| Who We Are |
|
Contact Us |
|
How to Find Us |
Our History
|
Our Mission Statement
|
| What's Happening |
|
Announcements this Week |
|
Calendar |
Sermons
|
SPIRIT Newsletter
|
|
SPIRIT Archive |
| Photos |
|
Notes from Our Troops |
|
People in the News |
|
Photo Albums |
| Other Links of Interest |
|
Blackhawk Presbytery |
|
Daily Readings |
For Our Volunteers
|
|
PCUSA News |
Presbyterian Church USA
|
Praying
(a poem by Mary Oliver)
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot,
or a few
small stones;
just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate,
this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks,
and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
Food Pantry Needs Your Help
Volunteers are needed, so please see the signup sheet in the Connecting Link. Give us whatever time you can spare. We serve once a month from 10am to 2pm. Please note that all Wednesday hours have been extended to 10am - 2pm due to the growing number of families in need. Each month we set a new record for the number of people being served. The growth rate is slowing, but the numbers still expand. We appreciate any help. Thank you. Call me if you have any questions. Nancy Vazzano.
Thanks!
The Food Pantry would like to express how grateful they are to our youth group for their efforts to help the pantry on Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday, and to everyone at RCLPC for their kind generosity and support.
Thanks, Nancy Vazzano
Talent-Optional Show - Sunday, February 28th!!
Come to RCLPC from 5-7pm for an evening of performance fun! Our youth will be displaying their talents, their non-talents, and their senses of humor—will you display yours too? Come one, come all—talent optional! Tickets to the show will be by donation to the summer high school mission trip to Houma, Louisiana.
Easter Worship Services: 8:30 (alt), 9:30, 11:00
Session has approved to continue with our regular worship schedule for Easter Sunday, April 4th: 8:30 (alt), 9:30 & 11:00. The Men’s Breakfast Group will be hosting the Easter Breakfast all morning in Fellowship Hall. Look for more details to follow in upcoming bulletins and the next Spirit newsletter.
Family Seating Area
This Easter Sunday the Family and Accessible Seating Area in the front of the sanctuary will be returned to regular pews. Because several families with children have shared positive feedback for the Family and Accessible Seating Area during the trial period, it is possible that the idea will be revisited in the future. We will also implement an area in the sanctuary that will accommodate people in wheel chairs and with special needs by Easter Sunday.
Read With The Pastor Book Group!
The next book you are invited to join Teri in reading is Home by Marilynne Robinson. This novel by the bestselling author of Gilead explores the question “what does it mean to come home?” Home is available in all our local bookstores and libraries, as well as from online booksellers. Join us on Tuesday, March 23 at 7pm as we discuss this book together!
Steadfast Hope is Coming to RCLPC!
A new adult education series begins February 24 at WEAVE on Wednesday nights. For five weeks during Lent we will explore common myths about the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, view the situation on the ground, and be inspired by how Muslim, Christian and Jewish peacemakers are working together for justice and reconciliation.
Steadfast Hope: the Palestinian Quest for a Just Peace, an excellent resource produced by the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the PC(USA), will guide us through the history, perspectives, and the struggle for peace.
How appropriate that during this time of Lent we engage ourselves in this timely and crucial quest which involves not only the peoples of the land where Jesus walked, but the entire world. Sign up in the connecting link to reserve your copy of the magnificently illustrated 48-page book and DVD for only $5. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about our church’s peacemaking Mission in the Holy Land.
Hey Men of RCLPC!!
Ever wonder how TV commercials are created or how the advertising wizards derived at the final product. Join us at the next Men's Breakfast Group on Saturday, March 6th at 8am, at the Colonial Café in Crystal Lake. Rick Thompson will break down the process, from initial concept through final edit... should be an interesting and intriguing meeting. Join us for some great fellowship, a chance to meet and greet, and a most interesting presentation.
VBS is Coming and We Need YOU!
VBS week is set for June 21-25. The Education Team is excited to start filling the volunteer positions for this fun-filled event. We are trying something new this year. Instead of having one director getting everything together we are going to be breaking the responsibilities into smaller teams. It is important that we get started on all the pre VBS stuff. If you are available to help out with VBS please let Jodi Iddings know by March 1. You can email her or call. If there are not enough volunteers, the VBS program will be unable to take place this summer. Here are teams we will need to fill:
Advertising
Decorating
Registration/
Class list
Education
Volunteer Coordinator
Assembly Coordinator
Science Coordinator
Drama Coordinator
Snack Coordinator
Craft Coordinator
Outdoor Education Coordinator
|
|
February 24, 2010
The Spirit
of Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
A Lenten Discipline challenge for all RCLPC
Lent is a time for focusing, or re-focusing, on our relationship with God. Traditionally this has been a time of fasting, or giving something up. Another form of Lenten discipline is to take something on—and this Lent, I challenge each of us to a Lenten Discipline that has two parts.
Pray every day for this church. Remember that prayer is a two-way conversation with God—so spend some time EVERY DAY talking with God about RCLPC.
Every week, make a phone call to someone you haven’t seen at church in a while. I know this is beyond most of our comfort zones, and it’s possible you’ll find they’ve just been going to another service or that they don’t want to talk about it...or it’s possible that you’ll find there’s stuff going on that needed to be talked about and that you can pray for and about!
These two seemingly small things can be the most important things we do for RCLPC during this time of transition. I will take on this discipline, and I hope and expect that you will all do the same. May this Lenten season be one of growing together in God, re-focusing our attention, and preparing for a new season of resurrection.
~Teri
Lent Worship and Study Opportunities
During worship this Lent we will be exploring the theme of Reconciliation. We will be placing ourselves in the story of the Prodigal (Luke 15.11b-32) as various characters as we explore this theme.
2nd Sunday in Lent, February 28: Blackhawk Presbytery General Presbyter John Rickard preaches, placing us in the position of the younger son who leaves and comes home again.
3rd Sunday in Lent, March 7: Victoria Wilcox, assistant director of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, will place us in the position of the jealous older son who has to overcome his resentment in order to be reconciled with his family.
4th Sunday in Lent, March 14: Jac Kelewae preaches on 2 Corinthians 5.16-21—“in Christ, God was reconciling the world to God’s self and entrusting us with the ministry of reconciliation.”
5th Sunday in Lent, March 21: The adult and jubilation choirs present the Caribbean Mass as a Lenten Cantata at 9.30 and 11 (no 8.30 service).
 St. Francis in the Americas:
A Caribbean Mass
Sunday, March 21,
9:30 & 11:00am
Adult Choir and Jubilation Youth Choirs
The adult choir and Jubilation youth choir will present “St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass,” by Glenn McClure, Sunday, March 21, during 9:30 and 11:00 worship.
According to the composer, this work “celebrates the marriage of Latin American cultures and the spiritual legacy of the medieval Italian saint, Francis of Assisi. The instrumentation features steel drum (invented in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the mid 20th century) and other percussion instruments from Latin American traditions. Just as Francis said that his cathedral was the whole world, we see that his simple wisdom could not be limited to one language or musical tradition.”
Invite your family and friends to experience this special musical offering by our music ministry.
Session Highlights
February 11 – Stated Session Meeting
The meeting was opened with a discussion of the book “Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times”.
The following items were discussed:
- Easter services will be 8:30, 9:30, and 11:00.
- The congregation will be receiving notice of a Girl Scout troop selling cookies to send to the troops.
- The Administration Team will be starting a search for a bridge pastor.
A joint meeting of Elders and Deacons was held on Feb. 1st. The Session reviewed this meeting and agreed to implement the following:
- At each Session meeting there will be a Deacon representative and at each Deacon meeting there will be an Elder representative. This will be done to clarify communications between the two boards.
- Highlights of the Session and Deacons meeting will be printed in the Spirit.
- The Deacons will follow up on those folks who have not been at church recently.
- The Session will continue to pursue changes in how we interact and communicate with each other to strengthen our church body.
The minutes of the January meeting were approved.
The Nominating Committee will be meeting to fill empty elder and deacon positions.
The next Stated Session meeting will be Tuesday, March 16th at 7pm.
|
Update on the Distribution of Funds Collected in 2009
for the "Spare Change for a Big Change" Program
The Mission Outreach Ministry Team gave a lot of thought to the best use of the $661.94 collected in 2009. They decided to donate the money to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for Haiti fund. As we all know, the people of Haiti were already struggling with intense and appalling poverty when a recent, destructive earthquake set them further back. Therefore, it is appropriate to send the Spare Change money where the need is so great and where it will do the most good. Thank you again to all church members and friends who have contributed and who will continue to contribute to this program.
Vitamin Collection for Haiti
On behalf of the non-profit, humanitarian group Relief International, I am collecting vitamins that will be shipped down to Haiti next month. We have a family friend who is on the board of directors for Relief International. He is in Haiti now, and his organization has clinics and operations set up there as well. Their main objective is to provide help and relief in times of crises to third world countries.
One item they are requesting is vitamin donations - any brand, all sizes, shapes, adult’s and children's. Please donate vitamins that are new, unopened, untampered with, and not past their expiration date.
A collection basket which is set up just outside of the church office will be there through March 14. I have a contact that will be taking care of the shipping for this project. Thank you ahead of time for your care and contribution!
Susan Tredwell
Long-Term Recovery for Haiti
The need is still great in Haiti, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is accepting funds to enable a significant response for relief and recovery efforts related to the earthquake that has devastated the country. Funds received will supplement the initial Great Hour of Sharing disbursement to provide for immediate assistance and the long-term recovery. Please visit the Presbyterian Disaster (PDA) Web site (www.pcusa.org/pda/response/latinamerica/haiti-index.htm) to donate as well as for updates and information on the response, or contact Pamela Burdine at (888) 728-7228 x5839. ~ Mission Outreach Ministry
Home of the Sparrow Easter Basket Donations
Spring is just around the corner…..or so we hope!! It is time for our church wide mission project of collecting donations for Easter Baskets for families of Home of the Sparrow. The Sunday school classes will be helping to put the baskets together and fill eggs on Palm Sunday, so donations are needed by Sunday, March 21st.
The following items will be needed: baskets, plastic eggs, candy, snacks (no nuts please), small toys, reading and coloring books, small stuffed animals, card games, puzzles, socks, crayons, markers, pens, etc. There are presently 18 moms, that we are asking $10.00 gift cards for or donations so that we may purchase additional cards. In addition to gift cards, the moms could use lotions, bath gels, etc.
There are 34 children and their ages are as follows: 1 child 5 months old (boy), 5 children ages 1-3 (2 girls & 3 boys), 14 children ages 5-10 (8 girls, 6 boys), 10 children ages 11-16 (6 boys, 4 girls). In addition, there are 4 boys who are 18 years old.
Thank you so much for your consideration in helping with this very important mission project. Donations can be dropped off in the box across from the office. Any questions, please feel free to contact either of us. Thanks.
Native American Trip Planned
A mission-in-reverse trip into the culture and spirituality of American Indians is scheduled for June 21-26th through a trip to Rosebud and Pine Ridge American Indian Reservations in South Dakota. If you are a first-timer, there will be three classes and homework that is necessary to prepare yourself for this experience. We need to know your serious intentions by the end of March to include you in the trip and allow the proper time for advance study. For more information, contact Joy Martin
| Presbytery Mission Trip
Presbytery Wide Mission Trip to New Orleans Area...April 26-30—Sign Up Now! This will be the 4th year that Blackhawk Presbytery has coordinated a mission trip to Slidell, LA to work in the New Orleans area. Please get in touch with Rev. Anita Stuart-Steva at 815.335.2609 or anita.middlecreekchurch@gmail.com.
 |
The Bread Basket Ministry needs your help this spring!
As you may know, when visitors worship with us and provide a local delivery address, we acknowledge their visit with a note and a tasty baked treat during the week following worship! Many of our new members have had this first sweet "taste" of RCLPC hospitality. There is a new signup sheet for March-June in the Connecting Link. Volunteers are needed right away!
Please consider signing up for one or two weeks to continue this welcoming tradition! And please include your email address! We like to track who has received a delivery, so please plan to call or email back to Sarah Jane when the delivery has been made. Any questions, call Sarah Jane Campbell.
Faith in Action Update
The senior population is growing every year and is anticipated to increase. Please accept our sincere gratitude to all the volunteers from RCLPC who enable us to answer the need. To become involved, either as a Care Receiver or Care Giver, please call 815-455-3120. ~ Mission Outreach Ministry
Detail of services for Jul-Dec 2008 compared to Jul-Dec 2009. 82% higher demand overall!
Friendly Visits 127% increase
Friendly phoning 114% increase
Transportation 60% increase
Shopping 170% increase
Housekeeping 146% increase
Respite 81% increase
Overall hourly increase 27%
Miles driven 57% increase
77% increase in the number of unique seniors we serve each month
82% increase in the number of services provided each month!
Faith in Action of McHenry County -
Preserving the Independence of McHenry County Seniors
7105 Virginia Road, Suite 21, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
www.fiamchenrycounty.org
Become a Certified Hospice Volunteer
A Hospice Volunteer Training course is being offered Saturday, March 13, by Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care to individuals interested in becoming Certified Hospice Volunteers. The training will be held from 9am to 7pm at Northern Illinois Medical Center, 4201 Medical Center Drive, McHenry. Seasons’ comprehensive Volunteer training fulfills all Medicare requirements for Volunteer Service, in addition to developing appropriate life skills for being present with the dying. The training is free, but advance registration is required. Contact Barb Clark at 847-375-2143, or email her at bclark@seasons.org
Seasons Hospice Volunteers are compassionate people who want to benefit terminally ill patients in nursing facilities, private homes, or Seasons’ Inpatient Units at Louis Weiss Memorial Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital. Volunteer opportunities include visiting with and reading to patients, providing a supportive presence and caregiver relief for family members, assisting in Seasons’ offices, helping to recruit new volunteers, and much more. Individuals with certified pet therapy dogs are invited to find out more about joining Seasons Pet Team.
|
Letters from Our Partners in Mission
From PADS...
Thank you for your donation of $349.10 collected at your Cookie Walk to McHenry County PADS. As you know, needy families and individuals in our community go without proper food, shelter, and essential medical care every day due to a variety of factors including low wages, job loss, injuries, illness, age, domestic violence, or divorce. While all of us are susceptible to hard times, children, families and individuals who have experienced these factors are most at risk, and they make up the largest number of clients we serve. With the generous support of people like you, we will be able to help many of these families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training, education, counseling, medical/mental health assistance, and temporary housing. For more information on how your donation is helping to make a difference in the lives of so many in our community, we invite you to visit our web site at: www.mchenrycountypads.com. You can also find information there on our upcoming events for this year and volunteer opportunities.
From Turning Point...
Thank you for your generous donation of $174.55 in support of Turning Point. Your donation will directly impact our community by allowing us to serve the women, children and men who walk through our doors in an effort to end the violence in their families. Together we can make a difference in bringing the values of peace and justice to our community and your donation brings us closer to that vision.
From Faith in Action...
Thank you for your recent donation of $174.55 to Faith in Action of McHenry County. Your support is very much appreciated. Our organization continues to grow, and every day we serve seniors who need help with rides to the doctor, shopping, or perhaps a friendly visitor. There is such gratitude from seniors who learn that there are volunteers available to help them out. Many of them would not be able to remain in their own homes without the help they receive from Faith in Action. We receive many letters of appreciation from care receivers. One recent letter expressed it in the following way: "It's not so much what the volunteers do, but the fact that someone cares." It is the generous donations received from members of our community such as Ridgefield-CL Presbyterian Church that allow us to continue providing no cost services to our McHenry County Seniors.
From Hospice of Northern Illinois...
On behalf of the Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois, it is my privilege to express our appreciation for your recent gift of$174.55. The Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois is committed to the belief that Hospice is about the right to live life to the fullest and to die with dignity, surrounded and supported by family and friends. With grateful hearts we recognize that thanks to the generosity of people like you, we are able to care for all patients regardless of their ability to pay. As the demand for hospice services increases, so does our need for support. With your generous help we can continue to extend our caring hands to those in need.
From Home of the Sparrow...
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers here at Home of the Sparrow, thank you for the donation of $174.55 which was collected for Mission Giving. Your generosity helps us keep our McHenry and Crystal Lake homeless shelters open so that we can offer a warm bed, food and clothing to mothers and children in need. We realize that in these troubling economic times churches are being asked to do more for their local non-profit organizations. That's why this letter comes with such a special "thank you" for helping us out! Home of the Sparrow is proud of our 24-year tradition of assisting people in McHenry County and Northern Illinois. During 2009, we provided 14,394 nights of shelter for 85 women and children. We could not have provided these services without the financial support of the community-at-large. Thank you again for your generosity and for caring about our Home of the Sparrow family!
20th Anniversary Celebration
of Fairhaven School
in Alexandria, Egypt
Please stop and enjoy the beautiful collage of pictures from Egypt and Crystal Lake in honor of the 20th anniversary of Fairhaven School that is hanging in the Gathering Place. The three students that we sponsor at the school are included in the collage. Doug and Maggie Crane will be taking the banner with them to Egypt and presenting it to Fairhaven at their celebration on March 30th.
And, ... there still is time to make airline reservations to join in this special event. It definitely would be a once in a lifetime opportunity!!!
|
Fairhaven School Student Sponsorship
In April of 2008 members and friends of our congregation began providing generous financial support for three students at Fairhaven School, the special school in Alexandria, Egypt, for handicapped children that we have been associated with for several years. Just recently the director of the school informed us that the three girls, Randa, Safaa and Sara, are all doing well and thanked us for our ongoing support of the school’s program.
The Mission Outreach Ministry wishes to continue the student sponsorship relationship with Fairhaven School so that Sara, Randa, and Safaa, along with over 200 other young people, can continue to learn and grow with the compassion and support of the Fairhaven School teachers and staff.
We are coming to the congregation to ask that you prayerfully consider helping in sponsoring these children. Monthly tuition costs are $140 per month for the eleven-month school year. One-time donations, as well as monthly or quarterly contributions in whatever amount you can afford, are needed and appreciated. Thank you for helping us reach out in love to Fairhaven School.
Fairhaven School Student Sponsorship
Name ______________________________________________
Phone _________________________________
Tuition costs are $140 per month for the eleven-month school year. I (We) will support financially the education of the students at Fairhaven School by:
___ One time donation of $__________
___ Monthly contribution of $_________
___ Quarterly contribution of $__________
Please make checks payable to RCLPC and designate Fairhaven School in the memo line. The completed sponsorship form can be turned in to the church office.
[ back to the top ]
|
|
