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Philipsburg First Presbyterian Church |
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Easter Our History Activities
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BEGINNING IN THE
MIDDLE It’s
a little like juggling, because we’re now going back to studying the
life of David. We’ve been
with him last Fall since 1 Samuel 16 through the end of that book.
Now, we’re starting 2 Samuel, and there’s a good bit more to
come. The hiatus of Gospel
reading in Advent, of Jesus’ birth narrative given in four different
voices, has provided us with at least one end of the David journey –
the Son of David as the Messiah. But
for now, as with much of life, we are beginning again in the middle of
David’s story. Seems like even fresh starts always carry a history, and
we’re delving into that history once again.
In your personal Bible reading, I’d invite you to start the New
Year in reading with me in 2 Samuel.
If you really want a good read, follow a through-the-Bible
program that takes you through our Scriptures in a year.
If 2 Samuel isn’t in January, just read it as a bonus! And
as you begin a New Year, looking perhaps for a fresh start, remember you
also have a history. Instead
of lamenting it or tucking it beneath the rug, listen to it and learn
from it. Some of the best
starts also come with a good memory.
For, while God’s steadfast love is new every morning,
partnering with the work of God in our lives is about day-to-day
faithful praying, plodding, and confessing.
Grace and Peace,
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
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