|
|
Philipsburg First Presbyterian Church |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Easter Our History Activities
|
FEBRUARY 2008
LENT WITH THE BEST IN THEOLOGY Romans is the lectionary text for Lent, and our congregation will be digging in together to enjoy Paul’s best theological writing. Take time in your personal study to read through this book. This is Paul’s rich description of all that Jesus accomplished for us. Take time with each other to talk about what you read. Try checking out a commentary or looking on-line for resources on Romans. Get ready to go deeper in your faith this Lent!
To look toward each Sunday to hear how theology deeply connects to our everyday lives, study these texts: February 10: Romans 5:12-19 February 17: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 February 24: Romans 5:1-5 March 2: Romans 5:6-11 March 9: Romans 8:6-11 March 16: Romans 8:12-17 March 23: Romans 8: 31-39
Grace and Peace,
MONTHLY THANKS While all our service is done to the glory of God, we express our thanksgiving for the sharing of gifts from one another. Our grateful hearts witnessed: Jill Blake and Jim Gearhart, who took the lead on taking down all those lovely Christmas decorations … Thanks! Jennifer Johnston, who took on the added work of the Annual Report, getting it ready for the Leadership Retreat … Thanks! The Presbyterian Women who fed our congregation with joy at the Annual Meeting … Thanks! The new officers, who attended their first board meetings with energy, imagination, and love … Thanks! The entire leadership team, who spent their Saturday morning prayerfully digging into where God is leading us … Thanks! Mouse Dixon, who has taken the lead on snow removal … Thanks! Marty Bullis, who is becoming the chair lift mechanic … Thanks!
reviewed the church committee structure, meeting in small groups to discuss who we are as a church and where we are headed in the next year. Several action items were generated from these discussions, including being attentive to our children and youth, seeing a successful kitchen remodel, planning for future ministry possibilities, and raising the involvement level of attendees to our church. The time closed with viewing two PowerPoint presentations about the Kitchen Remodel and Pastor Tracie’s anticipated sabbatical. The prayers of the congregation for this meeting and the ongoing work of the church leadership are greatly appreciated.
2008 DIRECTORY Corrections and additions have been made to our Congregational Address and Phone Directory. This draft is posted on the 5th Street bulletin board for you to look over. Please check it out and note any corrections on the sheet.
LENT DEVOTIONALS The Session is again providing Lent Devotionals for each household as a way for us to walk together during the season of Lent. Please pick up Listening to Lent by Robert C. Hereth at the church by Wednesday, February 6, to spend some time in daily lessons for Lent.
DEACONS HIGHLIGHTS
JANUARY SESSION HIGHLIGHTS January’s Session meeting is always a time to welcome new members and to reorganize. This year we welcome Laura Bordas, Jay Milsom, and Jim Warg. Session committees are vital assets, and carry on the activities of Session throughout the month. This year’s committees are listed below. Please feel free to contact these members with questions, suggestions, or to volunteer your help in any way. (* indicates chairperson)
Other bureaucratic duties for January included appointing the clerk of Session, church treasurer, benevolence treasurer, and financial secretaries; making Communion and prayer chain assignments; and approving the order of necessary items to enhance worship in the sanctuary. Even though Christmas was just behind us, we had to turn our attention to Lenten plans. Taking a cue from the success our weather- induced revised Advent schedule, Session voted to hold the senior choir cantata on Easter Sunday from now on, and to include a short sermon within the service. Session felt that at this most important day in our church life, we all needed to hear the message in word, as well as showcased through the music of our wonderful choir. May God’s Spirit bring you peace and understanding as we journey together on our Lenten path.
TRUSTEES HIGHLIGHTS 1. reviewed the budget for 2008 and found that the church ended 2007
in the black. to the possibility of a recession and decided to open a local interest bearing account for easy access for kitchen renovations. 4. decided to pay for snow removal at the church rather than have to
rely on all volunteers.
6 – Barb Goss 21 – Billy Test 9 – Holly Kithcart 23 – Tyler Good 9 – Garrett Broberg 25 – Jeff Eyet 11 – Kayla McCreadie 26 – Harold Shirey 12 – Taylor Guelich 26 – Julie Milsom 21 – Barbara Little 27 – Jackie Jones 21 – Tracy Branthoover 28 – Nancy Fetters
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES 5th – Bill and Kathy Richmond 10th – Amy and Andy Bordas
AGAPE MEAL In keeping with the tradition of beginning Lent together on Ash Wednesday, the Session will be hosting an Agape Meal on Wednesday, February 6, at 6 PM in Westminster Hall. This year, the meal is offered as a gift from your Elders – inviting you to start Lent peacefully by having no dinner to cook or dish to bring. Please make time in your schedule to begin this season with our faith community. A short service with communion will follow our meal together. Since you need not bring anything, why not begin Lent with this simple reminder of God’s many gifts to you? This is a wonderful way to mark Jesus’ journey to the cross, and to invite others to explore the fellowship of our church.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY AND COOKING NIGHTS The Women’s Bible Study and Cooking nights are delightful opportunities for women to gather together. The study is on the book of Genesis with our times together consisting of relationship building, study and prayer. Cooking nights give us a chance to learn a tried-and-true recipe from one of our own. We’d love to have more women join us!
Monday, February 18, 7-8:30 PM – Study
Monday, March 31, 7-8:30 PM – Study Monday, April 7, 7-8:30 PM – Bonnie Rodgers leads the cooking Monday, April 21, 7-8:30 PM – Study
FOOD BANK OFFERING The Communion offering for the Food Bank on February 10 will be a "free for all" donation of any canned item you would like to bring. Our gifts go to the Philipsburg Community Action Food Bank to supplement their meal program. Thank you in advance for sharing with others on our own feast day!
Surplus for 2007: $ 106.00 Congratulations on ending the year in the black for the third time in three years! Your faithfulness in stewardship opens many doors to ministry!
PER CAPITA Each year, as part of our denominational responsibility, the church is asked to pay a certain amount for each active member. This amount is decided based on denominational needs and is voted on by Presbytery. It is what helps to pay for Presbytery and national ministries and expenses. For 2008, the denominational support for our church is $27.39 per active member. While the church is prepared to pay this amount, you are welcome to contribute your family’s portion in the enclosed per capita envelope. The family portion is only necessary for active members. Baptized children are not assessed, but youth who are confirmed are considered active members. Thus, a family of 4 with two confirmed youth could offer $109.56, or 4 times $27.39.
FEBRUARY 2008 CHURCH CALENDAR
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
