Dear friends,
This past Sunday, Lottie preached about our wilderness experiences and how we can be oriented and re-oriented toward God, during Lent and throughout our lives. Part of our orientation toward God means looking at the world around us and seeking ways to be partners with God in the work of goodness in the world. Your Mission Committee faithfully seeks to help PCWS and each one of us play a part in this important work.
Starting late last year, the Mission Committee began considering ways that we could be effective in supporting those in our immediate area who are suffering the most from the financial impact of the pandemic. In December we had our first Community Conversation focusing on homelessness and learned about the challenges that those who are unhoused face and how difficult it is for agencies to help them. The pandemic has resulted in significantly more individuals experiencing homelessness.
One of our mission partners, BEDS Plus has been working to prevent homelessness by supporting families who are housed but on the brink of being evicted or experiencing disconnected utilities. This is a major issue because once a housed family becomes unhoused, it is extremely difficult (and even more costly) to help return them to stable housing. One component of the work at BEDS Plus is to help people who are on the verge of losing their homes or having utilities disconnected by providing emergency financial support. The requests for this support have increased significantly during the pandemic. I encourage you to read the article below for more information about the situation and the work of BEDS Plus.
This Sunday during worship we’ll hear from a representative from BEDS Plus about this program and the current need. Last night the Session approved a request from the Mission Committee to contribute $3,000 of mission funds to the emergency programs at BEDS Plus and we’d like to encourage the congregation to join in supporting with additional contributions. I wonder if we could double the session-approved amount with contributions? Or perhaps even more than that? I hope you'll join in this important effort where we can be a part of bringing God's goodness to others. As an exciting inspiration to give generously, the Session has decided to match contributions from you all! This means that for every dollar you contribute, the Session will contribute an additional dollar!
Many of you have reached out to me asking how you can help people during this time. You’ve stepped up with contributions to the Second Baptist Church of La Grange Food Bank, you’ve given financially which has enabled us to maintain our regular mission giving, and now we’re hoping you’ll be a part of this effort to make an impact locally to keep people in their homes. You can donate online at presbyws.org/donate (choose “Lenten Challenge”) or by dropping a check off at PCWS.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday for worship!
Peace,
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Pastor Erik
P.S. I wanted to let you know that the Early Risers will be reading and discussing a new book on Thursday mornings at 7 a.m. starting next week on March 4. We’ll be reading Entering the Passion of Jesus - A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill Levine. The book is $10 and will be a great companion during Lent as we each prepare for Holy Week. Join us! Email me or call the church office if you’d like a copy of the book placed outside for you to pick up.
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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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Let's Continue to Fill the can and
Support Second Baptist Church of La Grange Food Pantry
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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2021 Lenten Challenge
Many folks in our neighborhood, our communities and our world have had lives upended this past year through no fault of their own. People haven't been able to pay their rent or mortgage due to job loss, reduced work hours, severe illness, Covid or other difficulties arising from the pandemic. It can make us each feel exhausted just thinking about it. But, yet, you ponder how you might help in the face of such overwhelming issues?
Good news! PCWS is stepping up to help neighbors in need by aiding in the prevention of possible evictions in 2021. The Session has approved donating $3,000 from the Mission Discretion Reserve Fund to the BEDS Plus Care for homelessness prevention. Joann Boblick, Manager of Stabilization Services at BEDS Plus Care, will join us Sunday during our Moment for Mission providing more information about this critical service. Joann will share about her work with individuals and families in the southwest communities of Cook County who are so in need of assistance now.
If you are able, and would like to donate toward homelessness prevention, use the online option at the PCWS Online Giving page, select "Lenten Challenge" under Special Offerings. Or you may write a check payable to PCWS and indicate “BEDS” on the memo line. This just in: Just last night the Session ALSO decided to match, dollar-for-dollar contributions made by the congregation! Are you ready to join the challenge?
We would ask any donations be made through PCWS by Sunday March 14th. We will then send all collected funds along with the $3,000 PCWS gift to BEDS Plus Care. If you have any questions contact Pastor Erik, or Ande Anderson.
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Our siblings at Nueva Paz Presbyterian Church in Cuba, especially this week we pray for Grecia, Maria Eugenia, Nilda, and Raul
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
Bill Ingersoll
Brent Young, son-in-law of Larry & Becky Glasscock
Caryle Aitken Wilkie
Don Heizer, friend of the McMahons
Eva Kelly, mother of Tom Kelly
Family and friends of Wayne Filar, Candice Mares’ cousin
George Bruser, uncle of Donna Kanak & Diane Bonner
H. Edward Jordan, father of Laura Fruit
Holly Oliver, daughter of Mary Kae Headland
The family of Inez Martinez, friend of the Merrifield family
Jan Fortina
John Kregg
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Joshua Haberkorn, grandson of Shirley Pine
Julie Garino
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 Coates, husband of Stephanie Coates
Steve, friend of McMahon Family
Teri Tuffner, aunt of Candice Mares
Terry Moore, friend of Mike Pelton
Wendy Montague, friend of Candice Mares
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Stephen Ministers Are Available
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life. Are you, or someone you know, struggling with a situation such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, depression or isolation? Stephen Ministers can help!
Stephen Ministers are matched with the individual and meet confidentially with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists. If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry, please email Pastor Erik or Joyce Rodos.
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2/25 Alison Slezak
2/25 Janet Remiker
3/1 Lisa Wennerstrum
3/4 Amy Seus
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3/4 Dawn Mansfield
3/5 Leah Skjei
3/7 Isabella Bunt
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Ministry Support
During this time of virtual worship all are invited to continue supporting the mission and ministry of PCWS. There are 2 convenient ways:
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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.
If you choose to use a credit card, we appreciate if you will include the amount of the fee charged by the credit card company.
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Thank you for your ongoing support of our ministries, particularly during this uncertain time.
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PCWS Office Closed
The PCWS office remains closed during the pandemic. Our office staff are 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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