Summer at Second FROM THE PASTOR: CHRIST AND CULTURE

Transcription

1 Summer at Second Christ and Culture June 2016-August 2016 FROM THE PASTOR: CHRIST AND CULTURE Movies, music, literature, and art all shape us. Sadly, sometimes those messages can be dark; sometimes they can be vacuous or empty. But sometimes they can communicate core values, or tap into our deep spiritual needs. According to 1 Peter 4:19, Christians are strangers and sojourners (or foreigners and exiles) in this world. We are called to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-16). We are called to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). But what does that say about our relationship with the world? According to the book of Acts, chapter 17, when the apostle Paul visited Athens during his missionary travels, he saw that there were idols all around the city. When he addressed the crowd of people around him, he recognized that they were philosophers, and so he spoke to them using the kind of language that made sense to their world view. He then quoted Epimenides and Aratus, showing that he had not only read pagan poetry, but also memorized it. Paul observed, examined, and was familiar with these people, so he interacted comfortably with them. Maybe that is not a surprise, considering that he himself said, I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). George Hunter s book on The Celtic Way of Evangelism tells us that St. Patrick and his men, similar to Paul, used story, song, drama, and familiarity with the ethos of the Celtic people to reach them in ways that awakened in them the gospel message. Reaching out to people where they are makes good sense. Greg Laurie notes that Jesus himself engaged the woman at the well, a woman who had been married and divorced five times and was living with a man she wasn't married to. Jesus didn't condemn her. Instead, he built a bridge, appealed to her inner spiritual thirst, and then brought the solution she needed. And that is always the objective of evangelism: to build a bridge, not burn one. This summer we are looking together at how culture has been used in sharing the gospel. Christians have used art, music, stories, and more to communicate the gospel in ways that share the faith. Please join us regularly this summer as we think about and experience how faith, hope, love, and grace can be shared in ways that reach those who may be tired of traditional words of faith, but who deeply need the actual gospel message. With blessings, Pastor Craig THE ALL CHURCH RETREAT AT CAMP SILVER BEACH Please save the date: the retreat is October 21-23rd at Camp Silver Beach on the beautiful Virginia Eastern Shore. Join us for a weekend of relaxation, spiritual reflection, and fun. The speaker for the retreat is Dr. Terry Lindvall, and he will speak on the subject of the Life of Lewis, the Light of Lewis (Mere Christianity and his apologetics), and also on the Loves and Laughter of Lewis. Registration forms will be mailed to each family and also available in the office. If you sign up before July 5th, you will receive the early-bird discount! The final date for registration is August 5th. Scholarships are available; please inquire to the office about them.

2 FOUR FIGURES, CLASSIC ART, AND THE END OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW A SERMON SERIES Christians frequently have chosen to express their faith through images and art. Four classic works of art guide us more deeply into the passion narrative of the Gospel of Matthew, and into understanding Judas, Mary, Peter, and Pontius Pilate. Join us for a deeper look and a visual look into scripture passages from Matthew 26 and 27. June 5 One of You Will Betray Me (Matt. 26:21): Judas and Leonardo da Vinci s The Last Supper (Matthew 26:20-29) June 12 Looking on From a Distance (Matt. 27:55): Mary and Michelangelo s Pieta (Matthew 27:45-61) June 19 He Went Out and Wept Bitterly (Matt. 26:75): Peter and El Greco s The Tears of St. Peter (Matthew 26:69-75) June 26 I am Innocent (Matt. 27:24): Pilate and Mattia Preti s Pilate Washing His Hands (Matthew 27:15-24) Featuring guest organist, Dr. James Kosnik POPULAR CULTURE: FAITH FROM THE BACK SIDE A SERMON SERIES Whether through sculpture, television shows, or superheroes, popular culture points us to deeper understandings of faith. See how ordinary aspects of culture through Mt. Rushmore, Mr. Rogers, and Superman point to life-giving and meaning-filled truths. July 3 The Almighty Has His Own Purposes : Mt. Rushmore and Lincoln (Proverbs 16:1-7) July 10 Won t You Be My Neighbor? : Mr. Rogers and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) July 17 Who Do You Say That I Am? : Superman and Christ s Identity (Mark 8:27-36) MUSIC AND THE DEEPER SEARCH FOR CHRIST A SERMON SERIES He who sings, prays twice is a quotation frequently attributed to St. Augustine. At the same time, he both acknowledges that music can lead people into deeper devotion, and he expressed concern lest he be more moved by the singing than by what is sung. Music expresses faith directly and indirectly, as we will see through musicians as radically diverse as U2, Bach, and Johnny Cash. July 24 U2, the Psalms, and Social Justice: I Still Haven t Found What I m Looking For (Psalm 40 and Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:17) July 31 Soli Deo Gloria: Johann Sebastian Bach as the Fifth Evangelist (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) August 7 Walking the Line: The Gospel and Johnny Cash (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

3 FAITHFUL FOOD IN FELLOWSHIP (AFTER WORSHIP) (Food and Fellowship Every Sunday after Worship, but here are some special Sundays!) June 5 Creative Matzah Creations (On this Sunday, as we look at Leonard da Vinci s The Last Supper in worship, we also remember that the Last Supper occurred in Jerusalem during a time when Jews had gathered for Passover. The most iconic Passover food is matzah. At the reception after worship, see how creative our middle and senior high youth can be in making matzah something extra special.) June 12 Graduation Sunday (As our graduates commence, join us as we celebrate them!) June 19 Iron Chef Competition (Please incorporate chocolate or cacao in an appetizer, main course, or dessert. See the Iron Chef article in this newsletter for more details!) July 3 Early Independence Day Hot Dogs AND Celebration of SPC s 143rd Birthday! (Hot dogs, chips, and fun!) July 17 Just Like at the Movies (On this Sunday in worship, we look at the very intentionally included religious themes in Superman, and then, after worship, we will enjoy some popcorn, M&Ms, and soda in addition to other fellowship foods.) August 7 Sunday Sundae! (I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!) SPC Summer Newsletter REDEEMING RUSSIA: LITERATURE AND QUESTIONS OF FAITH Most of us have heard of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, and most of us probably try to avoid pronouncing their names. Most of us have heard of works like War and Peace, Anna Karenina, Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, and most of us have probably tried to avoid reading books that are so long. Most of us have never been persecuted for our faith. Most of us have not had to make a stand for our faith. Most of us have not tried to speak of faith indirectly, through literature. Most of us do not realize how these three Russian authors, have shaped our faith, and how they point us to a much more serious and yet joy-filled faith. Join us! August 14 Why Does the Sermon on the Mount Matter? (Leo Tolstoy) (Matthew 5:38-48) August 21 What is God s Love? (Fyodor Dostoyevsky and the Grand Inquisitor) (1 John 4:16-21) August 28 What Happens When God is Forgotten? (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) (Jonah 3-4) August 21 A Taste of Russia (If we are busy looking at faith in the literature of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, we would miss a unique opportunity if we did not at least taste some Russian foods in addition to our other fellowship fare. Come try some unique flavors!) September 11 Rally Day Potluck Dinner (Please bring a vegetable, a side, a salad, or a dessert; the main dish will be provided.)

4 WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP: All women are invited to join together at 6PM to relax, dine, and share in conversation and prayer concerns. June 27 Crackers 4226 Granby St. July 26 Tides Game at Harbor Park at 7:05 p.m. August TBD (in the afternoon, either Aug. 13 or Aug. 20) dinner at Jane Bashara s house (Va. Beach Oceanfront) MEN S FELLOWSHIP: Come on out at 6PM to share a meal, conversation, and an opportunity to grow. June 20 AJ Gators in Oceanview July 26 Tides Game at Harbor Park at 7:05 p.m. August 15 Dave Horner s house for a cookout TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME... ON FRIDAY, JUNE 10 LAKEWOOD 6:30 AND 7:30 p.m. Although New Zealand has won more world softball championships than any other nation, our Second Presbyterian team has made us extremely proud. We are proud not just for their victories, but for their enthusiasm, joy, and character. (AND they did actually win both the regular season and the championship last year, so that is pretty cool.) Join us on Friday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Lakewood Park (1612 Willow Wood Drive, Norfolk) so that we can cheer together as Second Presbyterian takes on the Norfolk Sharks. Come join us for popcorn, cold water, and soda! THE PROVOCATIVE AND THE PROFANE IN THE BOOK OF JUDGES SUMMER ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL On July 10, 17, and 24, join Pastor Craig from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., as we look together at some unusual, even troubling, stories in the book of Judges. Below are homework assignments for those interested in reading ahead of time. July 10 Ehud, a Left-Handed Man (Judges 3) July 17 A Tent Peg in Battle (Judges 4:17-22, 5:24-30) July 24 Samson s Tragic Saga (Judges 13-16)

5 JUNE 19 SPC IRON CHEF: CHOCOLATE (on Father s Day) The television show Iron Chef started in Japan. Last year bacon was the featured ingredient for this fun competition. This year the featured ingredient is CHOCOLATE or cocoa. Please incorporate chocolate in an appetizer, main course, or dessert. Experiment! During Fellowship Hour we will vote for and determine who our three Iron Chefs will be. Please be creative, have fun, and join us! Make Father s Day a day to remember! (Trivia: On this Sunday, worship will focus on El Greco s painting The Tears of St. Peter. You may know that the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company is in Missouri. What you may not know is that it is in the city of St. Peters!) PRAYER IN FILM (an R&R event) Prayer sometimes is portrayed in a less than meaningful light when it is seen in movies like Meet the Parents or Talladega Nights. However, frequently prayer even in mainstream, non-religious movies can be overwhelmingly beautiful. On Wednesday, August 17, join Pastor Craig as we discuss six inspirational movie prayers. Join us for dinner from 5:45 to 6:30, and then for a look at the movies from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. PWSJC PLANS: MIDDLE AND SENIOR HIGH ON THE GO Join us all summer long for worship and times of fellowship at Second, but we particularly hope to see you on... June 5 Creative Matzah Creations: see how creative our middle and senior high youth can be in making matzah something extra special. June 8 Take part in our variety show from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (after dinner at the show). Talent? Bring it. Lack of talent? Well... something goofy or deeply meaningful also is welcome. June 12 Celebrate our graduates at the reception after worship! June 12 (after the reception) Ever been imprisoned in an escape room? You will be today. And you will need to rely on your friends from SPC to figure out how to escape from a room involving a con artist. You have one hour. The clock is ticking. June 19 Take part in our Iron Chef competition! Seriously, the key ingredient is chocolate. July 9 Help chaperone the children of the Park Place Child Life Center as they visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. July 24 Pool party at Marie Finch s right after worship. Bring your swimsuit and towel. August 7 Immediately after worship, hop in the cars for a mystery movie and discussion. August 13 Help lead Vacation Bible Saturday Music, Art, Stories, and Faith a meaningful and goofy one-day camp for elementary school children at Park Place Child Life Center.

6 FOR FIVE YEAR OLDS THROUGH SIXTH GRADERS (Younger children with parents are invited as well!) June 8 Take part in our variety show from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Dinner will be before the show at 5:45 p.m. Talent? Bring it. Lack of talent? Well... something goofy or deeply meaningful also is welcome. June 18 Kids, Chrysler, Art, and Doumars: We will meet at 10 a.m. at the church. From there we will go to the Chrysler Museum of Art to see special (kid-friendly!) art relating to God and the Bible. We will then go to Doumar s for lunch, and then return to the church by 1:30. June 19 Take part in our Iron Chef competition! Seriously, the key ingredient is chocolate. July 2 Cooking and a Movie (Inside Out): From 4:00-7:30, we will have stories, a devotional, and a cooking adventure. Then we will eat pizza while watching the movie Inside Out. August 6 Ice Age: Collision Course: We will meet at the church at noon, go and see the movie, and return back to the church by 3:30 (please eat lunch before we go.) August 13 Take part in Music, Art, Stories, and Faith Vacation Bible Saturday at Park Place Child Life Center. It will start at 11:00 and conclude by 2:30. R&Rs & EVENTS OUTSIDE THE CHURCH BUILDING: A VARIETY SHOW / TALENT (?) SHOW (an R&R event) Join us on Wednesday, June 8, as we eat together from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m., and then go into the sanctuary to experience a little talent, a little music, some jokes, some skits, and a good time. If you can share something that evening, please contact Isaac or call the church office. POTLUCK DESSERT RECEPTIONS AND SHORT STORIES Please bring a dessert to share, and visit the homes of friends from the church for a time of Saturday evening hospitality. We will meet at 7:00 p.m., then share in fellowship and treats, and then following the theme of this summer we will read together literature (actually, a short, short story) and then discuss it. Please call the church office ( ) to RSVP. June 18 At Scott and Katie White s home (the reading that will be shared that evening is Simon Rich s Animals ) July 23 At Cecil and Loretta Chapman s home (the reading that will be shared that evening is Let s Go to Golgotha ) CHRIST AT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM: JUNE 25, 11 AM - NOON Join Pastor Craig for a one hour tour, as we reflect together on faith-filled paintings and art (particularly art referring to the New Testament), as we walk through the Chrysler Museum together. (Although we will just meet inside the front door, please RSVP to the church office at , so we can have a sense for the numbers.) SUMMER CAROLING (an R&R event) Why limit caroling to Christmas-time? Join us on Wednesday, July 20, as we eat together from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m., and then go forth from the church to sing hymns with some folks who will both appreciate and enjoy that! PRAYER IN FILM (an R&R event) Prayer sometimes is portrayed in a less than meaningful light when it is seen in movies like Meet the Parents or Talladega Nights. However, frequently prayer even in mainstream, nonreligious movies can be overwhelmingly beautiful. On Wednesday, August 17, join Pastor Craig as we discuss six inspirational movie prayers. Join us for dinner from 5:45 to 6:30, and then for a look at the movies from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m

7 WE NEED YOUR HELP AND SERVICE THIS SUMMER!!! This summer, please volunteer so that we can keep our ministries vibrant! Here are some of our needs: Pray Keep individual church members and our congregation in your prayers. Pray for the Spirit to strengthen, energize, and equip us, so that we let God use us as agents of grace and redemption. Serve or Cook Food Park Place Soup Kitchen needs volunteers on the Second (Friday and) Saturday of every month. Please write down June 10-11, July 8-9, and August on your calendar. Volunteers to cook or serve food are always harder to find in the summer, even though the demand for food does not lessen. Help with Elementary School Children (both at SPC and PPCLC) If you would be willing to help with our elementary-aged children on July 18, July 1, or August 8, please talk with Pastor Craig. We particularly need volunteers for our Vacation Bible Saturday on Music, Art, Stories, and Faith at Park Place Child Life Center (Saturday, August 13, from 11:00-2:30). Sign up to Provide Food for the Fellowship Hour It is an important part of our ministry. Feel free to sign up with a friend or a number of other people. Sign-up sheets are in the Fellowship Hall. Attend Worship and Join in our Programs We are the body of Christ. We are strengthened in important ways by each other. Make time for worship, service, and fellowship. SUMMER WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY THE ARMOR OF GOD (PRICILLA SHIRER) How can you develop a deeper prayer life or strategies for being more serious about prayer? If you are interested in being part of a summer study--with an excellent book on an important theme--please talk with either Sue Boring or Loretta Chapman (or call the church office). Times and dates to be determined. 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 JULY 3, we will 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 ( ). There is definitely a place for YOU at Second Presbyterian!

8 SPECIAL EVENTS JUNE June 5 Creative Matzah Creations June 8 Variety Show June 10 Take me out to the Ballgame June 11 Second Saturday June 12 Graduation Sunday & The Escape Room for the youth June 18 Kids, Chrysler, Art, and Doumars for Kindergarten - 6th graders June 18 Dessert Potluck and Story at Katie and Scott White s house June 19 Iron Chef Competition June 20 Men s Evening Fellowship at A.J. Gators June 25 Christ at the Chrysler Museum June 26 Guest Organist Dr. Kosnick June 27 Woman's Evening Fellowship at Crackers JULY July 2 Cooking and a Movie (Inside Out) for Kindergarten - 6th graders July 3 Early Independence Day Hot dogs & SPC s 143rd Birthday; New Members Class July 9 Youth Group Botanical Gardens with PPCLC; Second Saturday July 10 Judges Adult Sunday School Class July 17 Judges Adult Sunday School Class; Just Like at the Movies July 20 Dinner & Summer Caroling July 23 Dessert Potluck and Story at Cecil and Loretta Chapman s house July 24 Judges Adult Sunday School Class; Youth Group Pool Party at Marie Finch's house July 26 Men & Woman s Evening Fellowship Tides Game AUGUST August 6 Ice Age: Collision Course Movie for Kindergarten - 6th graders August 7 Youth Group Mystery Movie and Discussion following worship; Sunday Sundae! August 13 Vacation Bible Saturday at PPCLC; Second Saturday August 15 Men's Evening Fellowship at Dave Horner's House August 17 Prayer in Film Wednesday Night R&R Woman s Evening Fellowship TBD August 21 A Taste of Russia SEPTEMBER September 11 Rally Day OCTOBER October All-Church Retreat June Birthdays June 2 Corinne Todd June 4 Bob Crouch June 5 Carolyn Clark June 8 Joe Morgan June 12 Ernest Rowe June 13 Dave Horner June 14 Bev Graeber June 16 Eloise Bull & Walt Shear June 20 Eric Wang June 23 Cindy Etter June 25 Jane Bashara June 29 Katie White June 30 Spencer Tinkham July Birthdays July 1 Will Sawyer & Priscilla Wroton July 3 Alden Monroe & Marvin Wingfield July 4 Peggy Troyer July 6 Vickie Libbey & Vivian Young July 8 Hart Monroe July 13 Madeleine Lange July 20 Heather Hoff July 21 Bob Rose July 24 Sara Wingfield July 28 Robert Finch July 29 Denise Tinkham July 30 Ben Seidl & Aleene Rose July 31 Ann Gibson August Birthdays August 5 Craig Wansink August 8 Joesph Courtois August 11 Lynn Franklin August 12 Lucas Todd August 13 Teddy Wansink August 16 Charlie Terry August 20 Whitley Monroe August 23 Sally Hull & Rich Voter August 27 Tom Baragona Pastor Craig Wansink (757) [cell] cwansink@vwc.edu SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7305 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA (757) Church Office Hours: Monday 10:30AM - 1:30PM and Tuesday - Wednesday 9:30AM to 1:30PM Isaac Thomas (757) [cell] isaacthom@me.com