Good Tidings. Pastor s Corner

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Good Tidings. Pastor s Corner"

Emory Walsh
5 years ago
Views:

1 March 2018 Good Tidings Northminster Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, FL MARCH SERVICES Sundays at 10:30 AM Rev. Wally Johnson March 4 The House of God 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 March 11 God, the Master Craftsman Ephesians 2:1-10 March 18 Joyful Obedience in the Shadow of the Cross John 12:20-33 March 25 Palm Sunday Two Processions, Two Theologies Mark 11:1-11 April 1 Easter Sunday When God Whispers Your Name John 20:1-18 Pastor s Corner We are entering the season of Lent in the Christian church. We begin by receiving the mark of the ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday. We are often not sure what to make of this time on our church calendar. Indeed, some in the Reformation tradition would hold that we should not observe Lent. I, personally, like this season. It is such a poignant reminder of the sacrifice and suffering of my Lord. In this season the shadow of the cross looms large. There are many symbols used for this season, but the one that speaks loudest to me is that of the basin and the towel. The new commandment to love one another is given on a night that begins with Jesus wrapping the towel around his waist, taking the basin and washing the disciples feet. We celebrate this event on Maundy Thursday. Maundy is taken from the word mandatum, meaning law or command. So during this season, focus on the command to love one another. Focus on the basin and the towel - the call to servanthood that Christ gives each of us. The call is to community! The practice of spiritual discipline during this season helps us to better hear that call. So, don t just give something up for Lent, as good as that practice is. Replace that thing with time in one of the critical spiritual disciplines. On Maundy Thursday, we will again have the Living Last Supper. This is an incredible portrayal of the last supper Jesus had with the disciples. Then on Easter Sunday, we will have our Easter service at 10:30. What a joy to celebrate Easter with you this year! In May, we will start a journey through the Essential 100 stories of the Bible. These will be fifty Old Testament stories and fifty New Testament stories. You will have a reading schedule of five stories each week. I will select one of those to preach on, and we will have a discussion class over the other four stories for that week. This will have us all focusing on the same stories from the Bible, and I trust God will use that to deepen our knowledge and to strengthen our love for him and for our neighbors! In His Service, Pastor Wally

Page 2 GOOD Holy Week Palm Sunday Following the worship service on Palm Sunday, March 25, a tasty brunch will be served, in the Fellowship Hall, by the Boy

The Living Last Supper The Living Last Supper will be performed in our Sanctuary at 5:00 on Maundy Thursday, March 29.

heart and mind. Music performed by the choir, and hymns are interspersed with the monologues.

Celebrating Good Friday The Northminster Congregation has been invited to Good Friday services at the Church of the Nativity, located diagonally across

2 Page 2 GOOD Holy Week Palm Sunday Following the worship service on Palm Sunday, March 25, a tasty brunch will be served, in the Fellowship Hall, by the Boy Scouts of Troop #78. The menu includes a variety of egg casseroles, bagels, coffee, and orange juice. A donation of $5.00 is requested. The Living Last Supper The Living Last Supper will be performed in our Sanctuary at 5:00 on Maundy Thursday, March 29. This dramatization, inspired by the famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, imagines the inner thoughts of each disciple, who expresses the turmoil in his heart and mind. Music performed by the choir, and hymns are interspersed with the monologues. The service concludes with communion served by the disciples themselves. Please plan to attend this inspiring service in preparation for Easter. Celebrating Good Friday The Northminster Congregation has been invited to Good Friday services at the Church of the Nativity, located diagonally across Lockwood Ridge Road from us. They offer Good Friday services at noon and 7:00 PM. Easter Sunday Come experience the Joy of Easter on Sunday, April 1, at 10:30 Easter Message: When God Whispers Your Name Rev. Wally Johnson The Easter service also marks the debut of our newly formed Handbell Choir.

Whatever your hobby, you are welcome to spend the day with fellow crafters. Bring your own craft and a sack lunch. R.O.M.E.O. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and J.U.L.I.E.T.

3 TIDINGS Page 3 Let s Get Together Ongoing Activities Newcomers Always Welcome! Artists and Crafters Workshop: This group meets every Wednesday from 10:30 til sometime in the afternoon, in the Education Building. Do you paint, knit, scrapbook? Whatever your hobby, you are welcome to spend the day with fellow crafters. Bring your own craft and a sack lunch. R.O.M.E.O. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and J.U.L.I.E.T. (Just Us Ladies Into Eating Together) will have breakfast at First Watch on the corner of Lockwood Ridge Rd. and SR70 on Fridays, March 9 and 23, at 9:00. These two groups meet in the same restaurant, but are seated at opposite ends. Please sign up in the Narthex so space can be reserved. Free Line Dancing Class: Got two left feet? No rhythm? No worries! Come join us for user friendly line dancing, every Friday at 2:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Classes are free and beginners are welcomed. Come join us for fun, fellowship, and a chance to work off a few calories! Presbyterians Eating IN Is Back! By popular demand, our second Presbyterians Eating In will be held on Wednesday, March 7, at 5:00, in the Fellowship Hall. Save your tax and tip money, but still enjoy Primo s spaghetti and meatballs, plus salad, bread, and dessert for $10.00! You must have a prepurchased ticket, and they are limited, so buy yours early. Make your checks out to NPC and give them to Matt or Colette Stevenson. If you have any questions, give them a call. Ciao! Learn More About Hurricane Preparedness Were you ready for Hurricane Irma? Are there things you could have done better to prepare for a storm or disaster? Find out how from the experts. Come join us for a filling breakfast and educational talk on Saturday, April 7, at 9:00, in the Fellowship Hall. Steve Guetschal, from the Red Cross, will talk to us about how to best prepare for a disaster such as a hurricane. And we will provide a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, egg casserole, coffee, and juice for $5. The Suncoast Concert Band Northminster is happy to host The Suncoast Concert Band in their 85th season of presenting quality music to the Sarasota Community. Come hear them play in our sanctuary, on March 11, and April 15 and 29. Their associated group, the Jazz Ambassadors, will hold concerts here on March 18 and April 22. For tickets and information, call

4 Page 4 GOOD Prayer Chain Change Prayers and faith are powerful! Jesus prayed a great deal and he frequently talked about prayer. He encouraged all his followers to pray, saying to his disciples In all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive. We know prayers work! And we know our God is listening and is pleased to hear from us. To someone who is suffering, prayers are so important and the very thought that many Christian friends are appealing to God on their behalf is terrifically comforting. Currently, the Prayer Team numbers approximately eighty Prayer Warriors! Just imagine, eighty people praying for one single person or situation! That s power! We express grateful thanks to Jack and Carol Tibbets for the many years they have devoted to facilitating prayers through the Prayer Chain to all our church family and visitors through our Ministry. Their dedication to this task has been obvious to all, and we thank them most sincerely. Now Jack and Carol are moving along to a new chapter in their lives, and I am honored to fill the spot they leave. Under Jack and Carol s direction, our Prayer Chain has functioned easily and simply, and we will continue that way. Here s how it works: It starts with you. When you know someone is in need of prayer, send me an with the person s name and whatever information you deem proper to give. I will then send it on to the eighty-plus people on the Prayer Team, who will privately offer their prayers, lifting your loved one or friend s name up to God. To join our Prayer Team, just let me know your address. It is that simple. As a member of the Team, there are no meetings and no other obligations. You simply offer a prayer on behalf of someone who needs prayer. Come, join the Team! Thank you, Jeanne Peters Dear NPC Prayer Chain Members, Since the Tibbets took over the prayer chain many years ago, a lot of names have been added and some removed. Jack and I have found keeping up with our congregation in good times, and not so good times, very rewarding. But it is now time to pass on the list of names to a new contact. As of March 1, your contact will be Jeanne Peters. She has graciously accepted the responsibility to keep you all informed. As we give up this ministry, we know that Jeanne will do a fine job of keeping NPC aware of the good and the bad challenges of our members and friends. We know your prayers work! Thank you for allowing us to serve you over these past years. We will miss you. Blessings to you all, Carol and Jack

TIDINGS Page 5 One Great Hour of Sharing One Great Hour of Sharing is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year for a better world.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which is restoring streets and neighborhoods working alongside communities as they recover and find hope after natural and human-caused disasters.

5 TIDINGS Page 5 One Great Hour of Sharing One Great Hour of Sharing is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year for a better world. This offering supports the following three programs which play related roles in providing safety, sustenance, and hope to individuals and communities in the USA and around the world. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which is restoring streets and neighborhoods working alongside communities as they recover and find hope after natural and human-caused disasters. Presbyterian Hunger Program, which is sharing bread with the hungry and joining hands with them to alleviate hunger and address its causes. Self-Development of People, which is working to loosen the bonds of injustice by partnering with communities as they seek to overcome oppression and poverty through initiatives they own and from which they directly benefit. We will receive the OGHS offering on Palm Sunday and Easter. CROP Walk to End World Hunger The 2018 CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, March 4. You can be either a walker or sponsor a CROP walker! Twenty-five percent of the money raised goes directly to All Faiths Food Bank, here in Sarasota. The other seventy-five percent helps people throughout the United States and the world by providing clean water, seeds, tools, animals, training and other necessities. If you d like to be a walker or sponsor a walker, please contact Robin Sutcliffe or Mark Goslin. Please make your checks payable to CWS/ Crop. Thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause! Beth-El Farmworkers Ministry Beth-El s mission is to help farm workers achieve self-sufficiency through its open opportunities to worship, its extensive education programs, and the many services it provides to meet basic needs. Among its core programs are worship, a food pantry, education, meals, camps for children, counseling, and much more. Please make your contribution by marking the local mission line on your offering envelope or by using a white mission envelope. Beth-El has immediate need for the following: White T-shirts Men's underwear Socks - adults and children Men's pants (size 26-34) New or gently-used work boots or sneakers (sizes small and medium for women and up to size 10 for men) Baseball-style caps New or gently-used blankets New bath towels Deodorant Please bring your donations of these items to the church office. If you have any questions, contact Bill Marvin or Rich Rhodes.

Page 6 GOOD March PW Program Presbyterian Women March PW Meetings On Monday, March 12, at 11:00, the guest speaker at the PW s luncheon will be Steve Archer, Manager of Lifeway Christian Bookstore.

Men and women are both invited to attend.

6 Page 6 GOOD March PW Program Presbyterian Women March PW Meetings On Monday, March 12, at 11:00, the guest speaker at the PW s luncheon will be Steve Archer, Manager of Lifeway Christian Bookstore. He will speak on Comparing Different Translations of the Bible, a subject on which he holds workshops. Please sign up to attend this program at the Welcome desk in the Narthex. Men and women are both invited to attend. PW Coordinating Team Wednesday, March 7, 10:30 Esther Circle: Thursday, March 1, 12:00 Leader: Jane Clark Ruth Circle: Monday, March 19, 10:00 Leader: Valerie Wilde Mary Circle: Wednesday, March 28, 10:00 Leader: Debbie Latimer Sunday Drivers Needed Volunteers are needed to drive our golf cart "shuttle bus" on Sundays. Please sign up in the Narthex if you can help. Thank you! Easter Lilies for the Sanctuary This year we will have Easter lilies decorating the Sanctuary. You can contribute to this beautiful holiday display by purchasing one (or more) of these lovely live plants for $10.00 each. The lily will be yours to take home after the Easter service. If you would like to order an Easter Lily in honor or in memory of someone special, please fill out the pink order form that will be in your Sunday bulletin. Place the order form and payment in your offering envelope or a pew envelope and put it in the offering plate on Sunday, March 4 or 11. You can also mail your form and payment to the office, to be received no later than March 15. Late orders cannot be honored, as we must place our orders with the floral supplier early. Please make your check payable to Northminster Presbyterian Church and note Lilies on your check or envelope.

TIDINGS Page 7 Office Hours: Mon Thurs: 9:00-3:30 Fri: 9:00-2:00 March Deadlines Announcements for the Sunday Bulletin are due in the office by noon every Wednesday.

Good Tidings: Please submit all articles, reports, and announcements for the April Good Tidings by Thursday, March 15 by e-mail to office@npcsarasota.org.

7 TIDINGS Page 7 Office Hours: Mon Thurs: 9:00-3:30 Fri: 9:00-2:00 March Deadlines Announcements for the Sunday Bulletin are due in the office by noon every Wednesday. Session Committee Reports are due in the office by Wednesday, March 14, for the meeting on Wednesday, March 21. Good Tidings: Please submit all articles, reports, and announcements for the April Good Tidings by Thursday, March 15 by to office@npcsarasota.org. Office Notes Attn: Seasonal Friends As you prepare to head back home (or to a summer place), please be sure to contact the office and let us know when you re leaving and when you expect to return. If you follow a fairly regular schedule, you ll only have to notify us this one time. Our new database program will automatically update your address every year! Please call ( ) or (0ffice@npcsarasota.org) this information so that we can send statements, newsletters, and other correspondence to the correct address. Thank You A heartfelt thank you to everyone who expressed sympathy following the recent deaths in my family. Thanks to Robin Sutcliffe and Jack Tibbets, who rallied the volunteers; and to Office Angels, Linda Henning, Barbara Clark, Joyce Johnson, Bill Marvin, Betty Miller, and Shirley Samson. Additionally, I appreciate everyone s patience while I tried to keep up between and following my absences. Isabel Oake 4 Sue Fewell 10 Evelyn Gale 13 Ed Stiles, Jr. 16 Don Cunningham 19 Carole Glidden March Birthdays 20 Laura Burgess 22 Michelle Shirey 24 Mary Ann Colter Laura Shephard 26 Bev Christie

Northminster Presbyterian Church 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 9 Bible Study- FH 9:45 Choir-S 10 Iglesia-EB 10:30 Worship/ Communion 11 9 Bible Study- FH 9:45 Choir-S 10 Iglesia-EB 10:30 Worship

8 Northminster Presbyterian Church 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 9 Bible Study- FH 9:45 Choir-S 10 Iglesia-EB 10:30 Worship/ Communion 11 9 Bible Study- FH 9:45 Choir-S 10 Iglesia-EB 10:30 Worship 3 Suncoast Band Conccert-S 18 9 Bible Study- FH 9:45 Choir-S 10 Iglesia-EB 10:30 Worship 3 Jazz Ambassadors Concert-S 25 9 Bible Study- FH 9:45 Choir-S 10 Iglesia-EB 10:30 Worship Locations EB=Education Bldg. FH= Fellowship Hall L= Library S= Sanctuary 5 10:30 PW Coordinating-L 1 Tech Help-FH 2 Staffing Task-L 3 Bell Choir-S 5:30 Fellowship-L 7 Boy Scouts-FH 7 Al-Anon-EB 12 1 Tech Help-FH 11 PW Lunch 2 Staffing Task-L 3 Bell Choir-S 7 Boy Scouts-FH 7 Al-Anon-EB Ruth Circle L 1 Tech Help-FH 1:30 Discipleship Square-L 2 Staffing Task- EB 3 Bell Choir-S 7 Boy Scouts-FH 26 1 Tech Help-FH 2 Staffing Task-L 3 Bell Choir-S 7 Boy Scouts-FH 7 Al-Anon-EB * The Spanish speaking congregation of Iglesia del Redentor, meets Sunday mornings in the Education Building. 6 9:30 Jazz-S 10 Bible Study 11:15 Staff 4 Bible Study 6 AlAnon (EB) 7 Rose Group Women s AA-FH 13 9:30 Jazz-S 10 Bible Study 11:15 Staff 2 Deacons 4 Bible Study 6 AlAnon (EB) 7 Rose Group Women s AA-FH 20 9:30 Jazz-S 10 Bible Study 11:15 Staff 4 Bible Study 6 AlAnon (EB) 7 Rose Group Women s AA-FH 27 9:30 Jazz-S 10 Bible Study 11:15 Staff 4 Bible Study 6 AlAnon (EB) 7 Rose Group Women s AA-FH 7 10:30 Artists-EB 10:30 Membership-L 5 Presbyterians Eating In-FH 14 10:30 Artists-EB 10:30 Mission-L 1 Bridge-FH Session Committee Reports Due 21 10:30 Artists-EB 3 Square-L 7 Session-L Mary Cir-L 10:30 Artists-EB 6:45 Choir-S 1 10 Bible Study-FH 12 Esther Cir-L 1:30 Finance-L 6:45 Choir-S 8 10 Bible Study-FH 11:30 Outreach & Marketing-L 6:45 Choir-S Bible Study-FH 6:45 Choir-S Good Tidings Deadline Bible Study-FH 6:45 Choir-S Bible Study-FH 7 Living Last Supper-s 2 10 Bible Study at Discovery Village 2 Line Dance-FH 9 8:30 ROMEO & JULIET 10:30 Bible Study at DeSoto Palms 2 Line Dance-FH Bible Study at Discovery Viillage 2 Line Dance-FH 23 8:30 ROMEO & JULIET 2 Line Dance-FH 30 Line Dance-FH

Clip and Share Northminster Presbyterian Church Caring Connecting Christ-centered Please cut out this flier and share it with your friends.

Let us share Christ s message of GRACE and HOPE with our neighbors and friends. The Outreach & Marketing Committee Here s What s Happening at Northminster Suncoast Concert Band - $5.

00 Sundays, March 18 & April 22 at 3:00 Reserve tickets by calling 907-4123 Line Dancing Class - Free Every Friday at 2:00 In the Fellowship Hall Bible Studies - Free - in the Fellowship Hall The

9 Clip and Share Northminster Presbyterian Church Caring Connecting Christ-centered Please cut out this flier and share it with your friends. If you live in a community that has a public bulletin board, consider posting the flier there for all your neighbors to see. Let us share Christ s message of GRACE and HOPE with our neighbors and friends. The Outreach & Marketing Committee Here s What s Happening at Northminster Suncoast Concert Band - $5.00 Sundays, March 11 and April 15 & 29 at 3:00 Reserve tickets by calling Jazz Ambassadors Concerts - $5.00 Sundays, March 18 & April 22 at 3:00 Reserve tickets by calling Line Dancing Class - Free Every Friday at 2:00 In the Fellowship Hall Bible Studies - Free - in the Fellowship Hall The Book of John led by Dick Murphy Sundays, 9:00 & Thursdays, 10:00 Mere Christianity led by Pastor Wally Johnson Tuesdays, 10:00 & 4:00 Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 The Living Last Supper, March 29 at 7:00 See Da Vinci s painting come to life in dramatic readings and music. Good Friday, March 30 Join us at the Church of the Nativity 12:00 and 7:00 Easter Service, April 1 at 10:30 When God Whispers Your Name Pastor Wally Johnson Northminster Church st St, Sarasota, FL Clip and Share If you feel comfortable doing so, sign your name to the bottom. Or cut the bottom tab off to post anonymously. If you have questions, or would like more information, you can ask me! Your neighbor,

GOOD TIDINGS Northminster Presbyterian Church 3131 61st Street Sarasota, FL 34243-2542 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #526 Manasota, FL In God we trust CURRENT RESIDENT PLACE LABEL HERE Northminster Presbyterian Church Called by Christ.

10 GOOD TIDINGS Northminster Presbyterian Church st Street Sarasota, FL Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #526 Manasota, FL In God we trust CURRENT RESIDENT PLACE LABEL HERE Northminster Presbyterian Church Called by Christ. Sent by Christ. STAFF: SUNDAY WORSHIP: 10:30 a.m. Rev. Wally Johnson, Pastor OFFICE HOURS: Isabel Oake, Office Administrator 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Monday Thursday office@npcsarasota.org 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Friday Jack Tibbets, Business & Finance Manager jack@npcsarasota.org PHONE: Sally Kirby, Clerk of Session FAX: clerkofsession@npcsarasota.org office@npcsarasota.org Edward L. Stiles, Jr., Music Director WEBSITE: music@npcsarasota.org Gail Ofterdinger-Ledgister, Organist Northminster Presbyterian Church Sarasota Florida Northminster Presbyterian Church Good Tidings is published for members and friends of the church to promote its programs and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Good Tidings. Pastor s Corner

Good Tidings. Pastor s Corner April 2018 Good Tidings Northminster Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, FL Pastor s Corner APRIL SERVICES Sundays at 10:30 AM Rev. Wally Johnson April 1 When God Whispers Your Name John 20:1-18 April 8 The