Dear friends,
I know I recently shared a story from my college days in Washington, DC, and it can feel a bit self-indulgent to share one’s own experiences repeatedly, but I hope you’ll be OK with one more short story! One of my fondest memories was a cold morning in January as we gathered for President Clinton’s inauguration in 1997. A friend of mine had obtained tickets for a group of us and we could barely see the ceremonial platform, but it was amazing to be there. We hurried down toward the parade route and I remember the excitement of watching the President and others as they made their way past. I hope you had a chance to watch yesterday’s inauguration. Regardless of your political affiliation or leanings, I also hope you saw some of the beauty of what it means to strive towards unity and to hold tight to traditions that invoke hope.
This is a hopeful time, but it is also a tiring time. We’re hopeful as we have the vaccine making its way (I’m excited to hear about several folks in the congregation starting to receive vaccines!), but it is also discouraging at times as we don’t have an idea how long it will take for enough of us to receive the vaccine. Similarly, it is encouraging to see members of many political sides cooperating, but the division we have seen continues. Hopeful, and tiring at the same time.
This is part of the human story and part of our story as Christians. Jesus didn’t come into the world and claim that all strife would immediately end, but he did come into the world and walk within and among the strife of the world. He sat with the tired and the hungry and he gave them comfort and strength in the midst of their challenges. Choosing to follow Jesus means seeing the world with eyes of hope, even in the midst of our tiredness. And sometimes that takes effort.
As a church, I hope we’re always about that hard work of putting the effort into being people of hope. This Sunday we’ll be gathering for worship and looking at Jesus’ calling of some of the first disciples. I look forward to being with you!
Finally, please keep former PCWS Interim Pastor, Bill Ingersoll in your prayers. Bill is receiving care for some cardiac issues and will have a bypass procedure in the coming days before heading home for rehab. His wife Roberta is optimistic and reports that the doctors have said "Good as new in six weeks." Please keep Bill and Roberta and the doctors in your prayers. I'll hope to provide an update on Sunday morning and in the weekly connection next week.
Peace,
|
|
Watch our Worship Services Live
Sunday morning @ 9:30 a.m.
|
|
No matter where you may be in the world, you can feel close to PCWS! |
|
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.
|
|
A message from our siblings in Cuba through the through the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba: |
|
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
Bill Ingersoll
Family of Bob LeMay, friend of Kay Kelly
Brent Young, son-in-law of Larry & Becky Glasscock
Caryle Aitken Wilkie
Don Heizer, friend of the McMahons
Family and friends of Wayne Filar, Candice Mares’ cousin
George Bruser, uncle of Donna Kanak & Diane Bonner
Helen Swaar, mother of Jill Dold & Kay Kelly
Holly Oliver, daughter of Mary Kae Headland
The family of Inez Martinez, friend of the Merrifield family
Jan Fortina
John Kregg
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
Parents of Tiffany Sellman
Wendy Montague, friend of Candice Mares
|
|
|
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, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Stephen Ministers share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Stephen Ministers are matched with the individual and meet 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.
|
|
1/21 Sarah Sullivan
1/22 Erik Hanson
1/23 Scott Wennerstrum
1/24 Ben Strohl
1/24 Emily Strohl
1/26 Rogers Malone
|
|
1/29 McKenna Slater
1/30 Taylor Kelly
1/31 Kara Leslie
1/31 Tanner Booth
2/2 Alex Burt
|
|
|
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:
-
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.
|
|
Thank you for your ongoing support of our ministries, particularly during this uncertain time.
|
|
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).
|
|
Remember PCWS in your will and estate planning.
Please contact Pastor Erik for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
