A Word From Your Interim Pastor...
The rush of Christmas preparations is already on! One of the things that I most look forward to is the arrival of the mail carrier. There is the ritual of discovery in looking to see what I have been sent. Usually it is another catalogue or a bill or junk mail. On some days there is real writing on the envelope and I know that I have received a personal communication from a friend. When I open that letter or card, I am encouraged that someone has taken the time to convey the love and grace of the season. I recognize God’s handwriting in that person’s letter.
Hallmark, the world’s leading greeting card manufacturer, ends its mission statement with the phrase, “When you care enough to send your very best.” The church advent calendar is filled with opportunities for volunteers and those who need them to be “living Christmas cards.” There are those among us who feel a sense of emptiness that no amount of partying or shopping can fill. We in this church are very good at paying special attention to those who are very vulnerable; we send our love and prayers to express to our friends that we know they are sick or lonely or grieving, weary or depressed. They may be separated from family by thousands of miles or have a child in Iraq. Advent can be a time when a card or a phone call can send our very best so those who receive it may recognize the Sender’s love. Perhaps you will tell them something they long to hear but barely dare to hope for. It may lift their hearts.
What if, in this Advent waiting, each one of us, and all of us together, become a living Christmas card? Who will allow his or her life to be Christ’s letter mailed into the world each morning? Living greeting cards show people they care. When you practice the ministry of presence rather than presents, chances are you will discover that you have something to offer that will mean a great deal. There are so many possibilities.
Advent is a time filled with juxtapositions: silence and song, hopes and fears, things permanent and things temporary, warnings and comfort, now and not yet, the incarnation and the second coming. Our Advent 2008 focus on Mark’s gospel asks the question “Who is coming?”: we will find ourselves anticipating the joy of Jesus birth in Bethlehem that whets our joy for when Christ returns to make all things new. Meanwhile, though, we have work to do.
That dynamic quality of waiting can be renewed in each of us as we live each day in anticipation of Jesus’ coming. Throughout the Spirit you will discover opportunities to participate in the Advent Conspiracy. Join us for Wednesday night WEAVE to consider ways to “Do December Differently.”
Advent is a time of waiting and longing. Each day when you awake you are a blank page on which God can write his message. God has something unique and special to say to someone who is longing for hope….and can only say it through you. “You are a letter of Christ”, says the Apostle Paul. All you are asked to do is allow the Spirit to write the message in your heart. What kind of letter will Christ write in your life today? Will you deliver it faithfully?
Who delivered God’s love to you today? In your human heart, feel the touch of the Almighty. Give thanks to the Sender and to the one who carried the good news.
The holy days of Advent leading to Christmas are almost here….will you, every day, find a way to be a living Christmas card… because God cares enough to send the very best… Emmanuel, God with us.
Pastor Jan
Christmas Eve Worship Services - 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:00 & 10:30
With the beginning of Advent, we wanted to let you know about our plans for Christmas Eve worship. We will have five services, as usual, but with a little different format.
The 3:30 service will continue to be designed especially for families with young children. The Little Lambs (pre-school through kindergarten) and Sounds of Joy (grades 1-5) choirs will tell the Christmas story through music. We will also sing Christmas carols and share communion. Also, at both 3:30 and 5:30, we will have a special presentation of “What's An Angel To Do?”
The 5:30 service will be “Christmas Unplugged,” combining elements from our alternative and more traditional services. We will sing Christmas carols (with acoustic guitar accompaniment) and Jubilation (our youth choir) will provide special music. We will also share communion and sing “Silent Night” by candlelight.
At the 7:30 and 9:00 services we will sing Christmas carols and the adult choir will provide special music. We will also share communion and sing “Silent Night” by candlelight.
The 10:30 service will be a quieter, more intimate experience, with soloists and/or small ensembles providing special music. We will still sing Christmas carols, including “Silent Night” by candlelight, and share communion.
We look forward to sharing Christmas Eve together. We hope you will plan to attend one (or more) of our services and will invite others to join us. Thank you.
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Taizé Prayer Service
when you need REFUGE
when you need PEACE
when you need time to BREATHE
when you need QUIET
when you need HOPE
no creeds to say
no standing up and down
no sermon
no saying what you believe before
you're sure you believe it
simply pray ... BEAUTIFUL CHANTS
simply enjoy the silence ... MEDITATION
simply come ... CONNECT
Join us at 7:30pm in the sanctuary Tuesday evening , Dec. 2nd.
Stop to rest in God this hectic season ...
part of the Advent Conspiracy.
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Make a Joyful Noise
Unto the Lord
The adult choir, assisted by the Crystal Brass, Ann Legg, organ, and Carl Wesa, timpani, will present “Gloria” by John Rutter, on December 14, during 9:30 and 11:00 worship.
Gloria was the first work Rutter wrote for performance in America. It was commissioned by the Voices of Mel Olson, Omaha, Nebraska, and Rutter directed the first performance during his first visit to the United States, in May 1974. The setting is based on one of the Gregorian chants associated with the Latin text, and is divided into three movements of exultation, prayer and praise.
Jubilation Choir
Jubilation choir will meet for rehearsal, at noon, on:
Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21
to prepare for the 5:30 Christmas Eve worship service.
Please contact Sherri Dees if you will not be singing on Christmas Eve. |
Little Lambs Rehearsals:
Dec. 3 and Dec. 10, 5:30 – 6:00pm
Please sign up outside the music room if you can sing with us on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 3:30.
Any questions, please contact Julia Mick.
Songs for Christmas Eve:
Camel Caravan (#7)
O Come, Let us Adore Him (#10)
Do You Know Why? (#12)
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Sounds of Joy Rehearsals:
Dec. 3 and Dec. 10, 6:30-7:30pm
Please sign up outside the music room if you can sing with us on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 3:30. Any questions, please contact Julia Mick.
Songs for Christmas Eve:
Little Drummer Boy (with drums)
Bethlehem Night (with handbells)
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The Cookie Walk is fast approaching ... and we need YOUR HELP!
RCLPC’s 18th Annual Cookie Walk will be here on Saturday, December 13th from 9-noon! Whether you’re a new Cookie Walker or a veteran, here are a few things you might not know about the Cookie Walk:
* You don't have to bake a whole carload of cookies! You can bring a single batch, if that's all you have time for--every little bit helps!
* Cookie Walk customers love things other than cookies! Rice Krispie treats, fudge, candy, popcorn balls...the more creative and festive, the better!
* Hate cooking? You can still help! The Cookie Walk needs greeters, coffee servers, cashiers, cookie weighers, Fellowship Hall decorators, and other helpers. You can even help just by letting other cookie bakers store their treats in your freezer for a few weeks!
* Our Cookie Walk benefits several local charities, including PADS, the Food Pantry, Home of the Sparrow, and Turning Point. These organizations do great work, and with the grim economic situation many families are facing this year, the need is greater than ever.
* The Cookie Walk is RCLPC’s chance to open our doors to the greater community--to welcome people into our church who may never have been here before and show them the warmth and friendliness that our church is all about!
This year's Cookie Walk has the potential to be our biggest, brightest, and best EVER...but it all depends on YOU! Check out the sign-up sheets in the connecting link to find the area where your talents can help us shine!
Thanks for Shopping Fair Trade
What do coffee farmers from Colombia, Palestinian olive growers, and artisans from impoverished parts of our world share? The presence of their products and handicrafts at November 16’s Global Gift Shop! Our purchases provide income that improves lives through education, better nutrition, and healthcare for families.
Ten Thousand Villages left coupons for further purchases at the Grayslake store. Help yourself to a coupon from the table in the Connecting Link.
 We have coffee and tea available for purchase. Find it on the “Coffee Cart” in Fellowship Hall where fair trade coffee, tea, and occasionally chocolate will be available regularly through the Presbyterian Coffee Project with Equal Exchange.
Thanks to all who shopped and worked at the Global Gift Shop. Your purchases and your letters spread hope and justice to families in need around the world. ~ Mission Outreach Ministry
Building Expansion Update
In follow up to the congregational vote on October 12th to continue the building expansion process, a building committee has been formed (see Session report). The building committee will begin interviewing architects as their first step in the building process. After selection of an architect, the committee will communicate with and include the entire congregation in the planning process. They plan to meet with individuals and groups receiving feedback on the “wants and needs” of the congregation.
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Cookie Lift Pastries in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Dec. 7!
The Cookie Lift volunteers will have a selection of pastries in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9:15 AM til 12:15 PM. Get into the spirit of the upcoming Cookie Walk by enjoying a treat with your coffee and conversation with friends. Donations to the Cookie Lift fund that supports our troops and their families will be joyfully accepted. This Sunday's donations will be used to buy gift cards for Christmas for the families of the Woodstock National Guard soldiers who are in Afghanistan. ~ Mary Moltmann and Ed Bennett
Share the Bounty
Our season of harvest is coming to a close. Through the summer, Share the Bounty brought in approximately $1300 to be used for those in need. The receipts will provide many lunches for PADS guests.
Thanks go to those who purchased our bounty, to each gardener who contributed produce, and to each one who tended the table. A special thanks to Cindee Robinson’s family for the pumpkins and squash; those two weekends alone will provide lunches for at least 100 guests. All of you made a difference for those who are hungry in our communities. ~ Mission Outreach Ministry
All Church Work Day a Great Success
Thanks to all who came out to make our Fall work day a success. This is the first time we completed everything on our list of projects. The building and grounds look terrific. Thanks again for your support.
Calling All Painters
If you can help the church by spending a couple of hours painting a small bathroom, call, e-mail or speak to Dave Steele. RCLPC will supply the paint, brushes, rollers, anything you need. You have to supply the willingness and the time. Thanks for helping.
WEAVE
During The Crossing (7-8pm, Fellowship Hall) we are exploring ways to “Do December Differently.” December is one of the most hectic and most expensive months of the year … does it have to be that way? Why is it so crazy? How, historically, did we get to this place in our Christmas celebration? What are some other choices we have? There will be a packet of supplemental reading for those who wish to read! ... Part of the Advent Conspiracy! |
Youth News
High School Youth Ministry
PADwiches! Sunday, November 30, 5-8pm. Come for dinner and fellowship as well as a mission opportunity: we’ll make the PADS lunches and deliver them, and then stay to help out for a little while. A great opportunity to help people in our own community.
Movie Night! December 7, 5-7pm. We’ll have dinner, we’ll celebrate Kayleigh’s birthday, and we’ll watch the Muppets Christmas movie.
Middle School Youth Ministry
Youth Meeting: December 14, 1-3pm. Come for food, friends, and fun!
Ladies of RCLPC
You are cordially invited to an
Advent Dessert Night
Friday, Dec. 5, 2008
7:00 P.M.
in Fellowship Hall
Come and share a relaxing evening -
Hearing the message of Advent,
Enjoying a wonderful homemade dessert,
Being entertained and served by the men of RCLPC,
and Relaxing in the fellowship of friends.
PLEASE RSVP
Sign up in the Connecting Link or
contact the church office at 815-459-1132
and
please indicate if you need a ride.
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Jesus’ Birthday Party – December 13th
KIDS—Jesus’ Birthday Party will be on Sat. Dec. 13th from 5-8PM. Children 6Mos- 5th grade are welcome to attend (Nursery will be available for the little ones). Older children are welcome to assist!! Please sign up in the connecting link so we get an accurate number to plan for.
Be An Angel
The RCLPC giving tree is in the gathering place, filled with tag ornaments from items needed by agencies including: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Faith in Action of McHenry County, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Home of the Sparrow, Illinois Migrant Council, PADS, Youth Service Bureau. There are general items needed by agencies as well as personal items needed by individuals. Please consider including someone else in your Christmas giving, follow the instructions on the tag. If you have questions, just contact Joy Martin and please put the item under the Christmas Tree with the tag by the date requested. Happy Holidays.
The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
The offering from the Thanksgiving service held on Sunday, Nov. 23rd brought in a total of $1144.23. This money will be distributed equally to the Harvard, Palatine and Crystal Lake Food Pantries. Thank you. |
The Deacons of Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
The RCLPC Deacons are a group of 12 church members who have been nominated and selected by the congregation to provide leadership in four areas of responsibility. The Deacons work includes lay ministries in the areas of fellowship, mission, welcoming, and caring. For 2008-2009, The Board of Deacons has two officers; a Moderator, Tom Walters, and Secretary, Rebecca Floyd.
Four teams are comprised of three Deacons each. Congregants are invited to join the Deacons to help realize their objectives and meet every other month with their teams. The Board of Deacons meets on opposite months when not meeting with their teams. 2008-2009 team Deacons are:
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Welcoming
Laurie Pohl
Dorothy Vick
Dave Steele
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Mission
Ann Legg
Joy Martin
Rick Johnson
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Caring
Barb McCreary
Tom Walters
Karen Hutchings
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Fellowship
Rebecca Floyd
Ed Waters
Ed Bennett |
RCLPC members who have an interest in being part of any of the teams may contact any of the Deacons personally, or call the church office and speak with our Office Manager, Kim, or Pastors Teri and Jan. The plan is to direct all information and requests through the church office, for continuity and to effectively coordinate all details for positive results.
This month we are featuring and explaining the role of the Caring Team. Our team objective is to communicate with all members at least once a year with a personal phone call to “touch base” and “check in”. We provide meals, transportation, and other assistance to those who may have special needs. We send cards to those who are sick, injured, hospitalized, or recovering from health related issues. We provide special services to those who may have had a death of a loved one or who are grieving. We also coordinate memorial services and funerals.
If you know of a church member who has a special need that may require assistance from our Caring Team, please call the church office and talk to the staff, or call one of us on the team. We want to help and we need to know of any special needs in order to assist. Communication is the key. We truly do CARE and are here to serve. If you are interested in being a member of the Caring Team, please call and discuss your interest with any of us. ~ Barb, Karen, and Tom |
Hi-Lites from SESSION
The Session met on Monday evening, Nov. 17, 2008. The following actions were taken:
* Approved the following fundraisers for the youth:
January 11 – Pancake breakfast
February 15 – Bake sale
March 1 – Variety show
April 26 – Spaghetti lunch
All of May – Stock sale
May 9 – Women’s Spa Day
May 16 and 17, June 6 – Rent a youth
June 7 – Car Wash
* A new building team was formed for the purpose of interviewing architects to bring drawings and costs of a building expansion to the congregation. This team will consist of David Dees, Al Esche, Kristi Geggie, Wayne Prindiville, and Stan Sumner.
* The Shepherd’s Fold Preschool has been given permission to put up signage for the preschool.
* A Fair Trade Coffee Cart will be established to sell coffee, tea, and hot chocolate each Sunday.
* Session representatives will be reporting on the state of our budget.
Dale Prindiville (Clerk of Session)
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Ever wanted to conspire with God to do something amazing in the world? Well, since Advent is the time we celebrate God’s doing the most amazing thing (by coming into the world as one of us), what better time to conspire than now? (No, that’s not conspire like by the fire in a Winter Wonderland, though you can do that too if you like!)