Dear friends,
It was good to be with you all for worship this past Sunday as we heard the story of Christ’s baptism against the backdrop of our current political and national circumstances. We reaffirmed our commitment to the questions we are all asked at baptism. I encourage you to listen to the sermon if you haven't had the chance to do so.
The start of the liturgical year at advent begins our reintroduction to Christ. From the anticipation of his birth, we are reminded that the light came into the darkness. Over and over again it seems that darkness comes back. We saw this last week, but then we also saw the light break through. We heard stories of people doing good things in the midst of the evil things going on all around them.
We often use the word “humanity” when people do good things. How interesting this is to me! I think it is wonderful that we associate the goodness in the world with our core - our very being - our motivation toward what we call humanity. And this makes sense as Christians because we see ourselves as made in the divine image. This means that when we return to our core - to our goal of being light in the darkness - to our humanity … we are also returning toward who God intends for us to be.
This is precisely the Christian journey and our objective. We are called to live into God’s vision for humanity. So, this is what we do when we worship. For a moment in the week, we step away from the distractions and we seek to find a thin space where we can draw ever-closer to God and to God’s love for us and the world. And then we go out into the world seeking to be ones who bring that love. That’s our commitment and our goal and that’s our united purpose.
In the coming months, winter will pass, we’ll see more and more people receive vaccines, and something of a normalcy (or at least a new normal) will come to be. I wonder how we’ll be ready for that as a church? I wonder how we’ll be ready to unite behind our purpose as ones who bring love. This coming weekend we as a country celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and perhaps now more than ever we need this grounding. I hope you’ll take some time this weekend to reflect on his life and perhaps learn something new that you can share with someone else (and especially if you have children). Bring some light into the world and then be encouraged to further that light in some way!
Also, I look forward to next year when we can celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by serving in our community alongside one another. I had really hoped that would happen this year, but with the pandemic, a coordinated effort is more challenging. There are still some opportunities locally, and I encourage you to check them out.
This morning is our first session of the new Early Risers book reading Faith After Doubt by Brian McLaren. Click the link on the image above to read more about the book and the reading group. Even if you aren't ready to join us this morning, you can always join next week! We'd love to have you for this seven-week reading and discussion group.
I look forward to being with you in worship on Sunday!
Peace,
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Pastor Erik
P.S. A few “housekeeping” items … (1) if you would like giving envelopes for 2021 and have not already heard from Terri in the office, please contact her to arrange to receive them; (2) did you miss getting a Star Word on epiphany? We have some in the box outside the office or you can contact Terri to have one or more mailed to you; (3) our wonderful Christmas decorations will be coming down soon, so be sure to come by and enjoy them one more time (especially the wonderful Christmas greeting signs from you all!).
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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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Let's Continue to Fill the can and
Support Second Baptist Church of La Grange Food Pantry
Our regular Monday morning delivery has helped to make a greater impact on the community that 2nd Baptist serves. Please continue to remember our neighbors who struggle with hunger and, as you are doing your grocery shopping, consider adding a couple extra items for the pantry. Food items can be dropped off Sunday mornings or any time during the week in the can near the entrance from the parking lot.
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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
Bob LeMay, friend of Kay Kelly
Brent Young, son-in-law of Larry & Becky Glasscock
Caryle Aitken Wilkie
Don Heizer, friend of the McMahons
Family and friends of Wayne Filar, Candice Mares’ cousin
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 Kregg
Joshua Haberkorn, grandson of Shirley Pine
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Julie Garino
Laura Querry, daughter of Becky & Larry Glascock
Marc Goldstein, friend of Carol Ulreich
Mary Jo Blough
Mary Jo Long
Mary Kate Miller, step-mother of Julie Garino
Mary, dear friend of Bruce Geary
Michael De Vries
Michael, friend of Jane Norman
Nate & Joann Dardick, friends of Laurie Merrifield
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
Shannon Cavanaugh, niece of Phyllis DiFrancesco
Steve Coates, husband of Stephanie Coates
Steve, friend of McMahon Family
Teri Tuffner, aunt of Candice Mares
Terry Moore, friend of Mike Pelton
Parents of Tiffany Sellman
Wendy Montague, friend of Candice Mares
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Stephen Ministers Are Available
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Stephen Ministers share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Stephen Ministers are matched with the individual and meet with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists. If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry, please email Pastor Erik or Joyce Rodos.
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1/14 Betty Anderson
1/14 Debbie Cloutier
1/16 Mary Smyers
1/16 Mary Jo Blough
1/17 Isabella Melilli
1/17 Marin Yates
1/18 Cheryl Kroon
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1/19 Marsha Martinaitis
1/20 Joe Benson
1/21 Sarah Sullivan
1/22 Erik Hanson
1/23 Scott Wennerstrum
1/24 Ben Strohl
1/24 Emily Strohl
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Ministry Support
During this time of virtual worship all are invited to continue supporting the mission and ministry of PCWS. There are 2 convenient ways:
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Dropping off or mailing your contributions directly to our church office at 5250 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558, or
- Donating online - click the button below.
Did you know 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, this would be a good time to set-up electronic payments. Please contact our Financial Secretary Patrick Rivers, with any questions or for instructions for setting up payments through your bank.
If you choose to use a credit card, we appreciate if you will include the amount of the fee charged by the credit card company.
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Thank you for your ongoing support of our ministries, particularly during this uncertain time.
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PCWS Office Closed
The PCWS office remains closed during the pandemic. Our office staff are working remotely and on a limited basis. If you need immediate assistance, please email Pastor Erik or leave a message for him on his church extension which he checks regularly, or call his cell. Staff is checking the U.S. Mail daily. The mailbox is a locking box, so please feel comfortable dropping off correspondence directly (including contributions).
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Remember PCWS in your will and estate planning.
Please contact Pastor Erik for more information.
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