C H U R C H. May, 2016 Volume 106 A Publication of North Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church 2016 VBS MISSION THEME:

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "C H U R C H. May, 2016 Volume 106 A Publication of North Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church 2016 VBS MISSION THEME:"

Wilfred Singleton
5 years ago
Views:

N o r t h P a r k C H U R C H WORSHIP CONNECT IMPACT May, 2016 Volume 106 A Publication of North Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church 2016 VBS MISSION THEME: Let us run with perseverance the race

We will be collecting new and gently used shoes for Soles For Jesus.

1 N o r t h P a r k C H U R C H WORSHIP CONNECT IMPACT May, 2016 Volume 106 A Publication of North Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church 2016 VBS MISSION THEME: Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us; fixing our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 121b-2a This year s mission focus for VBS perfectly fits the Olympic Adventure theme. We will be collecting new and gently used shoes for Soles For Jesus. Here s a little information about this organization, straight from their website: Soles For Jesus (SFJ) exists to share the love of Christ by distributing shoes to the underserved in sub Saharan Africa. These people are not asking for a bicycle, vehicle, bus pass, or some other form of transportation that we are accustomed to in our western world. They simply need a pair of shoes that properly fit them, so they can protect their feet as they walk. What a simple mission! How many containers of shoes do we have in our homes that are unused or outgrown? The mission of SFJ is to gather these shoes and send them to Africa, making a radical difference in the life of a child or adult. By collecting shoes that are hiding in closets and basements across our nation, we can provide hope and diminish disease for thousands. The pairs that you donate will be a lifechanging treasure across the globe. Check out more information at WHO: WHAT: WHEN: VBS SQUADS and NPC Donate at least ONE pair of shoes VBS Week (June 20-24) We will run a squad competition. And the congregation can donate anytime leading up to camp! WHERE: Squad bins will be labeled the week of camp. Donate before camp at the VBS table in the lobby. WHY: This mission focus reminds us that as we run the race with perseverance we are to be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need. The organization suggests a donation of $1.00 per pair of donated shoes, so we ll be accepting monetary donations to help meet this need! Contact Shelly McGlothlin if you have questions at shelly.mcglothlin@gmail.com.

2 Contents Front Page Soles for Jesus 2 Babies Helping Babies 3 Pastor s Corner Preparing for Adolescence Memory Verse 4 The Not-So-New Mother Nature 5 Did You Know Student Ministry News 6 NPC Family

2 2 Contents Front Page Soles for Jesus 2 Babies Helping Babies 3 Pastor s Corner Preparing for Adolescence Memory Verse 4 The Not-So-New Mother Nature 5 Did You Know Student Ministry News 6 NPC Family of the Month 7 Prayer for Adult Children NPC Family Retreat Planned Parenthood Exposed Back Page Birthdays and Anniversaries For a current look at the NPC calendar, click the calendar link above the newsletter link on the web. North Park Church 600 Ingomar Rd. Wexford, PA Babies Helping Babies by Chad and Beth Morley Over 100 babies will crawl, wobble, walk or run across the finish line to help single families in Pittsburgh. Our babies are going to Go Wild on Saturday, June 11, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Zoo. This will be our third consecutive year participating in the Pittsburgh Diaper Derby and Toddler Trot to raise money for the Women's Choice Network. This organization "offers programs uniquely designed to meet the needs of under-served families facing an unplanned pregnancy. WCN is a medical Christ-centered ministry offering pregnancy and STD testing, ultrasound and life affirming support... equipping young moms with practical, life transforming services." Beth can tell you that while she served as a volunteer client advocate/options counselor that she watched God's grace poured out as women chose life because of the WCN. This event is an awesome way for our entire family to serve Christ's body and allows our children to begin to look beyond themselves and serve as well. Check out for more information. Currently the Morley Family and the Fowler Family are participating from North Park this year, and if you desire to sponsor them, you can type in these names under the "sponsor" option. If you want your family to participate, it is easy to sign up and become a contestant through this website as well! Thanks for checking out this awesome opportunity to help babies save babies! benefiting...

Pastor s Corner Since I moaned and groaned in this column back in March about my orthopedic woes, it seems appropriate to share the grand news that, as of writing, I am entirely pain free and have

Beth sometimes sees the chiropractor, Josh Golojuh, at GFC Wellness very close to church. She urged me to give him a try and my improvement coincided pretty much with the treatments he provided.

Now, the orthopedic prayers of North Park Church are focused on Nancy Van Sickel who survived a terrible car accident.

3 Pastor s Corner Since I moaned and groaned in this column back in March about my orthopedic woes, it seems appropriate to share the grand news that, as of writing, I am entirely pain free and have been for several weeks now. The Lord be praised! What led to the recovery is hard to say, but I did harken unto the voice of my wife, with results superior to those Adam experienced (see Genesis 3). Beth sometimes sees the chiropractor, Josh Golojuh, at GFC Wellness very close to church. She urged me to give him a try and my improvement coincided pretty much with the treatments he provided. Since I have not had a positive history with chiropractors I was reluctant, but this time it truly seemed to help. Thanks for all who prayed for this deliverance. Now, the orthopedic prayers of North Park Church are focused on Nancy Van Sickel who survived a terrible car accident. Nancy s back was broken, but thankfully, and amazingly, there appears to be no spinal cord damage. She did have major back surgery and now has rods in her back. Her rehab will be extensive and difficult, but we are rejoicing in God that our sister has hope of a full recovery. by Dan Hendley 3 PREPARING FOR ADOLESCENCE: Parent Edition to be held May 21 On Saturday, May 21 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Dan Hendley, with some help from Taylor Brown, will be teaching a special class for parents of young teens as part of our Legacy Milestones Ministry. This training event targets the parents of children transitioning from 5th to 6th grade, but is open to parents of children in grades This training will cover: 1. Planning and executing a special transition-to-adulthood event with your child 2. Sexual matters and relations with the opposite sex 3. The internet and its dangers 4. The move into youth group and church expectations 5. Discipline in the teen years 6. Family worship with your teen In addition, we will be supplying you with a resource list to prepare you for the challenges ahead in raising a teen. Sign up online or Pastor Hendley at danhendley@northparkepc.org. May Memory Verse: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. -Matthew 5:6

By Brooke Hopkins 4 The Not-So-New Mother Nature Back in the 1970 s there was a TV ad for Chiffon margarine: a woman in a forest, dressed in a white Greek robe and a garland of daisies in her hair,

She assumes the tasty spread she samples is her natural, creamy butter, but in fact it was a cleverly packaged combination of flavorenhanced, carcinogenic, hydrogenated vegetable oils, dyes and other

4 By Brooke Hopkins 4 The Not-So-New Mother Nature Back in the 1970 s there was a TV ad for Chiffon margarine: a woman in a forest, dressed in a white Greek robe and a garland of daisies in her hair, playing the part of Mother Nature. She assumes the tasty spread she samples is her natural, creamy butter, but in fact it was a cleverly packaged combination of flavorenhanced, carcinogenic, hydrogenated vegetable oils, dyes and other chemicals. Incensed, she responds, It s not nice to fool Mother Nature! as she flings her arms out, like the Wicked Witch and thunder and lightning immediately obey with ominous cacophony. The folklore of Mother Nature has lately evolved into the equally goofy idea of Mother Earth our delicate, quietly humming energy source, struggling to survive and maintain balance while mankind does everything possible to destroy it (with, I imagine, an aggregate pollution output well below, say, Mt. Pinatubo s eruption in 1991). What s interesting is humanity s predilection for this Mother of all Matriarchs: someone (or something) that we can embrace worshiping a personification of creation instead of the Creator. All of us who have been born (and, um, that would include all of us ) have mothers. Some of our mums have been less than ideal; all of them have been imperfect. But, they have given us life. And most of them have the mother nature about them the desire to provide, protect, and properly raise their children. During this merry month of May, we celebrate Mother s Day, which had its beginnings with Ann Jarvis in 1868 and its first proclamation in 1870 by Julia Ward Howe (coincidentally, right smack dab pun intended between those dates: margarine was invented in How bout that!). Per Woodrow Wilson s decree of 1914, we now officially honor moms every year perhaps the closest we come to universally obeying any one (or part of one) of the Ten Commandments. Some worldviews hold to a Mother God sort of notion, causing our conservative, Reformed hairs to bristle. But, before we get too creeped out, we should remember we were created in God s image as male and female (Genesis 1:27). The Bible elsewhere affirms the mother nature of God the Father who speaks to Israel through Isaiah: As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:13). Also: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Jesus, in Matthew 23:37). I am amazed by mothers. So was Chesterton: a (mother s) function is laborious; but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness. My darling wife astounds me with her dedicated attention, concern, tears, energies, and efforts spent toward the well-being of her children, who have little idea of her continual sacrificing for their benefit. Much like I so easily forget what my Lord has done, in laying down His life for me. So, honor your mother this month, and always. Allow her to point you to God, who through Christ made all things, gave us life and life everlasting, and supplies all our needs, and comforts us like no other. But somewhat like a mother.

Did you Know? Did you know that Nick Carey has been hired by our church for the summer to lead a college-aged ministry as well as help with youth and childrens ministries.

5 Did you Know? Did you know that Nick Carey has been hired by our church for the summer to lead a college-aged ministry as well as help with youth and childrens ministries..that Jim Ludwig just got back from a trip to Israel and while he was gone had a letter to the editor published in the Trib Review.. that Susan Burke went on a March trip to Israel with ten EPC pastors.that no two cows have identical noseprints..that Kim Zaiser also had a recent letter published in that same paper.that Andy Stites, Kelly Laird and Susann Pinkerton are assisting Pastor Dan in the selection of a full-time director of childrens ministries..that the average American eats 28 pigs in his lifetime.that Jim and Barb Childress are on the McCandless Republican Committee. that Jeff and Emily Gingrich are doing respite care for foster parents through Bethany Services.that the Castor Care Group is working at the Good Samaritan Nursing home on May 21..that ants will not cross a white chalk line..that Jonathan Mycyck recently bare-handed a line-drive foul ball at a Pirates game, with a daughter in his lap and another at his side. that Branden Van Oss, Steve and Jodi s oldest son is planning to be married this summer. that Holly Hargest, daughter of Bill and Pat is planning to wed on July 2 that Jodi Moskal recently moved into a new house on Meinert Rd very close to Stacy Tessaro. that 80% of Harvard students graduate with honors...that those who read the FYI graduate with honors 14% more than those who do not? Did you know these things? I thought you should. 5 STUDENT MiNiSTRiES News News News News News News News News News Sunday Night Schedule for May: May 6:30-8:30 p.m.... Youth Group May 7:00-8:30 p.m.... High School Care Groups May 8... No Youth Group Due to Mother s Day May 6:30-8:30 p.m.... Youth Group May 7:00-8:30 p.m.... Last High School Care Group Meeting May 6:30-8:30 p.m.... Last Youth Group of Spring May 6:30-8:30 p.m.... No Youth Group

Jeff attended Grove City College and is currently a fellow at UPMC Presbyterian, where he attends to patients in the catherization lab or in the hospital most days.

6 6 NPC Family of the Month by Kelly Laird Say hello to the Fowlers! Let s get to know this young family. Resident husband and dad is Jeff, a native of Connecticut who has also lived in Grand Rapids, MI and in Cleveland, OH. Jeff attended Grove City College and is currently a fellow at UPMC Presbyterian, where he attends to patients in the catherization lab or in the hospital most days. This young man enjoys getting up early to spend some quality time with the Lord, running when time allows and spending time in the evenings with his wife and playing with the kids. Jeff s lovely wife is Lauren, native of Grand Rapids, MI and graduate of both Hope College for Elementary Education and Edinboro University, where she earned her master s degree as a Reading Specialist. Lauren stays busy at home raising their three children. Most days, she tries to get up before the kids to enjoy some quiet time and later to get in a run. In addition to watching other children in addition to her own several days each week, she enjoys Community Bible Study and is part of a medical spouses group. Here at North Park Church, Lauren coordinates Sunday School and helps with VBS. Jeff and Lauren have been blessed with three children - William, seven years old, Anna who is five and Ben at three years of age. Will likes to read and enjoys playing and watching all sports! Anna likes to play outside, color and complete art projects. The youngest, Ben, can be found playing with vehicles and tagging along with his older siblings. Rudy is their cute Labradoodle. The Fowler family lives in a Shaler neighborhood that really seems to enjoy being together, whether it be a good ol game of kickball, playing in the woods or drawing on the street with chalk! Pray for these high school sweethearts, as they strive to raise their children in the way they should go. Wisdom and discernment are high on their wish lists. May God bless them in their efforts!

It's Back! by Joyce Kish 7 PRAYER FOR ADULT CHILDREN by Mark Sharpnack In last month s article I highlighted a couple of old Christian books, one focusing on prayer.

Prayer for Prodigals: 90 Days of Prayer for Your Child is a great resource to help us to pray for those we love who might not be currently walking with Jesus.

Other parents may not understand what you are up against with your prodigal son or daughter, but God understands. Another resource of more popularity comes from Stormie Omartian.

She prays with the power of God s Word over our adult children and their: career choices and sense of purpose; marriages and other vital relationships; and financial struggles and emotional trials.

7 It's Back! by Joyce Kish 7 PRAYER FOR ADULT CHILDREN by Mark Sharpnack In last month s article I highlighted a couple of old Christian books, one focusing on prayer. This month s edition contains a couple options for prayer devotionals on parenting adult children. They might be helpful to those of us in the empty-nest season of life. Prayer for Prodigals: 90 Days of Prayer for Your Child is a great resource to help us to pray for those we love who might not be currently walking with Jesus. Author James Banks captures the hearts of many mothers and fathers who agonize over wayward children. Other parents may not understand what you are up against with your prodigal son or daughter, but God understands. Another resource of more popularity comes from Stormie Omartian. The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children. It follows up on The Power of a Praying Parent. She prays with the power of God s Word over our adult children and their: career choices and sense of purpose; marriages and other vital relationships; and financial struggles and emotional trials. Prayer is essential in our relationship with God. It aligns our will with His and brings us closer to Him, as we wait in Hope for the return of our prodigal children. Hold onto April s memory verse from Lamentations 3:22-23: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. NPC FAMILY The annual North Park Church Family Retreat is returning! With much enthusiasm from the participants at our recent vision meetings, calls to bring back this event have been heard! A Family Retreat in in the plans for next spring, May 19-21, 2017 at Laurelville Retreat Center in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. We are putting together a planning team to prepare for this dynamic weekend. Prayerfully consider if God is calling you to give your input and use your talents to help plan this mountaintop experience. While many of you may not have been members when we had our last retreat, let me assure you that the retreat weekends were instrumental in building close relationships within the church body as well as a time of spiritual growth as we soaked in God's word. If you would like to be involved or have any questions, contact Andy and Joyce Kish at andykish@gmail.com or joycemkish@gmail.com. We are looking for members of all age groups to be represented. The first meeting will be in May 2016 and a day will be picked depending on availability of team members. On Sunday May 22, during the Sunday School hour and after worship, Dan Hendley will lead an examination of why Planned Parenthood has been in the news and in the political debates so often in We will look into the history of Planned Parenthood, its place in the contemporary debates over women, babies and abortion. We will also show two videos, one being a clip from the controversial undercover videos exposing the organization s sale of human organs. Planned Parenthood is the nation s largest abortion provider and a subsidized agency of the federal government. Come find out what every Christian should know about why there is so much controversy over Planned Parenthood.

The combination of cakes and birthdays extends back to ancient Rome. Birthday cakes became more popular as the cost to make them fell during the industrial revolution.

8 The combination of cakes and birthdays extends back to ancient Rome. Birthday cakes became more popular as the cost to make them fell during the industrial revolution. The tradition of candles on birthday cakes originated in 18th century Germany. Happy Birthday started to appear on cakes when the song Happy Birthday to You was popularized in the early 1900 s. Birthdays in May May 3 Ryan Van Oss, Bonnie George May 4 Steve Bolibruck, Benjamin Burkholder May 5 Ryan Mitchell May 6 Carla Rooke May 7 Kelly Thompson, Grace Graner May 8 Annette Wu, Corinne VanderWeele May 10 Joseph Lacey May 11 Keith Garver, Leslie Van Newkirk, Holly Fairfield May 13 Alice LaBarre May 15 Chris Lochner, Debbie Faber May 16 Connie Rivero, Stacy Altmyer May 17 Samuel Karpiak, Michael Schadel May 18 John Faber May 19 Eli Spangler, Nate Fairfield May 22 Peter William Sanders, Rich Beleski May 23 Eli Walters May 24 Anna Librich, Karen Stetson, David Pinkerton May 26 Chuck Brooks, Len Siger, Beth Fox May 27 Alfred Schaefer, Jodi Van Oss, Maria Rivero, Rick Rivero May 28 Jim Schadel May 29 Eliza Dupee, Anne Dupee May 30 Janet Allison May 31 Gail Nelson, Emily Altmyer Anniversaries in May May 2 Brandon and Laura Gilbert May 5 Manny and Denise Velarde May 8 Steve and Shannon Bolibruck May 9 Raymond and Rose Ann Anderson May 9 Denny and Janie Koska May 26 Jonathan and Kim Mycyk May 31 Ryan and Nicole Hoover If you would like your name included on the birthday/anniversary list (in each month s FYI), please make sure you have filled out a card with your family s information. These are available at the Information Counter. Human error does occur, so please let us know if we misprint your information.

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY C H U R C H FLOURISHING CONTAGIOUS WORSHIP CONNECT IMPACT

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY C H U R C H FLOURISHING CONTAGIOUS WORSHIP CONNECT IMPACT N o r t h COMMUNITY P a r k C H U R C H WORSHIP CONNECT IMPACT January, 2016 Volume 104 A Publication of North Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church FLOURISHING CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIAN relationships with one