Welcome to fall! It is hard to believe that we are transitioning so quickly from the rush of back-to-school, and the end of summer when in many ways it feels like summer never really happened. The interesting thing about the weather and our surroundings changing is the reminder that, indeed, time is passing and even though our experiences of the seasons are different this year, perhaps our natural surroundings can remind us that there is some consistency in God’s creation even in the midst of all of our inconsistencies.
As we do transition seasonally, I want to invite you to take advantage of this time to be intentional about looking for ways to connect with others from church. I’ve moved beyond the frustration with the need for distanced gatherings and into the stage of acceptance - and hopefully even some creativity. I realize that we’re not all there, though! But my encouragement to you is that you deliberately try to see this time as a chance for you (and us!) to try new things and look for the ways that we can grow even in the midst of missing significantly-valued parts of our lives.
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Faith Formation has launched programming for our children and youth with great activities including Sunday School, mission projects, and fellowship activities both in-person and online. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to Pastor Lottie. These events will continue these next few months and children and youth are encouraged to get involved and even bring their friends! (Tomorrow night is the first “First Friday” middle and high school youth fellowship event … tie-dye!)
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Another new program is the Finding Your Own Oasis women’s gathering series that takes place the last Tuesday evening of each month at 7 p.m. It is meant to be a mini-retreat where relevant faith topics are combined with fellowship. The first session was held earlier this week and the next will be on October 27. Click here for more information.
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On Thursday mornings from 7-8, the Early Risers group gathers to discuss a book, and starting next week, October 8, we will be meeting over Zoom to discuss the book Half Truths by Adam Hamilton. This book analyzes several phrases that don’t actually appear in the Bible … things like “God helps those who help themselves.” This session of Early Risers will be six weeks long. Give it a try! More information here.
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Do you enjoy wine? Join us on Zoom for a four-session Sunday evening discussion group reading the book The Soul of Wine by Gisela Kreglinger. Kreglinger, a theologian and winemaker invites us to explore the connection between faith and wine. You can pick up the book from the church, along with a PCWS wine glass! The first session is on October 11. Each session will include discussion guided by the book and topics related to wine. Click here for more information.
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From the earliest recordings of the Christian disciples gathering, we know that prayer has been an important part of the church. Our Stephen Ministers are going to be praying for our congregation on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. starting this Sunday. You’re invited to join in when you can. This is a great way to come together with others in prayer for our community. Click here to learn more about connecting.
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I also want to invite you to join the Pastor’s Bible Study on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. No preparation is required. We take a deeper look at the scripture for the upcoming week and have spirited discussion. We’re gathering on Zoom (Meeting ID 297 145 729). Now is a great time to join as we'll be starting a new six-week series on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) starting with our study on October 14.
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Also, we are continuing to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon for Midday Prayer. Again, all are welcome! These sessions take place over Zoom and you can click here for more details and connection information.
Finally, what’s not listed here are the many gatherings that you all have been organizing informally and regular events like the Book Group, PW, and other groups that have adapted and started meeting online. From lunches on the labyrinth, to discussions about books around a backyard bonfire, I hope that you are open to finding creative ways to connect. If you need help connecting, please reach out and I’m happy to help you.
Connect with others this Autumn. When we connect with others, we draw near to God. You’ve heard the invitation, and I hope you’ll try something new!
Peace,
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P.S. Have you dropped off cards, notes, or items for the College Care Packages?!? If not, please do so before Tuesday afternoon as the Deacons will be assembling them on Tuesday evening. Take a look at the graphic above for ideas of items. This is a great way for us to send some love to the college students this fall.
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P.P.S. During worship we will be recognizing World Communion Sunday. Please bring your communion elements to worship with you - you might even consider using a bread from around the world. Also, as Kathy Wennerstrum shared this past Sunday during worship, we are collecting the Peace & Global Witness Special Offering. Please read about it below!
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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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Sunday Morning Prayer
Each Sunday, at 9:00 am, a Stephen Minister will host a session over Zoom for anyone who wants to pray. Typically, this session will focus on prayers for our Pastor, our church, everyone on the PCWS prayer list, our country and the world. Individual prayer requests are also welcome.
Everyone is welcome to participate in Sunday Prayers.
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First Friday Youth Fellowship
The very first First Friday fellowship opportunity is THIS Friday! Middle Schoolers, High Schoolers and their friends are welcome in the PCWS front lawn for tie dye from 4:30-5:30. We have plenty of white cotton masks to dye, but students can also bring their own white cotton t-shirts, hats, socks, bags… whatever they’d like. The forecast looks a bit chilly, so dress warm. We’ll also have hot apple cider available!
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COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES
College is a little different for most students right now but we want our college students to know that our love for them is still the same.
The Deacons are collecting items to be included in care packages that will be sent to our PCWS college students. These care packages have been appreciated by many youth of our church in the past and help these students feel connected to our congregation. The following items are suggestions of things that have been popular to receive but if you have other ideas please feel free to include:
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candy
gum
cocoa mix
ramen noodles
granola bars
kleenex packets
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post it notes
popcorn
mints
pen/pencils
chip bags
individual cookie packets
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hand sanitizer
toothbrush
floss
chap stick
words of encouragement
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There is a black container outside of the church side entrance where any donations can be left. All items should be left by Tuesday, October 6th.
Thank you for helping us share our PCWS love and care!
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Let's Fill the Can and Support Second Baptist Church of La Grange Food Pantry
What started as a Lenten Project, continued through summer and now fall. We wanted to increase our support and the response has been overwhelming! Please come by and do a “drive by” drop-off of non-perishable food items. Presently they are low on boxed cereal and canned corn or green beans. Looking forward to seeing what we can do next!
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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
Bob LeMay, friend of Kay Kelly
Brent Young, son-in-law of Larry & Becky Glasscock
Elaine Wood
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
Julie Garino
Kathleen Kircher
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Laura Querry, daughter of Becky & Larry Glascock
Laurie Merrifield
Marc Goldstein, friend of Carol Ulreich
Margaret and Don Swaar, aunt and uncle of Kay Kelly and Jill Dold
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
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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We Extend Sympathy to:
The family of Mary Kae Headland who died on Sunday. If you would like to send a note to Mary Kae's daughter, Holly Oliver, her email address is gdscrtrs31@aol.com and her mailing address is 534 Gould Street, P.O. Box 1417, Beecher, IL 60401. Holly has expressed gratitude to those of you who have reached out to her during this difficult time. There are no plans for a service at this time, but Holly will keep us informed.
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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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10/4 Danielle Bozek
10/6 Bambi Tesmond
10/6 Jan Paddock
10/11 Cory Hoskins
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10/11 Emma Weber
10/12 Cheryl Hanson
10/14 Carol Ulreich
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Peace & Global Witness Offering 2020
We can all be Peacemakers.
The annual Peace & Global Witness Offering, collected now through World Communion Sunday, this Sunday October 4, joins Presbyterians together as active peacemakers; gathering funding to help empower congregations and individuals to become peacemakers themselves, sharing Christ’s peace beyond our doors, beyond our community and across boundaries.
PCUSA guidelines for this particular special offering allow for 25% to remain with our congregation to support peacemaking and reconciliation in our own community – and our mission committee has selected the My Block My Hood My City Small Business Relief Fund to be the recipient of our discretionary amount. Click here to visit their website:
25% of what we collect will go to the Presbytery, to support peacemaking work in our region; and the remaining 50% will go to PCUSA to support efforts like the International Peacemakers program, which last year brought 12 Peacemakers representing 12 different countries to the United States for a month of visits to congregations and Presbyteries across the country. Izett Samá Hernandez, our friend from Cuba who visited with us last January, was one of those Peacemakers.
Please consider giving generously to this year’s Peace & Global Witness special offering (visit our Donation Website under Special Offering Category) and, at the same time, consider ways in which you, too, can be a Peacemaker.
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Thistle Farms Items On Sale!
We are offering all In-Stock Thistle Farms items for a discount - see the chart below for quantities.
8 oz Hand Soap, Hand Lotion, Body Wash: Regular $12.00
Now $10.00
2 oz Body Wash: Regular $6.50 Now $5.00
Please email Terri in the office (terri@presbyws.org) to order and make arrangements to pick up your items. You may pay by check or online by choosing Ministry Support - Other. It's never too early to think gift-giving!
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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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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, 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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Amazon Shopping?
In today's world we have all become accustomed to shopping online. Remember to shop at Amazon through our smile.amazon.com link.
In that way you are not only purchasing items from the comfort and convenience of your chair, but also giving a gift to PCWS because we benefit from any purchase made using our link to Amazon--anytime throughout the year.
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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