Second Life A Monthly Newsletter APRIL 2016

Transcription

1 A Monthly Newsletter APRIL 2016 APRIL SPRING CLEANUP We need your help on Saturday morning, April 16, at 9:00 a.m. We have needs on the playground, the plant beds, the outside of the church, and on the grounds. We have needs in the sanctuary, and the inside of the church. There are many opportunities to serve! Most folks don t really get too excited about cleaning up anything. However, here at the church, the Annual Spring Cleanup is a wonderful opportunity for folks of all ages and skill sets to get to know their church family in a more meaningful way than we do on Sunday mornings. We ll have hot coffee, OJ, and donuts ready for you. Thank you for helping! INTERESTED IN BEING A MEMBER OF SECOND PRESBYTERIAN? If you are interested in being a member of Second Presbyterian, Pastor Craig will lead an informative session for those who are considering membership in this family of faith. After worship on April 17, we ll gather to take a look at the life, mission, ministry, and theology of Second Presbyterian Church at 12:30 p.m. If you would like an opportunity to learn more about this church, please contact either Craig or the church office ( ). SERMON SERIES: WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE: LOOKING FOR PURPOSE, FINDING PASSION We sell ourselves short. We should not. Through the lens of the book, The Purpose-Driven Life, we will spend April and May focusing on how we can live more meaning-filled lives. April 3 What on Earth Are You Here For? Psalm 39 Colossians 1:15-16 April 10 Made for God s Purpose: Why Worship Matters in Your Life Ephesians 1:3-14 Romans 6:12-13 April 17 Adopted as a Child of God: Why Identity Matters Galatians 3:25-4:7 1 John 3:1-3 April 24 Created to Become Like Christ: Why Discipleship Matters Romans 8:28-30; 12:1-2 Colossians 2;6-7 May 1 Shaped for Serving God: Claiming Your Personality 1 Peter 4:7-11 May 8 Built for Blessing Others: Listening to Your Heart and Redeeming Your Experiences 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 5:16-21 May 15 PENTECOST: Gifted with Spiritual Gifts and Abilities 1 Corinthians 2:6-14; 12:4-11; 10:31-32 May 22 Called for Mission John 17:6-19

2 From the Pastor FROM THE PASTOR: PURPOSE, MEANING, AND PASSION My father worked on an assembly line in a bread-production plant for 35 years. My hunch is that he never enjoyed it, but never once did he say that to us kids. He might have said how hot it was near the ovens (frequently over 120 degrees in the plant), but he did not complain. He never talked about the boredom and monotony, he never talked about working with kids 40 years younger than he was, he never talked about being one of very few people there who didn't swear, drink, or gamble. He is retired now. But almost 25 years ago, right before he retired, I read an article about him in my home church newsletter. My home church has a column in each newsletter called "Getting to Know Each Other," and it's basically a questionnaire that people fill out, with their name, nicknames from the past, favorite book and character from the Bible, favorite hymn, worst job, the person they would most like to talk with, and the bad habit they would like to get rid of. Many of the answers to the questions are pretty funny. I was in Chicago when I received that newsletter many years ago, and I was very surprised to read one answer. The question was, if you could have anything in the world what would it be? Most people had given humorous answers to this question: a new Porsche, a million dollars, etc. But my Dad's answer to this question was, "To know what my God-given gift is and to know how to use it." I think a lot of us have felt that same feeling of uncertainty about our gifts, wondering what we have to contribute, wondering about our calling, passion, or purpose. We may know that we are to glorify God, or be kind to others. But what does that mean in specific terms? Rick Warren s book The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth am I Here For? starts with the words, It all starts with God. It s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose. Although 30 million copies of the book have been sold, and although many pastors and ministers see it as the most influential book on their lives and ministries, I used to dismiss Rick Warren s book. Until I saw its impact. And until I read it. And until I saw how this book very systematically reflects on purpose and passion. You may want to read this book during the next few months. Regardless, in April and May please join us as we reflect on God s call on our own individual lives. With blessings, Pastor Craig WEDNESDAY NOON BIBLE STUDY GENESIS: A STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF GENESIS On Wednesday from 12:00-12:50 p.m., please bring a bag lunch and join us in the Fellowship Hall as we join in conversation and the are led by Ernest Rowe in a study of one of the most fascinating books of the Bible.

3 MOSES AND R&R "In repentance and rest you will be saved... (Isaiah 30:15) In April, during the month of Passover, please join us for one of Helen s excellent home-cooked meals from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m., and then for a program from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. April 6 Moses at the Movies Burt Lancaster, Charlton Heston, Ben Kinsley, Val Kilmer, Christian Bale. In addition to being actors, each one has played the figure of Moses. Join us as we start with the Bible and then look at how one of the most famous stories of the Bible has been told in ways that shape our perspective and our faith. April 20 Let My People Go : Moses in American Life Moses, even more than the figure of Jesus, has shaped American life and selfunderstanding. This has particularly been the case with African-Americans, whose music, history, literature, and political perspectives frequently allude to Moses and the book of Exodus. Aside from all of the references to slavery and freedom, why has Moses so clearly resonated with the American experience? PASSING OVER TOGETHER : A PASSOVER SEDER WITH RABBI PANITZ Monday, April 18, 6:00-7:30 p.m. The Passover Seder is one of the most meaningful rituals in Judaism. With its focus on freedom, it is a ritual that brings people together in the United States. And in many respects the Last Supper, if not a Passover Seder, was done in imitation of this memory. Please join us on Monday, April 18, as Rabbi Michael Panitz of Temple Israel leads us in an ecumenical Passover experience. Please call our office and let us know if you can attend ( ). We hope that you will join us, and that you might bring a friend. PLEASE VOLUNTEER AT AND SUPPORT A DAY IN THE COUNTRY AT ZUNI This annual event is a wonderful celebration, where you can eat good country food, watch cloggers and other entertainment, take part in auctions, get lots and lots of Zuni peanuts, and in general have a fun day. If you have never had a pork chop sandwich with the bone still in it, then you might learn some new things as well. This special day is April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We do need volunteers, baked goods, etc. Please talk with Linda Norman, if you can be a part of this event, or see announcements in forthcoming worship bulletins!

4 KINDERGARTENERS THROUGH 5 TH GRADERS HOLY MOLY (Each Sunday at 9:45 a.m.) In Holy Moly, each week children from kindergarten to 5 th grade will have an interactive Bible story, an active learning experience, and a clear life application to today. And a pretty fun Bible video as well! MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP RE:FORM (Each Sunday at 9:45 a.m.) Philip will lead the middle and senior high youth as they create and lead their own study, a study focusing on the hard questions of faith... and the questions most important to them! SUNDAY MORNING ADULT CLASS DANIEL, A SURVIVAL KIT FOR THE BAD DAYS From 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., on Sundays in the month of April, please join Dr. Larry Toney (who led us in January into the five love languages). This is a four-week course for anyone wrestling with the following issues: How can I manage the chaos I feel? Things feel so out of control sometimes. How can I know God is with me? Sometimes I feel so alone. How can I know God s will for my life? Actually, I m kind of afraid to follow God. What if I don t like where God is taking me? How can I depend more on God? Right now, I depend too much on people, things, and substances, and that s not working for me. How can I better manage the stress or despair I feel? If these are questions you have thought about, then the book of Daniel in the Bible is a book for you. The class will seek to help you develop a more intimate relationship with the Lord, and develop better skills to help you cope as a Christian. BRING THE HEAT: CHILI COOK OFF (APRIL 10) SPC s Third Chili Cook Off will be a celebration worth remembering. Immediately after worship on April 10, enter the Fellowship Hall to sample some chili, have fun, and vote on your favorite. Each person who wishes to enter the contest should bring in a crockpot full of their favorite homemade chili. We ll all be able to sample everyone s recipe and vote on a winner. Please share your chili with us. If you have questions, please contact Helen Pribesh or Pastor Craig ST. COLUMBA BASKETS OF LOVE DINNER AND AUCTION Saint Columba Ecumenical Ministries annual Baskets of Love Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on Saturday, April 23 at Bayside Presbyterian Church, corner of Ewell Road and Independence Boulevard in Virginia Beach. The auction begins at 5:00 PM, with dinner at 5:30 PM. Second Presbyterian Youth are volunteering again this year as servers. Saint Columba is a mission partner of Second Presbyterian. Tickets for the event are available from Joe Morgan. St. Columba services include a day center (shower, laundry, coffee and food), clothing closet, food pantry, rental assistance, temporary mailing address, phone use, bus passes, steel toe work boots, prescription medication funding, vision and dental funding, transitional housing, referrals and advocacy.

5 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND LECTURES AT VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE Please join community members and students at the following events on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan College. Each is free and open to the public. God s Fools: The Parallel Lives of C.S. Lewis & Stephen Colbert (lecture) Thursday, March 31, 2016, 7:00 8:30 PM, Batten Student Center, Pearce Hospitality Suite Dr. Terry Lindvall, C.S. Lewis Endowed Chair and Professor in Communication and Christian Thought, Virginia Wesleyan College. Author of the recent book, God Mocks: A History of Religious Satire from the Hebrew Prophets to Stephen Colbert (2015), and the even more recent book Divine Film Comedies (2016). Dr. Terry Lindvall leads us on a journey, reflecting on religion, faith, satire, and comedy, particularly through examining Lewis and Colbert. The End of Captivity?: A Primate s Reflections on Zoos, Conservation, and Christian Ethics (lecture and panel) Monday, April 11, 2016, 7:00 8:30 PM, Blocker Auditorium Dr. Tripp York, Religious Studies, Virginia Wesleyan College, followed by respondents, Mr. Greg Bockheim, Director of the Virginia Zoo, Dr. Mort Gamble, VWC Vice President for Advancement, and Dr. Kathy Stolley, VWC Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning. In The End of Captivity? A Primate s Reflections on Zoos, Conservation, and Christian Ethics, author Tripp York explores the interdependency of the animal kingdom and considers the pros and cons of the uniquely human act of keeping other animals captive - in zoos, sanctuaries, circuses, conservatories, aquariums, research facilities, slaughterhouses, and on our farms and in our homes. Peaceful Neighbor: Discovering the Countercultural Mister Rogers (lecture) Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 7:00 8:30 PM, Blocker Auditorium Sponsored in partnership with the Presbyterian Peacemaking Committee Dr. Michael Long, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies, Elizabethtown College, reveals how this ordained Presbyterian minister used his children s program, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, as a platform for sharing countercultural beliefs. Spirit Voices of an Emerging African American Community in 18th Century America (lecture) Monday, April 25, 2016, 7:00 8:30 PM, Boyd Dining Hall Dr. Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander, Professor of History and Director of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center for African Diaspora Studies, Norfolk State University, presents. Race and Christianity in Early Virginia (lecture) Thursday, April 28, 2016, 7:00 8:30 PM, Batten Student Center, Pearce Hospitality Suite Dr. Rebecca Anne Goetz, Associate Professor of History, New York University, examines the construction of race through the religious beliefs of English Virginians. This talk examines how English, African, and Indian Virginians used Christianity to create, resist, and redefine racial categories. There is definitely a place for YOU at Second Presbyterian!

6 Friday, April 1 David Ferraro & Angelo Torre s Birthday Community Bible Study - 9:15AM Saturday, April 2 Sunday, April 3 Roger Phelp s Birthday Daniel Class - 9:45AM [Fellowship Monday, April 4 Al-Anon - 7:30PM [Fellowship Tuesday, April 5 Mark Stearns Birthday Wednesday, April 6 Steven Bull s Birthday Wednesday Night R&R - 5:45PM [Fellowship Thursday, April 7 Roy Graeber s Birthday [Fellowship Friday, April 8 Saturday, April 9 Second Saturday: Park Place Soup Kitchen and PPCLC - 9:00AM [PPUMC and SPC] Sunday, April 10 Trey Warren s Birthday Daniel Class - 9:45AM [Fellowship SPC Chili Cook Off - 12:15PM [Fellowship Monday, April 11 End of Captivity Lecture - 7:00PM [Blocker VWC] APRIL 2016 Al-Anon - 7:30PM [Fellowship Tuesday, April 12 Triple S Circle - 10:30AM [Fellowship Wednesday, April 13 PNDCMR Lecture - 7:00PM [Blocker VWC] Thursday, April 14 Sheila Eley s Birthday [Fellowship Friday, April 15 SPC Softball Games - TBD Saturday, April 16 Church Spring Clean-up- 9:00AM [SPC] Sunday, April 17 Daniel Class - 9:45AM [Fellowship Membership Class - 12:30PM [SPC] Monday, April 18 Passover Seder with Rabbi Panitz - 6:00PM [Fellowship Men s Evening Fellowship - 6:00PM Al-Anon - 7:30PM [Fellowship Tuesday, April 19 Suellen White s Birthday Session Meeting - 6:00PM [Fellowship Wednesday, April 20 Wednesday Night R&R - 5:45PM [Fellowship Thursday, April 21 [Fellowship Friday, April 22 SPC Softball Games - TBD Saturday, April 23 A Day in the Country - 9:00AM [Zuni Group Home] St. Columba Baskets of Love Dinner - 5:00PM [Bayside Presbyterian] Sunday, April 24] Daniel Class - 9:45AM [Fellowship Monday, April 25 Arlene Baragona s Birthday Women s Evening Fellowship - 6:00PM [La Bella] SVEAAC Lecture - 7:00PM [Boyd Dining VWC] Al-Anon - 7:30PM [Fellowship Tuesday, April 26 Helen Pribesh & Lori Crouch s Birthday Wednesday, April 27 Bill Ruehlmann s Birthday Thursday, April 28 [Fellowship RCEV Lecture - 7:00PM [Batten Student Center, Pearce Hospitality Suite] Friday, April 29 Sentara Worship Service - 2:00PM SPC Softball Games - TBD Saturday, April 30 John Sawyer s Birthday *VWC - Virginia Wesleyan College * PNDCMR - Peaceful Neighbor: Discovering the Countercultural Mister Rogers (lecture) * SVEAAC - Spirit Voices of an Emerging African American Community in 18th Century America (lecture) * RCEV - Race and Christianity in Early Virginia (lecture) Pastor Craig Wansink (757) [cell] cwansink@vwc.edu SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7305 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA (757) Church Office Hours - Tuesday - Thursday 9:45A to 1:45P Isaac Thomas (757) [cell] isaac@spcnorfolk.org