Second Life. A Monthly Newsletter November CALLED TO SERVICE AND CALLED TO SHARE: NOVEMBER 18 and 19

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Valerie McCormick
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The Annual Fall Cleanup is a wonderful opportunity for folks of all ages and skill sets to get to know their church family in a very meaningful way and at the same time to clean the church and to

1 A Monthly Newsletter November 2017 CALLED TO SERVICE AND CALLED TO SHARE: NOVEMBER 18 and 19 FALL CLEAN-UP We need your help on Saturday morning, November 18, at 9:00 a.m. The Annual Fall Cleanup is a wonderful opportunity for folks of all ages and skill sets to get to know their church family in a very meaningful way and at the same time to clean the church and to make it look great. We ll have hot coffee, OJ, and donuts ready for you. Thank you for helping! Everything a person does, once they confess that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior, is stewardship. It involves what we believe about our possessions and what we do with them and what we believe about life and how we live. We give because we have been gifted. Life is about what we do with the gifts time, talents, treasures,... that we have received. Robert Bohl STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY AND A POTLUCK On November 19, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we will gather for worship and dedication of our stewardship pledges for Immediately after worship, we will join together for a potluck, a time of fellowship, and a time to remind ourselves of how we have been blessed. When we gather together in any church family, we bring an interesting amalgam of gifts. Our potlucks are equally interesting with the unusual and tasty dishes that our members are known for! The main dish will be provided (fried chicken and BBQ); please bring a side dish, salad, or dessert. Be in prayer before that day. In the next weeks you will receive in the mail a letter and a pledge card. Please consider the ways in which you have been blessed and in which you are thankful. Also be in prayer about your commitment for this coming year. Your contributions of money, time, and participation are important to Second Presbyterian Church and to the message we share. Sometimes it takes us years to get perspective on life, on God s call to us, and on our purpose. Hopefully we grow to increasingly see how our blessings make sense in terms of our service to others and to the church, so that the gospel will touch more and more lives, all to the glory of God. Please do join us on Sunday, November 19, for a time of giving thanks.

FROM THE PASTOR Frequently pastors ask me what I think about stewardship season. My response is an easy one.

When he found out that I was a professor, he asked where I had studied. I told him that my Ph.D. was from Yale. His only response was Have you ever done anything meaningful with it?

And then I ask if I have done anything meaningful with them.

2 FROM THE PASTOR Frequently pastors ask me what I think about stewardship season. My response is an easy one. Six years ago I met a retired judge from California, Jack Mandel, when the two of us happened to be sitting at a banquet table at a college commencement in Iowa. When he found out that I was a professor, he asked where I had studied. I told him that my Ph.D. was from Yale. His only response was Have you ever done anything meaningful with it? And then he was quiet. That made me pause. Since then, I ask myself a variant of that question every day. Daily I count my blessings. There are many of them. And then I ask if I have done anything meaningful with them. Our faith strongly emphasizes stewardship, the recognition that all we have been given our time, resources, health, friendships, opportunities, and abilities is on loan to us. What we do with them matters. I m appreciative of stewardship season, and I m glad that it happens during the same month we as a country celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a good fit. And the question Have you ever done anything meaningful with it? is a reminder that our hearts are restless our lives are most meaningful when they recognize God s greater call on each of us. With love and blessings, Pastor Craig From the Pastor DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ON NOVEMBER 5 Sleep in an hour extra and join us for Sunday School and worship... still at 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.! ELECTIONS AT THE CHURCH (JUST FYI) Second Presbyterian is a polling place. Elections occur on November 7 th, 2017, for local and statewide offices. Remember to vote. SPECIAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP!!! October 29: QuaDruba Tuba Quartet November 12: Ambrosia Quartet (from the Virginia Symphony) November 19: Dr. James Kosnik, organ and the SPC Handbells December 3: Charlotte Dettwiler, cello and Dr. James Kosnik, organ December 10: StoweHaven String Quartet

SERMON SERIES STEWARDSHIP 3:16: VERSES THAT MOVE BEYOND JOHN 3:16 The word stewardship refers to what we do with our lives... 168 hours a week.

As stewards, we are accountable to something larger than ourselves to a team, an organization, a community. For Christians, however, stewardship refers to our being accountable to Christ.

However, many other 3:16 verses highlight how we are called to be good stewards of our own lives and of all that God brings into our lives. Oct.

3 SERMON SERIES STEWARDSHIP 3:16: VERSES THAT MOVE BEYOND JOHN 3:16 The word stewardship refers to what we do with our lives hours a week. However, a steward literally is a person who, for the sake of something greater, takes care of people, property, or finances, in ways that choose service over self-interest. As stewards, we are accountable to something larger than ourselves to a team, an organization, a community. For Christians, however, stewardship refers to our being accountable to Christ. John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16 describe how God, through Christ, shapes us. However, many other 3:16 verses highlight how we are called to be good stewards of our own lives and of all that God brings into our lives. Oct. 29 Sharing Life-Saving News: The 3:16s of 2 Timothy, 2 Peter, and Colossians (2 Timothy 3:10-17; 2 Peter 3:14-18; Colossians 3:12-17) Nov. 5 Serving Others: James and Revelation s 3:16s (James 3:13-18; Revelation 3:14-22) Nov. 12 Living as God s Temple: Paul s 3:16s (1 Corinthians 3:10-16; 6:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:16) Nov. 19 Laying Down Your Life: The 3:16s (John 3:16-21; 1 John 3:11-18) GOD S STORY, OUR STORY (a program with dinner and stories) WEDNESDAY, November 8, with Vivian Teter and Aleene Rose From 5:45 to 6:30, join us for an excellent dinner ($5 per person, kids 6 & under FREE), and then for presentations from two of our members) In God's Story, Our Story members of the Second family offer personal stories on their faith and life. Sometimes these reflections come with photos from the past, or with music, or with video clips. They always come with stories about our past, about what has shaped us and our understanding of God and faith, and about who we have been and who we are. These talks create meaningful opportunities for greater understanding and connection, encouraging each of us to think about what has shaped us and given our own life meaning. BLOOD DRIVE (on Sunday, November 12) You can put the power of faith into action and help save a life at the Faithful Neighbors Blood Drive. This will be in our Fellowship Hall at Second Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, November 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please put this on your calendar. And please give. WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP DINNERS All women are invited to join together at 6PM to relax, dine, and share in conversation and prayer concerns. Monday, November 27: Mr. Shawarma st St. in Ghent, across from Farm Fresh (Gene Walters) MEN S FELLOWSHIP DINNERS Come on out at 6PM to share a meal, conversation, and an opportunity to grow. Monday, November 20th at Mack's Barge.

THANKSGIVING SUNDAY : SUNDAY, NOV. 26, WITH RABBI PANITZ AND TEMPLE ISRAEL Our Advent sermon series this year focuses on Confronting Unexpected Challenges (a deeper look at the Christmas story).

Rabbi Panitz s sermon is entitled Suddenly, I m Not Half the Man I Used to Be (which also is a pretty familiar song lyric for many of you). There will be no Sunday School on Nov.

MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH YOUTH: SEARCHING, SCAVENGING, WINNING PRIZES, AND EATING ICE CREAM After worship and fellowship hour on November 5, the youth group will go to the Chrysler Museum for a FAST

PLEASE bring your CAMERA/CELL PHONE if you have one (if you don t have one, we will provide one). Afterwards, ice cream!! Hope to see you there.

4 THANKSGIVING SUNDAY : SUNDAY, NOV. 26, WITH RABBI PANITZ AND TEMPLE ISRAEL Our Advent sermon series this year focuses on Confronting Unexpected Challenges (a deeper look at the Christmas story). Leading up to that, on Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 26, our friend, Rabbi Michael Panitz and members of Temple Israel will be joining us for worship. Rabbi Panitz s sermon is entitled Suddenly, I m Not Half the Man I Used to Be (which also is a pretty familiar song lyric for many of you). There will be no Sunday School on Nov. 26, but we do look forward to you joining us for a special worship service. MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH YOUTH: SEARCHING, SCAVENGING, WINNING PRIZES, AND EATING ICE CREAM After worship and fellowship hour on November 5, the youth group will go to the Chrysler Museum for a FAST introduction to art, and then for a thoughtful search and scavenger hunt (complete with PRIZES) with Philip and Pastor Craig. PLEASE bring your CAMERA/CELL PHONE if you have one (if you don t have one, we will provide one). Afterwards, ice cream!! Hope to see you there. For more information, please be in touch with Philip Ndahi at cell: or philipndahi@gmail.com. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:45-10:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall THE BIBLE FOR DAILY LIFE (DEEPENING WORSHIP) Standing firmly on the Bible gives us the stability we need in the world today. On Nov. 5, 12, and 19, worship each week will focus on stewardship and various 3:16 Bible verses. Join Marie Finch, and Catherine Hart Monroe, as they lead a study and discussion of the scripture passages that will be our focus of worship each week. Be a part of an important study, as we seek to deepen what we experience in worship. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (5 YEAR OLDS THROUGH 5 TH GRADERS) SUNDAY SCHOOL (Sunday mornings, 9:45-10:30 a.m.) KIDS TRAVEL GUIDE THROUGH THE 10 COMMANDMENTS Join Pastor Craig, Philip Ndahi, and important helpers (including our youth) this year as we go on a journey with discoveries, excursions, activities, crafts, and excitement, as we start by looking deeply at the 10 commandments. Join us in the large upstairs Sunday School room, each Sunday at 9:45 a.m.!

LOOKING AHEAD TO EARLY DECEMBER WE NEED YOUR HELP: THE GREENING OF THE CHURCH, ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, AT 9:00 A.M.!! Decorating the church before the first Sunday of Advent has become a Second tradition.

This is a great time for kids, seniors, and everyone in between. Please put this on your calendar and join us for an opportunity to let loose your creative energies.

These are great programs that I feel so fortunate to share with you. All are free. All are meaningful.

Holy Dung: Comic Signs of Consubstantiality in Martin Luther Films Thursday, November 9, 2017, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, Blocker Hall Auditorium Morgan Stroyeck 15 and Dr.

5 LOOKING AHEAD TO EARLY DECEMBER WE NEED YOUR HELP: THE GREENING OF THE CHURCH, ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, AT 9:00 A.M.!! Decorating the church before the first Sunday of Advent has become a Second tradition. We need your help in transforming the sanctuary and the whole building. This year we will gather on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 9:00 a.m., to dig into boxes of decorations. This is a great time for kids, seniors, and everyone in between. Please put this on your calendar and join us for an opportunity to let loose your creative energies. PRESENTATIONS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST AT VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY These are four unique and wonderful opportunities at Virginia Wesleyan. These are great programs that I feel so fortunate to share with you. All are free. All are meaningful. Personally, I feel extremely grateful that people in Hampton Roads will be able to listen to Melanie Kirkpatrick and Mindy Belz s talks. Very important! Holy Dung: Comic Signs of Consubstantiality in Martin Luther Films Thursday, November 9, 2017, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, Blocker Hall Auditorium Morgan Stroyeck 15 and Dr. Terry Lindvall focus on why and how Luther's humor was communicated in three major film biopics of Luther s life. Essential Israel: What Does it Mean to be Literate about Israel in the 21st Century? Monday, November 13, 2017, 7:00-8:00 PM, Blocker Hall Auditorium How can you engage thoughtfully in the increasingly serious public debates about both Israel as a beleaguered democratic state in the Middle East and its relation to the United States? Those are the two driving questions behind Rachel Fish and S. Ilan Troen's 2017 book, Essential Israel. This presentation by Dr. Rachel Fish, Associate Director, Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University, will present on what it means to be literate about Israel in the 21st century and why it is increasingly important for us today. Escape from North Korea Thursday, November 30, 2017, 7:00-8:00 PM, Blocker Hall Auditorium It is a crime to leave North Korea. Yet every year a small number of desperate North Koreans escape their closed country by traveling along a secret route known as the New Underground Railroad. Journalist-author Melanie Kirkpatrick describes their perilous journey and the rescuers--many of whom are Christian--who help them reach free countries. They Say We Are Infidels: On the Run from ISIS with Persecuted Christians in the Middle East Thursday, December 7, 2017, 7:00-8:00 PM, Blocker Hall Auditorium From Syria into Iraq, Christians are being brutalized and killed by Islamic State fighters (ISIS). Journalist Mindy Belz has spent more than a decade reporting from the ground in the Middle East and has seen first-hand the stark reality of this escalating genocide. Based in part on those personal experiences, Belz explores the complex dynamics at play in war-torn Iraq and Syria and shares stories of Christians who refuse to abandon their faith even in the face of losing everything, including their lives. Senior Editor of WORLD magazine, Mindy Belz has covered war in Africa, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. A widely published journalist, she has appeared on Fox News and ABC News, and is a guest on radio talk shows. There is definitely a place for YOU at Second Presbyterian!

6 Wednesday, November 1 Men s Bible Study - 6:30AM SAA - 7:00PM [Library] Thursday, November 2 Joyce Wooldridge s Birthday Women's Bible Study - 2:00PM [Library] Friday, November 3 Saturday, November 4 Sunday, November 5 Freeda Badkins Birthday DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS Discipleschip Classes - 9:45AM Congregational Meeting - 11:00AM [Sanctuary] Worship - 11:00AM [Sanctuary] Chrysler Museum Youth Trip - 12:15PM [Chrysler Museum] SAA - 7:00PM Monday, November 6 Al-Anon - 7:30PM Tuesday, November 7 ELECTION DAY Chuck Monroe s Birthday Triple S Circle - 10:30AM SAA - 12:00PM Wednesday, November 8 Men s Bible Study - 6:30AM Wednesday Night R&R - 5:45PM [Fellowship Hall] Thursday, November 9 Jeff Stark & BettyAnn Lingamfelter s Birthday Virginia Wesleyan University Lecture - 11:00AM [Blocker Hall Auditorium] Friday, November 10 Jenn West s Birthday Sandwich Making - 12:00PM [Fellowship Hall] NOVEMBER 2017 Saturday, November 11 Second Saturday - 9:00AM [PPCLC, SPC, & PPUMC] Sunday, November 12 Kent Porter & Katrina Wansink s Birthday Discipleship Classes - 9:45AM Red Cross Blood Drive - 10:00AM Worship with Ambrosia Quartet - 11:00AM [Sanctuary] SAA - 7:00PM Monday, November 13 Virginia Wesleyan University Lecture - 7:00PM [Blocker Hall Auditorium] Al-Anon - 7:30PM Tuesday, November 14 Betty Cheek s Birthday Triple S Circle - 10:30AM SAA - 12:00PM Wednesday, November 15 Men s Bible Study - 6:30AM Thursday, November 16 [Fellowship Hal] Women's Bible Study - 2:00PM [Library] Friday, November 17 Saturday, November 18 VETERAN S DAY Church Fall Clean-Up Day - 9:00AM [SPC] Sunday, November 19 STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Elizabeth Sherin s Birthday Discipleschip Classes - 9:45AM Worship with Dr. Kosnik and SPC Handbells - 11:00AM [Sanctuary] Stewardship Potluck Luncheon - 12:15PM SAA - 7:00PM Monday, November 20 Men s Evening Fellowship - 6:00PM [Mack s Barge] Al-Anon - 7:30PM Tuesday, November 21 SAA - 12:00PM [Upstairs Session Meeting - 6:00PM Wednesday, November 22 Men s Bible Study - 6:30AM Thursday, November 23 THANKSGIVING DAY Friday, November 24 Saturday, November 25 Jack Vellines & Vanessa Wagner s Birthday Sunday, November 26 No Discipleschip Classes Thanksgiving Sunday Worship with Rabbi Panitz - 11:00AM [Sanctuary] SAA - 7:00PM Monday, November 27 Perry Clark s Birthday Women s Evening Fellowship - 6:00PM [Mr. Shawarma s] Al-Anon - 7:30PM Tuesday, November 28 SAA - 12:00PM Wednesday, November 29 Men s Bible Study - 6:30AM SAA - 7:00PM [Library] Thursday, November 30 Women's Bible Study - 2:00PM [Library] Virginia Wesleyan University Lecture - 7:00PM [Blocker Hall Auditorium] Dr. Craig Wansink (757) [cell] cwansink@vwu.edu SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7305 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA (757) Church Office Hours: Mon. - Wed. 10A to 2P Rev. Catherine Hart Monroe (757) [cell] revcat@spcnorfolk.org

Wednesday, November 21 Men s Bible Study - 6:30AM [Fellowship Hall] Choir Rehearsal - 7:30PM [Sanctuary] SAA- 7:30PM [Library]

Wednesday, November 21 Men s Bible Study - 6:30AM [Fellowship Hall] Choir Rehearsal - 7:30PM [Sanctuary] SAA- 7:30PM [Library] Thursday, November 1 VWU Lecture - 11:00AM [Blocker Hall] VWU Lecture - 7:00PM [Blocker Hall] Friday, November 2 Joyce Wooldridge s Birthday Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop - 4:00PM SPC Softball Playoffs