PCOP's Monthly Messenger - April 2023

Easter, Maybe People”

I hear a lot of questions in general about religion, but especially at Easter. Is it true? How did it happen? Does it matter? The truth is I am never annoyed with questions like that. I find them reassuring. Because they make me hopeful for the church. “Easter, Maybe” people seem to care enough to ask honest kinds of questions.

I usually do not think they are being rude but are yearning for something more. Like the rest of us. And what I want to tell them is that on Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate something much more significant than a supernatural miracle. We are celebrating the decision of Jesus’ followers to be the church – to stick together in the community of compassion in which we gather this and every Sunday. And that is what it means for Christ to live again. That’s what we mean when we repeat the ancient chant: “Christos anesti! Alithos anesti!” — “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”

I think pastors should be gentler toward “Easter, Maybe” people. Stop calling them heretics and start calling them honest. We can let people know that the biggest story of our faith is based on a small amount of direct testimony. We can tell them that the biblical accounts of the resurrection differ significantly from Gospel to Gospel. We can focus on the Emmaus story or the disciples’ breakfast with Jesus on the beach. It is a right-size claim that people felt a presence while cooking a fish at dawn beside a lake. And we can shift the focus from belief to trust.

Come join us on Easter Sunday at PCOP, especially if you are an “Easter, Maybe” person. Bring your questions and doubts and even your certainties. And be reassured, that you are probably not alone.

Easter Blessings, Pastor Joy

(John Burklo’s term “Easter, Maybe” people.)

The Center

12700 SW Highway, Palos Park, IL 60464

The Center will be hosting Good Friday Labyrinth Stations of The Cross on April 7 from 9:00a - 5:00p. The Stations of the Cross and the Labyrinth are joined together to offer you a unique way to experience the passion of Jesus. These Scriptural Stations of the Cross have fifteen (15) stations modeled on the Scriptural Stations celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday, 1991. There will be prayer books to guide you on your journey. Come any time! This is a self guided prayer path. Registration is not necessary.

2023 Holy Week at the Presbyterian Church in Orland Park

Holy Week begins Palm Sunday. It is a season for reflection and soul-searching, a week to retrace the steps of Jesus toward the cross and to contemplate the depth of God’s love. During this week, Christ’s followers and spiritual inquirers from all around the globe will be focused once again on the events that led to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Listed below are opportunities and services to mark the way toward Jerusalem. Come us and prepare for Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday | Apr 2: Celebration Ringers Rehearsal at PCOP - 9a

Communion and Worship Service at PCOP - 10a

Procession of the Palms (Youth & Adults)

Children’s Choir Rehearsal at PCOP - 11a

Celebration time for Tod’s 90th birthday.

Mon | Apr 3: Mission Committee Meeting via Zoom - 6:30p

AA Meeting at PCOP - 7p

Tue | Apr 4: Men’s Breakfast at Blueberry Hill Café - 8:30a

Staff Meeting at PCOP - 11:30a

Building & Grounds Meeting at PCOP - 7p

Wed | Apr 5: Celebration Singers Rehearsal at PCOP - 6:15p

Maundy Thursday | Apr 6: Supper and Worship - The word "Maundy" comes to us as an Anglo-French word derived from the Latin "mandatum," which means "commandment." It refers to when Jesus, during the Last Super, said to the disciples: "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." We will imagine that night with supper, Communion, and a Tenebrae Service – a service of shadows. 6:30p - Supper * 7:00p - Communion * 7:15p - Tenebrae service

Good Friday | April 7: Silent Reflections - Good Friday offers a powerful and multivalent story that is open to multiple layers of meaning. The invitation is to sit with the story for a while, recognizing that while we are part of broken humanity that is capable of great evil, we are also part of Christ’s family committed to walking in the compassionate and radical ways of Jesus, wherever that road may take us. The Church doors will be open between 11a to 1p. You are invited to drop by for your own personal prayers and meditation. Scripture readings and prayer will be available for your use.

Easter Sunday | Apr 9: “Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed!”

Sunrise Service at PCOP – 7:30a - This is a shorter and more meditative service. Together, we will enter the darkened sanctuary and find that Jesus is no longer dead but he has risen!

8:30a - Breakfast * 9:00a - Easter Egg Hunt * 9:00a - Celebration Ringers Rehearsal

Traditional Easter Service – 10a - Christian churches around the globe will retell the story of how on the morning of what we call Easter, the tomb of the crucified Jesus was found empty because he had risen from the dead. Come join us for music, trumpet, and Hallelujah music! Come join the chorus of Resurrection!

Celebrate years

March was filled with some fun events at PCOP!

W.O.W. Arts for kids concluded the winter session with a bucket band performance for the families and an art display. I was very touched with the cake and gifts to say goodbye to me too!

met this month and enjoyed creating a fun craft together!

Cool Brave Christian Kids another gathering in March. They enjoyed a taco lunch, learning about Mr. Rogers and his kindness and played their favorite games. Shout out to the Deans for their dedication to assisting with this great group of kids!

Many participated in the Sacraments and Worship Workshop on March 19th. Tables were set up so everyone could explore and learn why we do what we do on Sundays. Families then shared a time in the Sanctuary where Pastor Joy taught us more about the sacraments of baptism and communion. The children joined the adult choir that morning to sing too!

Special Offerings The children have been taking an offering in Sunday School and have collected $37.54. They identified three organizations that provide for children and took a unanimous vote to send their money to St. Jude. They are now working on filling their One Great Hour of Sharing fish banks they received in Sunday School and will bring them back on Easter.

COMING SOON:

Sun, April 2 – Children will process into worship waving palms on Palm Sunday.

Sun, April 9 – Easter egg hunt and activities after 8:30a breakfast. Children will worship with their families on Easter. June 26-30 – Vacation Bible School! The theme is Hero Central.

It has been my pleasure to work with the children and families at PCOP. I wish you all the very best in the future. You will be missed!

Blessings, Lynn

No kidding!

There s a Website for that!

Have you thought about delivering a Children’s Message, but need some ideas or a plan to follow? If you go to www.sermons4kids you will find a text you can read, or modify, activities, prayers, and thought starters.

A sign-up sheet is available on the hymn book cart in the sanctuary.

EasterEggHunt

Sunday, April 9 at 9:00 a.m.

Presbyterian Church in Orland Park

Bags will be provided.

Dont forget to feed your fish!

Fish bank collection will be on Easter Sunday.

1937 to 2021

You might be wondering, “Who was Sarah ‘Sally’ Pfander?” You might have met her at a Bible study class, sorted clothes with her at the rummage sale, or shared a cup of coffee with her during fellowship after worship. You may have noticed her more recently in her wheelchair attending our worship services.

Born in Peoria, Sally was baptized in the Peoria Presbyterian Church in 1938. Then her family moved to Chicago and during her early childhood years, the family attended the Willard Street Presbyterian Church. The family then moved again and she attended the Brighton Park Presbyterian Church on the south side of Chicago (where she sang in the choir).

It was during these early years in Brighton Park that she formed life-long friendships with neighbors, Paula Leydon and Genevie Linkus. Sally graduated from Kelly High School and received training in accounting from business school. In 1955, she found work at Inland/ Ryerson Steel Company where she remained employed for over 35 years. Her two friends Genevie and Paula also worked at Inland Steel.

Sally was an only child and never married. Her father died when she was 23 and she chose to remain at home and support her mother for many years.

In 1992, Sally and Genevie sold their family homes on the Southside and purchased a home together in Orland Park. Sally joined the Presbyterian Church in Orland Park in 1993 and was ordained as a Deacon in 2000. She remained an active church member until her accident.

In 2014, Sally experienced a tragic fall which left her unable to care for herself. At that time, she moved with Genevie to Victorian Village in Homer Glenn where she remained until she passed away peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the age of 84.

Sally was a lifelong Presbyterian, a faithful follower of Christ, and a devoted, active member of the Orland Park Presbyterian Church for 28 years. Sally left an estate gift of $70,000 to our church which we received in 2022. Thank you Sally for your dedication to and continued support of PCOP.

To read more about Sally, click HERE.

Gardeners get your "GreenThumb On" Flats of annuals, pots of vegetables and herbs!

Pre-Order forms available Saturday, March 24th.

Order deadline Monday, April 24.

Pick-up date Saturday, May 13.

Let s make this a GREAT, FUN and BEAUTIFUL fundraiser!

If you have perennials that need to be divided that can be donated to the sale, contact Gary Campbell or Richard Burnett, they will help you dig them up!

The BOOK CLUB Presents . . .

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

Thursday, April 13th 12:30pm at Church

Hosted by Cindy Stocker

All are welcome!

COMING NEXT MONTH:

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Thursday, May 11 at 12:30pm

Hosted by Margie Burnett

On April 16 & 23, friends, members, and guests are all invited to learn more about The Presbyterian Church in Orland Park. These informal conversations include time to reflect your faith journey, learn about the beliefs and mission of our church, and even explore troublesome theological terms and questions. This church encourages questions, expects challenges, and authentically tries to follow the way of Jesus. All are invited to join the church –but it is not a requirement to become a member. If you are interested in “Discovery,” please contact Pastor Joy.

PCOP will be collecting the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering during this Lenten Season until Easter Sunday. You may donate in person during a worship service or mail your offering to the church office. Your contribution helps to share God’s love with our neighbors in need, providing food for the hungry, relief from natural disasters, and loosening the bonds of injustice.

Thank you for your support of the One Great Hour of Sharing.

The Mission committee

April 2023

THE 2023 PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD S RELIGIONS RETURNS TO CHICAGO WHERE IT BEGAN

PCOP has faithfully supported the Jones Center in Chicago Heights since 1983. Our support enables the them to serve the community by strengthening family ties, answering community needs, and emphasizing the worth of God’s children. One essential way in which we serve is to collect each month food donations for their food pantry. Please place your donations in the wooden cabinet in the vestibule. Thank you for sharing with those who struggle against hunger. Shopping list suggestions for daily meals:

Breakfast: Pancake mix, syrup, instant hot cereal, dry cereal

Lunch: Canned soup, crackers, peanut butter, jelly Dinner: Pasta, canned tuna or chicken, canned vegetables, canned fruit

If you cannot obtain the above, ANY item would be appreciated.

In 1893, the city of Chicago hosted the World Columbian Exposition, an early world’s fair. So many people were coming to Chicago from all over the world that many smaller conferences, called Congresses and Parliaments, were scheduled to take advantage of this unprecedented gathering. One of these was the World’s Parliament of Religions.

The Parliament of the World's Religions will reconvene in Chicago, IL, at McCormick Place Lakeside Center from August 14-18, 2023. It was created 130 years ago to help cultivate harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities and foster their engagement with the world and its guiding institutions in order to achieve a just, peaceful, and sustainable world. It is expected that Parliament Convenings will attract participants from more than 200 diverse religious, indigenous, and secular beliefs and more than 80 nations.

There will be hundreds of breakout sessions, art & cultural exhibits, performances, a film festival, and countless opportunities to connect with individuals and organizations committed to justice, peace, and sustainability.

Interested?

Register HERE before March 31st and $ave!

SWIFT’s Service Project will join the Chicago River Day cleanup activities on Saturday, May 13, 9:00am - 12noon, at the Lucas Berg Nature Preserve in Palos Hills. Look for information in next month’s newsletter.

For I was hungry and you have me food.

Apr 2: Celebration Ringers Rehearsal - 9a

Communion Worship Service at PCOP - 10a

Palm Sunday

Children’s Choir Rehearsal - 11a

Apr 3: Mission Committee Meeting via Zoom - 6:30p

AA Meeting at PCOP - 7p

Apr 4: Men’s Breakfast at Blueberry Hill Café - 8:30a

Staff Meeting at PCOP - 11:30a

Apr 5: Celebration Singers Rehearsal at PCOP - 6:15p

Apr 6: Maundy Thursday Service at PCOP - 6:30p

Apr 7: Good Friday Flection Quiet Time at PCOP - 11a to 1p

Apr 9: Easter Sunday Worship Services:

7:30a - Sunrise Service 10a - Traditional Service

ALL CHOIRS SING & REJOICE!

Breakfast at PCOP - 8:30a

Easter Egg Hunt at PCOP - 9a

Celebration Ringers Rehearsal - 9a

Praise Band & Children’s Choir Rehearsal - 9:30a

Fish Bank Collection - OGHS

Apr 10: OFFICE CLOSED in observance of Easter Holiday

AA Meeting at PCOP - 7p

Apr 11: Men’s Breakfast at Blueberry Hill Café - 8:30a

Staff Meeting at PCOP - 11:30a

Apr 12: Men’s Meeting via Zoom - 8:30a

Apr 16: Celebration Ringers Rehearsal - 9a

Worship Service at PCOP - 10a

Children’s Choir Rehearsal - 11a

Discovery Class at PCOP - 11a

Apr 20: AA Meeting at PCOP - 6:30p

Apr 17: YFM Team Meeting via Zoom - 7p

AA Meeting at PCOP - 7p

Apr 18: Men’s Breakfast at Blueberry Hill Café - 8:30a

MOMSnext (Off site) Meeting - 9:15a

Staff Meeting at PCOP - 11:30a

Apr 20: AA Meeting at PCOP - 6:30p

Apr 23: Celebration Ringers Rehearsal - 9a

Worship Service at PCOP - 10a

Children’s Choir Rehearsal - 11a

Discovery Class at PCOP - 11a

Apr 24: AA Meeting at PCOP - 7p

Apr 25: Men’s Breakfast at Blueberry Hill Café - 8:30a

Staff Meeting at PCOP - 11:30a

Session Meeting via Zoom - 7p

Apr 26: Celebration Singers Rehearsal - 6:15p

Apr 30: Celebration Ringers Rehearsal - 9a

Worship Service at PCOP - 10a

Celebration Ringers Perform

Children’s Choir Rehearsal - 11a

SWIFT Spring Forum