The Celtic Cross. Inside this issue: Rend Your Heart A Blessing for Ash Wednesday. Worship Matters. Ash Wed Invite a Friend. Let it crack open.

Transcription

1 The Celtic Cross March 2014 Inside this issue: Worship Matters Ash Wed Invite a Friend Wed. in Lent NJ and Honduras Mission Trips Spiritual Formation Opportunities Children and Youth Fellowship Work Day Inquirers Class Joyful Hearts Church Family News Counters Session Digest Town meeting Music Notes Faith and Nature Lectionary Readings Kitchen Calendar of Events Insert Rend Your Heart A Blessing for Ash Wednesday To receive this blessing, It could take you days all you have to do to wander these rooms. is let your heart break. Forty, at least. Let it crack open. Let it fall apart And so let this be so that you can see a season for wandering its secret chambers, for trusting the breaking the hidden spaces for tracing the tear where you have hesitated that will return you to go. to the One who waits Your entire life who watches is here, inscribed whole who works within upon your heart s walls: the rending every path taken or left behind, to make your heart every face you turned toward whole. or turned away, every word spoken in love or in rage, Jan Richardson every line of your life you would prefer to leave in shadow, every story that shimmers with treasures known and those you have yet to find. Dearly Beloved, The season of Lent is upon us, the season in which the Church calls us to pass through death so that we might come into life, life that is refreshed and renewed by the One who goes through mortal death to unleash resurrection life. Don t miss the opportunity to enter into the wise rhythms of this season. In these pages, you will see opportunities to open your heart and your mind to God. If you accept Lent s invitation to wander the rooms of your heart in private devotions, Lenten worship, small groups and classes you will come closer to the One who waits and works within the brokenness to make you and all people whole. The journey from death to life begins with ashes. Join fellow wanderers in the Community room on March 5, at 7:15. Christ will be waiting, and go with us from there. Traveling mercies, Kerry and Carter

2 Page 2 Worship Matters The Celtic Cross March 2: Service for the Lord s Day, 10:30 a.m. Celebration of the Lord s Supper March 5 (Wed): Ash Wednesday Service, 7:15 p.m. in the Community Room. March 9: Daylight Saving Time begins Service for the Lord s Day, 10:30 a.m. Cherub Choir Sings March 16: Service for the Lord s Day, 10:30 a.m. Celtic Choir Sings March 23: Service for the Lord s Day, 10:30 a.m. Sacrament of Holy Baptism March 26 (Wed): Service for Wholeness, 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room March 30: Service for the Lord s Day, 10:30 a.m. Commissioning of Adult Mission Trip Participants Ash Wednesday Service: March 5, 7:15 8:00 p.m. During Lent, we prepare ourselves for Christ s death and resurrection. We begin the season on Ash Wednesday with a quiet time of reflection and worship in the Community Room. We will mark ourselves with ashes, the sign of our human weakness and mortality, and we will remember God s unfailing grace and mercy shown to us in Jesus Christ. Service for Wholeness, Wednesday, March 26, 7:00 8:00 Join us as we pray for the healing of the our world, as well as for those bodies, lives, and relationships closer to home in need of wholeness. Invite a Friend Sunday, Sunday, March 9 It s that time of year again when we dedicate one Sunday of the year as Invite a Friend Sunday. Now, in reality every Sunday is Invite a Friend Sunday, but we make a big deal of it just once a year and even serve cake in Fellowship Hall following worship you know that if cake is served, it s a special Sunday! Why do we do this? Well, for a number of reasons: We want to offer our church as church home to anyone who doesn t have one. We have many wonderful educational events for all ages. We have a terrific music program. We are a very active four generation church. By far, most of those interested in finding a new church home come to us because they ve heard great things about our church from others. Your comments about our church causes a person to think:, I ve heard good things about First Presbyterian I ll attend service and check it out. Your personal invitation is the clincher! And once they re inside, God takes over, through the actions of all of us, and they see a welcoming church with active members and a place where they can grow closer to God. The Hospitality Committee (Written invitations are available in the lobby for those interested.)

3 March 2014 Page 3 WEDNESDAYS IN LENT 6:00 Evening Prayer in the Community Room 6:20 Lenten Supper in the Fellowship Hall ($5 per adult $2 per child max $12 per family) SIGN UP for dinner each week on the bulletin board in the hallway 7:00 Lenten School 4 Tracks + childcare Mid-Week Sabbath Is your soul thirsting for some quiet time in God s presence? Come to the sanctuary and spend 30 minutes in silent contemplation. Prayer and meditation resources will be provided. Come and go from the sanctuary as you are led. Come unto me you who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. YOU JUST DON T UNDERSTAND How can men and women walk away from the same conversation with two different understandings? How can we better understand each other as spouses, friends, or coworkers? How do we talk about difficult issues with those we love or work with? Join Carter and Kerry for the fun and hopefully also for the insight. ADVENTURES IN STORYTELLING Children in 2nd through 5th grade: come enjoy telling the stories of the Bible in our own special way. We will read some of the classic Bible stories together, and really look at what those stories tell us. Then as a group we will find new and exciting ways to tell these stories. We will be acting, drawing and learning together about what the Bible says to us, and how we can tell the tales that we know and love so well. Childcare available for children up to first grade. Perspectives from Christians in the Midle East It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26) The oldest Christian congregations in the world are in the Middle East. As we read in the gospels, the earliest communities of Jesus followers formed in places like Palestine, Syria and Egypt over 2000 years ago; those gospel communities continue today. On Wednesday nights, we ll listen to the voices and stories of Christians in the Middle East. We ll SKYPE with Rev. Kate Tabor in Israel/ Palestine and hear from sisters and brothers who hold onto steadfast hope in that region. Adult Mission Trips to New Jersey and Honduras If you are interested in joining a group of adult volunteers traveling to the New Jersey shore, March 30 to April 5 to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy, contact Tom Zeigler or Carter or Kerry ASAP. If you are interested in joining another group of adult volunteers traveling to Honduras, May to install water purification system(s), learn more by attending an orientation meeting after worship on March 16, or contact Bill Dupree or Carter or Kerry.

4 Page 4 The Celtic Cross Spiritual Formation Opportunities Sunday Mornings Forum (Community Room) - Crimes, Punishment, and American Justice From talks given at the Chatauqua Institution this summer. March 2: Nina Morrison Freeing the Innocent Morrison, an attorney working with the Innocence Project speaks on their efforts to free those in prison who have exonerating DNA evidence. March 9: John Jeffries: Does the Punishment Fit the Crime? Jeffries, former Dean of the University of Virginia Law School will speak about issues with sentencing guidelines and their impact on our judicial system. March 16: Carolyn Boyes-Watson: Justice as Healing Boyes-Watson, a law professor, speaks about efforts to pursue restorative justice which can offer a more satisfying experience for crime victims in the justice system. March 23: Father Greg Boyle: Barking to the Choir Father Boyle is nationally known for his ministry among the gangs in Los Angeles and is author of Tattoos of the Heart. YOU WILL NOT FORGET THIS TALK! March 30: G-Dog An award-winning documentary on Father Boyle and Homeboy Industries. Faith and Relationships Class (Library) Teachers: Sharon Trevoy and Rob Wade. Topic: The Death Penalty: History and Ethical Considerations Pragmatically: Does it work? Is it fair? Is it humane? Morally: Is killing ever justified? And do we as mortal men and women possess the moral authority to kill what God has created? Men s Sunday Mornings (Pastor s Conference Room) Teachers: Paul Lepard, Carter Lester, Gary James, and Tim Peckham Topic: The Promised Land Sacred Space (Mary Ann Yost Room 110) Teacher: Amy Shutt Topic: Feasting on the Word Join us as we look at each week s lectionary texts. Weekday Opportunities Sisters of the Way Bible Study: 9:15-10:45 a.m. every Thursday. Teacher: Kerry Next Week s Sermon (looking at the texts that will be preached on a following Sunday): 7:30 8:30 PM on Tuesday, March 11. Teacher: Carter Praying the Scriptures Group (Lectio Divina): Tuesday, March 5 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. Do you ever have a hard time finding a connection between the Bible and your life? Learn a simple way to read and hear the scripture speak to you. Theology Reading Group: Next meets at Carter s house on Wednesday, April 30. We will be discussing Peter Enns The Evolution of Adam. Questions? Talk to Carter.

5 The Celtic Cross Children and Youth Page 5 Sunday School Teacher and Youth Advisor Appreciation Breakfast and Camp Day for Children and Youth, Mar. 30 Teachers and Advisors join the SF committee in the Jr. High Room for a delicious breakfast as we celebrate your work and service. Breakfast will be ready at 9:15. While teachers are being honored at the breakfast, the children and youth will be visited by a representative from Camp Kirkwood. They will come in and talk to us about how fun Camp Kirkwood can be and then we will play games, have fun, sing songs and enjoy the many different experiences that camp has to offer us! All youth 4 years old through 8th grade are invited to participate. (Childcare at church will be available for all children younger than four). We gather in Fellowship Hall at 9:15. CONFIRMATION AND SEEKERS Eighth Graders and Up: Workcamp Registrations are Due! Junior Seekers, Grades 6-8 and Confirmation, Grades 7-8 Sunday, March 9th (6:00 to 8:00 p.m.) Video and Conversation This event follows Confirmation Class at 5:00 PM Join us in watching a video and then having a lively conversation about what the video says to us! Sunday, March 23rd (Time TBD) Outside event (Confirmation Class at 5:00 PM) Jr. Seekers will be spending the day outside, enjoying together the beauty of all that God has made for us Senior Seekers Grades 9-12 Senior Seekers Bible Study March 2 at 5 p.m. March 9 at 4 p.m. March 16 at 5 p.m. March 23 at 4 p.m. Friday, March 7th-Saturday, March 8th: Senior Seeker Lock-in and Bowling We will gather at 8:00p.m., serve dinner at Main Street Ministries, go Midnight Bowling and stay up late having fun! Sunday, March 16th (6:00-8:00 PM) Movie Night The Senior Seekers are going to have a movie night at the church, and, yes, there will be popcorn. Sunday, March 30th (Time TBD) Rock Climbing The Seekers are going Rock Climbing! We will be driving together up to Reading and then racing up and down walls until our arms fall off.

6 Page 6 The Celtic Cross Fellowship PRIME TIMERS SAVE THE DATE! ALL DAUGHTERS EVENT SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2014 Sunday, March 9, 5:00 PM: Pot Luck Dinner and Hymn Sing for the Whole Church!! Bring casserole, salad, dessert or? All sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board across from Church Office. Max and Meredith Creswell will lead us in song after dinner Wednesday, May 21 Trip to "Moses" at Sight and Sound (11:00 AM Show) Leave Church Parking Lot at 8:45 AM / Late Lunch at Lancaster area restaurant. A block of seats has already been purchased. HOWEVER you can get your own seats and join the group for the meal (let us know if you will do this). June (details to be announced) "The Music Man" at Pottstown's Steel River Playhouse MEN S BREAKFAST, Saturday, March 8, 8 9 a.m. Join the guys for food and fellowship on Saturday, March 9 from 8 to 9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Gary James is our chef. FAITHFUL FRIENDS (formerly Young Adults): Saturday, Mar. 29 at 6 p.m. This month, we gather without children. Join us at Carter and Kerry s house at 6:00 on Saturday, March 29 for food, fellowship, and discussion. It s potluck so contact Carter or Kerry to find what to bring. Deacons Bench: Church Work Day, Saturday, April12 The Deacons annual spring indoor and outdoor workday will be on Saturday April 12, beginning at 9:00 am. The raindate for the outdoor work will be Saturday April 19. Please sign-up on the bulletin board. All ages are welcome! This is a great opportunity for a family service project! Inquirers Class for Prospective Members Are you interested in exploring membership at First Presbyterian Church? Or, do you have questions and would like to have an opportunity to learn more about this church, or Presbyterians, or even Christianity in general? Then join Kerry and Carter for the next set of Inquirers Classes that will begin on Sunday, March 23. If you would like to attend or need more information, then talk with Kerry or Carter or contact the church office.

7 March 2014 Page 7 Our Growing Friendship with our Honduras Partners On December 31, we were delighted to have a visit from our Living Waters partner, Honduran mayor, Jesus Orlando Jimenez. He and his family flew to Orlando, Florida, where they met with Adalberto, a former neighbor of theirs from Trinidad, Copan. Aldaberto and his wife and son drove the mayor s family to Allentown to visit with Aldaberto s sister. (Small world!) They made a special trip to Pottstown, eager to see our church and meet some of the members of the mission committee. This was a last minute visit, but very fruitful. Kerry and Carter gave them a tour of our church. They took many pictures in our sanctuary, and then sat with the group in the Cmmunity Room. The mayor shared with us his hopes for future projects and expressed profound gratitude for the support provided by our congregation. We finished the afternoon with supper at Rick and Sue Moyer s house. The mayor had great fun pulling ice from the pond, something he doesn t get to do in Honduras. The rest of the family preferred to stay in the house; it s cold here in Pennsylvania! They were pleased to see the pictures we took during our last trip, and watched the video that John produced after our last installation trip. Aldaberto was particularly touched to see his former hometown, since he has not been back to Honduras in fourteen years! Thanks to all who contribute their time, money, and prayers to the ministry of this church and make our partnership with Mayor Jimenez and his community possible! Church Family News Please keep in your prayers the following members who have been ill, injured, or hospitalized lately: Jean Hollenbach, Brenda Hatfield, Trystian Hernandez, Jim Bathurst and Betty Rissell. We send our condolences to Don Christ and family upon the death of his mother. Thank you to Bill Campbell, John MacDonald, and John Livezey for another outstanding Seekers Workcamp video, and thanks to the Seekers and the Wheeles, Allens, Kiselas, Rhoadarmers, Campbells and others for setting up and preparing the lunch! Counters Corner for March Thanks to counters for March: (head), Sharon Trevoy (Mar. 2, 9, 23, 30) Patty Picardi (Mar. 16) and counters: Barbara Winter, Bob Geyer and Suzanne Fritsch. If you would be willing to help as a counter some month, please contact Hank Phillips.

8 Page 8 Session Digest The Celtic Cross At its February meeting, the Session: Shared the joys and concerns of the congregation. Reviewed and received the minutes of the annual congregational meeting. Approved Carter taking vacation March Approved the baptism of Kassidy Michele Britton, child of God and daughter of Robert Britton and Hope Bleyer on March 23, Approved moving the April Session meeting back to April 23 because of Holy Week. Did not receive the financial reports for the month because they were not yet completed. Discussed the grant from the Mary Porter Designated Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward and how best to get input from the congregation and make decisions as a Session regarding use of the money. Approved that a taskforce would be formed to investigate the various options and make recommendations to the Session concerning use of the money. The taskforce will be made up of 9 people including 2 elders, 2 deacons, members of the Administrative, Spiritual Formation, and Mission committees, and at least two people who are not on the Deacons or Session. The pastors will serve on the taskforce ex officio. Approved the One Great Hour of Sharing offering in April. Please keep the following in your prayers: Hospitality: for a fruitful Friendship Sunday; Worship: thanksgiving for the numbers in worship despite the bad weather; Spiritual Formation: for an opportunity to meet and plan without snow!; Mission: for Operation Backpack; Fun and Fellowship: that all might experience the fellowship of this congregation; Admin.: prayers that our building will not experience damage or leaks from the snow and ice; Endowment: for people to continue to be faithful stewards. Town meeting to Discuss Porter-Broward Grant, Sunday, March 23 On Sunday, March 23, after worship, there will be a town meeting for people to ask questions and bring ideas regarding the church s use of the grant recently received from the Mary Porter Designated fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. The amount of the grant is approximately $106,000 and the Session has established the following guidelines for use of the grant: Enhancement of current ministries, which would include any of the following: (1) Special one-time programs, concerts, lectures, or other ministry events or expenses over and above the present ministries funded by the General Fund. (2)Ongoing ministry that would be supported indefinitely by the grant with the understanding that the ministry would only continue so long as grant money is available (e.g., a grant-funded part-time parish nurse position). and (3) seed money for new ministries that are expected to be fully funded in time through contributions by current members to the General Fund of the church. Capital Improvements to our facilities that would have one of the following purposes: Conserve energy consumption, reduce the environmental impact of our facilities and ministries, or Increase accessibility and/or safety for members and visitors to these facilities. Contributions to other ministries and non-profit organizations which address two areas of needs that were always important to Mary Porter: Children and families, and/or the welfare and quality of life of the greater Pottstown area. Bring your ideas to the meeting or send them to Carter or Kerry.

9 March 2014 Music Notes Page 9 March will thankfully bring the first signs of spring after this long winter. On March 2 nd the Chancel Choir will sing Schubert s Kyrie Eleison from the Mass in G. The following Sunday we will sing At the Cross, arranged by Berry, as Lent begins. On March 16 th we will present Restoration, a new anthem based on a Kievan Syndal Chant, arranged by Sorenson. The following Sunday you will recognize Lamb of God, a Courtney arrangement of the beloved Twila Paris anthem. The final Sunday in March will showcase the stunning What Love is This?, by Nix, which follows Christ s final days leading to His crucifixion. On March 23 rd, the Handbell Choir will play the lovely, Power of the Cross, arranged by Betcher. I would like to thank the Men s chorus for singing the benediction in early February. They Budgeted income for the year: $356, 262 are working hard to learn one new anthem each month so watch for their exciting anthems. Rob Land will solo Budgeted at the Ash income Wednesday through service Feb. on 29: March 5 th 59, and 377 Leanne Campbell will play flute. The Service of Actual Wholeness income is through set for Wednesday Feb. 29: March 2658, th. Our 810 quartet will sing the beautiful, A Rose in the Valley This time that last evening. year: The Chancel Choir will host 49, 201 the Lenten dinner on Wednesday March 12 th, spear-headed by our talented Beth Ann Straub. Budgeted expenses for the year: 356, 262 There is still time to sing with the choir during the Lenten season and for Easter. If you have always wanted to sing with us, please come to the choir room on Thursday evenings at 7:30. New Budgeted expenses through Feb. 29: 59, 377 members are Actual always expenses welcome! through Feb. 29: Diane 56, 829 Land, Director of Music Faith and Nature Group It has been a winter to remember. We have had snowfall after snowfall, frigid temperatures, wicked winds, ice storms, and snowy owls. Yes, that s right, snowy owls. In January and early February, a few of us trekked out to the Amish tundra of Lancaster county to try and locate one of these rare visitors from the arctic circle. About once every decade or so, the snowy owls have a baby boom of sorts and come the winter time, their food sources become scarce and young male owls are forced further and further south to find prey. This winter has been the largest irruption on record with hundreds of owls and being seen all along on the east coast. I had a tip on the locations of a couple of snowys near New Holland. After a brief search, we found one. To see such a majestic creature in the wild is captivating. Those who have joined us to view eagles at Conowingo, have a sense of this feeling. But for me, the snowy owl not only created a sense of awe, it gave me something else. I struggled for awhile to capture what I felt and then it hit me. Reverence. It s a rare feeling. The first thought that came to mind upon spotting this bird was, thank you Lord for putting me here right now. As I gazed at this bird of prey with our group, other birdwatchers showed up and soon the atmosphere was similar to being present at an especially moving church service. Everyone was quiet and respectful, in a state of reverence for this gift from God. It is moments like these when I truly feel God s grace and marvel at the wonders of his creation. Moreover, I am blessed to be able to share it with others from our church family. With Spring approaching, I am looking forward to creating and sharing more opportunities with our group. I hope you can make some room in your schedule to join us on one of our outings. Mike Deegan

10 Page 10 The Celtic Cross Lent and Daily Devotional Readings Feb. 24 to March 2: Exodus 24: 12-18, Psalm 2, 2 Peter 1: 16-21, Matt. 17: 1-9 March 3 to 9: Genesis 2: 15-17, Psalm 22, Romans 5: 12-19, Matt. 2: 1-11 March 10 to 16: Genesis 12: 1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4: 1-5, John 3: 1-17 March 17to 23: Exodus 7: 1-17, Psalm 95, Romans 5: 1-11, John 4: 5-42 March 24 to 30: I Samuel 16: 1-13, Psalm 23, Eph. 5: 8-14, John 9: 1-41 Acorns of Faith On Sunday, March 16 th, the Endowment Committee will be welcoming and thanking the newest members of the Acorns of Faith who joined the program in Acorns of Faith are friends and members of our church who have given a gift, or have made arrangements for future gifts, to the Endowment in order to provide for future generations of First Presbyterian Church. That same morning, the committee will also be offering valuable financial planning resource materials for the entire congregation after worship in front of the community room and will include: Estate Planning Brochures, Will Worksheets, and Personal Record Books. Stop by and say hello! Insert: Operation Backpack and Switzerland One More Time Please check out the insert to this monthly s newsletter. The Mission Committee is collecting food in Lent for Operation Backpack. See the insert for the items needed. Paul Lepard is leading a Friends of FPC trip to Switzerland in See the insert for more details.

11 September 2004 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 5 Communion 12 10:30 Worship resumes Jr. Seekers 2 PICNIC 3 pm 19 Worship 8 am Worship 10:30 26 Worship 8 Worship 10:30 Neighborhood Sunday 6 Church Office Closed Labor Day 13 HENS begins Cubs 7 20 Cubs 7 27 Cubs 7 7 Neighborhood Leaders Training 7:30 14 MOW Board Mtg. 6 Girl Scouts 6:15 21 Girl Scouts 6:15 Bible Study 7:30 28 Trinity 10 am Girl Scouts 6: Evening Prayer 7:15 Committees 7:30 15 Music/Rec 4:30 p.m. Deacons 7:30 22 Bible 9:30 Poetry 10:30 M/R 4:30 Session 7:30 29 M/R 4:30 SS Teacher Workshop 7 CE Meeting 7:30 9 Meal 5 HENS Parent Night 7 16 Bible 9;15 Meal 5 23 Bible 9:15 Meal 5 30 Bible 9:15 Meal Picnic Set-up 9 a.m Men s Breakfast 8 Habitat Workday 24 Flea Market Set up 25 FLEA MARKET March 2014 March 2014 Page 11 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Mar. 30 Teacher Appreciation Breakfast 9:15 Sr. Seeker Rock Climbing Adult Mission Trip leaves for NJ 2 Communion Sr. Seekers Bible Study 5 9 Invite-A-Friend Sunday Cherub Sing Seekers Bible Study 4 Conf. Class 5 Congregation Pot Luck Dinner & Hymn Sing 5 p.m. Jr. and Sr. Seekers Events Celtic Choir Sing Honduras Meeting 11:30 Seekers Bible Study 5 Sr. Seekers Movie Inq. Class Baptism Town Mtg 11:30 Jr. Seekers TBD Sr. Seekers Bible Study 4 Conf. Class 5 Each Sunday Sunday School 9:15 Worship 10:30 Fellowship 11: HENS Closed 17 Cubs 7 PM 24 HENS Board Mtg. 7:30 p.m. Cubs 7 p.m. Relay Mtg. 5:45 p.m. Lectio Divina 7:30 11 Girl Scouts 6 p.m. Next Week s Sermon 7:30 18 Relay Mtg. 6 p.m. Lectio Divina 7:30 25 Presbytery Mtg. Shawl Mtg. 7 p.m. Next Week s Sermon 7:30 5 Music and Rec 4:30 Ash Wednesday Worship 7:15 Committees 8 p.m. 12 Music/Rec 4:30 Lent Prayer 6 Supper 6:20 Program 7 Deacons 8:00 19 Music 4:30 Lent Prayer 6 Supper 6:15 Program 7:00 Session 8:00 26 Music 4:30 Prayer 6 Supper 6:15 Service for Wholeness 7 6 Bible Study 9:15 Cluster Lunch 12:15 Meal 5:00 PM 13 Bible Study 9:15 Meal 5:00 PM 20 Bible Study 9:15 Meal 5 27 Bible 9:15 Meal 5 7 Set up for Scrapbooking Event 1 Pine Wood Derby 8 a.m. 8 Men s Breakfast 8 a.m. Scrapbooking Event in Fellowship Hall Senior Seekers Lock-In 8:00 p.m Officer s Training 9-3 at church Faithful the Lesters 6 p.m.

12 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 750 N. Evans Street Pottstown, PA Phone: Fax: Website: The Celtic Cross