What's New?
Wear red for Pentecost on May 11th
On Sunday morning we will be celebrating Pentecost, the day on which we mark the gift of the Holy Spirit to the gathered disciples in Acts 2. Over the centuries, Christians have looked at this event as the birthday of the church. It is the third major celebration of the church year, alongside Christmas and Easter. The Spirit brings us together in community and sends us out in service.
Church School Pentecost Celebration
IIQ on Sunday, May 11th will celebrate the Festival of Pentecost with an all-school celebration in the Lower Level of the Meeting House during the 10:10 Education Hour. Our theme will be “On Fire With the Spirit,” so we encourage all children to wear RED on Sunday.
Mother's Day Plant Sale
Please support our youth mission programs by purchasing fresh spring flowers after either service on Sunday, May 11th. We will have a variety of plants as well as hanging baskets. If you have a particular request from previous years, please contact Lynn Frankenfield.
Bologna Bunch gathers on Wednesday--All welcome!
Please come join us for sandwich making in IPC’s kitchen on Wednesday, May 14th at 9:45 a.m. Spring is in full bloom, and it’s nice to get out for some great fellowship. Many hands have been making this a one-hour project. Hope to see you there! Newcomers welcome!
IPC Book Group's upcoming selections
Looking ahead, we will be discussing the book, Radical Hospitality, on Wednesday, May 14th, when Judith Fulp-Eickstaedt will be our guest leader. This book, by Father Daniel Homan and Lonni Collins Pratt, illuminates the Benectine principle of hospitality: welcoming the stranger into our hearts--even the familiar ones.
On Tuesday, June 10th, we will discuss a very different book: Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan. This is the story of a middle aged American woman who ventures out on a "walkabout" with a group of Aborigines in the Outback of Australia. There she experiences the tribe's customs, healing methods, food-finding tactics and a new spirituality with a message for Westerners. Kim Pacala will facilitate that discussion.
Congregational Meeting: To elect officers
Sunday, May 18th, IPC Sanctuary, following the 9:00 a.m. worship service
Confirmands received Sunday, May 18th
Next Sunday at the 9:00 service, we will be receiving our confirmands into full membership in the church as they reaffirm the promises that were made on their behalf in baptism.
Sr. High Movie Night -- May 18th
All 9th-12th graders and friends are invited out to watch the quirky surprise hit movie Juno at the Manch’s (1217 Old Stable Road, McLean) on Sunday, May 18th, 4:00-7:00 p.m. Bring your sense of humor and either a snack or desert to share. Dinner will be provided. See Jim for more info.
Sunday Night Live -- May 18th
Join us for an evening of outdoor fun and games on Sunday, May18th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the church grounds. Games will include Spud, Four Square, and a special Immanuel scavenger hunt to name just a few. Food and drinks to be provided at modest cost.
Contemplative Prayer Group forming
Are you interested in studying and participating in the discipline of contemplative prayer? Here is an opportunity to experience this ancient practice. We will begin with reading one of the lectionary texts for the following Sunday, follow that with 20-25 minutes of silent meditation and then speak of what we “heard” or understood during the silent period. As we gain ease in the discipline, we might move to centering prayer. No experience necessary. This is an area I would like to develop and welcome others to join me on Thursday mornings, 8:30-9:15, in the Session Room. Any questions or comments? Please contact Martha Whitney.
Volunteers needed to record church services on CD
Volunteers are needed to help with the recording of church services so that we can continue to offer online audio sermons. This job does not require much technological know-how, just a basic comfort level with working a recording machine. Training will be provided. If you are interested, please e-mail Tracey Daniels at the church.