ePulse Second Presbyterian Church

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick

Pastor/Head of Staff

Your Wait Is Over!

I know many of you have been waiting for September 7th to arrive, and it’s finally here! Here is some of what is happening today.

2PC has not enjoyed organ-led worship since moving out of the old sanctuary years ago, and those of you who appreciate traditional worship services have been waiting for the day when once again our singing will be accompanied by the majesty of an organ! Today at the 9:00 worship service the new organ debuts.

Many of you and your kids have participated in vibrant children’s ministry activities in Martin Hall, but you have been waiting for the environment there to be a little more comfortable! Over the summer, the renovations of this building (including air conditioning, hot water, new carpeting and paint, and terrific photos of children from the ministry hung on the walls) were completed ahead of schedule and under budget! Come celebrate this accomplishment at the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:05 am at the entrance to the second floor of Martin Hall.

After a month of less activity during the Sunday School hour, many of you have been waiting for the children’s and adult Sunday School classes to start up again. Today there is an open house for all Sunday School classes from 10:00 to 11:00 am; you and/or your children can make your way around as you look into various options for everyone of all ages. Please pick up a brochure listing all of the adult classes on your way out of worship today; you can find the children’s classes (grouped by age or school year) using the signs in Martin Hall.

After hearing the Sr. High Choir’s home concert earlier this summer, I’ve been looking forward to their return to the contemporary service—and I know I’m not alone! At 11:00 am the Chancel Choir begins its weekly musical offering.

It has been so fascinating watching the organ construction over the summer, and I know many of you are interested in learning about the behind-the-scenes magic that helps the instrument sound so grand. Organ builder John Paul Buzzard will pull out all the stops as he describes how it came together at the 3:00 pm organ demonstration event this afternoon.

Oh yeah—there’s a new sermon series starting, too! During “Jesus for Dummies,” we’ll see how Jesus reveals, Jesus saves, Jesus models, Jesus sends, and Jesus wins.

I’m so glad to be here with you to experience all the excitement!
Chip

New Sermon Series Begins TODAY

This five-week series explores the most foundational beliefs of Christianity: who Jesus is and what Jesus does.

Martin Hall Grand Re-Opening

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
10:00 am TODAY
Following the ceremony children will register for Sunday School and all are welcome to tour the space.

John-Paul Buzard, the organ builder, will demonstrate the various sounds of the organ and show slides of its construction.
Please make plans to be present and rejoice in this amazingly beautiful musical instrument used to enhance our worship experience.

Sr. High Fellowship Begins

5:00 pm
Calling all Sr. Highs!
Come down to Grace Hall for a variety of fun activities, missions and service projects and small group study.

How do I Join a Small Group at 2PC?

1. Pray that God will show you which group is His choice for you.
2. Find the small groups sign-up tables in the South entry near the
Welcome Center TODAY, Sept. 14 or 21 before and after services.
3. Look over the small group choices offered, and ask Barby or Sue
for help if you’re uncertain which one to choose.
4. Sign up for your chosen group.
5. Get excited about what Christ will do in your faith journey through
small groups!
Questions? Contact Sue Taulbee at STaul34849@aol.com or Barby
Mecherle at bpmecherle@verizon.net.

Kids OK / PowerHouse Fall Semester Begins September 10

New Time 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
Questions? tammy@secondpres.info

Community of Care Ministry

There will be a brunch on Sunday, October 5th at 10:00am for all those who have been widowed, whether recently or long ago. Even if you have  remarried you are still invited to attend with your spouse. We are trying to establish a list for this brunch and further ministry. Please call if you  are elgible or know of someone who is elgible. Invitations will follow. E-mail Kim at kim@secondpres.info or call the church at 828-6297.
Questions? Call Ellen Wylie @829-6246 or Martha Miller @663-0188.

Sunday Dinner

September 21

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Once again 2PC has an opportunity for you to reach out to your friends and your community by hosting an all church dinner Sunday, September 21 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Members of 2PC can purchase their tickets for only $5.00 each.

We encourage you to invite as many people as you would like with free guest tickets available at the Welcome Center. This is a great opportunity  to reach out and share your story with your guest or someone new that you meet at the dinner. This outreach event is the perfect way to  implement what you’ve been learning in Chip’s recent sermon series. All you have to do is invite someone to dinner.

The menu this month is roast beef, augratin potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, dinner roll, and chocolate cake. The ticket price is only $5.00 each for members of 2PC. So buy enough tickets for you, your family and pick up free tickets for the person you’ve been meaning to invite to church.

Put on a friendly smile, enjoy a great meal, and reach out of your comfort zone and get to know someone new. A big thank you to all those who helped to make this event a great success last time, your continued support is greatly appreciated. See you all there.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Give Blood, Give Life. Sign up at the Welcome Center to give blood on Wednesday, September 10 between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

JOY (Just Older Youth) Program

On Friday, September 12 at 10:30 am the JOY Group will meet in F100A for a free program. Candice Summers and Judy Brown of the McLean County Historical Society will discuss the History of the Annual Evergreen Cemetery Walk.
Questions? Contact Dave Haake at 828-3591.

2nd S.O.S. (Serving on Saturday)

You asked and we listened…Come Saturday, September 13 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon, and the second Saturday of each month after that, to serve in local neighborhoods and the community. Meet at 2PC to get directions to the job site. Come by yourself or bring your family, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Help us put God’s love into action. Together, we can make a difference! Sign up at the Welcome Center or just show up to serve on Saturday morning.
For more information contact Rev. Dean Kladder at 828-6297 or dean@secondpres.info.

Kids’ Worship is Back on September 14!

Kindergarteners - 5th graders are invited to this kid-friendly worship service during the 9 am service starting September 14. Children check in at the Welcome Center before 9 am worship and begin the service with their family. Children join the Time for Young Disciples and exit the Sanctuary for Kids’ Worship in the Chapel. More information on pick-up procedures will be available at the check-in table.
More volunteers are needed to help our children grow in faith during Kids’ Worship. Volunteers are especially needed to sit with the children and
encourage their participation.
Questions? Contact andrea@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Parents’ Morning Out

Children 3 months through 5th grade are welcome to join us as we track down the Good News on the morning of September 20. Cost is $10 per child, $25 family. Sign up in Martin Hall or e-mail ashley@secondpres.info.

Midwest Food Bank Concert

A fundraiser featuring The Booth Brothers, a southern gospel music trio. The concert is at 4:00 pm on Sunday, September 21 at Second Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $15 & $20 at Berean (Peoria & Bloomington) by calling Midwest Food Bank at 309-663-5350 or at the Welcome Center.

Fall Membership Exploration Course

A great time to learn about membership, get to know other people at 2PC, and be introduced to 2PC’s mission and vision by the pastoral staff.
Here are the dates:
Thursday, September 18, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Membership Exploration Kickoff Dinner at the church
(childcare provided)
Saturday, September 20, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Membership Exploration Class (lunch provided, no childcare)
Sunday, September 21, 9:00 am
- Joining Sunday – New Members are introduced to the
congregation in the worship service.
To register, contact Lori by September 16: lori@secondpres.info or 828.6297.