LENT: BOOT CAMP
FOR THE SOUL
Through a series of sermons, readings, and
discussions we have just finished an extended
conversation about what is needed to renew our
church in order that it might make a spiritual impact in a rapidly changing 21st
century. No doubt each of us engaged in different ways with the messages of
these past weeks. But one thing we have in common no matter what
challenged us individually is that we will more likely act on those ideas the
stronger we are spiritually.
So it is timely for us to be now entering the Lenten season as this series of
vision-casting and challenge ends. Historically, we approach the Lenten
season prepared to journey inward, looking at our interior life, taking
personal assessment, prepared to be contrite where we’ve fallen short, with
God’s help, to live more faithfully in the future. Yes, Lent is the one season
where we undertake the intentional work of seeking a change of heart or
actions.
Reflection and change take work. Lent can be likened to a boot camp for the
soul. In order to be effectively engaged, we need to become stronger
spiritually and this happens by practicing necessary spiritual disciplines. This
year’s Lenten lectionary readings cover the full breadth of lived human
experience from creation to death and new life. Here we have the
opportunity to see more clearly a pathway to a virtuous life in contrast to
one snagged by temptation and drained of spiritual resiliency. I invite you to
join me on this spiritual journey, utilizing the resources provided during the
season to further examine your interior life, and to let God’s Spirit search you
and guide you toward that part of the divine mission you are best equipped
to meet.
Faithfully Yours, Pastor David
LENT 2017
Ash Sunday First Sunday of Lent March 5 @ 9:45am
Annual Meeting
March 5 @ 10:30am
Pancake Breakfast March 19 @ 8 & 10:30am
Palm Sunday April 9 @ 945
Maundy Thursday
April 13 Dinner @ 6:30pm
Worship @ 7:30pm
Good Friday April 14
Dinner @ 6:30pm Worship @ 7:30pm
Easter Sunday
April 16 @ 9:45am
“See, now is the
acceptable time; see,
now is the day of
salvation!
2 Corinthians 6:2
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Lent 2017
“ASH SUNDAY”
SUNDAY, MARCH 5 @ 9:45AM
Our Lenten journey begins
on the First Sunday in Lent
with ashes and Holy Communion
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
THROUGHOUT LENT
Help create artwork to be used during Holy Week
by stopping by after worship, or during the week,
to color our stations of the cross posters
PALM SUNDAY: HOSANNAS
SUNDAY, APRIL 9 @ 9:45AM
Reenact Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem
with a joyful procession of palms and instruments
MAUNDY THURSDAY; COMMUNION
THURSDAY, APRIL 13
DINNER @ 6:30PM; WORSHIP @ 7:30PM
Put your worship into service by bringing food to share
and eat with our Family Promise families…
followed by an intimate worship experience
of foot-washing and Holy Communion in the sanctuary
GOOD FRIDAY: TENEBRAE
FRIDAY, APRIL 14
DINNER @ 6:30PM; WORSHIP @ 7:30PM
Service of darkness and hope led by our WPC youth
EASTER SUNDAY: CHRIST IS RISEN!
SUNDAY, APRIL 16 @ 9:45AM
Festival service of Word and Holy Communion, joyful music,
delicious pastries, and an Easter egg hunt for the children
Winnetka Presbyterian Church 1255 Willow Road
Winnetka, IL 60093 847.446.7777main 847.446.7790 fax
www.winnpres.org
facebook.com/WinnetkaPres
twitter.com/WinnetkaPres
ext
David Boumgarden Interim Senior Pastor
20
Geoff Duffy Director of Music
Associate Director of Worship
24
Nancy Holly Director of Children’s Ministry
21
Rev. Diann Santschi Parish Associate of Pastoral Care & Counseling
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Rev. Kathy Dale McNair Specialized Minister
Mental Health Ministry
Dina Price
Administrator
22
Michael Jin Accountant
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Chris Kenneally Custodian
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Worship and Music
Look Around This Lent Geoff Duffy Director of Music, Associate Director of Worship
The heavens are telling the
glory of God; and the
firmament proclaims his
handiwork. Day to day
pours forth speech, and
night to night declares
knowledge. –Psalm 19:1
Psalm 19 is a beautiful
reminder that, if we just
open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts, there are
messages from God swirling all around our universe.
Perhaps there is no better time than Lent to see this
reality on full display. For 40 days, the church takes
a mini-retreat to reflect and prepare for the
upcoming celebration of Easter. And, all along the
way are signposts from God’s creation.
This year, our scripture readings during Sunday
worship are drawn from the most ancient Lenten
scriptures. The stories from the Gospel of John were
used by the early church as they prepared converts
to be baptized on Easter. In many ways, they are
the primary Lenten scriptures. And they are full of
imagery from creation.
On the First Sunday in Lent, we will go with Jesus
into the barren wilderness to be marked with ashes,
and fed with the bread of life and the cup of
salvation. On the following Sundays, we will see
God revealed through living water, brilliant light,
and rolled-away gravestones.
Even the flowers that will bloom during the Easter
season have a story to tell. On the Second Sunday in
Lent, we will hear Jesus say to Nicodemus: “God so
loved the world that he gave his only son…” Take a
look at the dogwood. It tells the story of God’s love
without even saying a word. The flower is in the
form of a cross, the petals are tipped with four
blood-red scars, and the center resembles the
crown of thorns.
So take a look around you during the next 40 days.
How is God being revealed to you? And how can
you let that revelation of God’s love change and
transform you?
Stations of the Cross Devotional
Our Lenten devotional this year is a little different.
Rather than 40 different reflections, it based on the
15 Stations of the Cross. Our former Associate
Pastor, Adam Walker Cleaveland, has created some
beautiful images to color; and our Director of Music,
Geoff Duffy, has written meditations and questions
(for adults and children) to accompany them. The
children will be given the same images, but
simplified for their level. In addition, we will also be
coloring the 15 large posters of the stations to be
used in our Holy Week worship. There will be
opportunities for families to take the posters home,
as well as opportunities for everyone to contribute
their own talents right here at the church. Hopefully
working and reflecting on this project together will
help to make our Holy Week worship as a
community more meaningful. You can pick up your
devotionals in the narthex or at the front office.
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February Worship & Music
Children’s Ministry
Sunday School
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Children in Kindergarten through 5th grade completed their journey through the books of the Old Testament and now are preparing our journey to the cross with the first day of Lent beginning March 5. During the season of Lent the children in Sunday school will be studying the same Gospel scripture used in worship each week. This provides opportunity for families to talk together about these 40 days leading up to Jesus crucifixion and resurrection.
Stations
of the
Cross
Coloring
Posters
So far five families have taken home our stations of the cross coloring posters and are already actively engaged! We are encouraging these families to send us pictures as they work together on their posters. Check out our bulletin board in the atrium for the latest.
Mission
We delivered over 70 bags of food to the New Trier Township Food Pantry, but before we did Geoff blessed the food with the children on February 5.
Cookie Baking for Kairos Prison
Ministry
During the months of March and April we will be making placemats and signs for the Kairos prison ministry led by Kirk McInerney for WPC. We will also host a cookie baking day after school with a date TBD.
Hot Cocoa Social
We hosted our first annual Hot Cocoa Social on February 8 in the CLC. Children and their parents enjoyed hot cocoa and a snack while making valentines for family and friends. The afternoon would not be complete without a game of tag with friends - good old fashion fun!
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Youth Ministry
Junior High Youth Ministry
The junior high youth group continues to meet twice a month to enjoy fellowship and study. After a fun activity at the beginning of their time together, the youth separate into their 6th Grade Bible study class and 7th and 8th Grade confirmation class. Then they join back together for a closing discussion and prayer. The junior high youth look forward to several upcoming events with the junior high youth group from First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette.
Senior High Youth Ministry
Our senior high youth group continues their Bible study with Ken Crews, Director of Student Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette. They enjoy dinner, check ins, scripture study and good conversation every Tuesday from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm in the youth lounge. Thanks to all the parents that continually provide dinner throughout the year.
Pancake Breakfast
Our youth group pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 19 with seatings at 8:45 am and 11:15 am. Proceeds help support their domestic 2017 summer mission trip. Please join us before worship or after. Tickets will be sold after worship on March 5 and March 12 and at the door on March 19. Tickets are $10/adult, $5/youth & children, $30/family.
The Boulevard
Both junior and senior high youth groups enjoyed their service experience at the Boulevard on Sunday, February 26. Some of the youth helped prepare the meal on Saturday at WPC and some were available to serve on Sunday. Thank you to all that helped support this event by making casseroles, providing food and chaperoning. It was a very worthwhile event and meaningful to all that participated. We will post pictures on our bulletin board in the atrium this month to share their experience.
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, March 19
Buy Your Tickets Today!
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Volunteer Opportunities
Coffee Hour
Faithful volunteers host and share the treats we all enjoy after the Sunday service.
To sign up and for guidance on what to bring, please sign-up here. Questions? Contact Ernie Palmer.
Yoga Sanctuary
Wednesdays @ 7pm & Saturdays @ 9:00am
Refresh your body and soul with Kate Gisborne. The cost is $15, and please bring your mat.
Faith, Hope and
Recovery
3rd Tuesday, March 21 @ 7pm, Conference Room C
We support people impacted by mental health conditions (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder) offering skills to increase hope and deepen faith. All are welcome. For more information, contact Rev. Kathy Dale McNair, 847.989.1989, [email protected].
Senior Club
Tuesday, March 14 @ 11:30am
Bring a sandwich cut in two pieces to share, and if you celebrate a birthday this month, we hope you'll share a bit about your life story with the group. No RSVP necessary, just come! Questions? Please call Kathy Fink, Elder for Spiritual Formation, 847.693.1699.
Kairos -by Kirk McInerney
Kairos believes that true rehabilitation starts with the “heart”. With this in mind our ministry to incarcerated men and women begins with the Kairos weekend where volunteers model and communicate God’s unconditional love, grace and mercy. It is here that God begins changing hearts. A key outcome of the Kairos weekend is for participants to find hope and a new vision for their life through a relationship with God.
The prison environment fosters isolation. During the weekend many participants take their first steps in learning to become vulnerable with one another. Following the weekend, they are encouraged to be involved in small groups focusing on accountability, encouragement and prayer. Those groups meet weekly and Kairos volunteers continue to return and provide discipleship and mentoring. God continues His work of changing hearts and transforming lives as the participants strengthen their relationship with Christ and with each other. They grow in their understanding that, with God’s help, a changed way of life is possible. As transformation continues, new attitudes are expressed in changed behavior. Soon they are impacting the world in which they live—inside the prison walls or outside upon their release.
Rev. Kathy Dale McNair
How Can You Help?
Bake Cookies! • Pick-up an instruction
Ziploc bag in the Atrium after the service.
• Bake Cookies with your children see instructions the deadline is Friday, April 7th by 12pm.
• Make placemats and drawings at Sunday School and home. Home art work due Friday, April 7th by 12pm.
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“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35
What does I AM mean to you?
God was first revealed in the Hebrew
Scriptures as I AM to Moses on Mt. Horeb.
In the gospel of John, Jesus uses seven I AM
statements to describe his own identity.
And in between these two biblical
moments, the Jewish and Christian
scriptures are filled with numerous names
and images of God.
Calling All Artists!
We are looking for artists who are
interested in contributing a piece of
artwork (all mediums!) that illustrates your
own understanding of the greatness of
God.
WHEN April 9-30, 2017
artwork must be dropped off by April 3
WHERE Winnetka Presbyterian Church
1255 Willow Road, Winnetka
WHO All Area Artists
All skill levels and mediums accepted
REGISTRATION DEADLINE March 20
$10 entry fee for each piece submitted
INFORMATION Karen Tokmakoff
please contact Karen for more information
or visit our website to register www.winnpres.org
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1
11am Bible Study 7pm Candlelight Yoga Sanctuary
2 9:30am LifeTalk
3
8pm AA Meeting
4 8am Men’s Group 9am Yoga Sanctuary
5 8:45am Choir Rehearsal 9:45am Worship & Sunday School 3:45pm Jr. High Youth Group
6 12:00pm Men of the Church 7:30pm Men’s Small Group
7 6:30am Men’s Bible Study w/ Dan McNerney 6pm Sr. High Bible Study 7:30pm AA Meeting
8 11am Bible Study 7pm Candlelight Yoga Sanctuary 7pm Deacon Meeting
9 9:30am LifeTalk 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
10 8pm AA Meeting
11 8am Men’s Group 9am Yoga Sanctuary
12
8:45am Choir Rehearsal 9:45am Worship & Sunday School
13 7:00pm PNC 7pm Stephen Ministry
14 6:30am Men’s Bible Study w/ Dan McNerney 11:30am Senior Club 6pm Sr. High Bible Study 7pm Mission Team 7:30pm AA Meeting
15
11am Bible Study 7pm Candlelight Yoga 7pm Session Mtg
16 9:30am LifeTalk 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
17 8pm AA Meeting
18
8am Men’s Group 9am Yoga Sanctuary
19
8:45am Pancake Breakfast 1st seating 8:45am Choir Rehearsal 9:45am Worship & Sunday School 11:15am Pancake Breakfast 2nd seating 4pm Jr. High Youth Group 6pm PTI
20 7:00pm PNC 4:30pm A Just Harvest Soup Kitchen, East Rogers Park 7:30pm Men’s Small Group
21 6:30am Men’s Bible Study w/ Dan McNerney 6pm Sr. High Bible Study 7pm Faith, Hope & Recovery 7:30pm AA Meeting
22
7pm Candlelight Yoga Sanctuary
23 9:30am LifeTalk 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
24 8pm AA Meeting
25 8am Men’s Group 9am Yoga Sanctuary
26 8:45am Choir Rehearsal 9:45am Worship & Sunday School
27
28 6:30am Men’s Bible Study w/ Dan McNerney 6pm Sr. High Bible Study 7pm Stephen Ministry 7:30pm AA Meeting
29
11am Bible Study 7pm Candlelight Yoga Sanctuary
30 9:30am LifeTalk 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
31 8pm AA Meeting
Annual Meeting
Sunday
March 5th,
10:45am
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