TheHighlandsHerald. A Word From the Pastor Reverend Shaun Hartsell. Mark Your Calendar

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1 TheHighlandsHerald April 2011 Monthly Newsletter of Presbyterian Church in the Highlands Our purpose is to bring people into the fellowship of God s family, help them to grow spiritually mature, prepare them for service, and equip them to share their faith, So that God is glorified through His Son, Jesus Christ. Mark Your Calendar 4.8 Spring Festival 4.11 Ladies Mon. Evening Circle 4.15 Ladies Fri. Evening Circle 4.21 Maundy Thursday Service 5.1 Family Portraits 5.2 Women s Retreat Starts 5.14 PW Brunch A Word From the Pastor Reverend Shaun Hartsell It is spring. It is time to begin the outdoor work: painting, planting, and planning for vacation. It is Easter. It is time for new Spring outfits. It is Easter. It is time to get the extra chairs out of the church storage closet in preparation for the annual nod to God. It is Easter. It is time to try out some of those new colorful fabrics on the Sunday crowd. It is Easter. Time for the egg hunts, painted chickens, and phony green grass strewn all over the house. It is Easter. The time when rabbits become abnormal and begin laying eggs - complete with names, fancy designs, and technicolor. It is Easter. Time to pick up a few flowers for the church and a box of candy with cellophane Easter greetings on it for the wife. It s time for that dark Maundy Thursday service with the candle snuffing stuff. Jesus. That reminds me. It is Easter. It is the day of the Resurrection. It is the day of the triumph over death and the grave. It is the day of hope. It is the day of Life. It is Easter. Continued on page 2...

2 Pastor s Note Continued And we almost forgot. Jesus Christ risked it all and changed the world. This Easter, what would you be willing to risk to change the world? Perhaps this Easter, we might consider doing something different. Instead of just remembering the rituals, perhaps we might do what John Sculley did. Steven Jobs is the man who founded the enormously successful company called Apple Computer. Jobs decided that Mr. John Sculley was the man needed to help him fulfill his dream of building a completely different kind of computer company, one which would make computers available to every person in the world. However, Mr. Sculley was comfortably and safely entrenched as president of the Pepsico Corporation, the makers of the soft drink Pepsi. In this position, John Sculley had achieved everything that a man could want: power, prestige, public recognition, an enormous salary and a secure future. The thought of a career change requiring a move to the West Coast frightened him. He was concerned about losing pensions and deferred compensation and the adjustment to living in California, in other words, "the pragmatic stuff that preoccupies the middle-aged." He says that "I was overly concerned with what would happen next week and the week after next." John Sculley knew that he was safe and happy at Pepsico. But he also knew that he had grown to dislike the competitive nature of the business. He also knew how bored he was. Steven Jobs at Apple Computer sensed this. And so he finally confronted his new friend with this pointed question. He said to John, "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water or do you want a chance to change the world?" That question penetrated deep into the heart and mind of John Sculley. It changed the course of his life. He therefore went to Apple Computer and helped it to grow into one of the most successful corporations in the world. Mr. Sculley's life was changed because he took the risk and decided to invest. Was it a risk? Yes. But without it, there would be no reward. (Living the Easter Faith, Donald William Dotterer, CSS Publishing Company, Inc.) Shaun Worship Arts Team The Ash Wednesday Supper & Service were well attended by the congregation on March 9th. We want to thank Kathy Harrison for organizing, as well as t h e m a n y, m a n y volunteers who setup the breezeway for supper, prepared food and served and cleaned up after the meal. Tina Mosley Elder Lynn Schindler Elder Work continues on minor alterations to the chancel platform to allow for a more effective and safe platform for our minister, choir and band members. This should be completed in the very near future. The Ignite service will continue until April 27th, at which time the Southeastern University students leave for summer break. The service will resume the first of September, when the students and band members return for the fall semester. Easter lilies will once again be part of the decorative display at the front of the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. An order form will be in the bulletin on Sunday so that you may purchase lilies to honor or celebrate a special person in your life. Your lilies may be taken home after the Easter Sunday service. Tony Mercer and Trisha Martineau are planning special music to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord on Easter.

3 Ministry of Care Team Did you know...the Ministry of Care Team is here to minister to those in need through hospital visits, doctor appointment transportation, meal preparation, and by providing companionship through visits? Please let us know if you would like assistance with anything the MOC Team is here to help! Did you know...the Ministry of Care Team members (and others) often take along some of the roses out of our beautiful rose garden when making visitations? As such, we are always in need of small bud vases. If you have any extras hidden under your sink, or would like to donate a few from the Dollar Store, it would be greatly appreciated! Did you know...the Ministry of Care Team is ready to start our soup ministry? If you would like to participate or are interested in learning more about it, please join us for our next Ministry of Care meeting on April 6th, in the library, at 10:00 a.m. Did you know.the Ministry of Care Team is looking for new team members? If you would enjoy getting together to serve God by donating a bit of your time for the needs of others please join us on April 6th! Diana Long Elder Linda Hudson Elder Shannon Thornton Facilities Coordinator Maintenance News Current updates to the facility include the Sanctuary doors no longer slamming or squeaking (well...as of the time of this writing!) and the air conditioning system is being cleaned to prepare for another hot Florida summer. If you need help with something or see something that needs done on the property, work order request forms are now available at the receptionist desk in the Church office. Please fill one out and leave it with the volunteer receptionist or secretary. Also, an updated Church cleaning schedule is now posted behind my office door in the back of the Sanctuary. Questions? Comments? me at pch.maintenance@gmail.com PW WOMEN S RETREAT: Blessed Bees Retreat, May 2-4, will be held at Day Spring Conference Center, Parish, Florida. This annual spring women s retreat is sponsored by Tampa Bay and Peace River Presbyteries. There will be two workshops, Bible study, fellowship & fun! Please check the bulletin board for details and a registration form with prices, or see Diana Sprague. Two types of housing are available, or you may attend the wor kshop onl y. Deadline to register is April 10th.

4 Lenten Music Tony Mercer Director of Worship Music Few people today would think of Lent as a season for liturgical music, because all other seasons seem to pale in comparison to Christmas. Handel s Messiah, for instance, is an Easter oratorio, and the Hallelujah Chorus celebrates the Resurrection, not the Nativity. When you look back at musical history, Lent has been an enormous source of inspiration for composers who wrote pieces such as The Old Rugged Cross and O Sacred Head Now Wounded. We invite you to join in song as we remember Jesus life and sacrifice through reflection and prayer, and rejoice in His Resurrection! REMINDER: The Wednesday Night Women s Bible Study Group meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Church library. Please join us as we explore & study the book of Revelation. LET S GET MOVING! Join in on a great opportunity for fellowship and exercise! There are a group of ladies gathering on Tuesday nights for some exercise and fun. Bring your yoga mat, a towel, and hand weights if you have them. The group will work out to one or two exercise DVDs during the weekly session - so if you have any of those, bring them along too! minutes of fellowship to get fit and healthy! WEDDING SHOWER The PCH family is invited to attend a wedding shower for Trisha Martineau & Daniel Recupero on Saturday, April 16th, at 2:00 p.m. The shower will be held at the Church. Trisha and Daniel have registered at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond. Please RSVP by Sunday, April 10th, to Diana Sprague, , or Julie Laursen, preschool@pchighlands.com. Daniel and Trisha will be getting married in New Hampshire on Friday, July 1, Financial Report as of February 28, 2011 Actual Budget $ Over Budget Total Income $ 67, $ 52, $ 15, Expenses Outreach and Service , , Worship Arts 3, , Spiritual Growth Facilities and Grounds 5, , Pastor's Comp 10, , Administrative Comp 15, , , Administrative Office 22, , , Administrative Other TOTAL EXPENSES $ 59, $ 59, $ (670.50) Net Income $ 8, $ 7, $ 16,236.43

5 Jeff Davis Director of C.E. Student Fellowship There are ministries for students of all ages to connect at PCH. Fellowship opportunities are available for kindergarten through college. Contact Jeff Davis, for more information on how to get plugged in! The Table Board Game Ministry College Age Students Every Friday, 6:00-10:00 p.m., Pathfinder s Room. Lifeline Youth Group 6th - 12th grade students Every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m., youth room. Pathfinders Children s Ministry K - 5th grade students Every Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., children s room Luke Thompson College Intern CATALYST COLLEGE MINISTRY UPDATE Dear PCH Family, It is good to be doing ministry alongside of such amazing individuals like you. CATALYST is continuing to seek the hearts of God and as a result God is moving in our midst. We have been searching the scriptures for an answer to questions such as: Why is there so much evil in the world if we serve such a good God? How are believers to cope with tragedy and loss? How do I hear God s voice and know that I am obeying? We look forward to seeing the ministry expand this summer as Billy Madden and Eric Chapmen continue to lead small groups this summer. Luke Thompson will be heading to Hope Church in Sarasota Florida for the summer to pursue further internship experience and be returning in the fall to take part in CATALYST. Thank you so very much for your support and prayers. From all of us here at CATALYST, we love you very much! Be blessed! <>< 3D Devotions, Dessert, Davis A part of the Lifeline Ministry, the 3D group meets the first Sunday of each month, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Jeff Davis house, share dessert while doing growing through devotions. Students are challenged to impact the world around them throughout the course of the month. KING OF KINGS CHESS CLUB The chess club meets every Fridays, 3:30p.m.- 4:30p.m. for middle school students and 4:30p.m.- 5:30p.m. for high school students. Contact Billy Madden, bmadden32934@yahoo.com, for more information! Billy Madden, C. E. Intern Pathfinders Moderator

6 Preschool News Julie Laursen, Preschool Director Children s Choir It is not too late to join! Preschool - Elementary Practice on Thursdays from 4:30-5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Choir will sing at the Palm Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Call Julie at for more information. Children & Parents Day Our children & teachers made handprints for hanging in the State Capital Rotunda in recognition of Parents and Childrens Day on April 3rd. Thousands of non-profit partners, policy makers, faith based leaders and advocates will join together to recognize the efforts of teachers, parents, and children, and dedicate the Children's hand art display to the Florida Legislature. We are proud to be included in this special annual event! Samuel English and Milinh Montanez Jazmine Merriam & Kayla Bakhshi Family Portraits by Teddy Bear Portraits When: Sunday, May 1st Time: Beginning at 11:30 a.m. (see sign-up in the Narthex) Why: This is a great opportunity to have a family picture taken together and have the option to purchase a package. The portraits will be used to make a new Church directory and the Preschool will benefit with 10% of the proceeds! Spring Festival Friday, April 8th, 4-7 p.m. Come celebrate the week of the young child with the preschool, the Church, and the community! Activities will include: Scholastic Book Fair Simply Fun Games Easter Eggs & Bunny Hot Dogs by Lifeline Monster Truck Games...and much, much more! See the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the preschool building for opportunities to help!

7 Mission of the Month The PCH Mission of the month is One Great Hour of Sharing. Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God s love with people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives and work together to strengthen their families and communities. Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future. EGG-CELLENT DONATIONS NEEDED Our Holy Rollers are going to be Egg Stuffers on Tuesday, April 5th - and your help is needed! We need donations of small, individually wrapped, treats to be stuffed in the Easter Eggs. The eggs will be used at the Easter Egg Hunt during our Spring Festival on Friday, April 8th. Please drop off your donations in the labeled box in the Narthex. MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS MOPS meets every Tuesday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Lifeline Room. All moms with children of preschool age are invited. We are here to encourage, uplift, and provide fellowship with the intention of leaving no mom alone. MOPPETS are provided with childcare and an opportunity to make new friends. For additional information, ask Helen Vogt, or call Kung Fu Panda VBS Wish List Preparation is under way for this year s Vacation Bible School, and your help is needed! Please see this month s VBS wish list for ideas on how you may contribute: Paper Towel Tubes Markers Crayons Nerf Swords Play Ninja (figures, toys) Anything Kung Fu Panda (Walmart, Party City) Your donations may be dropped off to Jeff Davis, Director of Christian Education. Sunday, 6/26 - Thursday, 6/30 Dinner will be at 5:00 p.m. with VBS following from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

8 PCH Plus Senior Ministry Mission Statement: PCH+ is a non-fundraising group within Presbyterian Church in the Highlands with an emphasis on senior ministry. Our purpose is to provide Christian fellowship, entertainment, travel, study and prayer. PCH+ MONTHLY LUNCHEON The luncheon will be held on Weds., April 20th, 1:00 p.m. at Deli Delicacies, 4110 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, (863) PCH+ GAME NIGHT Join in on the fun: Friday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. This month s game will be the word guessing game, Taboo. Also, new this month, childcare will now be provided for game nights! Please bring a friend and a snack to share. PW BRUNCH All women of the Church are invited to the PW Brunch on Saturday, May 14th, at 9:30 a.m. in the Church Sanctuary. Our hostesses will be the Monday Circle of Friends. The guest speaker will be our own Julie Laursen, Director of PCH Precious Children in the Highlands preschool. Childcare will be provided from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring a friend and join us! PCH Presbyterian Church in the Highlands 1010 Lake Miriam Drive Lakeland, Florida (863) * Weekly Sunday Worship Hours Sunday School for all Ages, 9:00 a.m. Blended Worship Service, 10:30 a.m. The service is followed with an opportunity for fellowship