ePulse Second Presbyterian Church

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick

Pastor/Head of Staff

What a Great Week!

Almost every Sunday I leave 2PC giving thanks to God for the opportunity to serve Christ alongside you here in this congregation. This past Sunday, though, that was especially true—for all sorts of reasons!

First, the “Look Who’s Coming to Dinner” Dinner was a huge success! I came out of the 11:00 am service not knowing what exactly to expect—and was overwhelmed by how much noise there was from all the people there enjoying themselves (a total of 320 diners). It was fantastic to see so many people from so many different walks of life talking while they feasted on Chef Paul’s offering. Many of our mission partners were there—both staff and clients—and it was inspiring to see them getting to experience the 2PC family. I was especially encouraged by one guest, recently released from prison, who told me he couldn’t wait for his girls to come to VBS this week because “this church treats me so well!” Many thanks to all of you who served in so many ways to make this event such a success—it seems the only question is how soon we can do it again!

The second reason I was so grateful to God for the chance to serve here was the testimony of the Jr. High Campers. Since camping has not been a significant part of my adult life, I have had a hard time imagining what all the different summer camps would be like. But now having experienced three of them first hand (the two children’s camps plus Sr. High camp) and having heard such a great witness to how Christ was present at Jr. High camp too, I’m sold! I am thankful for the camp tradition here and look forward to participating in it for years to come.

The final reason I was grateful to God was seeing all the preparations for Vacation Bible School, which was held this past week. All told, 127 children, 46 teens, and 21 adults (194 people total!) were here at some point during the week. Many of these children came from families who are not yet members of 2PC. Miranda Frank and her team of volunteers and interns have done a spectacular job welcoming all of these kids and helping them to grow in their faith in Christ during a FUN week at PowerLab!

Again, I am so grateful to God for all the things He’s doing here. Aren’t you?

In Christ,
Chip

P.S. I’m in Chicago this weekend (along with the Kladders) celebrating new youth director Josh Erickson’s wedding! I look forward to being back in the pulpit this coming Sunday.

NEW SERMON SERIES TO BEGIN NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

Dr. Hardwick will be preaching this new series focusing on our telling others about our faith.
Scriptures for New Series
August 10 - Acts 8:26-40
August 17 - John 9:1-34
August 24 - Acts 17:16-33
August 31 - 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Parking Lot of First Christian Church 401 W. Jefferson, Bloomington
Sign up to help at the Welcome Center.

Tee Times Begin at Noon
Entry Fee is $40 Per Person
4 Person Best Position (Scramble)
Questions? Contact Dave Pendell at 663-2257

Last Week’s “Look Who’s Coming to Dinner” Dinner

Last Sunday more than 300 people came to dinner here at Second Pres. The Holy Spirit worked in great ways and brought excitement, fun, and fellowship to all in attendance! It was encouraging to see long time 2PC dinner guests eating together and sharing a table with guests from local mission partners and guests who have never been to Second Pres. before. A special thank you to all involved in planning and executing the dinner. This was truly a church-wide collaborative effort that reached beyond ourselves and our comfort zones. Plans are already in the works for another dinner! Please pray that events like this continue to be a regular part of 2PC’s life together, and that all guests who attend may be encouraged to get more involved.

 Kim Pare Named Employee of the Month for July

Church Receptionist Kim Pare received the Employee of the Month/ Hold-It-Together award from the personnel committee for the month of July. In addition to her consistent excellence in her normal duties. Kim recently initiated two important projects. The first is the Book Program for the Free Lunch Program that meets at the church each weekday. Kim set up a process where 2PC members could drop off books at her reception desk, and then any child at the lunch could take home a book or two for their use. More than 500 books have been donated! Also, Kim has been working hard to update the calendar on the church website (www.secondpres.info) so that it will be even more helpful to users. Take time to congratulate Kim when you see her next!

Kids of the Kingdom Pre-registration!

Kids OK, 2PC’s Wednesday evening program for kindergarten through 5th graders will kick off September 10th! Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center. If you register by August 10 you will receive $10 off the normal program fee.
Questions? Contact andrea@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Mission Trip to Iowa City

This church is sending a team of volunteers to help with flood recovery in Eastern Iowa, August 29-31. They need help rebuilding homes that were flooded in early July. We will leave on Friday afternoon, work all day Saturday and return on Sunday. You can sign up at the Welcome Center next Sunday. Call Don Crittenden at 828-6297 for more information.

Sunday School Classes Not Meeting in August -Sunday School Open House
September 7th

The 2008-2009 Sunday School year will begin with an Open House on Sunday, September 7th. During the 10:00 am Christian Education Hour you may visit children’s classrooms (and register your children) and visit adult classes you might like to attend. No one will have a lesson that day. It will all be a time of meeting each other and exploring your options for fall.

Childcare Department Hiring

Are you interested in joining the Childcare Ministry Team? We are looking for loving, dependable, hardworking individuals to care for children 0-5 years-old during worship Sunday mornings and Sisters on Wednesday mornings. Other childcare opportunities may also be available. This is the perfect job for high school and college students interested in teaching and other child-related careers!
If you are interested, please email ashley@secondpres.info or call 828-6297.

Volunteer Ministry

The best way to know the joy of serving God is to experience it yourself. The next best way is to hear from others who have experienced that  joy. Let’s hear from one of our many 2PC servants, Trudy Strand:

How did you start volunteering?
I began volunteering in church at age 15 in Wisconsin. In 1978, Dave and I moved to Bloomington/Normal. We heard 2PC services on radio the  first Sunday, visited on the second Sunday, and then stayed. We appreciated the strong youth and music programs for our high school  daughter.

What kinds of ways have you enjoyed serving in the church?
My background as a social worker with children and as a private music teacher led me to love music as a ‘second language’. I’ve served as an organist, choir director, and as a member of the Chapel Choir. I am also an extrovert and like people and making them feel welcome.

What volunteer experiences bring you the most satisfaction?
Although I have found much satisfaction helping with the Downtown Block Party, the church group sale, the Summer Food Service Program, Stephen Ministry, serving on Session, as a Sunday school teacher, and as an usher, my involvement with the Compassion Center for the Homeless has been, and still is, the most meaningful. It’s there I feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s a true joy to hear Christian hymn singing coming from the ‘bowels of the church.’ It sanctifies it. Through the four years the Compassion Center has been here, I’ve seen attitudes change in small increments. The guests of the Center have more tolerance to one another and less anger. 2PC offers the Alpha Christian study in the Compassion Center and we always have participants.

Another thing I’ve experienced at the Compassion Center is washing the feet of the homeless. Often, those walking the streets bring very injured feet to the Center. One man had such terrible sores he was embarrassed to show them. We found a solution in which to soak his feet and new socks and shoes from the 2PC Clad Tidings closet. I like to be working in the trenches.

What final words would you like to share with our church family?
I hope that everyone at 2PC finds their own place of meaningful volunteer service and fulfillment as I have.

Thanks Trudy for all you do serving the Lord and others in his name!
Thanks to all our volunteers. For information, contact Nancy Harvey at nancyh@secondpres.info or at 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: August 6, 13.
Questions? Contact Cheryl Chrisman at 378-4562.

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

Opening the School Year in Prayer

Everyone is invited to this community-wide rally at 7:30 pm on August 12 at Eastview Church. It’s a non-denominational service organized by  educators, which provides the body of Christ an opportunity to come together in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and protection for the new  school year.
Questions? DeAnn Thompson at 663-7248.

Reservations are due Wednesday, August 20 for the next JOY Trip to Conklin’s Barn II Theatre to see “The Odd Couple.” Cost is $39 and  includes bus fare, dinner, play and gratuity. Get your seat early for this October 2 trip. To reserve your spot call Kim Pare at 828-6297.
Questions? Contact Dave Haake at 828-3591.