Dear friends,
This past Sunday afternoon you hopefully saw the thorough Advent Connection email! You can click here if you missed it, as it covers most of the upcoming events over the next few weeks. While there is a lot going on, our hope is that these events will help you to be connected with others and draw closer to God.
I know that it can be a bit overwhelming during this time of year, and while this year is certainly different in many ways, the many activities, including church activities, can add to stress. I hope that you’ll have a chance to look at our offerings and decide which events will bring you energy and life. And, also know that you have the freedom to choose what to not do as well!
I wonder, do you have an advent wreath at home? I encourage you to create one. You might even have some supplies at home that you could use. Really, all you need is four or five candles, and perhaps some greens or other decorations to set apart the space a little bit. On Sunday, the Dold Family lit our first candle - the candle of Hope. During worship we reflected on the waiting that we recognize during Advent and the waiting in our own lives - often waiting for something or some things in our lives to change. Hope isn’t a passive waiting — it is actively waiting and expecting God’s goodness to come as it has in the past. I love this Emily Dickinson quote: “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers—That perches in the soul—And sings the tune without the words—And never stops—at all.” As we enter the season of Advent, may we do so with hope in our God and for the journey ahead.
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This Sunday we’ll gather for worship and reflect on what it means to follow the “Prince of Peace” and then in the afternoon we will descend upon the most beautiful Christmas wonderland - the PCWS church grounds - for an afternoon of socially-distanced (from within our cars) cheer. Here’s how this will work: you can arrive any time after 3 p.m., but there’s no rush. Feel free to come a little later because we will start our program at about 4. You definitely want to arrive by then. You’ll enter from 53rd, and be greeted under the porte cochere. If you have any donations - new hats, mittens, gloves or nonperishable foods - you’ll hand them over. We’ll have some questions to gather your supplies for Christmas Eve, and then you’ll be guided to a place to park for our program. The tree lighting will be a little after 4 p.m. Any questions? Send me an email or call me.
As I mentioned, the PCWS campus has been adorned for Christmas! It truly is beautiful. Our Session decided that it was important for us to be a beacon in our community - spreading cheer and reflecting the goodness of God. Due to COVID restrictions, we had a small group of people who decorated this past weekend and I look forward to having you see the grounds. Drive on by at night or wait until Sunday when the big tree will be lit! A special thank you to Diane Bonner, Donna Kanak, and Rick Kanak for the donation of our beautiful PCWS Christmas tree from their family property. Thank you also to Sue Eck and Sue Kovalick who brought the vision for the decorations together along with Walt Kovalick who planned the logistics and made the design happen!
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning and also on Sunday afternoon! Remember, you can come anytime after 3, but feel free to come closer to 3:30 or 3:45. Also, if you are unable to come on Sunday, please reach out as there are items we'd love to make available for you to pick-up or for us to deliver to you.
Peace,
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Pastor Erik
P.S. Remember, the Alternative Giving Fair is “open”! There are some great ways you can contribute to mission organizations as a gift in honor of your loved ones. You can click here to visit the online fair and make your purchases.
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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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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 Today!
During the four Thursdays in Advent (which started 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 begins TODAY and continues for 4 weeks.
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Surviving the Holidays
Next Tuesday, December 8, 2:00 pm
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.
If you have suffered a loss, please consider attending or pass on the information to someone who may benefit by coming.
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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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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
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Kathleen Kircher
Laura Gertsmeier
Laura Querry, daughter of Becky & Larry Glascock
Marc Goldstein, friend of Carol Ulreich
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
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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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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12/3 Katie Diebel
12/4 Joyce Schneiderbauer
12/5 Aleisha Sinele
12/7 Chad Sellman
12/7 Erin Sullivan
12/7 Jack Slezak
12/9 Tyler Allen
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12/10 Steve Wennerstrum
12/11 Rachel Skeels
12/11 Terry Kelly
12/13 Larry Glasscock
12/13 Sarah Blough
12/15 David Petersen
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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 - click the button below.
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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