Ephesians tends to repeat itself simply because it is somewhat laid out in two parts. The first three chapters review Paul’s theology of the church, with the largeness of the sovereign God, the saving work of Jesus Christ, and the on-going promise of the Holy Spirit. Then he models prayer before reviewing the heart of the good news in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which creates an equality and unity for the church.

We see these themes come around again as the second three chapters unfold, with prayer raised a second time, as well as unity and our oneness in Jesus Christ. The saving work of the Gospel returns followed by the practical living of the Christian life through the advocate of the Holy Spirit.

I find I repeat myself when what I have to say is important – or when the hearer isn’t listening. Paul raises prayer, the saving work of Jesus, our unity in Christ and living by the strength of the Holy Spirit. These are lifetime themes that transform us as the people of God. If we could grasp theses themes, enter into them a little more, see them reverberate in our lives more richly … what a church we’d see "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). May it be so!

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.

 

Starting July 1, 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!

Total Offering and Income to General Fund $ 8,536.73

Total Expenses from General Fund $11,093.92

Balance for May ($ 2,557.19)

needed from the Reserve and Investment Fund

to cover expenses. Please be attentive to joyfully

and thankfully giving this summer.

 

NEW MEMBERS

On June 29, we welcomed Barbra Klinefelter and Brian Wagner into our congregation by

profession of faith. Barbara has two teenage children, Brooke and Ryan. Brian married

Jamie Branstetter last October and has two children, Brandon and Brittney.

For 4 years now, the congregation has given the titles

of favorite hymns. From this list, summer hymns will

be selected so we can enjoy a variety of favorites.

It’s great to see that many of you volunteer even with the routine switch of June starting the summer. Thank you for the many ways to minister at the church. The summer kick-off picnic was again a glorious time of fun and fellowship, thanks to the Deacons, the Wood family, and the weather (provided by God!) – thank you! Educating our children went well with Workshop Rotation Sunday School, and Jen Starner, our Sunday School Superintendent, coordinated this with grace – thank you! Susan Harris oversees the Children’s Church ministry and kept that running smoothly – even through July and August – thank you! Rob Reed directed and Paul Springer helped with the Sonshine Ringers this year – thank you! The Sunday School kids thanked the men of the church for their faithful witness – thank you to the men and the kids! Scott Milsom led in worship during Pastor Tracie’s absence for vacation – thank you! The women of the church treated the men to breakfast out – thank you! Darrell Hollis was our Presbytery commissioner – thank you!

Thanks to all the adult volunteers who made this a great year for the youth in our church. Your

dedication, enthusiasm, and creativity make my work with Sunday School so much easier!

Dan Nelson and Todd Jeffries – Grades 6-12

Holly Kithcart, Jim Warg, Ilo Warg, Tracy Branthoover, Carol Moore, Karen Wood, Jill Blake,

Tracie Bullis, Jill Reed, Lora Storck – Preschool – Grade 5

Jennifer Starner

The highlight of the June Session meeting was the welcoming of two new members who have been worshipping with us for several months: Barbara Klinefelter and Brian Wagner. Brian has been worshipping with us since he and Jamie Branstetter were united in marriage last year. Barbara was first invited to attend worship by Susan Harris, and plans are to also welcome Barbara’s daughter, Brooke, into membership later this year. We have been enriched by their attendance so far, and will be even more so enriched by their membership. Welcome.

The rest of the meeting was spent conducting the routine business of Christ’s work in our everyday world. Session …

• Approved building use requests, including a pilot program by Sharon Goss to operate a coupon and nonperishable goods exchange for members of the community
• Planned after worship socials for July and August
• Heard from the Music Committee on plans for repair and maintenance of both the pipe organ and grand piano
• Gave consideration to a plan to consolidate music practices in the interest of conserving fuel consumption, to be revisited in August
• Heard reports of the activities of the Deacons, Trustees, and Kitchen Remodeling Committee
• Approved an amendment to the pastor’s Leave and Absence Policy to be included in the 2009 terms of call

OFFICER MEETINGS for JULY (in the parlor)

Deacons: No Meeting

Session: No Meeting

Trustees: No Meeting

PW: No Meeting

subject line and email to camper@krislund.org during

KRISLUND VOLUNTEER WEEK

July 13-19 is the Volunteer Week at Krislund Camp for some adults from our church. Darrell and Helen Hollis, along with Bill and Carol Moore, are taking their RVs up to the camp in order to volunteer during the day. Dick and Holly Kithcart, Gertie Clyde and Dottie Isaacson will stay in lodge housing to help, too. Those interested in volunteering, even for a day, are welcome to contact Darrell Hollis for more information. Keep these folks in your prayers during that week, too!

 

JULY BIRTHDAYS

1 – Ray Joe Millward 19 – Jerilin Pritchard

2 – Richard Wood 19 – Jacalyn Houser

3 – Jill Blake 22 – Ryan Good

4 – Mary Whitehead Gilham 23 – Bill Richmond

5 – Karen Wood 24 – Tom Johnston

9 – Sally Laux 24 – Casey Blake

12 – Claranell Harkins 27 – Megan Eyet

15 – Lindsay Genesi 28 – Jamison Warg

16 – Noah Jeffries 28 – Thomas "Eliot" Reed

17 – Sarah Holden 31 – Brian Wood

18 – Gary Broberg

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

1^st – Gary and Susan Broberg

9^th – Rodger and Judy Pleskonko

20^th – Jason and Ann Rishel

28^th – Greg and Nancy Fetters

 

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

2 – Becky Houser 18 – Ivy Reed

2 – Hannah Holden 22 – Joy McCliment

5 – Dick Kithcart 23 – Amy Rodgers

9 – Cristen Blake 25 – Todd Askey

10 – Dot Davidsen 25 – Tyler Walter

13 – Amy Bainey 28 – Bernhard Warg

15 – Colton Harris 30 – Lisa Holden

16 – Racquel Branthoover

 

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

7^th – John and Ruth Marie Kashella

8^th – Reverend Bill and Carol Moore

16^th – Jim and Judy Gearhart

19^th – Chris and Nikki Rohrback

25^th – Ernest and Dede Coleman