April - Second Presbyterian Church
Transcription
April - Second Presbyterian Church
SP THE Second Presbyterian Church 7700 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana RE April, 2008 Volume XXXVII, No. 4 a monthly newsletter In This issue 3 Men’s Steak Dinner page 3 5 Dr. Joan retirement celebration invitation page 5 6 136th Annual Praise Luncheon page 6-7 SAWs and PW Unite Their Spirits! The synergy of God’s spirit results in love and freedom! Just ask Amber and her family. Amber is a young girl afflicted with muscular dystrophy, but she is often thought of as a shining star in others’ eyes. She did not have a ramp at her home that allowed her to enter or leave her home as easily as other children. Her mother and sister always struggled with how to get Amber out of their home for the everyday activities of life. Now Amber and her family experience the love of God and the freedom of living each time Amber uses her new ramp to enter or leave her house, thanks to the volunteers of Presbyterian Women and SAWs. Presbyterian Women work all year long (each and every year) to collect, sort and price donations to sell at the Bazaar and Summer Sale. The proceeds always go to mission locally, nationally and internationally. This past year these monies exceeded $65,000. Patience, love and commitment to their ultimate goal generated such results. This past year some of the hard earned money went to buy the materials needed to build a ramp for the SAWs group. SAWs (Servants at Work) is a group of ecumenical volunteers that work together to build wheelchair ramps for the elderly, disabled and infirm who cannot afford to have the ramp built. These men and women donate their time and energy to the physical building of the ramp. Some volunteers work in prefab on Thursday mornings, others build on Saturdays in halfday shifts and others work as a “finishing” crew on Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings. The need for these ramps is great. Weather permitting, SAWs works from March through November. So, you can still help this year! Please contact Rik Hagarty at [email protected] if you would like to join the group. Servan s at Work Isaiah 42:6 says, “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness….to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Join in the love expressed by patience, commitment and physical labor. The result is extraordinary! A family can now easily function as a family. A mother does not have to worry about dropping her child. A child can now play outside with her friends! The love of God flourishes in joy! Building Faithful Lives at Second Presbyterian Church APNC Prayerfully Seeks Candidate Family Movie Night May 3, 2008 Kenya Carnival September 6, 2008 Please mark your calendars for the above date changes as we work to expand the Kenya Carnival to make it a huge community event. On May 3 we will have a free Family Movie Night featuring the inspiring movie, “The Ultimate Gift.” This film tells the story of a wealthy grandfather who dies leaving his spoiled, rich grandson a series of “gifts” that teach him a crash course on what’s most important in life. These “gifts” (such as the “gift of work”) lead him on a journey of self-discovery and transformation right before our eyes. This movie is rated PG and is appropriate for older elementary-aged children (watch a trailer at www.theultimategift.com). Weather permitting, the movie will be shown on a huge 25-foot screen on the south lawn with popcorn and other snacks available from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Before the movie, there will be a short presentation on the “Umoja Project,” with information on how you can get involved in the Kenya Carnival. Please send an e-mail to Nate Osborne and A.J. Sood at [email protected] to get involved or check out our new website at www.kenyacarnival.com! Please join us on May 3 to learn about the “Umoja Project” and see “The Ultimate Gift” under the stars on the big screen! The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee for Children and Family Ministry (APNC) has been working diligently since October organizing and preparing to conduct the search for a new associate pastor. Co-chairs Wendy Drook and Dave Swider have been meeting weekly with committee members Scott Dennison, Deb Leithauser, Jason Reese, Cassandra Short, Britt Stemme, Vera Vander Kooy and Robert Warhurst. Documents used by prospective candidates to understand the requirements of this position and to learn more about our congregation have been completed and approved by Session. With great expectation, the APNC is looking forward to the work ahead. We cherish and treasure the prayers and support of the entire congregation as we prepare for the person whom, we are convinced, God has already selected to be our next Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry. Dr. Joan Malick to Speak at April Luncheon Dr. Joan Malick, our executive co-pastor, will be retiring from Second in August, 2008, after exactly 20 years of ministry with us, having joined the staff in August, 1988. “Dr. Joan,” as she has affectionately come to be known, has been a tremendous blessing to the church during her tenure. Her deep and vibrant faith and incomparable sunny disposition are truly legendary. Through her fun-loving, caring and generous ways, she brightens our lives and inspires us to be better people. We are blessed to have Dr. Joan as the speaker for our April 27th luncheon. Advance paid reservations for the Luncheon and Program are $12 per person, due no later than noon Monday, April 21, to the church reception desk. Sponsored by the Sages of Second Presbyterian Church 2 The Spire Second Presbyterian Church A Letter from Lewis “The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord.” I Corinthians 16:19 Dear Friends, From the very beginning of the church, Christians have joined together for worship, prayer, fellowship, study and mission. Jesus did not call us to be solitary disciples, but members together of the body of Christ. It is thrilling to gather in a packed sanctuary on Easter morning to sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” but it is also equally transforming to be with a small group of Christians who are mutually supportive and committed to spiritual growth and service. In a healthy congregation there are Dr. Lewis F. Galloway both large and small opportunities to experience Senior Pastor Christian community. In the New Testament the gospel was proclaimed in large public gatherings, but often lived out in small house churches. In a number of the New Testament letters we hear how Christians joined with others in circles of prayer, worship, communion, study, mission efforts, spiritual fellowship and service to those in need. In a large congregation it is important for our growth as Christians that we find an opportunity to participate in a small group. Small groups provide a safe environment for us to explore our faith, give and receive caring support and join together in service to others. At Second Presbyterian Church there are prayer groups, Bible studies, ministry teams, Church School classes, music groups, fine art teams, reunion groups and service ministries that give us ways to live out our faith together and to develop what Dr. Greg Jones, the Dean of Duke Divinity School, calls holy friendships. If you have not yet found a small group of fellow Christians to serve as a kind of spiritual home for you, I encourage you to contact me, Dr. Jim Riley or Dr. Richard Baker to explore your interests and needs. Currently, a Small Group Ministry Team is working very creatively to encourage our congregation to participate in an ever-growing number of small groups. Small groups are not an end in themselves. They are the means through which we come to experience more powerfully the presence of the One who said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Yours in Christ, 25th Annual Men’s Steak Dinner Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. Guest Speaker Dallas Clark of the Indianapolis Colts Parents with sons and daughters Grandparents with grandchildren ALL ARE WELCOME! Adult Steak Dinner $25 Youth (17 & under) Steak Dinner $15 Youth (17 & under) Hamburger $10 Table $200 Corporate Sponsor $1000 Proceeds support the Urban Youth Ministry of Shepherd Community Childcare for the littlest ones 3 years old and younger are available by reservation one week in advance. Lewis F. Galloway Tickets are on sale NOW at the CHURCH OFFICE and online at SecondChurch.org www.secondchurch.org The Spire 3 Sanctuary Choir Sanctuary Choir Sanctuary Choir Spring Choir Sanctuary Choir Choir School Spring Concert The Department of Children’s Music Ministries is delighted to announce that its Spring Choir Concert will be presented on Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Cherub, Carol and Crusader Choirs will sing a variety of pieces for your enjoyment. A reception will follow in Room 356. Come for an afternoon of uplifting music offered by our church’s talented young musicians. Music Events in April XX Sunday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. Rob Turner, baroque and concert flute Airs pour la Flute Seüle XX Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m. Second Presbyterian’s Children’s Choirs Spring Concert XX Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. Adriane Fink, flute and Joseph Platt, piano; works by Fikret Amirov, Sergei Prokofiev, Otar Taktakishvili Celebrating Mission: An Exhibition of Art When we think of mission, we often think of projects, of tasks done to serve others. However, mission experiences are full of benefits for those who serve as well as for those who are served. One of the great gifts of the many mission projects of Second Presbyterian Church is the new appreciation we all may gain of the beauty and connectedness of all of God’s creation. In celebration of mission, a new art exhibit will explore some of the many glories God has shown us through our contacts with God’s people in Kenya and Uganda in Africa, in Quintana Roo in Mexico and here at home 4 The Spire Sanctuary Choir Sanctuary Choir April 10—May 18 Festival of Hymns Join us for 6 weeks! As we prepare for a Festival of Hymns (with orchestra) [email protected] 317-253-6461 ext. 309 Art and Worship Because of its creative nature, art is truly a reflection of God’s creative spirit. Through the creation and the perception of beauty, we praise and celebrate the creative power of God. Art is, in this respect, an aspect of worship. in Indianapolis. Photographs and other works of art will help link us more closely to the brothers and sisters we serve, so that we may more fully share in God’s joy in the beauty of creation. In conjunction with this exhibit, Second Church children are invited to create drawings to help decorate the new Riley Mother and Baby Hospital being completed in Eldoret, Kenya. These drawings will be concrete symbols of the link between Second and the new hospital. The exhibit will be in McFarland Hall from March 30 to May 10, 2008. It is presented by the Fine Arts Advisory Team of the Department of Music and Fine Arts For more information about the exhibit or the ministry of Music and Fine Arts, please see the church’s website, www.secondchurch.org/mfa or contact Dr. Michelle Louer, Director of Music and Fine Arts, at 317-253-6461, ext. 307, or at [email protected]. Second Presbyterian Church www.secondchurch.org The Spire 5 “There is NO ONE like Joan. She’s one-of-a-kind in her creativity, her unselfishness and her outstanding listening ability. We all love her.” —Audrey Pelham “Joan’s greatest gift is the way she models servant leadership. Since I have been a part of Second, I have seen Joan demonstrate a willingness to do whatever needs to be done, no matter how small or large the task. From missions to pastoral care, from church administration to organizing events, Joan steps into a situation and provides quiet leadership and service. We will miss her compassionate spirit, enthusiasm, humor and example of devoted service.” —Dr. Lewis Galloway Presbyterian Women’s InSpiring Speaker Series proudly presents Dr. Joan Malick $5 in the Dirt (and Other Signs of God’s Confetti) Thursday, May 8, 2008: 11:15am or 7pm It’s not often that God places someone in our midst who can simultaneously exhibit abiding faith, dazzling creativity, admirable organizational skills and deeply personal compassion for others – along with a wellhoned gift for goofiness and fun. Serious goofiness and fun! Second Presbyterian Church’s dearly loved Dr. Joan Malick, Senior Associate Pastor, is truly an extraordinary individual who defies easy description. Her unassuming ways belie a veritable fireball of Christian activity. Certainly for nearly 20 “Joan has a knack for i years the members of Second Presbyterian – on what a person is sa shut absolutely everyt and Presbyterian Women in particular – have that’s saying a LOT gi been given a gift in the form of “Dr. Joan.” She has been responsible f thoroughly process wh has touched many with her kindness and the She listens to the Hol uncanny ability to make others feel special. conversation so she ca and make good recom Her example has truly brightened our lives and observations.” —Dr. inspired us to be better people. Presbyterian Women is privileged to present the unique opportunity to enjoy our own soon-to-retire Dr. Joan as featured speaker at the 136th Annual Praise Luncheon on Thursday, May 8, at 11:15a.m. To ensure all will enjoy this rare chance to hear her speak, she will also give the same talk that evening at a gourmet coffee and dessert gathering at 7 p.m. Mark your calendars now! Find out why that $5 bill “Dr. Joan’s thoughtfuln heart. On the first ann was in the dirt and hear Dr. Joan tell stories one’s death she had a lo from scripture and life about the surprising flowers waiting for me note I will always cheri appearances of God. “Dr. Joan is never short on creative ideas. She’s truly a possibilities person.” —Susan Hall “Joan has always demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a gift for making processes and projects successful. She is also a great cheerleader to all those around her.” —Dr. William Enright “Dr. Joan’s gift of encouragement and being present in the crucial moments of life has been an incredible gift to me and to so many others at our great church. May we all be inspired by her life’s message of selfless service, love and encouragement. I will miss her godly wisdom and jingle bell hugs. Barnabas is truly alive in the person of Dr. Joan.” —Julie Osborne 6 The Spire hold in her mind one d all but me? I feel so fo amazing, one of a kind Dr. Joan’s background prepared her well for the many roles played and challenges faced at Second Presbyterian. After growing up in Cleveland, she received a B.A. in Fine Arts and a graduate degree in Education from Boston University and was also a graduate of Menninger Foundation’s School of Psychiatry & Mental Health. She went on Second Presbyterian Church “I think Dr. Joan has been so successful here because of her memory – her mind is a computer! And I will certainly miss the way her smile just lights up her entire face. ” —Becky Hagarty to earn a Master of Divinity and then Doctor of Divinity at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. She served at churches in Northbrook and Winnetka, IL and came to us in 1988 from First Presbyterian Church in McAlester, OK as Associate Minister with responsibilities in Early Childhood Ministries, Women’s Ministries, Deacons, the Parish Life Committee and the Mission and Benevolence Committee. In 1999, she became Executive Pastor and assisted Dr. Enright in supervisory and administrative responsibilities. She is currently Senior Associate Pastor and also serves on the Board of Trustees of McCormick Seminary and the Council of Whitewater Valley Presbytery. When she’s not blessing our church with countless hours of service or spending time with her beloved daughter, Becky, she may be found picking intently keying in up some Starbucks coffee, cheering on the aying. She’s able to thing else out (and Colts, dreaming about a lovely beach next iven how much she to a sparkling ocean or listening to 60’s for at Second) to hat she’s hearing. music. ly Spirit in the an ask good questions mmendations or r. Robin Chaddock Particular memories include Christmas Benevolence over the years, exciting mission trips, the funeral for Ryan White (she still fondly recalls being pastoral staff liaison to Sir Elton John and witnessing his performance of “Skyline Pigeon” on a grand piano) and, of course, the 20-year close association with Presbyterian Women. Through all her experiences, Dr. Joan says, “God has taught me that he is far more available as the Almighty than we ever knew. Nothing is too big or too small for God.” ness is dear to my niversary of a loved ovely bouquet of e on my desk with a ish. How does she date insignificant to ortunate to know this d woman.” —Linda Ryan Join us for either the luncheon or evening coffee and dessert to hear Dr. Joan express in her own words how God makes his presence known. 136th Annual Praise Luncheon tickets are $15 and evening event tickets are $8 – all will be available April 13 – May 4. Purchase them online at SecondChurch.org, Sundays in McFarland Hall or weekdays at the front desk. Free childcare for either event is available by calling 252-5519 at least one week prior. www.secondchurch.org The Lake Fellow Scrapbook In this issue of the Spire we continue a series of updates on the lives of past residents in the Lake Fellow program here at Second Presbyterian Church. Please watch for additional updates in future issues of the Spire and check past issues on the web at SecondChurch.org. If you wish to contact any of these wonderful people, please call the church office. Trina (Ward) Portello, Class of 2005-2006, It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years already since I left Indianapolis and moved on to a new phase in the journey. Just after my time as a Lake Fellow concluded, I married Nelson Portillo at my home church in Rochester, NY on July 29, 2006. We were delighted to share the occasion with both of our families and friends, particularly since Nelson’s had to travel such a long distance! Since returning to Chicago, I have been working at Chicago Lights at Fourth Presbyterian Church, a not-for-profit umbrella organization with seven programs in literacy and education; hunger and homelessness; and health and wellness. In February, 2008, I became the new Associate Director for Foundation and Corporate Relations for the Development Department. I have enjoyed developing new skills and interests in this capacity. Nelson and I have found a new church home in Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, a small congregation close to where we live. Nelson is working toward the completion of his Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology through Loyola University. We plan to move to El Salvador, Nelson’s home country, sometime within the next year to spend two years living and working there. I anticipate becoming a much more fluent Spanish speaker during that time! I learned so much from you all during my time at Second and I miss you dearly. I want to say thank you for being such a warm and welcoming congregation to generation after generation of Lake Fellows that pass through your doors. You welcome us not only into the church, but into your homes and your lives and hearts as well. I think of my time with you fondly and will always carry you with me in my heart. May God’s blessings be with you always! The Spire 7 Second Presbyterian Church Responds, Declaring World Missions A Priority The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has determined that there is an alarming shortage of mission co-workers addressing global concerns. In response, Second Presbyterian Church enthusiastically seeks to be part of the solution by supporting a new mission co-worker in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the article quoted below, Rev. Hunter Farrell asks the question, “are world missions a priority?” Second Presbyterian Church is responding with a resounding, “Yes.” Because of the generous response of our congregation to the mission challenge in our 2007 Stewardship Campaign, we are now in a position to support one of the 40 validated mission opportunities. The coordinators of the Global Mission Partnerships from our Mission Committee will be working to form a Congo Ministry Team. The Congo Ministry Team will help develop a strategic and deep partnership with our mission co-worker in the Congo. If you would like to be a member of this new ministry team, please contact Rev. David Berry. The Presbyterian News Service reports that the number of PC(USA) mission co-workers serving overseas is expected to drop soon to a record low. In December 2006, the PC(USA) had 247 long-term mission workers serving in 67 countries. By January 2008, that number had fallen to 220 missionaries and is expected to reach an all-time low of 190 by next January through retirement and attrition. “The funding has decreased and the cost of each mission worker has increased,” World Mission Director, the Rev. Hunter Farrell, said during the General Assembly Council’s regular meeting, February 13 through15. “Are world missions a priority?” asked Rev. Farrell. “We will drop to 190 mission workers. Is that all right? If not, we will look at what it would cost to support 200, 210 or 220 [mission workers] and bring that information to the April meeting of the General Assembly Council.” Farrell said there are 40 vacant positions that are priorities but no funding for them. “It puts us in awkward positions with our partners around the world,” he told the GAC’s Evangelism and Witness (E&W) Committee. “What are creative and sustainable solutions?” GAC Executive Director Linda Valentine estimated it would cost about $3 million for 30 mission workers for two-year terms. However, finding the money to support the positions may not be easy. If new sources are not identified, it means the funds could come from cuts in a proposed PC(USA) budget for the next two years that will go before the GAC in April for approval. The Rev. Bill Young, executive director of the Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship and a E&W committee member, said, “It’s a critical time. Something bold and drastic needs to be done. If we don’t do something we will be out of business. This has to be a priority in the budget.” Aspire Youth Ministries Summer Mission Trips! Throughout middle school, students have the opportunity to work in three types of mission experiences: urban, rural and a college campus. This year, students will travel to a Big Ten campus June 22 - 27 to do a variety of work in an area we typically think of as possibly needing little mission work. We look 8 The Spire forward to fun, fellowship and lots of work during this awesome week of working through and for Christ. Similarly, our high school students are offered the opportunity to engage in a four-year mission rotation: rural, urban, road rules and international. This year, we are on the “rural” rotation and will spend our time working on a Native American reservation. Make sure to mark your calendars for one of the following trips: Week 1—July 13-20; Week 2—July 19-26. Spaces are limited and sign-ups will begin soon as we prepare for these amazing weeks of discovery in faith, friendship and missions. Second Presbyterian Church Come Dive In Second the Lake 2008 LAKE WAWASEE June 20-22 Friday night to Sunday at Noon Guest Speaker - Dr. John Van Nuys Pastor of Wabash Ave. Presbyterian Church in Crawfordsville, IN Come dive into the fun and fellowship of a weekend at Lake Wawasee where our whole church family gathers together. Get away for a weekend of spiritual refreshment, relaxation and recreation. Relax with others on the beautiful shores of Indiana’s largest and prettiest lake. Enjoy the exceptionally nice Oakwood Hotel and Conference Center and take time for yourself and your family. At Second at the Lake you’ll enjoy an intergenerational experience, which brings together people from all ages to learn and grow together in God’s love through our enlightening speaker, singing, games, campfires, and recreation, along with special programs for children and youth. It is an amazing, spiritually uplifting experience! TAKE IT TO TOWN 2008 Saturday, June 14, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join with your fellow church members for a rewarding one-day service event. You don’t have to travel far—contribute your time and talents helping those in need right here in Indianapolis! Regardless of skill or experience, there is a need for you. Work in our community to help the poor, the homeless and the disadvantaged among us. Wonderful opportunity for your family, company and small group! Look for more details and signup opportunities online at www. secondchurch.org. www.secondchurch.org Dr. John Van Nuys is a former member of Second Presbyterian Church’s pastoral staff, and oversaw the ministries of our deacons. John has a great sense of humor and is a person with tremendous warmth and dynamism that make him able to communicate to people of all ages. John holds degrees from Wabash College, Vanderbilt Divinity School and Wesley Theological Seminary. In addition to seeing every movie ever made, John enjoys lap swimming, is an avid photographer, and above all loves being the dad of his seven-year-old boy Sam. Registration begins Sunday March 30th. Registration forms are available at the church reception desk or online at www.Secondchurch. org. There are a variety of accommodations that will fit the budget for anyone who seeks to attend. Scholarships are available to help defer cost of the retreat and can be obtained by contacting Dr. Jim Riley at jriley@ secondchurch.org or 253-6461. The Spire 9 Three Perspectives of Avraham-Abraham-Ibrāhīm “God’s Green Earth” XX Thursday, April 3, 6:30-8 p.m.: Light of the World Christian Church 4646 North Michigan Road Indianapolis, Indiana XX Thursday, April 10, 6:30-8 p.m.: Al-Fajr Masjid 2846 Cold Spring Road Indianapolis, Indiana Members of the three Abrahamic faiths comprise over half of the world’s population. With growing environmental challenges that threaten our planet, what is the theological mandate to care for the earth? What is currently being done to confront these challenges and reverse unsustainable trends? Is there benefit in working together? The Abraham Trialogue series offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the faith response to caring for God’s creation. These discussions, free and open to the public, also provide an opportunity to visit and tour a local mosque, synagogue and church, and learn more about the diversity within our faith community. The concept for this public discussion series arose from the “House of Abraham” project of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis. Learn more about the “House of Abraham” by attending the public XX Thursday, April 17 6:30-8:00pm: Congregation Shaarey Tefilla 3085 West 116th Street Carmel, Indiana discussions or visit www.indyhabitat.org. Each conversation about caring for God’s green earth will be led by a resident expert from the host congregation and include: XX Interfaith Alliance’s Care for Creation XX Information about the “House of Abraham” XX Question and answer period XX A tour of the House of Worship and refreshments Abraham Trialogue series is sponsored by: Second Presbyterian Church, Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, Al-Fajr Masjid, Habitat for Humanity’s “House of Abraham”, Nur-Allah Mosque, Bridging the Gap, Light of the World Christian Church, and International Interfaith Initiative. Contact Charlie at (317) 466-0114 or @peacelearningcenter.org aspire youth ministries middle school winter trip 2008 Aspire Youth Ministries Winter Trip Wrap-Up! It’s finally spring and what better time for a wrap-up of our middle and high school winter trips! In January, nearly 40 middle school students braved the sub-zero temperatures for a fun-filled weekend slipping and sliding down the waterslides at Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio. The students enjoyed lots of time for fellowship while hanging out in the wave pool, lazy river and nine waterslides in the indoor water park. Friendships were formed and strengthened and we look forward to another wonderful trip in the future. 10 The Spire In February, our high school group boarded a charter bus bound for the snowy peaks of Michigan. The students enjoyed a day of skiing at Mt. Brighton and a great stay at the Marriott Hotel in Ypsilanti, MI. Our plans were altered on Sunday due to weather, but everyone had a wonderful time at Joe Dumar’s Fieldhouse in Detroit as they challenged themselves on the high ropes course, rock climbing wall, bungee jump trampoline, a huge inflatable slide, as well as miniature golf and laser tag. Indeed, this weekend was packed full of fun and adventure for our high school students! Second Presbyterian Church A Presbyterian Women & Welcome Baby Ministry Combined Event: The Cow Who Wouldn’t Come Down “Miss Rosemary calls, ‘You will kindly come down this very instant. It’s a known fact cows don’t fly.’ But her cow, Gertrude, pays no attention and continues doing figure eights in the sky.” This story by Paul Brett Johnson paints a wonderful picture of how our lives can feel when “normal” seems to take a vacation. Sometimes we have to find ingenious ways to cope and get that cow back on the ground. Other times, we are like Gertrude, trying to do what feels right, but sensing from those around us that “normal” is something we still need to work on. Rev. Kim Olson, Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Martinsville and wife of Second’s Theologianin-Residence, Dr. Richard Baker, will explain that the pursuit of – and pressure to be – normal isn’t something God necessarily promises or encourages at a very special gourmet coffee and dessert event on Wednesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. During her talk entitled “The Cow Who Wouldn’t Come Down,” she will note that following Jesus Christ certainly adds an element of surprise and adventure, for Jesus was anything but normal! Rev. Olson juggles her roles as pastor, wife to a husband currently studying Hebrew 24/7, mother to Maya (15) who has a basketball injury, Anna (almost 11) who has a dance injury and Graham (almost five) who thinks he’s Buzz Lightyear, with the demands of a basset hound with a kidney infection, a hyperactive black lab and a cat who lives in perpetual fear of the black lab. She is grateful for her solid education gained at Mount Holyoke College, University of Texas and Columbia Theological Seminary, although she notes that somehow she missed the class on how to simultaneously handle all these challenges. Rev. Olson’s great faith, experience as a pastor and sense of humor no doubt help her to put that flying cow in perspective. Presbyterian Women and the Welcome Baby Ministry are proud to combine forces and present this delightful evening for women of all ages. Tickets are $8 and may be purchased online at www.secondchurch. org, Sundays in McFarland Hall or weekdays at the front desk. Free childcare is available by calling 252-5519 at least one week prior to the event. Sewing Seeds of Fellowship at Second Are you a recent retiree and finding you have just a little more time on your hands? Are you perhaps searching for a meaningful way to contribute at Second Church but not sure where you might fit in? Come learn about a special warm and friendly group of ladies that meets weekly for fellowship, laughter, lunch and light work on a variety of sewing-related crafts and projects. Lots of experience is NOT required! Members of the PW Monday Crafts, Quilters and Sewers group come and go during the hours of 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in PW room 230. “We’re a family,” says Doris Stewart with a smile, “and we would absolutely love to welcome a whole new generation of women with open arms.” The sewers gather year round to create items to be sold at the Country Store booth in the annual PW Bazaar as well as to support a variety of outreach projects. While these wonderful ladies are primarily seeking new members, they are also in great need of donations of any homemade items such as mittens, hats or blankets and would appreciate your help. Please contact Doris Stewart at 844-8151 for details. www.secondchurch.org 2008 Travel Opportunities XX Mexican Riviera Cruise July 27-Aug. 3, 2008 Includes: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta XX Transatlantic Cruise October 3-18, 2008 Ports of call: Rome, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Barcelona and Seville, Spain; and Madeira, Portugal The Spire 11 Calendar of Events April 5—6 Marriage Enrichment April 7 Deacons Dinner and Meetings (6 p.m.) New Day (6—8 p.m.) Elder Training (7—9 p.m.) April 12 Pre-Baptismal Conference (10 a.m.) April 15 Session Dinner and Meetings (6:30 p.m.) April 16 Endowment Meeting (noon) April 19 Mission Trip April 21 Sages Council Meeting (3—5 p.m.) “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 Second Presbyterian Church 7700 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46260-3699 www.secondchurch.org Address Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 1512 Indianapolis, Ind. April 21—May 4 Adult Footsteps of Faith April 22 Rehm Guild (11 a.m.) New Day (6—8 p.m.) CC Donuts with Dad April 23 CC Donuts with Dad April 24 Men’s Steak Dinner April 26 Marriage Preparation (8 a.m. — noon) New Member Discovery Class (8:30 a.m. —1:15 p.m.) Choir School Spring Concert (2 p.m.) April 27 Marriage Preparation (8 a.m. —noon) New Members Discovery Class (8:30—10:30 a.m.) April 28—May 2 Perlington, MS Mission Trip May 2 Hunter Smith Concert to benefit the Indiana Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Watch for more details. See the calendar at www.secondchurch.org for updated dates and times. Periodically, in Second Church publications, you will notice small icons next to events. The icons have been placed in these locations to help guide you to “Spread Your Wings” at Second. For a better understanding of these icons, pick up a copy of the opportunities catalog, Spread Your Wings, available in the literature racks around the church. Education Education Volunteer Opportunities Youth Children Volunteer Ops Youth Adult Adult Children If you have recently changed your e-mail address, please contact the church office at 253-6461 or [email protected] to update our records! Second Presbyterian Church Information Sunday Worship 8:15 a.m.—Chapel 9:30 a.m.—Sanctuary 11 a.m.—Sanctuary Families@Five Worship 5 p.m.—Chapel Second@Six Casual Worship Inspirational Phone Message (317) 259-5715 Children’s Circle (317) 252-5517 Childcare Reservations (317) 252-5519 6 p.m.—Sanctuary Center for Family Life Ministries (317) 252-5518 Service of Communion & Wholeness Weekly Radio Program 10:35 a.m.—Chapel Sunday, 9:30 a.m. on WXNT 1430AM Telephone/Fax Numbers Office Hours Church Office (317) 253-6461 (phone) (317) 252-5590 (fax) Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to noon Church news, calendar, newsletters, sermons and more are all available on our web site: www.secondchurch.org The Spire is published monthly by Second Presbyterian Church. Editor: Jamison Coler ([email protected]), Director of Communications