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Volunteers are still needed to help teach Summer Sunday School
No experience needed! Curriculum is provided for you. Preschool through 5th grades are combined during the Summer, and meet during the usual Sunday school time from 9:30 to 10:30am. If interested, please contact Karen Nelson or Patti Hill to see which dates are still available. Thank you.
Sunday School
Teachers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to teach or assist Sunday School in the fall. Teachers are scheduled to help on average once a month. If interested, please contact Patti Hill or Karen Nelson.
Calling all 5th graders
Are you in 5th grade? Is someone you know in 5th grade? Please contact Teri so we can be sure to include you in the youth group plans for next year!
Confirmation Class!
Are you currently in 7th grade or above and haven’t participated in Confirmation Class yet? Please let Teri know so we can be sure to include you in the plans for next year. Mark your calendars now for the informational meeting on May 17th at noon. This meeting will be required for those who wish to participate in next year’s class, but attending the meeting does not obligate you to be in the class—come and check it out!
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April 8, 2009
The Spirit
of Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
PNC Update
By now, everyone is aware of the “Big W” pinned upon the bulletin board in the connecting link. When your PNC completes each step, we will color in the appropriate box. This graphic will then keep the RCLPC folks informed of our progress as we look for a new Pastor.
Right now, your committee is busy preparing the Church Information Form, a task requiring a weekly effort by each of the PNC members. Not only must we formulate our congregation’s current life, but also how our congregation envisions future direction.
Through meetings and interviews over the past months, the membership helped us paint a picture of our new Pastor. This information gives the team a handle to grasp while we conduct the search. Hopefully, someone sharing this same vision will come into our midst.
Your PNC intends to be forthcoming during this journey by keeping members apprised of progress. Granted, the discussion of such topics as resumes collected, candidates interviewed, individual qualifications, top picks, personal evaluations, and the like must remain within the confines of the committee. Confidentiality is the watchword when dealing with these issues as the team hunts for the right nominee over the months ahead.
We follow the route Presbytery prescribes. Unfortunately, finding and interviewing candidates is a lengthy procedure. So, how can members help? By showing patience with your PNC as they wade through the process. And by your prayerful support asking God to direct the team in finding that special person to lead RCLPC. Together we travel this road.
Holy Week Schedule
Maundy Thursday Seder (April 9) - 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall
We will celebrate the Festival of Passover, and remember that it was this festival party that was Jesus’ last meal with his friends before his death.
Good Friday (April 10) - 7pm in the Sanctuary
On the darkest of nights – an image of grace. What is good about this day? On Good Friday, a night of silence and great despair, we wait long hours, confident of God’s saving grace.
Easter Sunday (April 12) services: 8, 9 (alt), 10:15, 11:15am
From death, life – an image of grace. Alleluia, shouts of joy - Resurrection! We laugh and sing and celebrate. Easter breakfast served all morning in fellowship hall.
RCPLC Men can Cook!
Easter Breakfast is coming back
after popular demand.
Baffled about what to serve the family on a hectic Easter Morning? Never fear--The Chefs of RCLPC to the rescue! Turn those ravenous appetites over to the Men’s Group for their annual Easter Breakfast fundraiser. Now really, who can resist such handsome men serving up their mouthwatering temptations of pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit all in an atmosphere of church fellowship? No one! Not only will we feature Gilman’s Own Tasty Pancake Toppings, but also, a scrumptious surprise addition to this year’s menu. So, Mom and Dad... On Easter Morning, pack up the kids, the Grandy’s, and any of those shirttail relations, and head for Fellowship Hall between the hours of 8:00 and 11:15am. Truly, a culinary experience you won’t want to miss. And remember, your donations support the RCLPC Emergency Fund providing necessary financial assistance to families in need.
30 Hour Famine Food Drive—we need your help!
The 30 Hour Famine is nearly upon us—the time when our high school youth Starve For Food. They go without food for 30 hours to try to get a taste of what hunger is like, and they raise awareness and money to fight hunger worldwide. While worldwide last year’s statistics were slightly better than previous years, 26,000 children still die every day from hunger and hunger related disease. And here in our own area more and more people can’t afford food for their families.
Last year’s penny drive was quite a success, so this year we are dreaming big. So this year, instead of pennies, we are collecting food for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. We hope to build a house of food, representing the security hungry people often lack.
Our goal is to collect enough food to feed a family for one week per participant in the Famine. So far we have 10 people participating in the famine, so our goal is to collect enough food for 10 weeks. (Learn more about how the American diet compares to the rest of the world at www.whattheworldeats.com.)
Please bring your donations to the Fellowship Hall’s northeast corner (near the double doors). Wondering what to donate? Here are the Food Pantry’s top 20 most needed items:
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| Beverages | Canned foods | Boxed Items | Other | Personal Care Items |
| Small tins of Coffee | Tomato products | Noodle Side Dish | Saltine Crackers | Diapers- larger sizes |
| Tea bags | Fruit- oranges, mix fruit pears, peaches | Beans | Flour 1 or 5 lbs | Shampoo |
| Can Juice | Tuna Fish | Mash Potatoes | Sugar 1or 5 lbs | Bar Soap |
| Juice Boxes | Chicken, Spam | Rice | Spaghetti | Laundry Soap |
| Drink Mixes | Hash | Rice Side Dish | Noodles | Toilet Paper |
| Evaporated milk | Pasta- Ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s | Breakfast Cereal | Vegetable Oil | Kleenex |
| Hot Chocolate | Vegetables- corn, peas | Hamburger Helpers | Jelly or Peanut Butter | Feminine Napkins |
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Youth News:
Middle School Lock-In!!!! Friday April 17-Saturday April 18th, 7pm-9am. Come for a sleepover you’ll never forget, with games, snacks, and fun! Please RSVP to Cheryl Lilly by April 14. Don’t forget to bring your sleeping bag, pajamas, toothbrush, and a snack to share with your friends!
High School: 30 Hour Famine and lock-in! Friday April 24-Saturday April 25th, 7pm-7pm. Look for sponsors who will help you save children’s lives, then come to the lock-in for a night and a day of fasting together, playing games, learning about hunger, and serving our community.
Spaghetti Luncheon coming up!
On Sunday, April 26, join us in the Fellowship Hall at noon for a delicious lunch of spaghetti, salad, and bread. The High School Youth will share their experiences from the 30 Hour Famine, and we will also learn about ways we can be involved in ending hunger in our world of plenty. Suggested Donations of $5/adult, $3/child with all proceeds going to the youth summer trip to Montreat.
Teri’s phone number has changed
If you’re still using the old directory, please change Teri’s phone number. Her old number no longer works. Thanks!
WEAVE continues through May 6!
We have an exciting line-up of adult education opportunities coming up:
- April 15 join us to learn more about our April Mission Focus: hunger. Learn the who/what/where/when/why/how of hunger and also what we can do about it.
- April 22 join us for a special Earth Day WEAVE!
- April 29: very important class… TBA
- May 6 join us for a special wrap-up class and time of fellowship.
What’s a spiritual gift? Do I have one? Can I have one??
Wednesdays May 13, 20, and 27, join Teri in the Fellowship Hall as we explore spiritual gifts—The Apostle Paul says everyone has at least one, but what are they? What does it mean to be gifted by the Spirit? What are MY spiritual gifs? How do I use them?
Well—find out on Wednesdays from 6.45-8 in May! (Note: This is after the end of WEAVE, so we won’t be offering dinner, but feel free to bring dinner with you!)
Pastries in Fellowship Hall on April 19
Please stop by Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 19 for a delicious pastry and some conversation from 9:15am to 1215pm. All donations will be given to the family (Brigette and young children Fallon and Bryn) of Spc. Norman Cain III of the Woodstock National Guard who was killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb on March 15.
The Bible Bowl is Coming!
It’s a little later than your average bowl game, but just as fun! Our Sunday School students will be practicing up for the Bible Bowl, a friendly competition between students and between classes. With categories like “places in the Bible” and “sayings of Jesus” our Sunday School youth will be learning about Scripture and earning prizes—as well as earning some bragging rights! They’ll practice each week and then the Big Event—Bible Bowl I—will take place in Fellowship Hall at 10:30am on May 31. Hope to see you there!
Offering of Letters
 Prov. 31:8-9 Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our elected leaders to end hunger at home and abroad. Over the years, Bread for the World has persuaded Congress to establish a grain reserve, create a survival fund, provide debt relief, expand funding for school lunches, and strengthen food stamps. As a result, until recently, hunger has steadily declined both in our country and overseas. Now though, as a result of the global financial crisis, there has been an alarming increase in hunger and poverty at home and especially abroad, where millions of people have been pushed into deep and desperate hunger.
Our Mission Outreach Ministry’s annual Offering of Letters following the worship services on April 26, will focus on Bread for the World’s goal of making foreign assistance more effective in order to reach more people. Our letters to Congress will urge that U.S. foreign aid be refocused and streamlined so it is more efficient in reducing hunger and poverty.
The work of addressing the needs of God’s most vulnerable people has never been more critical than right now. Our faith calls us to stand up and heed God’s calling “to act justly and to love mercy” (Micah 6:8). As individuals and as a church body, we work and volunteer in social ministries and give financially to hunger appeals. But a single decision by Congress can outweigh or multiply our contributions. Please join us in raising our collective voice through our Offering of Letters on April 26 in Fellowship Hall. We can make a great impact together for God’s people in need. ~ Mission Outreach Ministry
Coming Soon: Rent A Youth!
Ever wanted to hire a cleaning service for your garage, or a yard service for spring time cleanups, or a maid for your bathroom? Ever wanted to see a 15-year old do some real work? Well, here’s your chance to do these things AND support the High School Youth summer trip to the Montreat Youth Conference at the same time! On May 16th and 17th and June 7th the High School youth group will be hiring itself out to do any ugly jobs you can imagine (as long as they’re safe!). The kids will go out in groups of two (or more, if you need them), to do whatever it is you need them to do.
**How much does it cost?**
$25 an hour (one hour minimum)—a bargain compared to most cleaning or yard services!
**What time will the youth come over?**
You get to choose the time yourself: anytime after 9am on the Saturdays, or between 12 and 5 on the Sunday. Parents and other volunteers will likely be driving youth between jobs—please be patient if they are a few minutes late, who knows what they were doing at the last house!
**How do I sign up?**
Just use the work order form you can find in the Connecting Link or the Church Office.
**What if I need a babysitter?**
There is a separate request form for babysitters. You can arrange with your babysitter the day and time as long as it’s completed by June 7. Babysitting will be charged at a flat rate of $40.
What’s a spiritual gift? Do I have one? Can I have one??
Wednesdays May 13, 20, and 27, join Teri in the Fellowship Hall as we explore spiritual gifts—The Apostle Paul says everyone has at least one, but what are they? What does it mean to be gifted by the Spirit? What are MY spiritual gifs? How do I use them?
Well—find out on Wednesdays from 6.45-8 in May! (Note: This is after the end of WEAVE, so we won’t be offering dinner, but feel free to bring dinner with you!)
Pastors out of the office...
After Easter, the pastors will both be out of the office for several days. Please call the church office at 815-459-1132 or the elders on call if you have a pastoral need:
Elders On Call
Tuesday, April 14: Barb Dolmon or Mary Moltmann
Wednesday, April 15: Jodi Iddings or Mary Moltmann
Thursday, April 16: Connie Rasmussen or Sally Weller
Friday, April 17: Connie Rasmussen or Dale Prindiville
Saturday, April 18: Dale Prindiville or Jim Bauman
 What is “Share the Bounty”?
“Share the Bounty” is about sharing YOUR bounty with those who are less fortunate. During the growing season a “Share the Bounty” table is set up in the Connecting Link. Members and friends can bring plants and produce from their gardens and place them on the table; these items are available every Sunday for a free will donation. This year’s proceeds from “Share the Bounty” will be used to provide lunches for PADS clients next winter.
If you’re a gardener, now is the perfect time to start thinking about dividing your perennials. They’ll be poking up through the ground any time now. Please include a name tag for your plants with pertinent information so new owners will know how to plant them.
We also need volunteers to clean up the table at noon each Sunday from May through October. Look for the sign-up list on the table and let us know when you’re available.
Whether you plan on bringing plants and produce, or simply purchasing them, your contribution to this worthwhile mission is greatly appreciated. Mission Outreach Ministry
2009 Presbytery-wide Mission Trip
The group will be working with Presbyterian Community Outreach (PCO) in Slidell, LA, currently working to rebuild the New Orleans area. PCO accepts and houses volunteer groups free of charge to do home repair to low income families, elderly persons and disabled individuals affected by hurricane Katrina. PCO provides housing, tools, materials, and instruction. We plan to leave on Saturday, April 25, and return Sunday, May 3, working in the New Orleans area Monday through Friday of that week. If you are interested and/or have questions about what to expect, ask MJ Towne or Dick and Cheryl Brinks or Pastor Jan. They have all experienced working at this location. Also check web site www.pcoslidell.org. for more information. Interest and questions – please see Bill Pittenger
Native American
Reverse Mission Opportunity
If you are interested in finding out more about joining a group planning to make a trip to Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations on June 21-26th, please let Joy Martin know. Classes will take place on May 17, May 24, and in June at dates to be announced. There is also homework that needs to be completed prior to our departure. ~ Mission Outreach Ministry |
Coming to WTTW11 on Mondays:
April 13 through May 11; 9:00-10:30pm
"We Shall Remain", a 5-part American Experience production series shows how Native peoples valiantly resisted expulsion from their lands and fought the extinction of their culture - from the Wampanoags of New England in the 1600's to the bold new leaders of the 1970's. To see the video preview, access the website on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain/
~ Mission Outreach Ministry |
Let Your Light So Shine! Covenant Gathering 2009; June 28 - July 3
Join Christian friends from Synod of the Covenant and Synod of Lincoln Trails -- and beyond -- at lovely Michindoh Conference Center near the Ohio, Indiana and Michigan border in Hillsdale, MI.
You'll be able to learn about deepening spirituality through prayer, meditation, art and nature; using electronic media in the church, transforming congregations through the new evangelism, and preparing your congregation to respond to community crises. You'll also find a Bible study on the Gospel of John and a Christian Education Theory and Practice class approved for CE certification and CLP studies.
Children and youth will be exploring their place in the world God created in age-appropriate classes with experienced, seasoned teachers. Everyone can enjoy the trails, lake, water slide and water sports at Michindoh! It's an affordable, all-inclusive family vacation. (Less than $1000 total for a family of four of 2 adults and 2 kids ages 6-12.)
Go to www.covenantgathering.com for details on classes, costs and registration. Check out www.Michindoh.com for more information on our meeting place and accommodations. Or email covenantgathering@comcast.net with other questions.
In His service, Covenant Gathering 2009 Design Team
Save the Date for VBS:
June 22 – 26, 2009
Anyone who would like to help can contact Denise Sokoloski or Jodi Iddings. Volunteer Form
Camp E.D.G.E. Vacation Bible School Directors
are creating the EXTREME TEAM!!
We are looking for extreme adventurers ready to “trek” to the E.D.G.E.--Experience and Discover God Everywhere.
If you are interested in helping with Vacation Bible School held June 22-26 please fill out this form and place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office. We look forward to another FANTASTIC VBS. Any questions call Camp Directors Denise Sokoloski or Jodi Iddings.
Volunteer Form
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