Dear Friends,
Many of the PCWS youth and children went back to school this week—either online or in person. Families are, once again, beginning a new school year. Even if you don’t have school-aged kids, the end of summer marks a time of transition for all of us. As people return from vacation and settle into more regular schedules, life takes on a different rhythm and tempo.
But, this isn’t a typical year. This end of summer threshold is further complicated by the virus, technology, and uncertainty.
In some ways, this peculiar transition invites us to trust. The Irish poet John O’Donohue writes, “To acknowledge and cross a new threshold is always a challenge. It demands courage and also a sense of trust in whatever is emerging… Whatever comes, the great sacrament of life will remain faithful to us, blessing us always with visible signs of invisible grace. We merely need to trust” (To Bless the Space Between Us). This is my prayer for all of us standing upon this threshold: that trust in our emergent future would yield visible signs of God’s invisible grace.
This Sunday, I will be preaching on Matthew 13:31-34. This text includes two parables: the mustard seed and the leaven. Both small, ordinary things that emerge into something grand. They teach us powerful messages about hope in God’s Kingdom for people at the threshold.
(A little teaser: those of you who have been baking with a sourdough starter during quarantine might particularly enjoy the sermon!)
I hope to “see” you on Sunday!
With love,
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Watch our Worship Services Live
Sunday morning @ 9:30 a.m.
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No matter where you may be in the world, you can feel close to PCWS! |
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As ones who seek to do Christ’s work of love and reconciliation in the world, Pastor Erik invites all of us to join him in learning and growing. To do this, he is asking everyone to commit to reading at least one of the books on this list. The titles were chosen deliberately with the intent that you would engage with them and with others while you seek to grow. He encourages all of us to gather with family, or a small group of people, to read and discuss. Click on the graphic to learn more about this summer challenge.
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Summer Mission Project Book Drive!
We have surpassed our second goal of 4,368 books to Bernie's Book Bank (gently used children’s books - birth through 6th grade reading level)!
As of last Saturday, we've collected 4,388 Books!
We are now aiming for 5,000 books by August 31! And we would love to beat this goal, too!!!
Please bring your books to the bins outside the doors from the parking lot entrance. Want to learn more about our book drive, visit our website!
If you have immediate questions about the book drive or what books are desired feel free to contact Janet Andersen.
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Despite the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deacons of PCWS are hosting a Summer Wellness Challenge! While the stay-at-home orders and group restrictions prevent us from gathering in large groups, the Deacons are encouraging everyone to get out and walk! Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings, all are welcome to gather in front of the church and start walking – maintaining social distance of course.
In addition, we’re going to ask participants to send your step count and let’s see how far we can “Virtually Walk!” Everyone is welcome to join our Virtual Walk – everyone’s miles will be combined and plotted on a map. How far can we all walk this summer?
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Our siblings at Nueva Paz Presbyterian Church in Cuba
Our men & women serving our country in the Armed Services
The people of Syria, and especially the relatives of PCWS’ Interfaith Women’s Book Group
First responders, nurses, doctors, and others providing care to others
Ann, friend of Joyce & Herb Smyers
Betty Anderson
Betty Toft
Billye Dvorak
Brent Young, son-in-law of Larry & Becky Glasscock
Family & friends of Cheryl Donchez
Elaine Wood
Family and friends of Paul, cousin of Elizabeth Slezak
Family and friends of Wayne Filar, Candice Mares’ cousin
Gary Mirlenbrink, uncle of Lori Carsten
George Bruser, uncle of Donna Kanak & Diane Bonner
Holly Oliver, daughter of Mary Kae Headland
The family of Inez Martinez, friend of the Merrifield family
Jan Fortina
John Bliss, friend of Mindy McMahon
John Kregg
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Joshua Haberkorn, grandson of Shirley Pine Kathleen Kircher
Laura Querry, daughter of Becky & Larry Glascock
Laurie Merrifield
Marc Goldstein, friend of Carol Ulreich
Marc Ladene, friend of the Slezaks
Margaret and Don Swaar, aunt and uncle of Kay Kelly and Jill Dold
Mary Kate Miller, step-mother of Julie Garino
Mary, dear friend of Bruce Geary
Michael De Vries
Michael, friend of Jane Norman
Mike Liccar and family, friends of Kay Kelly
Nate & Joann Dardick, friends of Laurie Merrifield
Nathan, friend of McMahon Family
Norb Mirlenbrink, Uncle of Lori Carsten
Pat McTiernan, friend of Phyllis DiFrancesco
Pat White, friend of Becky Glasscock
Paulette Erickson, friend of Carol Ulreich
Peggy Mirlenbrink, aunt of Lori Carsten
Peter Wilkie
Phil Kasik
Ruth Kaduke, niece of Herb & Joyce Smyers
Steve, friend of McMahon Family
Teri Tuffner, aunt of Candice Mares
Terry Moore, friend of Mike Pelton
Theresa Ybanez, great niece of Laura Fruit
Parents of Tiffany Sellman
Wendy Montague, friend of Candice Mares
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Stephen Ministers Are Available
We are a congregation that prays with one another and for one another. You are encouraged to pray for the concerns on this prayer list even though you may not know the details. Our Stephen Ministers are praying as well. If you would like to have a Stephen Minister pray for you or with you (over the telephone, or videoconference), please reach out to Joyce Rodos, the Stephen Ministry leader.
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8/23 Charlie Carlisle
8/23 John Leslie
8/24 Kay Kelly
8/26 Theresa Dixon
8/26 Peter Wilkie
8/27 Marilyn Hanson
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8/27 Peter Hanson
8/27 Caryle Wilkie
8/28 Dave Kohlsaat
8/31 Alison Weber
8/31 Hannah Boeckmann
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PCWS Office Closed
The PCWS office remains closed for the immediate future. Our office staff are still working remotely and on a limited basis. If you need immediate assistance, while Pastor Erik is on vacation, please email Lottie or leave a message for her on her church extension which she checks regularly, or call her cell - (708) 505-9829. Staff is checking the U.S. Mail daily. The mailbox is also now a locking box, so please feel comfortable dropping off correspondence directly (including contributions).
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Online Giving
During this time of virtual worship all are invited to continue supporting the mission and ministry of PCWS by dropping off or mailing your contributions directly to our church office at 5250 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558 or by donating online.
Have you ever considered using online tools as a way to manage your contributions to PCWS? You can use our giving site to set-up recurring or one-time payments (there's no fee when you use your checking or savings account.) Since we’re not gathering in-person each week, this would be a good time to get yourself set-up with electronic payments. Please contact our Financial Secretary Patrick Rivers, with any questions or instructions for setting up payments through your bank.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our ministries, particularly during this uncertain time.
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Amazon Shopping?
In this unusual time, with so many of us ordering on Amazon, please remember to use smile.amazon.com and designate Presbyterian Church of Western Springs as your charitable organization. This does not change your cost, but enables Amazon to contribute a small portion of the sale to the church, above and beyond your regular giving.
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Remember PCWS in your will and estate planning.
Please contact Pastor Erik for more Information.
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