g l a d t i d i n g s - presbyterian church of western...
TRANSCRIPT
G l a d T i d i n g s PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WESTERN SPRINGS OCTOBER, 2015
You’re invited
to the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs’
60th
anniversary worship service
Sunday, October 18, 2015
9:30 am
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Special Reunion Choir
Special Guests:
The Reverend Mr. David Bebb Jones,
Pastor Emeritus, preaching
The Reverend Mr. Mark Gauen,
The Reverend Ms. Jennifer Parker-Wrzeszcz,
The Reverend Thomas A. Brown,
leading worship.
Progressive Dinner: Saturday, October 17
We hope you will join with our Pastor Emeritus and former Associates of PCWS in attending this year’s Progressive Dinner to kick off our 60th Year Celebration! It’s a great opportunity to chat with those who have helped lead our congregation to become what it is today. The dinner is for adults only, but FREE babysitting will be provided at PCWS for the children of those who attend. The dinner will run from 5:00-9:45 p.m. When you sign up, you’ll be asked to choose to bring a main dish, salad, dessert, or to contribute $15/person. Recipes will be provided for the main dish and salad. If you’d like to use your own recipe, sign up to bring dessert. If you would like to attend, but need a ride, please let Julie Garino know so that she can arrange transportation for you. If you are vegetarian, please let us know as well. Volunteers needed to HOST a main course at your home for 8-10 people. You do NOT have to cook if you host! To help out, please email Julie Garino - [email protected]. Sign-up sheets are located on the board in the hall outside the Jones Room, or you can fill out a tear-off sheet included in several Sunday bulletins prior to the event. Hope to see many of you at this year’s big event!
Explore Peace:
After thinking and studying and wondering about one of the fruit of the Spirit Paul describes in Galatians that we translate as "kindness", Explore will shift its attention towards another "fruit," translated as "peace". Explore will use peace and peacemaking as its theme for Sundays, October 4th, 25th, and November 1.
William Barclay, in his popular commentary on Galatians, notes that the New Testament Greek word translated here as peace had two main uses: 1. Socially and politically to describe "the good order of a town
or village" and 2. To signify the Hebrew notion of shalom, which Barclay
defines as "tranquility of heart which derives from the all-pervading consciousness that our times are in the hands of God."
Sound interesting? Join us in October for deeper explorations of peace as a fruit of God's Spirit suitable for kids, teens and adults. Per usual, Explore is from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
October, 2015 2
Congregational Life
I want to sit down and have a cup of coffee with you and chat with you about several great books I’ve enjoyed recently. Letters from the Farm: A Simple Path for a Deeper Spiritual Life by Becca Stevens is a series of letters to people on the author’s mind. Becca Stevens is an Episcopal priest and founder of Magdalene, residential communities of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction, and Thistle Farms, which employs 50 residents and graduates, and houses a café, studio and natural body-care products line. Stevens’ reflections are offered as inspirational words to people who seek hope, help and reminders of God’s activity in God’s beautiful and messy world. I was uplifted by Stevens’ thoughts. Better than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Jennifer Rubin. Rubin is the author of several books, including The Happiness Project and Happier at Home. Without question, her writing falls into the self-help or self-improvement genre, but what I find most interesting about all of Rubin’s books is the blend of research and science combined with personal stories and illustrations of her area of research. Better than Before reminds us of the power of shaping habits and practices and the wide range of approaches to their formation. I loved this book (and it helped me understand why I struggle or soar with forming new habits, depending on the approach.) Dan passed along a book he read for his work. How We Do Harm: A Doctor Breaks Rank about Being Sick in America by Dr. Otis Webb Brawley, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the American Cancer Society, is a haunting read. I can’t stop thinking about the candor within the pages of this interesting book. Three of the books in my stack to read this fall: For the Love by Jen Hatmaker , Rising Strong by Brené Brown ,Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected and Better at What You Do by Wallace Nichols. Read one of them with me and then let’s get together for coffee and talk about it! Peace,
Jennifer
OUR PASTORS
Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis, Pastor/Head of Staff [email protected]
Rev. Matthew Paul Schmidt, Associate Pastor [email protected]
For a complete list of our staff, visit our website: www.presbyws.org.
www.facebook.com/presbyws
You don’t need to join Facebook to see photos of all the activities that happen at PCWS.
October, 2015 3
Congregational news
Getting to Know Your Deacon:
Bruce Barnes
Deacon Bruce Barnes is a familiar face at PCWS. As head usher, you’ll find him in the Narthex nearly every Sunday morning, rallying his usher team to hand out church bulletins and prepare to take the morning offering. Here’s more about Bruce, who joined PCWS after moving to the area in 1990: Place of birth: New York Current residency: Westchester, IL Family: Widowed with two daughters - Stephanie, 30, and Laura, 25 Pets: Frankie, a four-year-old rescue dog from Kentucky Education: BS, Syracuse University; MBA, Fairleigh Dickenson Employment: Real estate broker for Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate for 30 years Hobbies: Competitive pistol shooting (ranked in the Midwest), water skiing, divemaster and scuba diving instructor Other PCWS activities: Driver for Food For Life Three words to best describe you: Loyal, honest, helpful
Seekers' Class October 25 We're holding our next Seekers' Class on October 25 at 10:45 a.m. in the Graham Charter Room and all are invited to attend. Seekers' Classes are informal gatherings where PCWS members and new friends can learn more about PCWS and the Presbyterian faith, ask questions about life at PCWS, meet church leaders, and become a member, if they feel ready. If you or any of your friends are interested in learning more about PCWS or feel ready to become a member, please join us for this casual, fun get-together. The class usually lasts one hour and child care can be arranged. Contact Pastor Jennifer or Linda Murray ([email protected]) with questions or to say you'll be there. We're looking forward to seeing you!
Save the Dates - New Church Directory! Smile! The Deacons will be creating a new photo directory with Lifetouch to celebrate the 60th anniversary of PCWS. We have reserved a variety of appointment times from Saturday, December 26 through Wednesday, December 30 for individuals and families to gather and have their picture taken. We anticipate that many families will be together in town then.
Did I hear you say you will be out of town? No worries! Anyone who cannot schedule a time at PCWS on the reserved dates will have a number of options, including having your picture taken at another location near you. That includes places in Florida and other snowbird locations. We’ll have lots more information to share, so watch future Glad Tidings, bulletins and your email. If you can help or have questions, contact Deacon Coordinators: Kay Kelly ([email protected]), Jan Paddock ([email protected]), or Laurie Merrifield ([email protected]).
The Interfaith Book Group The Interfaith Book Group will meet October 21 at 1:30 p.m. in the Upper Room for dessert and discussion. We are reading Intention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. This ecumenical reading group invites any woman of the church to join us. The time spent with our Muslim and Christian friends is faith-expanding and a time of laughter and sharing. If you have questions don't hesitate to call or email Carol Stoub ([email protected]).
October, 2015 4
Adult news
Theology & Brew—Daytime & Evening
Join us for the October daytime edition of Theology & Brew on Thursday, October 22 at 1:00 p.m. We'll gather for discussion of a blog of interest, food, and a drink of your choice at Now Serving Cafe in La Grange. The following week, the evening edition of Theology & Brew will gather on Monday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the same location, Now Serving Cafe. All adults are welcome to join us, or even just read the blog or article of interest on their own. If you are inter-ested in joining the email that shares the reading material, please notify us at [email protected].
Presyterian Women October 1, 12:30 p.m. at PCWS You are cordially invited to join with the women of PCWS for interactive table conversation and dessert. This will be a social meeting. Tuesday Evening Circle The Tuesday Evening Circle will meet at 6:00 p.m.at the Grape Vine for dinner, then to the church at 7:30 for the study. Also, read pages 65-125 rather than 65-187 as was in the original information, from Adam Hamilton's book Making Sense of the Bible. Please contact Sue Eck ([email protected]) for additional info. Thursday Afternoon Circle All women are invited to attend the afternoon circle October 15, 1:00 p.m. at PCWS. The study, Lesson 2 from the PW/Horizons Bible study Come to the Waters, will be led by Jennifer Burns Lewis.
Monday, October 12
Church and Offices will be closed.
Exclusive Performance to Benefit Interfaith Community Partners
Interfaith Community Partners is proud to announce their 13th Annual Benefit – an exclusive performance of Driving Delores. Humorous tales told by Maureen Muldoon, of film, television and theater, and Cathy Richardson of Jefferson Starship. This one of a kind production is a series of highly entertaining, hilarious, relatable stories of real people, told by Maureen Muldoon, that are all linked together, through song by the amazing musical talents of Cathy Richardson. The stories and songs get woven into an amazing show that will have you laughing, tapping your feet and singing along. The performance will take place Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Community House in Hinsdale, 415 West 8th Street, Hinsdale. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 7:00 p.m. and includes a silent auction, libations, small bites and more. Private performance begins at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person or two for $100. All proceeds benefit Interfaith Community Partners. Tickets are available through September 25 by calling 708-579-8929 or on their website (www.interfaithcommunitypartners.org) . Interfaith Community Partners is a volunteer organization that provides escorted transportation for older adults to medical appointments, therapies, grocery shopping and other necessary errands to sustain independent living. Equally as import as provid-ing transportation, free of cost, volunteers provide the companion-ship that many older adults are missing and help them feel connect-ed to our communities. Interfaith Community Partners is a 501(c)3 organization.
October, 2015 5
Adult News Book Club Book Club does not meet during the summer so that members can catch up on their own reading, but we can announce the books for this year. We hope that you will look at the selection and plan to join us , at 7:30 p.m. The selections for the next three months are listed below: Oct 28: An Invisibile Thread by Laura Schroff Dec 2: The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng Jan 27: The Boys in a Boat by Daniel James Brown
Calling all writers, artists and reflective folks! The Worship Committee is sponsoring a Reflections booklet this Advent season. We are heartily inviting persons of all ages to contribute through sharing a family or cultural Advent tradition, honoring the 60th Anniversary through sharing a story of a PCWS Advent past, contributing a favorite devotional reading, poem or prayer, or sharing your own creation - written or drawn. The Explore theme for December is “Joy” so feel free to use that as part of your inspiration in providing text for our Reflections. We are seeking contributions from current and former members and friends, near and far. Your contributions will make this the best PCWS Advent Reflection booklet ever! We hope to provide both an on-line and print version for the holiday season. As you begin to think about Advent, would you like to share a:
favorite childhood Advent memory? story about PCWS during an Advent past? meaningful family or cultural Advent tradition? favorite carol of the season and why it has significance in
your life? about the joy you experience/anticipate in Advent? story about how you prepare for Advent with children or for
family and friends? meaningful poem or reading? description of Christmas Eve?
These are just some ideas. Feel free to be creative in sharing what is meaningful, significant, noteworthy for you as part of our 2015 PCWS 'Reflections on Advent'! Send your contribution to [email protected], no later than Sunday, November 1, 2015 to allow time for compilation. Advent begins on Sunday, November 29. Have questions? Ask Pastor Jennifer or Janet Andersen, Worship Elder.
Photo Permission Members and friends of PCWS may be photographed by staff members, or others involved with programs of PCWS. These photographs may appear without compensation in newspapers, in publications, on the church Website or Facebook page, or PCWS brochures, bulletins or newsletters. When PCWS uses an image, the policy is to not identify by name any individual in the photograph. We include photographs in brochures, Glad Tidings, and the Facebook page as a way to highlight the various programs of the church
We do require permission before we can use anyone’s likeness. If you have not signed a consent form, please stop by the church office and ask Kristene for the form. We hope all members and friends will grant us permission to use their image . If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Hennessy, Director of Communications, or one of the pastors.
October, 2015 6
Sarah Blough Claire Carsten
Robert Mansfield Caroline Murray
Piper Murray Katie Pendleton Colleen Sullivan
Children & youth
Bibles Presented September 20! September 20 was a special Sunday when the 2nd graders and Confirmands received their Bibles. The 2nd graders, Olivia Mansfield and Avery Mezan received the NIrV Kids’ Study Bible. Our Confirmands received the NRSV Gift Bible: Sarah Blough, Alex Boxell, Natalie Carlisle, Christian Cloutier, Luke Gertsmeier, Caroline Murray, Emma Weber, Jessie Fronk, Salvatore Melilli, Elie Pendleton and Colleen Sullivan. This gift is made possible by the Robert Cushman Memorial.
Communion Preparation Class What: a happy, hands-on event that helps children and families
get ready to receive communion When: Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Who: Children in kindergarten and anyone older who has not
attended a prior communion preparation class. Who else: a parent, grandparent or significant adult Where: We’ll start in the kitchen at PCWS. Why: Because there’s always lots to learn about the Lord’s
Supper!
Confirmation Retreat: This fall, the Confirmation class of 7th and 8th graders will have a few opportunities for retreat above and beyond the usual Sunday classroom experience. First, on October 2, we will attend a Friday night Shabbat Service at a Jewish Temple in Lombard. This kind of worship experience is sure to teach us all kinds of interesting things related to our Jewish and Torah roots. Later in October, the Fall Retreat is planned for October 17, a day when we'll ask questions like, "Why are there so many world religions?", "What is faith?," and we'll review our Keep Faith Boxes. Later in the morning, we have been invited to once again visit the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview where we'll talk with their sheikh and observe a noon prayer service. Then we'll go out for lunch and and keep the conversations going. This year's retreat is sure to be a meaningful time for our Confirmands!
Family Camp - January, 2016 Is a cozy weekend of sledding, ice skating/hockey, hiking and/or games with your family your idea of fun? Then Winter Family Camp is for you! Mark your calendars for January 8-10, 2016 for the annual outing to Camp Edwards in East Troy, Wisconsin. More information and sign up will be available later in the fall. If you have questions about the event, please ask Kathy Boxell, Pastor Jennifer, or Pastor Matt. Hope everyone will consider this fun event for all ages!
October, 2015 7
Youth Ministry
Halloween Party
Sunday, Oct. 25 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
A JUPYs tradition… Come in costume!
Favorite Halloween games to include: Costume contest, apple bobbing, and
a whole lot more!
Dinner will be provided Friends are welcome!
Sunday Oct. 25
7-8:30 p.m. FALL BASH
& Halloween
Party
This month at a glance…
Sunday , Oct. 4, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Whirlyball Sunday, Oct. 11, No UPYs Enjoy the long weekend Sunday, Oct. 18, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. CROP Walk - Join in our annual walk against hunger! Sunday, Oct. 25, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Halloween Party/ Fall Bash
This month at a glance…
Sunday, Oct. 4, 5—6:30 p.m. Pack the Place-Bring friends!!!
Sunday, Oct. 11 No JUPY’s Enjoy the long weekend! Sunday, Oct. 18, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. CROP Walk - Join in our annual walk against hunger! Sunday, Oct. 25, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Halloween Party - wear your costume!
Pack the Place Sunday, October 4, 5-6:30 p.m.
This is the night to go all-out and bring as many friends as possible to JUPYs!! Let’s see if we can actually fill the youth room to capacity! There’s a great treat in store if you do! Games and fun are in store for all!
Sunday, October 18 12:30 p.m. Registration; 1:30 Step-off
The walk begins and ends at First United Methodist Church
CROP Walk A 3K walk against hunger
Sunday, October 18 1:00 Registration; 1:30 Step-off
The walk begins and ends at First United Methodist Church
Sunday Oct. 4
7-9:00 p.m.
$35 per person includes Whirlyball and pizza
Meet at Whirlyball
800 E. Roosevelt Rd. Lombard
THUBBS Thursday Night Basement
Bible Study Thursdays 8-9:00 p.m.
Location to be determined.
Text Matt for location.
OCT. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October, 2015 8
Mission & Ministry
Cuba Visit For the past 5 to 6 years, PCWS has had a partnership with Nueva Paz Presbyterian Church in Cuba. Jane Boxell, Becky Glasscock, Nancy Glickman and a friend will be returning there from November 9 through the 17th . They will also meet for the first time, Reverend Marielys Diaz, the new pastor of Neuva Paz. Contributions are needed of medicines: includeing over-the-counter medicine - acetaminophen, eye drops, vitamins, antacids, allergy and migraine meds. They also need soap, toothpaste, bandaids and sanitary needs. Please put your contributions in the box near the coat racks on the lower level. The group will take these much needed meds and supplies with them on their trip. Thank you in advance for your contributions. Deadline to donate is October 24.
Give a Gift of Peace on World Communion Sunday, October 4! The Peace and Global Witness Offering supports both global and local initiatives that work to alleviate risks to peace around the world. Through missions, work projects and education, 75% of funds raised with this seasonal offering are used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency in a wide variety of mission activities intended to address systems of injustice around the world. Each congregation retains 25% of this offering to be used in peacemaking efforts, and this year, the Mission committee has chosen to use our discretionary funds to support the mission work of Rev. Jo Ella Holman, Regional Liaison for the Caribbean (including Cuba), Presbyterian Church, USA. In the spirit of this offering, supporting Peace through Global Witness, we believe that directed mission support of Rev. Holman, witnessing in a rapidly changing part of the world, would be a very meaningful use of our collective gifts. And, not only that, the Mission Committee has agreed to match up to $700 of that discretionary amount, so that we can doubly share our gifts! Let’s all give a Gift of Peace this World Communion Sunday!
Did you know? For many years, our congregation has supported numerous local agencies, including the Food Pantry of the Second Baptist Church of LaGrange. Each month, this food pantry distributes about 5000 pounds of food and paper goods to approximately 200 families – between 400-500 individuals. PCWS has a collection box near the Pastors’ office for any food or paper products you’d be willing to contribute. All gifts are greatly appreciated, especially breakfast items (hot and cold cereal, pancake mix, etc.), paper goods (toilet paper and paper towels), canned soup and macaroni and cheese.
Annual Maria Shelter Work Day – November 7 It’s that time of year again! Time for willing workers (all skill levels welcome) to help our friends at Maria Shelter with needed repairs and improvements to their Chicago facility. The group will gather at 8:00 a.m. at PCWS to carpool, with plans to return to PCWS around 2:00 p.m. Please sign-up via Sign-up Genius or on the Mission Board outside the Jones Room. We will supply a delicious and nutritious lunch for the group. Please register so we can be sure to have enough provisions for all. Any questions, please check with Lance Smith, Brian Sullivan or Scott Karstens / Kathy Wennerstrum, Mission Elders.
October, 2015 9
Mission & Ministry LaGrange/Western Springs/Brookfield CROP Hunger Walk This year’s CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 18th. The Mission Committee is once again asking for sponsors and participants in the annual CROP Hunger Walk. You can participate by walking or sponsoring one of PCWS’ walkers. Walkers may sign up on Sunday, October 4, 11, or 18th, in the Jones Room following services. Registration will be begin at 12:30 p.m. on the lower level at First United Methodist Church, 100 W. Cossitt Avenue, LaGrange. Walkers should bring their walker envelope and also canned goods or non-perishable food items that will be donated to our five local food pantries. After registration, there will be a brief send-off service in the sanctuary, and the walk will step off at 1:30 p.m. The three mile walk goes to First United Methodist Church of Western Springs for a water/washroom stop, and then back to FUMC, LaGrange for refreshments. CROP Hunger Walk is a community wide event sponsored by Church World Service and organized by religious groups, businesses, schools and others to raise funds to end hunger in the United States and around the world. As in the past, 25% of monies raised by this walk will go to the five food pantries in the LaGrange/Western Springs/Brookfield Area.
Presbytery News How is the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs part of the Presbytery of Chicago? That’s an easy question to answer! We’re a part of the life and work of the presbytery in many, many ways and we participate in the decision making. PCWS sends four ruling elder commissioners to each presbytery assembly meeting to learn and discern God’s work in our midst. From nurturing people who are preparing for vocational ministry to allocating resources near and far, to events that stretch the mind and touch the heart, our commissioners help chart the course (along with a couple of hundred other volunteers) of the life of the Presbytery, as it seeks to be a beacon of hope in our congregations and communities. As a congregation, PCWS contributes more than $30,000 in 2015 to mission in and beyond the presbytery. From college campus ministries to educational events and resources in every form, our gifts, combined with those from other Presbytery of Chicago congregations help us extend our reach and make a difference in the lives of lots and lots of people. You’ve read recently of the time and skills that more than a dozen of our members offer the presbytery. It’s because we ARE the Presbytery of Chicago…and, of course, the body of Christ.
College Care Packages Fall is upon us and many of our congregation's kids are away at college! The Deacons will once again assemble College Care Packages to mail to PCWS students. Please consider donating bulk items - fun and/or practical - to the stash, like packs of Ramen noodles, granola bars, snacks, Kleenex packets, Post-It notes, soap, popcorn, mints and toothbrushes. This is also a great opportunity to get rid of leftover Halloween candy! So remember to bring that extra candy with you on Sunday, November 1st. Kindly drop your donations in the designated bin near the downstairs coat racks. The deadline for donations is November 1st.
October, 2015 10
Member News
Thank you for your service at PCWS in September! We can’t do it without you. Helped in the office and with scanning and database updates: Carol Ulreich, Ruth Riordan, Michelle Hennessy, Donna Strunk Crushed cans: David Boxell, Mary Jo Blough Food for Life team: Cooks: Kim Fronk and Ann De Vries
Driver: Bruce Barnes
Purchased Food: Harriett Potenza, Ron and Mary Jo Blough
Second Baptist Food Pantry run: David and Jane Boxell Prepared Glad Tidings for mailing: Mary Kae Headland, Joyce Habermann, Ruth Riordan and Dorothy Andersen Flower Guild designers and flower setup in September: Sue Eck
Goodbye, Collection Box It appears that our current relationship with Savers, our collec-tion bin partner, will be changing. While we, and our neighbors, have always been faithful “fillers” of the box, apparently this has not been the most cost-effective method of fundraising for them, so they’re in the process of transitioning to a date-specific “Donation Drive Fundraiser” type of program. Our box is expected to be removed by the end of September so, if you have any items you’d like to drop off, please do so as soon as possible and spread the word if you happen to know of others who have made regular use of our collection bin. Our apologies for the late notice. The Mission Committee will be investigating Savers’ new program as well as other options for this type of mission opportunity going forward.
Volunteer for Buddy’s Place Buddy's Place is Pillars' grief support program for children ages 4-18 and their families. Volunteers can participate in training to help grieving families who have experienced the death of a loved one. Buddy's Place offers children and their parent(s)/ caregiver(s) a safe and supportive group where they can express their grief and learn coping skills with others who have experienced similar losses.
Buddy's Place is accepting new volunteers to help support grieving children and their families in a variety of ways, including Greeters and Group Facilitators for our Monthly Gatherings and 8 Week Sessions
If you or someone you know may be interested please call 708-995-3751 or visit their website: www.pillarscommunity.org
October, 2015 11
Member News
Glad Tidings Deadline
Articles for the next month’s Glad Tidings are due
by the 10th of each month.
To ensure your submission is re-ceived, please email articles and pictures to:
Help prepare the November Glad Tidings for mailing
Monday, October 25th. Meet @ 10:30 a.m. in the Jones Room.
The Ahmeti Family
Paul Allen
Tom Allen
Kimberly Bone
David Boxell
David Boyer
Diane Markley Bruser
George Bruser
Sandy Carucci
David DeFano
Cathy Dold
Billye Dvorak
Norm Erickson
Paulette Erickson
Marc Goldstein
Kathleen Kircher
Mary Jo Long
Mary Young Kushnir
Robin Lewis
Deborah Matthews
Mary Myers
Margaret Miller
Gloria Nicolai
Holly Oliver
Ginger Oswald
Marge Sandrik
Mike Slesicki
Paul Seus
Patti Schoenbeck
Connie Sligh
Margaret Swaar
Betty Toft
Beth Tooth
Dorothy Wilson
Donna (Friend of Joyce Smyers)
Michael (friend of Jane Norman)
Presbyterian Church Congregation in Nueva Paz, Cuba
The people of Syria, especially family members of PCWS Interfaith Women’s Book Group
Bulletin Deadline
Please submit all announcements to the church office by 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Email to [email protected] or fax to 708-246-4276.
New Address:
Mary Ellen and Bob Fencl
Plymouth Place
315 N La Grange Rd, Apt 503
LaGrange Park, IL 60526.
They will keep their phone #
708-246-2908.
LIFE EVENTS
New Email Address: Peter Weber : [email protected]
Wedding: Andy Kelly married Maggie McCormick, Saturday, September 26, in Minneapolis, MN.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WESTERN SPRINGS 5250 Wolf Road Western Springs, Illinois 60558-1898
Web Page: www.presbyws.org E-Mail: [email protected] Prayer Requests: [email protected] Telephone: 708-246-5220 Fax: 708-246-4276
09-25-15
Dated Mail
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Scan to Learn about PCWS
Upcoming Events in October
Oct. 1 Presbyterian Women
Oct. 3 Communion Preparation Class
Oct. 6 Deacons’ Meeting
Oct. 7 Committee Meetings
Oct. 10 Glad Tidings Article Deadline
Oct. 12 Columbus Day Church and Offices Closed
Oct. 17 Confirmation Retreat Progressive Dinner
Oct. 18 60th Anniversary Celebration
Oct. 21 Interfaith Book Group Session
Oct. 25 Seekers’ Class
Oct. 27 Prepare Glad Tidings for mailing Oct. 31 Halloween
Upcoming Events in November
Nov. 3 Deacons
Nov. 4 Committees
Nov. 5 Presbyterian Women
Nov. 7 Maria Shelter Work Day
Nov. 10 Glad Tidings Article Deadline
Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day
Nov. 18 Interfaith Book Group Session
Nov. 24 Prepare Glad Tidings for mailing
Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Eve Service
Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Day Church and Offices Closed
Nov. 27 Day After Thanksgiving Church and Offices Closed
To view a full calendar of events, please visit our webpage: www.presbyws.org
October, 2015 13
Sixty for 60!
PCWS Members and Friends – Are you Ready for a Sixty for 60 Challenge???
In honor of the church’s 60th anniversary, and in the spirit of our long-standing
commitment to helping others, let’s celebrate with Sixty for 60!
The challenge:
Complete SIXTY Acts of Kindness In celebration and gratitude for 60 years
…..in 60 Days!!
THEN…REPORT BACK TO US!! Please send an email to [email protected] with a description of your act of kindness and the participants. Send a photograph if possible! We will keep track of the total acts of kindness and collectively celebrate spreading Christ’s love in honor of the PCWS 60th anniversary!
Questions? Please contact Stephanie Carlisle or Stacie Wilson of the Leadership & Ministries Committee
WHO? Members and Friends of PCWS
WHAT? Pick an Act of Kindness to help others
WHERE? In the PCWS communities
WHEN? By November 15, 2015
HOW? Review the attached list of ideas, or come up with your own! Partner with friends and family members, and other PCWS members to complete an Act of Kindness!
WHY? To share Christ’s love
October, 2015 14
Sixty for 60
SAMPLE ACTS OF KINDNESS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE SIXTY FOR 60 CHALLENGE!
Invite a neighbor over for a meal Sponsor an electronics recycling day
Offer to take an elderly person to run errands
Help someone younger than you do their homework
Make cookies and take them to a shelter
Plant bulbs in the church garden
Get friends together and weed the front of the church
Sit by someone new at school and play with them at lunch
Donate a couple hours of handyman time
Collect mittens and hats for those in need
Organize a book swap
Clean out your toys and donate those that you no longer play with
Do some weeding for an older person on your block
Mow your neighbor’s lawn
Clean your room without being asked
Volunteer to stock the shelves at Hinsdale Food Pantry
Collect canned goods for a shelter or food pantry
Get some friends together and pick up trash at a park near your home
Get a group of families together and pack food at Feed My Starving Children
Check out library books for someone who can’t get to the library
Teach some people how to play bridge
Teach an older person how to use the internet
Babysit for a friend or neighbor
Drive someone to/from an appointment
Wash a neighbor’s car or take it to the carwash for them
Drive for Food for Life – Oct 27 or Nov 17
Treat a friend or neighbor to ice cream
Invite a neighbor over for coffee
Start a PCWS babysitter list
Start a diaper and pull-ups drive for Maria’s Shelter and Believe Family Shelter
Raise funds and walk in the Crop Walk
Recruit a team of Crop Walk participants
Participate in a Habitat for Humanity project
Make a prayer shawl or teach someone how to knit a prayer shawl
Take donuts to the fire department and say thanks
Run errands for someone who can’t get out
Rent the bouncy house for a few hours longer and invite the neighbors
Rake leaves for your neighbor
Invite someone you’d like to know better out to brunch after church on a Sunday
Open the nursery for a mom’s morning out
Gather a group and go sing at a nursing home
Plant tulips at PCWS
Take some trash bags and clean up a local park or at PCWS
Help sponsor a cookout at PCWS for the neighborhood
Read to or tutor a local elementary student
Buy some flowers…or a pumpkin…or something else….and deliver to a neighbor who needs a pick-me-up
Cook an extra casserole and give it to a neighbor
Talk with Pastor Jennifer to find a PCWS member who could use a friendly visit
Draw a picture and gift a neighbor with it
Walk a friend or neighbor’s dog
Pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t seen in a while just to say “Hi”
Participate in the Maria Shelter Work Day
Serve at Food for Life– Oct 27 or Nov 17