The. Bridgeport Presbyterian Church. One John Calvin Drive, Bridgeport, WV

Transcription

1 The Bridgeport Presbyterian Church One John Calvin Drive, Bridgeport, WV

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3 CONGREGATIONAL LIFE COMMITTEE At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, June 16, the Congregational Life Committee (CLC) covered a whole host of issues ranging from who s going to prepare and serve coffee after Worship Service in July to a Golf Outing and Baseball Game. Paramount in the discussions were those members of our Congregation who are in need of care and attention. Plans and schedules were developed to visit, provide transportation for Carole Whaley to and from UHC for treatment and to support Bill in this trying time. Arrangements to visit Peal McPherson in Jane Lew were discussed and the welfare and needs were brought to our attention. The Dinner for Eight program is up and running, thanks to Penny Ransom. The Men s Breakfasts are continuing every last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 AM at Eat-N-Park. Speakers for the latter are always in demand so suggestions are welcome. A new activity called Walk for a Week is being set in motion. Those member desiring to get a little exercise and Fellowship will have that opportunity at the Bridgeport during July 6 through 10 for the morning folks and July 13 through 17 for evening folks. Times will be announced soon. Here s your chance to get started on a regular walking schedule who can keep up with you or just saunter along enjoying nature. Charlie Burkhammer is researching another Take Me Out to The Ballgame outing sometime this summer up in Washington, Pa. and for those of you who d rather swing a golf club than a bat, a golf outing at Bridgeport Country Club has been set for September 20 th with costs, including greens fees, around $53. Details on both the ball game and golf outing are forthcoming. Our young people in the Military Service are on tap to receive regular Care Packages which are being developed by Nancy Aucremanne and Renee Mathews. Currently on our list, are Urlin Mathews, Kenny Aucremanne, and Angie Burton daughter-in law of Pastor Robin. If anyone in the congregation has a family member in the Military whom they wish to be on our list, please provide the Church Office, Nancy or Renee with their name and address. Ideas are being considered for College Student care packages and these will begin in September. On Sunday, June 28, following Worship Service, a Young Families Picnic will be held at the Manse, overseen by the capable hands of Pastor Robin and Craig. This will provide young families with an opportunity to just sit, visit, and eat in an informal setting while the kids are welcome to play in the yard by themselves, possibly with some non-family adult oversight. Don t miss this, for sure. And finally, our kitchen is getting a little grungy in spots so the CLC will conduct a Kitchen Cleaning Party for its members, sometime in July after Vacation Bible School. Rita Friebel, Chair; Pete Martin, Nancy Aucremanne Landscaping at the Manse Have you had a chance to look at the new landscaping at the Ray s home? The Resource Management Committee sponsored a Work Day on Saturday, June 13, to till the ground and put in plants along the side and front of the Manse. Eighteen enthusiastic workers showed up early to get the work done. The women pulled weeds and cleaned on the patio and at the front of the church. The men played in the dirt at the Manse and then planted decorative grass and shrubs. The plants are supposed to be deer proof. With the proper choice of plants and our own plant watch-dogs on duty, we should be able to keep the deer away and allow our plants to thrive. We were all treated to a delicious pulled-pork picnic lunch, including corn-on-the-cob, provided by the Rays. (Did anyone tell you that Craig is a really good cook?) We had a great time and accomplished a lot by 2:30 pm. Thanks to all of you for the hard work. Everything looks great. 3

4 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN SUMMER AND FALL I imagine we can all say that we enjoy summer for it s variety of activities and the Presbyterian Women are no different. Regular Bible studies have been suspended for the summer but the women are planning on attending a showing of High School Musical, perhaps taking a road trip to Falling Waters and even walking in the park as well as other activities. Keep an eye on the bulletins for announcements of activities coming up. Remember the good old days when you and a bunch of your girl friends would get together and have a sleepover? Usually not too much sleep happened, but they were always a lot of fun! Talking about boys, eating junk food, talking about boys, listening to music, do each other s hair and, oh yes!...talk about boys! The Presbyterian Women are planning their fall kick off this year to be a lock-in although you may come and go as you wish depending on your needs. The dates will be September 18 and 19. We are praying that this kick-off will be an opportunity for those women who do not usually take part in PW activities to come and see what we are all about. We plan to fellowship, do mission projects, worship together, and most of all have the kind of fun that you remember having at sleepovers as young girls! We might even talk about a boy or two! If you have ideas for activities that you wish to do, contact Anna Winans. The Women s Sunday will be held the first Sunday in October this year. It will have the theme of Women Around the World. All women will be invited to participate in the service. Plans are being made. If you have ideas, please let Anna know. There are many great opportunities for women of all ages to come and enjoy time with each other. If you have any ideas that you would like to see happen for PW, please contact Anna Winans or any PW officer. Be on the look out for future dates and times of events. Summer is upon us and the choir is on vacation. We have many open spots for you to share you gift with the congregation. Anthems may be vocal or instrumental or both. Please see either Beth or me to sign up for a Sunday. Many ministers do not favor the use of patriotic hymns during worship services due to the idea of separation of church and state. However, someone should have told these patriotic hymn writings. One such example is Samuel Francis Smith who wrote the words to My Country, Tis of Thee, or as we know it, America. Samuel wrote the words to this famous hymn in He had been working with Lowell Mason, hymn publisher, in translating a large amount of German hymns and other materials. Samuel had trained to be a minister, but his fluent ability in German sparked Mason to employ him for this task. While working on the translations, Samuel came across the German words Gott segne Sachsenland ( God Bless our Saxon Land ) set to the tune of God Save the Queen. He was so inspired by the song that he decided to write a patriotic hymn for America using this tune. He did, and My Country, Tis of Thee was first sung on July 4, 1831 in Boston s Park Street Congregational Church. Samuel F. Smith would go on to be known as a powerful Baptist preacher, college teacher, hymnist, writer, and advocate for missionaries. He spent the remaining years of his life traveling the world, preaching the gospel. While he did compose many more hymns before he died in his late eighties, he would always be remembered for the patriotic hymn he composed at twenty-three. Respectfully submitted, Lynne A. Davis John 3:16 4

5 ARE YOU READY FOR SOME BASE- BALL? The Congregational Life Committee is organizing a trip to Washington, PA to see the Wild Things baseball team. In order to reserve tickets, we need to know what date is best for the majority of those wishing to attend. Please indicate your preferences on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the hallway. We will try to organize car pooling to the game. Possible dates are August 21, 22 and 23, and September 6. We hope to finalize reservations by July 5. The tickets will be $8.00. Friday and Saturday games start at 7:05. The Sunday game on 8-23 starts at 6:35, while the one on 9-6 starts at 2:00 We will plan to go early enough to enjoy a covered dish meal and tailgate prior to the game on the August dates. The Friday game is followed by a Zambelli fireworks display. If you have any questions, please see Charlie Burkhammer.? Who? Barb Judy needs input from all of our elders. Background questionnaires are available in the church office. Editor s note; Devin Hamner has joined the Light staff and will be reporting on youth and their activities. The Pinti Boys Throughout their lives Marcus Pinti and Tyler Pinti have always had an impact on our church. When they were young they helped make plenty of pretzels, gathered many Easter eggs, turned pumpkins into artistic masterpieces, and they probably have played over 100 games of Mafia and Sardines. They have always been a major part of our Youth Group. Both of them have played critical roles in Christmas Plays, Children s Choir, and the one thing no one can ever forget, Youth Sunday. Tyler Pinti is preparing himself for the rest of his life. He graduated from Bridgeport High School. He has been working 30 hours a week at Benny's Boot Hill under his father. He plays park and recreation basketball with his friends during the winter. He is a member of DECA. DECA is a club for students with a business/marketing major. In DECA, he has learned a lot about how to own and operate a business. This has made Tyler extremely prepared to run a business. He sure would be my first choice to run my own business! Tyler has been accepted, and will be attending West Virginia University next fall to further pursue his business career. Marcus Pinti is currently a sophomore at Bridgeport High School. He is helping out with the family operated business, Benny's Boot Hill. He played basketball for the JV Basketball Team while maintaining a high grade point average. Marcus is now getting stronger and working on his basketball skills for the season next year. You'll have to ask him next year for a schedule so you can watch this Bridgeport Presbyterian Athlete in action. Both of the Pinti boys have been a huge part of our Youth. Tyler served on the Pastor Nominating Committee and easily proved with his actions and words that our Youth can help with the betterment of our church. Marcus did the technical work behind the scenes for the rapidly approaching Youth Sunday. You' had to attend Youth Sunday to enjoy Tyler's part is, all I can say is that it was awesome "Dog!" That s it for this Bridgeport Presbyterian Youth Update, look for next month's update around August 15th. 5

6 ì CHRISTMAS-IN-JULYî HELP FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN Our Christmas-in-July celebration will include the traditional invitation to bring gifts for a mission need, just as the three wise men brought gifts to Jesus. This year our Children s Health Pantry is the mission need. The Pantry provides basic health care kits through social service agency workers for at-risk children and their families. Recent increased calls for kits have strained the budget. In May, the number of kits requested was 163, almost double the previous monthly average. Even before May, the budget was strained. We are asking the congregation for help. There are two ways to help: a financial gift in memory of or in honor of someone, or a contribution of designated products for the kits. Cards for the financial gifts and a list of designated products will be available. The purposes of the Children s Health Pantry are to: 1) supply resources to agency workers to use as learning tools for children and their parents toward improved functioning and futures, and 2) help with emergency needs. The personal care kits for children are age-appropriate; in addition there are kits of household cleaning supplies and lice eradication products. (The New Book project, a companion ministry, has separate funding.) Eighty percent of the kits go to Harrison County children and their families. Ronald McDonald House is the major out-of-county recipient, where parents and siblings stay while a critically ill child is hospitalized. We need your help in continuing to provide basic health care kits for emergency needs and for children who are victims of neglect, poor parenting, homelessness, poverty and other detrimental circumstances. Our Children's Health Pantry can and has changed lives for children, SUGGESTED GIFTS Week 1 July 5 Skin Care Tearless Baby wash 15 oz. Baby lotion 15 oz. Ivory bath soap for kids Bath soap for teen girl or boy Body lotion, 10 oz., for teen girl or boy Week 2 July 12 Hair Care Tearless kids shampoo, 12 oz. Shampoo & conditioner (2 in 1), 15 oz., for teen girl. Shampoo, 15 oz., for teen boy Brush & comb set for infant Hairbrush for girl Pocket comb, for boy Week 3 July 19 Dental Care Finger toothbrush and gum cleanser for baby Toothbrush for other ages Kids toothpaste, 4.6 oz., Spongebob (or girl figure) Toothpaste, 6 oz., for teen Dental floss Week 4 July 26 Home Care Laundry detergent, 45 fl. oz. Dishwashing detergent, 34 fl. oz. All-purpose cleaner, 32 fl. oz. Dish towel and dishcloth Alternative for Week 4 Other Personal Care Infant nail clippers Safety cotton swabs, 80 count Diaper rash ointment, 4 oz. Wipes, count, compact size Greeters. Rotating. Who Knew???? That's right the Worship Committee has established a Worship Greeter Rotation (WGR) list. Here are some frequently asked questions. What is the WGR? It is a group of folks who are willing to greet on a regular basis on Sunday morning before worship. Do they just greet? No, they also collect the offering. How often do they greet? Currently about every three months. How do I sign up? Contact Penny Ranson, penranson@ma.rr.com, or People are also needed to help collect the offering (2 WGR plus 2 people). How do I volunteer to take up the offering? Sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway by the office or see Tom Giffen. Take part in the service of worshiping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Volunteer Today! 6

7 Session approved the Children s Health Pantry Management Board, a subgroup of the Outreach Committee, applying for a new grant announced by the Congregational Development Committee (CDC), WV Presbytery, for missional projects, either a new program or an expansion of an existing program. Session will not met for a Stated meeting in July. The Session of the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church met for their Stated Meeting on Tuesday evening, June 9, The meeting was called to order, opened with prayer and moderated by Reverend Robin Ray. Pete Martin presented the evening s devotions. Highlights of the meeting included: Trustee, Nancy Atkinson, advised the church had been notified of a bequest from the estate of Diane Cook Elder. Session approved a wedding on October 17 for the Yagers. Session approved time off for the following staff: Beth Armentrout -- June 14 Janice Oldaker - July 2 Reverend Robin Ray - August 3 through 9th Reverend Ray advised she would be in Charleston, WV, on June 15 for a New Pastor orientation Reverend Ray advised she would a website to Session members for a webinar with Bill McConnell on First Steps in Church Transformation to be held Tuesday, June 16, at 2:00 pm Naomi Burkhammer, Clerk NEW CALL Our friend, Candice Klein has accepted a call as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Henderson, Texas. Henderson is a town of about 12,000 located in East Central Texas. Candice will be ordained in Houston by the New Covenant Presbytery as soon as arrangements are made. The Henderson church has about one hundred members. Even though they have no children in their congregation, they have opened an after-school program Kids on Stage where neighborhood children are nurtured and taught music and theater arts. The children perform for the congregation several times each year. The church members do not require these children to attend services but provide the program because they love youngsters. Candice and her two dogs are renting a house in Henderson and will send her address when they settle. She remembers many good hugs and smiles from our congregation and sends her love. Leah Trippett reported for CE that VBS is scheduled to start on Sunday, June 19th and continue Monday through Thursday from 6:00 8:00 pm. Rod Jennings reported for Resource Management that the landscaping for the manse will be done on Saturday, June 13. Session approved a golf outing, walk for a week and care packages to military families, organized by Congregational Life. Session approved Worship on the Patio on August 2 and September 6. Reverend Ray advised Back Packs would be blessed on August 16 Fair Trade Coffee has been restocked! All your old favorite coffees, snacks, and a new larger selection of teas are now available including the pyramid shaped bags. Did I mention the healthy snacks? 7

8 Special Summer Worship Opportunities July 19 Christm[s in July W_ will \_gin with [ Christm[s ]_l_\r[tion in worship follow_^ \y Int_rg_n_r[- tion[l _v_nt for [ll [g_s fo]using on th_ Christm[s story. This is ki]koff _v_nt for V[][tion Bi\l_ S]hool [n^ tying in with our Christm[s in July C_l_\r[tion for th_ Chil^r_n s H_[lth P[ntry. Com_ [n^ ]_l_\r[t_ this won^_rful 2 S_pt_m\_r 6 Worship on th_ P[tio Pl_[s_ f l fr to ^r_ss mor_ ][su[l [n^ _njoy th_ \_[uty of n[tur_ [s w_ worship 16 Bl_ssing of th_ \[]kp[]ks. Chil^r_n [n^ Youth [r_ invit_^ to \ring your \[]kp[]ks to worship. This will \_ [ sp_]i[l tim_ for us to Bl_ss our ]hil^r_n \_for_ th_y \_gin s]hool. STAYING CONNECTED During this summer season, the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at WVU is asking churches to help us connect with future and current WVU students especially freshmen. We would like to reach out to WVU students this summer and welcome them to Morgantown. In addition, this fall in conjunction with the Deacons of First Presbyterian Church, Morgantown we are hoping to match every incoming freshman referred to us to a host family from First Pres, so the student will have the opportunity to connect to a friendly face when they arrive here in August. We do not receive information from the university about incoming students who are Presbyterian, so we must rely on referrals from churches to connect with students before and as they arrive on campus. You can help with our outreach to WVU students by sending the following information for both incoming WVU freshmen and returning WVU students from your congregations: name, home/summer address, birthdate, , and information about their interests or potential majors by the end of June. Please let us know who freshmen, returning, or graduate students. Thank you so much. Please send information to: Shelly Barrick Parsons, Presbyterian Campus Pastor, WVU; shellybparsons@msn.com; Dr. Shelly Barrick Parsons Presbyterian Campus Pastor, WVU 293 Willey Street/Morgantown, WV Office: "The stumbling block for most sensitive nonbelievers is not Christ but Christians, not God but suffering, and the fact that the church in its hour of prosperity has worked so little for its alleviation." William Sloane Coffin "Credo" 8

9 Bri^g_port Pr_s\yt_ri[n Chur]h Bi\l_ S]hool Com_ to th_ R_joi]_ Tog_th_r.Y_s!!) It is vacation bible school time again, and our theme this year is Come to the Party. There is nothing like a party especially when Jesus is the Guest of Honor, and everyone receives a prize! So join us at the P.A.RT.Y. Place, as we celebrate the Son! Jesus gave us a reason to celebrate. He went to parties, He hosted picnics. He drew people to himself by the warmth of His personality. (In fact, His ministry began with a party and ended with a picnic.) We will begin our week with a Birthday Party for Jesus. There will be stories, crafts, games, snacks and songs. So come on, and let s celebrate Jesus!! You really CAN rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. Volunteers are needed for teaching, kitchen help, game leaders, etc. We are also asking for donations of snack items for Bible School. Look for a signup sheet on the bulletin board soon. Please call Leah or Ruth to volunteer. We need you!!! Date: July 20-July23 Time: 6pm-8pm Ages: 2 ½ (potty trained) through 6 th grade Child care provided for younger children of teachers, helpers and those attending Adult class. Join us at the party for fun in the Son! 9