Dear friends,
Last night at our session meeting we had the exciting opportunity to hear about our confirmation class that started over a year ago. Seven young people became the newest members of PCWS! It was a wonderful experience to journey with them in their faith exploration this past year. Rogers Malone led the class even as we shifted course throughout the summer. The confirmands were also guided by Amy Malone and Carolyn Bozek. In the final weeks of their journey, Lottie led them in working on their professions of faith which they each individually prepared. On December 13, during our morning worship service, we’ll receive them as members and celebrate this next step in their spiritual journey.
This Sunday is the final Sunday of our liturgical year - Christ the King Sunday. Advent starts the following Sunday, November 29. It is hard to believe it. But I also think that more than any other season in the church year, we’re all in need of the expectant reflection of Advent. Advent points us toward what we hope for - what we need - what we long for. And, my friends, I think that we all know a lot about hoping, needing, and longing. I look forward to joining you on the advent journey.
I wanted to let you know that later today, our Pastor Emeritus, David Bebb Jones, will be having surgery to repair his elbow and has requested our prayers. Dave tripped over the weekend and sustained an injury to his elbow. We pray for Dave during his surgery, and recovery and pray for Ann and all who will care for him. May he have a safe surgery and a speedy recovery!
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning for worship and our last sermon from the Sermon on the Mount.
Peace,
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Pastor Erik
P.S. Our Early Risers group will be starting a new book on December 3 called Advent in Narnia. It is a daily devotional, and on Thursday mornings from 7-8 we’ll be meeting to discuss the book and some themes from the C.S. Lewis book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. All are welcome, and copies of the book are $15 and available by emailing me or Terri (terri@presbyws.org).
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Watch our Worship Services Live
Sunday morning @ 9:30 a.m.
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No matter where you may be in the world, you can feel close to PCWS! |
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PCWS Book Group
November 23, 7:00 p.m.
This month's selection is:
Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera
For more info on the Book Club, and for the Zoom info, click here!
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All Women are Invited!
November 24, 7:00 p.m.
Plan on attending, next Tuesday evening, as we focus on ways to prepare for the holidays. Join Theresa Dixon and Sue Eck as they show us ways to prepare a joyous holiday setting while connecting with other women.
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Mid Day Prayers
Looking for calm in the middle of the day? Everyone is welcome to attend, Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, when it fits your schedule! These sessions take place over Zoom and you can click here for all the details
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Early Risers
New Session Begins December 3
During the four Thursdays in Advent (which starts on Sunday, November 29) we will be reading the book Advent in Narnia: Reflections for the Season by Heidi Haverkamp. Heidi Haverkamp lives right here in Chicago.
The group will begin on December 3 and continue for 4 weeks.
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Surviving the Holidays
We’d like to let you know about a new program at PCWS - GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays seminar. If you have suffered a loss, please consider attending or pass on the information to someone who may benefit by coming.
The seminar features practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts, and other people who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death. Topics to be discussed include dealing with hard-hitting emotions, what to do about traditions, how to survive social events, and where to find comfort and strength.
GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays will be held via Zoom and hosted by members of PCWS:
Tuesday, December 8, 2:00 pm
Those who attend will receive a Survival Guide filled with practical tips, encouraging words, journaling ideas, and exercises for daily help through the holiday season.
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Gratitude is an important spiritual discipline— especially during challenging times. It reminds us to slow down and notice the blessings in our lives.
This November, we invite you to join us for 30 days of giving thanks! Daily prompts will be posted to Facebook and Instagram to inspire your journaling, prayer, meditation, doodling or photography. If you don’t use social media, you can also view the prompts on our webpage!
You can view all the posts, even if you don't use Social Media, by clicking on this link!
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Let's Fill the can and Support Second Baptist Church of La Grange Food Pantry
Thanks to all who have accepted the challenge and have helped to fill the baskets for the food pantry at 2nd Baptist Church in LaGrange! Our regular Monday morning delivery has helped to make a greater impact on the community that 2nd Baptist serves. Please continue to remember our neighbors who struggle with hunger and, as you are doing your grocery shopping, consider adding a couple extra items for the pantry. Food items can be dropped off Sunday mornings or any time during the week in the can near the entrance from the parking lot.
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Donating Gently Used Winter Coats for Children and Adults
PCWS has traditionally collected gently used winter coats for children and adults. Due to the coronavirus this year, all coats must be dry cleaned before they can be accepted at Margaret’s Village. If you have dry cleaned winter coats you wish to donate for Maria and Believe Family Shelters, contact Janet Andersen to arrange pick-up.
We are offering an alternative solution this holiday season. There are 34 CD One Price Cleaner locations in the Chicago area who are accepting donations of gently used children, teen, and adult winter coats through Monday November 30th. Coats can be donated 24/7 via CD One's express drop-off windows. CD One will clean all coats and deliver them for distribution in time for winter through The Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society. For more info or to find the nearest store, visit www.cdonepricecleaners.com/locations.
Margaret's Village won't receive coats through this distribution, however, others in need will receive a clean warm coat!
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Our siblings at Nueva Paz Presbyterian Church in Cuba
Our men & women serving our country in the Armed Services
The people of Syria, and especially the relatives of PCWS’ Interfaith Women’s Book Group
First responders, nurses, doctors, and others providing care to others
Ann, friend of Joyce & Herb Smyers
Betty Anderson
Betty Toft
Bob LeMay, friend of Kay Kelly
Brent Young, son-in-law of Larry & Becky Glasscock
David Bebb Jones
Family and friends of Wayne Filar, Candice Mares’ cousin
George Bruser, uncle of Donna Kanak & Diane Bonner
Holly Oliver, daughter of Mary Kae Headland
The family of Inez Martinez, friend of the Merrifield family
Jan Fortina
Jessie DeFano, niece of Michelle Hennessy
John Kregg
Joshua Haberkorn, grandson of Shirley Pine
Julie Garino
Kathleen Kircher
Laura Gertsmeier
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Laura Querry, daughter of Becky & Larry Glascock
Laurie Merrifield
Marc Goldstein, friend of Carol Ulreich
Kelly and Jill Dold
Mary Jo Blough
Mary Jo Long
Mary Kate Miller, step-mother of Julie Garino
Mary, dear friend of Bruce Geary
Michael De Vries
Michael, friend of Jane Norman
Nate & Joann Dardick, friends of Laurie Merrifield
Nathan, friend of McMahon Family
Norb Mirlenbrink, Uncle of Lori Carsten
Pat McTiernan, friend of Phyllis DiFrancesco
Pat White, friend of Becky Glasscock
Paulette Erickson, friend of Carol Ulreich
Peggy Mirlenbrink, aunt of Lori Carsten
Peter Wilkie
Phil Kasik
Ruth Kaduke, niece of Herb & Joyce Smyers
Shannon Cavanaugh, niece of Phyllis DiFrancesco
Steve, friend of McMahon Family
Teri Tuffner, aunt of Candice Mares
Terry Moore, friend of Mike Pelton
Theresa Ybanez, great niece of Laura Fruit
Parents of Tiffany Sellman
Wendy Montague, friend of Candice Mares
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Please keep the family of Billye Dvorak in your prayers. Billye was a long time member of PCWS and died last week. May God bring comfort and peace to her family, and we give thanks for her life.
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Stephen Ministers Are Available
We are a congregation that prays with one another and for one another. You are encouraged to pray for the concerns on this prayer list even though you may not know the details. Our Stephen Ministers are praying as well. If you would like to have a Stephen Minister pray for you or with you (over the telephone, FaceTime or ZOOM), please reach out to Joyce Rodos, the Stephen Ministry leader.
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11/19 Matt Mosher
11/19 Ron Blough
11/21 Mark Burt
11/22 Jan Martin
11/23 Sara Merrifield
11/23 Steve Blough
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11/25 Michelle Farr
11/25 Walt Kovalick
11/27 Alex Hanson
11/27 Jack Wennerstrum
11/28 Loretta Gratias-Bremer
11/28 Ron Adams
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Thistle Farms Items On Sale!
Great gift idea! With all the hand washing we're doing, why not pick up some hand lotion?
We are offering all In-Stock Thistle Farms items for a discount - see the chart below for quantities.
8 oz Hand Soap, Hand Lotion, Body Wash: Regular $12.00
Now $10.00
2 oz Body Wash: Regular $6.50 Now $5.00
Please email Terri in the office (terri@presbyws.org) to order and make arrangements to pick up your items. You may pay by check or online by choosing Ministry Support - Other. It's never too early to think gift-giving!
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Online Giving
During this time of virtual worship all are invited to continue supporting the mission and ministry of PCWS by:
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Dropping off or mailing your contributions directly to our church office at 5250 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558, or
- Donating online.
Did you know you can use our giving site to set-up recurring or one-time payments (there's no fee when you use your checking or savings account.) Since we’re not gathering in-person, this would be a good time to set-up electronic payments. Please contact our Financial Secretary Patrick Rivers, with any questions or for instructions for setting up payments through your bank.
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Thank you for your ongoing support of our ministries, particularly during this uncertain time. |
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Make a difference this holiday. Shop for gifts at smile.amazon.com to generate donations for Presbyterian Church Of Western Springs
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PCWS Office Closed
The PCWS office remains closed for the immediate future. Our office staff are still working remotely and on a limited basis. If you need immediate assistance, please email Pastor Erik or leave a message for him on his church extension which he checks regularly, or call his cell. Staff is checking the U.S. Mail daily. The mailbox is a locking box, so please feel comfortable dropping off correspondence directly (including contributions).
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Remember PCWS in your will and estate planning.
Please contact Pastor Erik for more information.
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