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January 10, 2007

The SPIRIT of Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church

Building Task Force Update

As we begin a new year, the Building Task Force wishes to provide you with a review and status report on efforts to address the congregation’s space needs.

As you may recall, last March we conducted a survey as part of a series of open discussions with the congregation. Of the 100-plus respondents, 86 percent agreed that addressing our space needs is an urgent priority. We also asked for feedback on options reviewed during the forums. Ninety percent of respondents expressed support for seeking to buy the 17 acres of farm land partially adjoining the church property and extending to Tartan Drive.

With that guidance and after additional research, we submitted a written offer to purchase the 17 acres, subject to customary due diligence on the property and approval by the congregation and Blackhawk Presbytery. However, the property owners elected to make the property available to another prospective buyer. McHenry County College now has an option to buy about 60 acres, including the 17 acres we had sought. We have spoken with the president of MCC, who assured us that the MCC board of directors is aware of our interest and expressed hopes that the college could accommodate our needs. However, at this point MCC is engaged in due diligence on the property and has not formalized its expansion plans. To say our prospects are uncertain is an understatement: IF MCC exercises its option to buy the property and IF its plans ultimately allow for carving out a portion of the property for our use, we may be able to enter into negotiations with the college. Furthermore, we can only speculate as to the time frame in which the above scenario might come to pass.

Throughout this period, we have continued to investigate other properties, both adjacent and non-adjacent, and have gained significant understanding of the local real estate market and the issues involved in this type of property acquisition and development. With the 17 acres out of play for the time being and its future status so uncertain, we have concluded that we need additional input and guidance from the congregation before seeking other property. We need a clearer understanding of the congregation’s goals and priorities. Are we committed to growth and, if so, in what ways? What programs are important to us and what are their space needs? How big a church do we envision becoming? Is improved visibility to potential newcomers a high priority, even if it may mean relocation? How much money are we willing to spend for land and construction?

We trust that answers to these questions and many others will emerge from a new visioning process the session will undertake with the entire congregation over the coming months. These answers will help define who we want to be and what we want to accomplish together and, in turn, provide vital direction regarding our space needs. Thank you for your prayers as we continue this important process together.

The Building Task Force – David Dees, Scott Iddings, Jodie LeFevre, Linda Peel, Andrea Pracht, Wayne Prindiville, Stan Sumner and Lori Thompson

Installation Service

You are invited to attend the
Installation Service
for Rev. Teri Peterson
Sunday, January 14th at 3 pm


A reception will follow the service.

Town Hall Meetings

A reminder that on January 20 at 6 p.m. (after NewWay worship) and on January 21 at 10 a.m. (between the Sunday services), we will have “town hall meetings” to discuss the future of our worship life. Session members will be present at both meetings and they want to hear from you. We will conduct a survey at the end of each meeting to give everyone a chance to express their desires, hopes and dreams for our worship life.

Men's Breakfast Group
Off To Good Start

This past Saturday we had 12 men at the Colonial Café for our first men’s breakfast. We will be meeting at the Colonial at 8am on the first Saturday of every month. At our next meeting on February 3rd we will be discussing boats and fishing as we look at Luke 5 verses 1-11. Please plan on joining us.

Send Valentines
to Soldiers in Iraq

WANTED: RCLPCers of all ages to come to Fellowship Hall on the weekend of January 20/21 to send Valentines to soldiers who are serving in Iraq: Jeffrey Jackson (nephew of Rob and Julie Baser), Matt Emerson (nephew of Lou and Kathy Rabe), and Aaron Burleson (nephew of Cindee Robinson). A Wish List is posted in the Connecting Link if you would like to donate items like crossword puzzles or packs of nuts or dried fruit or cookies. Please contact me if you have questions or if you have a loved one serving in the Middle East. ~ Mary Moltmann

“Be Thou My Vision.” Fiddlers. Riverdance. St. Patrick.
“CELTIC”—it’s cool, it’s hip, it’s trendy.
We all know it and love it. But what is it, really?

More than just ethereal music, more than clogging, more than a cool accent…the Celtic Christian tradition draws on centuries of practices, stories, and customs, along with a distinct worldview, to inform everyday living. There is no distinction between sacred and secular, between work and worship—everything in this tradition is interconnected, like those Celtic knots that are so popular in jewelry.

The adult education class will take a four-week adventure into Celtic Spirituality. This winter, take this opportunity to delve deeper into the Celtic Christian tradition—its history, stories, saints, prayers, and practices. Celtic Christian spirituality is a rich resource for our own spiritual lives—perhaps you’ll find something you can incorporate into your own spiritual life as we head toward the season of Lent.

You are invited to explore Celtic Spirituality with Teri during the adult education hour, each Sunday from January 28 through February 18.

Senior High Youth Group Study Break!

Take a break from that homework and come hang out here with friends for an hour! On Wednesdays from 7-8pm, we’ll have music, themed snacks, and low-key fellowship. On the 17th, the snack theme is “breakfast” so be sure to come check it out! You can even come in your PJs if you want…

Mission Focus

A Tribute to a Special RCLPC Service Angel

From the January 3, 2007 Marine Corps News, we quote from an article by Cpl. James B. Hoke, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “Al Asad, Iraq – For many of the deployed service members, the holiday seasons pass by without them ever noticing. Every day is a routine groundhogs day, and they are always focused on their job, mission and safety.

This season, however, became renown by the Marines and service members with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Group 16 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing as three large and separate communities each adopted the unit for the holidays.”

One of the three communities cited is in our own McHenry County - Crystal Lake and surrounding communities. As was said by Maj. Tom Lenhardt, a 38-year-old Mesa, Arizona native (brother of Patti Hill), “There were enough presents for each person to have three gifts--two boxes and a stocking. The service members received numerous care packages through their deployment. Three women spearheaded this tremendous effort in Memphis, Tennessee, Hendersonville, N.C. and, in Crystal Lake; it was through the efforts of Mary Moltmann that enabled the servicemen and women to receive so many donations for the holidays.”

As we all know, Mary has been a guiding angel since the beginning of the war to not only remember military personnel connected to our congregation members herself, but to continue the effort with cards she provided for us to sign, products she encouraged us to contribute and the monies to mail the packages that have been sent by Mary over these long years.

Please note the entire article on the Mission bulletin board in the Connecting Link. Thank you from all of us, Mary, for deepening our involvement and commitment and, especially for your outstanding dedication to this mission. What a blessing you are to RCLPC and to this worthy endeavor. Give it up for our Service Angel, Mary Moltmann.

Souper Bowl of Caring

Could they do it????
Will the BEARS be in the Super Bowl??????

The diehard fans will say they will not only be in the big game, but they will win! I can’t guarantee a Bears victory, but I can guarantee a victory for others and us through the SOUPER BOWL of CARING!!!

The “Souper Bowl of Caring” is a nationwide event that supports individuals in need. Groups and organizations around the country collect monetary donations and non-perishable items to donate within their local community. The totals are phoned into the national headquarters and the national total is announced during half-time of the Super Bowl.

On Sunday February 4th, the youth groups of RCLPC will be collecting monetary and/or non-perishable donations after each of the services. We are also asking that the children of our church bring non-perishable items to Sunday school. The youth will total all donations after the services; the amounts will then be phoned into the program headquarters. The total from all organizations will be announced during half-time of the Super Bowl. Our donations go to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Last year our church collected $910 (a record high for us) and 24 non-perishable items. Nationwide over $5,016,573 was raised. You can get more information at www.souperbowl.org

Please remember those in need, and help us to help even more people than last year.
Thank you in advance, RCLPC Youth Groups

“SPARE CHANGE for a BIG CHANGE” Annual Report for 2006

A week before Christmas, I was in downtown Chicago strolling towards the train station. Along the way, I spied several people perched on the sidewalk asking for money. Behind me, someone in a group said, "That guy beggin' with the accordion. He's gotta have money to afford a piece like that." Later, another said, "My dad was in California, and he said he saw a guy begging who had on a brand new pair of jeans but his gym shoes were really dirty, so he told him 'Nice try, but you forgot to put on pants to match the shoes.'"

I became angry when I heard those damning judgments. But then, I began thinking of how often I've done it myself -- in the past and sometimes in the present even though I try not to. It appears to be an almost incorrigible character flaw. We sometimes sort people into several categories and other times only into two -- the truly needy and the fakers.

What can break this cycle of judgment? I think participation in "Spare Change for a Big Change" and all of the other RCLPC mission-giving projects can help. When you donate your spare change, you don't have to judge and to fret over how the money is spent and whom the money is spent on. It moves over to recognized agencies that spend the money in a responsible manner to help the poor and needy.

The "Spare Change" project since its start at the end of February, 2006, has raised $600.

At the end of December, 2006, the following funds were allocated and sent to these agencies or groups:

$200 to the Home of the Sparrow (Housing and support services for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence and substance abuse)

$100 to Family Alliance (Day Treatment, mental health counseling, and dementia support services for older adults and various support services for the family caregivers)

$100 to Faith in Action ("...helping older adults who live at home and their families who need assistance in maintaining their independence, dignity, and quality of life.")

$200 to the Migrant Council (Outreach, assessment, case management, employment assistance, family services, English as a Second Language services to migrant and seasonal farm workers)

Who brought success to this project?... First, Kim Stewart periodically trekked the “Spare Change” collection boxes to the bank, kept a running total of the amount collected, and cut the checks for the receiving groups. Next, Joy Martin, Rick Johnson, and Ann Legg conferred on the best mission use of the money. Joy finalized the allocations and composed a letter that accompanied the checks. Lastly, and most importantly, there was everyone who contributed to the Spare Change project. Over 2006, church members’ pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters grew into a substantial and vital sum that will have an impact on individual lives. So, thank you many times over for your dedication and generosity!

Will it continue?... I don’t see why not. I think the project has proven itself. And, it should remain a winner if we all save our loose change in the cardboard boxes found on the tables at the entrances to the sanctuary. ~ Jim Bauman

In and Around the Community

FIA’s Annual Pasta Dinner

Faith in Action of McHenry County is hosting their annual Pasta Dinner on Saturday, January 27th, at St. Thomas the Apostle on Rt. 176 and Oak St. in Crystal Lake. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Winds of the Lake, a woodwind ensemble. Because of the popularity of the event they are offering two seatings to provide more efficient service, at 5:30 and at 6:45. Tickets for the event are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for children under 12, and may be purchased by contacting the Faith in Action office at (815) 455-3120.

Faith in Action is a local not-for-profit organization that provides volunteer services to help support independent living for residents of McHenry County over 62 who live in their homes or with loved ones. Services are provided at no charge, and include transportation, shopping, friendly visits, respite for caretakers, light housekeeping and light yard cleanup. Proceeds from the pasta dinner fundraiser will help Faith in Action continue to provide these services to area residents. To purchase pasta dinner tickets, inquire about services for yourself or a family member, or volunteer for Faith in Action, please call (815) 455-3120 or visit www.fiamchenrycounty.org. ~ Rhonda Anderson

Native American Connection

Great News for Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota! The Dakota/Lakota Journal announced that a Loan and Grant Package of $4 million has been granted. An economic development package from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will provide for an independent tribal grocery store, complete with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and baked goods. It is no super market but will have healthy food, a pharmacy, deli that will help our friends combat the diabetes epidemic so prevalent on the Reservation.

For those of us who have been blessed to visit Rosebud and have stayed in a little motel in Mission, we surely know how huge a project this is for the community, creating about 80 jobs when the store opens in July 2007. Part of the package will be used for a wireless broadband project and will enable the Reservation to use wireless Internet technology to have laptop computers practically anywhere on the vast reservation. It is anticipated that future development may include training facilities for workers from other tribes and possibly cellular phone service.

Another exciting bit of news comes out of Washington, D.C. where Senator Tim Johnson, long a supporter of Native American causes, has spearheaded a successful program to restore Native American Languages in the schools and communities. To quote from his speech, “Native Languages continue to diminish with each generation and the programs authorized by this bill will go a long way to restore this important piece of Native culture, bridging the gap between the old and young generations.” The bill has been sent to the President as this article is written, and he is expected to sign it into law. Congratulations, Rosebud. About time, huh?!!! ~ Joy Martin

NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAM
January 16, 2007 6:30-8:30 pm

The Native American Education Services College at 2838 W. Peterson in Chicago is presenting a free program entitled, In the Light of Reverence, a film screening and discussion of Indian sacred places. A group of us plan to drive in at 5 p.m. on the 16th. If you would like to join us, please call Joy Martin or MJ Towne and we will meet at church. We need to RSVP at 312-222-3026. You can get information on the film as well as the school's curriculum online.

THANK YOU

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

“I wanted to thank you for your kindness to my family and me this Christmas season. From the staff gifts arranged by personnel (and supported by you) to the various gifts of chocolate and cookies and cards and so on, your generosity was wonderful. It's my privilege to serve as the pastor of such a giving congregation.”
~ Richard

PLEASE GIVE YOURSELF A HUG AND THANKS for your amazing response to the Mission Angel Tree during this Christmas season. There were about 120 gift tags for items and volunteer opportunities from several of our local nonprofit agencies. Only about 11 tags were overlooked BUT with the financial help of "Spare Change for a Big Change" program, the Mission Outreach Ministry (MOM) voted to use $600.00 in this newly created fund for the tags left behind. Hence, letters with our best wishes and checks went out last week to the Illinois Migrant Council ($200), Family Alliance, Inc. ($100), Home of the Sparrow ($200), and Faith in Action (FIAMC) ($100).

The Youth Service Bureau had only one tag not taken. Big Brother and Big Sister needed and received MANY gift cards. The Crystal Lake Food Pantry received many wonderful items, for which Nancy Vazzano has expressed appreciation on behalf of the Pantry.

KUDOS to Jim Bauman who has spearheaded the Spare Change for a Big Change Fund and hopes it will continue for many years to come for the use of special mission purposes. (WOW, Jim, over $600.00 just from our change!)

THANKS to the Middle School Sunday School class and their project to fill Christmas Goody Bags for Home of the Sparrow children and their Moms. The Kingdom Club has been supportive for several years (originally started by Linda Mauro) at Eastertide, creating interesting and delicious baskets for residents at Home of the Sparrow.

AND SPECIAL GRATITUDE to all of you who so generously gave to these opportunities. May a gentle shower of God's blessings enrich 2007 for each and every one of you.
~ Deacons Missions Outreach Ministry Committee

THANKS to everyone who donated to, decorated for, helped with, cleaned up after Jesus’ birthday party… THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your help and support!! We couldn’t have done it without any of you. And thank you to all who donated cookie mixes and baking items for the food pantry. You’ve made someone’s Christmas a little sweeter!
~ Wendy Sanders & Raechel Sowa

DEAR RCLPC,

Thank you for the many gestures of sympathy on the death of David’s father and for the Get Well cards for my recent surgery. Your kindness and prayers mean a lot to us.

I’d also like to thank the session members for their thoughtful gift on my retirement from session. Our church is blessed with many capable leaders, and I have full confidence that this session will guide us in the direction that God wants us to go.

I feel very lucky to be a part of such a caring congregation. God bless us everyone!

Sincerely, Cary Woodruff

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