ePulse Second Presbyterian Church

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick

Pastor / Head of Staff

Music Ministry Milestones

Last Sunday was such a great celebration that I wanted to lift up some of what happened in case you weren’t able to be here! The most exciting part of the day was the Chancel (Sr. High) Choir Home Concert. After a ten-day tour out west, the 30+ members of the choir returned and sang their hearts out last Sunday evening to a very full sanctuary! It was amazing to me—I’m always grateful to God for their ministry each Sunday during the school year at the contemporary service, but the concert last Sunday blew me away. As good as they always sound, they were that much better! Seeing their smiling faces communicating the Gospel through the songs was so encouraging to me.

The choir tour was a huge undertaking and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped pull it off. I’m particularly thankful for Jan Harrell, the elder for contemporary worship who was also tour coordinator, for Chris Hollingsworth, the choir director who whipped their voices into shape, for Gretchen Church, the accompanist who helped make them sound so beautiful, and for Amanda Murray, the president of the choir. Many, many thanks to these and others who so faithfully served Christ through the ministry of these students.

Another really exciting aspect of last Sunday was the buzz over the organ’s façade! It is absolutely stunning, isn’t it? All the prior descriptions and drawings did not do it justice. It is a wonderful work of art, and my only concern now is that worshipers will be so drawn to its beauty that they won’t be paying a bit of attention to what’s going on down on the platform! The organ has transformed the look of the sanctuary, and it only whets our appetites for when it will be ready for worship (most likely by Labor Day).

One last bit of musical news is that the process of searching for the successor to Doris Hill, Director of Music Ministries, has begun to take some baby steps. Doris retires at the first of the year, so please pray for the search process. Doris is leaving big shoes to fill, so it will be a God-sized task to find her successor!

I am very grateful for 2PC’s music ministry—for all of the choirs, the contemporary praise band, the staff, and all of the behind-thescenes folks who help make these ministries happen. I so appreciate the chance to serve Christ alongside you!
With thanks,
Chip

New Sermon Series to Begin Next Sunday, July 6th
“Look Who’s Coming to Dinner”
Rev. Andrea Haughton Kladder will kick off this new series with a look at what happens when Jesus shows up for dinner.

The Sr. High campers, back from Miracle Camp in Michigan, will participate in these special services.

 
Lots of questions; some answers
Dean and Andrea Kladder’s home (609 E. Monroe, Bloomington).
Questions? andrea@secondpres.info

 Preschool VBS Program
Open to children 3 years old by September 1st, 2008

VBS forms are available online at www.secondpres.info
For more information contact tammy@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Dean Kladder named Employee of the Month for May

Rev. Dean Kladder, Associate Pastor for Outreach and College, won the Hold-It-Together/Employee of the Month award for the staff last month. The personnel committee was excited to present him with this award in gratitude for his work to cover the technology/media ministries since the departure of Anita McDaniel and Ken Johnson earlier this spring. It is rare for an associate pastor to have so many gifts in this area as Dean does, and for this the church is thankful! Be sure to congratulate Dean when you see him next!

Vacation Bible School Leaders Needed

More than 150 children will come to Power Lab. We need leaders to serve on the VBS Power Lab Team. The mornings are fast-paced and fun. If you are interested in helping out at VBS, please contact miranda@secondpres.info.

Email Prayer List: How to Pray, How to Ask for Prayer

TO SUBMIT A PRAYER REQUEST - Simply email prayer@secondpres.info and submit your request. Write it the way you want it stated, sharing as much or as little information as your are comfortable sharing. When submitting a request for a friend or loved one be sure you are not violating confidentiality. When the pastors offer to put someone on the email prayer chain (distribution list) they always ask permission for the general wording. People want to pray and be prayed for and having some information about the prayer concern helps build bridges.

TO BE ON THE EPRAYER DISTRIBUTION LIST (RECEIVE PRAYER REQUESTS) -
Simply email prayer@secondpres.info and ask to be placed on the email prayer distribution list and you will begin receiving prayer requests.
The Deacons have assumed responsibility for the email prayer chain and Gene Gant is the one who checks the email prayer requests every morning and every evening. Tiffany Ward, Dr. Hardwick’s Administrative Assistant also checks every afternoon five days of the week. In addition to those who have asked to receive prayer requests all the church officers have been added to the list: Session, Deacons and Trustees.

The leadership of the church is charged with the spiritual leadership – not just making management decisions.
Get a hold of the live wire! Tap the power of prayer! Join those who have already signed up to pray. Email prayer@secondpres.info and ask to be one who prays.

Children’s Overnight Camp
June 23-27
Lake Bloomington
Campers had a fun-filled camp adventure this past week at Lake Bloomington’s East Bay Camp. Children learned to “Live in the Light” by hearing about John the Baptist, Barthimaeus, and Zacchaeus. Kids enjoyed daytime and evening activities including beach parties, swimming, making crafts, mission projects, campfires, small group time, games, camp meals and much more while getting a chance to grow closer to other campers and God. This overnight camp was for children that completed third, fourth, and fifth grade.

Join the Mexico Mission Team in room F100A at 10:00 am Sunday, June 29 for a review and presentation. The team recently returned from Ocosingo, Chiapas, Mexico and would like to to tell you about their trip. Come and learn about the Tzetal Indians and their urgent need for the medical clinic the mission team helped to construct. Hear about the medical mission work out in the villages, the Vacation Bible School the team offered to about 100 Tzetal children and other experiences the team will share.

Lots of questions; some answers.
Second Sundays from 7-9 pm at Dean and Andrea Kladder’s home (609 E. Monroe, Bloomington).
Questions? andrea@secondpres.info.

Preachers Lead Wednesday Evening Bible Study
You don’t want a bad sermon; your preacher doesn’t want a bad sermon—so come to the Bible study and help the sermon to be as faithful and effective as it can be! The pastor preaching each week will lead the class in F201 from 6:15 - 7:30 pm each Wednesday night.
Questions? chip@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Summer Bible Study and Swim

2008-09 Senior High students are invited to share in the “Bible Study and Swim” at the home of Jay & Cheryl Chrisman (19815 Wesley St., Downs) this summer. Join us from 6:30-8:30 pm the following Wednesdays: July 16, 23; August 6, 13.
Questions? Contact Cheryl Chrisman at 378-4562.

Habitat for Humanity Work Day

Saturday, August 2 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon is the next Habitat for Humanity Work Day. Our Habitat House is at 402 E. Market.
Questions? Contact Kevin Engle 825-6842 or englekevin@hotmail.com.

2008 Leadership Summit

WHO: All leaders, leaders-in-training, potential leaders and their team/committee members
WHAT: 2008 Leadership Summit simulcast event
WHEN: Thursday & Friday, August 7-8, 2008 (9:00 am - 5:30 pm)
WHERE: Northwoods Community Church, Peoria
WHY: To develop and hone leadership skills and strategies
To be challenged and affirmed in your role as a leader
To equip and encourage your team/committee
COST: $205
CONTACT: becky@secondpres.info or 828-6297 to register

Join us at Highland Park Golf Course on Sunday, August 24 for the Annual 2PC Fellowship Golf Open. Tee times begin at 12:00 noon. Entry fee is $40 per person. Fee covers green fees, riding cart and appetizers at Schooner’s following the tournament. Sign up individually or as a  team. This is a 4 person best position (scramble) with skill prizes, lack of skill prizes and a chance at lasting fame. You could win a set of custom  made golf clubs!
Questions? Contact Dave Pendell at 663-2257.

20s/30s Fall Retreat

Mark your calendar for Friday, October 3-4. Pathways (20s/30s) will be holding a Fall Retreat at Sterns Lodge, Easter Seals Camp Timber Pointe Outdoor Center! Details coming soon.