Education for All begins with

Transcription

1 P u b l i s h e d : A u g u s t 2 3, Education for All begins with Sunday, September 11 9:30 a.m. ~ Fellowship Hall Join with Christians of all ages in Fellowship Hall for a light breakfast and songs as we kick off the Sunday School year. Children and youth will sit at tables with their teachers and classmates and spend some time getting acquainted. Later, classes will visit their Sunday School rooms. Parents may accompany them to glimpse an overview of the year s curriculum. Adult Education participants will remain in Fellowship Hall to hear a preview of the classes to be offered this year. Come join us on Rally Day, September 11 at 9:30 a.m.! If you have questions regarding Educational Ministry, please contact: Chair, Educational Ministry - Carol Carpenter Interim Associate Pastor - Debbie Heffernan Youth Representative (6th 12th grade) - Caroline Thompson Pre-K to 5th grade representative - Karen Dupée Adult Ed Coordinators - Drew Hunger, Carol Carpenter

2 Pastor s Pen Dear Friends, It has been an active summer at Morrisville Presbyterian Church! The Lutheran-Presbyterian-United Methodist Vacation Bible School ministered to approximately 87 children of our churches and community enabling them to catch the wave of God s amazing love. At the same time, 38 youth and adults took part in the Youth in Mission Trip to Pipestem, WV, where they touched many lives with God s love by making repairs to three homes. The Pastor Nominating Committee has been working diligently and is in the process of listening to recorded sermons and conducting initial interviews. We presented scholarships to 16 members of the church and community. Some of our seniors took a van trip to the Lumberville General Store, and members of all ages have enjoyed food and fellowship in the Memorial Gardens following the service on Sunday mornings. New exit signs and lights were installed in the education wing; and a new control system and fire recall system were installed in our elevator. The Food Center has continued its ministry of providing food to hungry neighbors. Members of the Visitation Ministry have continued to call on our homebound members. And several members took part in the Morrisville United Drug Awareness March and Rally. During worship, we have been inspired by special music, we have celebrated baptisms and the Lord s Supper and welcomed visitors. There have been birth announcements, as well as announcements that some have left us and gone to be with the Lord. Yes. It has been a full summer at Morrisville Presbyterian Church. And as your interim pastor, I am pleased to be part of an active church. But as August gives way to September, our activity now must shift. It is time to focus less on "doing" and more on "being." It is time to shift out of our "Martha mode" and into a "Mary mode" -- sitting at Jesus' feet, listening, learning and growing in our faith. It is time for the various Christian Education programs to resume once more and time for all of us to take advantage of those programs. It's time for everyone, children and adults alike, to get back in the Sunday school habit -- 9:30 every Sunday morning. Likewise it's time for the Brown Bag Bible Study and the book groups to resume. It's an opportunity for all MPC members and friends to "plug into" a class or a discussion group which can nurture our faith. Another primary way to nurture our faith is through worship. As we sing songs and hymns, as we offer our prayers and make our offerings, as we listen to God's word during the Scripture readings and the sermons, we open our hearts to the Spirit's movement. It is in worship that significant spiritual growth can take place. The Apostle Paul wrote "... we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..." (Ephesians 4:15b) And much of that growth begins in worship. If you have taken the summer off, if you have gotten out of the worship habit, September is a great time to begin that habit anew. Please note that we are now beginning the service with the Welcome and Announcements, followed by the Prelude at 10:30 a.m. So try to arrive 2-3 minutes before 10:30 so you won t miss the announcements. Worship is not complete unless you're here! See you in the sanctuary next Sunday! In the meantime... grace and peace, Bruce 2

3 OUR CHURCH FAMILY Sacrament of the Lord s Supper The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper will be celebrated next on Sunday, October 2, 2016 during the 10:30 a.m. service. Sacrament of Baptism Cora Anne Musella, daughter of Paul and Stephanie. received the sacrament of baptism on July 31, Christian sponsors are Laura Fawson and Billy Delia. Shea Bradley Kindred, son of Steven and Nicole (Osborn) Kindred and grandson of Elizabeth Osborn received the sacrament of baptism on August 7, Tyler Christopher MacLean, son of Erin (Peters) Mac- Lean and Ryan MacLean, and grandson of Daniel and Deborah Peters received the sacrament of baptism on August 14, Adults wishing to be baptized or parents requesting baptism for their child are asked to call the church office at A WORD OF THANKS The Youth in Mission team would like to thank members of the congregation for their generous support and continued prayers for us while we were away. We had a wonderful and fulfilling week in Pipestem helping three families repair their homes. While fixing our eyes on Christ we explored Matthew 14: and discussed the story of Peter walking on water and how he took a risk getting out of the boat. We saw God s Kingdom in many places throughout the week and felt the love and support of our church family. Thank you. On September 11, After-service Hospitality will be sponsored by the Youth in Mission Trip in the lounge. Come and see photos of the trip. Hear stories of how God is at work in the life of our teens. For more on the Youth in Mission trip, see the article on page 5. Remembering our Identity The wheat and grapes represent the bread and wine of the Lord s Supper. Starting Soon Chancel Choir Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. in the Music Room First rehearsal is September 1 Chancel Ringers Thursdays at 8:15 p.m. in the Chapel First rehearsal is September 8 Teen Choir Sundays at 11:45 a.m. in the Music Room First rehearsal is September 18 God's Thunder Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel First rehearsal is September 18 Agape Choir Sundays during part of worship 3

4 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Adult Education Opportunities SUNDAYS 9:30 a.m. Conference Room How to Read the Bible With Elders Drew Hunger and Carol Carpenter September 18, October 3 and 10 Our opening class this fall is an introduction to Bible study, designed to guide those exploring the scriptures in ways to find passages they are looking for and to understand and use what they find. We hope this will serve as a helpful start for seekers and a welcome review for those who have more experience in scripture study. Come and share! Guest Speaker September 25 Carl Clark Jr. will be our guest speaker, outlining the ministry of UrbanPromise. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS Brown Bag Bible Study - Starts Sept. 21 Led by Pastor Bruce Wednesdays at Noon in Conference Room Participants in the Brown Bag Bible study will begin with a study of Isaiah using a commentary by John Goldingay. Now is a great time to join us! (Let the office know by September 6 if you need us to order you a copy of the book.) Take a lunch break with Pastor Bruce and members and learn to read between the lines of the text! There s a seat for you. Bring a friend! Book Cart Thank you to the congregation for the constant supply of donated books. EMC is investigating how to make children's books available in a similar manner for recycling within the congregation. Keeping the books waiting for a new home in good order is an easy job, but we need a volunteer to coordinate this activity. For more information contact carol.w.carpenter@gmail.com or susanklight@verizon.net. SMALL GROUPS Book Groups This fall one group whose members will share the task of facilitating discussion is already forming and will read Susan Cain's Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. This examination of that half of the population who comfortably spend time alone quietly thinking about what they want to say before they speak, is a refreshing defense of introverts and their great contributions to society. Later in the year, this group will read Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible, which tells the story of a broken missionary family in the Congo in the 1960s as the colonial era ended. Themes include how our own culture impacts how we interpret the Gospel, how our pasts accompany us, how our families shape and mark us, racism vs. acceptance, human corruptibility and grace, and African history and culture. Another group will probably read Geraldine Brook's People of the Book. This literary mystery centers around a rare-book conservator's work with an actual 14th century illuminated manuscript named the Sarajevo Haggadah. This book is primarily historical fiction, with a focus on religion, war, persecution, art, creativity, family relationships, a love story and a whole lot more. If you are interested in joining either of these groups or in suggesting a title for another group, please contact Carol Carpenter at carol.w.carpenter@gmail.com or Susan Light at susanklight@verizon.net. Theatre Excursions The Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) has changed its offerings for from those it originally announced. New programs are available on the Book Group Bulletin Board. A small group from MPC attends the performances on Theology Sundays when there is a discussion of the theology in the plays. The dates for Theology Sunday matinees (3:00 p.m.) and updated titles of plays for the coming season are: October 16, 2016: A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline November 20, 2016: Working: A Musical February 12, 2017: Driving Miss Daisy April 9, 2017: Jesus Christ Superstar 4 May 28, 2017: Witness for the Prosecution

5 YOUTH IN MISSION This year s Youth in Mission team worked on three different sites in Pipestem, West Virginia. The first was along the Greenbrier River in Summers County. The house was owned by Rick and Theresa, a couple whose home had recently suffered flood damage. The group cleared the debris, and repaired the porch and some floors inside the house. The second and third homes were in a town called Princeton. One was owned by a man named Mr. Ted and his dog, Prissy, (who was the highlight of my week, by the way.) He was getting old and couldn't take care of the house anymore. We replaced some of the house's siding, built safer stairs, and painted the entire house. We also painted the porch and cleaned up the yard. The final house was owned by a woman named Mrs. Heaton. We repaired and painted the porch, replaced a broken door, tiled the bathroom floor, and painted the foyer and upstairs hallway. She was a very sweet lady, but her story was complicated. Her husband had recently passed away and she had been taking care of her cousin Amy who battled mental illnesses. Not only that, but her son had put her grandchildren, 5-yearold Taylor and 8-year-old Jacob, in a pretty bad situation. He would drop them off and leave for weeks at a time. Finally, Mrs. Heaton said enough was enough and decided to adopt Jacob and Taylor. This decision really stood out to me. Our theme for the week was to fix our eyes on Christ, as Peter did in the story where he walks on water. He had the courage to step out of the boat, and so did Mrs. Heaton when she decided to adopt the kids. And that same strength is in all of us. This was my first year on the mission trip, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. I found myself and the faith I needed to step out of my own boat. If you are a high school student or an adult considering joining us next year, do it. You will make friends and memories you'll have for the rest of your life. So step out of that boat, and remember to always keep your eyes fixed on Christ. Kathryn Gilbride Pictured from left to right are MPC participants in the recent Morrisville United Drug Awareness March and Rally: J'Ann Ellis, Carol Carpenter, Pastor Debbie Heffernan, Gail Flesch, Jennifer Moyer-Harrington and Pastor Bruce Ballantine. Pastoral Care Reminder Members of the staff truly want to be attentive when members or friends of MPC are experiencing health difficulties. If you (or a family member) have been admitted to a hospital, please let us know by contacting the church office, and one of the pastors will be pleased to visit. You may also reach the pastors on their mobile phones: Bruce Ballantine Debbie Heffernan Thank you for your assistance. 5

6 YOUTH CLUB REGISTRATION Attention all Youth! Youth Club plans are in full swing for another exciting year. Children in grades 7-12 are invited to join this club for a year of fun, fellowship and service. We meet most Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner is included, followed by a program, fun event, or service project, and all are created with this year's theme of "friendship" in mind. Our first meeting is Wednesday, October 12 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Registration night is Wednesday, September 14 from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. All youth are welcome and are not required to be members for MPC. Any questions, or to obtain registration materials, please contact Pastor Debbie at debbieheffernan@mpcusa.net. SAVE THE DATE Attention High Schoolers! Save the date for The Reality Retreat - November 4-6 at NorthBay Adventure in North East, Maryland. High school students from all over the Presbytery of Philadelphia will be there. You don t want to miss it! Like us on Facebook! Find us at Morrisville Presbyterian Church IVINS OUTREACH CENTER NEWS HUGE YARD SALE TO BENEFIT IVINS OUTREACH CENTER The Ivins Outreach Center will hold a yard sale in the MPC parking lot on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Reserve a 10-foot space for $25.00 and then bring your table (we have a limited number of tables to rent for an extra $5.00), chair and items for sale. Our parking lot is situated on a highly visible, well traveled road which will draw in those yard sale shoppers. Don t have anything to sell? Come and shop. The Rotary Club will also be selling food and beverages. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact the Ivins Outreach Center at ANNUAL FALL CLASSIC GOLF OUTING FUNDRAISER SAVE THE DATE for Monday, September 19, 2016 for our annual golf outing at the Yardley Country Club to benefit the Ivins Outreach Center. All golfers are welcome, both ladies and gents. We will have 3 categories of golfer/foursomes men, women and coed. The cost per player will include: golf cart, hot breakfast, shotgun start, beverage cart on course, lunch with complimentary bar beverages and golf awards. So gather your golfing friends, form a foursome and register now or register as a single golfer! For further information on this fundraising event and to receive a registration form, please Jean Sawyer at jean@mv21stcclc.org or call the Ivins Outreach Center ext See you there! 6

7 PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE (PNC) UPDATE As promised, your PNC wants to keep you apprised of our progress and where we are in the Pastor search process. Since our last report, in which we noted that we had just uploaded our Ministry Information Form (MIF) to the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) website; we also have advised surrounding presbyteries that we are searching for a new pastor, and we have used other social media formats and domains as well. To date, we have received approximately 60 Pastor Information Forms (PIFs). Each form is carefully reviewed to determine if the candidate meets our requirements. If so, we watch videos of their sermons, and if they still pique our interest, then we schedule a first round interview via Skype. To date, we have conducted three such interviews and are considering a second interview with one of the candidates. However our search continues. Our CLC liaison has advised that the summer is usually a slow time for prospective candidates to submit PIFs, that we have a very strong MIF, we have done what we can and to be patient. We have stated from the start that this process is not to be rushed. We are on God s schedule, not our own. The person whom God will call to be our next minister will be revealed in God s time, not our own. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. ANTLESS PICNIC & ANNUAL MEETING All MPC members are encouraged to attend the Antless Picnic and Annual Congregational Information Meeting, immediately following the worship service on Sunday, September 18. The meal and meeting will take place in Fellowship Hall. No need to bring food. Just join us for food and fellowship, followed by the information meeting. In order that the Congregational Ministry Committee might know how much food to prepare, please make your reservation in the Communication Center or by contacting the church office by September 14. GUEST SPEAKER - URBANPROMISE TRENTON Join us in welcoming Carl Clark Jr., Executive Director of UrbanPromise Trenton on Sunday, September 25. UrbanPromise Trenton was launched in July 2011 under the leadership of Carl Clark Jr., one of the first camp kids of UrbanPromise in Camden in UP Trenton works to develop Christian leaders who will transform the city of Trenton by providing free After-School and Summer Camp programs--preparing disadvantaged inner-city children for the real world through spiritual, personal, physical, and educational development. Photo from our-ministries-united-states-america/trenton-new-jersey 12TH ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR - SATURDAY OCTOBER 22 Please join us for a fun filled day of shopping, lunch, and mingling with friends, old and new, at the 12 th annual Craft Fair, sponsored by Presbyterian Women of MPC, on Saturday, October 22, in Fellowship Hall! A variety of crafts are to be found at the Fair. Art work, photography, knitwear for newborns to adults, (be it mittens, hats, cardigans, scarves, booties, baby blankets), birdhouses from reclaimed wood from barns built in the 1800s, coat racks, seasonal ornaments and decor, tote bags (casual to jazzy), tiles made from antique butter molds, confectionaries, candles in reclaimed glass, and jewelry. There will be a raffle, bake sale, and the famous Sarah Circle Soup Café. You will be giving back to your community by helping us raise funds for mission work that PW does throughout the year both locally and worldwide. FREE ADMISSION! 7

8 GETTING TO KNOW: TIM CARPENTER Q: You ve been with us for almost a year now. What s it been like? A: Great! At first it was a shock to be in the position with very little time to prepare, but I am very happy to be doing church music and leading choirs again. Q: Well, you were also working full time as a teacher in Philadelphia, correct? A: That s right. I would leave home about 6:00 every morning and get home about 5:00 or 6:00 at night. It made for some very long days and weeks. But since I retired at the end of June I have more time to devote to music, church, gardening and sleep! Q: What s your favorite part of being Director of Music? A: My favorite part is leading the musical groups during worship all that hard work and preparation and dedication on the part of the singers and ringers gets bundled together and offered up to the glory of God. Q: And if it doesn t go as well as you hoped? A: Ohhh Well, I think God sees the hard work and preparation and dedication and pronounces it good even when our own expectations are not met. Q: So, what s your least favorite part of being Director of Music? A: I don t like cleaning up all the messes I make when planning. Mary Moyer, our excellent choral librarian, can attest to that! Q: Tell us a little bit about how you found your way to church music. A. When I was eight years old the Allegheny College Choir came to my grandmother s church and sang. I decided then that I wanted to go to that college and sing in that choir. So I did, but I went as a mathematics major. During my time there I got bitten by the classical music bug and tried to learn all I could. The fruit of that was an independent study resulting in seven Allegheny Play Shop performances of Purcell s short opera, Dido and Aeneas. I did the musical preparation, staging, lighting and set design and conducting. The theater was small, but it was full for every performance. It was fun AND that s also how I met Carol. That was definitely a good outcome! After that I got a part-time church music job at a small local Presbyterian church and muddled my way through with the help of summer sessions at Westminster Choir College. The pastor encouraged me to consider church music as a career so Carol and I packed up and moved to Yardley so that I could attend Westminster. Q: And you got a music degree? A: Yes. They offered degrees in performance, music education and church music: all of them had the same core courses of theory, music history, keyboard, voice, and conducting with concentrations in voice, organ or piano accompaniment. Oh, and everyone had to sing in at least one choir every day. Q: So what was different about the church music curriculum? A: We had to take courses in worship, worship and music, basic Christian doctrine, hymnody, handbells, English/ Anglican church music, German/Reformed church music, choral methods and children s choirs. I loved it all. Q: What was your best memory? A: Singing in the chorus for the Verdi Requiem with the New York Philharmonic on national television. Q: A worst memory? A: Not telling. (continued on next page) 8

9 TIM CARPENTER (CONTINUED) Q: What are your hopes for the music program here at MPC? A: Well, I m still getting to know the culture here and these are just my pipe dreams but I see the possibility of an after-school program for elementary aged children involving music and supper and perhaps homework help or Bible study or recreation or crafts. I d also be delighted to have the children present chancel dramas from time to time. Being part of a Bible story too is an excellent way to learn and practice theology. Our Chancel Ringers have been invited to the play at the Pennsbury Manor holiday celebrations, so I would really like for us to do that. The rule of thumb for adult choirs is that about 10% of the worshipping congregation should be involved in the music program; we are about on target there, but we would joyously welcome more sopranos and tenors and basses! The collaboration among MPC, St. Johns Lutheran, and Morrisville United Methodist has made me wonder if we couldn t manage a local choral festival. Perhaps we could also invite Incarnation Episcopal, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection and Yardley United Methodist, too. Q: That all sounds ambitious. A: Well, at this point I m still dreaming. But if you don t dream and look at possibilities you can be sure none of those hopes will become a reality. Q: Is that biblical? A: Biblical? Probably. Proverbs. I m sure I can find that in Proverbs. MPC MOVIE NIGHT The MPC Board of Deacons is excited to host our 1st Outdoor Community Movie Night for all to enjoy! Come join us on Friday, September 30 outside the church main doors where we will be showing two movies on our 12x16-foot big-screen! Free admission for all! Make sure you come hungry - the deacons will have hot dogs and popcorn as well as other snack items for sale. All proceeds and donation basket collections benefit the Deacons Holiday Food Basket program. The first movie - Zootopia - starts at 6:45 p.m. The second movie of our double-feature will be Heaven Is For Real. Bring your blankets, chairs, and appetites and enjoy a beautiful fall evening with family and friends at MPC's 1st Community Outdoor Movie Night! APPLE PICKING UPDATE To all who enjoyed Children/ Family Apple Picking event in years past, we are sorry to inform you that Styer Orchard cannot accommodate groups this year. Although we are disappointed, the Congregational Ministry Committee will be providing another fun, activity filled, intergenerational event in place of Apple Picking in early Fall. Please watch Currents and your weekly bulletin for important information about this wonderful opportunity! Like us on Facebook! Find us at Morrisville Presbyterian Church 9

10 MPC FINANCE COMMITTEE & TRUSTEES REPORT MPC FINANCIAL SUMMARY JULY 2016 FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS Fiscal Fiscal YTD Year to Date Year to Date Variance Budget Actuals (See Note 1) Total Operating Revenue $290,835 $272,482 ($18,353) Total Expenses $379,522 $348,049 $31,473 Operating Excess / (Shortfall) ($88,687) ($75,567) $13,120 Other Income $40,068 $25,503 ($14,565) Net Excess / (Shortfall) ($48,619) ($50,064) ($1,445) Note 1: The variance is the difference between the Actual dollar results and the Budgeted dollars. All favorable variances are noted as positive numbers; all unfavorable variances are shown as bracketed numbers above. OVERALL SUMMARY: Although pledge, special offerings, per capita and plate receipts income was lower than expected, cost savings in almost all expense departments resulted in Operating Results favorable to budget. However, lower than expected Bequest Income drove Net Income to be slightly unfavorable to budget on a Year-to-Date basis.. July 2016 Year-to-Date Variance Explanations: - YTD Operating Revenue ($18K unfavorable): Current Year Pledge receipts were $18,800 unfavorable to budget. In addition, Special Offerings (primarily One Great Hour of Sharing) were $1,600 below budget and Plate receipts were $4,200 under budget. Partially offsetting these unfavorable items was the 2016 receipt of $5,700 of prior year (unbudgeted) pledge income. - YTD Total Expenses ($31K favorable): Overall expenses were lower than budgeted due to lower than expected heating, snow removal, music ministry, admin payroll costs (from the Secretary s medical leave of absence) educational ministry, congregational ministry partially offset by $8000 in repairs to the sanctuary roof and $3400 in costs to install a new fire recall system in the elevator. - YTD Other Income ($15K unfavorable): The variance was due entirely to Bequest Income which was lower than expected. CLOTHING CENTER REOPENING The MPC Clothing Center will open for business on Tuesday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m. Come and cash in on End-of-Summer sales. You may now make donations in the box by the elevator in the basement. Check out our new and refreshed look, thanks to the efforts of Rich Drabb. Thank you, Rich. See you in September. 10

11 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! Thanks to all who helped make Surf Shack (VBS 2016) a joyful adventure. Please mark your 2017 calendars with next year s VBS dates, July Special thanks to those who took on major leadership roles. BOY SCOUT TROOP 3 FLEA MARKET Boy Scout Troop 3 will hold a late summer Flea Market on Saturday, September 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the MPC parking lot. Space is still available. The cost is $25 per space. Contact Tina Shannon by calling or at tinashannon@gmail.com. The purpose of the fundraiser is to help Troop 3 pay for a trip to Sea Base in The rain date for the flea market is Saturday, September

12 MORRISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 771 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Morrisville, PA Phone: web: Staff Morrisville Presbyterian Church Currents (USPS# ), is published monthly except for July and August. Periodical mail postage paid at Levittown, PA POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Morrisville Presbyterian Church, 771 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Morrisville, PA C OMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 4 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 5 Labor Day Church Office Closed 6 10:00 a.m. Clothing Center Reopens 10 8:00 a.m. Boy Scout Flea Market 11 9:30 a.m. Rally Day 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 14 7:00 p.m. Youth Club Registration 18 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Antless Picnic & Congregational Meeting 24 8:00 a.m. Ivins Outreach Center Yard Sale 25 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Guest Preacher - Carl Clark Jr. 30 6:15 p.m. MPC Movie Night OCTOBER 2 10:30 a.m. Worship & World Communion Service 9 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 12 6:00 p.m. Youth Club 16 10:30 a.m. Worship Service The Evangelism & Communications Committee is committed to keeping church news up to date. It is our goal to print and distribute Currents within the last week of the month. Therefore we ask that you please submit articles for the October 2016 Currents by September 10th to Currents@MPCusa.net Don t forget to join us September 11, 9:30 a.m.