Second PressA publication of Second Presbyterian Church

in Little Rock, ArkansasJuly 31, 2019

August at Second PresbyterianSome folks refer to August as “the dog days of summer.” Around here we are ready to hit the road running as we celebrate the end of summer and make plans for fall kick-off events and programming. Plan now to be part of these exciting Sunday events and watch for more information about these and other upcoming fall programs.

Sunday, August 11“Blessing of the Backpacks”• Backpacks, briefcases, and diaper bags will be blessed as part of our regular worship at

9:00 and 10:00 a.m.• Children from VBS and the “Make a Joyful Noise” choir camp will participate in music

leadership.

Adult Education Summer Book Club Discussion4:00 p.m. in Second HallThe Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisDiscussion Leader: Vernon Markham

Sunday, August 18• Return to Regular Worship Schedule: 8:30, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m. services• Sunday School Kick-off at 9:45 a.m. in the Great Hall• All Church Parking Lot Kick-off Party, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 25• Confirmation Kick-off at 9:50 a.m. in Youth Building• Recognition of the Ordination of Stacey Hammons (Chaplain at Presbyterian Village) at

11:00 a.m. worship• Presbyterian Women Summer Reunion Gathering at 2:00 p.m. in Second Hall

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Summer Reading ClubThe Adult Education Ministry invites you to join us for discussion and light refreshments on Sunday, August 11 at 4:00 p.m. in Second Hall.

August 11The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisDiscussion Leader: Vernon MarkhamA masterpiece of satire, this classic has entertained and enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life from the vantage point of Screwtape, a senior tempter in the service of “Our Father Below.” At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the worldly-wise old devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging and humorous account of temptation—and triumph over it—ever written.

Sunday School Kick-offSunday, August 18

9:45 a.m. • Great HallOn Sunday, August 18 we will return to our regular worship schedule (8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.) and we will kick-off another exciting year of Sunday School at Second Presbyterian Church. Plan now to attend this kick-off event. • Continental Breakfast• Reconnect after the summer break• Three Year Old Bible Presentation• Sunday School “promotion” activities• Learn about our Adult Education opportunities

Watch for more information in the Fall Christian Education Brochure coming soon.

Introduction to Troop and Pack 55Dear Second Presbyterian Church family,Let me introduce to you the Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack that Second Presbyterian now sponsors. Troop 55 is 43 years old and has a long history of camping, Scouts earning the Eagle Rank, and excellent adult leadership. When we heard that Troop 604 would be phasing out, we asked if we could move our Troop and Pack to Second Presbyterian and, thus, continue the Scouting program here. We are thankful to be sponsored by Second Presbyterian and for use of the wonderful facilities in the Youth building for meetings. Boy Scouts are ages 11 to 18 years. For more information, contact Scoutmaster Jacob James, (501) 218-4377 or jacobjames34@gmail.com, or Bob Skinner, (501) 960-7161 or rdskinner65@comcast.net, the Chartered Organization Representative. Cub Scout Pack 55, now 39 years old, will begin meeting in September. Cub Scouts are ages kindergarten to 5th grade. Both programs are now accepting applications for boys and adult leaders. Look for a table in the Narthex for sign-up and popcorn sales in August. All Scouts have fun, learn crafts and skills, enjoy and protect the environment, and develop leadership skills.Bob Skinner

Boy Scout Troop 55 Meetings for August, 2019August 5, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Youth Building, Regular meetingAugust 19, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Youth Building, Regular meetingAugust 25, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Youth Building, Court of Honor

Newest Members

Ansley & Nancy FlemingBoth Ansley and Nancy are retired. They enjoy music, traveling, cooking and their dogs. They have been involved in Stephen Ministry and LifeQuest. Ansley and Nancy joined by Transfer of Letter from First United Methodist Church in Little Rock.

All Church Parking Lot Kick-off PartySunday, August 18 • 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Join us for food trucks, inflatables, live entertainment, gaga ball and so much more! We hope you will come and bring a neighbor or friend.

Presbyterian Women GatheringsSaturday, August 24, 9:30 a.m.All women are invited to the Presbytery Cluster V Fall Gathering at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. Our own Lindy Vogado will be presenting an overview of the 2019-20 Bible Study, Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments. Lunch ($10, by reservation) will be provided following the program. Please contact Karin Howze to make reservations, karinhowze@secondpreslr.org. Sunday, August 25, 2:00 p.m.Second Presbyterian Women Summer Reunion Gathering in Second Hall. All women are invited for this time of fellowship to “catch up” at the end of the summer before fall programming begins. Refreshments will be served and Bible study books will be available.

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Children’s ChoirAttention parents of PreK 4’s – 5th graders: choir starts up sooner than “normal.” We resume Wednesday, August 14 with a combined ministry kick-off dinner and parent meeting. Activities will be organized and led for children and childcare for infants and toddlers will be provided. Presentations and information will be shared from the Children’s Ministry and Families with Young Children, as well as the schedule and information for the entire year for Children’s Music. Please R.S.V.P. with Karin in the church office for dinner and childcare, karinhowze@secondpreslr.org or (501) 227-0000.

Ringers NeededInterested in a short term handbell commitment? Join us for a few weeks of rehearsal and the opportunity to offer an anthem in worship this summer.Rehearsal dates: Monday, August 19, Monday, August 26, and Thursday, September 5. Choose 11:15 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. rehearsal times.Ring date in worship is Sunday, September 8 at both the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services.Please contact Mary Ibis to confirm your spot and receive your bell assignment, maryibis@secondpreslr.org.

Cheeses with Jesus

Cheeses With Jesus is an adult group, for those who are older than ‘younger adult’ and younger than ‘retiree’. For the summer, the group is taking a break from Bible study; staying in touch with fellowship events.August plans:• August 7: Plan has changed. We will have a Toast to Jenna

(one of our founding members); 7:00 P.M.; location TBA• August 21: Escape Room at Mystery Mansion. This

event is for an adult group of a limited size, and requires reservations in advance. There will also be a cost. More specific plans will be made when we have a head count of those planning to attend.

For more information, contact Catherine Allsbury, catherineallsbury@secondpreslr.org.

Emily McPhersonOur congregation celebrates with one of our sextons, Emily McPherson, who recently completed the dental assistant program at Eastern College of Health Vocations. She completed this program while working full time at the church and caring for her four year

old son, Asher. She recently got a new job in her chosen field and will begin working for Ted Jolley, DDS, on August 1. While we will miss having Emily on staff full time, we are very proud of all her hard work and wish her well as she begins this new chapter.

Church Sexton Position AvailableSecond Presbyterian Church is seeking a Sexton in our Facilities Department. This position assists with the daily operations of the church building specifically with the essential cleaning and maintenance of the building. This position also assists the Food Service Manager in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of meals. This is a full-time position with benefits. For more information, contact Aileen Moore, (501) 227-0000 or aileenmoore@secondpreslr.org. (This position is available due to Emily McPherson beginning her new job as a dental assistant.)

The P.L.A.C.E.August 10 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Presbytery Leadership Academy for Congregational Enrichment, sponsored by the Presbytery of Arkansas will be hosted at Trinity Presbyterian Church and will include a variety of workshops around the theme of Following Jesus: The Discipleship Path. After a brief morning worship and a keynote address by our own Steve Hancock, participants will be able to attend two one-hour workshops in the areas of Worship, Intentional Faith Formation, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity (led by Steve Hancock and Malinda Kirchner). Registration information and more details about workshops and leaders can be found at Trinity Presbyterian’s website. You can also register by calling Trinity Presbyterian Church (501) 868-5848.

Save the Dates for Wednesdays TogetherSeptember 11, 18, 25 • 5:30-7:15 p.m.

Plan now to join us for dinner and programming for all ages and stages. Watch for the upcoming brochure with registration information.

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Construction ReportWork has begun on the fourth project of phase one of the Second Vision Capital Campaign—installation of solar panels on the grass median in the south parking lot next to the church offices. The solar array will include 81 solar panels and two EV charging stations for electric vehicles. Seal Solar Energy Solutions of North Little Rock is the contractor.

Partners in Providing Foodfor our Hungry Neighbors

Second Presbyterian Church and Grace Presbyterian Church will begin a partnership to provide a second food distribution day at Grace Presbyterian Church on Thursday, August 1. This is an exciting and hopeful venture for both of our congregations. The Outreach Ministry of Second and the Mission Committee of Grace have been working together for several months to move towards providing more opportunities for volunteers to serve our hungry neighbors.Grace has been offering a Food Pantry for several years. The church is located at a bus stop which aids in helping folks come to the Food Pantry. The church sign is in good sight of the bus stop, so the days and times of the Food Pantry can be noted by those who ride the bus, as well as others who drive or walk by the church. There is a special room in the church which is used for food storage and distribution. Second Presbyterian has been financially undergirding the Food Pantry ministry at Grace for several years. The financial support is used to purchase food at a highly reduced rate from the Arkansas Food Bank. Following a Sunday School class devoted to hunger issues, the Outreach Ministry began discussing ways that folks at Second could help address these concerns in our community.The partnership between Grace and Second is a great pairing of human and financial resources to meet a deep need in our community. Both churches bring needed assets to provide a second food distribution day at Grace. Each month the Food Pantry will be serving people from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month.Grace already has a committed group of volunteers who serve our patrons with hospitality and welcome, registration, and food distribution. Volunteers also pick up food at the Food Bank on a regular basis, as well as pack the bags for distribution. The volunteers at Grace are looking forward to welcoming new folks from Second to help establish this second distribution day. There are a variety of ways to work to ensure the success of the Food Pantry.If you are interested in serving our hungry neighbors through time given for the Food Pantry, please contact Lindy Vogado if you attend Second, or Karen Akin if you attend Grace. We give thanks to God for this new thing God is doing in our midst!Lindy VogadoKaren Akin

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Planned Giving WebsiteOur planned giving website features stories and testimonials from church members about what our church means to them and their lives of faith and why they wanted to give a lasting gift. There are also examples of gifts that may fit into your estate giving.

http://plannedgivingnavigator.org/pg-sites/27/

Tuesday, August 20, 201912:00-1:00 p.m.

When a loved one dies, one of the most common early reactions is an intense yearning, a sense that part of you is missing, and a hunger to have the person back. Sharing stories often provides solace and helps ease the heartbreak. Our church is providing a place to share those stories. On the third Tuesday of every month, our church will host a Faith and Grief Luncheon from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Second Hall. You will find:• a supportive community of persons who have experienced

the death of a loved one• comfort through scripture and prayers• encouragement through personal stories• hope in sharing your feelings and experiences.

Registration for August 20 can be made by visiting faithandgrief.org or by contacting Sharon Howard in the church office, (501) 227-0000 or sharonhoward@secondpreslr.org.

Two Opportunities to Become Involvedwith our International Partnership

in HondurasSign Up for Solar School to Help Bring Electricity to Communities in NeedSolar School is the training program for Solar Under the Sun, an ecumenical ministry that helps to install solar power systems in communities that lack access to reliable electrical power. Solar School is a hands-on, interactive program designed to equip team leaders with the necessary skills to form meaningful partnerships with communities in the developing world, to assess their need for solar power, and to design and install a solar power system. The last several Solar Under the Sun trips have taken place in Honduras in partnership with our Honduran Presbyterian partners there. The next Solar School will be held at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, September 19-22. There are also limited scholarships available to church members from our church’s Outreach Ministry. Contact Lindy Vogado, lindyvogado@secondpreslr.org in the church office for more information, or visit solarunderthesun.org.Save the Date for Presbytery Trip to Honduras this Spring During Spring Break, March 21-28, 2020, the Presbytery of Arkansas will be leading an international partnership to Honduras, as it has for the last several years. The Presbytery has a partnership with the Presbyterian church of Honduras, and we are excited to work with our fellow Arkansans in expanding our Presbyterian connections in this part of the world. On this trip, participants will engage in community development work with Heifer International as well as meeting with local religious and civic leaders. Partial scholarships to help cover the cost of the trip are available from the Outreach Ministry. Contact Lindy Vogado, lindyvogado@secondpreslr.org for more information.

Bale Elementary – Second Presbyterian ChurchOutreach Partnership

Many thanks to everyone who participated in any way with our Educational Outreach Partnership with Bale Elementary this past school year. We engaged in a wide variety of activities including weekly reading (AR Kids Read), weekly mentoring, monthly classroom reading, assistance for Grandparents’ Day, judging for their science fair and the “spirit” costume contest during Red Ribbon drug awareness week, picture-taking, etc. We helped purchase t-shirts for all students and staff at Christmas and provided snacks each day for the students during annual spring testing time. In addition, we provided staff appreciation treats several times throughout the school year including Staff Appreciation week in May. This is an especially fun and rewarding opportunity to engage with and support one of our local elementary schools!Please consider becoming involved next school year. If you are interested or want more information, contact Debbie Bass, rdawbass@sbcglobal.net. Also, watch for the opportunity to sign up in the Narthex at the end of August/early September.

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Kick-off DatesPlease mark your calendars for the following dates:August 14, 5:30 p.m.EverythingChildren@SecondPres dinner, parent meeting, childcareAugust 18, 9:45 a.m.Sunday School Kickofffor all ages in the Great HallAugust 18, 4:00 p.m.All-Church Kickoff Partydinner, activities, entertainment for all agesAugust 21, 6:00 p.m.Children’s Choir First RehearsalPreK-4 through 5th gradeAugust 25, 9:30 a.m.Playtime with Parentsplayground socialSeptember 5, 6:45 p.m.Dads’ Trivia Night; Moms’ Night Outchildcare at the churchSeptember 7, 9:00 a.m.Extreme Ringchildren’s handbell workshop, grades 3-5September 11, 18 & 25, 5:30 p.m.Wednesdays Togetherdinner, education for all ages, no children’s choirSeptember 20, 6:00 p.m.Spy Kids Kick-off and Lock-in4th and 5th gradesSeptember 29, 12:15 p.m.All-Church Picnic at Ferncliff Camppotluck fellowship and activities for all ages

Also check the newsletter and website for start dates for Bible studies, adult Sunday school classes, adult choir, youth goings-on, and other programming. You’ll find programming for all ages.

Caring Inclusive CommunityrEcess is a parents night out hosted by Second Presbyterian for community families experiencing disability. A high-energy evening, rEcess is an opportunity for children with disability and their siblings to learn, play and create with caring adult volunteers

while parents have a little time to themselves. Our accessible facility and loving volunteers contribute to a fun, safe gathering for children with a variety of disabilities and their siblings.The program originates from the nonprofit 99 Balloons whose mission statement is: “Building inclusive communities so that every person with a disability and their family can live a full life within relationships.” A reflection of the Second Presbyterian Welcome Statement, the program celebrates the worth of each and every child, regardless of disability.We get to know our families and love them. Many of the children tell us how much they love this time at Second Presbyterian and what a difference it makes to their families. Participation is open to families of all faith traditions.Second Presbyterian hosts rEcess five times a year on a Friday night. The dates for the 2019-2020 academic year are: September 6, November 22, January 10, February 28, and April 24. It takes a minimum of 20-23 volunteers to host an average rEcess gathering. Volunteers receive dinner, training and instruction at 5:00 p.m. before families arrive at 6:00 p.m. The Great Hall lights up with activity as plastic balls and wheeled vehicles fill the space. Parachute time is a favorite time for volunteers and children alike. Play and creativity stations allow children to choose among activities, and the evening ends with a movie in Bible Village. Families pick up by 9:00 p.m.

The program is seeking additional volunteers to staff our leadership team and our parents’ night out team. Training is provided. For more information, contact Alisa Secrest, alisasecrest@secondpreslr.org or Jeannie Ford, jeannieford@secondpreslr.org.

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Matt Coffey, stationed in Little Rock, AR

Andrew Delo, Jeanne Lloyd’s grandson – stationed on the USS Washington, a nuclear sub

Taylor Douglas, son of Susan & Kevin Douglas – San Diego, CA

David Henry, son of Mary Helen & Joe Henry – at the Pentagon, Washington, DC

Jackson Hudkins, son of Jay Hudkins and Becky Latch, Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Jonathan Johnson, grandson of Helen Scott, nephew of Clarke & Cindy Scott Huisman – stationed at Fallon, NV

Daniel Jones, Marjorie Watkins’ nephew, Sarah Ceja’s cousin – stationed in Augusta, GA

Jonathan Miller, son of Patrice & Stan Miller – stationed in Fallon, NV

Chris Rookey, son of Hallie & Craig Rookey, grandson of Hallie & Kirk Simmins – deployed to Middle East

Kyle Rought, Mary Ibis’ cousin – stationed in Wahiawa, HI

Stuart Rubio, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS

John Matthew Solomon, son of Mary Margaret & Alan Solomon – stationed at Fort Meade, MD

Kevin Truslow, deployed to South Korea

In Harm’s Way

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:

August Worship Usher Captains

August 2019STEWPOTCook team: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.Servers: 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.Friday: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

OUR HOUSESecond Friday of each month, 5:30-7:00 p.m.Worship Ministry delivers and servesFriday: August 9

FOR MORE INFORMATION . . .

OutreachMinistry

StewpotCampbell McLaurin campbellmclaurin@gmail.com

Our HouseLinda HumphriesLCHumphries@comcast.net

9:00 a.m.

Jessica Vaughtvaught@rainfirm.com

10:00 a.m.

Kim Truslowkimtruslow@yahoo.com

Melissa Hendrickshendricksmelissam@gmail.com

Missed a Sermon?Did you miss one of the sermons? If so, you can listen to recent sermons on the church website at secondpreslr.org. Click on “Worship and Music,” then click on “Listen to Recent Sermons.” To receive a copy of a sermon either by e-mail or regular mail, contact Karin Howze, karinhowze@secondpreslr.org or (501) 227-0000. Printed copies are available in the Narthex and the church office.

Lost Independence“It’s just not safe for you anymore,” they say. “You could stay

with one of us—or look into a place I know.” You can’t live on your own anymore. And it hurts—giving up some of your independence,

adjusting to some new routines. Let a Stephen Minister share this diffi cult time with you.If you are going through a tough time and could use a caring

friend, Second Presbyterian Church is a Stephen Ministry congregation. We provide confidential Christian caregiving to hurting people. To find out more about Stephen Ministry or to receive a Stephen Minister’s care, call Associate Pastor Alisa Secrest, (501) 227-0000. Pastor Alisa will work with you to decide if Stephen Ministry will be a good fit for you and your unique situation.

We are currently recruiting new Stephen Ministers to care for others journeying through crisis. If you are considering serving in this way please contact Pastor Alisa or a Stephen Leader for more information.

M I N I S T R YSTEPHEN

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.– Psalm 27:14

Bulletin BoardHospitalized (*Discharged) *Neil Gillespie, *Eren Ibis, *Anne McCarley, *Janet Nelson, *Ann Norwood, Amelia Walters

We celebrate with Jake Adams and Erika Bickers, who were married on July 25. Jake is the son of Karin and Guy Howze.

We rejoice with the Lallier family on the birth of a niece, Avery Kielzewski. Parents are Sara and Karl Kielzewski.

Our sympathy goes to• Diedra Gaskalla and family on the death of her mother, Verna South• Kyle and Ruth Amensen and family on the death of Kyle’s grandmother, Elaine• Julie, Alex and Chris Honeycutt on the death of Julie’s stepfather, and Alex and Chris’ grandfather,

James “Jim” Williams

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, (501) 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 Alisa Secrest or Sharon Howard in the church office with information, (501) 227-0000, or e-mail alisasecrest@secondpreslr.org or sharonhoward@secondpreslr.org. Thanks for your help!

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES9:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Newsletter articles may be e-mailed to:adamsavacool@secondpreslr.orgUPCOMING DEADLINES:Thursday, August 8Thursday, August 22

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

If you have included our Church in your estate plans and would like to share this faithful decision, we appreciate you and would like to thank you for generosity and commitment to the future of the ministries of our church. Please call Malinda Kirchner at the church office or (501) 350-4681.

PASTORRev. Steve HancockASSOCIATE PASTORSRev. Alisa SecrestRev. Lindy Vogado Rev. Jen EvansPARISH ASSOCIATESRev. David GillDr. Robert WilliamsonCHURCH EDUCATORJeannie FordDIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRYRuth AmensenDIRECTOR OF YOUNG ADULT MINISTRYAshley NippDIRECTOR OF FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN MINISTRYDania EdwardsDIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND ARTSDr. Bevan KeatingASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSICMary IbisORGANISTAdam Savacool9 O’CLOCK MUSIC COORDINATORSarah Jane GuzmanBUSINESS ADMINISTRATORAileen MooreDIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVINGMalinda KirchnerNEWCOMER CARECatherine AllsburyFACILITIES MANAGERDavid BeachADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATESSage ArnoldTracy MaySharon HowardAdam SavacoolCHILD CARE COORDINATOR & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATEKarin HowzeSEXTONSGuy HowzeEmily McPherson

Thank You for YourFaith & Support