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Philipsburg First Presbyterian Church |
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Easter Our History Activities
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MAY 2009 SAYING "WELCOME" AND "SEE YOU LATER" As the summer sabbatical approaches in a month, the congregation is planning many ways to transition to temporary leadership and back again. This summer is the wonderful chance for our congregation to teach and encourage a new pastor in his ministry to small churches. Michael Ludwig, our intern, has specifically chosen to be with us as he explores being a solo pastor after graduating from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary this month.
So, first on the list is being present and engaged in Sunday worship over the summer. We all know vacations are planned, but on the rest of the weekends, please make a concerted effort to be in church to hear Michael and spend some time getting to know him. In addition, look for ways beyond Sunday to spend time with him and his wife, Rachel. To help connect with the transition time, the Deacons are overseeing a "See you later" lunch on Sunday, May 31, which is my last Sunday before the sabbatical starts. Michael will be arriving in time to lead in worship on Sunday, June 7, and Rachel will join him when she finishes her teaching work in Pittsburgh in mid-June. To welcome them, the Deacons are planning a Saturday gathering on June 20 at Dick and Karen Wood’s home for a potluck barbeque and swimming time. Plans are also under way for the Ludwigs to meet our young adults, children and youth. Consider inviting them on your favorite summer outing, or simply stopping by the manse to say hello.
As the summer winds down, the Deacons will host a brunch on Sunday, August 9, to celebrate Michael’s ministry and the anticipated arrival of their first child. Their last Sunday with the congregation will be August 23. On Sunday, August 30, the Bullis family will be back in town, rested and ready for God’s call to more ministry in the fall of 2009 with you. During the summer, we would appreciate your prayers for our time away. We already know we will miss you, and the connection by prayer would be an encouragement to us.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Tracie Bullis
OUR THANKS THIS MONTH GOES TO … Our musicians, singers, Sally Laux, and worship readers who contributed in so many ways to our Holy Week Services … Thanks! Our youth of Cody Ammerman, Madelen and Ryker Bullis, Sarah Chorle, Ryan Good, Ben and Noah Jeffries, Matt Starner and youth leader Dan Nelson, for leading our Easter Sunrise Service … Thanks! Jill Blake and Helen Dixon who arranged the beautiful lily cross and flowers for Easter morning … Thanks! Work Day workers for doing Spring clean-up projects at the church … Thanks! The Deacons, plus Dick Wood and Jeff Eyet, who cooked the Resurrection Breakfast … Thanks!
BAPTISM JOY The last two months gave us a chance to celebrate the sacrament of baptism, and remember the wonder of God’s grace in our lives. On February 22, we baptized Noah James Coursen, the infant son of Adam and Bethany Coursen. On March 22, we baptized Addison Elizabeth Henry, infant daughter of Ron and Vicky Henry. We rejoice at God’s work of lovingly choosing us as his children.
CONGRATULATIONS COLLEGE GRADUATES! Hannah Holden graduates May 1st from Lock Haven University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
Morgan Coleman graduates May 16th from Penn State Barron with a B.S. in Political Science. She
Melissa Millward graduated on April 29th as a Registered Nurse from Lock Haven.Brittany Gonder is graduating May 2nd from Slippery Rock with a B.S. in Health Science. Scott Test is graduating May 2nd from Mansfield University with a B.A. in Music Education.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES: CONGRATULATIONS! Our congregation will honor two high school graduates at our May 17th Youth Sunday Service. Brooke Walstrom will graduate from Philipsburg-Osceola High School on June 5th and plans to
Brook Klinefelter will graduate from Bald Eagle High School on June 11th and will attend
KRISLUND CAMP OPEN HOUSE Reserve Saturday, May 16 NOW for a church trip to Krislund Camp’s Open House! If your child is of camping age, this is a wonderful time to join with other church families and visit the camp. This introduction will hopefully help our children to make a decision about camp this summer. The church is partnering in camp this summer as a result of Sunday School attendance, and a number of our children have earned part of their way to camp! The Open House starts at 1 PM and lasts until 5 PM, offering a camp tour, a chance to meet the staff, and camp activities.
YOUTH SUNDAY A Sunday Service where our youth lead us will be held this year on May 17. Don’t miss this opportunity to come and to see how you have fulfilled your baptismal vows to the youth who have grown up in the church. You will be blessed!
YOUNG AT HEART On Wednesday, May 27th, please join those 50 years young and over at their monthly luncheon. The cost is a $3.00 donation, and you will be provided with food, fellowship and some form of entertainment. Please contact Darrell or Helen Hollis at 342-3376 or Gertie Clyde at 342-4571 to make a reservation.
DIRECT TITHE If you would like to set up regular giving to our church, especially in the summer travel months, M&T Bank will work with you to set up a direct withdrawal at intervals you specify. If you are interested, contact Darrell Holllis for account information and let our treasurer, Edie Good, know to expect this form of electronic giving. Thank you for your faithfulness in supporting our ministry, especially over the summer.
KRISLUND VOLUNTEER WEEK – JULY 5-11 Several adults are volunteering at Krislund for all or parts of the week of July 13-19. This is a great week of fun and friendship while serving children. If you would like to join this group, contact Darrell or Helen Hollis (342-3376).
VBS Although it may seem a long way off, August will be here before we know it. And that means the time is now to plan ahead for Vacation Bible School. August 3-6 is the week scheduled for this year. Please mark your calendar, and pray about volunteering as a teacher, adult or youth helper, recreational leader, etc. during VBS. Help guide our children to an understanding that everyone wins with Jesus.
There are a few items we need to collect for the four crafts that are planned. If you can help with any of them we will greatly appreciate your effort. The items are:
We would also covet your prayers that God would bless this VBS as He has so richly blessed those in the past.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Presbyterian Women (P.W.) will be permanently disbanding effective May 1, 2009. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to the congregation for all the support shown through the purchasing of flowers, supporting the rummage sales, Mother/Child Banquets, Auxiliary Bazaar and Christmas parties. We deeply regret that we will be unable to contribute to the Mission Fund of Huntingdon Presbytery.
IN SYMPATHY On April 16th, 2009, John Freeman went to be with the Lord. You may send condolences to the family at 3245 Middletown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15204
MAY BIRTHDAYS
1st – Joseph Millward 20th – Winnie Eckley 4th – Jennifer Johnston 20th – Jim Gearhart 5th – Lindsey Bordas 20th – Peyton Warner 6th – Ely Mantz 22nd – Scott Test 6th – Jordan Harris 23rd – Lisa Chorle 7th – Don Branstetter 24th – Dan Nelson 8th – Raymond Davidsen 24th – Doug Nelson 9th – Kirsten Guelich 24th – Hannah Chorle 14th – Melissa Millward 25th – Sarah Chorle 14th – Leona Good 27th – Scott Laux 17th – Amy Beltz 30th – Reverend Bill Moore
MAY ANNIVERSARIES 4th – Jeff and Mary Beth Eyet – 35 years 14th – Ed and Jackie Jones – 33 years 15th – Jeff and Amy Beltz – 16 years 21st – Doug and Sharon Goss – 15 years 23rd – Tom and Susan Harris – 22 years 27th – Tom and Barb Little – 37 years
OFFICERS MEETINGS FOR MAY Deacons: Tuesday, May 5th @ 7:00 p.m. Session: Monday, May 11th @ 7:00 p.m. Trustees: Tuesday, May19th @ 7:00 p.m. DEACON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Relay for Life (June 13): help with luminaries and/or concession stand. Karen Wood will make a large roaster of corn for the Survivor Dinner; Jamie Wagner (and her mother) will also prepare a dish for the concession stand. Sally Laux would like to do something as a reward for the Sonshine Ringers. It yet undecided if they will go to a Curve or Spikes baseball game, but Dick made a motion to give them the money they need once they decide the reward (Holly 2nd). We discussed some ideas to make the Ludwigs (summer intern & his wife) feel welcome when they arrive in our town. We need people to invite them to dinner or to a community function (i.e., Heritage Days, etc). We need people to stand with Michael at the door at the end of services to introduce him to our congregation. Involve them in our music program. Help them make connections with the people in our congregation and in our town. Dick made a motion (Karen 2nd) to give $100 for Christian Witness Fellowship grant for a P-O Senior through our ministerium. Presbyterian Women has disbanded. Their ministry through the years will be celebrated on Mother’s Day in our church. Deacons have offered to take their Christmas flower sale and decided that we will not take the Spring flower sale unless a fundraiser is needed. L.H. Powers graciously donated 250 pre-filled eggs for our Easter egg hunt (thanks Todd Jeffries) so we did not have to purchase candy and stuff the eggs ourselves.
TRUSTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
MAY 2009
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