THE MESSENGER. January/February Pleasant Ridge Church of Danboro 4877 Bergstrom Road Doylestown, PA

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1 THE MESSENGER Pleasant Ridge Church of Danboro 4877 Bergstrom Road Doylestown, PA January/February 2014 Surrounded A very good friend of mine recently lost her father. They were close. He was an amazing man. As she and I have talked over these last months, I sense the acute emptiness in her life without her father. I am guessing that her mom decided that it was time to clean out some of her husband s clothes and when she did she chose 10 of his shirts and made aprons out of them for all of the daughters, daughter-in-laws and grand-daughters in the family and one for herself. They were creative and stylish, but much more than that, as they all stood for a picture, I couldn t help but get the sense that this man, close to so many, was living on in this sweet and endearing way. The aprons seemed to symbolize the closeness we yearn for from those who are still with us, as well as and those who have gone on. For me, these aprons symbolize our desire to hold onto something, even after a loved one is gone. I find the season of Epiphany to be an interesting time in the church calendar. It seems like we race through the singing of carols and welcoming the baby Jesus and then we make a sharp turn toward Lent and Good Friday. Some years in just 6 short weeks! Now I know very well that Jesus lived for around 33 years so it is not as though his life was only six weeks long, but in reality our church calendar takes us from one to the other so quickly. We hardly get to experience the joy of the birth before sadness comes over us as we re experiencing the loss. I imagine that this is how my friend and her family feel about her dad, as if they hardly got any time with him before he was gone. Similarly, it is as though we hardly get a moment with God before he is gone and we find ourselves missing his presence in the visceral, earthy way we experience at Christmas. I wonder what we could hold onto when we are missing God in our life? Is there some kind of apron we could wear that would remind us of who he is in our life, even when it feels like he is so far away? I think, in some ways, Epiphany is just this. Epiphany means manifestation or appearance. It is a reminder that Jesus did not simply come into the world and go right back out, but that he did in fact have a life here. During Epiphany this year we will talk about the Magi and the baptism of Christ and the calling of the disciples. But we will also read the Sermon on the Mount. Words of Christ that give us a sense of the distinct shape and character of the kingdom that Jesus came to establish. So, in a sense, Epiphany gives us time to unwrap the gift of Christmas and enter into not only the life of Christ, but into the life he calls us to live. Peace and joy, Pastor Dawn

2 CALENDAR January January 12 Take down Christmas decorations Messenger available Movie night in sanctuary at 4:00 pm January 16 New Bible Study starts 9:30 January 19 Choir rehearsal following Consistory Meeting following January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 23 Bible Study 9:30 am January 26 No choir rehearsal Congregational Meeting following January 30 Bible Study 9:30 am February February 2 Communion Sunday Choir rehearsal following February 6 Bible Study 9:30 am February 9 Choir rehearsal following February 13 Bible Study 9:30 am February 16 Choir rehearsal following Consistory Meeting following February 20 Bible Study 9:30 am February 23 Choir rehearsal 9:30 am Choir sings during March Messenger articles due to Jeanne or Dawn February 24 Trip to Cock n Bull Restaurant 6:00 pm Future Dates March 5 Final Bible Study on the Beatitudes 9:30 am March 8 Manna on Main Street - ( note second Saturday of the month, not the first). March 9 Pancake Breakfast 9:00 am Sunday School Who is Jesus We will begin on January 12 th. There is no need to attend every week, feel free to join for one or all classes. We meet Sundays at 9:00 am, coffee is served. See Jim Alpaugh with any questions. 2

3 Bible Study The Beatitudes: Developing Spiritual Character Thursdays 9:30 am-10:30 am 1/16 ch. #1 1/23 ch. #2 1/30 ch. #3 2/6 ch. #4 2/13 ch. #5 2/20 ch. #6 2/27 ch. #7 3/5(Wed.) ch. #8 January Birthdays 4 Larry Schade 8 Norma Czerniak 8 Hye Kyung Clara Hong 22 Nyah Lawlor 28 Jim Alpaugh February Birthdays 2 Pat Pizza 4 Ronan Lawlor 7 Natalie Pizza 9 Philip Dragotta 14 Garrett Alpaugh 19 Dorothy Kinney 23 Jessica Bucciarelli 23 Kevin Smith February Anniversary Choir Schedule Rehearsals January 19 Following February 2, 9, 16 Following February 23 9:30 am The choir will sing in on February 23rd. 1 Dorothy & Charles Kinney Thank You! I just wanted to thank everyone for your very thoughtful and generous Christmas gift this year. I am so very blessed to be part of such a wonderful church family! Blessings to each of you in 2014!! Peace & love, Pastor Dawn 3

4 MISSIONS January Mission of the Month Deacon s Fund At various times Pastor Dawn receives phone calls from folks in the area who are in need. A Deacon s Fund allows the church to respond to these critical needs so that we can help our brothers and sisters who live right here in our community. This fund will also allow us to support relief organizations should disaster strike in our world. February Mission of the Month FISH If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them how can the love of God be in that person? (1 John 3:17) Doylestown FISH provides emergency assistance to those in need when no other timely assistance is available. FISH provides food, shelter, gasoline, fuel oil, as well as help with rent, utility bills and medications. Most requests are handled immediately as there is a FISH volunteer on duty 12 hours a day 7 days a week without exception. Although most of those requiring help call directly, several are referred from other agencies including the police. People are referred to other service organizations if extended help or counseling seems appropriate. Although, there are emergency exceptions, FISH serves the municipalities in the Central Bucks School System. Most requests come from Doylestown. FISH is funded by local churches, foundations, businesses and individuals. All personnel are volunteers and there is no office space required thereby operating costs are kept low. Requests are handled from home via phone, and a computer data base. Since its inception 40 years ago, in almost every year there has been an increase in the number of requests received and the amount of money expended for those in need. The generosity of the Pleasant Ridge community has helped to make this possible. Christ's Home for Children Awesome Response Wow! There were many happy children at Christ's Home this Christmas morning. Natalie and I have coordinated this outreach for several years and are always amazed at the number and variety of gifts placed under our narthex Christmas tree. For delivery, our Outback was jam packed with toys, games and clothing. The Pleasant Ridge Congregation, family and friends are always so generous and loving to these children. Praise the Lord for that. ~Pat Pizza Manna on Main Street PRC continues to live out the Gospel by sharing a meal with our brothers and sisters in need. Since we began this important ministry over five years ago many volunteers from PRC have been a part. Everyone who goes seems to feel the same way; that they receive as much as they give. Please consider going one Saturday this year. Our first Saturday for 2014 will be March 8th. Our next date is May 3rd. Please consider helping with this worthwhile ministry. This is a chance to have fellowship with each other, as well as our neighbors in need. Sign-up sheets are placed on the bulletin board closer to the date we are going. We are very thankful to Dottie Hutchison who organizes this important local mission. Please see Dottie with any questions or to volunteer. 4

5 2013 Missions As we enter into a new year it is a good time to reflect on the past year. PRC was willing and able to support many mission projects over the course of the year. We have been a lighthouse to many people in their need. Thank you for your continued support of so many worthwhile missions. Treasurer s Report Monetary donations went to the following: A Woman s Place FISH Mission Partners in India focus on sewing machines Maasai Cultural Exchange Project focus on wells Code Blue Local Homeless agency The Schuts and their work with Native Americans Salvation Army Make a Wish Church World Service/CROP Operation Christmas Child Christ s Home New Britain Food Larder Habitat for Humanity The Heifer Project A Message from your Treasurer Due to inflation, our budget for 2014 has a small increase of $1, As you know from the monthly Treasurer s report, we have a deficit each month. If you could put your offering each week in your envelopes whether you attend church or not and bring them with you the next time you come, you will have used 52 envelopes by the end of the year. This will go a long way in meeting our budget. For those of you who already do this, we thank you. Peace, Charles Kinney, Treasurer 5

6 FELLOWSHIP Un-Decorating the Sanctuary On January 12 th, following, we will take the tree and decorations down. Please stay if you can help! Movie Night - "Magic of Belle Isle" On Sunday, January 12th at 4:00 pm Pleasant Ridge will be screening "The Magic of Belle Isle" (PG) starring Morgan Freeman. This movie is one of his best. The venue for the film has been changed from the Cellar Cafe (a.k.a. our basement) to the sanctuary to limit the need for using the stairs. Popcorn, pretzels, and soft drinks will be served. The cost for all ages is $0.00. Please sign up on the bulletin board. Back to the Future As in the popular 1985 movie, your fellowship committee once again is providing the opportunity for you to go back in history; this time to the 17th and 18th century. You will have dinner with two of Pennsylvania's renowned forefathers, William Penn and Benjamin Franklin. A four course colonial dinner will be served at the Cock 'n Bull Restaurant in Peddler's Village on Monday evening February 24th at 6:00 pm. Cost of this delicious four course dinner and visit is $30. Reserve the evening for this very popular adventure. As the date approaches, there will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board and reminders in bulletin announcements. In the meantime, if you have any questions contact Natalie Pizza who is coordinating this event. THANK YOU! A big Thank You to those who are saving Redner s tapes for us. We just recently received $ from the last collection of tapes. Charles Kinney, Treasurer 6

7 Denominational Assessments As was the case last year, you will notice there are four extra envelopes in your offering envelope box for next year. These envelopes are for the denominational assessments. Assessments are amounts charged by the RCA s governmental bodies for the services and ministries they provide. The following information may answer some of your questions regarding what these contributions are used towards. Our church is a member of the CLASSIS OF THE DELAWARE RARITAN, a group of 33 churches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Classis, consisting of ministers and elders from each participating church has the power to ordain ministers and they are given the job of superintending the local churches. They meet three times a year with work done in between by an Executive Committee. An example of how our assessment contributions are used at this level would be the grant we received for outreach efforts at our church and the consistory workshop that the elders and deacons have attended in the past Our Classis, in addition to three others comprises THE REGIONAL SYNOD OF MID ATLANTICS. Currently, 149 churches are counted within the Regional Synod's boundaries. These groups formed of representatives from participating Classes, provide services, programs and ministry for the larger region. They gather once in the fall for special programming and learning and once in the spring for the annual meeting. Between meetings business is carried out by the Regional Synod Executive Committee. Examples of how the assessment contributions are used at this level would be, new church development, leadership training and revitalization efforts for churches that have seen a decrease in membership. Once a year, representatives from each Classis are chosen to gather at a designated meeting site as the GENERAL SNYNOD. The General Synod is the body that makes policies and statements of theology for the Reformed Church in America. Between the annual sessions, the General Synod Executive Council works on behalf of the General Synod. This council is comprised of RCA staff and representatives from churches. Examples of how the assessment contributions are used at this level would be the assistance given to missionary workers around the world. This mission work helps those with the greatest need to have things such as clean drinking water, better living conditions and needed medical care. Assessments are designated on a per member basis from each of these three levels to cover the costs of the larger ministry of the Reformed Church in America. The assessment amount per member for the year 2014 is $ Many churches, including ours, attempt to address these assessments by asking members to donate towards these costs. This is certainly not a requirement, but the church as a whole will be responsible to cover the yearly amount for each member either way. Members may choose to pay for their assessment weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. The extra quarterly envelopes in with your offering envelopes are for this purpose. If you should have any questions please speak to our treasurer, Charles Kinney. 7

8 January/February 2014 Bible Study Manna on Main Street Jan/Feb Mission of the Month Congregational Meeting Movie Night Trip to Cock n Bull Restaurant 0