Dear friends,
Isn’t it interesting how our conversations have changed over the last year. Sure, we still talk about the weather and maybe even about sports or other events, but it seems that the pandemic has shifted our topics of conversation. Right now, the first question I seem to ask folks is something like “do you have an appointment?” or “have you received the vaccine?” This will likely be a source of conversation for the next several months as the supply will take time to reach us all. If you are over 65 years old and you do not yet have an appointment, please let me know if you would like some assistance as there are people in the church with computer savvy who have offerred to help search for appointments and navigate the bureaucracy.
Speaking of helping one another on the journey, I wanted to remind you that starting next Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) and throughout Lent, we’ll have a reflection written by a member of our community that will come to your email each morning. You are encouraged to spend some time each day with the brief reflection and scripture as a way to journey with others through Lent. I’m really looking forward to this and I hope you are as well!
And I hope you’ll join us next Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Zoom for our Ash Wednesday service. The connection link will be in the first devotional on Wednesday morning and on the website. We will be worshiping using music from the Taize community in France using short, easy-to-sing refrains interspersed with prayers and prayer prompts.
This Sunday is our last Sunday before we begin the season of Lent. We’ll hear the familiar gospel lesson about the mysterious Transfiguration of Christ on the mountaintop. We’ll put ourselves in the shoes of the disciples who witnessed this and think about what it means to experience God in different ways. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning!
Peace,
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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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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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A note from former PCWS Interim Pastor Bill Ingersoll: |
Dear Members and Friends of the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs,
I want to thank you for the beautiful flower arrangement you sent to me while I was in the hospital. I am grateful for this expression of your kindness and for your prayers. I also appreciate the cards a number of you have sent.
I had quintuple heart bypass surgery last Monday. My recovery has been slow but we are confident that once a couple of issues are resolved, healing will speed. The doctors are convinced that my heart attack was due to genetic reasons. A long, long family history of serious heart disease finally caught up with all my walking and other preventative care.
Please know I am under the care of an excellent medical team. I am further reassured knowing that Jesus Christ is the Great Physician, and that God is indeed our refuge and strength.
God’s blessings upon all of you. I have such fond memories of my time with you, and am so thankful that Erik is the one God has called to serve as your Pastor. Thanks again.
Grace and peace,
Bill
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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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2/11 Laura Fruit
2/11 Tom Wennerstrum
2/12 Shirley Pine
2/13 Rich Haeske
2/15 Andrew Millis
2/15 Laura Gertsmeier
2/17 Andy Hoskins
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2/18 Ryan Gertsmeier
2/19 Betty Banovic
2/20 Ashley Glickman
2/20 Karen Neal
2/21 Janet Millis
2/22 Michael Millis
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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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