Dear Friends,
What a wonderful time we had in worship on Sunday! We had three of our high school graduates with us as we heard about their plans and offered a blessing on them as they head off to college. We prayed for all of our graduates (you’ll find them listed below) as they continue their journeys into new chapters. A special thank you to Jim Koning for producing the wonderful song “Benediction” sung by Gabbie Cloutier, Abby Gertsmeier, and Carly Booth with Kami Booth playing piano. You can find the song as well as the service on our YouTube page.
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I also wanted to thank you all for the kind words so many of you shared in celebration of our two years together! As we continue in ministry, I continue to look forward to our shared future. Speaking of which, I had a chuckle when I saw this picture recently. It continued to remind me of the reality of the strange time in which we’re living. But then I had another realization. Even though this year has been so particularly strange, I actually think that most of the time we have just as much trouble predicting our own futures. This year it is just amplified a bit more and we’re universally experiencing the tumult in various ways. I’ve actually always disliked this question in interviews ("Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?") for exactly that reason — there is so much over which we have so little control.
In our sermon series right now in Paul’s letter to the Romans, one of the recurring themes has been the reminder that even in all that comes our way — even in all of the surprises, the detours, and in the brokenness — God remains close and God draws us close to God. This is the beauty of God’s goodness! Join us on Sunday as I continue the series with Romans 10:5-15.
As we enter the final weeks of our Summer Mission Project, I want to encourage you to jump in and be a part of our effort. It seems that we’re getting closer and closer to collecting 5,000 books for Bernie’s Book Bank! This would be really exciting. You can read more below.
Peace,
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Pastor Erik
P.S. I hope you’ll join Paul Banovic for his introduction to Tai Chi on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. or on Saturday, August 15, at 8:30 a.m.! It will be a wonderful chance to hear from Paul about this meaningful form of exercise. More details 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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Click on the above graphic for full size view. |
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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 already delivered our original goal of 2,184 books to Bernie's Book Bank (gently used children’s books - birth through 6th grade reading level).
As of last Saturday, we've collected 3,994 Books!
We are now aiming for 4,368 books. 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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Learn tai chi
Paul Banovic will be sharing about Tai Chi — a martial art that has been influential in his physical and spiritual health for years. Paul will host introductory classes (you can come to either or both) on Tuesday, August 11 at 9 a.m. (after the Deacon Walk-n-Talk), and Saturday, August 15 at 8:30 a.m. There will be a combination of instruction and discussion with Paul and a video-led exercise. Dress comfortable and bring your mask and a water bottle. We’ll be socially-distanced outside, and because our building is closed, restrooms will not be available, so plan accordingly.
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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
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
Joshua Haberkorn, grandson of Shirley Pine
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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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8/6 Eddie Restani
8/6 Kelly Martin
8/6 Mindy McMahon
8/6 Sherri Black
8/7 Colleen Sullivan
8/7 Joyce Rodos
8/8 Jayson Fronk
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8/9 Tony Tinaglia
8/10 Jodi McDonald
8/11 Vi Wennerstrum Butler
8/12 Joan Lombardi
8/12 Neal Malone
8/13 Dorothy Johnson
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What are You Celebrating?
We know there are many milestones happening in our community - birthdays, anniversaries, graduations. How have you been celebrating milestones during our time of social distancing and stay-at-home? Send photos to mhennessy@presbyws.org for inclusion in the Weekly Connection!
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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 - (708) 505-5409. Pastor Erik 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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