|
|
Philipsburg First Presbyterian Church |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Our History Activities
|
February 2005 newsletter
WHAT A LENT!
In keeping with our tradition to have a theme focus our spirits
during the Season of Lent, we are tying together Gospel stories of Jesus’
Passion from Mark with the Senior Choir Cantata, called “What a
Morning!” As we build
through the six long weeks of Lent to the glory of Easter, Mark will be
our guide, helping us to keep our eyes on Jesus.
The aura around the “What a …” series gives the opportunity
for the variety of responses we see to Jesus every day.
Sometimes it is wonder. Sometimes
it is incredulity. Sometimes
it is sarcasm. Sometimes it
is disgust. Sometimes it is
something else entirely. Through
these weeks together in worship, using the lens of Mark’s Gospel, we
hope to see the Spirit of God form the appropriate response for each of
us, as well as for the church.
Please join me in reading through Mark, with the following
passages highlighted through the Sundays in Lent and Easter. Mark
14:22-25 What a Mystery! Mark
14:43-52 What Justice! Mark
14:53-62a What an Answer! Mark
15:16-20 What Treason! Mark
15:21-32 What a Savior! Mark
15:33-39 What a
Sacrifice!
Grace and Peace,
OFFICER MEETINGS for FEBRUARY
(in the parlor)
Deacons:
Tuesday, February 1st @ 7:00 p.m.
Session:
Tuesday, February 8th @ 7:00 p.m. Trustees:
Tuesday, February 15th @ 7:00 p.m. Presbyterian Women:
Monday, February 21st @ 7:00 p.m. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
9th – Garrett Broberg
23rd – Tyler Good
13th – Carl Gray
25th – Jeff Eyet
13th – J. David Pritchard
26th – Harold Shirey
16th – Ketura Jones
26th – Julie Milsom
21st – Tracy Branthoover
27th – Arlayne Corman
21st – Billy Test
27th – Jackie Jones
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES February
5th – Bill and Kathy Richmond – 28 years February
10th – Andy and Amy Bordas – 9 years February
12th – Don and Ellen Tobias – 61 years 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 2004, the
denominational support for our church is $22.68 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 $90.72, or 4 times
$22.68. MONTHLY THANKS Even
with the holidays filling our time, many in the congregation have
given of their time and gifts to enhance the ministry of the church.
Though several people came to put up Christmas decorations,
it was largely Jim Gearhart who carefully took them
all down … Thanks, Jim! The
office work of bulletins and newsletters
does not let up, and Jennifer Johnston took on the added work
of the Annual Report and Directory Addendum this month
… Thanks, Jennifer! Our
Trustees, Deacons and Elders already give
a lot of time to ministry, and gave another full Saturday morning
to consider together the future work of the
church … Thanks, Leadership! The
Presbyterian Women fed
the masses at the Annual Meeting with loving
care … Thanks, PW! College
students Ashley Laux and
Colt Viehdorfer returned after their first semester to share their
wonderful music talents … Thanks, Ashley and Colt! ____________________________________________________________________________ FLOWER
OPENINGS The
entire month of Sundays in February is open for flower arrangements to
be offered in honor or in memory of someone.
Please contact Laura Barnett (342-3476) to contribute to this
ministry and celebrate someone you love. COMMUNITY
LENTEN LUNCHES HOSTED BY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN The
Philipsburg Ministerium has joined forces to offer the entire community
a series of Lenten Lunches held from noon to 1 PM on
every Wednesday of Lent (February 9 through March 23), all
held at First Presbyterian Church.
Different churches in the ministerium
will be providing the meals, offered on a donation basis.
Pastors in the ministerium will be giving brief meditations after
the meal based on the theme of “Stories of Jesus on the Road.” Since each Christian church is making its way to the cross
and empty tomb on Easter morning, taking part of the journey together
seems a natural extension of our unity in Jesus Christ. Please set aside these Wednesday lunch times for the nurture
of body and spirit – and invite others to join in, too! 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 9, at 6
PM in Westminster Hall. This
year, the meal has been simplified by being only
crocks of soup and slices of bread made by our current Elders. 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. OPERATION STARFISH:
SAVING LIVES ONE CHILD AT A TIME This
Lent, the children will be leading the way in helping all of us to
make small sacrifices that have enormous impact.
Their project is
called “Operation Starfish” and is sponsored by Food for the Poor, a
hunger-relief organization. The
following story gets us started: As
a young boy and girl walked along the beach at dawn, they noticed
an old man ahead of them picking up starfish and tossing them
into the sea. Catching up
with the man, the girl asked why he was
doing this. The old man
explained that the stranded starfish would die
if left in the morning sun. “But
the beach goes on for miles and
there are thousands of starfish,” exclaimed the girl.
“How can you alone
make any difference?” The
old man looked at the starfish in his
hand and then tossed it safely into the waves.
He turned to them, smiled
and said, “I made a difference to that one.” In
the spirit of making a difference through small acts, the preschool children
who attend the Children’s Church Worship time in the nursery room
will be studying the Starfish Project all through Lent. They will have
daily devotional readings for the family to do together and collection
boxes that invite each family to make a daily difference of
a few coins. For as little
as 50 cents a day, $20 can be accumulated,
which can feed a child for months! And
the rest of the congregation without preschool children will not be
left out! The Session has
designated the Lenten Quarter collection cards
for hunger relief, as well. From
the offerings taken through the Starfish
Project and the Quarter cards, our church will send relief to both children
of the world and local needs. The
gifts from these will be split
in half between Food for the Poor and Community Action Food
Bank. So, adults can pick
up the Quarter cards (one
per family, please) in worship, or call the church (342-0812)
to have one mailed to their home. TSUNAMI
OFFERING The
Tsunami offering designated to helping surviving children
of the tsunami was a generous $854. Add to that
the $250 in matching funds from the Deacons, and
we are giving a total of $1104! Thank you for your loving gifts! SLINKY’S ACTION
ZONE The
First Presbyterian Church Youth Group invites
other area youth to join them for
a night of fellowship, food, and fun! When?
Friday,
February 11th, 2005 Where?
The
First Presbyterian Church,
9:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.
Philipsburg,
PA
Slinky’s Action Zone,
11:00 P.M.-7:00 A.M.
Duncansville,
PA
Cost?
$10.00 per person, payable to your
youth leader by 2/6/05 Youth
groups (7th – 12th grades) will meet at the
First Presbyterian Church and then travel to Slinky’s for an all night
lock-in where unlimited pizza, soda, laser tag, space ball, bumper cars,
games (5 tokens for $1.00), and soft play will be available.
First Presbyterian Youth need to contact Susan Harris (342-3944)
to register. DAFFODIL
DAYS Daffodil
Day Sunday is March 20, 2005. The
Deacons are once again sponsoring a Daffodil Day sale in conjunction with
the American Cancer Society. Daffodils
are sold in bundles at $7.00/bundle, or you may purchase a vase
arrangement for $15.00. The
daffodils are on sale right now. Order
forms are available at both the Presqueisle Street and 5th
Street entrances. Please
note that orders are due by Sunday, February 13th; so order
your daffodils in honor or in memory of someone who has battled cancer.
Thank you. FAT TUESDAY SALE
This is a Krispy Kreme donut sale before
Lent begins. Ethel is in charge of it and Paul Springer
has all the info. Contact him for that if you don’t see an
order form soon. 3W: WOMEN WHO WORK The
3W Bible Study will be continuing for the remainder of the school
year, with an eye towards the meeting dates, times, and themes
below. We’d love to have more women learn with us! Monday,
February 21, 7-8:30 PM, Studying Discipleship from Martha and Mary Monday,
March 21, 7-8:30 PM, Studying Evangelism from Mary Magdelene Monday,
April 18, 7-8:30 PM, Studying Honesty from Sapphira Monday,
May 16, 7-8:30 PM, Studying Faithfulness from Ruth and Naomi THAILAND
MISSION TRIP A
mission trip to Nan, Thailand is being planned for June
14 - 27, 2005 to an English camp. This
English camp
will provide Thai children with the opportunity to
interact with visiting groups and learn/practice English
with the English-speaking visitors through singing, games,
movies, sports, contests, story telling, etc. Two
students from our church, Hannah Holden and Scott Laux will make the
trip, along with adult advisor Tom Holden, also a member of First
Presbyterian Church. Funding will be provided through various groups in
the church as well as through fund-raisers.
Hannah, Scott, and Tom will be making this trip as part of a
larger group from Huntingdon Presbytery. JOINING
THE PRAYER CHAIN While
the Prayer Chain has been going for a good, long time, it’s time to
give an opportunity for those who wish to be part of the calling tree to
join in. If you
would like to take on this ministry of praying for needs that are called
into the church office, please contact Clerk of Session Jeff Eyet
(342-0317 or jfeyet@adelphia.net). SNOW
AND WORSHIP REMINDER In
the case of snow on Sundays, Pastor Tracie
will plan to conduct the worship service
for all who can attend. While
this may mean a service without an organist
or choir, we will worship in the spirit of “where two or three are
gathered.” Each member of
the congregation is encouraged to make the best individual choice they
deem necessary for travel and attendance in inclement weather. RELAY
FOR LIFE The
first meeting of the 2005 Relay for Life was held on
Monday, January 24th, and Julie Jo Johnston was in
attendance as our representative. The
date for this year’s
Relay is the weekend of Saturday, June 25th and
Sunday, June 26th. As
noted in last month’s newsletter, the theme of this year’s event
is “favorite movies.” We
had hoped to go with “Field of
Dreams,” however, that movie was already chosen.
Therefore,
we decided on “Angels in the Outfield.”
Things
are just getting underway for this year’s event.
So if you would Like
to be a part of our Relay team, please speak to one of the Deacons or
Pastor Tracie, and keep watching the church bulletins and newsletters
for updates and more info. SNOW
REMOVAL If
you can give the offering of some time and energy towards clearing snow
from the church, please speak to Trustee Marty Bullis (343-4571). FEBRUARY
CALANDER OF EVENTS
OFFICER
MEETINGS for JANUARY (in the parlor)
Deacons:
Tuesday, January 4th @ 7:00 p.m.
Session: Tuesday, January 11th @ 7:00 p.m. Trustees:
Tuesday, January 25th
@ 7:00 p.m. Presbyterian Women:
To Be Announced
JANUARY
BIRTHDAYS
2nd – Jay Milsom
16th – Ashley Laux
7th – Kathy Richmond
17th – Susan Harris
8th – Carol Moore
18th – Dennis Calvin
8th – Eric Rodgers
18th – Ryker Bullis
9th – Tom Holden
26th
– Jennifer Starner
11th – Laura Barnett
31st
– Chalmer Dixon
14th – Pastor Tracie Bullis
JANUARY
ANNIVERSARIES January 7th – Ned and Sue Holdren – 49 years January 19th – Ed and Leona Good – 53 years January 24th – Don and Beverly Holt – 46
years January 28th – Tom and Julie Jo Johnston –
38 years OFFERTORY ENVELOPES Anyone
NOT currently receiving
giving envelopes who
would like to receive them should please contact
Edie Good at 342-0591. Thank
you. MANY
THANKS The
generosity in December showed itself in many ways among us, and
we seek again to give thanks. To
Colleen Viehdorfer, for directing the
Children and Youth Christmas Program… Thanks!
To Karen Wood and
Sally Laux, for covering the music side of the Children and Youth
Christmas Program… Thanks! To
Amy Rodgers and Jill
Blake, for costuming and corralling the participants of the Children
and Youth Christmas Program… Thanks!
To Sally Laux and the
Senior Choir, for another lovely Christmas Cantata… Thanks!
To
the 80 gift-givers who made sure the needy elderly and children of
prisoners in Philipsburg had gifts for Christmas… Thanks! To
the generous anonymous donor, who gave the sponsorship fee for
the first stained glass window refurbishment…Thanks!
To
Carol Moore, who made all the arrangements for the PW/3W party… Thanks!
To outgoing leadership (Deacons Jennifer Johnston and Ray
Davidsen, Elders Karen Wood, Peg Capatch, and Jerilin Pritchard, and
Trustees Don Blake, Carol Moore, and Tom Holden), who gave well in
their years of service…Thanks! To
Tom Holden, who fixed the pew
upstairs, found the supplies to finish the Westminster stage, and
replaced the glass in the nursery door (just to name a few
of his handy helps!)…Thanks! To
Lisa Holden, the Deacon who
oversaw our first year in Angel Tree Christmas gifts… Thanks! ____________________________________________________________________________
STAINED GLASS
WINDOW UPDATE The
Trustees of the church have secured a “test window” contract with Brad
Winslow of Winslow Stained Glass to begin our Stained Glass Refurbishment
Project. Mr. Winslow will be starting his work around the first week
of February by taking out the Balcony Window (the one in the most need
of repairs) and replacing it with plywood. The window should be back,
fully releaded and repaired, in about four weeks. All
for a mere $10,000. Not to fret, though, as we have already had a generous
donor step forward with the sponsorship of matching funds from
the church through a gift of $5,000. So far, this donor is anonymous –
simply
leading the way for others to step forward to aid in this necessary,
but expensive project. Many, many thanks to whoever you are,
donor! After
the Balcony Window is finished, the work will be closely examined by
the Trustees. If it is deemed satisfactory, the next project will be the
six
side windows (3 on each side of the sanctuary). Because we are considering
both Winslow and another contractor (in case the Winslow work
is not what we want), the cost of these refurbishments will be between
$2,000 and $3,000 each. Through invitations to sponsor the refurbishment
of these windows, we’ve already received five donors! The
refurbishments can be made in honor or memory of others, and will be
denoted by a small engraving below each window. Following
the small side windows, work will begin on the two large side windows,
one at a time. The cost of these windows, depending on the contractor,
could be between $10,000 and $25,000. Don and Ellen Tobias
have already graciously offered to support the refurbishment of one
of these windows! The generosity of the congregation continues to ease
the challenges with refurbishment. Thank you! Finally, the window behind
the choir loft, though in fairly good structural shape, will at least need
to be thoroughly cleaned so the back-lighting can show its features. FURNACE
DRIVE UPDATE Though
the goal set seven months ago was for
$30,00 for the New Furnace, our church finances had an excellent return
to contribute to our Drive. So,
as of December 26, 2004, the
Giving to the Furnace Drive was $19,580.00.
Income from investments have completed the rest of our need, and
we are in excellent financial shape to turn our attention to other
pressing financial needs for the stewardship of our buildings. BARBARA
MOSCH GOES TO GHANA As
part of her seminary education, Barbara Mosch will be spending most of
the month of January 2005 in Ghana with other seminary students learning
about our Christian brothers and sisters there.
This is not a vacation
trip; this is a required part of her education, led by seminary professors
and attended by other classmates. As
Barbara is away, keep
her in your prayers as she seeks to be an attentive learner. SNOW AND WORSHIP
REMINDER In
the case of snow on Sundays, Pastor Tracie
will plan to conduct the worship service
for all who can attend. While
this may mean a service without an organist
or choir, we will worship in the spirit of “where two or three are
gathered.” Each member of
the congregation is encouraged to make the best individual choice they
deem necessary for travel and attendance in inclement weather. LEADER
RETREATS All
current Deacons, Elders, and Trustees will be meeting for our Church
Leadership Retreat on Saturday, January 15th
from 9:00 a.m. until noon in Westminster
Hall. Lunch may follow as a
spontaneous outing for those wishing to go.
Leaders, please mark this date on your calendar.
Other members, please be in prayer for the growth and guidance of
our leadership . Then,
about two weeks later, Joy Kaufmann will be leading our Church
Leadership (especially incoming Deacons, Elders, and Trustees), as well
as other Church Leaders, on a Presbytery retreat on Sunday,
January 30, from 2:00 p.m. ‘til 5:00 p.m.
In this time, leaders will be connecting with each other in their
respective shared ministry roles and learning the place of the
particular church in the larger governing bodies.
Please pray for this time as well. WINTER
FESTIVAL DAY FOR YOUTH The
Holden Family has graciously opened their cabin in Black Moshannon
State Park during the Winter Festival Day on Saturday,
January 22nd for youth (grades 7 – 12) and their families. What
a great way to play together as both a family and peers!
The
time will begin with a potluck lunch (look for sign-ups in Sunday
School, or call Lisa Holden) followed by time out in the
Winter Wonderland. Youth
may invite one friend to accompany
their family. CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING The Annual Congregational Meeting and Corporation’s
Annual Report Meeting will be
held Sunday, January 23, 2005, after worship
and lunch together. Lunch
is again prepared by the loving hands
of the Presbyterian Women. Please
plan to take time to fellowship
and hear of God’s work among us in the last year. ANNUAL
REPORTS
As noted above, the
Annual Congregational Meeting
is scheduled for Sunday, January 23, 2005.
In preparation for this meeting, all Annual Reports are
due no later than Sunday, January
9, 2005. You may either drop them off in the church office or E-mail
them to Jennifer Johnston at jenn1010@localnet.com.
Thank you. 3W:
WOMEN WHO WORK After
a fabulous Christmas meal in December with the Presbyterian
Women, 3W is planning to continue to meet and to
study women of the Bible. Each
meeting offers new insight, and
newcomers are always welcome. Mark
these dates on your
calendar for the rest of the year: Monday,
January 17, 7–8:30 p.m., Studying Prophecy from Hannah and Mary Monday,
February 21, 7–8:30 p.m., Studying Discipleship from Martha and Mary Monday,
March 21, 7–8:30 p.m., Studying Evangelism from Mary Magdelene Monday,
April 18, 7–8:30 p.m., Studying Honesty from Sapphira Monday,
May 16, 7– 8:30 p.m., Studying Faithfulness from Ruth and Naomi CAPTURE
THE CONGREGATION! The
Board of Deacons is tentatively planning for a new church directory
in the Fall of 2005. In
preparation for the activity pages of
the directory, please take, save and share pictures of the many events
and ministries in our church throughout the year.
We
want to start taking those pictures now, so we can present a
full range of what the church is up to! RELAY FOR LIFE A
New Year is beginning, and our church is once again
going to participate in the Relay for Life.
Meetings
for this event will begin in January 2005, and
Mary Whitehead Gilham and Julie Jo Johnston have
once again agreed to co-chair this event with the
Deacons overseeing our church’s participation.
The theme for this year’s event
is “The Movies.” Each
team is asked to pick a favorite movie and decorate
their booth along the lines of that movie.
If you have any suggestions
for a movie, please see Mary, Julie Jo, Pastor Tracie, or one of the
Deacons. As the new year
progresses, we will be gathering names of those
individuals who wish to participate in this spectacular event, and more
information will be made available!
Watch your newsletter and check the bulletins
for updates. ALTAR
FLOWERS The new “2005
Flower Chart” has been posted in the
narthex. Please check it
out and
sign up for any available Sunday. Please
note that we are especially in need of flowers for the months of January
and February. If you can fill a slot, please put your name on the chart.
If you have any questions, please see Laura Barnett.
Thank you. YOUNG AT HEART For
those of you who are over 50 but still “young at heart,” you
are invited to participate in the monthly luncheons held in
Westminster Hall on the last Wednesday of each month. Along
with an enjoyable lunch and good fellowship, various monthly
entertainment is provided. The
first luncheon of the new year is scheduled for Wednesday, January
26th at Noon. A
$3.00 donation is requested to attend, and
reservations are preferred. You
may contact Gertie Clyde for
more information or to make a reservation.
Her number is (814)
342- 4371. Come on out for
a nice lunch and a fun afternoon. JANUARY
CALANDER OF EVENTS
YOUNG
AT HEART The New Life Committee is continuing to sponsor
a monthly seniors luncheon (50 and over).
The first luncheon was held on March 23rd in
Westminster Hall, and a luncheon has been held on a monthly basis since then.
Entertainment or an interesting speaker is provided at each
luncheon, and the cost for the event is a $3.00 donation.
Our next luncheon will be held on November 17th at
12:00 p.m. in Westminster Hall (1st Presbyterian Church).
If you are interested in attending or working on this outreach
project, please contact Gertie Clyde at (814) 342-4371.
Advanced reservations are required and should be made the Sunday
prior to the luncheon. COMMUNITY
THANKSGIVING SERVICE The
Ecumenical Ministerium group is again planning a Community
Thanksgiving Service for Sunday, November 21, 7 PM, at
the Church of Christ on Route 350.
Valley Voices will be singing, and
the pastor at St. Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Church, Rev.
Leigh Aaron Kester, will be preaching.
Come and give thanks together
with brothers and sisters from the community. 3W:
THE WOMEN WHO WORK BIBLE STUDY We’ve
learned about Deborah the judge, and Abigail, one of David’s wives.
We’ve learned about one another and ourselves.
We’ve learned about the priority of taking time for our own
spiritual nurture. We’d
love to have more women learn with us!
The 3W Bible Study will be continuing for the remainder of the
school year, with an eye towards these meeting dates and times: Monday,
November 29, 7-8:30
PM, Studying Encouragement from Elizabeth Monday,
January 17, 7-8:30
PM, Studying Prophecy from Hannah and Mary Monday,
February 21,
7-8:30 PM, Studying Discipleship from Martha and Mary Monday,
March 21,
7-8:30 PM, Studying Evangelism from Mary Magdelene Monday,
April 18,
7-8:30 PM, Studying Honesty from Sapphira Monday,
May 16,
7-8:30 PM, Studying Faithfulness from Ruth and Naomi FURNACE
DRIVE UPDATE Thank
you for your faithfulness to building the Furnace Drive. Our goal continues to be $30,000.00 by December 31, 2004,
with gifts coming from above-and-beyond giving after our regular tithes
and offerings. As of
Sunday, October 24, 2004, we have given $13,769.00 toward this
goal.
STAINED GLASS DONOR OPPORTUNITY The Trustees have been working diligently to get
quotes on the extended work of refurbishing our stained
glass windows. This venture is expensive and
time-consuming, but very necessary for the ongoing care of our
church. As part of the finance piece of this project, the
Trustees are looking for donors who would be interested in supporting the refurbishment of a particular
window as a memorial or honorarium by paying half of the expense
through a matching gift. Gift amounts would range from $2,000 to
$10,000. Gifts given would then be matched by reserves in our Building and
Investment Fund and the work could commence. If you would like to
participate in this donor opportunity, please speak with Pastor Tracie or Don Blake, Chair
of Trustees. The Trustees are hoping to begin work on the first window during
the Winter. ________________________________________________________________________________ THE
SHOEBANK: A COMMUNITY EFFORT Pastor
Brenda Leigey and the Trinity United Methodist
Church has celebrated their first year
with the Shoebank Ministry, which is the distribution
of shoes to children in need. In
the
last year, they have distributed over 500 new or “gently used” shoes
to children in our community. These
shoes are the gifts of many in the community, supplying that which is
often overlooked for our children.
As a direct result of the Shoebank, they also now distribute a
new pair of socks to the children.
Let us praise God for this good work in the community! SALVATION
ARMY VOLUNTEER NEED The
Salvation Army is seeking to establish an aid distribution point,
locating their office at Trinity United Methodist Church. The goal of this effort is to supply aid where our current local
agencies are not currently working.
They have the office space, the funding, and the game plan: now
they need volunteers. They
are looking for helpers from 9 AM to noon for at least one day per week
on Monday through Friday. They
will train volunteers so they are well-equipped for what needs to be
done. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastor
Brenda Leigey at 342-1820. NOVEMBER
CALANDER OF EVENTS
A THANKSGIVING PRAYER FROM FATHER FLANAGAN’S
BOYS’ HOME Lord, We humbly ask Thy blessing on the turkey and the
dressing, On the yams and the cranberry
jelly,
|
