Monday, June 10
The Presbytery of Great Rivers
Illinois
Librarian Rachel Kocis reshelves books and gets the library ready for kids who come to hang out after school.
Located in a low-income neighborhood, Third Church in Springfield was looking for ways to reach out to the surrounding community. Its answer was to build a children’s library.
The church had space for a library but lacked books and furniture. Soon after deciding to move forward, the congregation received a large donation of furniture, including tables, chairs, and bookshelves. Local public libraries were in the process of closing and offered books at a discount.
Now the library collection consists of close to 10,000 books. New donations are cataloged every day. These books are enjoyed free of charge by the children who use the library. There are no late fees or lost-book fees at this library. Due to tax districts, the local public library charges $99 a year to access the library if you live outside of its district.
The congregation also wrote and received a $20,000 grant from the Great Rivers Presbytery Mission Initiative Fund, which was used to purchase iPads and touch-screen computers.
In addition to the book collection, the library hosts programs on on a play based on the book Where the Wild Things Are.
The library fills a need for literacy and is a safe haven for the children who live in the neighborhood around the church.
The Presbytery of Great Rivers serves 15,791 members of 103 congregations.
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
Office Staff
Rev. Susan Krummel, general presbyter and stated clerk
Amy Gardner, accountant
Patti Parrish, senior administrative assistant
Contract Staff
Rev. Elissa Jay Bailey, associate stated clerk
Rev. Dick Johnson, training specialist
Shelly Akins, CIF and PIF writing assistant
Ann Kelson, immigrant assistance
Officers
Larry Lawson, treasurer
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Steve Hutter, BOP
Todd Ingves, BOP
Let us pray
Dear God, help us to dream big and not limit ourselves when reaching out to others. Remind us that nothing is impossible in you. Guide our hearts and minds to be more open to those in need of mercy, compassion, and love. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 62; 145
First Reading Deuteronomy 30:1-10
Second Reading 2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Gospel Reading Luke 18:31-43
Evening Psalms 73; 9
