ePulse Second Presbyterian Church

•Pak-A-Sak Food Donations Needed
2PC has supported the food pantry at the Western Avenue Community Center for many years, but the need for food donations is greater than it has been in the past. Please bring non-perishable food to one of the receptacles located at the Prairie St. entrance or the elevator by the Sanctuary. You may also give a cash donation by leaving an envelope marked “Pak-A-Sak.”

•Lend Your Artistry to Sermon Series
All 2PC artists are invited to contribute toward an art fair that will accompany the August sermon series, Kingdom Tales. The series will explore different parables from the Gospel of Matthew, all of which begin with “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” If you’d like to join other artists (both children and adults) in contributing, contact Dr. Hardwick at chip@secondpres.info or 828-6297. The deadline for submissions is July 17.

•Share Your Story on comegotell.blogspot.com
Two weeks ago, Rev. Dean Kladder preached about going out and telling the world about Jesus. In the sermon, he gave the web address for a blog where people can share where they have seen Jesus and what he has been saying to them. This collection of stories is a way to inspire and nurture the faith of your fellow congregation members, so please go to comegotell.blogspot.com to post your story.

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick
Pastor/Head of Staff

Come Worship at the 8:15 Service

Last Sunday, the 8:15am chapel service was very nearly standing room only, and as I asked people to make room for all the worshipers, I began to realize that this service may be one of 2PC’s best kept secrets. In fact, many people refer to the 9am traditional service as the first service, and the 11am contemporary service as the second service, as if the 8:15am chapel service didn’t exist. Clearly the chapel service could use a little more publicity!

The service meets in Marquis Chapel every Sunday at 8:15am, and features two elements that make it distinctive from the 9 and 11am services. The first of these is the verbal sharing of prayer requests. Rev. Mike McGaughan, the parish associate for pastoral care who typically helps lead this service, often gives an update about people on the prayer list.

As people hear about the ways that God is blessing others, they respond, “Lord, we praise you!” As they hear prayer requests for loved ones and the world, they respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” As we hear what is going on in each others’ lives, we are drawn together in a way that is difficult in a larger worship setting. Sharing these requests gives us a sense of intimacy that is very encouraging as it reminds us that God longs to hear our requests or praises and answer them.

The second element of worship that is unique to the 8:15am service is that communion is celebrated every week. As worshipers come forward to receive Christ’s body and blood, they are strengthened so that they can serve him more faithfully. My personal experience is that communion is more meaningful when it is celebrated more regularly than just once a month, and this service helps worshipers feel Christ’s presence as they receive communion. The service also includes familiar hymns, a slightly shorter version of the sermon and a prayer of confession.

The 8:15am congregation is very accepting of newcomers, and would be glad to welcome you there! John Robertson is the layperson who helps to support these worship services, and either he or I would be glad to hear from you if you have questions or comments about the service.

So why not make plans to come to the 8:15am service next Sunday? (Just come early, in case it’s another full house!)

See you there,

Dr. Charles B. Hardwick

Kids’ Camp Sunday

Kids’ Camp Sunday is a celebration of both the fun, and the hard work, that campers experienced during 2PC’s day and overnight camps held over the last two weeks. Held at East Bay Camp next to Lake Bloomington, these camps allow 2PC students in grades K-5 to both develop their faith, and build social connections with their peers and their leaders. Please join us on Sunday, June 28 in recognizing the experience these students have had.

•Picture Directory Sign Up (Going on Now)
2PC is creating a new picture directory, and our goal is 100% participation! Each family that signs up will receive a complimentary 8×10 photo and picture directory.

Sign up sheets are available today (in the South entry and main entry) and will be available on Sunday mornings through July 5. During the week, sign up sheets are available at the front desk, or by calling Kim at 828.6297. Members who have not signed up by July 5 will receive a call from Olan Mills Portrait Studios to schedule an appointment. If you are interested in volunteering to be a greeter during photography sessions, please email arcadia.kust@secondpres.info.

Pictures will be taken on the following days:
•Wednesday, July 15-Friday, July 17 (3-9pm) Saturday, July 18 (10am-4pm)
•Wednesday, August 19-Friday, August 21 (3-9pm) Saturday, August 22 (10am 4pm)
•Wednesday, Sept. 16-Friday, September 18 (3-9pm) Saturday, Sept. 19 (10am-4pm)

•Reception for Gretchen Church and Jeanie Wendt (6/28)
In the months since director of music ministries emeritus Doris Hill retired, Gretchen Church (interim organist) and Jeanie Wendt (interim coordinator of worship and music) have filled in, putting their substantial gifts of music and administration to work in the 9am worship service. However, since the new director of worship and organist, Judy Webb, begins work here on July 7, Gretchen and Jeanie’s time of serving in these official capacities will end Sunday, July 5. There is a reception in their honor at 10am on Sunday, June 28 in F100B. Please come and thank them for all the ways they’ve served Christ during these past months!

•Summer Lunch Program (Through 8/7)
2PC is proud to offer the 5th annual free lunch program this summer. All those under 18 are eligible to eat lunch for free, and all adults accompanying children can eat lunch for only $2. The program will run through August 7 from 11:30am to 1pm in Grace Hall. All those who are interested in assisting with the lunch program should contact Deb Deterding at 827.3740.