Dedicated to Jesus Christ, we are committed to making a difference by

caring for one another, growing in our ministries, and reaching beyond ourselves.

A LITTLE LAGNIAPPE

Sharing Second Sharing Second Presbyterian Church

August 1 , 2018 Issue No. 7

Have you ever been swept up in a wave? No, not an ocean wave at the beach, but the kind of "wave" that sweeps through a football stadium or basketball arena. It's fun to see the wave created by thousands of people standing with their arms raised and then quickly sitting back down to simulate one big ripple effect. The unique thing about the wave is that it is one of the unifying forms of cheering that can go on at sporting events. It takes everyone's cooperation to get a wave going and keep it moving through the crowd.

Sometimes cheers simply celebrate the greatness of a school or team. Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar. All for the Wildcats, stand up and holler!!

As anyone knows who has ever attended a game where their team was losing, the key is not to dwell on your own imminent defeat, but on any weaknesses, real or imagined, on the other side. Rah, rah, ree, kick them in the knee. Rah, rah, ras, kick them in the . . . other knee. And no matter how strange there isalways a cheer that can be adapted to serve.

Hot boudin . . . Cold coush-coush . . . Come on, Tigers, . . . Poosh poosh poosh. (Boudin is a sausage made out of blood and rice and who knows what else. Coush-coush is a mush made out of fried cornmeal batter.)

Cheering is the way we celebrate what we believe to be our strengths. We even choose our cheerleaders to project the kind of strength we hope we possess. Cheering squads used to be made up of pretty, bouncy types. Today's premier cheerleaders have the muscles and tumbling skills of a national gymnastics team combined with the dancing moves of a pop star’s backup singers. We want our team celebrated by cheerleaders who are as strong and nimble as the players themselves. Anything less would negate our boast of strength.

The Corinthians were as anxious to project a winning image as any of us. Paul discovered that they were not only cheerleading for certain groups and leaders within the church, they were beginning to casually let slide an emphasis on the awkward, embarrassing fact of the Cross. The Corinthians wanted to focus on what they believed were their strengths—their leaders, their knowledge, their wisdom.

Paul declares that the thing which the world perceives as their greatest weakness is actually what they should be cheering about. Christ crucified! The Messiah sacrificed for our sake! Paul insisted it was a boast worth making.

The kind of boasting Paul condones - "boasting in the Lord" - requires a new kind of cheering from the church. Recall Jesus' words in Matthew 5:1-12 known as the beatitudes. But what if we thought of Jesus' blessings as actually the cheers of the new kingdom?

"Hooray for the poor in spirit ...." "Rah, rah, rah, let's be the meek .... " "No-fear persecution, no-fear persecution .... " "We are the merciful; we are the merciful .... "

Aren't these foolish sounding excuses for cheers that any team might chant? Who could possibly be impressed by a team that taunts itself as poor in spirit, meek, merciful and persecuted? Surely these are the marks of losers, not winners.

But that is exactly what Paul is telling the Corinthians to stand up and shout about. We have become numbed to the cross as a symbol of scandal and shame. We forget just how shocking it was for the first Christians to claim that the Cross was a victory.

To a world that can only recognize brute strength as power, the church and her cheers will remain a foolish-sounding proposition – “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). See you in church and bring a friend, Tom

August 5: Tom Groome

August 12: Sara Benedetti

August 19: Tom Groome

August 26: David Holden *************************

Second Church is looking for drivers to be added to our Sunday rotation for transporting those who wish to attend church in your personal vehicles, not the bus. Please contact Beth Phillips (bethphillips64@gmail.com or 333-0928 or Paul Ackerman (paulkackers@gmail.com or 333-0910) for details or if you have any questions.

SECOND SHARING . . . All-Church Picnic, Sunday Lunch, Membership Classes, Preaching Schedule PAGE 2

Sunday, August 19

12:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)

All are welcome to join us for our End of Summer Fellowship Lunch on August 19th. Join us as we see old friends and make new ones!

Menu: Grilled Chicken, Vegetables, Tossed Salad, Rolls, Strawberry Shortcake

(Kids menu to include Fruit Cups and Capri Suns)

Suggested donation: $9/adult; $5/children 4-12 (3 and under free)

$25 - 2 Adults (2 or more children 12 and under) $40 - 2 Adults (3 or more teens)

***************************

Childcare will be provided for children 4 and under - RSVP is required. Sign up by calling the church office (254-7768) or in Sunday’s insert.

In lieu of centerpieces, all are encouraged to bring school items for Westminster Village and place in the center of the tables.

Interested in Joining Second Church?

If so, the Inquirer’s Class for joining (or simply in learning more about) Second Church begins Sunday, September 9th. We will meet in the chapel (3rd floor) on Sunday mornings from 9:45–

10:45 a.m. on September 9, 16, 23. The class will join

the church on Sunday morning, September 30, and will be led by Rev. Dr. Tom Groome.

A formal invitation will be mailed to all visitors actives, but if you’d like to attend, call the church office to RSVP (254-7768).

SECOND SHARING . . . Join the Choir, Birthdays, Sunday School Teachers Needed PAGE 3

It is a joy to announce our music ensemble offerings as we begin the fall schedule. The Covenant Choir, conducted by Gary Anderson, will resume Thursday evening (7:30-9:00) rehearsals on August 23 in the Chapel. The choir

sings at most 8:30 and 11:00 services. Members are welcome to sing at either or both services. We welcome new members with a special emphasis on including high school and college singers.

♦ Donna Phillips continues her good work with the Carillon Handbell Choir preparing them for participation in worship approximately once a month. The handbell choirs begin rehearsals on Wednesday, August 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in room 201. As with the Covenant Choir, the Carillon Handbell Choir is seeking new members, high school, college or adult ringers.

♦ Kids for the Kingdom Choir will again be conducted by Jessica Bailey. Children will be rehearsing during W.O.W. (Worship Our Way) and in two, age-appropriate groups, grades K-2 and grades 3-5. In addition to the Sunday morning rehearsals during the 11:00 service, there will be some extra rehearsals to prepare for the Christmas Pageant.

WHEN IN OUR MUSIC GOD IS GLORIFIED AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

1 Bob Elliott, Annie Deitz 2 Chris DeHoag 3 Charlie Smith, Marilee Varner, Russ Coffee,

Emily Gorton 4 Jean Epperson, Martha Deener, LJ Seelbach,

Millie Williams 5 Margaret Chase, Kathy Coyer, Stacey Beane,

Hannah McGoodwin 6 Rack Edwins 7 Betsy Strong 8 Jane Justis, Lynn Reynolds 9 Bill Barr 10 Sarah Boerkircher 11 Alice Thornton, Nathan Lee 12 Tari Keller, Benjamin Wilkinson 13 Owen Lewis, Carrie Dycus, Walker Hancock 14 Larry Simpson, John Kidd, Beth Phillips 17 Suellen Farraris, David Kerns 18 Anne Raker, Margaret Johnson,

Andy Henderson, Tom Eblen, William Kenneally 19 Joy Aten 20 Lana Singleton, Isobel Chewning 21 AliceAnn Sanders, Rebecca Clay Edwins,

Erin Shainfeld 22 Debbie Beckett, Dretta Christian, Fred Cox 23 Bob Blake, Kathie Eads, Jenny Walker,

Jack Evans 24 Leslie Groome, Frederick Cox 25 Tom Whayne, Chris Briggs 27 Lenn Harrison 28 Isabelle Carpenter, Lee Wilbraham, Pierre Ngog,

Jack Ngog 29 Laura Edwins, Grace Byars, Isabel Pedersen,

Ellie DesCognets 30 Janice Leake, Emily Van Meter 31 Cathy Cooper-Weidner, Lee Weidner,

Seth Stallard, Chloe McIntosh

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED

Fall Sunday School is gearing up to start on September 9th and Children's Ministry is looking for some Sunday School teachers! Curriculum is provided to you with fun, age - appropriate activities, crafts, and discussion materials.

We have 4 classes divided by grade: Pre-K/Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grade, 3rd & 4th grade and 5th & 6th grade.

If you are interested in helping teach our children, please contact Jen Brown at (254-7768 or jenb@2preslex.org).

SECOND SHARING . . . REACH Work Camp, SPY (Youth Events), Youth Kick-Off PAGE 4

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH (SPY) Hope your summer is filled with fun and fellowship. Below are upcoming events. Look for details in my Weekly SPY updates. Contact Sara Benedetti (sarab@2preslex.org) with questions. Kroger Community Rewards Participants will need to re-

enroll August 1– August 31 in order for Second Church Youth Mission to continue receiving rewards. Supporters currently enrolled must re-enroll in August. There is no change to our account #11743. Starting August 1st, supporters can log into their Kroger.com account to re-enroll. Kroger will also send an email reminder to enrolled supporters in August with a link to re-enroll. Kings Island Trip is August 9th!

Open to ALL YOUTH rising 6th grade and up. (2018 graduates are welcome to come). We are joining Maxwell Street Youth and going up for an awesome day! We will be leaving Lexington later this year and staying later at the park! Invite your friends!

Cost is $30 plus about $15 for dinner in the park. Look for registration forms on the website (www.2preslex.org) or contact Sara Benedetti (sarab@2preslex.org) with questions.

YOUTH REACH WORK CAMP REACH Workcamp is a weeklong mission of service to low-income communities. Working with local agencies and/or local churches, the camps seek to make an impact on residents, communities, students and adult sponsors who attend. It is a life-changing experience as campers participate in ac-tivities that build community and self-esteem, en-courages spiritual growth and enables them to un-derstand their role in combating poverty. Our group traveled to Our group traveled to Greenville, South Carolina from June 24-30.

Members of the Reach Work Camp included: Sara Benedetti, Sydney Garrett, Randy Master, Maddie Oakley, Lexi Ocampo, Nico Ocampo, Grace Parker, Kaidyn Ridenour and Elizabeth Shainfeld.

Youth Group Kick-Off!

When: Sunday, August 26

Time: 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Where: Shillito Park (shelter #3)

All Middle and High School Youth Group members (including all rising 6th graders) and their families are

invited to help kick-off the new semester of SPY (Second Presbyterian Church) fun and fellowship. A-L family bring dessert; M-Z bring side. ALL youth and their families are invited.

SECOND SHARING . . . Meet Our Missionaries, Justice Ministry News PAGE 5

Second Church will again host the Greater Lexington CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk, Sunday, September 30th. Registration begins 3:00 p.m., along with other on-site activities.

Together, we can help end hunger in our community and around the world! More information to come.

CROP WALK - SAVE THE DATE

Jim and Jodi McGill are supported by Second and are serving as mission co-workers in South Sudan and Niger. Jim is working in water and sanitation development training work in South Sudan. Some of the work Jodi is doing is extremely challenging and a few excerpts from her recent letter are below:

“In addition to administrative duties, Jodi has been teaching English focused on medical phrases and terminology to several different cadres of health care professionals and students. It is a great way to learn about the medical healthcare training system of Niger and to network for the nursing school.

Although it is taking time for the government to give its final approval for the opening of the school, it has provided Jodi with the opportunity to assist the national nursing school in the clinic training of their nursing students. As Jodi mentioned in a previous newsletter, outpatients and inpatients have to buy all the medical and pharmaceutical supplies they will need for treatment. Everything from gloves to gauze for wound dressing to needles for injections, and any medications, from antibiotics to “Tylenol.” She learned while supervising the nursing students that the patients even have to provide their own mercury thermometers.

Here in Niger, a ramification of having primarily patient-provided supplies is that the nursing school will need to provide many of the supplies for the nursing students to use to be able to ascertain their skill competencies during clinical evaluations. For example, with IV insertion, it is not reasonable, or even possible, that a patient should be responsible for buying extra IV cannulas for a nursing student to become proficient at the insertion of an IV. This means the school will need to provide many practice supplies for the students.”

The EERN is so very grateful for the several churches who have demonstrated an interest in providing funds for the initial needs of the school, being part of the school’s vision, and sharing in the WaSH work of South Sudan and the beginning of the work here in Niger. We are very grateful for the financial support that allows us to be here.”

This past year, Second provided $2,000 for much needed nursing supplies to this new nursing school in Niger, including a “practice arm” for nursing students to learn how to insert IVs. The support that Second provides for Mission efforts throughout the world are rich and varied.

MEET OUR MISSIONARIES

Let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

Before Second’s Justice Ministry Team begins planning and preparing for your Fall House Meetings, we truly desire to achieve our congregational investment drive goal by August 15th. With 75% of our goal reached, a gentle reminder to all committed Justice Ministry Network Members yet to invest: please contact your Team Leader with your investment plan. Thank You!

To our church family supporting the sacred work of Doing Justice and wishing to invest in BUILD's mission, do note that every $1 invested, $58 is leveraged in our community! In 2017, BUILD leveraged these community resources: saved the system $931,156 annually by ensuring continued funding for Fayette County Mental Health Court, leveraged 8 million dollars in healthcare benefits, saved the city $1.5M by ensuring 100 youth had access to restorative justice and $1.5M to make sure drug court was filled to capacity. Securing the annual revenue of $2 M for an Affordable Housing Fund in the city's budget has currently created 1,358 safe, affordable homes! After a 6 year arduous campaign, BUILD won the creation of this fund in 2014. Since 2006 $175,000 has been placed in the city budget to provide drug treatment in the women's jail. This has saved Lexington $500,000 in reduced recidivism and jail time....and saved lives! Total money leveraged in 2017: $14.1 million! Just a few examples these past 15 years which highlight the positive returns on our investments for Justice.

Checks payable to B.U.I.L.D (Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct Action) can be placed in Sunday's offering or mailed to the church office. Abundant gratitude to our Second Church family and friends for accepting this opportunity to help make our beloved Lexington more like a city of God! Where our treasure is, there our hearts are also. Matthew 6:21

Second’s Justice Ministry Team, Fredda and Bill Moody, Jim Drahovzal and Judy Maxson are anticipating hearing about your concerns and what community problems you find distressing during our September and October House Meetings. Please contact one of us, or Rev. David Holden, with your Justice Ministry inquiries. Thank you!

JUSTICE MINISTRY NEWS

SECOND SHARING . . . Member News, PNC Update, Backpack Buddies, For The Health Of It PAGE 6

MEMBER NEWS

Congratulations on the birth of William Palmer, son of Ben and Carrie Dycus, born July 1st. Grandparents are Cary and E Barr.

Sympathy to Mark and Mimi Dildilan and family on the death of Mark’s mother.

Sympathy to Will and Libby Messer on the death of Will’s grandfather, Robert Messer, Jr.

Sympathy to Randy Master on the death of his mother on July 19th.

Bill Hoskins who passed away on July 18th.

In July we met twice to discuss, review, and narrow down potential candidates for Second Presbyterian Church. We are doing our due diligence and gradually making some progress. We continue to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance, and we are glad that you are also praying with us!

Grace and Peace, Your Second Church PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee)

With the start of the school year just right around the corner, it will soon be time for the Backpack Buddies program

to kick into high gear! Our first delivery will be the week of August 27th with delivery set for each week that school is in session For several years, Second Church has partnered with God's Pantry to pick up product, pack 100 bags of shelf ready food and deliver those bags to the Cardinal Valley Elementary Family Resource Coordinator (also known as the Backpack Fairy), Carmen Cotto. Ms. Cotto then places individual bags in the backpacks of children at the school. If you would like to know more about this program or would like to sign up for a week during this semester, please feel free to contact Evelyn Kramer (ebkramer55@yahoo.com or (859) 873-4700).

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, & patience. Bear with each other. Colossians 3:12

We are a caring community. I am always heartened to hear how so many of you reach out and show love and kindness to each other in big and small ways...often quietly, and

unassuming. It is the example Jesus gave us to serve one another. I recently read an article that gave pointers for ways to be good caregivers:

⇒ Be intentional. Follow through with that thought to reach out, to offer help.

⇒ Provide for each other with quality time. Take time to really listen.

⇒ Open up to one another. Let others see the cracks and the vulnerabilities.

⇒ Go out of your way. Has your usual pew mate been absent for weeks? Not been to Sunday School? Find out why.

⇒ Serve together. There is no better way to get to know someone than to serve shoulder to shoulder and share the experience.

⇒ Keep God first. We are serving Him in all we do. Mark Twain said "Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Go be a blessing!

Jackie Graves, Parish Nurse

BACKPACK BUDDIES

FOR THE HEALTH OF IT

SECOND SHARING . . . Calendar, Bible Studies and More PAGE 7

CHURCH CALENDAR

Saturday, August 4

10:00 a.m. Saturday Study Group (204) Monday, August 5 6:30 p.m. Music and Worship (202) Wednesday, August 6

6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (Bob Evans) Thursday, August 9

6:30 p.m. Personnel (202) Saturday, August 11 10:00 a.m. Saturday Study Group (204) Sunday, August 12

12:15 p.m. Deacons Meeting (202) Monday, August 13

5:30 p.m. Finance Committee (202) Tuesday, August 14

7:00 p.m.. Trustees (202) Wednesday, August 15 6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (Bob Evans) Saturday, August 18

10:00 a.m. Saturday Study Group (204) Sunday, August 19

12:15 p.m. Sunday Lunch (Fellowship Hall) 7:00 p.m. Session Meeting (202) Tuesday, August 21

1:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry (204) Wednesday, August 22

6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (Bob Evans) Thursday, August 23

6:30 p.m. CROP Walk Recruiter’s Meeting (Forum) 7:30 p.m. Covenant Choir Rehearsal (Chapel) Saturday, August 25

10:00 a.m. Saturday Study Group (204) Wednesday, August 29

6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (Bob Evans) 7:00 p.m. Carillon Handbell Rehearsal (201) Thursday, August 30 7:30 p.m. Covenant Choir Rehearsal (Chapel)

���� Women’s Saturday Discussion Women's Saturday discussion group meet each Saturday at 9:00 a.m., in the Campbell Room. Join us as we study Pastrix: the Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber. Contact Laura Gardner (269-3283) for details.

����Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast meets each Wednesday (6:30-7:30 a.m.) at Bob Evans as we study The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions by Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright. Questions? Call Shawn Caudill (219-1249).

����Prayer Shawl Ministry

We meet the third Tuesday of the month at 12:30 pm in Room 204 (August 21). If you would like a prayer shawl for a congregation member or yourself, contact our Parish Nurse, Jackie Graves (254-7768).

����Candlelight Circle The Candlelight Circle will begin another year with a potluck at the home of Judy Kirkland on Monday, August 27th at 6:30 p.m. All women are welcome to study God's Promise: I am with You. Call Catherine Hunt (327-9388) with questions or to order a study book.

����Ronald McDonald House Did you know Ronald McDonald House provides a place for people in this situation to stay close to their child at no cost, easing their financial stress? Now imagine that you could help these folks by providing an evening meal. Second Presbyterian provides a meal for these folks the 2nd Friday of each month. Available dates to help are August 10th, October 12th, and November 9th. If you would like to help please contact Mike Garrett (m.garrett1060@gmail.com or 859-229-0910).

BIBLE STUDIES AND MORE

SECOND E-SHARING

The next issue of Second Sharing will be mailed on August 29 (September issue) and emailed to those who are signed up to receive Second E-Sharing. The electronic version can be seen on our website at www.2preslex.org.

Reminder Fayette County Public Schools

begin Wednesday, August 15th.

Donations for the school supply drive for Westminster Village are due to the church by Sunday, August 5th.

Second Presbyterian Church

460 E. Main St.

Lexington, KY 40507

USPS (023-259) Periodical Postage Paid at Lexington KY

Second Sharing is published monthly by

Second Presbyterian Church 460 E. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

Second Presbyterian Church, 460 East Main St., Lexington, KY 40507

Church Phone: 859.254.7768

Internet: www.2preslex.org

E-Mail: office@2preslex.org

Periodical

Postage Paid

Douglas Dicks, our Mission Co-Worker in Israel/Palestine, has asked for our prayers during the month of August.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has, for decades, promoted a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, particularly within the realm of the Israel-Arab conflict. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pursues peace in the region in partnership with the indigenous Palestinian Arab Christian community, and with partner churches in the region. One of the key goals of the PC(U.S.A.)'s Middle East peace initiative is to help end the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza - now in its 71st year. Our church advocates for the right of Israelis and Palestinians "to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries, from threats or acts of force." Doug's earlier years in mission service coincided with key, historical events in the region, including the Oslo Accords, and the Second Palestinian Intifada.

Doug's specific prayer requests:

August 5 - Prayers for Palestinians and Israelis: Muslims, Jews and Christians. For all who all the Holy Land "home". August 12 - Prayers for the Bedouin community of Khan Al-Ahmar, threatened with demolition. August 19 - Prayers for Gaza. Prayers for Sderot August 26 - Prayers that God will equip and build the churches in Jerusalem to be all that they are called to be; that they might become communities of grace and compassion, standing up for justice.

As the community of Christ, let us support this quest for peace, justice and compassion in the Middle East or visit Doug's homepage: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/doug-dicks/

PRAYERS FOR ISRAEL AND PALESTINE IN AUGUST