Meeting House News. First Presbyterian Church On the Square 2A North Hanover Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013

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1 May 2015 Meeting House News First Presbyterian Church On the Square 2A North Hanover Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania The Reverend Anne K. Myers, Temporary Pastor Debby Madden, Director of Educational Ministry Arthur Thompson, Organist Susan Shuey, Choir Director Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary Michael Stamey, Sexton Church Administrative Office Hours: M, W, F, 9AM 2PM Phone (717) Rev. Myers phone numbers (C) ; (H) Rev. Myers Debby Madden Website

2 May 2015 Page 2 A Note from the Educator CONTENTS A Note from the Educator 2 10 Reasons Sunday School 2 Men s Breakfast 3 Prayer Community 3 Book Club 3 Rock-the-Camp Review 3 Session Meeting Highlights 3 Krislund Camp News 3 Free Piano 4 VBS 4 Youth Mission Trip 4 Koinonia 4 Sunday School 4 Lend A Hand Trips 4 In Memoriam 5 Youth-Led Worship, May 10 5 Sundays-in-May Highlights 5 PW Birthday Offering 5 National Day of Prayer 5 Working with Children/Youth 6 Your Committees at Work 6 May Birthdays 7 May Serving in Worship 7 May Calendar of Events 8 Keep abreast of all the news of the church at our website: org THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS OF SOUP FOR PROJECT SHARE!! FARMERS ON THE SQUARE MARKET OPENING DAY: MAY 6 COMMUNION IN MAY: 24TH (Pentecost) Dear Friends: Although far from an angel myself, I bring you the same message the angels always bring, Do not be afraid, I bring you tidings of great joy. This issue of the newsletter is filled with news about the children and youth ministry of our church. Throughout Lent, and now in Easter season, our children and youth are busy doing mission, preparing to lead a worship service, attending Sunday school and worship. These activities are added to an already long list that includes: school work, band practice, school choirs and drama events, instrument/piano lessons, a variety of sports, plus missions and community service hours required by schools. If you think YOU are busy, ask any of our youth what THEY did last week, and will do THIS week! Yet, with all of their school events, studies, and family activities, these youngsters are most faithful and joyful about their love of Jesus and the church. Do not be afraid. The future is in their hands and it is very bright indeed. With God s love and help the next generation is preparing to lead our church into the future. With blessings, Debby Madden TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND SUNDAY SCHOOL While sleeping late can be nice, have you considered the benefits of Sunday school attendance? Here are 10 reasons to make it a priority: 1. Age-targeted Teaching. Where else can children and adults get Biblical instruction that s focused toward their abilities? 2. Friends: In Sunday school, you build positive friendships with peers by discovering God s word together. 3. It s Fun: Sunday school is not Disney World, but teachers do work hard to teach the Bible in ways that are relevant and fun for all. 4. Spiritual Mentors: A dedicated teacher can be a Christian role model who supports you and inspires faith. 5. Systematic Bible Learning: Our curriculums are designed to give a broad foundation, helping people understand how all the parts of Scripture point to Christ. 6. Praying Teachers: Our teachers consistently pray for your faith to grow. Coming to Sunday school gives another occasion for God to answer those requests. 7. Big Reward Small Investment: If you are already coming to church, just come a little earlier. That one change will equal over 30 hours of additional Christian education in a year. 8. Send the Right Message: making Sunday school a priority shows that God s Word really does matter more than pillow-time. 9. Bible Fellowship: You will create deeper bonds with fellow church members. 10. You ll Be On Time: People who come to Sunday school always get to worship on time. It s the easiest way to avoid being late.

3 M a y P a g e 3 In the Life of the Church The monthly Men s Breakfast fellowship will be held Thursday, May 14, at 7:30 AM, at Kimberly s Cafe. Hope to see you there! THE PRAYER COMMUNITY will meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month. In May that s the 17th. A VERY Successful 2015 Lenten Concert & Soup Luncheon Series The final tally of donations received (and given to Project SHARE) is $2,190. Many thanks for the various ways you supported these events. Book Club will next meet at the church on May 14, at 7 PM, to discuss American Lightning by Howard Blum. This is a history of the disputes of the early 1900 s between labor & big business, and the new Hollywood & newspaper industries involvement. Although the history is 100 years old, the headlines could be ones we read today. Come enjoy a lively discussion! NOTE: The June meeting is moved from the 2nd Thursday to the 3rd Thursday that s June 18, 7 PM. The book to be discussed is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. BLANKET SUNDAY MAY 10 On Mother s Day, the Deacons will host Blanket Sunday. The way it works is that you buy (aka sponsor ) a blanket for $5, in memory or honor of a special woman/person in your life. All proceeds go to Church World Service for their use in providing blankets to those in need, both in our country and in the world. Please stop by the table in Fellowship Hall to support this event. (Last year $620 was raised.) A list of honorees will be provided in a bulletin insert the following week. Thank you! ROCK THE CAMP in review During Holy Week in April, Kara and Jenna Fetter, Jane Thompson, Rebert Thompson, and Sarah Sheperd attended Camp Krislund s Rock the Camp event. Chaperones were Heather Thompson and Matt Crum. Kara reports that it was terrific...especially the worship services and how they included all attendees. Matt thought the camp was brighter and better organized than it has been in years. With all these positive comments regarding the Camp, please read the item below and then sign up for your summer camping adventure. Reminder: Debby Madden will serve as a camp chaplain the week of August 2nd. SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 14th The recent review of our financial procedures indicates that we are in great shape thanks to Dave Madden. Expect new carpet and paint in Fellowship Hall soon. Tobie Wolf, a local engineer, is back with us to assist in the upkeep of our historic building. Welcome back, Tobie! ~ Next meeting is Tuesday, May 12, 7 PM. ~ KRISLUND NEWS Resident camp begins June 14 and the final summer camp begins August 9. This year, campers can select from a variety of specialty camps, choosing among fishing, woodworking (beginner & advanced), wet and wild, survivor, night owl camp, foodology, and SWAT (Servants With A Testimony). Further, all resident campers, including those in base camp, may select the activity track that suits them Adventure Track; Water Track; Imagination Track; Sampler Track. With these specialty tracks, each camper learns that they can try something new, and don t have to be good at it before doing it. These experiences will mesh with faith messages of the week. For example, one theme this summer is that we do not have to have our lives totally together for God to love us. At you can read about the full camp offerings for this summer. Also, if your family s schedule makes a week away at camp hard to accommodate, you have the option of attending one of the Travel Day Camps being held in the area. Contact these churches for more info: Middle Spring (near Shippensburg), ; Dickinson (near Carlisle),

4 M a y P a g e 4 In the Life of the Church (cont d) FREE PIANO Thanks to an anonymous donor, the church has purchased a Technics electronic keyboard. It sounds wonderful! You can check it out in the choir room. It can be moved to wherever needed in the church. If you are interested in owning the piano that it replaced, contact either Art Thompson, (C), or the church office, The piano is free, and you are responsible for transporting it. First come first served. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) WHEN: June 15-19, 9 AM-12:15 PM WHERE: Second Presbyterian Church, Garland Drive WHO: Children who are age 4 by June 14 through those who finished 5th grade. THEME: Camp Discovery: Jesus at Work Through Us REGISTRATION: Go to children/vacation-bible-school VOLUNTEERS: Needed are kitchen helpers, decorators, crew leaders, and many more (also must register). Come to experience Bible stories of how God gives courage and strength to ordinary people, enabling them to do extraordinary things! Questions? Talk with Debby. YOUTH MISSION TRIP SCOTLAND, PA WHEN: June WHERE: Scotland, PA (near Chambersburg) WHO: 5 youths & 2 adults have committed to attend. A total of 480 others have registered! WHAT: This is a 2-week repairing & building mission, hosted by the Reach Workcamp Project from Galeton, CO. (We will work one week.) NEEDED: Your financial help by purchasing used books (in Fellowship Hall); by buying Sheetz coupon booklets ($10 each, see Debby); or by monetary gifts. Adult chaperones may also be needed during our work week. Please check with Debby if you are interested in spending a day or two working on this mission project close to home. UPDATE ON KOINONIA Koinonia s primary meaning is fellowship, sharing in common, communion. The first occurrence of Koinonia is in Acts 2:42: They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship; to the breaking of bread; and to prayer. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. This is the essence of Koinonia. Our teenagers Koinonia as the name for their new room on the 2nd floor. Even as we put the finishing touches on the room, a few have begun to gather there for fellowship and a little music! THANK YOU to the congregation for your many donations and support! We look forward to holding fellowship in Koinonia when the decorating is finished. (Lynne Hofferica) Please NOTE: We are still in need of at least four simple metal or wooden chairs for seating at our table. SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday school for the season will conclude on May 17th (as we move to our summer schedule on May 24th (Memorial Day weekend) that means, no education hour; worship at 10 AM. The Christian Education Committee cannot thank our wonderful teaches and helpers enough! They spent so much time and effort to make this year s classes enriching! Throughout the Summer, the Christian Ed Committee will be examining new curriculum and classes. If you have suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact Lynne Hofferica (chairperson) or Debby Madden, Christian Educator. And be sure to consider the 10 Reasons to Attend Sunday School on page 2 of this newsletter. Thanks for your support.and take a moment and thank a teacher! LEND A HAND ( ; ; Visit the Lend A Hand website or Facebook page to get full details of the following scheduled 2015 work trips to Point Pleasant, NJ. May September August October 11-16

5 In the Life of the Church (cont d) The congregation extends sympathy to the family of ROBERT R. LINE, JR., who joined the Church Triumphant on March 20, A memorial service will be held at the church on May 16, at 11:00 AM, with a reception following. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to: Mrs. Joan Line & Family, 2070 Ritner Hwy, Carlisle, PA * * * * * * * The congregation extends sympathy to the family of DOROTHY GEORGE, who joined the Church Triumphant on April 13, A memorial service will be held at the church on May 2, at 11:00 AM, with a reception following. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to: Mrs. Jane Brown, 950 W. South St, Carlisle, PA YOUTH-LED WORSHIP MAY 10th On May 10th, our youth will lead the worship service. They have been preparing for many weeks during their Wednesday evening Lenten dinners. It s a particularly special day for them, as it s Mother s Day! Worship leaders will be: Delaney Crim, Jenna & Kara Fetter, Grace & Jack Patterson, Briar & Jane Thompson, Rebert & Camryn Thompson. They have chosen prayers & hymns, written sermonettes & comments, and will offer a Reading Theater on Acts 10. Plan to attend! HIGHLIGHTS OF SUNDAYS-IN-MAY May 3: 5th Sunday of Easter; includes Choir Appreciation. May 10: 6th Sunday of Easter. Youth lead morning worship. A minute for mission will be presented on the PW Birthday Offering. It is Blanket Sunday as well as Mother s Day. May 17: 7th Sunday of Easter. Rev. Myers is away; Debby Madden is preaching. The PW Birthday Offering is received. A minute for mission is presented on the summer SPY Program and the Buck-A- Book campaign. The Prayer Community meets after worship. May 24: Day of Pentecost, with Communion. On this Memorial Day weekend, the Summer Schedule begins: no education hour; worship at 10 AM. May 31: This is Trinity Sunday. PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN s (PW) BIRTHDAY OFFERING Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.... He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms. (Isaiah 40: 1, 11a) The purpose of Presbyterian Women is stated as: Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves: to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study; to support the mission of the church worldwide; to work for justice and peace; and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the PC (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God s kingdom. The PW s annual Birthday Offering will be received on Sunday, May 17th, during worship. The goal for 2015 is $500,000. There will be two recipients: 1) Bethesda Christian Community Center (Oxford PC in Ohio, and its sister church, Seventh PC, in Barranquilla, Colombia); and 2) The Community of St. Therese of Lisieux (Memphis, TN). Both groups minister to women affected by poverty and violence. The actual grant amounts will depend on monies received in Watch for more details in May bulletins, and listen to a minute for mission in worship on May 10th. Please prayerfully consider your support of this special offering. Community Event of Interest National Day of Prayer Local Observance Theme: Lord, Hear Our Cry Date: Thursday, May 7, 2015, 12:15-12:45 PM Location: Old Courthouse, on the square

6 IMPORTANT UPDATE! for Employees and Volunteers Working with Our Children/Youth Session recently revised the church s Child Protection Policy and Procedures to comply with new Pennsylvania laws pertaining to mandated reporting of suspected child abuse and required background clearances. Some of the changes include: All church employees must obtain the following every 36 months: 1-Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check; 2-Child Abuse History Clearance from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; and 3-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background. Volunteers having direct contact with children must, every 36 months, obtain #1 and #2 listed above, and if they have not lived in Pennsylvania for the previous consecutive 10 years, must also obtain #3. Volunteers not needing an FBI Criminal Background must sign an affidavit swearing or affirming that they have not been named as a perpetrator in the child abuse database or convicted of certain offenses within the past five years. The Church will reimburse volunteers who have routine contact with our children/ youth and current employees for the costs of these clearances. Volunteers must obtain these clearances prior to June 30, Additionally, all employees and volunteers having contact with children/youth are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. As such, if someone becomes aware of suspected abuse (by observing or being informed), s/he must make an immediate and direct report to ChildLine either electronically at or by calling If a verbal report is made, then a written report to ChildLine is required within 48 hours. A report must also be made to the Pastor, or if s/he is unavailable or involved, to the Clerk of Session. Session and the Director of Educational Ministries will be coordinating training on this Policy and how to recognize signs of and report child abuse. For more information on the new state child protection laws or how to obtain clearances, go to As always, our Child Protection Policy and Procedures can be viewed on the church website: Ann Gottlieb, Chair Safety & Security Committee YOUR COMMITTEES AT WORK Do you have a question about a particular church policy? Wonder how or why a policy is in place? Need to know who to talk to or when a committee is next scheduled to meet? Want to volunteer to serve on a committee? CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (meets quarterly as announced) Lynne Hofferica, chair; Barb Allen & Mary Jane Blosser, deacons; Barb Crum, Bob Davis, Ruth Ann Shoenfelt & Debby Madden, at-large members HUMAN RESOURCES (meets as announced) Laura Crim, chair; Ellen Darr & Kathy Mulvey, deacons MEMBERSHIP/OUTREACH (meets as announced) Charlie Thompson, chair; Tracy Sommers, deacon; Maggie Lydic, at-large member NOMINATING (meets as announced) Deb Ryerson, chair; Kathy Mulvey, deacon; Bill Gottlieb, Nancy Jacoby, Richard Sommers, at-large members MISSION/INTERPRETATION (meets 4th Sunday each month, after worship) JJ Patterson & Mike Stamey, co-chairs; Sharon Miller; Lou Ann Stamey; Bob & Judie Read, deacons PARISH LIFE (meets as announced) Megan Crum, chair; Anita Ashbaugh, deacon PROPERTY (meets 3rd Tuesday each month, 7 PM) Dennis Rydberg & Jeff Alleman, co-chairs; Mike Stamey, elder; Dan Gilbert, deacon SAFETY/SECURITY (meets as announced) Ann Gottlieb, chair; Sylvia Thompson, elder; Bob Read, deacon; Debby Madden & Brad Martin, at-large members STEWARDSHIP/FINANCE (meets 4th Sunday each month, after worship) Bruce Mulvey, chair; Melissa Sheperd, deacon; Dave Madden, Bruce Ashbaugh, Nancy Tritt, at-large members WORSHIP (meets 2nd Sunday each month, after worship) Sylvia Thompson & Michael Gogoj, co-chairs; Deb Ryerson & Ron Richcreek, elders; Lou Anne Stamey, deacon;

7 Birthdays - May 2 Dennis Rydberg Bridger Thompson 4 Stephanie Martin 10 John Crum 14 Tiffany Landis Mabel Schlusser Aidan Metzger 16 Bob Dowell Evan Gogoj 17 Jack Zander 18 Jack Owen 19 Clare Hamm 24 Bob Davis 29 Colton Madison 30 Lynda Mann Worship Helpers - May READERS May 3: Delaney Crim May 10: Jenna Fetter May 17: Sylvia Thompson May 24: Peg Owen May 31: Fred Seltzer USHERS May 3: Bruce & Anita Ashbaugh; Nancy Augustine; XX May 10: Mary Jane Blosser; Elizabeth Valle; Jenna & Brianna Fetter May 17: Michael Cameron; Ryan,, Duncan & Delaney Crim May 24: Matt & Megan Crum; Sheperd Family May 31: Dan & Bonnie Deardorff; Sue & Joe Dennison CHILDREN S CHURCH May 3: XX May 17: XX FELLOWSHIP HOSTS May 3: Peg Owen & Lou Anne Stamey May 10: XX May 17: Presbyterian Women May 24: XX May 31: XX COUNTERS May 3: Megan Crum & Deborah Sweaney May 10: Dick & Tracy Sommers; Charlie Thompson May 17: Barb & Jim Crum May 24: Laura Crim & Lynne Hofferica May 31: Bruce & Trudy Bailey CD RECORDING Ray Thomas FLOWERS - Joan Line (chair) & Tracy Sommers COMMUNION: May 24 (intinction): Servers Barb Allen; JJ Patterson; Richard & Tracy Sommers * * * * * * Please notify the church office with the name of a substitute, if applicable. reminders will be sent out, typically on Monday before your date, but don t depend on this notice please write these on your calendars! A list for each month is also posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall the last Sunday of the prior month. Thank you for serving!

8 May 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat AM: Memorial for Dorothy George 3 9:15: Prayer 9:30: Education 10:45: Worship, includes Choir Appreciation Fellowship Time 10 YOUTH SUNDAY 9:15: Prayer 9:30: Education 10:45: Worship - BLANKET SUNDAY PM: Deacons PM: Session 3 PM: Opening Day of Farmers on the Square (church plaza) 7 PM: Choir 13 7 PM: Choir 7 7 PM: PNC 14 7:30 AM: Men s Breakfast 7 PM: Book Club 7 PM: PNC (Rev. Myers out of office till 4/19) Items for June newsletter due AM: Memorial for Robert Line, Jr. ASCENSION DAY 17 B-DAY OFFERING 9:15: Prayer 9:30: Education 10:45: Worship - Fellowship Time - Worship Comte - Prayer Community 2 PM: Sanctuary in use 24 - PENTECOST - BEGIN SUMMER SCHEDULE! 10 AM: Worship, with Communion - Fellowship Time - Mission Comte - Finance Comte Afternoon: Serve Communion to homebound 31 TRINITY SUNDAY 10 AM: Worship - Fellowship Time 20 2 PM: Faith Circle (note change to 3rd Monday due to holiday) 25 Memorial Day (office closed) 21 7 PM: Property Comte 26 6 PM: Carlisle Presbytery meets at Dickinson PC 22 7 PM: Choir 27 7 PM: Choir 23 7 PM: PNC 28 7 PM: PNC COMING IN JUNE June 7: Deacons/Friends serve My Brother s Table at Salvation Army June 15-19: Vacation Bible School (co-hosted with Second Presbyterian) June 21: Father s Day June 21-27: Youth Mission Trip to Scotland, PA June 30: Deadline for obtaining clearances (see page 6) 25 The Summer Schedule begins tomorrow! No education hour 10 AM worship, with Communion 30