Sunday, April 14, 2013

Second Sunday after Easter

8:30am - Koffee Klass

9:30am - Worship

10:45am - Fellowship

11:00am - Adult Christian Education

Sermon: "Eyes Wide Open"

Scripture: Revelation 5:11-17, John 21:1-19

The Rev. Beth Wagner

Music

"Jesus Rose!"

"How Great Thou Art"

by the Choir

Our New "Logo"

When Second Congregational UCC and First Presbyterian joined together, we decided that it would be good to create a new logo for the new, joint congregation.  We wanted something that would unify us, but also keep a connection to our original congregations.  We wanted it to be simple, recognizable, and useable across many different formats. Perhaps you now recognize the logo we created:

There are some significant things to notice about this image: First, it places the cross at the center of who we are as a joint congregation.  Just as we place sign of the cross on our foreheads at baptism, we place the cross at the forefront of who we are in our public image. The cross is short-hand for Jesus, and in his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus shows God's delight in humanity.  Christians have long held the paradoxical view that this instrument of torture and execution is a symbol of joy, and joy is at the center of our life at Second/First Church!

Second, note that this cross is really two overlapping crosses, just as we are both one congregation and two overlapping congregations.  The circle and patibulum (the horizontal part of the cross - new word to you I bet!) are doubled showing our two traditions, but the stipes (the vertical part of the cross) is singular, showing we are grounded in our oneness.

Finally, this type of cross, with the circle imposed on the plain cross, is called a "Celtic Cross." A Celtic Cross carries many meanings, all, some, or none of which may have actually been intended when the cross was first designed used many hundreds of years ago. Among the meanings I find most significant are:

1) The circle represents the never ending, steadfast love of God through Jesus Christ.

2) The circle represents the sun, the source of light/heat/energy, and thus the source of life, for all. This reminds us that God's love is always shining, and always bringing true life to the world.

3) The circle and cross together may have been used originally to transform ancient pagan worship of the sun into authentic Christian faith. I love, then, that the Celtic Cross represents the engagement of the Christian faith with broader culture.  We are always about the work of sharing the good news of God's love with the world, calling all, ourselves included, to authentic Christian faith.  That can only be done when we take the world seriously, and both see Christ in the world, and see the world in Christ.  I see that engagement as central to who we are at Second/First Church.

So, enjoy our new "logo," and remember that the word "logo" comes from the Greek word "logos," which means a range of things: word/speech/message/rational thought/central meaning of the universe."  Jesus is our logos, and his cross is our logo.

Peace,

Mike

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 the creation of Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church of Rockford.  May God give us wisdom and courage as we seek to make this union a blessing to all our members and our community.
• For all those suffering from violence, be it from shootings, poor relationships, war, or oppression.  May God’s light shine in all these places of darkness.
• For the roughly forty-five 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 those in our congregation dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses, and for their loved ones:  peace and strength to them all.
• For Jeff Hallberg and all the Hallberg family.  Strength and peace to all.
• Continue prayers for Phil Davidson, Mary Lea Freedlund, Jim Michaels, Tom Michaels, Mary Nolte, Robert Pettigrew, Mary Beth Roy, Shirley Spencer and Doreen Vickery.
• 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:  Minnie Ballam, Nancy Bert, Judy Bossier, Jing Zhang Croskey, Rebecca Dallavo, Elsie Heil, Blanche Honeycutt, Elsie Kayser, Marge Kildow, Dusty Lawton, Ruthann Lenard, Virginia “Jinny” Miller, Russell Morgan, Gil Morris, Hattie Morris, Emily Oberst, Ann Raup, Ben Riplinger, Robert Ryan, Roger Schuette, John Showers, Ruth Todd, Ward Wallace, Elmer Whyte, and Willene Ziebell.

Moderator’s Corner

God often shows us just what we need when we need it.  I’ve had another busy week so I went trolling for inspiration on the internet and came across this.  It was just what I needed to hear this week so I hope it speaks to you as well.  Once again, it’s from Jon Acuff’s Stuff Christians Like website.   God bless you all. 

When my daughter McRae was 5, she taught me something about art and life.  She had painted a picture using a spilled bit of ink. It looked like she started with a mistake. I asked her that and she said, “I can make art out of anything.”  I love that thought, and I think that’s what God does with our lives.

When he redeems, he doesn’t duct tape. He doesn’t improve. He isn’t in the business of better.

He does new.

He does beautiful.

He makes art.

I don’t know what part of your life might not feel frame-worthy right now, what part is broken or chipped or worn out. But I do know that we serve a God who makes art out of the broken pieces.  A God who can make art out of anything.

THE BRUSH

by Chuck Milhuff

Life started out like a canvas

And God started painting on me

But I took the paintbrush from Jesus

And painted what I wished to see

The colors I painted kept running

And the objects were all out of size

I had made a mess of my painting

My way now seemed so unwise

So I brought my painting to Jesus

All the colors, the pieces so wrong

In the markets of earth it was worthless

But His blood made my painting belong

When I gave the brush back to Jesus,

When I gave the brush back to Him

He started all over life’s canvas to fill

When I gave to Jesus the brush of my will

He worked with no condemnation

Never mentioned the mess I had made

Then He dipped His brush in the rainbow

And He signed it, the price has been paid.

As always, I want to hear from you!  (jennifer814@hotmail.com, 815/623-1620) See you Sunday!

~ Jennifer

Snow means....Softball!

Did you know that our church has a slow pitch, co-ed softball team? We do!  And we are always looking for new players.  We play on Tuesday nights, May through mid-August.  We practice on Sunday afternoons as soon as the weather gets nice.  Players need to be at least 14 years old.  We are ordering new shirts this year, so if you are interested in playing softball this year, please let Rich or Karen Olson know.  kolson128@gmail.com or 77richo@gmail.com 

Adult Christian Education

The Wired Word

'Wired Word' Discusses Heaven:  Dr. Eben Alexander is a Harvard-trained neuro-biologist with impeccable credentials as a scientist and researcher. And until he fell into a coma from which his colleagues thought he'd never return, he was also a religious skeptic. What happened to Alexander during that coma changed everything for him, turning him into a believer about heaven. In his recent book Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife, Alexander tells what he experienced while in the coma and what conclusions he subsequently drew.  Join the discussion at 11:00am this Sunday.

A Short Course with Tex Sample

Two more settings of conversations based on the storytelling of Tex Sample (Tex Mix) have been scheduled for April 14 and 21.  They are "Miss Hattie Buie" and "Everybody's Doin It". Pastor Fred will screen the videos and moderate the discussion.  Video and discussion will be April 14 and 21 in the Video Room (3rd floor)  from 11:00 to 11:30am.  Bring your coffee to class and enjoy.

April Penguin Class

Wondering about how in the world 1st Presbyterian Church decided to sell their building and move in with 2nd Con? Very simply – Penguins!   Join Pastor Beth and the 1st Pres. Penguin Team as we talk about the Penguin process – A.K.A. Harvard Business School professor and world-renowned change expert, John Kotter’s 8-step change model.   A few books will be available for purchase ($15.00 a copy) and you can reserve your copy by calling the church office or you can download it on to your e-book reader for about $10.00. It is an entertaining parable, easy to read, with pictures as a bonus.  Join us on Wednesday’s in April--6:30 – 7:45p.m.

Let’s All Go to the Movies

On April 17, we will screen the original "Wizard of Oz".  With Disney's new version of their backstory of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz hitting the theaters, it will be fun to go back to the original with Judy Garland and the gang on big screen.  We will show it all in one night, so be prepared for a wonderful, nostalgic and memorable evening.  Dinner at 5:45 with the film at 6:30!  See you at the movies!

Upcoming Events

BELLES AT PA PETERSON

Barnabas Ministries is hosting the Belles of Second Cong for a short concert in the Atrium Room at PA Peterson Center for Health, 1311 Parkview Avenue, on Sunday, April 14th. This FREE performance will commence at 3:00 pm, with refreshments to follow. The public is welcome to attend, so come out and support our ringers!

MCCARTHY MEMORIAL CONCERT

Second Congregational UCC / First Presbyterian Church are proud to announce the inaugural concert of a new concert series, to be held on April 26, 2013 at 7:00pm at Second Congregational UCC / First Presbyterian Church.  This concert is called “The Faces of Love”, and features the Renovo String Orchestra from Evanston, Illinois and ElysianVoices, a semi-professional vocal ensemble based in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.   Among the works to be presented are Samuel Barber’s famous “Adagio for Strings” (Renovo String Orchestra) and choral works by Brahms, Whitacre, and a premiere of “In the Moonlight Garden” by Chicago composer Paul Carey.   Renovo and ElysianVoices will join forces in the performance of John Corigliano’s moving work, “Fern Hill”.  The church is located at 318 N. Church Street in Rockford, just a block from the Coronado Theatre, and tickets are available at the door for $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors/students.  For more information, contact Second/First Church at 815-963-8365 or e-mail us at:  mary@secondfirst.org.

SOUP KITCHEN

Our next opportunity to serve lunch at the community soup kitchen housed at the Jubilee Center at Emmanuel Episcopal Church is on the first Saturday of May, May 4.  Helpers of all ages are needed.  Helpers who can be there either the entire time (10:30 am to 1 pm) or only part of the time are needed.  YOU are needed!  If this works for you, let either Marge Maynard know (815-980-5304 or mtm.home@me.com) or the church office.  Thanks for your support for this Ministry Team!

SATURDAY AFTERNOON MATINEE

Do you remember Saturday afternoon Matinee’s?  On May 4th at 12:00pm (high noon) the Saturday Afternoon Matinee is back and we will be showing 5 Broken Cameras, an extraordinary work of both cinematic and political activism.  5 Broken Cameras is a deeply personal, first-hand account of non-violent resistance in Bil'in, a West Bank village threatened by encroaching Israeli settlements. Shot almost entirely by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat, who bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son, the footage was later given to Israeli co-director Guy Davidi to edit. Structured around the violent destruction of each one of Burnat's cameras, the filmmakers' collaboration follows one family's evolution over five years of village turmoil. Burnat watches from behind the lens as olive trees are bulldozed, protests intensify, and lives are lost. "I feel like the camera protects me," he says, "but it's an illusion."  The cost is free but if you want to bring bottle caps to pay, we will accept them (only people over the age of 60 will-get this).  Fair Trade coffee and treats will be provided.  Submitted by Linda Roy

TENTH ANNUAL JUBELL-EE HANDBELL FESTIVAL CONCERT 

Reminder: Don't miss the  Tenth Annual Jubell-Ee Handbell Festival Concert right here in Rockford, Saturday, May 4, at 4:30 pm, at Rockford Christian High School.  Tickets are only $5.  You can purchase in advance from Joyce Zartman at church any Sunday this month.  Proceeds support Rosie's Birthday Club, which provides presents for children who might not otherwise receive anything.  In its nine year history JuBell-ee has contributed over $17,000 to local charities.  Eight of our own Second/First ringers will be among the over 150 who will ring together.

MISSION AND MORE—MAY 11, 2013

This potluck and meeting is sponsored by the Mission Committee and Mariners.  Potluck at 6:00pm in the dining room.  Please bring a dish to share, table service for you and a willing heart and ears to listen.  Rev. Dave Jones will be facilitator regarding several mission opportunities.  Hope to see you there!

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

THE ANGOLA WATER PROJECT

Thanks to everybody who bought a water bottle to support building a well at the Reverend Michael Solberg Evangelical Church in Angola.  The Mission Ministry Team raised $975 to put towards the project!  If you did not get a chance to buy one, there are some additional water bottles available in the Fair Trade Store.  Look for more chances to support the Angola Water Project later this spring.

MAGAZINE AND BOOK DONATIONS

A good collection of magazines recently was taken to the Rockford jail.  The librarian was very pleased with many of the magazines.  However, about half of them could not be used in the jail.  The magazines that can be used are Time, Newsweek, National Geographic, Reader's Digest, Sports Illustrated, Popular Mechanics and similar publications.  Soft covered books can also be used.  Please keep the donations coming.

HELP CROP MEET FEINSTEIN CHALLENGE

Please bring canned goods or other staples with you Sunday and help CROP receive money from the Feinstein Challenge?  For the 16th year, Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide one million dollars among non-profit hunger fighting agencies like the Rockford CROP Hunger Walk using the challenge as a spur to help supply pantries during March and April.  Our Mission Ministry Team has endorsed use of the food staples you bring to church to assist Rockford’s CROP Hunger Walk in meeting the challenge.

OGHS STILL COLLECTING

Have you contributed yet to the One Great Hour of sharing?  The good news is that our federated congregation has now exceeded the 2012 2nd Congregation total, but only by $45.  Can we do better as a federated congregation?  There is still time to try.  Remember that your money supports Hunger and Disaster Assistance programs of Presbyterians and the United Church of Christ as well as the Self-Development of People program.  If you’ve not already done so please bring your OGHS offering with you this Sunday.  Your Mission Ministry Team thanks you for your support.

FAIR FOR ALL NEWS

Each week we will post one of the nine principles that Fair For All supports. 

6.           Support Safe and Empowering Working Conditions:  Fair Trade means a safe and healthy working environment free of forced labor. Throughout the trading chain, Members cultivate workplaces that empower people to participate in the decisions that affect them. Members seek to eliminate discrimination based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, age, marital, or health status. Members support workplaces free from physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal harassment or abuse.

IN APRIL:  Fair For All, will be welcoming the birds back to Northern Illinois.  We will have our Fair Trade, eco-friendly bird houses in stock.  Sister’s Blend has new packaging, come into the shop and take a look.

NEW In the Fair Trade Store! Zambeezi™ is a top quality, fair trade lip-balm made with the finest ingredients from Zambia, Africa.  Zambeezi stands out. It’s the only lip balm made with organic beeswax and mungongo. It comes in a hip, ‘won’t roll off the table’ oval tube, It’s got a great story and a great cause, and best of all, it’s lovely on your lips!  Each tube is $2.99. 

CARING FOR GOD CREATION:  Earth Day, April 22, is fast approaching. With environmental disasters escalating and international climate change talks at an impasse,  we all need to participate,  by reduce, recycle, reuse and read.  Earth care is a central theme in the Bible. There are over 1000 references to the earth in the Bible.   Starting in Genesis, humans are challenged to care for the earth or to “till and keep” the garden.  Further, Jesus challenges us to work for “the least of these,” or the most vulnerable. Historically, environmental issues have had a greater effect on people living in poverty. Therefore, when we are working to care for the earth, we are also working for the least of these.

START THINKING ABOUT “100 MEN WHO COOK”  Would you like to work with the Second Con/First Pres. group serving coffee?  Signups will be in the Fair For All shop.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE

STRONG BACKS NEEDED!   There is a large glass table top that needs to be moved this Sunday.  If you are able to help please see Beth, Mike, Becky or Kurt on Sunday.  Thank you!

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:  The May monthly newsletter will be mailed on April 23.  The deadline for May’s newsletter will be noon on Monday, April 22.  Bring or send materials to Valarie (valarie@secondfirst.org).  This deadline is firm so please plan ahead. 

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:  Deadline for materials for the electronic newsletter (First Word from the Tower) will be Tuesday at noon.  Bring or send materials to Valarie (valarie@secondfirst.org).

WORSHIP ORDER DEADLINE:  Deadline for Sunday Worship Order is Wednesday at noon.  Bring or send materials to Valarie (valarie@secondfirst.org).  You don’t have to wait for the deadline, if your report is done send it now.

ANNUAL REPORT DEADLINE:  Deadline for the Annual Report is Friday, April 19.  Bring or send your report to Valarie (valarie@secondfirst.org).

ELECTRONIC GIVING:  Second Congregational UCC/First Presbyterian Church wants to remind you that we offer electronic giving as a way to automate your regular weekly offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for our members and much-needed donation consistency for our congregation.  You can set up your contributions to come directly out of your checking account, or from a credit card.  You can sign up for Electronic Giving by completing an authorization form.  Contact Nancy at the church office (815-963-8431) for more details.  Nancy is usually in the office from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Authorization forms and additional information are available from the church office.  Thank you!

Calendar

Sunday, April 14, 2013

     8:30am - Choir

     8:30am - Koffee Klass

     9:30am – Worship

     10:45am – Fellowship

     10:45am – Music Board

     10:45am – Fair Trade Store

     11:00am – Children’s Time

     11:00am – Adult Christian Ed Classes

     3:00pm – RVC Concert

     3:00pm – Bells at PA Peterson

Monday, April 15, 2013

     11:00am – Boys & Girls Club

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

     7:00am – Men’s Prayer Breakfast

     9:00am - Thrift Shop

     11:00am - Boys & Girls Club

     6:00pm- B & G Club Teen Night

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

       9:30am – Choir Guild

       11:00am - Staff Meeting

       11:00am - Boys & Girls Club

       5:15pm – Puppets

       5:30pm – Dinner and a Movie

       6:30pm – Penguin Class

Thursday, April 18, 2013

       9:30am - First Carillon Bell

       11:00am - Boys & Girls Club

       12:00pm – Gordon Circle

       6:00pm - Bellcanto Ringers

       6:00pm – B & G Club Teen Night

       7:00pm - Choir

Friday, April 19, 2013

       10:00am – Belles of Second Con

       11:00am  – Boys & Girls Club

Saturday, April 20, 2013

       10:00am - Bridge Clinic

       10:00am – Community Basketball

       11:00am - English Lessons

       2:00pm - Guitar Lessons

       2:00pm – Cubs vs. Brewers