Sunnyland Christian

(Disciples of Christ)

Rev Robin

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Camp Walter Scott

I want to use my space this week to share with you a little about a place that holds a special spot in my heart, and I believe, in the heart of our community: Camp Walter Scott. Located near Effingham, IL, Camp Walter Scott spans 180 acres of serene lake and natural forest. It’s more than just a camp, it’s a sanctuary where one can truly feel the presence of God, away from the hustle and bustle of our increasingly connected lives.

As a kid, I had the privilege of attending Camp Walter Scott, and it was a formative experience in my spiritual journey. I’ve been able to watch this generation of children (including my own kids) find God anew in that same holy place, I am continually reminded of its timeless significance. It hosts camps for youth, as well as family camp events over Memorial and Labor Day weekends.

One of the unique offerings of Camp Walter Scott is the “You & Me” camp June 16-19. Designed for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or any significant adults to attend camp with the children (K-5) in their lives, these camps foster intergenerational bonding and shared spiritual growth.

Our CCIW region is truly blessed to have such a jewel in our midst. But to ensure that Camp Walter Scott continues to serve as a beacon of faith for future generations, it needs our support. There are numerous ways you can contribute to the upkeep and advancement of the camp. You can participate in its events, join in the maintenance efforts on camp Work Days, or financially support its ministries.

Together, we can ensure that Camp Walter Scott remains a place of worship, connection, and growth for many years to come. If you want to know more about Camp Walter Scott, I’m happy to talk with you, or you can go to campwalterscott.org and see all that they have to offer.

Blessings and grace,

Pastor Robin

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Introducing Branches of Washington

John 15:5 ~ I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit.

It’s spring! The days are getting longer, the tulips are blooming, and seeing new growth is exciting after a long (and kind of weird) winter. I know I’m not the only one who gets a little spring in my step when things feel fresh and new. Our gardens aren’t the only thing waking up right now, either. There’s new life sprouting up at SCC too. Our leadership teams have been talking about how to capitalize on SCC’s strengths and resources to be more effective sharers of Good News in our congregation and the Sunnyland community.

To that end, I have been in conversation with folks from a few other churches in the Washington area who want to make a real and lasting difference for students who live at or near the poverty level. So I am proud to introduce you to Branches of Washington, an ecumenical group of Washington churches dedicated to empowering children & youth in Washington through resources that help them succeed in school and life.

There are many groups doing great work already, powered by SCC members: Weekend Snackpac, Moms Who Care, and food pantries, to name a few. But there are still many gaps left which keep some kids from getting to school each morning ready to learn. By helping fill those gaps, our kids can make the most of their school years and grow into successful adults, breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Here’s where you come in. We need a few SCC folks who are passionate about supporting the youth of our community, to join this new team. If you’re intrigued and open to building this ministry, please call or text me at 309-863-5713, or go to https://bit.ly/branches-wash to take the next step. There are opportunities for people of all ages, fitness levels, and skill sets. With your help we can truly bear good fruit, in Christ Jesus’ name.

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Serving our Community in New Ways

In recent weeks I have begun meeting with some of our friends at The Bridge UMC and St Marks Lutheran (ELCA), hoping to combine efforts to minister to the youth of Washington. Speaking also with people in our congregations, we feel compelled to new action. We have begun the work of identifying the gaps left by other programs and stepping in with love and resources to fill those voids. However, identifying these gaps is just the start. The real work includes our response. I have begun talking with the SCC Board, Elders, and other leaders, considering the incredible resources we already have at our fingertips: SCC’s location in the heart of District 50, and our parsonage house. These are not just assets; they are tools God has given us to serve our community.

I invite you to join me in prayer for this mission. Consider how our spaces can be transformed from underutilized resources into vibrant hubs of support and community care. Imagine our parking lot hosting a back-to-school fair, with physicals, immunizations, or other services that Washington youth need to start their school year strong. Or envision the parsonage house as a community center where families can learn about the other resources available to them. The possibilities are as numerous as they are needed.

I again invite you to be in prayer for this effort, a testament to what we stand for – a community united in faith, hope, and love, extending our hands and hearts beyond our walls, reaching into the world that God has called us to love. SCC was built in 1938 out of a need for a hub in our community, and that need is as strong as ever in 2024. If you are interested in knowing more, or being part of this response, please contact me.

Thank you for your prayers and your continued commitment to being the hands and feet of Christ for the families of Washington and Sunnyland. With God’s help we will be here for 85 more.

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Holy Week at SCC

Between Palm Sunday, where we celebrate Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, and Easter, when we celebrate his resurrection, we have Holy Week. Holy Week is when remember what happened between those two celebrations: the Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, the sham trial, and crucifixion. Although Holy week reminds us of deep pain, it also helps us to better understand the deep love he showed for his people. By taking part in walking with Jesus through this momentous week of his life – we can better understand (and accept) his call to discipleship in our own lives.

To help you truly experience Holy Week, we invite you to join us in a series of special services:

Maundy Thursday, 6:00pm, where we will celebrate the Last Supper as Jesus did with his disciples, and look toward the events of Good Friday.

Good Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, we are hosting a prayer vigil, keeping watch with Jesus on his last day. You may sign up to come to the church to experience interactive prayer stations, or you may choose to pray at home. Our goal is to have an unbroken chain of prayers on this holy day.

Easter Sunday, we offer two worship services to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. At 7:00 am, a very special sunrise service, rejoicing with the women who arrived to find his tomb empty. Immediately following this service, we will share an Easter breakfast. At 10:30 am, our traditional Easter service, again rejoicing and joyful at the empty tomb.

We hope you will take part in these special services and experiences with us. They are a powerful way to connect with Jesus and to deepen your faith. I look forward to worshipping with you during this special week.

Robin

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Sounds of Our Faith Worship Series

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.                        ~Psalm 100:1-2

It’s no secret that music plays a vital role in any church, and that is especially true at SCC. Hymns hold a special place in our lives, connecting us with tradition, and putting emotions and words together in ways that speaking or reading could never achieve. In life’s joys, they help us to lift praises and gratitude. Amidst life’s challenges, hymns offer us solace and hope. And songs have the added benefit of being way more memorable than any spoken scripture or sermon could be!

For the next few weeks we will be exploring some of the music that this congregation has known and loved. Last week we looked at how the Doxology not only enriches our worship services, but can give us a way to give glory to God throughout the week, too. Sunday the 23rd of July, we will explore the amazing personal transformation behind “Amazing Grace.” On July 30, I will be away at General Assembly, so we’ve prepared a song-filled worship service focusing on the stories of several of SCC’s favorite hymns. On August 6, we’ll celebrate faithful children’s songs that formed some of our earliest theologies.

Please join us if you are able, to lift our voices together and celebrate the gift of music in our lives, and in our community.

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New Library at SCC!

In recent weeks, I’ve been going through the library at the church, and have found that there are a lot of book that were never checked out, or haven’t been touched in several years. While some of the books are totally dated and dusty at this point, there are also some gems in our collection. And as we all know, there’s nothing a book wants more than to be read.

So I’ve pulled a few of the more interesting titles out of the out-of-the-way library, and brought them down to the Doris Street foyer. There’s a sign-out sheet, where you can put your name and which book you have. When you’re done with it, bring it back so that someone else can take it home. It’s super easy. And in the coming months, the collection there will be growing and changing, so keep checking back!

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Tech update

Thanks to your amazing generosity, we have collected enough to be able to purchase the new camera and equipment to start livestreaming our services. In the coming weeks we will be installing and “tweaking” the settings, and will soon be up and running with a new way to stay connected through online worship. If you’re interested in learning more or helping out with this ministry, please let me know!

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New Study Opportunity This Summer

This summer, I am preparing a 6-week sermon series focusing on the Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Found in the gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount

And since I think that the best way to learn is in community, I am inviting everyone at SCC to join me in studying these scriptures in June and July.  Our companion guide for this study is “The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven” by renowned New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine. This class will provide an opportunity for both newcomers and seasoned believers to dive into the depths of this important piece of Scripture.

This study will last 6 weeks, and classes will be held at two different times: Sunday mornings at 9AM (June 4-July 9) and Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM (June 6-July 11, except for Independence Day). The Tuesday sessions will also be available on Zoom for those who wish to join us from home.

I encourage you to bring your questions, doubts, and reflections to this class. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone’s perspective is valued and honored. The goal is not merely to gain knowledge, but to allow the teachings of Jesus to penetrate our hearts and transform our daily lives.

Please register in advance by contacting the church office or emailing me, pastor@sunnylandchristianchurch.org. There is no fee for participating in this class, and all are welcome, regardless of prior biblical knowledge.

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Help us upgrade our A/V equipment, to share the love of God far and wide.

Sunnyland CC has long had a camera in the sanctuary so that services could be shared with our members who cannot attend in person. But that camera and recorder are showing their age, and it’s time for an upgrade.

We are currently collecting donations to purchase a new camera and other pieces to enable us to not only record, but also to broadcast our services on YouTube each Sunday morning. The initial cost will be approximately $2500, but have already received some donations toward the cause. This setup will also grow with us as we expand our digital ministry in the future, if and when the Spirit leads us that way.

If you would like to contribute financially to this project, please write “Worship Tech” on the memo line of your check, and get it to the church office. If you’d like to contribute by learning how to help run the camera on Sunday mornings, please contact me (Rev Robin) and we can talk about that too. The more people who come together to get this new ministry off the ground, the better!

Thank you for being open to so many new things in the short time I’ve been with you so far. And thanks for your support in this endeavor too.

Here are some of the benefits of livestreaming our church services:

  • Connect with people who are unable to attend in person. Livestreaming can be a lifeline for people who are unable to attend church in person, such as those who have health challenges, do not drive, live in another city, or are living in care facilities. It can help friends of our congregation feel connected to their church community even when they cannot join us physically.
  • Build community. Livestreaming can help build community among our congregation, both those who attend in person and those who take part online. It can create a space where people can come together to worship, pray, and learn together.
  • Reach new people. Livestreaming can help us to connect with new people who are looking for a church home, who may then decide to take next steps on their discipleship journey by joining us in person.
  • Worship from anywhere, at any time. Livestreaming allows us to make messages available to you at times other than Sunday morning too, in places other than Sunnyland. This allows everyone to join in, even if those who are traveling or working during the times we normally meet.

Grace and Peace,
Robin

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A Word of Welcome from our minister, Rev. Robin Robinson

Welcome to Sunnyland Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ! I think it’s great that you found your way to our website, and hope that you are inspired to join us in person, if you haven’t already. I have recently begun ministry at Sunnyland Christian Church and can already see that this congregation is one that goes out of its way to make people feel at home.

SCC is a congregation also deeply committed to serving the people of Central Illinois, and around the world. If you’re looking for a casual church where you can be of service to those around you, we’d love to have you join in. Feel free to look around a bit at the website, read some newsletters, and then give us a try some Sunday morning. We worship each week at 10:30 AM. You are welcome to join us in the sanctuary, but also you can get a feel for our service by driving to the building and listening to a broadcast of our service on your car radio, 94.5 FM.

And of course, if you have pastoral needs, free to reach out to me directly at pastorrobinscc(at)gmail.com

May God bless you and yours this day,

Robin