Second Presbyterian Church 313 N East Street Bloomington, IL 61701 309.828.6297

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How to Welcome a New PastorRev. Dave Bianchin

As you receive this newsletter, our church is getting ready to welcome Pastor David Barton as our next Pastor and Head of Staff. We are beginning a new chapter in the long and notable history of Second Presbyterian Church. I want to offer a few reflections on starting well with him:

•RelatetohimasabrotherorsisterinChrist:hewillbe your spiritual leader but he is first, a disciple of Christ; encourage him in the journey you share in Jesus.

•ReachouttohiswifeLisaandtheirchildren.Hewill immediately be very busy; his family will need your support as they find their way around Bloomington. •Shareyournameoften,thiswillbeextremelyhelpful in a church as large as Second Pres.

•Shareyourhopesanddreams:hewillwanttoknow what you love about your church and what you hope to accomplish in his tenure.

•Sharetheload:everyeffectivechurchisapartnership among believers; he can’t “do it all” on his own.

With that said:

•Beinvolvedinthechurchinsomeareaofministry.

•Continuetosupportthechurchfinancially.

•Attendworshipeveryweekyoucan.

•Pray,everyday,forhimandhisfamily,andforGodto do great things in our church.

When I was ordained, my friend who gave me my “charge for ministry” reminded me that while our church experiences a “sprint,” Iwasnowheadingforaracethatwasmore likea“marathon.”

There were certain things in the interim season that were approached from the pace of short-term urgency. Now you will be shifting the approach to long-term good. Support David as he leads the Session, staff and congregation to discernthefutureGodisleadingyouto.

Let me leave you with the vision God gave the ApostlePaul for the church, with my prayer that God will workpowerfully among you to accomplish it. From Ephesians 4 (The Message Version):

“Godgaveoutgiftsaboveandbelow,filledheavenwithhisgifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist and pastor-teacher to train Christians in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, thechurch, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with eachother,efficientandgracefulinresponsetoGod’sSon,fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alivelikeChrist.”

THE SECOND PRESS

August 2013

New MeMbers siNce February 2013Mark your caleNdar

Derek EricksonCraig FowlerSandy Fowler

Michael HerzogViolette Hnilica

Jenny HoffmanBrian HughesKimberly KernPhil PetersonKim Peterson

August 25: Rally SundaySeptember 1: Community Outreach Dinner

September 5: JOY TripSeptember 6: High School Inter-City Lock In

September 8: CE Class StartsSeptember 17: PW Fall Gathering

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Thank You From New Pastor David BartonDear Second Pres Family,

How good it was to be with all of you to worship and celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ! Thank you for extending such a heartfelt welcome not only to me but to my family as well. My kids couldn’t stop talking about how genuine people were in reaching out to them. Thank you!

The next several weeks are going to be fairly compressed for the Barton family as we say goodbyes, move and get settled in Bloomington. We’ll begin our transition August 19, as Lisa and the three younger ones arrive in Bloomington. I’ll follow later that week as I’ll be with our oldest, Juliana, for parent orientation at CU Boulder. However, I will make it out in time to preach on August 25 for “Rally Day”.

Then, we’ll spend a week getting situated and my regular hours at Second Pres will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our family. I’m so humbled and eager to be with you all as together Jesus lead us on this new adventure for the sake of His kingdom!

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” ~Isaiah 43:9

In Christ,

David BartonPastor and Head of Staff

Pastor Nominating Committee NEWS

The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) has worked over the past ten months to identify the next pastor head of staff candidate for our church. On Sunday, July 28 the final candidate was presented, voted upon and welcomed with much anticipation and excitement. Pastor David Barton, with his entire family present, accepted the call to serve at Second Presbyterian Church as our Pastor Head of Staff.

To arrive at this exciting moment in our congregation’s life, the PNC meticulously prepared a church information form and followed the Presbyterian Church USA’s protocol for a pastor candidate search.

There was considerable interest in this position. Over 100 resumes (PIF’s) from pastors were received. The committee

read resumes, did phone screenings, and listened to and watched sermons. We had in-person interviews, ran reference checks, had Skype interviews, more reference checks and then conducted final interviews. Our Presbytery and the Committee on Ministry representative Kathy Stoner-Lasala, was involved and supported the work.

The candidate list would grow and then be carefully whittled down, this process repeated itself several times. By May 2013 the PNC felt confident with the list of final candidates. Each pastor had the characteristics and ministry experiences needed to address what was defined by our Mission Study during the summer of 2012. However, as more time was spent with the candidates and in prayer, one candidate rose to the top.

Pastor David Barton is well equipped to preach and teach, to lead as head of staff, to empower lay leaders, enrich pastoral care, encourage stewardship and so much more. He is well rounded, energetic and Spirit-led. He wants to connect with and love the people God calls him to. He is eager to create a vision with us for how we can best serve within and outside of our faith community.

We would like to thank you for your encouragement, your prayers and your trust. Serving our church in this way has been a meaningful experience, God has been good to us. We have said before that God is stirring in our hearts an excitement and anticipation of what could be a revival within our congregation, for the love of Christ. We know this revival hinges on our love for Christ and not a new pastor, but we pray the leadership our new pastor brings will enable us to move forward in our faith journey.

Paula PrattPNC Chair Person

Isaac, Nathan, Juliana, Lisa, David, Amelia

PNC Members

Paula Pratt - Committee Chair, Todd Calhoun, Pam Caywood, Renee Cook, Jimmy Cooper, Kevin Engle, Brian Hiles, Jack Kuntz, Roseanne Secord, Denny Steele, Rachel Teague and Chuck Witte

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All Church StudyFall 2013 All-Church Study: The Power of a Whisper, by Bill Hybels

The fall All-Church Study (Sundays, October 27-November 24) is the series and book “The Power of a Whisper”, by Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church in Barrington, IL. During this past Lent, we studied prayer as our way to initiate contact with God. This series shows us what life can look like “when God’s followers choose to hear from heaven as they navigate life on earth,” says our author. Sign-ups will be in September in the South Entry, and books and devotionals related to the study may be purchased at that time, although no text is required for participation. Plan to join us for this fall highlight!

Building updateA lot of work has been accomplished at Second Pres since April—most of the construction equipment seen has moved out! Both roofs on Grace Hall have been replaced, along with all 70 original single- pane windows. The new bronze-framed units match the sanctuary and they will be much more energy–efficient. The new parking lot (where the Capen building used to be) has been finished. A community garden plot is in the northeast corner. We are excited about the neighborhood outreach possibilities as well as how Friends First and the Culinary Arts Academy can benefit from the garden’s bounty. Planting will begin this spring.

Planning will begin in the fall for the remainder of the Grace Hall office renovations. This work will include plaster repair, painting, interior trim for the new windows, carpeting, and upgrades to the electrical, lighting, and computer systems. Furniture requirements for Java

Post will be identified and ordered to be installed after the office work is finished in early spring. In June 2014 Fellowship Hall is slated to receive new carpeting as well as HVAC, computer, and audiovisual improvements.

Second Pres has a new pastor, new campus improvements, and new energy and ideas to serve our Gracious God for generations to come! On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Tammy Haggard, Operations Manager, thank you once again for your support of the Let Your Light Shine campaign. It is glowing brightly!

In Christ’s service,

Mark SpragueChairman Board of Trustees

From The Back Cover

At Second Presbyterian ChurchSundays, October 27-November 24

To purchase book (optional): $11

“God still speaks, is anyone listening? Join bestselling author and pastor Bill Hybels in this four-session video-based study where your group will learn to navigate life through whispers from God. Through this dynamic teaching and group study, you

will learn to practice hearing from God, surrender to the voice of God, obey his promptings and become a more effective kingdom-builder.”

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Pre-School News

Second Pres offers Sunday school classes for children age two through fifth grade during the 10am hour on Sundays. The Sunday school class for students two years of age will be held in the Activity Center, and the class for students three years of age will be held on the first floor of Martin Hall.

Rally Day is Sunday, August 25. After the 10am worship service, you are invited to meet the Sunday school teachers in their class rooms. Also, join us for the All Church Picnic

on Sunday, September 1. There will be delicious food, opportunity for fellowship, and a fun atmosphere for the children.

Sunday school officially begins on September 8, I hope to see you there!

Ann LamkeyDirector of Children’s Ministries

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Sunday School Kick Off - Rally Day August 25

From July 22 to July 26, 150 children attended VBS at Second Presbyterian Church. The theme this year was Kingdom Rock! Each day, through song, Bible story, games, snacks and memory verse, children were taught that they can stand STRONG for God. They learned that God’s love, His Word, our families and friends, prayer and trusting God helps us stand strong.

At Kingdom Rock, we encouraged our kids and adults to look for God Sightings—everyday clues that God is present, passionate, and powerful. A God Sighting is simply an acknowledgment that God has done something, and giving God credit where credit is due. It’s developing a “God-focused view” and a grateful heart. Kids discovered that they can see God in scripture, in nature, and in circumstances.

At Kingdom Rock, kids and adults have joined together to share the hope of God’s love with hurting children in India. Through Operation Kid-to-Kid, we partnered with Group Publishing and Biblica to put Scripture into the hands of India’s children—showing them God’s overwhelming love.

Thank you for praying for our children and adults who came to VBS this year. It does make a huge difference.

Ann LamkeyDirector of Children’s Ministries

Ready, set, go! The preschool is gearing up for another wonderful year. We serve families by providing quality early childhood education to children 15 months to 5 years of age. Our enrollment is almost full with just a few openings. We hope to serve over 100 families from our community. They come from many different backgrounds and countries. We also welcome three new staff members to our team making a total of six lead teachers, six assistant teachers, one music teacher and director.

We would like to invite the members of Second Pres to become a part of this amazing ministry. There are many ways in which you can help. First, you could support us by praying for our students, families and staff. Many are

not church goers and several practice religions other than Christianity. Second, become a volunteer at the preschool. We frequently need extra help with projects, reading books and chapel time. And finally, consider sponsoring a family in need. Some families struggle to meet monthly tuition costs and would be blessed by a scholarship to cover the expense.

If you would like more information about the preschool or volunteer opportunities please contact the director, Christine Siebring at christine.siebring@secondpres.com.

Christine SiebringPreschool Director

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Youth Ministry 2013-2014 Youth Key DatesThis upcoming school year is going to be a great one for our students! Our junior high and high school students have had a great summer with camps and other wonderful events. We are really looking forward to the start of our regular programming in the next few weeks. The dates for some key events are listed to the right.

Here are a few things that we are really excited about for this school year:

•Randi Morrison and Michael Schneider will be returning as the Chancel Choir staff for this year. •Lock-ins – they are a great way to build relationships and bring new students into the life of the church family. •The winter retreat is at TimberLee for “Winter Extreme”. •The high school choir will sing at the Advent Dinner Concert. •Lastly, the summer of 2014: Choir Tour, Fun in the Son Midwest, and the Great Escape Midwest!

Registration forms for Powerhouse and Fellowship are available on the church website (youth/information and forms).

Rev. Josh EricksonAssociate Pastor

August 18First High School Fellowship of

Fall 2013, 6pm-7:45pm

August 21First High School Choir Practice

7:30pm-9pm

September 6High School Inter City Lock In

September 8Junior High Sunday School Starts

September 11First Powerhouse and Carillon

Choir of the Fall

October 18Junior High Lock In

On June 17 through June 21, 19 overnight campers and 19 day campers attended Kids’ Camp at East Bay in Bloomington, Illinois. The Bible story for the week was the Old Testament story of Joseph. We learned that even though Joseph suffered greatly, God never left him. God worked for Joseph’s good in every challenging life situation he faced. Joseph used his talents to serve God even when he was in jail. Just like Joseph, God never leaves us. He is continually working to bring good out of evil in our lives too. Using what God has given us to serve

others is another lesson we learned during the week of camp. Our memory verse was this: “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1

The campers were encouraged to look for God everywhere at camp. They shared their “God Sightings” with each other on a daily basis. From the sighting of a wild turkey to a pair of sticks in the shape of the cross, our campers were constantly reminded that God is near and wants a personal relationship with each one of us.

Kids’ Camp was an awesome experience. We joked that the only item we opened more often than our Bibles was the bottle of calamine lotion! Yes, mosquitoes were present, but so was God! It is my prayer that God will use what the campers learned to make stronger connections to Him through the saving grace of his Son, Jesus., AMEN.

Ann E. LamkeyDirector of Children’s MinistriesSecond Presbyterian Church

East BayKid’s Camp 2013

KIDS OK (KIDS OF THE KINGDOM) BEGINS - Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013Kids OK is a children’s midweek program that runs September-April, Wednesday evenings 5pm-7pm.

This program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The fee is $60 per semester per child (scholarships are available). Registration is open through the year, forms are available online or at the children’s welcome table on the first floor of Martin Hall. Volunteers are always needed, contact Miranda Frank if you are interested at miranda.frank@secondpres.com

Choir News

The children’s choirs of Second Pres bless our Sunday services throughout the year with songs of praise and worship. Kids also sing at the annual Advent Dinner, the Service of Lessons and Carols and the family Christmas Eve service. In May 2013, we combined with the children of Restoration Christian Church to present a musical. Restoration Church is a bi-lingual weekly congregation meeting in the Second Pres facility for worship. A total of 65 singers presented the gospel message “Under God’s Sea in 3-D.” In addition to singing and acting by grades K-5 kids, a team of puppets told the story of Jonah and the whale in the show. Directors were Cyndy Irwin, Rachel Santana, Matt Tompkins, and Pat Messinger. Preparation and production blessings were shared with more than 80 teen and adult volunteers doing everything from creating props and stage set to serving cookies at the reception. Attendance at the musical was 426.

What’s happening this school year? We’ll not be “lion” around for long! “Rescue in the Night” is the musical story of King Darius and Daniel. The royal advisors – Taxalot, the tax collector, Crushafo (captain of the guards) and Astrofar (the royal astrologer) compete for the king’s favor and their lives against humble Daniel who claims to worship the One True God. If Daniel loses the Wisdom Contest, will his God save him from being eaten by the lions?

Second Pres Children’s Choirs meet Wednesdays 5pm-5:40pm in Martin Hall beginning September 11. Join us for a year of praise, prayer and perform…. All For Heaven’s Sake, of course!

Pat MessingerConvenant Choir Director

Come! Worship God through song. Now is the time to get involved in the choir program at Second Pres. There are choir opportunities for all ages. No prior experience is necessary, just a love for singing and worshipping God. You will not only experience good music but great fellowship as well. The choirs all have an important worship leadership role and we would love to fill the choir loft or chancel with singers. Hear what the Psalmist has to say about worshipping God with song.

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm. -Psalm 47:6-7

Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. -Psalm 84:4

Rehearsal times:Adult Choir – Wednesday 6:15pm– 7:45pmChorale (a smaller adult ensemble) – Wednesday 5pm– 6pmCherub Choir (grades K-2) – Wednesday 5pm– 5:40pm (Part of Kids OK program)Covenant Choir (grades 3-5) - Wednesday 5pm– 5:40pm (Part of Kids OK program)Carillon Choir (grades 6-8) – Wednesday 6:45pm-7:15pm (after Junior High Powerhouse)Chancel Choir (grades 9-12) – Wednesday 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Both adult choirs begin Wednesday, September 4 with a dinner, great time of fellowship and a short rehearsal. Child care will be provided. The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsals August 21st in the Choir Rehearsal Room. All the children’s and youth choirs will begin on Wednesday, September 11, as part of the Kids OK and Powerhouse programs.

Judy WebbDirector of Worship & Organist

Children’s Choir “Sing for Heaven’s Sake!”

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Each year Second Pres designates one global and one local Priority Mission Partner. We intentionally focus on the needs and work of these Priority Partners for a season in the church’s life so that we can understand more of how God is moving in our community and throughout the world.

As we wrap up our emphasis on the Bachelor Family’s ministry in Israel-Palestine we move to Western Avenue Community Center (WACC) as our new Priority Partner for the fall of 2013, with an intentional focus on their food pantry.

Food is a basic necessity for all people. It’s alarming how food inequality prevails in McLean County even with the presence of multiple food pantries

and distribution centers like WACC. Some of the goals of this Priority Partnership with WACC’s food pantry include informing the congregation about the WACC food pantry, helping congregation members become more aware of the food issues across socioeconomic boundaries, and encouraging members to make regular food donations to WACC through the “Feed the Hungry” food bins at church (formally Pac-a-Sac) based on the needs of the pantry.

To help accomplish these goals the mission team has brainstormed some great events, we invite your participation. In September, look for the “Food Stamp Challenge” sign-up where you can commit to living off a food stamp budget for a week in

October while utilizing the WACC food pantry to fill in the gaps. In November we’ll hold an “Iron Chef: Food Pantry Edition” where celebrity chefs will cook up dishes in front of a live audience using a mystery box filled with food pantry staples. We’ll also hold a food drive around thanksgiving for the pantry.

We’re excited to partner with WACC in serving our community’s food needs. Jesus Christ is the bread of life and living water. Until all feast with him around the table in heaven, there will continue to be a need as long as food inequality exists. Please participate in this partnership so that more and more people may understand the life-giving, sustaining power of Jesus Christ as we meet basic needs.

WACC - LOCAL PRIORITY MISSION PARTNERWestern Avenue Community Center • 600 N. Western Avenue • Bloomington, IL 61701

Feed The HUngry

A Letter From WACCGod never intended for man or woman to survive on bread alone. Western Avenue Community Center staff and volunteers use that understanding as their mission for serving others at the Food Pantry.

Besides handing out bags of groceries, we are here to inspire folks through God’s Word. We want to bring hope, joy, and unconditional love to those in need.

Currently the Food Pantry serves on an average 260 families a month, representing 900 individuals. Each family receives a bagof groceries with (10) can goods and (5) non-perishable items (3,900 can goods/non-perishables), when available. Due to the economy, the number of food pantry participants has doubled.

Additional items are also distributed if available, such as bread, pastries, toiletries, meat, etc.

With WACC’s mission “to open the doors of hope and love through our faith in Jesus Christ,” staff and volunteers work diligently to do so in all programs, such as the food pantry, hispanic outreach, senior programs and numerous youth programs. The Center has a rich history dating back to 1926 at the same corner of Western and Locust, reaching out to seniors citizens, low-income, minority families and at risk youth. WACC fosters educational success, reduces stress in the family, and provides a welcoming and safe environment. Future plans for WACC are in God’s hands, we will continue to listen for His direction. Second Presbyterian Church’s support to WACC shares the same rich history,PRAISE GOD!

Amy CottoneExecutive DirectorWestern Avenue Community Center

Needed Food Pantry Items

Spaghetti SaucesPancake Mix

(add water only)Pancake SyrupVegetable OilGreen Beans

FlourRiceCorn SoupFruit Tuna Pasta

second PresBYTerIan cHUrcH313 n easT sTBLoomIngTon, IL 61701

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Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage

PAIDBloomington, ILPermit No. 108

sunday morning THe same message Is sHared aT eacH serVIce

8:15am Chapel | 8:45am Adult Ed. | 10am Combined 8:15am Chapel | 9am Traditional | 11:11am Contemporary

Summer Services: Now-September 1 All Services Resume Sept 8

8:15am serviceA small, intimate service in Marquis Chapel with weekly communion.

9am serviceA traditional service in the sancturary with the Chapel Choir and a weekly children’s message.

10am Christian Education HourClasses for children and adults during the school year

11:11am serviceA contemporary service with a worship band and a weekly children’s message.