Philipsburg First Presbyterian Church

Philipsburg First Presbyterian Church

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SUMMER 2006

WHAT WOULD YOU LOVE TO DO … IN CHURCH?

This newsletter marks three years of ministry with you as your pastor. I continue to be grateful for this call and for you as a dynamic, faithful community. A wise General Presbyter once told me that he believed ministry really started after a pastor was in her call for three years.

So … what do you want to do first? I know it sounds kind of crazy, as we’ve done a good bit together already – stabilized worship, seen the “Young at Heart” ministry start, baptized a number of infants and adults, paved a parking lot, received new members, contributed to Relay for Life, refurbished our stained glass windows, sent a team to Thailand, started summer fellowship times, explored a drama team in worship, built on strong music and drama traditions, caught up on building maintenance, opened our church for more meals together … and that’s not the complete list!

But as we continue to seek together what it means to love God and love others, which is essentially our vision, where might we need to turn our attention next? And, more to the point, where would you love to be involved in ministry? If we’ve learned anything together, it is that ministry flows naturally out of how God has called and equipped us, with the inner urge making the most difference in how a ministry springs to life. So, what is God nudging you about in our life together?

Think about this over the summer, as it will be a recurring discussion in the fall as we look ahead with joy and anticipation as a community of faith together.

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.

MAKE A NOTE!

Summer Worship begins at 9:30 AM

from Sunday, July 2, through Sunday,

August 27! Following our Summer

Worship Service, we will enjoy Fellowship

time in front of the church, provided by a

generous church family.

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

Total Offering and Income to General Fund, May 2006 $7,553.50

Total Expenses from General Fund, May 2006 $7,319.27

Balance for May $ 234.23

A REMINDER ON FINANCES AND A “HALF YEAR REPORT”

Please remember that the General Fund represents our Income and Expenses on a yearly basis. It is our Annual Budget. Each month, the Trustees are giving a report of the General Fund to help us focus on regular monthly giving, and go our best to see a balanced budget (income meeting expenses) for the year.

The Reserve and Investment Fund is our fund for taking care of one-time expenses, especially related to building needs. In early June, a prisoner work team came to our church to seal, prime and paint our stained glass window frames – saving us $6,600 in contractor estimates. In addition, several hundred dollars were saved in sealing our parking lot and beginning painting the black frames of the education building.

For 2006, our giving envelopes do not have a designated line item for the building fund. Anyone is welcome to make a donation to the Reserve and Investment Fund, which cares for facility needs. By streamlining the giving to our General Fund or Benevolences, we are seeking to see those budgets hold their own.

CHILDREN'S CHURCH CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Children's Church, also known as the nursery, will be available for children during worship services this summer. All children, birth through kindergarten age, are welcome and invited to attend. All activities will revolve around the theme," God Loves his world and his people and "me"!"

A special thank you to the following people who dedicate themselves to teaching and nurturing our pre-school children throughout the year: Amy Bainey, Jerilin Pritchard, Laura Warner, Mary Beth Eyet, Amy Bordas, Andy Bordas, Sue Millward, Jennifer Johnston, Jill Reed, Karen Wood, Jill Blake, Casey Blake, Tracy Branthoover, Angie Dixon, Jennifer Starner, Andrea Starner, Lisa Chorle, Walt Chorle, Marty Bullis, Edie Good and Ed Good.

Susan Harris

Children's Church Coordinator

JULY BIRTHDAYS

1^ST – Ray Millward 15^th – Lindsay Genesi 24^th – Tom Johnston

2^nd – Richard Wood 16^th – Noah Jeffries 24^th – Casey Blake

3^rd – Jill Blake 17^th – Sarah Holden 27^th – Megan Eyet

4^th – Mary Whitehead Gilham 18^th – Gary Broberg 28^th – Jamison Warg

8^th – Karen Wood 19^th – Jerilin Pritchard 28^th – Gene Broberg

9^th – Beth Calvin 19^th – Jackie Houser 28^th – Eliot Reed

9^th – Sally Laux 22^nd – Ryan Good 31^st – Brian Wood

12^th – Claranelle Harkins 23^rd – Bill Richmond

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

July 1^st – Gary and Susan Broberg – 28 years

July 4^th – Erik and Shannon Johnson – 3 years

July 9^th – Rodger and Judy Pleskonko – 30 years

OFFICER MEETINGS for JULY

Please note there will be no Officer Meetings

during the month of July!

DEACON HIGHLIGHTS

· Meeter/greeter training was conducted during the June Deacon's meeting.

· An information card for visitor's was discussed and a schedule was developed for the summer months.

· It was also decided to donate $100 for five women visiting from Thailand.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS, JUNE 12

Contrary to what we find in Mother Nature’s World, where some life forms enter a

period of dormancy in the winter, in our church world summer is the season where some

of the activities slow down a bit. That gave Session a perfect opportunity to look forward with

some short range and long range planning in June.

In the short term, plans were made for serving homebound communion while Pastor Tracie is away in July, and plans continued for the summer after worship socials. Issues that are likely to arise at this summer’s General Assembly continued to be discussed.

In the somewhat more distant future, plans were discussed for our pastor’s professional development in the areas of spiritual formation and growth, and for sabbatical plans three years down the road. The blessing of having so many of our youth attending Krislund was also discussed, along with the necessity to develop plans to meet the ever increasing scholarship money demands.

We engaged in some “what-ifs.” What would be our church’s and pastor’s role in a health pandemic? What accommodations should we make for a possible health emergency at a church activity? CPR preparedness and/or the availability of a defibrillator were a couple of items discussed. Should we try to make, or can we even predict, preparations that would be necessary for a health emergency or other crisis confronting one of our congregants? These were questions that generated thoughtful discussion and the realization that further research was needed to continue the discussions in the future.

Finally, we sincerely wish to keep the lines of communication open with the congregation. Ideas and suggestions don’t necessarily slow down in the summer. If you have some thoughts that you would like Session to discuss, you have a few avenues to express them. Please make use of the suggestion box in the narthex of the church. Also, you may contact Pastor Tracie, Clerk Jeff, or any of the members of Session – we would all be glad to bring your ideas or concerns before the Board.

Have a relaxing summer!

Jeff

TRUSTEE NOTES—MAY AND JUNE

· New blue and white paraments are being ordered for use during the Advent and Easter seasons. $700 will be used from the Memorial Fund to pay for these items.

· Prisoners from SCI-Houtzdale worked at the church from June 5-9 and completed the following projects: 1) painting and sealing the exterior of the sanctuary windows, 2) cleaning of the sanctuary heating registers, 3) changing the sanctuary floodlights and cleaning the beams at the front of the church, 4) sealing the church parking lot, 5) painting the bottom windows of the educational wing. The prisoner’s work saved our congregation about $8,000 in contractor costs. Our thanks to Darrell Hollis, Jim Gearhart, Shirley Turner, Steve Starner, Tom Sayers, Dan and Ralph Nelson, Marty Bullis, and Gary Barnett for contributions to this project.

· The trustees are working to place signs throughout the building in order to help visitors as they use our facility. The signs will be in place by the September Presbytery meeting, which our church is hosting.

· The trustees approved the replacement of the ceiling fan nearest the sanctuary balcony, which is malfunctioning.

OFFICER MEETINGS for AUGUST (in the parlor)

Deacons: Tuesday, August 1^st @ 7:00 p.m.

Session: Tuesday, August 8^th @ 7:00 p.m.

Trustees: Tuesday, August 15^th @ 7:00 p.m.

Presbyterian Women: No Meeting

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

2^nd – Becky Houser 20^th – Shannon Johnson

2^nd – Hannah Holden 22^nd – Joy McCliment

9^th – Cristen Blake 23^rd – Amy Rodgers

10^th – Dot Davidsen 25^th – Todd Askey

15^th – Colton Harris 25^th – Dionne Phillips

16^th – Racquel Branthoover 25^th – Tyler Walter

18^th – Ivy Reed 28^th – Bernhard Warg

19^th – Abby Rummel 30^th – Lisa Holden

19^th – Megan Rummel

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

7^th – John and Ruth Kashella – 58 years

8^th – Reverend Bill and Carol Moore – 47 years

16^th – Jim and Judy Gearhart – 37 years

19^th – Nikki and Chris Rohrback – 6 years

25^th – Ernest and Dede Coleman – 22 years

SUNDAY SCHOOL THANKS

As another school year comes to a close, I would like to express my appreciation to all the adults who led our youth in Sunday School this year. I’ve recently read that a sign of a healthy church is a healthy Sunday School program. It is because of all of you and your commitment to the youth of this church, that ours is a healthy and growing program.

Thanks to: Junior/Senior High School Class – Dan Nelson

Grades 4-6 – Ilo Warg and Babs Herman

Grades 1-3 – Jim Warg, Harold Shirey and Mary Shirey

Pre-school class – Karen Wood, Jill Blake, Gigi Sayers, Tom Sayers

Barb Little, Tom Little, Jill Reed, Jenn Johnston, Paul

Springer, Hannah Holden, Mary Beth Eyet, Jeff Eyet,

Judy Gearhart, Jim Gearhart, Lora Storck, Tracie Bullis,

Marty Bullis, Amy Rodgers, and Bonnie Rodgers

So when you see these adults in church this summer, thank them. It is because

of them that the children of our church are learning and growing God’s Word.

Jennifer Starner

THANKS OF THE MONTH

As we move into the summer months, many have wound up the school year projects

with joy and generosity. The first week after school was out, we hosted a Prison Work

team, who did about $8,000 worth of labor work under the direction of the Trustees.

Marty Bullis, Steve Starner, Ralph and Dan Nelson, and Tom Sayers were invaluable in preparatory work for this week … thanks! Day hosts of Jim Gearhart, Marty Bullis,

Shirley Turner, Darrell Hollis, and Gary Barnett helped the week to go smoothly … thanks! The next week, our church oversaw the Hospitality for 275 high school work campers

at the Jr. High. The Deacons, particularly Jill Blake, Sally Nelson, Lora Storck, and

Karen Wood helped to make welcome bags … thanks! Bob Branstetter and Dan Nelson pitched in with boxes and transportation … thanks! The Vaux family, of Dairy Queen, donated 275 dilly bars … thanks! Eleven bakers made 100 cookies each … thanks!

Sheetz donated 12 cases of water, along with a couple of church families … thanks! Educating our children wound up a year in Sunday School, with much credit going to Jen Starner, our Sunday School Superintendent … thanks! Susan Harris has graciously extended the Children’s Church ministry to a full year offering … thanks! The annual Yard Sale was pulled off, headed by Ethel Cipollini as overseer of this event, with a host of helpers … thanks! Plus, to all of you who brought items in, bought items, and advertised the sale … thanks! The Deacons tried offering lunch on Saturday of the sale this year … thanks! Gary Barnett patiently restored the Westminster Hall and hauled the trash out … thanks! Bill Moore and Barbara Mosch stepped in as Pulpit Supply in Pastor Tracie’s absences … thanks! The parking lot lines were painted by Don Blake and Marty Bullis … thanks! Ethel Cipollini and Joy McCliment planted our beautiful planters … thanks! MaryBeth Eyet sewed a new ordinary time (green) communion table cloth … thanks!

A NOTE OF THANKS!

"Thanks once again for all

the prayers, calls, cards and

anything else you may have done

during and after my most recent

hospitalization. I am blessed by a

strong and caring church family." --Marie De Angelo Smith

OFFICE TEAM

Pastor Tracie is developing an “office team” of 4-5 helpful folks who would give one morning

per month on a regular basis to helping out

with some of the administrative needs beyond the regular secretarial duties. If you would like to donate some time to this effort, please speak with Pastor Tracie.

BLOODMOBILE SUCCESS!

A HUGE thanks goes out to all who

provided supplies, work, and blood for

the May 23 blood drive. We took in

90 pints – 15 more than our goal! Thank you.

YARD SALE SUCCESS!

The Yard Sale was another successful boost to connecting with our town, creating fellowship around a project, and raising over $1,000 for

our General Fund during the typical "summer slump." Many, many thanks goes out to all those who helped: Ethel Cipollini, Shirley Turner, Dot and Ray Davidsen, Jim and Judy Gearhart, Theresa Martha and daughter Mary Jane, Shannon and Erik Johnson, Bonnie Rodgers, Mary and Harold Shirey, Jill Blake, Gigi Sayers, Pat Foley, Virginia Colley with Christopher, Helen Hollis, Sue Holdren, Paul Springer, Pat Milsom, and Babs Herman.

SUMMER GIVING NOTE

With summer freeing up our travel time, please

remember that the expenses of the church do not change much

during the summer months. Your regular giving is important

to the health of our General Budget.

COMMUNITY PRAYER GROUP

The Philipsburg-Osceola Ministerium

has decided praying together as a community

is one of the first steps towards a healthy, whole community. Tuesdays at noon have been set aside as a time for all who are interested to come to pray for a half hour at Trinity United Methodist Church, in the room just off the stairs by the door to their parking lot.

KRISLUND CAMPERS – PRAYING THEM THROUGH!

This year, we have the tremendous pleasure of seeing 16 kids go to

Camp Krislund for a week of challenge, fun and renewal in Jesus Christ.

What a delight to see the power of time at camp returning to our kids!

We also have four adult volunteers who are going to help with camp!

Pray for the children and adults as they head into their weeks:

Morgan Coble, Climb/Canoe Base Camp 6/18-24

Jordan Harris, Climb/Canoe Base Camp 6/18-24

Cody Ammerman, Main Camp, 7/16-7/22

Evan Eggers, Main Camp, 7/16-7/22

Matt Starner, Main Camp, 7/16-7/22

Ben Jeffries, Mini Camp, 7/24-26 Ryker Bullis, Mini Camp, 7/27-29

Noah Jeffries, Mini Camp, 7/24-26 Matty Bullis, Mini Camp, 7/27-29

Skylar Moore, Mini Camp, 7/24-26 Taylor Guelich, Mini Camp, 7/27-29

Eliot Reed, Mini Camp, 7/24-26 Payton Guelich, Mini Camp, 7-27-29

Ethan Reed, Mini Camp, 7/24-26

Todd Reed, Mini Camp, 7/24-26 Isaiah Dixon, Mini Camp, 8/10-12

Email your camper with camper’s FULL name as the subject line and email to camper@krislund.org during the camper’s stay.

COMMUNION OFFERING

July 9 is our Summer Communion Date,

and our Presbyterian Women who oversee

the Food Bank giving are asking for Cereal

donations on that date. Please bring them

to the church foyer with you.

SUMMER FELLOWSHIP TIME

Starting July 9, our church will be continuing our community building time after the summer worship service. We will be setting up a canopy tent in front of the church

and offering light refreshments in hopes of encouraging

some lingering and conversation after church. It will also remind the Philipsburg community that “something is going on” at First Presbyterian Church. Perhaps someone driving by will decide to stop and visit, too!

THE BULLIS FAMILY VACATION

The Bullis Family will be on vacation July 6-21 to see family on the West Coast

and attend a pastor’s conference. Please pray for travel mercies as they go.

If there is a pastoral need, Jeff Eyet (342-0317) is available to make referrals.

On Sunday, July 9, we will have the good fortune of Rev. Bill Moore preaching

and officiating at communion. On Sunday, July 16, Barbara Mosch will be

joining us after her graduation from Seminary.

HERITAGE DAYS HAPPENINGS AT CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church is supportive of Philipsburg’s

Heritage Days in a variety of ways. Below is a listing of activities –

but check local advertising as the dates draw nearer for the specifics.

Plus, much more is going on that we don’t even know about!

Tuesday, July 11, 7 PM: Community Vespers Service at Trinity

United Methodist Church.

Wednesday, July 12: *Dinner Theatre at our church

Thursday, July 13, 7:30 PM: Valley Voices Concert at the Rowland, $5

Sunday, July 16, 9:30 AM: Worship Service

*MURDER MYSTERY DESSERT THEATRE JULY 12 IN WESTMINSTER HALL

(Two performances at 6 and 8 PM presented by the P-O Drama Club.)

This year there will again be two plays performed in each showing;

1. Sherlock Holmes Mystery/Comedy--Holmes must deal with that

confounded, nefarious Professor Moriarity

(At the conclusion of this segment, dessert will be served.)

2. "Murder Most Fowl" -- set in the hills of West Virginny-- what is

happenin' to all the chickens???

(At the end of this show, there will be drawings for door prizes

donated by area businesses and individuals.)

This is the 5th year for these highly successful shows. This year about

20 P-O students ranging from kindergarten to recently-graduated seniors

will perform under the direction of volunteer coach Shirley Shore.

CONGRATULATIONS

to Eric and Danielle Schwarz

Eric and Danielle Schwarz were united in marriage

on December 18, 2005, but have waited until after

their college commitments were finished to hold a

wedding celebration with their families. Extend

your congratulations to them around their Wedding

Celebration and Renewal of Wedding Vows held on

July 22, 2006.

COME BUILD YOUR FAITH THIS SUMMER!

Our church will once again offer Vacation Bible School to children ages 3 through 2^nd grade on August 7-10 from 9-11 AM. Pre-registration forms will be available in mid-July. Contact Marty Bullis or Karen Wood for more information, or ways you can volunteer to help!

CHURCH PICNIC

To wind up the summer well, we’re having our Church Picnic at the

Cold Stream Dam Park on Sunday, August 20, at noon, with our sister

Presbyterian Church in Osceola Mills. Everyone brings a dish to share

and we enjoy time together and time playing!

JULY 2006 CHURCH CALENDAR

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Worship @ 9:30 a.m.

Happy 4^th of July!