the gospel and racism · 2017-08-08 · dinner and a show the sunshine boys! join us for a sunday...

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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Second Press A publication of Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas August 30, 2017 The Gospel and Racism Dear Friends, As our nation continues its public uproar and dialogue on the evils of racism among us, the time may be ripe for people like us to recall how crucial was the issue of prejudice—racial and otherwise—in the ministry of Jesus and in the earliest Christian communities. I’m not referring to his broad teachings about love and reconciliation. I mean the pointed and repeated actions he undertook as a direct challenge to prejudice against people of different ethnicity, culture, religion, and way of life. His public repudiation of all such prejudice was defining for him and had a great deal to do with why he was opposed. e very same was true of the early church. Let me explain. In the first place, Jesus identified himself with Samaritans, an ethnic group despised by the people of his own country. e two groups had a bad history and refused to have dealings with each other. Yet Jesus, in defiance of the norm, went to a Samaritan town, and initiated a long conversation with a Samaritan woman (double scandal!); and when her neighbors invited him to stay in their community for a while, he did so. Later on, his enemies accused him of having a demon and being a Samaritan. He replied that he didn’t have a demon, but didn’t deny their other insult. He simply, fiercely smiled in agreement. On another occasion, describing to a lawyer what a decent neighbor is, he told of a Samaritan and said, “Be like him.” ere is also the fact that in his first hometown sermon, he made a point of telling them that long ago, instead of healing any leper in their own country, God had healed a foreigner of that disease; and instead of saving any of their countrymen from death in a famine, God had done so for a woman across the border. In consequence of his saying this, the congregation tried to kill him. He made it his mission to seek the company of people whom society at large looked down on, those whose “lifestyle” made them, in the majority view, inferior. He joined this “out-group” in enough of their parties that the “in-group” sneered, “He is a glutton and a drunk” and went on to call him, “a friend of sinners,”—which they thought was a bad thing! e pattern is consistent: he defied his culture’s assumptions about who is fully included, valued, and empowered, and who is not. His biggest initiative on this point came in the final week of his life when he knocked over the money tables at the temple and drove out the sellers of animals. is happened in what was called the Court of the Gentiles, an outdoor space to which all Gentile worshipers were confined. People from all over the known world were out there. Off that space was an entrance to the main portions of the temple, but in front of it was a sign telling them: “Anyone who passes this point will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.” is courtyard was the only place where foreigners could try to pray, and they had to do it in the noise of money-changing and the clamor and stink of the selling of animals. When Jesus put a stop to the racket, what he cried out, according to one of the Gospels, was: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations!” Five days later, the temple establishment had him arrested. Echoing his demand for the full inclusion of people from all nations was his post-resurrection commission to the disciples. “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” Whatever else those words mean, they are his unqualified directive to the church to be equally inclusive of all people, multi-culturally, without national, social, economic, or racial distinction of any kind. As a resounding validation, the day the church was born—Pentecost—was the day they spoke to people “from every nation under heaven.” ey engaged a multi-racial/ethnic and multilingual crowd, and by the Spirit’s power (continued on page 2)

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Page 1: The Gospel and Racism · 2017-08-08 · Dinner and a Show The Sunshine Boys! Join us for a Sunday night of fellowship, laughter and dinner at Murray’s Dinner Playhouse on September

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Second PressA publication of Second Presbyterian Church

in Little Rock, ArkansasAugust 30, 2017

The Gospel and RacismDear Friends,

As our nation continues its public uproar and dialogue on the evils of racism among us, the time may be ripe for people like us to recall how crucial was the issue of prejudice—racial and otherwise—in the ministry of Jesus and in the earliest Christian communities. I’m not referring to his broad teachings about love and reconciliation. I mean the pointed and repeated actions he undertook as a direct challenge to prejudice against people of different ethnicity, culture, religion, and way of life. His public repudiation of all such prejudice was defining for him and had a great deal to do with why he was opposed. The very same was true of the early church. Let me explain.

In the first place, Jesus identified himself with Samaritans, an ethnic group despised by the people of his own country. The two groups had a bad history and refused to have dealings with each other. Yet Jesus, in defiance of the norm, went to a Samaritan town, and initiated a long conversation with a Samaritan woman (double scandal!); and when her neighbors invited him to stay in their community for a while, he did so. Later on, his enemies accused him of having a demon and being a Samaritan. He replied that he didn’t have a demon, but didn’t deny their other insult. He simply, fiercely smiled in agreement. On another occasion, describing to a lawyer what a decent neighbor is, he told of a Samaritan and said, “Be like him.”

There is also the fact that in his first hometown sermon, he made a point of telling them that long ago, instead of healing any leper in their own country, God had healed a foreigner of that disease; and instead of saving any of their countrymen from death in a famine, God had done so for a woman across the border. In consequence of his saying this, the congregation tried to kill him.

He made it his mission to seek the company of people whom society at large looked down on, those whose “lifestyle” made them, in the majority view, inferior. He joined this “out-group” in enough of their parties that the “in-group” sneered, “He is a glutton and a drunk” and went on to call him, “a friend of sinners,”—which they thought was a bad thing! The pattern is consistent: he defied his culture’s assumptions about who is fully included, valued, and empowered, and who is not.

His biggest initiative on this point came in the final week of his life when he knocked over the money tables at the temple and drove out the sellers of animals. This happened in what was called the Court of the Gentiles, an outdoor space to which all Gentile worshipers were confined. People from all over the known world were out there. Off that space was an entrance to the main portions of the temple, but in front of it was a sign telling them: “Anyone who passes this point will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.” This courtyard was the only place where foreigners could try to pray, and they had to do it in the noise of money-changing and the clamor and stink of the selling of animals. When Jesus put a stop to the racket, what he cried out, according to one of the Gospels, was: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations!” Five days later, the temple establishment had him arrested.

Echoing his demand for the full inclusion of people from all nations was his post-resurrection commission to the disciples. “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” Whatever else those words mean, they are his unqualified directive to the church to be equally inclusive of all people, multi-culturally, without national, social, economic, or racial distinction of any kind.

As a resounding validation, the day the church was born—Pentecost—was the day they spoke to people “from every nation under heaven.” They engaged a multi-racial/ethnic and multilingual crowd, and by the Spirit’s power

(continued on page 2)

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Younger Men’s Bible StudyLeader: Steve HancockBegins September 14

Each Thursday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. this study group will meet at Rosalia’s Family Bakery and focus on the Biblical text that will be preached in worship the following Sunday. Steve will place the text in its historical, cultural and social context, helping group members understand more about the passage in its original setting. Group members will then share thoughts about the significance of the text for today, especially as it relates to our own lives and the world around us.

Welcome to Sunday SchoolOver 200 children, youth, and adults celebrated the beginning of a “new year” at the Sunday School Kick-off! It’s not too late to join in the fun and learning…there is something for everyone! For more information about classes for children, youth, and adults, visit secondpreslr.org for the Fall Christian Education brochure. If you have questions, please contact Jeannie Ford ([email protected], 227-0000).

Being Reformed:Growing in Grace and Gratitude

SPY Kids Kick-off EventSeptember 10

September 10, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Youth Building: All fourth and fifth graders are invited to participate in a Scavenger Hunt and Cook Out to begin a fun year of SPY Kids activities. SPY Kids is a program designed for community building and transition into our youth programming. Activities throughout the year include a variety of fellowship and service activities. Contact Jeannie Ford ([email protected], 227-0000) for more information about SPY Kids or this kick-off event.

addressed them all in a way that each could understand. Three thousand of these were baptized, making the first church brilliantly diverse. The first New Testament account of an individual baptism is of a black African. Sadly, not many years passed until the churches began to argue over how inclusive to be. Could Gentiles (ethnoi, literally, “the nations”) be fully received if they weren’t in compliance with Old Testament cultic laws? Both Paul and Peter—citing the grace of God for all and the evidence of the Spirit’s work among all—said that, biblical regulations or not, there must be no discrimination. History proved them right, in that the excluding churches died out, while the way of the inclusive ones survived. Their conviction that the will of God is for the absolute equality and unity of all people-groups is beautifully captured in a vision from the last book of the Bible, in which there is a vision of a vast crowd gathered to the throne of God, “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and people and languages.”

The case against racism in all its forms, from the ugliest evil of white supremacy to the quieter plague of structural racism, can be made on several grounds: by appeals to what is obviously moral, ethical, and fair, and by particular appeals to America’s truest values of diversity, equality, and justice. But we should also know that Christian faith is unequivocally anti-racist at its very root; and the practice of absolute equality and inclusion is, from beginning to end, at the very heart of Jesus’ mission and of the community he founded. Given how clear this is, it might be a good thing if all people who propagate racism, practice it, condone it, allow it, or willfully ignore it would simply admit: We reject the way of Jesus. It would be even better if all of us who intend to live as a Christian would unite in word and deed to oppose the sin of racism and embody its beautiful opposite—as Jesus did and as the earliest churches did, as the gospel itself unmistakably and nonnegotiably requires us to do.

Christ’s peace,

(continued from page 1)

September SurveySound Amplification System

During September we will be checking in with users of our sanctuary sound amplification assistive devices to evaluate their effectiveness, ease of use and quality. If you have ever been challenged to hear effectively during worship, and especially if you regularly use our system or have considered using it, we invite you to check out a device with headphones or neck loop and let us know more about your experience. The survey sheet will be located at the cabinet at the rear of the sanctuary.

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Interested in ringing bells this fall? From brand-new beginner to advanced—there is a place for you! Please contact Mary Ibis, [email protected].

Dinner and a ShowThe Sunshine Boys!Join us for a Sunday night of fellowship, laughter and dinner at Murray’s Dinner Playhouse on September 10 for the Tony nominated comedy “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon for only $35! We’ll meet at the church at 4:45 p.m. to carpool and bus over to Murray’s—save yourself the trouble

of driving in the dark and ride our bus! Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. Call the church office at (501) 227-0000 to make your reservation for dinner and/or the bus!

Children’s Choir Begins September 6

Schedule: 6:00-6:30 p.m., 3rd-5th grade choir. 6:30-7:15 p.m., PreK4’s-5th grade music and percussion fun. Please contact Mary Ibis for more information, [email protected].

Hurricane ReliefDear Church Family,

Many of you have asked about ways that our church might be of help to those impacted by the destruction of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Certainly, many of us have family and friends in the Houston area, and it has been a terrifying few days for our southern neighbors. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the emergency relief organization of our denomination, and they are already mobilizing to be of service to those who have been impacted by this natural disaster.

Second Presbyterian Church regularly supports PDA through our annual Outreach Ministry budget and through the One Great Hour of Sharing, a special denominational offering that we collect each Easter. Additional financial donations, however, will certainly be needed as the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey is both devastating and extensive.

If you would like to join us in further supporting Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s important work in Texas, please make your check out to Second Presbyterian Church with “PDA--Harvey” in the memo line. We will also keep you updated as other opportunities for service arise.

Most importantly, we ask that you keep in your thoughts and prayers all those affected by Hurricane Harvey as well as those who are serving them during this time of trauma and loss.

Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with our neighbors in need.

Rev. Lindy VogadoAssociate Pastor

Getting to Know UsSeveral times each year we offer an introductory course as a ministry to those who are new to our church, both visitors and new members. All that is required is an interest in knowing more about who we are and what we do here. The Prospective Member Class is taught by pastors and lay leaders, in order to give an overview of what we believe, as well as opportunities we offer to grow in faith and mission. The next class will meet for three weeks during the Sunday School hour (9:50 – 10:45 a.m.) in Room 62/63.• September 10: Introduction to Second Presbyterian Church

and a walking tour of the campus• September 17: Overview of what Presbyterians believe, and

how Presbyterians function as a church• September 24: The Path of Discipleship (ways to deepen and

live out our faith)

As part of the class, participants are also cordially invited to dinner at the home of Missie and Steve Hancock. All class participants are invited to attend this evening of fellowship on September 17, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Childcare will be available at the church.For more information, contact Catherine Allsbury, (501) 227-0000 or [email protected]. Walk-ins are welcome!

The church office will be closed Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day.

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Parent Meeting September 10Youth parents mark your calendar to attend a parent meeting while youth are at SPY on September 10 at 6:00 p.m. Youth and parents will meet in the Great Hall at 6:00 p.m. for dinner. Following dinner, youth will head to SPY in the Youth Building while parents meet in Second Hall. Jen Evans will be sharing more about the vision and some of the new and exciting things in youth ministry this year! Contact Karin Howze, [email protected], to reserve childcare by Thursday, September 7.

Thank You to David MillsYouth and parents are invited to give gratitude for the ministry of David Mills before he leaves to follow God’s call into the next adventure. Hope to see you Sunday, September 10 at 9:50 a.m. in the Youth Building for a drop-in to say “thank you.”

YouthquakeAre you a 6th-9th grader and ready to shake it up at Youthquake September 22-24? We will head to Ferncliff for this incredible presbytery retreat. If you want to know more details, check out the E-loop youth newsletter or contact Jen Evans, [email protected], but act quickly because the registration deadline is September 3. If you are ready to join the fun, just send in a check for $105 to the church office, attention youth ministry, and don’t forget to include the name of the youth! If money is a challenge, contact Jen for a confidential conversation.

Young AdultsYoung Adult GatheringSeptember 10 for lunch or brunch after the 11:00 a.m. worship service at U.S. Pizza on Rodney Parham. Join us for good food, good company and meet Jen Evans, Director of Youth, Young Adult, and Young Family Ministries. Don’t miss out. RSVP to Stacey Hammons at (501) 350-2404 or [email protected] or just show up!

Young Family Pool PartyYoung families cooled off at a pool party recently where there were about 75 people that splashed and laughed together. If you are a young family, we hope you will join us for the next adventure.

Second Safari Walks Again!Mark your calendar and sign up in the Narthex for this year’s Alzheimer’s Walk at the Little Rock Zoo on Saturday, October 7! Each year our Pastoral Care Ministry sponsors one of the city’s largest teams to show our support for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. You can sit, stroll, walk, visit, cheer others on, or run—just be there to show your support! T-shirts and donation forms will be available in the church office and at the event, along with snacks and prizes. Bring the family and enjoy the day!

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Newest Members

Sermon RoundtableBegins September 11

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. • Library

In this unique form of Bible study, participants will study the Bible by reflecting on the biblical text that is being preached in worship the following Sunday. Steve Hancock leads the discussion, and each week provides background material about the historical context of the passage, definitions of key words, authorship, and other information that will be helpful in interpreting the text. The class will then be invited to interact with the author of the text, discuss such questions as, “What does the author seem to be saying?” and “What do I want to say in response?” Class members are asked to identify important ideas or themes that are prominent as they reflect on the biblical text in relation to their own lives, the church, and the world around them. The following Sunday in worship, they have the opportunity to hear the sermon preached that they helped to create.

Jacqueline & Arno PonderJacqueline and Arno have been regular attenders here at Second Presbyterian for many years. Arno is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army and Jacqueline is a retired accountant. They both have a “ham” amateur radio license. Together they have 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. They joined by Transfer of Letter from First Presbyterian Church in Heber Springs where Jacqueline was an ordained Elder.

Freddie & Woody JolleyFreddie & Woody Jolley were previous members of Second Presbyterian before they moved to Arkadelphia. We are so happy they have moved back to Little Rock and joined by Transfer of Letter from First Presbyterian Church in Arkadelphia.

Pauline MichaelPauline Michael is a retired RN. She has been involved in choral groups and choir. She also enjoys cooking, sewing and gardening. Pauline joined by Transfer of Letter from Kenilworth Union Church in Kenilworth, IL.

Second ReadersWednesday, September 20, 3:00 p.m.

Room 60Second Readers is a diverse group of women who come together because they like to read and to discuss books. When the group organized, they had two major goals. The first was to read (or re-read) great books from a different perspective. The second was to read writers whose religion (or lack of religion) affects what they write

but are not “religious writers.” Each year the group selects a broad theme that allows great variety in reading choices. The group will begin by reading Oil and Marble, by Stephanie Story. The first gathering will be Wednesday, September 20. On Wednesday, October 18, Stephanie Story will be here to discuss her book. Visitors are welcome. Contact Fayrene Johnson at [email protected] or 663-2733 for more information.

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Fall Gathering – Cluster VYou are cordially invited to attend the Presbyterian Womens’ annual Fall gathering, Saturday, September 9, 2017, 9:30 a.m. to noon at Second Presbyterian Church. Call Emily Hall for more information, (501) 228-2023. Registration and $10 due by September 1.Evening Circles

• The Huldah Evening PW Circle will gather on Sunday, September 10, 5:00 p.m., at the home of Kim Truslow, 124 Maumelle Valley Dr., Maumelle, 72113. The Bible Study lesson will be “Lesson One: In Community with Jesus Christ” led by Catherine Allsbury.

• The Deborah Evening PW Circle will gather on Monday, September 11, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Taziki’s Mediterranean Café on Chenal Blvd. This year’s course of study will be discussed at the meeting.

Please contact Catherine Allsbury with questions about the Evening Circles, [email protected] CirclesOur daytime PW Gathering will be on Tuesday, September 12, 10:00 a.m. in Second Hall. Our gathering will include an introductory Bible Study “Lesson One: In Community with Jesus Christ” led by Lindy Vogado. We’ll then have small group circle time at 11:00 followed by lunch in the Great Hall at 12:00 p.m. Call the church office for lunch reservations, cost is $7. For September, a PW budget donation will be made to Very Lloyd, and we will support Our House with your donations of paper products and cereal brought to this gathering.Please contact Emily Hall (228-2203) or Jeannie Ford ([email protected], 227-0000) if you would like more information about the Day Circles.Together in ServiceAll women of the church are invited to participate in our “Together in Service” mission opportunity on Tuesday, September 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in Room 60. Come join us! Contact Carolyn Wenger with questions, [email protected].

Presbyterian WomenSeptember Gatherings

Sign Up to Volunteer atBale Elementary School

As we begin our new programmatic year at the church, we are also beginning another year of our school partnership with Bale Elementary School. Bale is located at W. 32nd Street near UALR, and the school has been involved in the efforts of the Promise Neighborhood to help make sure every student in Little Rock has the opportunity to thrive and live into their full potential. There are a wide variety of ways to get involved including serving as a weekly reading tutor or a mentor, reading to a classroom of students on special occasions, volunteering in the school office, helping with special events, or baking treats for teachers and staff. Stop by the table in the narthex to get involved!

Save the DateTuesday, October 10 • 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Great Hall

Plan it ForwardDinner followed by

Financial & Estate Planning Workshops

Choose a Workshop Based on your Life Stage:

“Its Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Get Started”Stacy Gibson

“Wealth Building Strategies—Growing Your Nest Egg”Jim Wilkins

“Planning for Your Long-term Health,Financial and Estate Decisions”

Rebecca Winburn

LifeQuest of Arkansas invites you to participate in classes for the Fall term, September 13 – November 2. A $65 membership covers all the classes you can fit on Wednesdays and Thursdays this fall. Located at Second Presbyterian Church, LifeQuest is an inter-faith organization that welcomes all to join in our mission to promote life-long learning and meaningful volunteerism within the community. Registration for the Fall term begins August 14. Register online at www.lifequestofarkansas.org or by mail or phone, (501) 225-6073.

Mark your calendars for the Faith and Grief luncheon at noon on Tuesday, September 19, when guest speaker Bruce Rentz shares his story of the lurching shifts during loss—an honest story of the unpretty parts of grief. Clergy liturgist Rev. Anne Russ from First Presbyterian Church Argenta will open in prayer and make space for truth and grace. Contact Sharon Hughes at [email protected] to make your reservation.

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Isaac Arnold, Sage & Joe Arnold’s nephew – Air Force, stationed at Offutt AFB, NEAndrew Delo, Jeanne Lloyd’s grandson – stationed in Norfolk, VAMartyn Delo, Jeanne Lloyd’s grandson – stationed in San Diego at Naval Base (on USS Boxer in dry dock)Taylor Douglas, son of Susan & Kevin Douglas – Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CADavid Henry, son of Mary Helen & Joe Henry – at the Pentagon, Washington, DCJonathan Johnson, grandson of Helen Scott, nephew of Clarke & Cindy Scott Huisman – stationed at Warner Robbins, GA.Daniel Jones, Marjorie Watkins’ nephew – stationed in Augusta, GA Susan Lynch, sister of Beth Rule, aunt of Samuel & Thomas Rule – deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar Jonathan Miller, son of Patrice & Stan Miller – stationed in Virginia Beach, VAMatthew Powell, grandson of Dorothy Powell, stationed in Savannah, GA Chris Rookey, son of Hallie & Craig Rookey, grandson of Hallie & Kirk Simmins – deployed to Eastern EuropeKyle Rought, Mary Ibis’ cousin – stationed in Wahiawa, HIStuart Rubio, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MSJohn Matthew Solomon, son of Mary Margaret & Alan Solomon – stationed at Fort Meade, MD

In Harm’s Way

September 2017STEWPOTCook team: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.Servers: 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.Friday: September 1, 8, 15, 22

OUR HOUSESecond Friday of each month, 5:30-7:00 p.m.Seeking More Light delivers and servesFriday: September 8

RICE DEPOTVolunteers box and deliver food to older adultsFourth Saturday of each month, 8:15-11:00 a.m.Saturday: September 23

FOR MORE INFORMATION . . .StewpotCampbell McLaurin [email protected]

Our HouseLinda [email protected]

Rice DepotMike [email protected]

Usher/Greeter VolunteersAlways Appreciated

Those who serve as ushers and greeters for our worship service are providing a ministry of hospitality for members and visitors to our church. Along with providing an important leadership role for worship, those who serve as ushers and greeters are also afforded a wonderful opportunity to meet and work alongside other members of the congregation. You may contact the following deacons who serve as usher captains to volunteer as ushers or greeters:

September Worship Usher Captains

8:30 a.m.Anne Brantley

[email protected]

9:00 a.m.Rick Owen

[email protected]

Calling All Chili Cooks!The Presbyterian Village Foundation is hosting a Chili Cook-off in the Courtyard on Thursday, October 19, and we are looking for chili teams to join our night of festivities. Second’s very own, Rev. Steve Hancock, is serving as one of our chili judges. Individuals, families, or church groups are encouraged to participate, and teams will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights! Please contact [email protected] for team entry and event information. Deadline to enter is October 2.

11:00 a.m.

J. [email protected]

Alan [email protected]

Love Thy Neighbor: Building BridgesSeptember 7, 2017 • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The Interfaith Center would like to invite you to “Love Thy Neighbor: Building Bridges,” featuring musical performances, speakers from several of the world’s religions, and an Interfaith Food Festival to be held Thursday, September 7 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi Avenue in Little Rock, beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The fourth annual Interfaith Food Festival will follow the service, with vegetarian dishes prepared by members of the interfaith community. While no childcare will be provided, children are welcome at this event.

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Bulletin BoardHospitalized (*Discharged) Sam Highsmith, *Charlie Hill, *Aileen Moore, Dorothy Powell, Valerie Wells

Our sympathy goes to

• Rob Bass and Debbie Bass on the death of Rob’s uncle in Oklahoma City, and Debbie’s uncle in Virginia

• Emily May on the death of her stepfather, Tim McNeil

• Edwin Mitchell on the death of his father, Edwin Bobby Mitchell

• Patrick Murphy on the death of his uncle, John Alderman

We would appreciate your help . . . in keeping the church office informed when there is a sickness in your family, when someone is in the hospital, or a death has occurred. Please also keep us updated on the sickness or concern so that the information we have on our Care and Concern Line is accurate. Members and friends can call the Care and Concern Line, 227-6117, on weekdays to receive information about prayer concerns in our church family. We will honor all requests for confidentiality, but in order for us to offer pastoral care we need to be aware of your situation. We also want to know about the joys, accomplishments and achievements of members of the church. Please call Marie Mainard O’Connell or Sharon Hughes in the church office with information, 227-0000, or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]. Thanks for your help!

Heritage Committee Seeks Second Presbyterian MemorabiliaDo you have old certificates, bulletins, newsletters, programs, or other documents for earlier days of our church? Our Heritage Committee would like to copy such to help fill in some of the gaps in our church records. Please contact Pam Luther, 690-5203.

PASTORRev. Steve HancockASSOCIATE PASTORRev. Lindy Vogado TRANSITIONAL ASSOCIATE PASTORRev. Marie Mainard O’ConnellPARISH ASSOCIATESRev. David GillDr. Robert WilliamsonCHURCH EDUCATORJeannie FordDIRECTOR OF YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT, AND YOUNG FAMILY MINISTRYJen EvansTRANSITIONAL COORDINATOR FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIESBritton VarnDIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND ARTSDr. Bevan KeatingASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSICMary IbisORGANISTAdam Savacool9 O’CLOCK MUSIC COORDINATORSarah Jane GuzmanBUSINESS ADMINISTRATORAileen MooreDIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVINGMalinda KirchnerNEWCOMER CARECatherine AllsburyYOUNG ADULT MINISTRYBlake TierneyFACILITIES MANAGERDavid BeachADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATESSage ArnoldTracy MaySharon HughesAdam SavacoolCHILD CARE COORDINATOR & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATEKarin HowzeSEXTONSGuy HowzeEmily McPherson

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES8:30, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL9:50 a.m.

Newsletter articles may be e-mailed to:[email protected] DEADLINES:Thursday, September 7Thursday, September 21

600 Pleasant Valley Dr.Little Rock, AR 72227

Office: (501) 227-0000Fax: (501) 227-6513Care/Concern: (501) 227-6117www.secondpreslr.org

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

LITTLE ROCK ARPERMIT #1744

facebook.com/SecondPresbyterianChurch

@2PresLR

Prayerfully consider including our Church’s missions and ministries in your estate plans.

Our legal name is:Second Presbyterian Church

of Little Rock, Arkansas

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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A Midweek Opportunity for EveryoneSeptember 6, 13, 205:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30-7:15 p.m. – Classes/Activities

Classes/Activities for AdultsThe Protestant Reformation:

An Historical View of the MovementThat Changed the World

Leaders: Dr. Garrett McAinsh and Steve HancockLocation: Second Hall

The Protestant Reformation is one of the most studied events of the Western world. Scholars from various disciplines have written on the events of the period from the sixteenth to mid-seventeenth century, a range of time in which momentous events took place. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Garett McAinsh, Harold and Lucy Cabe Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Hendrix College, to take us back to the actions of Martin Luther who published his Ninety-five Theses on October 31, 1517—an event commonly considered as the trigger of a reformation that changed the face of Europe and the rest of the world. During the first two sessions of this class Dr. McAinsh will take participants on a journey through Germany at the time of the Reformation that will enhance our understandings of the issues and complexities of what transpired when challenges to the Roman Catholic Church changed the entire religious landscape. In the final session Steve Hancock, Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, will lead participants in exploring our Presbyterian roots. This session will focus on the history, events and theological issues from the reformation era that led to the growth and development of the Presbyterian church.

Share • Save • SpendA Financial Fitness Workshop for Young Adults

Leaders: Laura Cook and Jim WilkinsLocation: Room 65/66

• Do you have healthy money habits?• Do you have credit card debt?• Does your cost of living interfere with saving?• Would you like to get help with managing your money

better?Be a part of a practical hands-on financial principles workshop that will help you assess where you are, set goals and plan for the future. Drawing on their own years of experience and the work of Nathan Dungan, an industry taught-leader on helping people link their money decisions to their values, Jim Wilkins and Laura Cook will lead us through this time of education, exploration and assessment. The cost of materials for the workshop is $10. This class will be four sessions and will meet every Wednesday in September with childcare available for each session. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged; however, if that is not possible, attending fewer sessions will also be beneficial.

WednesdaysTogether

Activities for YouthMiddle & High School Youth

There is a new director on staff that focuses on youth! Jen Evans, Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Young Families wants to meet you and hear what you want out of youth ministry. Jen is ready to hear your ideas, your concerns, your hopes and dreams for youth ministry. If you are ready to help create a place that is fun, engaging, and relevant…Bring. It. On.

Activities for ChildrenMusic and Percussion Fun!

4 year olds – 5th GradeLeader: Mary Ibis

Children will enjoy singing songs from around the globe, as well as play in drum circles and improvise rhythm and sound patterns on all kinds of global instruments. Children will be preparing for a musical leadership opportunity on October 1, World Communion Sunday. Children are not required to help in leading the music for October 1. Children are encouraged to, but not expected to continue their participation in fall choir, music, and bells.

2-3 year oldsFun With Stories

Little ones will enjoy a variety of seasonal stories, games, and activities.

Page 10: The Gospel and Racism · 2017-08-08 · Dinner and a Show The Sunshine Boys! Join us for a Sunday night of fellowship, laughter and dinner at Murray’s Dinner Playhouse on September

Dinner Menus

September 6Grilled Chicken Garden Salad VinaigretteCheesy BreadGrapesLemon Bars

September 13Pasta and MeatballsCaesar SaladGarlic BreadChocolate Chip Cookies

September 20Chicken Enchilada CasseroleSouthwest SaladCornbreadDouble Fudge Brownies

Child’s PlateChicken NuggetsGrapes and Carrotsor Choice of Adult Entrées Lemon Bars

Registration FormName(s):

Dinner ReservationsDinner is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for “child friendly” plate, with a maximum cost of $24.00 for families. For each date below, please indicate the number of Dinners and Childs’ Plates you require.

September 6

No. of Dinners:

No. of Child’s Plates:

September 13

No. of Dinners:

No. of Child’s Plates:

September 20

No. of Dinners:

No. of Child’s Plates:

Childcare ReservationsChildcare can be provided for children under 3 years of age. If you need childcare, list the child’s name and age in the space below.

Name: Age: Name: Age: Name: Age: Name: Age:

Class/Activity RegistrationsPlease indicate which activities you plan to attend (if known).

WednesdaysTogether

Adult☐ The Protestant Reformation

☐ Financial Fitness Workshop

Youth☐ Middle & High School Youth

Children☐ Fun with Stories (2-3 yrs. old)

☐ Music & Percussion Fun! (4yrs. - 5th Grade)