CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY C H U R C H FLOURISHING CONTAGIOUS WORSHIP CONNECT IMPACT

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1 N o r t h COMMUNITY P a r k C H U R C H WORSHIP CONNECT IMPACT January, 2016 Volume 104 A Publication of North Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church FLOURISHING CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIAN relationships with one another, which really shapes the type of community we will be. Now to the big idea. We started with the 88 ideas and were able to synthesize these ideas into a smaller number of broader concepts, and from this list the team was able to focus in on a guiding theme. It was clear God was guiding us to focus on building fellowship through service/outreach. We found ourselves combining the ideas that encouraged fellowship with those ideas that encouraged service. In the end we came down to deciding between whether to do something once a year either on a weekend or for an entire week or to do something monthly. It was not an easy decision as many in the group wanted to do both. Doing something monthly won the consensus of the team. On Saturday, November 21, our ministry leaders gathered to take the next step in discerning God s direction in how to grow a flourishing, contagious, Christian community here at North Park Church. The intent of this meeting was to come away with one big idea that pulled together many of the themes discussed during the idea workshops, while acknowledging that there were other ideas that might require a different approach or could be immediately implemented ( just do it ) to achieve our goal. Before going into the results of this workshop we want to point you to one of the just do it items. This came out of 2 different groups and we believe will have a significant impact on our body. We highly encourage all adults to come to our winterterm Sunday school opportunity The Peacemaking Church. This highly acclaimed class will be led by your elders as we discuss our So, without further ado, here is the idea that we believe will help us grow as a flourishing contagious Christian community: Under the overarching theme of outreach we want to gather monthly as a whole church community to have a time of fellowship, service and teaching. The focus of each month will alternate between these three elements. One month we may have a service activity such as packaging clothing for an orphanage, the 2nd month a game night and the third month a guest speaker talking on a topic that would be of interest to our neighbors. There are many details that will need to be worked out but at this time the team identified a few details to build around: 1. The event would happen mid-week on the same day & week every month (with the possible exception of July and December) *All other church events would adjust to support this event 2. The likely time would be from 6:00 to 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. 3. There would be a simple supper at the start (hot dogs, mac and cheese, soups, etc.) (Continued on page 7)

2 2 Contents Front Page Flourishing Contagious Christian Community 2 Assistant Pastor Search Team Update Winter Adult Sunday School 3 Pastor s Corner Bruce Allison Retires 4 Open Table 5 Did You Know? Trekkers 6 Student Ministries NPC Deacons Memory Verse 7 Flourishing Contagious Christian Community (Cont.) Open Table (Cont.) Back Page Birthdays and Anniversaries Assistant Pastor Search Team Update Greetings from the Assistant Pastor Search Team. We approach the weightiness of this search with lots of heartfelt prayer and actively seek the mind of Christ. It s been 2 ½ months since the search began and things are moving along nicely. Our team has recently received candidates from Vanderbloemen Search Group to evaluate. Each team member is now closely reviewing their sermons, personal videos, ministry experience and prayerfully deciding whether or not God would want us to move to the next step with each one. Yes, we are moving in the right direction-- all candidates are interested in North Park Church and on the surface, each one appears to be qualified. But we re talking about an individual who will interact quite closely with our congregation, so discerning chemistry and character is vitally important to the health of our church and we need Godly wisdom! Please continue to pray for unity and discernment for our team, pray for the heart of the man God has already chosen, as well as his wife and family to support him. We covet your prayers and patience and we are honored to be serving our congregational family and King Jesus! For a current look at the NPC calendar, click the calendar link above the newsletter link on the web. North Park Church 600 Ingomar Rd. Wexford, PA January 3-March 20 at 9:00 a.m. For the winter our Adult Sunday School will all meet in Room 112 together for a class entitled "The Peace-Making Church." This class, which our elders believe addresses an important need among us, and one that was identified in our fall strategy workshops, is about handling conflict and relational tension within the church family. It will feature video messages from Ken Sande of Peacemaker Ministries and discussion led by various elders. Join us starting January 3 at 9:00 a.m.

3 Pastor s Corner by Dan Hendley I look forward to 2016 as a year of major change at NPC, especially for me. Gone will be the familiar presence of Bruce Allison in the office next to me. Gone (in February) will be Kirstin Lukas across the hall. Gone (by summer) will be Janie Koska at the receptionist desk. I will miss them all for their excellence, their teamwork, their friendship, and their love of our church. I am so glad they will continue to be around our church family. AND I know that some new friends are coming. Even as I write we are contemplating potential candidates for the office manager role. Our evaluation team is studying applicants for assistant pastor. Our God loves His church and has planned to bless us with some great servant-hearted team members for the years ahead. The new staff feels like a gift we get to unwrap in increments over the next half-year. Then there is my personal wish-list for NPC for the new year. Perhaps you are God s answers to our prayers for these roles in the body. (1) Facebook artist someone to post pictures, news and more on our Facebook page; maybe Twitter, Instagram and more, as well to enhance our media presence; (2) Missions team head someone to replace Bruce Allison in giving oversight to our servants who keep us engaged with the work of the gospel around the world; (3) Missions trip coordinator someone to organize, promote and execute a couple of excursions per year; (4) Organizer of after-church fellowships at least when the weather is good, let s enjoy fresh air, refreshments and each other a dozen Sundays a year. 3 Bruce Allison Retires THANKS Bruce for all you have done for the Lord and for NPC! After 12 years of faithful leadership in changing roles, Bruce Allison has left his position on staff of our church. Bruce will continue to labor as the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Alleghenies and will also share in ministry with us, including heading up our Open Table effort. Happily, Bruce and Janet will also continue to be members of NPC.

4 4 Transformational Assistance As many of you know, North Park Church has been involved with an organization known as Open Table. Open Table trains and supports congregations in translating their vocational and life experiences into tools which people in poverty called brothers and sisters can use to develop and implement plans that focus on economic sustainability and wholeness. Working through a shared-purpose model, the Open Table process serves as a catalyst for using our resources and networks to move us from a transactional relationship with our brothers and sisters in poverty to a transformational relationship. NPC recently completed our first table (with a single mom and her three children) and has started a second table (with a young man who has aged out of the foster care system). So far, fourteen individuals from NPC (including several couples) have participated as table members. In order to continue with this impactful ministry, more NPC individuals will need to serve. What are the expectations of a table member? Participate in three 2-hour training/ orientation sessions Work side-by-side with 6 to 10 other table members Commit to the table for 10 to 12 months, depending on the circumstances of the brother or sister Commit to at least 1 hour per week for 8 to 10 months The primary role of table members is to develop a trusting and honest relationship with the brother or sister. Without this, all other functions that a table provides will be hindered. We have now connected with Light of Life Mission ( on Pittsburgh s Northside who will serve as an additional referral agency for the Open Table. Certain individuals who graduate from Light of Life will be given an opportunity to apply to the Open Table. If these individuals qualify, they will be referred to a table to begin a process of change. The connection of the Open Table with Light of Life provides NPC the opportunity to better collaborate with a local ministry we have supported over the years in transforming lives. The main ingredient for true transformation is relationship. If you would like to learn more about how you can become a table member, please contact Bruce Allison at allisonpoa@gmail.com or (724) and sign-up in the church lobby to participate in the informational meeting on Sunday, January 17 right after worship in Room 109. Table Model what does it look like? A table is the platform through which the brother or sister and the table members partner in developing a plan to achieve sustainability and wholeness. A table is formed by volunteers who bring with them their vocational and life experiences along with their personal and professional networks to a brother or sister (Continued on page 7)

5 Did you Know? Did you know that Kate Brown has taken a new job at Rue 21.that Matt and Jess Zenner are moving to South Carolina in January..that Jack Dupee is living in Minneapolis and is engaged to be married in the summer.that Jack s twin brother, Spencer, will wed on February 6.that Peter Holt will be married to Grace DeWalt on June 18.that all three of the point guards for the NBA s Dallas Mavericks were born on the same day in that Taylor Van Oss has graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University.that Brad Siger, son of Len and Linda, is one of our Sunday media team presenters.that potato chips and doughnuts were invented by accident.that Diane Grajcar has just become a member of our church.that Nitro-coffee from the Holts is now being sold in Cranberry at Peace, Love and Little Donuts.that a scallop has over thirty eyes.that Susan Meeneghan, Pat Hargest and Joyce Kish were major providers for our December 13 brunch.that Kiki Brown and Holly Murphy played violin and flute at the brunch.that insects never close their eyes.that Stacy Altmyer helps run the CBS children s program.that Taryn VanderWeele is a former school-teacher.that Rich Van Newkirk has two properties for sale.that we are still looking for someone to fill in as church receptionist (part-time) in February..that the words abstemious and facetious contain the vowels, a/e/i/o/u, in order.that Damon Matthews of Bay City, MI was recently arrested for robbing a 7-11 because the store clerk was able to identify not his face, which was covered with a ski-mask, but his 7 4 frame.that a male silkworm can smell a female seven miles away.that those who read the FYI can smell silkworms from 7% farther away than those who don t? Did you know these things? I thought you should. 5 Trekkers We re excited to get back to Trekkers on January 10 after a nice, long Christmas season spent with families. This year s lessons have focused on the Beatitudes, and this month (after a holiday season that is often filled with feasting) we will be talking about the satisfaction we are promised if we hunger and thirst after righteousness. As we restart in 2016, here are some reminders: Trekkers are earning memory verse puzzle pieces for each verse from Matthew 5:3-10 that they can recite from memory. Kids are welcome to memorize one verse at a time, or the whole thing at once, and any trekker who successfully recites the entire passage from memory will earn a special treat in May. Friends are ALWAYS welcome at Trekkers! Invite, invite, invite!!! Join us in praying for this ministry. We pray specifically that kids will hear and come to more deeply understand the gospel message, and that kids will develop lasting connections and friendships with other believers during their time in Trekkers. As always, we re excited to see you all from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the 10 th of January! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Shelly McGlothlin at shelly.mcglothlin@gmail.com.

6 6 STUDENT MiNiSTRiES z Schedule for January January 3 No Youth Group due to the Holidays January 10 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Youth Group of 2016 January 13 7:00-8:30 p.m. High School Care Groups January 17 6:30-8:30 p.m. Youth Group January 24 6:30-8:30 p.m. Youth Group January 27 7:00-8:30 p.m. High School Care Groups January 31 6:30-8:30 p.m. Youth Group NPC Deacons by Mark Sharpnack As 2016 begins, let s look back at one of North Park Church s biggest blessings in 2015: our deacons! NPC s deacons are some of the most compassionate, selfless, caring servants of Christ. I have been tremendously blessed to work with them transitionally. Chapter 17 of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church s Book of Government (BOG) addresses the Board of Deacons. Although not essential to have in every EPC local church (BOG 6-4), deacons are vital to our life at North Park EPC. Our deacons are the front-line of mercy ministry. Many of you have received telephone calls from one of them in If they were unable to speak with you, please take a moment to connect with them. They truly care and would like to pray for and help you. At the risk of embarrassing Christians who certainly do not serve in roles for public recognition, permit me to share personally. Dan Sherwin chairs the board of deacons as a superb servant-leader. Deaconesses Pat Hargest, Bethany Mitchell, and Stacy Tessaro serve the body of Christ at NPC in wonderful ways. Deaconate couples Terry & Susan Meeneghan and Chad & Beth Morley minister marvelously in tandem. They do not live perfect lives, but use the spiritual gifts in their lives to help us all at North Park Church. Join them as we seek to fulfill the command of Christ in John 15:12, My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. January Memory Verse: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. -II Timothy 3:

7 (Continued from Cover) *We would solicit volunteers to prepare the suppers (possibly care groups) 4. We would end each event with a time of worship 5. Activities would be geared towards all age groups from 3-4 years old and up 6. Childcare would be provided for infants As you can see this is no small undertaking. If we are going to consistently attract our neighbors and friends to join us in this it will need all of our support to make it happen. It will also need a staff person to lead and guide this. Our thinking at this time is that this could be a program the new assistant pastor takes on. He will also need a supporting team to execute all of the various facets that will need to come together. If this is something that excites you, please let the office know. We will need people who focus on service projects, people who want to focus on fun activities, and others who will want to be in charge of the teaching times. When will we start these new events? That depends upon the hiring of the assistant pastor and how quickly they can get up to speed and put a plan together for executing this. In the meantime, there are several just do it ideas that we are putting into action and will be encouraging you to be a part of as well. As we look to the months to come, we are excited for an opportunity for the church to rally around a focused event that also impacts our neighborhood. We believe that God will use these events, coupled with the Peacemaking Church class and some additional focus on intentional relationships, to mold us into a flourishing and contagious Christian community. (Continued from page 4) for approximately one year. Together, with the brother and sister, the table develops and implements a customized LifePlan to empower the brother or sister to live into their human potential God gave to them. The brother or sister goes through a series of background checks and psychological assessments to determine his/her readiness for change. The Table members are oriented to the Open Table process and trained in what it means to serve on a table. Perhaps most importantly, the table members learn that relationship is the most important piece in helping someone succeed. The first meeting with the brother or sister (referred to as the Breaking of the Bread meeting) is really focused relationshipbuilding - simply getting to know one another. Each table member shares with the brother or sister why they feel called to be part of his/ her support team, allowing him/her to see that they really are interested in coming alongside. All of this helps the brother or sister to begin feeling comfortable with the table and to begin building trust and hope something most brothers or sisters have not experienced much in other relationships. The table now works together with the brother or sister through a mutually agreed upon plan, which includes goals and implementation accountability. Table members are assigned to provide leadership to a specific area of the plan (such as education, employment, spirituality, housing, transportation, etc.), but always work as a team. Table members are typically generalists and life experienced, networking in their congregation and the community for resources to support the plan. 7 Finally, we have a second planning workshop scheduled for January 23 to look at all the ideas that came out of the Next Generation objective. This will be conducted with the same ministry leaders who participated in the Contagious Community workshop. More to come as we see how God guides us in that workshop.

8 Birthdays January 1 January 3 January 4 January 5 January 6 January 7 January 9 January 10 January 11 January 12 Sally Jo Hilderhoff Brandon Gilbert Cordela Dunbar Pam Miller Chris Gingrich, Elijah Gretz Hunter McGlothlin, Susan Meeneghan Ruth Lengel Joyce Wanninger Suzy Lish Brandon McGlothlin, Lisa Arnold, January 13 January 14 January 15 January 16 January 17 January 18 January 20 January 22 January 24 Kim Mycyk Ben Osmond Mike Stitt, Haley Dzadovsky Kim Zaiser JD Laird, Janet Lochner, Rashmee Graczyk Tom Jones, Virginia Cooper Alana Stites, Mark Vander Lugt Debi Heistand, Colin Bright Scott Barber, Lucy Fischer, Amelia Gilbert Chris Wu, Rosemary Craft Anniversaries January 5 Dan and Beth Fox January 8 Jeff and Lauren Fowler If you would like your name included on the birthday/anniversary list (in each month s FYI), please make sure you have filled out a card with your family s information. These are available at the Information Counter. Human error does occur, so please let us know if we misprint your information.