Click here to see the March calendar.Click here to see the April calendar.
Click here to see the Worship Teams Schedule.
 The season of Lent is drawing to a close. I hope Lent has provided you an opportunity to take stock of your life, to rethink your priorities, to let go of anything that holds you back from a deeper commitment to God and to Christ's way in the world. I hope it has been a time of disciplined preparation for the mystery of Easter. Easter is very close now, but before we get there, we have to journey through Holy Week. Holy Week has always been considered the most sacred time in the Christian calendar. It's very important to do Holy Week well so that we will be ready for Easter. Holy Week began this past Sunday with Palm Sunday, when we celebrated Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, with crowds waving palm branches and crying out "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." As we know all too well, the crowd was fickle, and when it became clear that Jesus was not the kind of messiah they were looking for, they turned on him. The cries of "hosanna" quickly turned to cries of "crucify him." On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus' last meal with his disciples. Jesus knew his time was up, and he knew even his closest friends would soon abandon him. So he gave them this meal as a reminder. Once he was gone, when they gathered together in his name and broke bread, they would remember him all over again. We will celebrate Maundy Thursday on Thursday at 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall. We will begin with a simple meal and then share communion. We do ask you to RSVP so we know how much food to prepare, but even if you don't RSVP, feel free to come. Childcare will be provided. On Good Friday we reach the most difficult day of the church year. Good Friday is difficult because we commemorate the death of Jesus, but it is Good Friday because we believe that somehow, through his death, God's grace is set loose in the world. It is also Good Friday because we know how the story ends, but we're not there yet. We will celebrate Good Friday on Friday at 7 pm in the sanctuary. It will be a tenebrae service. Tenebrae means "shadows" and refers to the practice of extinguishing candles one by one as the passion story is read. The service ends in silence and darkness, commemorating the death of Jesus. The choir will provide special music. Childcare will be provided. On Easter Sunday we celebrate the amazing good news: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! We will have four services on Easter Sunday: 8:00, 9:00 (NewWay), 10:15, and 11:15. We will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus through communion, baptism, and special music. I hope you will make every effort to participate in each of our Holy Week services as we journey together toward Easter. - Richard |
Actions From FEBRUARY SESSION MEETINGIn an effort to keep the congregation better informed about what the session is up to, after each meeting we will report any actions taken by the session in the Spirit.The session took the following actions at its February meeting: * Approved a detailed proposal for capital improvements to the nursery. Up to $2,000 will be drawn from the Meyer's bequest for the project. * Approved changing the church's fiscal year to run from January 1 through December 31 (calendar year), instead of July 1 through June 30, beginning January 1, 2006. This spring, members and friends will be encouraged to continue or increase their current level of giving for the second half of 2005. In the fall of 2005, we will have a pledge drive for 2006. * Approved the baptisms of Clare, Jack, and Michael, children of Amy & Doug Collins, on Easter Sunday. * Approved a summer worship schedule including two services as follows: 9 am "traditional" service; 10:30 am "NewWay" service. The summer schedule will be in effect from June 5 through September 4. HELP WANTEDDo you like to plan parties?The Fellowship team is looking for someone to coordinate the Mother and Child Banquet that is scheduled for May 7th. No previous experience is necessary. Please contact Tina Stipati or Karen Leuchtmann if you are interested or would like more information. |
ADULT EDUCATION CLASSThe 9:15 Adult Education Sunday Morning Class will not be meeting on Easter Sunday. Beginning in April the class will be meeting in Fellowship Hall.MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Middle School Sunday School class will not meet on Easter Sunday, March 27th or Sunday April 3rd. We will resume class on Sunday April 10th at 9:30 am. |
KINGDOM CLUB UPDATE* Kingdom Club will not meet on Easter Sunday, March 27th. We will begin our next unit of study (Disciples/Discipleship) on April 3rd.* THANK YOU very much to all who contributed to our Home of the Sparrow mission project. The donations for the Easter Baskets were bountiful and we would also like to thank those who gave cash donations that went towards the $10 gift certificates for the Moms. The Easter holiday will be much brighter for 35 children and 26 moms in McHenry, Crystal Lake and Palatine because of the generosity shown by RCLPC. Appreciation goes to: Lynda Mauro (and family) - decorating and assembling coordinator, Mary Moltman - photographer, and Joy Martin - Sparrow liaison/delivery. |
MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER - SERVICE AUCTION
This year, the senior high youth will be auctioning their services to the highest bidder. All donations raised will go directly to help our youth serve in Christ's name at the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Cass Lake, Minnesota in June. From March 27 through April 10, you will have an opportunity to bid for the youth and youth advisors time. If you are the highest bidder, you will be able use the youth or youth leader in any way you choose. This is a great way to get any procrastinated odd jobs done without even lifting a finger! The Service Auction Work-Days will be held over the weekends of April 16 and 23. Keep watching the bulletins and the youth bulletin board for more information as the bidding dates approach. The mission trip participants are excited about this new fundraiser and we thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please contact any of the senior high youth or advisors (Jim & Andrea Pracht and Jeff Mohler).A STEPHEN MINISTRY MESSAGE
Stephen Ministers: The After People
Frequently friends will ask, "I know you are involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is?" I like to explain that Stephen Ministers are the "After People."Stephen Ministers are there:
- after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
- after the last child drives away - and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.
- after you arrive home from the funeral service and your emotions overwhelm you.
- after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.
- after the doctors have said, "There's nothing more we can do."
- after the door has slammed shut - for the very last time.
- after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you'd ever imagined.
- after the nursing home director says, "Welcome to your new home."
- after you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.
- after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times.
Stephen Ministers are ready to come alongside you, to provide comfort and support for as long "after" as they are needed.
A Thank You Note from Dale Prindiville
As I was reading the paper this morning, I scanned through the comics and was reminded of a favorite Peanuts cartoon. Lucy had set up her five-cent counseling booth, and Charlie Brown stopped for advice about life. The good "doctor tells him, "Life is like a deck chair, Charlie Brown. On the great cruise of life, some people place their deck chair at the rear of the ship to see where they've been. Others are in the front so they can see where they are going. Which way is your deck chair facing?" Without hesitation, Charlie Brown replies, glumly, "I can't even get my deck chair unfolded."In the last few months, I have been trying to decide which way to set my deck chair. I have spent time facing backwards, reviewing where I have been. It has been almost eight years since I became the staff person in charge of Caring Ministries. During that time, I have supported Stephen Ministry, Prayer groups, Friendship Connection, and all of our Family Care Ministries. I have worked with many wonderful people and have found that even during our recent "ups and downs" this church has never lost its ability to care. I thank you for that. I have also spent some time with my chair facing forwards and I see only good things ahead for our church. Our new Pastor, Richard, is taking us on a wonderful journey and I am so glad to be on board.
Most of my time has been spent trying to "unfold my deck chair", trying to figure out where I want to go. Life is a journey and I am in the process of exploring where my next journey might lead me. To do this, I have decided to step down from my position as Director of Caring Ministries and allow God to guide me. I want to thank all of you for touching my life in innumerable ways. I have seen God's presence here among us in times of laughter and tears. I have experienced God here through all of you.
Now I am going to relax and enjoy the people and places around me as I let God unfold my deck chair.
Dale Prindiville
Director of Caring Ministries
THE BRINCKS FAMILY sincerely thanks all of our RCLPC friends for offering genuine condolences at the passing of our son and brother, Jason Brincks. It is refreshing to know that you were supportive of us during the wake and memorial service. Special thanks to the ladies and men for the luncheon after the memorial service. Cheryl and Richard Brincks Sarah Brincks-Loy | MEN'S BREAKFASTGentlemen - The next Men's Breakfast is Saturday, April 2nd in Fellowship Hall starting at 9 am. Please plan to attend by signing up in the Connecting Link. If the church calendar permits we always plan to meet the first Saturday of each month.Why don't you mark this date in your personal calendar? We're looking forward to seeing you. Karl Dencker |
NATIVE AMERICAN CONNECTION
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MJ Towne and Joy Martin will be joining a group from Fourth Presbyterian on a trip to Rosebud and Pine Ridge Indian Reservations on April 15-20th. If you would like to send such items as twin size sheets, towels, school supplies with them or make a donation to the White Buffalo Calf Woman's Shelter, please contact MJ or Joy. No other trip is anticipated for the next 2 years. |
House Bill 1205 passed the South Dakota House and Senate easily. Once signed into law by Governor Rounds, fry bread will join a host of other official state symbols, such as kuchen as the state dessert and rodeo as the state sport. As reported by Chris McKim, Staff Writer for the Lakota Journal, "it recognizes the culture of the state's Native people, who learned to make fry bread when they were placed on reservations and traditional food stuffs were no longer available. Although not truly traditional, it is a favorite staple food today of many Native people". To be sure, it is delicious as we can attest. |
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Gerald Dupris from the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and a veteran of the war in Iraq, testified before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. He testified about his experience growing up on the Reservation, volunteering for active duty in the Army, and serving in Iraq helping to rebuild that country, only to return to substandard living conditions back at home. Following his testimony, Rep. Herseth released the following statement: "It is a tragedy that so many Native Americans, who serve their country honorably, return home to unacceptable living conditions. Often, these living conditions are worse than the country they have been helping to rebuild. Native Americans have the highest percentage of military service of any ethnic group in the nation, but their country is not honoring that service by investing in revitalization of communities in Indian Country here at home. The first Americans are consistently made to be last.
I want to recognize in particular Gerald Dupris from the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, located in the fifth poorest county in the country. "I applaud his courage to serve his country, and his willingness to continue to fight for his fellow Veterans from Indian Country. Indian Reservations in South Dakota and across the country suffer from substandard living conditions, especially when it comes to housing. I am proud to have passed legislation in the House to extend a VA pilot program that provides direct home loans to eligible Native American veterans who wish to purchase, construct or improve a home on Native American Trust lands."
We certainly agree with you, Rep. Herseth and hope others will step forward to carry the banner on behalf of our Indian brothers and sisters. - Joy Martin, Alice Haznedl, Ann Legg, Janet Pearce, Ginger Robinson, Rod Russell, MJ Towne and Gloria Thorson.
IN and AROUND RCLPC WITH BARB
The last article I wrote was written on a very sunny day. I knew it wouldn't last. Today it is cold and foggy and we had snow this week. YUK!* Last Sunday I was reminded of what I had been missing for quite some time. I received a very big and warm hug from Alan Stewart (son of KEN and KIM and brother of KARISSA and KAYLA.). That is what I have been missing - the smiles, hugs, and laughter of our college kids. It was really nice to see Alan again and to have him home - even if only for a few days.
* One of our other college kids did not get to come home yet, but she has some exciting news. That student is KATE POHL (daughter of RICK and LAURIE and sister of EMILY.) Kate is having her senior French Horn recital on Thursday, April 7th at 6:30 in the evening. The recital will be held at Recital Hall in the Music Building at NIU. All are welcome and I know Kate would love to have you come to hear her play. Kate is a Music Ed. Major and next semester she will be student teaching at Walter Peyton High School and in an inner city elementary school. Kate will be a January Graduate. (I can't believe she is that old!) Good luck to you Kate.
* Just a note regarding our Risque' Gourmet groups. Oh, did I say that? I meant to say RCLPC Gourmet groups. I had such a fun time going to a gourmet dinner after being away from it for such a long time. I really forgot what I was missing. I wanted to tell you about our meal and stimulating conversation, but, unfortunately it was censored. Oh, well, I guess you will just have to attend the next one to find out what you missed. It really was a fun night.
* I received a nice e-mail from HUTCH and KAREN HUTCHINGS. They are having a wonderful little vacation in Florida. They saw JIM MURPHY and found out he is selling his home in Fort Myers and will be moving to Chicago in May or June.. I know we would love to see him again. They were also going to be having lunch with JOYCE RAINEY as she lives very close to them. We would sure love to see Joyce again, also. The Hutchings are sure happy to have RCLPC friends to visit in Florida. I am sure happy to know that Hutch is feeling better and out of the hospital.
* Yesterday was Palm Sunday and what a beautiful 11:00 service! The musical procession , with the children waving palms and singing , along with the adult choir, and the congregation joining, in, was GLORIOUS! And how beautiful was the anthem by the children? One gentleman seated on the right side was turned around watching them sing. He had a beaming face as he undoubtedly watched his own child sing, and he was mouthing every single word of the song. I'm not sure how much this proud daddy got out of the rest of the service, i.e. the scripture readings, the drama group, or the sermon, but I do know that he received a very special message through the singing done by the children. Music is such an important part of our ministry at R.C.L.P.C. and we are so fortunate to be led by SHERRI DEES. A big thank you goes to Sherri, and to MELISSA ZOERNER, ANN VORNSAND, TRICIA SCHEILER, EMILY FLOYD, and ANN LEGG for making Palm Sunday so very special. THANK YOU!
Please remember: Everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. Thank you for spending some time with me. I am, Barb Turley