ePulse Second Presbyterian Church

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick

Pastor / Head of Staff

Christ Has Risen! Shout Hosanna! Wasn’t it thrilling to be in worship on Easter morning? The chapel was fuller than I’ve ever seen it for the 8:15 service; the energy was palpable at the 9:00 service; and the litany of words to remember from Jesus was a powerful encouragement at 11:00. Many worshipers were away for Spring Break, but the Holy Spirit was definitely here, and I know you join me in giving God praise for the inspired worship last Sunday morning!

In the light of the resurrection, your session is spending its March, April, and May meetings wrestling with the church’s priorities and how to put into practice the strategic plan developed last year. At the March meeting this past week, the session heard about the faithful, hard work of the Small Groups ministry team. Headed up by Barby Pratt Mecherle and Todd Snoeyink with Don Crittenden as the staff liaison, the team is praying about and planning how God can use small groups here to facilitate ministry in Christ’s name, as well as promoting deeper levels of discipleship than what is possible simply by attending worship.

In April, the session will meet with the confirmation class, and then will take a hard look at how we spend God’s money that has been entrusted to 2PC. The church’s budget is a key indicator of what we value, so the session will review the 2008 budget with the time (and therefore salaries) of the staff allocated to the various ministry efforts. This will help us to know whether we are putting our money where our mouth is—whether or not the ministries and activities which receive the most financial support are truly those which are the most important of all the important ministries we could be supporting. In May, the session will put that discussion into conversation with the strategic plan as we wrestle with the church’s direction in the years to come. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we talk about these critical matters.

Finally, I will be out of the church office from April 3rd through April 15th, as I spend some continuing education time at a worshiping community in Taize, France. You’ll be glad (and a bit jealous?) to know that I’ll also be taking a couple of vacation days on the trip as well. I look forward to being back here preaching on Sunday, April 20th. I am grateful to serve Christ alongside you!

Chip

20s and 30s Nooma Lunch and Learn Series

Come and join us for a light lunch, a short video from the Nooma series, lively discussion and fellowship. We will be meeting in the Java Post immediately following the Contemporary Worship Service, 12:15 - 1:15 pm starting March 30th.
Questions? andrea@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Islam Study Seminar Brunch set for April 5

The Islam Study Seminar will meet on April 5th from 10:00 am-12 noon for a brunch and a lecture entitled, “Isaac and Ishmael: Promises and Conflict.” Shannon Bachelor is returning to be with us. Brunch will be served.
Please call the church office to reserve your meal.
Questions? contact don@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Summer Opportunities for Children & Youth

Chancel Choir Tour: June 13-22

Children’s Day Camp: June 16-18

Children’s Overnight Camp: June 23-27

Sr. High Camp: July 6-12

Jr. High Camp: July 21-26

Vacation Bible School: July 28-August 1

Questions?
Contact miranda@secondpres.info or tammy@secondpres.info or 828-6297

“Oh, Jonah” Children’s Cantata

The Covenant and Cherub Choristers will be performing “Oh, Jonah!” during the 9:00 am service on Sunday, April 13th. Set to some catchy tunes, the cantata presents the story line of Jonah, portrayed by Kevin Chrisman, in a fun, yet informative way that is appropriate for all ages.

Sent from above to keep Jonah in line are his ever-present
guardian angels, portrayed by Jenny Briggs, Laterrica Barber, Dulcie Church, Allie Roop, Maddie Murphy, and Maddie Roop. Throughout Jonah’s tale, the audience will meet a boat of sailors led by a carefree Captain, played by Anna Prenzler, and a whale (Reverend Dean Kladder) who surprises all by excelling in musical solfeggio. The rough and tough town of Ninevah, ruled by their King (Don Murphy), presents the toughest challenge for Jonah yet, who is torn between his own personal wishes and God’s command. While you may be familiar with the biblical story of Jonah and the whale, “Oh, Jonah!” adds humor and warmth to the story of a man who is very much like you and me. Come and see for yourself how Jonah finds the strength to deal with a difficult situation, while learning and growing from the wisdom and love of those around him.

Come out on Sunday, April 13th to support the choir children who are working very hard to put on a learning and enjoyable performance for all of you! It is sure to be a ‘whale of a tale’ you won’t want to miss!

“OH, JONAH” CHILDREN’S CANTATA

Sunday, April 13
at the 9:00 am Traditional Service

A frolicking, fun-filled children’s musical based on the Old Testament book of Jonah that carries a serious message about responsibility. Diverse in musical styles, it is immediately appealing - especially the whale’s song!
Presented by the Cherub and Covenant Choirs
Directed by Kate Tombaugh
Accompanied by Gretchen Church

You won’t want to miss this musical offering!
The Children’s Cantata kicks off a new sermon series
“Not Just a Big Fish Story”
Dr. Hardwick will continue the series on April 20, 27 & May 4.

Dr. Roane Deckert will be giving the message on Sunday, April 6th

Kids’ Worship

Starting April 20th we will be piloting a new Kids’ Worship service during the 9:00 am service. Children in kindergarten through 5th grade will join together in Marquis Chapel following the Time for Young Disciples for a special worship time designed just for them and led by a team of volunteers
and Rev. Andrea Kladder. Look for more information as April 20th approaches.
Questions? Contact andrea@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Summer Internships Available!

Children’s ministry is looking for two interns to help with our summer programming. Contact Tammy Haggard at tammy@secondpres.info for more information and applications. Application deadline: April 7.

Friendly Visitors

We are looking for church members who are shut-in who would like a “friendly visitor.” The recent volunteer survey had a good response as to folks who would like the opportunity to be a friend to a shut-in and to enjoy fellowship together. This could be a visit, a phone call, a note or other meaningful contact. If you would appreciate a new friend or know of anyone who is shut-in who might appreciate a friendly visitor, please contact Ruth Hargis (829-6545), Alice Mulligan (662-3461) or Pat Oien (828- 5969). Your help in letting us know how we can expand our Friendly Visitor Ministry would be very much appreciated.

Sermons Are Available in Print, Audio, and Video!

All formats can be accessed via www.secondpres.info/sermons

Video: Streaming video available at www.youtube.com/secondpres

DVDs are available for $10 each (anita@secondpres.info - to place an order)

Audio: Streaming audio is available at www.secondpres.info/sermons
Print: Transcripts of the sermons are available at the Welcome Center

Hospitality Volunteer Opportunity

Church Bus Transportation Coordinator needed: Duties will include coordinating both drivers and maintenance for the bus.
If you are interested in helping, please call Andy Metivier 662-2683 or Tom Fogleitta 808-0077.

Contemporary Service Behind-the-Scenes Team Needs Your Help!

The staff and volunteer team which serves behind the scenes at the 11:00 am service each Sunday needs your help! Please come to an “open house” from 12:10 to 12:40 on Sunday, April 13th, where the curtain will be pulled back and you can find out ways to help with setting up the band or running the lights, sound, or multi-media screens. Training sessions will be held soon after that.
For more information about how you can serve Christ behind the scenes at 11:00, contact anita@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Group Sale

Now is the perfect time to start cleaning out those closets and setting items aside for the Group Sale. The Group Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Sale Barn. Drop off dates are Monday, April 28 - Thursday, May 1. We regret we are unable to take donations prior to collection week as we do not have storage. Donations of vehicles or boats are tax deductible. Please look for the information table on Sundays in April to volunteer to help or sign up to have items picked up.
Questions? Contact DeAnn Worth at 452-4055.

New Date for New Orleans Mission Trip

You can still get on board for a trip to aid hurricane recovery families in New Orleans. The date has been changed to April 26-May 3.
For more information, call Don Crittenden at 828-6297.

Adult Mexico Mission Trip set for June 15-22

If you would like to be part of an adventure that will deepen your faith and bring new energy to your life, join the mission trip to Ocosingo, Chiapas Mexico during the week of June 15-22.
Don Crittenden has additional details. Call him at 828-6297.