery, Kathi Ferrero, Kristine Youman, Leo Ortiz, Kevin Peterson, Anna Jacobs and Sarah Hallberg. What do we do? We have the fantastic job of planning fun events for all age groups for our congregation. What have we done? In the past we have sponsored the Annual Euchre Night, Cubs Game Trips, Bears/Packers Viewing Parties, Fall Cookouts and we organize the Ladies' Night Out. What do we have coming up? We have the Faith Night at the Riverhawks game with free tickets for the game on June 18th. We are also in charge of the Church Picnic which will be held August 19th this year. If you have ideas for this board, please feel free to contact any of the board members listed above. ________________________________________________________________
Who Wants to Be A.....Lay Worship Leader?
Okay, it's not as good as being a millionaire, but we would love to welcome some new people into the rotation of Lay Worship Leaders (LWL). All interested persons, middle school age and up, are welcome to come to a training session on Sunday, June 17, following worship, in the Mead Heritage Room. Pastor Mike will take us through what is needed and what resources are available to help. This program is an important way for the lay members of the congregation to participate in worship, each providing a unique and personal perspective on the liturgy and prayers we share every week. Let your voice be heard---literally! If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Mike or ask the LWL following a service. And please let Mike know if you plan to attend on June 17 (815.963.8431, mikesolberg@secondcon.com). ________________________________________________________________
Electronic Giving
If you are considering the option of electronic giving, please note that this may be done through debit or credit cards or by withdrawal from checking or savings accounts. It can be set up however you wish, on a monthly or one-time or other basis. Contact Nancy in the church office (815-963-8431) for information or forms. She is usually in the office from 9-1 Monday through Thursday. ________________________________________________________________
Second Congregational United Church of Christ
Sunday Schedule Questionnaire
Please return to church office no later than June 3
Several months ago, we changed our Sunday schedule to encourage greater participation in adult education and try some new options for our fellowship time. As planned, now is the time to evaluate that change and decide whether to keep the current schedule, or try to find a format that better fits the needs of the congregation. Please respond to the following, so Governing Council has the feedback it needs to make the best decision possible.
1) Overall, I think the Sunday morning schedule we have had since September has worked well (circle one):
Disagree Neutral Agree
2) One thing I like about the current Sunday morning schedule is:
__________________________________________________________.
3) One thing I dislike about the current Sunday morning schedule is _
__________________________________________________________.
4) The current Sunday morning schedule has made me more likely to participate in adult education (circle one):
Disagree Neutral Agree
5) The current Sunday morning schedule has made me more likely to participate in worship (circle one):
Disagree Neutral Agree
6) For parents with children at home: The current Sunday morning schedule works well for my child(ren):
Disagree Neutral Agree
These are not the only possible configurations, but which of the following Sunday morning schedules would you like best? (Circle one)
Option A Option B Option C
Option A: (Current)
8:15 - 9:15 Choir rehearsal 9:15 - 10:00 Adult Education and Children’s Enrichment 10:00 - 10:30 Fellowship Time (usually in the South Narthex) 10:30 - 11:30 Worship, with younger children’s Sunday School following the Early Word 11:30 - ?? Fellowship Time (usually in the Dining Hall)
Option B:
8:45 - 9:45 Choir rehearsal 10:00 - 11:00 Worship, with younger children’s Sunday School following the Early Word 11:00 - ?? Fellowship Time in the Dining Hall 11:15 - 12:00 Adult Education and Children’s Enrichment
Option C:
8:15 - 9:15 Choir rehearsal 9:30 - 10:30 Worship, with younger children’s Sunday School following the Early Word 10:30 - ?? Fellowship Time in the Dining Hall 10:45 - 11:30 Adult Education and Children’s Enrichment
Please return to the church office no later than June 3.
Mail to: Second Congregational United Church of Christ 318 N. Church St. Rockford, IL 61101
Or bring with you to worship on Sunday. |