McPresby News. McDonald Presbyterian Church October 2017 WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY OCC SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER. October 1, 2017.

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McPresby News McDonald Presbyterian Church October 2017 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PASTOR S PAGE 2 OCC NEWS 3 MCFALL FEST UPDATE 4 MINISTRY UPDATES 4 CARE LIST 6 VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE 7 CELEBRATIONS 8 CHOIR

Did you know that World Communion Sunday began right here in Pittsburgh back in the early 1930 s? According to Rev. Dr.

1 McPresby News McDonald Presbyterian Church October 2017 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PASTOR S PAGE 2 OCC NEWS 3 MCFALL FEST UPDATE 4 MINISTRY UPDATES 4 CARE LIST 6 VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE 7 CELEBRATIONS 8 CHOIR SCHEDULES 8 CALENDAR 9 WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY October 1, 2017 On Sunday, October 1, we will be sharing the sacrament of communion along with millions of other Christians around the world. Did you know that World Communion Sunday began right here in Pittsburgh back in the early 1930 s? According to Rev. Dr. Donald Craig Kerr, whose father was pastor at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, it was an attempt to bring churches together in a service of Christian unity in which everyone might receive both inspiration and information, and above all, to know how important the Church of Jesus Christ is, and how each congregation is interconnected one with another. Our celebration at MPC will include different breads, symbolizing the different cultures and peoples of the world who worship and serve our Lord, Jesus Christ. Sunday, October 1 We will be hosting a Pizza with the Pastor event on Sunday, October 1 following our worship service. The gathering is for anyone who is not a covenant partner in our congregation but is interested in learning more about our mission and purpose as a church. You will have an opportunity to discuss membership possibilities and interact with Pastor Justin and several other church leaders. There is no cost for the event, but we would appreciate an RSVP to Pastor Justin or to the church office. Childcare is available upon request. OCC SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER October 8, 2017 During our worship service on October 8, we will hear the story of how a simple shoe box changed the life of a young girl by giving her what she needed hope. Elena Hagemeier was 8 years old when she and her sister were moved from an abusive poverty-stricken home into an orphanage in the former Soviet Union. At a time when she was feeling unloved, she was handed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. It was the first gift she had ever received. With the gift, Elena received a booklet, which seemed like an unbelievable fairytale. It said the Creator of the universe loved her. She began to pray, hopeful for a family for her and her sister, a prayer that was answered in 2004 by a loving family in the United States. To hear about God s love in her life, please join us for a special time with Elena sharing her testimony.

2 PAGE 2 PASTOR S PAGE THE BREAD OF GOD "For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." John 6:33 As we celebrate World Communion Sunday, it is good for us to think about the powerful life that Jesus lived and one of the most powerful symbols that he gave to us. Jesus boldly proclaimed that he was the Bread of Life and that he was the solution to all hunger and all thirst. It is the love of Jesus that truly satisfies us and it is his grace that frees us to be his people and to live in fantastic joy. When Jesus fed the five thousand, he got people's attention. Followers were coming out of the woodwork looking for the next free lunch. They might have a chance to witness the Messiah proclaimed from days of old. They immediately thought of the manna that came down from heaven and wanted to be a part of whatever was happening. Jesus was not easy on the crowds but called them out and declared to them that they were not seeking spiritual things but were only pursuing him because their bellies were filled. His message to them was to seek with all your heart not physical bread but spiritual bread. Spiritual bread that comes in the form of grace and salvation. Jesus came down from heaven to bless us. He came down from heaven to give life to the world. Our challenge is to invite others into that fellowship with Christ that gives them access to his life and his sacrifice. Jesus is unified in purpose and spirit, and that purpose is to save us from ourselves. He knows the destructive and harmful choices that we make and he knows that because of them we are separated from the Father. His appearing on this earth opened up an opportunity for every person whom he calls to believe and be accepted into his grace. Everyone who acknowledges him has a seat at the table and an endless supply of his bread to eat. There are people all around us literally starving for the Word of God. Lost in depression, fear, or anxiety and at a turning point in their life, they will seek Jesus and look to him for hope and redemption. The question is, will we be ready to receive them into our church family? Do we have a message that brings hope and feeds the souls of those who are spiritually hungry? I pray that we do in ever-increasing measure. We are able to express our faith and our love in such a way that hope can be found, contributions can be made, and love can be given. Celebrate with me the fact that Jesus is the Bread of Life, and that he is still working in our world today. Celebrate the fact that Jesus changes hearts, and that he seeks to turn all of his children back towards him. Celebrate the fact that God has chosen you to be his child and that because of your acceptance of him, he has sent you out into the world to love and serve. Grace and Peace in Christ, Pastor Justin

3 PAGE 3 MINISTRY UPDATES OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD UPDATE Our goal is to pack 550 boxes! Important Dates: ** 2 Packing Party Prep Days: Wednesday, October 11 & 25-9:30 am Calvary ** ** Packing Party Set Up Day: Friday, November 3-9:30 am Calvary ** *** ALL-CHURCH PACKING PARTY: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5-9:00 am - Calvary *** If you took a Post-it note on OCC Kickoff Day thank you. Please drop off your donations in Calvary Parlor during the month of October. In addition to the items on the notes, we can always use more small toys and, of course, shipping money ($9/box). However, every item is useful, so please bring whatever you may have already purchased or call Michelle if you have questions about what to buy. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated items all year long. ** O.C.C. DROP OFF SITE ** McDonald Presbyterian Church will again serve as a drop off site for the shoeboxes. We will operate out of the Calvary Center Fellowship Hall per the following schedule: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Nov. 13 Nov. 14 Nov. 15 Nov. 16 Nov. 17 Nov. 18 Nov. 19 Nov am-noon and 9:30am - 11:30am 10 am-noon and 9:30am - 11:30am 9:30am - 11:30am 9:00am - 11:00 am noon - 2:00pm 10:00am - noon 6pm-8pm 6pm-8pm O.C.C./Chick-fil-a Partnership Opportunity - (Robinson Township store) We will be passing out shoeboxes on Thursday, November 2 from 11am 2pm and 5pm 7pm and collecting filled boxes on Thursday, November 9 (same times). Two volunteers are needed for all shifts; please contact Michelle Unruh if you are interested in helping. If you are interested in volunteering with any phase of this ministry, please contact Michelle Unruh ( ) for more information.

These items can be dropped off on Friday, October 13 after 4pm or no later than 9am on Saturday, October 14 in Trinity Fellowship Hall.

4 PAGE 4 Our exciting annual fundraiser is just days away! McFALL fest update We have some last minute preparations to manage and need your help. If you are still looking for ways to get involved, please consider donating baked items or hand-made crafts for the sale. These items can be dropped off on Friday, October 13 after 4pm or no later than 9am on Saturday, October 14 in Trinity Fellowship Hall. Questions about the sale or what items could be used, please contact Lucy Hawk or Gerry Rossi. If you haven t been approached about volunteering in one of the event areas, please contact one of the Steering Committee members with your availability and interest: Connie & Andy Buydasz, Debbie & Cliff Elicker, Pastor Justin, Syndria Lowe, Karin Muñoz, or Ed Nalesnick. Sandi s Treasure Chest accepts all items in decent condition except for clothing, baby car seats and cribs, TVs and computers. Merchandise can be dropped off at Calvary Fellowship Hall according to the following schedule: October 2-5 October 6 October 7 October 8 October 9-12 October 13 10am - 7pm 10am - 2pm No Drop Off 1pm - 7pm 10am - 7pm 8am - 2pm Friday, October 13 will be a Preview Nite from 5-9pm. There is a $5 charge. Saturday hours for the Treasure Chest will be 8am-5pm Questions specific to Sandi s Treasure Chest should be directed to Ed Nalesnick. And don t forget that participating through eating and shopping always helps! Some of our vendor booths this year include: Charms & Lockets Jewelry, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, 3 Sisters Charms, Original Wreaths, Young Living: Essential Oils, Mary & Martha Home Decorating, Grace & Heart Jewelry, PK Winery, Lipsense, Pink Zebra, Potpourri, Sr. Life, Norwex, Sentry, Hands-on Yarns, LuLaRoe, Swarovski Jewelry, handmade clothing, baby clothes, Paparazzi Jewelry and many more! As Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor." Let s all pitch together to make this yet another successful event to support our mission and ministry work. See you there! FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN PACKING PARTY SATURDAY, OCT. 14 8:30 ~ 10:30AM On October 13 & 14, 2017, hundreds of volunteers will gather at South Fayette Intermediate School to pack life-saving MannaPack Rice meals to feed hungry kids around the world. We ll hand-pack rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into bags which are then sealed, boxed, placed on pallets and shipped to incredible FMSC partners working hard to reach the neediest children around the world. Because this year s local MobilePack coincides with McFall Fest, we will be reserving the 8:30am-10:30am time slot to allow volunteers to experience both events. Adults and children as young as 5 years old (with an adult) can volunteer. A sign-up sheet will be available in Calvary Parlor until October 8. Please contact Michelle Unruh ( ) with any questions or to volunteer.

PAGE 5 CHILDREN S MINISTRY UPDATE The students and teachers were excited to return to Sunday School on September 10. We have almost 50 students in Sunday School this year!

Please consider being a part of this tremendous team of teachers. Our 5th-7th graders and our 8th-12th graders still need a second teacher.

5 PAGE 5 CHILDREN S MINISTRY UPDATE The students and teachers were excited to return to Sunday School on September 10. We have almost 50 students in Sunday School this year! Our amazing teachers include Shirley Esposito, Mary Bennett, Michelle Unruh, Jamie Slack, Melanie Russi, and Heather Weiler. Patty Doane comes in whenever needed as a substitute. Please consider being a part of this tremendous team of teachers. Our 5th-7th graders and our 8th-12th graders still need a second teacher. You only have to teach a couple of Sundays each month, and the reward you receive is immense! Please talk to Karin Muñoz to get more information about how you can help spiritually guide our youngsters by teaching Sunday School. We have introduced a new aspect to Children s Church - REGISTRATION! Be sure to fill out a registration form for your child. Each child will wear a lanyard signifying to the teachers that the child s parents agree to have their child attend Children s Church. Important Date to Remember: November 5 - Sunday School will take place in Calvary basement for Operation Christmas Child. Keep your eyes open for more information on what to bring and what time to arrive. For the past two years for Trick or Treat, we had several people stationed at various places around our church campus to distribute candy. This has been a great success so we have decided to do this again. The church will provide some candy, but if you would like to contribute candy and/or pass out treats to the kids, please see Linda Matchett. It only takes a couple of hours and you can bring a chair to sit and enjoy the kids in costumes! Thanks for considering this outreach to the community for our church. McDonald Food Bank The suggested donation items for October are canned fruits and canned vegetables. All contributions are welcomed. Please drop off your donation in the parlor of Calvary Center. Please see Ed Nalesnick if you have any questions.

Roths, Golden Living Center of South Hills Connie Walker, Helen Purcell Home John Walker, Paulin Personal Care Home REFORMATION SUNDAY October 29, 2017 500th ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION It is hard

6 PAGE 6 Mrs. Sylvia Cimarrolli Miss Julie Hanczar Ms. Debby Penberthy Mrs. Dorothy Penberthy Mr. Chuck Smith, Sr. Margaret Augustine, Humbert Lane Personal Care Home Larry Doak, H John Heinz III Progressive Center Mary Ann Johnen, Presbyterian Senior Care Rosemarie Rocher, Country Meadows of South Hills Dorothy Roths, Golden Living Center of South Hills Connie Walker, Helen Purcell Home John Walker, Paulin Personal Care Home REFORMATION SUNDAY October 29, th ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION It is hard to even comprehend that it was 500 years ago that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Church door in Germany. God had prepared the time and the place and many great reforms have come about because of the boldness and faithfulness of Luther and all those reformers who would come after them. We have a rich heritage and history in the reformation and will celebrate that heritage and the truths that were reclaimed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a special service of worship that will highlight the five Solas of the Reformation. Join us as we celebrate the work that has been done in the past to bring us to a place of ministry and growth today in alignment with the Word of God and the mission of his church. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith. Romans 1:17 (NIV) A Word of Caution (from Peggy Hughey) The most beautiful necklace I have ever had is my Philips Lifeline. I was wearing it when I fainted and fell in the shower. If I hadn t been wearing that necklace, I would not be here to warn you. Be alert and save your own life. Thanks be to God, I am still here.

7 PAGE 7 OCTOBER VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE October Communion Servers: Debbie Elicker, Jim McDowell, Ed Nalesnick, Justin Amsler Date Greeters Acolytes Lay Leader Young Disciples Hospitality Children s Church Nursery Helper Oct 1 Joy Penderville Zoe & Sam Unruh Katie Martin Jeff Muñoz Vicki Zyra Mary Bennett Oct 8 Joann & Bill Gibbs Julie Bennett & Jillian Panizza John Libert Justin Amsler Linda Matchett Julie Bennett Oct 15 Betty McWreath Tony Marin & Adam Unruh Ed Nalesnick Syndria Lowe Shirley & Ed Esposito Kirsten Muñoz Oct 22 Patty & Jon Sember Kirsten Muñoz & Evan Tidd Katelynn Falleroni Brian Kocian Katie McDowell Melanie Nemec Oct 29 Vicki & Bob Zyra Debbie & Cliff Elicker Logan & DJ Slovick Patty Doane Patty Doane Peggy Samarin & Gerry Rossi

PAGE 8 CELEBRATIONS Brian Kocian 10/2 Ed Nalesnick 10/3 Robert Shepherd 10/3 Kara Berthold 10/6 John Casey 10/7 Heather Weiler 10/7 Luke Frazier 10/8 Christopher Goodwin 10/11 Thomas Hamilton 10/13

Ida Galicic 10/27 Rosemarie Rocher 10/29 Lin Nalesnick 10/30 Lynn Brockman 10/31 James Hughey Jr.

8 PAGE 8 CELEBRATIONS Brian Kocian 10/2 Ed Nalesnick 10/3 Robert Shepherd 10/3 Kara Berthold 10/6 John Casey 10/7 Heather Weiler 10/7 Luke Frazier 10/8 Christopher Goodwin 10/11 Thomas Hamilton 10/13 Tammie Eger 10/17 Jeff Zyra 10/17 McKinley Goodwin 10/19 Karin Muñoz 10/21 Jeannina Yeager 10/21 Melanie Russi 10/23 Chad Bennett 10/25 Jeffrey Betschart 10/25 Shirley Esposito 10/26 David Cook 10/27 Ida Galicic 10/27 Rosemarie Rocher 10/29 Lin Nalesnick 10/30 Lynn Brockman 10/31 James Hughey Jr. 10/31 Jennifer & Christopher Goodwin 10/5 Betty & Martin Ryan 10/5 Lyndsay & Dan Jordan 10/14 Julie & Joe Petito 10/18 Carrie & Dan Theiss 10/18 Shirl & Norm Krenn 10/21 Thursday, October 5 Adult Choirs CHOIR REHEARSAL SCHEDULES 6:00pm Bell Choir 7:15pm Children/Youth/Adults Tuesday, October 3 Children/Youth Choirs 6:45pm Children s Choir Thursday, October 12 Thursday, October 19 Thursday, October 26 7:10pm Praise Team 7:30pm Adult Choir 6:00pm Bell Choir 7:10pm Praise Team 7:30pm Adult Choir 7:10pm Praise Team 7:30pm Adult Choir Thursday, October 5 Tuesday, October 10 Tuesday, October 17 Tuesday, October 24 7:15pm Children/Youth/Adult 6:45pm Youth Choir 6:45pm Children s Choir 6:45pm Youth Choir

PAGE 9 OCTOBER 2017 WEEKLY EVENTS MONTHLY EVENTS SUNDAYS 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am Worship 6:00pm renew October 1 October 3 Communion Trustees Meeting (7pm) TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS Children s Choir

9 PAGE 9 OCTOBER 2017 WEEKLY EVENTS MONTHLY EVENTS SUNDAYS 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am Worship 6:00pm renew October 1 October 3 Communion Trustees Meeting (7pm) TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS Children s Choir (See Schedule page 8) Boy Scouts Girl Scouts THURSDAYS Choir (See Schedule page 8) FRIDAYS AA Trinity Center October 3 & 17 October 5 & 19 October 9 October 11 October 16 October 23 Dartball Paulin Bible Study (5:45pm Trinity) Finance Meeting (6:30pm) Office Staff Meeting (10am) Session Meeting (6:30pm) Newsletter Deadline Deacons Meeting (7pm) SPECIAL EVENTS October 1 October 3 & 10 October 11 October 6-7 October 8 October 13 October 14 October 25 October 29 World Communion Pizza with the Pastor Home Visit Communion OCC Work Day (9:30am) Presbytery Meeting - Butler OCC Speaker McFall Fest Set Up McFall Fest OCC Work Day (9:30am) Reformation Sunday

McDonald Presbyterian Church Worship Site: 202 West Lincoln Avenue McDonald, PA 15057 Offices Located at: 119 Station Street McDonald, PA 15057 Telephone: (724)926-8561 R ETURN

org (724) 699-0157 Administrative Asst. ~ Malisa Silassy Malisa@mcdonaldpres.org Office Hours Monday ~ Thursday 8:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m. Operations Officer ~ Tom Maxwell Bookkeeper ~ Connie Buydasz bookkeeper@mcdonaldpres.

org Choir Director ~ Syndria Lowe October 1 World Communion Pizza with the Pastor October 14 McFall Fest October 29 Reformation Sunday Assistant Choir Director ~ Heidi Adomshick

10 McDonald Presbyterian Church Worship Site: 202 West Lincoln Avenue McDonald, PA Offices Located at: 119 Station Street McDonald, PA Telephone: (724) R ETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Non Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID MCDONALD, PA PERMIT NO. 9 OCTOBER 2017 NEWSLETTER Pastor ~ Rev. Justin Amsler justin@mcdonaldpres.org (724) Administrative Asst. ~ Malisa Silassy Malisa@mcdonaldpres.org Office Hours Monday ~ Thursday 8:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m. Operations Officer ~ Tom Maxwell Bookkeeper ~ Connie Buydasz bookkeeper@mcdonaldpres.org Director of Children s Ministries ~ Karin Muñoz karin@mcdonaldpres.org Choir Director ~ Syndria Lowe October 1 World Communion Pizza with the Pastor October 14 McFall Fest October 29 Reformation Sunday Assistant Choir Director ~ Heidi Adomshick Organist ~ Donna Klimas November 5 Shoe Box Sunday Custodial Staff ~ Pat Powell ~ Supervisor Paul Winters Lisa Schmidt Newsletter Editor ~ Patty Doane November 12 Communion Veterans Day Lunch November 23 Thanksgiving (Office Closed) November 24 Office Closed Visit our Website:

Consol Energy Arena Friday and Saturday events start at 7:00 PM Sunday events start at 4:00 PM Doors open 90 minutes prior to the start.

MCDONALD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AUGUST UPDATE 2014 AUGUST 15TH - 17TH Consol Energy Arena Friday and Saturday events start at 7:00 PM Sunday events start at 4:00 PM Doors open 90 minutes prior to the start.