Dear Friends,For the past several decades, our children’s choir (and before that, the FAME program) has offered a musical on Mother’s

Day. This year will be my sixteenth. And in all those years, we often choose a musical that retells a “bible story” in cute, child friendly ways. This year’s musical is different.

In the Image, an inspiring children’s musical, features a group of children who have just experienced the story of the creation. As delightfully curious children often do, they start to wonder what it really means to be created in the image of God. Through humorous and earnest exploration, the children discover that being created in the image of God isn’t about physical appearance. It’s about creativity, faithfulness, responsibility, community, and the ability to find the good in things. This musical reinforces the value each and every person has, as a child of God.

At the very top of the list of my personal favorite things about Second Presbyterian Church is our Statement of Welcome and Inclusiveness:

As one part of the church of Jesus Christ, we are inspired and guided by Christ’s vision of God’s realm- one that includes all who seek to love God and neighbor.

Second Presbyterian Church welcomes all people.As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we invite those who respond in trust and obedience

to God’s grace in Jesus Christ to become part of the membership and ministry of the church.We would be pleased to have you join us in our journey of faith, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual

orientation, economic or family status, ethnic background, mental or physical abilities.One of the reasons this statement is so important to me is because of my oldest son, Dawson. For those of you who know

him, Dawson is differently abled. He uses a wheelchair for his mobility and has many physical challenges he struggles with on a daily basis. When Dawson was in elementary school, he sang in our children’s choir. And, just last year, Dawson was confirmed alongside the other 8th graders in our congregation who chose this next step in their journeys of faith. Working for and worshiping with a community of faith that not only embraces all God’s children, but also includes all God’s children is a blessing for me and my family. I pray that the story our children share this Sunday in worship warms your heart as much as it does mine.

Blessings,Miss Mary

The Mother’s Day musical will be presented at the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services.The 8:30 a.m. service will be a “regular” service, and Lindy Vogado will be preaching.

Second PressA publication of Second Presbyterian Church

in Little Rock, ArkansasMay 10, 2017

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Spring Cleaning (and Weeding!) May 20On Saturday, May 20, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., the Property Ministry will be hosting a church-wide work day for all of us to gather and help make our church facilities more beautiful. There are a variety of tasks that

need volunteers, from weeding and mulching flower beds, to hauling mulch, to cleaning woodwork inside. There will be refreshments and childcare available throughout the event. In case of rain, the workday will be rescheduled. Stop by the table in the narthex or call the church office to sign up for this day of service and fellowship!

Evening Circles• The Huldah Evening PW Circle will gather on Sunday,

May 21, 5:00 p.m., at the home of Jo Paulus, 7 Roanne Court, 72211. The Bible Study lesson will be Chapter 4: “Who is Jesus According to John?”

• The Deborah Evening PW Circle will gather on Monday, May 22, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Taziki’s Mediterranean Café on Chenal Blvd. The Bible Study lesson will be Lesson 6 [Hebrews].

Please contact Catherine Allsbury with questions about the Evening Circles, catherineallsbury@secondpreslr.org.

Together in ServiceTogether in Service will not gather in May. We have completed our projects for the program year. Please visit the display in the narthex to see samples of the work of Presbyterian Women.

Presbyterian WomenMay Gatherings

Sunday School Series:“When Religion Becomes Evil”

Sundays, April 23 – May 289:50 a.m. in Second Hall

LeadersHenry Goodspeed

General Wesley ClarkReligion is arguably the most powerful and pervasive force on earth. Throughout history religious ideas and commitments have inspired individuals and communities of faith to transcend narrow self-interest in pursuit of higher values and truths. Dr. Charles Kimball (Middle East expert, World Religion professor and chair of the Wake Forest University Department of Religion, and author of When Religion Becomes Evil) probes why people do bad things—sometimes unspeakably violent things—in the name of religion. “Whatever religious people may say about their love of God or the mandates of their religion, when their behavior toward others is violent and destructive, when it causes suffering among their neighbors, you can be sure the religion has been corrupted and reform is desperately needed.” Unfortunately, current event examples are mounting with regard to clarion call. This class will consider historical and current event cases that highlight distortions of faith and discuss Kimball’s five warning signs of corrupt religious thought.

It’s Not Too Late to Turn In YourTime & Talents Covenant

This is the time of year when our congregation has the opportunity to sign up for activities and service for the coming year. We need ushers, greeters, Sunday School teachers for all age groups and help with belonging, fellowship, pastoral care and outreach activities and projects. There are extra forms available in the church office and sanctuary for your convenience. You may mail back the one you received in the mail recently or bring it to the office or place in the offering plate on Sunday. Please consider sharing the gifts and skills with which God has blessed you by answering this call to serve God through the life of this congregation.

Our Endowment at WorkMay–Deal Scholarship Opportunity

The May and Deal families blessed our church by giving planned gifts to be used as scholarships for higher education. The Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for the May-Deal Scholarships

for the 2017-2018 academic year. The requirements are as follows:

• Applicants shall be residents of Arkansas.• Applicants shall need financial assistance in obtaining

the higher education they seek. Applicants shall not be on full scholarship.

• Undergraduate applicants must be full-time students.The application process is competitive for a fixed pool of scholarship funds. Usually, incoming freshmen applicants need to be in the upper 20% of their high school class. Those already in college must be in good standing and on schedule to graduate with their freshman class. The application deadline for the 2017-2018 school year is June 7, 2017. Applications that are incomplete or late will not be considered. Applications are available from David Mills or Aileen Moore. Completed applications should be submitted to Aileen Moore.

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Second ReadersWednesday, May 17, 3:00 p.m.

Room 60“Gloriously eccentric and wonderfully

intelligent. Brilliant, delightful, very mov-ing, and very funny.” These are just a few of the terms used by critics to describe Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

The narrator, 15 year old Christopher John Francis Boone, sets out to investigate

the suspicious death of a neighbor’s dog. Christopher is an autistic savant with a passion for math who calms himself by doing math problems in his head, cannot stand to be touched, relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions.

Visitors are welcome.For more information contact Fayrene Johnson,

fayrenej@att.net or (501) 663-2733.

Young AdultsThird Thursday SpecialsLet’s gather at Cajun’s Wharf on Thursday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. This will be a time of enjoying one another’s company. We will have a special guest, Kelsey, joining us from El Zocalo Immigrant Resource Center. Join us for the fun (nothing formal). Text, call, or e-mail Blake: (501) 920-6982 or tierneyblake@gmail.com.Multi-Faith Youth Group Seeks CoordinatorEmpower a group of high school student leaders from different faith perspectives (Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Questioning, Unitarian Universalist). Lead dialogue meetings, coordinate service projects, and activate them as community leaders for peace and harmony among faith perspectives. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a coordinator or supporting the group, then text, call, or e-mail Blake at (501) 920-6982 or tierneyblake@gmail.com.

Young Adult Retreat – NEW DATE!Reserve your spot today at the Young Adult Retreat from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3. We will be staying at the Eco Center at Ferncliff and will be enjoying camp games, speakers, hiking the trail, cooking together, and taking a much-needed breather. We are asking for $10 per person, $15 per couple. Please RSVP to Blake: tierneyblake@gmail.com or (501) 920-6982.

Can You Help With Our Searchfor a New Director of Youth, Young Adult,

and Young Family Ministries?

Our Search Committee is hard at work! We would like to request your help in reaching out to people you know who might be great candidates, or reaching out to people you know who might know people who would be great candidates! We are open to this being an ordained or non-ordained position.

The Job Description is available at:http://www.secondpreslr.org/ministry search/

Please send any questions or recommendations to Daniel Ford, Search Committee Chair, at dford927@gmail.com or Britton Varn at brittonvarn@secondpreslr.org.

M.A.D. Camp (Music, Art, Drama) for 4 year olds through rising 6th graders. Register online at www.secondpreslr.org. The camp runs June 5-9, 8:30 a.m. to noon. The cost per camper is only $40 for the entire week. There will be an option for extended days (with an additional cost). For more information, please contact Mary Ibis, (501) 412-1416 or maryibis@secondpreslr.org.

Prayer Shawls NeededDo you love to craft, knit or crochet—or would you like to learn? Our stock of prayer shawls is running low. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is in need of a few good people, interested in making simple prayer shawls

for our friends in life transitions or with health concerns. If you already know how to knit and purl, or can make a hook chain—or if you’re willing to learn—please contact Rev. Marie Mainard O’Connell in the church office at (501) 227-0000 or e-mail mariemo@secondpreslr.org to state your willingness to wield a hook or needle on behalf of others. No experience necessary—we will teach!

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Youth SundaySunday, April 30 was our annual Youth Sunday. It was a great success. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this Youth Sunday such a wonderful worship service!

SPY End of Year BanquetCurrent Grades 5-12 and Families: On June 3 from 6:30-

8:00 p.m. we are having our annual SPY End of Year Banquet. We invite all those going into sixth grade through graduating twelfth graders, along with their families, to join us for a night of fun, festivities, and a delicious meal! This is a great time for those going into sixth grade to get acquainted with SPY. We will celebrate the graduating class with a slide show and a gift. It will also be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the memories our Youth Ministry has made together over the past year.

This is going to be a wonderful close to our SPY school year and start to our SPY summer activities. We hope you will join us!

Attention Class of 2017 and FamilyDuring the SPY End of Year Banquet, we will honor the graduating class of 2017. We are asking everyone to send pictures of your graduating twelfth graders; including baby pictures, childhood pictures, SPY years, as well as senior pictures. We would especially love pictures of your seniors with other members of SPY. You can send pictures digitally to David Mills at davidmills@secondpreslr.org. Thanks for your help gathering pictures and we can’t wait to see you all at the End of Year Banquet!

Vacation Bible SchoolHero Central: Discover Your Strength in God!

June 12-15VBS Kick-Off Celebration

Monday, June 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

We will have VBS “Hero Central” Kick-Off in the Sanctuary at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Superhuman Hero Extravaganza in the Great Hall 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 4 year olds – 5th graders are invited to come as their favorite super hero for pizza, games, and super hero activities!

Tuesday – ThursdayJune 13-15, 8:30-11:45 a.m.

We will have our “regular” morning schedule and VBS activities including music, art, Bible, recreation and more.Register online at www.secondpreslr.org. A $5.00 per child registration fee is due at check-in on June 12 (5:15-5:45 p.m.). For more information or to volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Caroline Crew (beyondspeech@gmail.com) or Jeannie Ford (jeannieford@secondpreslr.org, 222-0000).

Calling All VolunteersThere are many opportunities to volunteers: Age Level Adventure Leaders (Shepherds), Activity Superheroes (Crafts, Snacks, Etc.), Designing Decorations and Preparation Work.We have our first “Prep Night” of making name tags and decorations on Tuesday May 16 at 5:30 p.m. If you have any questions please contact Caroline Crow at beyondspeech@gmail.com (volunteer coordinator) or Jeannie Ford at jeannieford@secondpreslr.org.

Ferncliff Summer CampsJune 5 - August 4

Registration is now open for 2017 Summer Camps. These include Day Camp, Nature Preschool Day Camp, Overnight Camp, and Family Camp. For more information, and to register, visit www.ferncliff.org.Ferncliff Summer Camp brochures are available in the church office.

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PRICELESS

WITH CAUTION

This life changing ministrycomes with training, supervision,

a two year commitment,and deepened discipleship.

Expressing God’s care througha relationship of compassionto someone in spiritual crisis,

grieving, or in a life transition.

To report a potential Stephen Minister,please contact Marie Mainard O,Connell

STEPHEN MINISTERS

WANTED

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Presbyterian VillageSpring Memorial Service

The spring memorial service remembering Village residents will be held Thursday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the PV Lodge. This semi-annual service is for Village residents, families, staff and friends to remember those who have recently passed away. Please join us for this special time at our community. For more information, contact Chaplain Stacey Hammons at staceyhammons@presbyvillage.org.

Join the Fun onSunday, May 21

During your birthday month, celebrate your birthday by giving a dollar celebrating each year of your life to our church’s endowment fund.

Whether you are 1 or 101 years of age, this gift gives back for all the blessings in your years.

Our endowment fund provides support for all of our church’s missions and ministries.

Watch for the Cupcakes in the Narthex on Sunday morning.

Birthday Fund envelopes provided.

July 11-15On July 11-15 our church will host the second annual Friendship Camp. As a partner congregation for this Interfaith Camp, our 3rd-5th grade children can now register to participate. Please feel free to share this invitation and encourage friends to register as well.2017 Friendship Camp Application:https://debcooper.wufoo.com/forms/r1r9tfra1nxti35/Please contact Jeannie Ford (jeannieford@secondpreslr.org) or Mary Ibis (maryibis@secondpreslr.org) for more information.

When a loved one dies, one of the most common early reactions is an intense yearning, a sense that part of you is missing, and a hunger to have that person back. Sharing stories often provides solace and helps ease the heartbreak. Our church is providing a place to share those stories.From our program’s national headquarters, “Faith & Grief Ministries’ mission is to provide ongoing comfort to persons who have experienced the death of a loved one. We value most the gifts of the Holy Spirit’s gentle and restless source of comfort; a community that understands mourning; compassion revealed in silence, listening, tears and surprising laughter; and stories that speak truth in love and promote wholeness.”On the third Tuesday of every month, our church hosts a Faith and Grief Luncheon for the community from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Second Hall. Participants will experience:

• A supportive community of persons who have experienced the death of a loved one.

• Comfort through scripture and prayers • Encouragement through personal stories • Hope in sharing your feelings and experiences

Our speaker for this month will be Sharon Downs. Registration for May 16 can be made by visiting www.faithandgrief.org or by calling (469) 251-9612.If you are interested in receiving more information about the Faith and Grief Ministry, contact Sharon Hughes at (501) 227-0000 or sharonhughes@secondpreslr.org or go online to www.faithandgrief.org.

June 1Last Call

Limited Spots Available!

If you’re between the ages of 19 and 30 and looking for something meaningful to do with your life next year, consider applying to be a Young Adult Volunteer! The PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program is a one-year service opportunity for young adults, with both national and international sites. Learn more at http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/yav/.

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Isaac Arnold, Sage & Joe Arnold’s nephew – Air Force, stationed at Offutt AFB, NE

Andrew Delo, Jeanne Lloyd’s grandson – stationed at Groton, CT Naval Base

Martyn Delo, Jeanne Lloyd’s grandson – stationed in San Diego at Naval Base (on USS Boxer in dry dock)

Taylor Douglas, son of Susan & Kevin Douglas – Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CA

David Henry, son of Mary Helen & Joe Henry – at the Pentagon, Washington, DC

Jonathan Johnson, grandson of Helen Scott, nephew of Clarke & Cindy Scott Huisman – stationed at Warner Robbins, GA.

Daniel Jones, Jean Munger’s grandson, Marjorie Watkins’ nephew – stationed in Ft. Leonardwood, MO

Jonathan Miller, son of Patrice & Stan Miller – stationed in Virginia Beach, VA

Matthew Powell, grandson of Dorothy Powell, stationed in Savannah, GA

Chris Rookey, son of Hallie & Craig Rookey, grandson of Hallie & Kirk Simmins – deployed to Eastern Europe

Kyle Rought, Mary Ibis’ cousin – stationed in Wahiawa, HI

Stuart Rubio, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS

John Matthew Solomon, son of Mary Margaret & Alan Solomon – stationed at Fort Meade, MD

In Harm’s Way

May 2017STEWPOTCook team: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.Servers: 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.Friday: May 12, 19, 26

OUR HOUSESecond Friday of each month, 5:30-7:00 p.m.Presbyterian Women delivers and servesFriday: May 12

RICE DEPOTVolunteers box and deliver food to older adultsFourth Saturday of each month, 8:15-11:00 a.m.Saturday: May 27

FOR MORE INFORMATION . . .

StewpotCampbell McLaurin campbellmclaurin@gmail.com

Our HouseLinda HumphriesLCHumphries@comcast.net

Rice DepotMike Tharpmichael.tharp@sbcglobal.net

Usher/Greeter VolunteersAlways Appreciated

Those who serve as ushers and greeters for our worship service are providing a ministry of hospitality for members and visitors to our church. Along with providing an important leadership role for worship, those who serve as ushers and greeters are also afforded a wonderful opportunity to meet and work alongside other members of the congregation. You may contact the following deacons who serve as usher captains to volunteer as ushers or greeters:

May Worship Usher Captains

8:30 a.m.Laura Campbell

LL_cool_smith@yahoo.com

9:00 a.m.Jill Wright

jill.wright@lrsd.org

11:00 a.m.Katherine Downie

katherinedownie@att.net

Praeclara presents

Sunday, May 21 at 4 p.m.Great Hall, Second Presbyterian Church

A Tribute to Shows of the 1940s

Featuring the Praeclara Ringers

Conducted by Kyle Blackburn

Tickets and info: 501.859.9000 or praeclara.org

Bulletin BoardHospitalized (*Discharged) *Florence Gardner, *Byron Reeves

Our sympathy goes to Jeannie Ford and Collins Andrews, Daniel Ford, on the death of mother and grandmother, Sara DeMotte; Jan Gauntt on the death of her husband, Jim; Christina Littlejohn on the death of her grandmother, Dr. Mary T. Littlejohn; Gy Alexander on the death of her mother, Kathryn Marshall; Linda Austin on the death of her nephew, Garrett Hogan; the family of Amy Grant.

We would appreciate your help . . . in keeping the church office informed when there is a sickness in your family, when someone is in the hospital, or a death has occurred. Please also keep us updated on the sickness or concern so that the information we have on our Care and Concern Line is accurate. Members and friends can call the Care and Concern Line, 227-6117, on weekdays to receive information about prayer concerns in our church family. We will honor all requests for confidentiality, but in order for us to offer pastoral care we need to be aware of your situation. We also want to know about the joys, accomplishments and achievements of members of the church. Please call Marie Mainard O’Connell or Sharon Hughes in the church office with information, 227-0000, or e-mail mariemo@secondpreslr.org or sharonhughes@secondpreslr.org. Thanks for your help!

Heritage Committee Seeks Second Presbyterian MemorabiliaDo you have old certificates, bulletins, newsletters, programs, or other documents for earlier days of our church? Our Heritage Committee would like to copy such to help fill in some of the gaps in our church records. Please contact Pam Luther, 690-5203.

PASTORRev. Steve HancockASSOCIATE PASTORRev. Lindy Vogado TRANSITIONAL ASSOCIATE PASTORRev. Marie Mainard O’ConnellPARISH ASSOCIATESRev. David GillDr. Robert WilliamsonCHURCH EDUCATORJeannie FordINTERIM YOUTH DIRECTORDavid MillsTRANSITIONAL COORDINATOR FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIESBritton VarnDIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND ARTSDr. Bevan KeatingASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSICMary IbisORGANISTAdam Savacool9 O’CLOCK MUSIC COORDINATORSarah Jane GuzmanBUSINESS ADMINISTRATORAileen MooreDIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVINGMalinda KirchnerNEWCOMER CARECatherine AllsburyYOUNG ADULT MINISTRYBlake TierneyErin BeardFACILITIES MANAGERDavid BeachADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATESSage ArnoldTracy MaySharon HughesAdam SavacoolCHILD CARE COORDINATOR & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATEKarin HowzeSEXTONSGuy HowzeEmily McPherson

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES8:30, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL9:50 a.m.Newsletter articles may be e-mailed to:adamsavacool@secondpreslr.orgUPCOMING DEADLINES:Thursday, May 4Thursday, May 18

600 Pleasant Valley Dr.Little Rock, AR 72227

Office: (501) 227-0000Fax: (501) 227-6513Care/Concern: (501) 227-6117www.secondpreslr.org

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

LITTLE ROCK ARPERMIT #1744Presbyterian Church

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@2PresLR

Prayerfully consider including our Church’s missions and ministries in your estate plans.

Our legal name is:Second Presbyterian Church

of Little Rock, Arkansas