ePulse Second Presbyterian Church

The Pastor’s Page
Dr. Charles B. Hardwick
Pastor/Head of Staff

The Marks of Blessed to Be a Blessing

Over the past several months, the session has been wrestling with an important topic: What are the quantifiable marks of a church that is faithfully living out the concept of blessed to be a blessing?

John Calvin (the father of the reformed theology that is the basis for Presbyterianism) said that the two marks of a faithful church are the right preaching of the Gospel, and the right administration of the sacraments (communion and baptism.)

The session is taking this concept, the marks of a church, and applying it to Second Pres and blessed to be a blessing (B2BAB.) Since faithfully living out this theme is the goal for Second Pres, the session has been figuring out how to tell if this is really happening. In other words, what are the marks that will show we have faithfully honored this concept now, and in the future? Have we continued to improve in this goal? After all, if we do not make specific changes in the church’s life together, then business as usual will continue and B2BAB will be nothing more than an empty slogan.

This conversation has stretched over multiple months, and we are now moving closer to deciding on specific marks that will show if we are making progress toward this goal. The session has compiled a long list of specific marks, has heard from the pastoral staff about its perception of 2PC’s current status (i.e., why building on the church’s strong foundation is important), and has developed some filters to help narrow the field of potential marks down to a workable list of goals that will be designated to specific ministry teams in the months to come.

It is very exciting to think about how these conversations help to shape the future toward which God is leading us. I am impressed with the faithfulness, passion, and intellectual firepower of the session and am so grateful for the chance to serve Christ together.

Please join me in praying for the session and for this process, and I speak for the session in gladly receiving any questions or feedback from you about this process.

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick

Preschool Sunday School: Making a Joyful Noise to the Lord
For ages 2, 3 and 4. We will meet for music and fellowship during the 10am hour this summer on the first floor of Martin Hall (M102.) This will culminate with a musical offering for parents and the congregation on August 2nd.

Elementary Sunday School: The Bible and Art
During the 10 am hour, resident artists Roane Deckert and Karen Johnston will lead students in illustrating the parables of the Kingdom through art. The summer will culminate with an art show on August 2nd in the South entry, and students’ art will be used in worship during the Kingdom Tales sermon series in August. PreK-5th graders meet on the first floor of Martin Hall (M105).

The Legacy of the Compassion Center

Earlier this month, the Compassion Center moved into their new space at the Salvation Army Safe Harbor (212 N. Roosevelt, Bloomington.) This draws to a close an amazing period of ministry to the homeless and urbann poor of Bloomington-Normal.

The Compassion Center is certainly one of the most important pieces of legacy left by former pastor, Rev. Ted Pierce. It was the first thing that I noticed about the church during the call process. It showed me that “sharing the heart of Christ in the heart of the community” was more than just an empty slogan, and that 2PC was serving the community in very specific ways. Since my arrival, many people who are not members have told me that it expanded their perception of Second Pres to know that we were supporting the public in this way. I am still very grateful for that perspective shift!

In the years that the Compassion Center was in the basement of Grace Hall, countless numbers of homeless men, women and children received care and support as they moved toward self-sufficiency. I am grateful that part of this care and support came from 2PC members who led Alpha courses, baked cookies, volunteered as receptionists and helped clothe and feed many. My hope is that 2PC will still be an important partner to the Compassion Center at its new location.

Dr. Don Crittenden is working with a team to determine what ministry will next use the basement space, and there are some great new ideas to consider. However, the physical constraints of the space add a bit of an extra challenge, so please pray that God will guide this team, the session and staff as we decide on the next course of action.

On a side note, I have been away on vacation this past week and will return
to Bloomington on May 25. I will be in the office Monday, May 26 through Thursday, May 28, but will be gone from Friday, May 29, through Wednesday, June 3. This second absence is due to a small accountability group of pastors who meet annually to support and pray for each other. I will return to the office on Thursday, June 4.

In Christ,

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick

Adult Christian Education Courses

No Class on April 26 Due To Choir Sunday

•Life Without Illusions (Room F201): What does the Bible have to say about human happiness in a world marked by uncertainty, and how does the American promise of unlimited opportunities compare to God-given happiness?
•dot:com—Drawing Others Together: Couples Outreach Ministry (Room F100A): A group of young adults seeking to know God in the company of their friends.
•Christians in Action—CIA (Room F205): CIA is an open small group for people of all ages. CIA is currently studying the book, Grace: An Invitation to a Way of Life, and discussing how God walks us through life’s challenges.
•Choir Class (Room M208): Using the book, Gifts, this class explores how each person is uniquely gifted to serve. As a follower of Jesus, you will learn how to use your spiritual gifts to build up others without wiping yourself out in the process.
•The Serendipity Class (M211): Serendipity means “the accidental discovery of something pleasant, valuable or useful.” Using the book, Growth, we discover how to live life the way Jesus would live it.

Children and Youth Sunday School Classes

Children Ages 2 - Grade 5: Martin Hall Classrooms
Junior High: Grace Hall
High School Waffle Worship: Java Post