ePulse Second Presbyterian Church

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick

Pastor/Head of Staff

Life is Better Together…in Small Groups!

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together…let us encourage one another. –Hebrews 10: 24-25a

There are so many exciting ministries available at 2PC this fall! One I’m most anticipating is a new effort to involve all of us in small groups. Many of you are already thriving as members of the wonderful small groups that already exist here at 2PC. Now, however, even more support and encouragement is available for this ministry, and I am hopeful that you will take part in the life-changing experience of belonging to a small group beginning this fall.

Studies show that small groups are a big factor in how comfortable and involved people feel in large churches. These groups allow for a level of relationship that isn’t possible on Sunday mor nings. In a society that is increasingly impersonal, small groups provide the spiritual “home base” that allows Christ followers and Christ seekers to search the Bible, serve inside and outside the walls of the church and learn the habits and joy of life lived for Christ. Jesus Himself modeled small group community as He lived, laughed, taught and prayed with His twelve disciples.

No matter your interest, there can be a small group for you! Some of the 2PC groups will be based on mutual activities or concerns, some on Bible study, some by stage-of-life, and all will be Christ-focused. There is something for everyone. In most of these groups, everyone will be new, so all participants will get used to small groups together.

A small group task force led by Barby Pratt-Mecherle and Todd Snoeyink has been meeting for over a year to plan this ministry and Barby and Sue Taulbee have answered God’s call to serve as small group coordinators at 2PC. Task-force members Laurie Sprague, Jeannie Swanson, Kent Taulbee, Marla Smith, Nancy Harvey and Ann Crittenden with staff liaison Don Crittenden want to see people love God, serve wholeheartedly, and spend time in the Bible and in prayer through small groups. Any of them will be glad to talk to you about which small group would fit your particular passions or needs, and Barby (bpmecherle@verizon.net) and Sue (STaul34849@aol.com) especially want to hear from you with questions, potential ways you can serve, and ideas for new groups.

Join a 2PC small group and experience a new kind of Christian fellowship! Life is better together. Sign-ups begin next Sunday, September 7, at the Welcome Center and continue for three Sundays.

Looking forward to a great September with you,
Chip

Circle the Date
Sunday, September 7th

New Sermon Series Begins
“Jesus for Dummies”
Worship Services at 8:15, 9:00, & 11:00 am
This five-week series explores the most foundational beliefs of Christianity: who Jesus is and what Jesus does.

Debut of New Organ
9:00 am
Hear the new organ being played for the very first time to enhance worship.

Martin Hall Grand Re-Opening
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - 10:00 am
Following the ceremony children will register for Sunday School and all are welcome to tour the space.

New Organ Demonstraion
3:00 pm
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.

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.

Preacher’s Bible Study Time Change

Beginning September 3, the preacher’s Bible study will meet from 6:00 to 7:00 pm each Wednesday in F201. All are welcome, including those with children in Kids OK or Powerhouse—while your kids grow in faith, you can too! Each session studies the Bible passage while will be preached a week and a half later. Snacks provided! Come to grow yourself, and to help shape the sermon so that others grow, too.
Questions? chip@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

Kids OK / PowerHouse Fall Semester Begins September 10

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

Urgent Sunday School Need

Sunday School teachers needed for two-year-old class. No experience needed, just a love of God and children! All teachers will be a part of a team that allows for flexible scheduling and support. Contact andrea@secondpres.info or 828-6297.

How Do I Join a 2PC Small Group?

It’s easy! Come to the sign-up tables in the south entry near the Welcome Center on September 7, 14 or 21 before or after services. We’ll help you find the group that is right for you. We encourage you to join a small group at 2PC. Life is BETTER TOGETHER!
Questions? Contact Sue Taulbee at STaul34849@aol.com or Barby Mecherle at bpmecherle@verizon.net.

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.

You are invited to check out this fall’s Christian Education opportunities on Sunday, September 7th during 2PC’s Christian Ed. Open House.

With exciting new classes for adults, quality relational time for youth, and dynamic multi-age classes in newly renovated rooms for children, it is sure to be a great fall, full of opportunities for everyone to grow in faith.

September 7th will be the chance for everyone to investigate what spiritual growth opportunity might fit best. If you have ever been curious about what happens during the 10 am hour, don’t miss next Sunday.

For adults, a guide to classes will be available at the welcome center. Class leaders—along with their curriculum, books and discussion plans—will be on hand to answer questions and help you find the right class. Classes offer both the opportunity to learn and to make new friends.

Children are invited with their parents to tour the newly renovated Martin Hall, meet their Sunday school teachers and register for their class.

See you next Sunday for this great opportunity to investigate how this fall can be a time of spiritual growth and discovery for the whole family.

Chapel Choir Kick-Off Dinner and Rehearsal

The first Chapel Choir rehearsal of the fall season begins with a dinner at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 3. Come sing a new song unto to the Lord.
Questions? Contact doris@secondpres.info.

Friday Prayer Luncheons Resume on September 5

A delicious lunch at 12:00 noon followed with a time of prayer for those in the hospital, those who have requested prayer, and other prayerconcerns. Cost is $5 for the meal.
Questions? Contact paul@secondpres.info.

Habitat for Humanity Work Day

Saturday, September 6 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.

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.

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.

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.

Come enjoy a feast for the 2PC family and the church’s local mission partners on September 21 starting at 11:00 am. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the Welcome Center next Sunday, August 31.
Questions? Contact Chef Paul at paul@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) or call Midwest Food Bank at 309-663-5350.

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
- Membeship 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.