Philipsburg First Presbyterian Church

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 SEPTEMBER 2006

BOOK IT, AGAIN

This July, my study leave time gave me insight and education at a Pastor’s Conference at Whitworth College, where I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, and in Montana with my pastoral mentor, Eugene Peterson.  At Whitworth, I had the privilege of taking a preaching workshop, studying Acts with Dale Bruner, and hearing a variety of preachers and sermons.  In Montana, I sat back and concentrated on our particular church, considering where we have been together and where God might be calling us to go.  The learning and reflection was energizing, hopeful, and motivating.

            One of the ways I reflected on where we have been together is through recording all the texts we have studied together in worship.  The Bible is rich in texts that come right into our living rooms, and our three years of study has only covered a few.  So, as we look to the Fall, I will be continuing the “Book a Month” study in the Bible.  I invite you to read through these texts – you could do the entire book we are studying each week – and join me in entering into God’s word to us.

            September – Studying James, a book Luther wanted to cut out of the New

  Testament!

            October – Studying Hebrews, to look at the words to our predecessors in our Jewish-

       Christian tradition

            November – Studying 1 Timothy, which is a book I return to again and again to get

 my pastoral bearings.

            Beyond these Sunday times together, I am interested in putting together a “Sermon Reflection Team” consisting of men and women who are willing to study our weekly sermon passages together, giving feedback on the previous Sunday’s sermon and looking ahead to the next Sunday’s text.  If you are interested in being on this team, please let me know and we’ll decide our weekly meeting day and time based on who wants to participate.

Grace and Peace,

NOTE:             If this newsletter has been passed to you by one of our members

as an introduction to our church, we welcome the opportunity to get to know you better through coming to worship with us.  Our Sunday worship service begins every Sunday at 10:30 AM, with Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 AM.  Our church is located on Presqueisle Street between 5^th and 6^th Streets, with parking behind the building or on the street.

INCOME AND EXPENSES FOR THE GENERAL FUND FOR JULY, 2006:

                        Total Offering and Income:        $12,699.12

Total Expenses:           9,142.82

Surplus for July:        $3,556.30

CHOIR PRACTICES

It's that time of year again!  The choirs will begin their rehearsals again soon, and new members are welcome in all groups! 

Westminster Bells and the Senior Choir will hold their first rehearsal on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 6:45 PM for bells and 7:30 PM for choir.

Sonshine Ringers will have their first practice on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 9:10 AM.  This group is for children first grade and older.  They will play once a month for church services.

The Instrumental Group will resume rehearsals on Sunday, September 10 after

church.  We welcome anyone of any age with an instrument to join us!

ATTENTION PLEASE!

Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday,

September 3^rd, with Sunday School

classes for all ages starting at 9:30 a.m.

SOUND TEAM OPENING

The Sound Team is looking for 1-2 individuals who would be willing to run the sound system one Sunday each month.  No special training needed, and you will be fully taught how to do it!  See Pastor Tracie if you can volunteer.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

2 – Stuart D. B. Hollis                                               17 – Gigi Sayers

2 – Sonja Chestnut                                                   22 – Grace Hickson

3 – David Houser                                                      23 – Mark Ammerman

4 – Lauren Lesko                                                      24 – Kevin James Gearhart

4 – William Johnson                                     25 – Sally Nelson

9 – Marty Bullis                                                          25 – Joyce Kitko

9 – Bethany Coursen                                                25 – Sharon Goss

10 – Helen Dixon                                                      27 – Erin Gearhart

16 – Jerry Ammerman                                              29 – Colt Viehdorfer

17 – Peg Capatch

 SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

12^th – Ray Joe and Susan Millward – 25 years

10^th – Don and Jill Blake – 29 years

17^th – Tom and Lisa Holden – 23 years

OFFICER MEETINGS for SEPTEMBER (in the parlor)

    Deacons:               Tuesday, September 5^th @ 7:00 p.m.

     Session:                Tuesday, September 12^th @ 7:00 p.m.

   Trustees:                 Tuesday, September 19^th @ 7:00 p.m.

    Presbyterian Women:                   Monday, September 25^th @ 7:00 p.m.

AUGUST SESSION REPORT

            The agenda said that it was a “real” meeting, but the mood was something a bit less – more like a group of people desperately trying to do what they know they should, but still trying to hold on to the playfulness of summer. Sort of like a bunch of kids trying to get back into the flow of the school year after a long vacation.

            There is a “project” looming that helped to focus attention. Our church is hosting the 620^th stated meeting of Huntingdon Presbytery on the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, September 26^th. That’s a project that’s going to involve the help of all of our boards and many of our congregants. Planning for that took up part of our time.

We considered a question from a member of the congregation about the oscillating stand fans that used to be in the sanctuary during the summer.  The ceiling fans in the sanctuary have recently been upgraded to “industrial strength” models, so we’d like to assess the cooling efficiency of these new fans.  One problem with placing movable fans in the sanctuary is that the lack of electrical outlets in that portion of the building requires stringing lengths of extension cords across the floors, and we’d like to avoid that safety hazard if possible.

Session also heard pastor Tracie’s report of her study leave and focused on some plans for fall worship.  We heard additional committee reports, reports of the current activities of other boards, and generally made additional plans to gear up for an active a worshipful season.

So, we’re back in business!  But we’re still trying to smell those roses, too.

Jeff

TRUSTEE NOTES

News from Our August Meeting

1.                  The Trustees will be installing interior room signs in the church prior to the

September 26^th Presbytery Meeting.  The laminate signs were purchased from Bi Co Machine & Tool of Chester Hill.  The Trustees are researching the cost of signs for the parking area.

2.         We are working with the Session to research the possibility of having a defibrillator at the church for emergency situations.

3.            The Trustees have set Oct. 28^th as the Fall Church-Workday.  Please mark

your calendars now.  A list of projects for the workday will be available in September.

4.            The Trustees wish to express their thanks to the following members: 

Steve Starner and Ed Storck for their work refinishing the exterior doors of the church; Marty Bullis, Don Blake, Matt Johnson, and Richard Wood for their efforts replacing the ceiling fans; and Marty Bullis, Steve Starner and Don Blake for completing the sealing and striping of the church parking lot.

5.            The Trustees hired Philipsburg Plumbing and Heating to repair a leak in a

main steam line in the education building.

6.            If any church members wish to contribute funds to cover their per

capita costs, you may drop these in the offering or send them directly to the church office.

7.         The Trustees have been discussing how to improve the lighting of the stained glass window above the choir area. We plan to clean the window during the fall workday and enhance the reflectivity of the wall behind it.

SUMMER THANKS

The summer needs didn’t go on

vacation, and many of you stepped up to help out.

Here are our thanks!  First, for those who helped supply refreshments

for the after worship fellowship time, thanks to:  Paul and Barb Springer, the Reed and Johnston families, Helen and Mouse Dixon, Shannon and Erik Johnson, Laura and Gary Barnett, Julie Milsom, Susan and Tom Harris, Dan and Kirsten Geulich, Don and Jill Blake.

To the Deacons, who pulled off a great Church Picnic … thanks!  To Jerilin Pritchard, who helped Pastor Tracie to form the “Office Team” … thanks!  To Marty Bullis, who installed two new fans in the sanctuary that run quietly on high speed … thanks!  To Tyler Good, who stepped in for July to take care of the church while Gary went on a much deserved vacation … thanks!  To Scott Laux, who has worked the Sound Team for 3 years and is not “retiring” to go to college … thanks!  To Gigi Sayers and Steve Starner, who were our

hosts and sound people for a summer wedding in the church … thanks! 

To Shannon Johnson, who assisted the Trustees by working with the Schwarz’

with their wedding needs … thanks!  To Bill Moore and Barbara Mosch, 

who led our congregation in worship during

Pastor Tracie’s study leave … thanks!

MINISTRIES TO WOMEN

The shape of Women’s Ministries has been in

transition in churches across America, and

that seems to be reflected in our own

congregation as well.  Since we’ve lost the enormous women volunteer force due to more

women in the workplace, how and when Women’s Ministries happen is changing.

On Monday, September 18, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, I am inviting all women of the church to come and explore ways we might grow in our faith through Women’s Ministries.  Three core areas seem

to be of importance in our pursuit of

discipleship: study, community-building, and service to others.  We will look at each of these arenas, how they have been carried out in the past, and what they might look like in the future.  We will also enjoy some meeting time and a short study.

PRESBYTERY IS COMING!

After an almost 10-year hiatus from inviting the Huntingdon Presbytery to meet in our church, the Session extended an invitation last year to meet here for the Tuesday, September 26, meeting.  The actual meeting begins at 6 PM, but an educational event

has been attached to it from 4-5 PM, followed by a community-building meal for Presbytery attendees from 5-6 PM.  Typically, the evening meeting lasts until 9:30 PM.

In order to host the Presbytery well, all leadership will be involved in preparing our building, serving the meal, and welcoming our guests.  Deacons will generally oversee the parking of the 60-70 cars, plus attend to worship greeting and ushering needs.  Session will be hosting the meal under the gracious guidance of Shannon Johnson, and the Trustees are doing advance building preparation and guidance of presbyters that night.  For the congregation at large, we will need help with many of these areas, so please speak to a leader of one of our boards to offer your assistance.

We are delighted to share our church with the larger church, as well as our music ministry under Sally Laux’s leadership, and our community-minded congregation.

YOUNG AT HEART

Wednesday, September 27, 2006, will kick off the season for our monthly luncheons for food, fellowship and a program.  The committee has been busy deciding on the menu and programs to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time.  Come and join us at 12:00 noon.  Reservations need to be made by Sunday, September 24^th by calling 342-4371.  The cost is $3.00. 

GIVING FROM OUR ABUNDANCE

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 1, we are planning to

collect canned meats.  Advance notice will help pay attention to sales!

A CHANGE   IN WORSHIP

Changes are often disruptive and difficult, but the one small change

we will be making in our Worship Service will, hopefully, open our sense

of history and possibility together.  The change is (drum roll, please) … along

with our “Book a Month” preaching format, we will be reading and reciting different

parts of our Reformed Presbyterian Creeds besides the Apostles’ Creed we know

and love so well.  This exploration of the various creeds we Presbyterians have

worked to write and stand on over the decades will help to inform our

history as we look to our future.  So, each month will expose us to a

new creed that can expand our understanding of our historical

faith.  If you have a favorite creed you want to be sure to

have included, please speak with Pastor Tracie.

FOUNDATIONAL PRAYER

As we walk in our life together the

role of prayer in our faith becomes

increasingly important.  Because prayer

is so foundational, Pastor Tracie and the

Session are exploring ways to invite the congregation

more deeply into prayer.  Perhaps this is a designated prayer ministry time; perhaps this is an open time for prayer in the sanctuary at church; perhaps you have your own ideas.  As you reflect on the power of prayer in your own life, consider talking with an elder or Pastor Tracie about ways our congregation might engage more deeply into prayer together.

A FRIENDLY REMINDER –

Our per capita that we pay to the Presbytery is due in November. 

If you haven’t contributed and would like to, your generosity is always

appreciated.  If you aren’t sure if you have contributed, please

contact Edie Good.  Per capita for each member is $24.62.

Thank you,

The Board of Trustees

PRESBYTERIAN HOMES AUXILIARY DRAWING

The Presbyterian Homes Auxiliary of Philipsburg

is offering you an opportunity to win a hand-made

quilt, a live Christmas wreath, a Christmas tree skirt,

a Christmas basket, or a 4 piece place mat set.  A picture

of the quilt is in the narthex.  The drawing will be held on December 40, 2006.  Chances

are $1.00 each or 3 for $2.00.  Please see Dot Davidsen for more information.  Thank you.

LAKE STREET UM VOLUNTEER IN MISSION WORK CAMP

Where?          Biloxi, Mississippi

 When?          November 4, 2006 through November 12, 2006

    Why?          Our mission is to share God’s love and help rebuild buildings and lives

that were ruined by Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

    Cost:  $300 per volunteer

Cost includes:  Bus trip to Biloxi

    Motel, down and back

     Housing in Biloxi

    Meals in Biloxi

Who should go?     Anyone with willing hands and the desire to serve God by serving

our brothers and sisters who are hurting. We will be taking 40 workers.

For information call:

Rev. Charles Swenson 814-857-2987

Betty Schenk 814-857-4930

                        SEPTEMBER 2006 CHURCH CALENDAR