|
|
Philipsburg First Presbyterian Church |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Our History Activities
|
OCTOBER
2005 THE
SPEED OF TIME In
the October issue of the newsletter, I am keenly aware that an anniversary
month is upon me. First, it is my wedding anniversary month,
and I’m grateful for my fourteen years with Marty. Second, it is also
the anniversary of my installation as your pastor. In fact, in 2003, I
was installed at
First Presbyterian Church of Philipsburg on my 12th wedding
anniversary. So,
as I pause, I cannot help but to pause in gratitude. We’ve spent two
years getting
to know each other, taking care of the obvious needs of pastoral care, telling
our mutual stories, fixing building needs, and taking stock. As I have spent
September sending my first-born off to school for the first time, I am conscious
of how quickly time passes. If feels as if the last two years flew by. And
yet, there is a richness in comfortable relationship with you that seems
to have developed over more that just two years. As
we enter the Fall month of October, where the leaves turn and the season
clearly changes, let us rejoice in the faithfulness of God in our lives,
and
look forward with hope to what God is continuing to do among us. Happy
Anniversary! Grace
and Peace,
WORLD
COMMUNION SUNDAY On October 2nd,
we will join other churches throughout our
community and around the globe by
celebrating World Communion Sunday.
As part of our Communion Sunday Celebration, the
Presbyterian Women have made recommendations for special needs at the
Food Bank with Community Action. For
World Communion Sunday on October 2, we are planning to collect peanut
butter. Advance notice will
help pay attention to sales! OFFICER
MEETINGS for OCTOBER
(in the parlor)
Deacons:
Tuesday, October 4th @ 7:00 p.m.
Session:
Tuesday, October 11th @ 7:00 p.m. Trustees:
Tuesday, October 18th @ 7:00 p.m. Presbyterian
Women:
Monday,
October 24th @ 7:00 p.m.
OCTOBER
BIRTHDAYS
2nd
– Adam Gearhart
22nd – Benji Kanour
4th – Susan Broberg
23rd – Erik Johnson
5th – Agnes Whitehead
24th – Helen Hollis
6th
– Doug Goss
24th – Betty Snyder
7th – Elwood Turner
25th – Scott Shoff
7th
– Dan Corman
26th – Judy Pleskonko
9th – Chrissy Hudzy
27th – Damon Jones
10th
– Paul Springer
30th – Darrell Hollis
16th – Emily Kizina
30th – Lynn Herman
20th – Nick Calvin
31st – Andrea Starner OCTOBER
ANNIVERSARIES 8th
– Steve and Jennifer Starner – 11 years 10th
– John and Kelly Freeman – 11 years 12th
– Marty and Pastor Tracie Bullis – 14 years 15th
– Fred and Babs Herman – 50 years 26th
– Rob and Jill Reed – 9 years DEACONS
– FALL FOLIAGE TOUR The
Board of Deacons will be doing ministry again on Sunday, October 9, with
the Presbyterian Homes in Philipsburg. They will be taking the bus
around the area to view the beautiful Fall leaves, then spending some
time in conversation with the residents over cookies and punch. This
afternoon is a great time of contact with our neighboring Presbyterian
Homes! THANKS
FOR YOUR MINISTRY IN SEPTEMBER The month of
September seems especially busy with the start of
school and the return to non-summer routines.
Our thanks goes out to those who find time to serve during
this month. To the Deacons
for starting again
on the monthly lunches … thanks!
To Jerilin
Pritchard, who is overseeing the paperwork related to the
Sexual Misconduct Policies, for her organization and confidentiality …
thanks! To Presbyterian Women, who fed the pastors working at the
Habitat House in Philipsburg … thanks! To the Westminster Bells, who
pulled together a summer ringing for our friends at Osceola Mills …
thanks! To Tom and Hannah Holden, for sharing with a record lunch crowd
about the summer Thailand trip … thanks! To Jen Starner and Ilo Warg,
who got the Sunday School Ministry off and running … thanks! To Marty
Bullis, who met and managed the skateboarding crowd in a pastoral way
… thanks! A
THANK YOU FROM OSCEOLA MILLS Our brothers and
sisters in Christ, The Osceola
Mills Congregation would like to thank you for your continued prayers
and support. Your
willingness to reschedule your service time to enable us to share Rev.
Tracie Bullis was extremely generous.
We also appreciated the invitation to the Deacons’ picnic and
certainly enjoyed the feast and fellowship.
And, finally, the sharing of your bell choir in our worship
service filled our hearts with joyful song. We ask for
continued prayers as we discern God’s plan for our church family in
the coming months. Blessings
to you all, Osceola Mills
Presbyterian Church THANK YOU FROM THE WILLIAM RICHMOND
FAMILY The
family of Wink Richmond wishes to express their sincere gratitude for
all the well wishes, prayers, cards, flowers, and visitations during
Wink’s decline in health and recent passing.
They are truly thankful for all your thoughtfulness. CONGRATULATIONS,
GRADUATE! Seth
Storck has graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a
Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design.
This is an especially significant accomplishment because Seth’s
apartment in Pittsburgh was burned in a fire in May, taking nearly every
possession he owned, including his art portfolio. If you would like to
see Seth’s creative work, his web site is www.sethstorck.com. OCTOBER EXPLORER CLASS For
the last year, we have intentionally given visitors among us time to
check us over. We have hoped to offer friendship, hospitality, and
Gospel story-telling. A few of those visitors have started asking
questions of faith, of membership, and of Presbyterianism. So, the time
seems ripe to offer what Pastor Tracie is calling and “Explorer
Class.” It’s a Sunday School time for each
Sunday in October where those who have questions of faith and
Presbyterian membership can come to ask. The group will be meeting in
the Parlor at 9:30 AM and will be facilitated by Pastor Tracie. SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday
School is well underway! Please give the gift of Christian education to
your child! A few reminders
for parents: students in
the elementary class
and younger are being checked in at the 5th Street Entrance
to help direct them
to their classes. If your child arrives early and their teacher is not
at church
yet, they will need to wait with an adult at the entrance. In addition, with
our new “two adult” rule with children, it would greatly help if you
would encourage your child to use the bathroom before Sunday School
starts. PAYING
ATTENTION FOR OUR CHILDREN Our church
maintains our commitment to children by adhering to
Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures.
Anyone who works with children is asked to view
our training video and do appropriate paperwork with
Jerilin Pritchard, who is the confidential
record keeper for our church in this matter. In a nutshell,
here are the major guidelines: 1.
All employees will have a background check. 2.
All teen and adult volunteers must sign an application and code of
ethics form,
as well as receive volunteer training. 3.
Two adults will be with every group of minors – which presents some
new ways
of attending to bathroom needs, transportation of minors, and
small classes! 4.
Doors of classrooms with minors will remain open or have windows. 5.
A check-in system for student in elementary classes and younger is in
place
before Sunday School, with the teachers then connecting children
with their
parents at the end of class. 6.
Copies of the policy are available in student Sunday School rooms or
from
Jerilin Pritchard. KRISLUND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SUNDAY
SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS Again
this year, children and youth who attend Sunday School regularly will have
the opportunity to earn scholarships to Krislund Camp. Please note the
following incentives to help each child earn his or her way. Children
who are not able to be present in Sunday School due to custody situations
may earn scholarships if their parent is in Sunday School, too.
In
addition, families needing extra assistance with Krislund camp fees can speak
to the chair of the Christian Education Committee (Ilo Warg) or Pastor
Tracie. Incentives for Krislund Camp: Any
child wishing to attend Krislund can receive a 40% scholarship. Children
attending at least 15 Sundays can receive a 60% scholarship. Children
attending at least 20 Sundays can receive an 80% scholarship. Children
attending at least 25 Sundays can receive a 100% scholarship. There are
more than 40 Sundays each year, so plan to be regular in Sunday School
and have a great camp experience at Krislund next year! SONSHINE SINGERS’ MUSIC
PERFORMANCES Please
mark your calendars now. The
following is a
list of those Sundays on which the little ones from our
Sunday School Choir will sing: October 30th November 27th December 11th
–
Christmas Program January 22nd February 26th March 26th April 23rd May 28th 3W:
WOMEN WHO WORK BIBLE STUDY The
Women’s Bible Study started last Fall continues this year for Women
Who Work – both inside and outside of the home! This time together is
designed for study, connections, prayers, and sharing. The study focuses
on Seasons in our Life through the curriculum called “Seasons of
Faith.” The hope is that women with many obligations in their work and
home will be able to commit to time for their spiritual growth once a
month. Regular meeting
times are the third Monday of the month, so reserve them on your
calendar now. All gatherings are 7-8:30 PM at the church parlor. All
women are welcome – because all women work! Dates for the rest of the
year are: October 17, November 21, December 14 (for Christmas Dinner for
all Women of the Church), January 16, February 20, and March 20. April
and May dates are undecided. STAINED GLASS WINDOW DEDICATION
SUNDAY Reserve
October 23! It’s a celebration Sunday in our congregation as we give thanks
for the generosity of God in our lives through his hand and through one
another. We will be noting
the gifts listed below, as well as dedications
for our Stained Glass Refurbishment project.
The Trustees started work
on this in 2003, and expected the work to be done from 2005-2007, but
the energy
and generosity of the congregation turned a three-year project into a nine-month
project. Thank you! After
worship, we will continue our celebration by
enjoying community around the lunch table in a special meal prepared by
the Deacons. Reservations
will be appreciated so our we have an accurate count for
the meal. Please make a reservation by contacting the church: 342-0812
or 1stprespburg@verizon.net. GIFTS
TO THE CHURCH: The Lord’s Prayer Wood
Carving, given to the glory of God and in memory of Natalie F. Lute
by George Lute. A Walnut Portable Lectern, given
to the glory of God and in memory of Bette C. Watson by
memorial gifts from family and friends. WINDOW
DEDICATIONS: Balcony:
Refurbished
in 2005 to the Glory of God by an Anonymous Gift 6 Small Windows: Refurbished
in 2005 to the Glory of God and in honor of Kathy, Kip,
Julie, and Krista and their families by Gary and Laura Barnett. Refurbished
in 2005 to the Glory of God and in honor of David, Sue, Todd and
Tracy and their families by Chalmer and Helen Dixon. Refurbished in 2005 to the Glory
of God and in memory of Mr. and Mrs. George F. Holdren by the Ned
Holdren family. Refurbished in 2005 to the Glory of God and in loving
memory of Jack H. Milsom by the Milsom family. Refurbished
in 2005 to the Glory of God and in loving memory of David F. Pritchard
by his wife, Jerilin, and children. Refurbished
in 2005 to the Glory of God and in honor of Ethel Cipollini by her
family. Front Window:
Refurbished
in 2005 to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Fred Houser
by the Houser family and friends. Gethsemane Window:
Refurbished
in 2005 to the Glory of God and in honor of the congregation of Philipsburg
First Presbyterian Church by the Donald J. Tobias family. Good Shepherd Window:
Refurbished
in 2005 to the Glory of God and in honor of all the Pastors who have
served First Presbyterian Church, from the congregation. CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING CALLED The
Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, October 30,
immediately following worship, for the purpose of electing new officers
and voting on the Pastor’s Salary. THE
FURNACE IS ALREADY PAYING OFF! The Trustees
report that the new furnace is working well,
and just in time for the increase in fuel costs.
Last year, our expenses were below the previous
winter with the old furnace, even though fuel prices were up about 40%.
This year, with fuel increasing another 50% from last year, we
are especially grateful for the reduced heating time, the separation of
building sections to heat, and the efficiency of the new boiler system.
Last winter, we were warmer and it took less energy to make it so. We
look forward to many maintenance-free years with this outstanding
system. THINKING ABOUT STEWARDSHIP The
Trustees have sought to keep you updated on the General Fund stewardship,which
is the Fund which covers the day-to-day expenses of
the Church. Edie Good has
clearly and helpfully provided a monthly summary.
The summer was a low income time for us, as families were on vacation
and attendance was down. The
September newsletter noted that we
needed $4,500 from the Reserve and Investment Fund (a Reserve Fund primarily
used for building and one-time project needs) to cover summer expenses
in June and July. The
report for August income and expense still reflects
the low attendance. The
hope as we look ahead is that September
through December giving will meet expenses. So, what does
this mean for the church for the rest of 2005?
It means we can faithfully
continue our history of good stewardship, keeping a few priorities in mind.
First, we want to be a church that can support our General Fund Operating
Budget. Giving here
faithfully and first is the way we remember our God’s
daily, consistent provision to us. If your summer attendance dropped, please
consider catching up on your giving to the church during the Fall
months. Second, any gifts
to the Building Fund, which is part of the Reserve and Investment Fund, valued
currently at about $100,000, need to be urges from the Holy Spirit to
give beyond your regular giving. The
Building Fund is not intended to be a diversion from our regular giving.
The extensive one-time building projects in 2005 were well-planned
and financially anticipated when the contracts were awarded, and there is a
healthy cushion for anticipated projects.
Finally, the leadership of the church will
prayerfully consider the needs of the church this year and into the next year.
The recent surge in fuel prices has driven our 2006 budget
higher, which means
careful consideration of each line item.
Mostly, let us continue to be a
congregation in prayer to our God – who steadfastly provides! INCOME
AND EXPENSES FOR THE GENERAL FUND FOR AUGUST, 2005: Total Offering and Income to the General Fund $7,674.04
Total Expenses from the General Fund 7,820.96
Shortfall for August
-$ 146.92 Note: Cash Flow
from the $4,500 transfer in July helped to cover this small
deficit. Total transfers
from the Reserve and Investment Fund
for 2005 total $6,000. Hopefully, our giving can meet expenses
for the remainder of the year. ELEMENTARY
MINISTRY FOR 2006 The
Vision Discernment Committee is asking for interested parties to make
suggestions, offer skills, and share experiences over the possibility of
starting a weekday ministry once or twice a month during the 2006-07
School year for children K-6th grade. This new ministry would be
outreach to our community's children for tutoring, Christian education,
healthy play, and perhaps even a meal. If you'd like to share an idea,
please contact Carol Moore, Pastor Tracie or any other member of the
Vision Discernment Team. OCTOBER
CALANDER OF EVENTS
|
