This Week at Christ Presbyterian

Transcription

1 June 21, 2011 Church s Website: Pastor Geoff s Blog: I have to admit that Vacation Bible School is one of my favorite times of the year. At Christ Presbyterian we make a concerted effort to include people from outside our Christian community. I enjoy seeing children gather at the church to not only have fun, but learn about Jesus. VBS breaks down the wall of reverence that so often is put up between children and God. I appreciate the fact that our VBS is not ashamed to get goofy. I personally love dressing up in some strange costume and acting like a fool. (I know, act?) Doing so also helps to overcome the distance that is often inherent in the traditional view of a Pastor. I also appreciate that at VBS it's more than ok to wiggle, it's encouraged. This gets me wondering, why is it that for the fifty one other weeks of the year, we often try to stifle the joy we experience during VBS week? I m not just talking about the children either. I believe that far too often we have equated reverence with lack of excitement. Part of this is due to a traditional view of reverence which is centered in fear rather than freedom. If we have a dynamic relationship with God, we know that our God knows everything about us. God knows that most of us aren t stoic curmudgeons who don t smile. Then why is it that we choose to most commonly enter into God s presence with such a countenance? I m not advocating for a footloose and fancy-free attitude in our life together. There are solemn moments where silence and seriousness need to be the norm. This year during Holy Week I felt we did a great job of entering into an appropriate attitude and demeanor. We were able to engage in worship and prayer in a way that was fitting of the situation. On the other hand, we sometimes loose our sense of celebration because we are constrained by some misguided sense of propriety. The music for Vacation Bible School is a wonderful example of how letting ourselves go can be rewarding. I m amazed at how the kids at VBS are able to truly experience the meaning and mood of the songs. While the lyrics of the songs are often heavy in content, they are paired with music and motions that help to connect the children with the lyrics. They also tend to express big ideas in simple ways. The other thing I love is that the songs stick with you. Colin is still singing songs from last year s VBS. It never ceases to amaze me when a congregation is singing a song that celebrates joy yet their demeanor conveys something different. Have you been guilty of singing Joy to the World with a frown on your face? Trust me, it happens quite often. So how do we balance the need for reverence with the need for freedom to live out our intimate relationship with God? I think one step is realizing that while worship is an interaction with the sacred, it in itself is not sacred. When we worship we are just as human as we are when we are stuck in traffic; it s ok to be ourselves. We must realize that we can be free to be ourselves in worship and study. We also need to remember that to be reverent doesn t mean to be dispassionate. Did you know that the Presbyterian Book of Order doesn t outlaw smiling in worship? I feel blessed that at Christ Presbyterian we are actually increasing our ability to be genuine with God and each other. To be honest, our passing of the peace used to drive me crazy. I sometimes call it the mosh pit of peace since it can be so chaotic. Over time, I have come to realize that this is an expression of the relationship we have with God. Our life in Christ is not one that is not only quiet and expressed in a whisper but is also one that is loud, boisterous and lively. Again, there is a time for us to do as the Psalmist admonishes us, be still and know that I am God. I love times of quiet reflection and prayer, and if anything, I have sought to bring more silence to our service. Nevertheless it is high time we stop reveling in the fact that folks think we are the boring frozen chosen and show the world just how alive in the Spirit we are.

2 This Week at Christ Presbyterian Tuesday 7:30 PM S.A. Support Group - Lounge Wednesday 6:30 PM Turning Point AA meeting Fellowship Hall Saturday 10:00 AM Quilting Group - Narthex Sunday 8:30 AM Worship 11:00 AM Worship "Squeaky-Clean July" WFCM clients have an urgent need for shampoo, deodorant and laundry detergent (32 load or less). These items can't be purchased with food stamps, yet are essentials. Whatever you can provide for July 3rd's WFCM Pantry Collection will be greatly appreciated! For those traveling for the 4th of July holiday, feel free to bring on June 26th. Summer Bible Study The Sunday School season may have ended, but God's word never goes on vacation! If you are interested in an adult Bible study for the summer months (July-August), please contact Sue Ferguson at or sferguson1@comcast.net. All are welcome. Content and timing will be dependent on those who express interest (maybe tackle the book of James?). Both evening and daytime gatherings are options. Have kids home with you for the summer? Childcare is also an option. A willing heart is all that's required. 2

3 VBS REGISTRATION OPEN Visit August 1-5, :30am - 12:30pm Children age 4 through 3rd Grade are invited to come to the The Big Apple with us. Our time will be spent exploring the Bible and having fun while doing it. Big City, Bigger Fun! Grab a cab and get ready for fun around every corner in LifeWay's Big Apple Adventure : Where Faith and Life Connect. As kids explore the big city, they'll learn how to step out in faith and connect with Jesus sharing the message of Christ with their world. Theme Verse: Romans 10:17 "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ." Summer Worship Hour One Service at 10 am July 3rd September 4 Each year Christ Presbyterian Church unifies it s worship during the summer. This allows for our congregation to experience worship together in ways that often don t happen during the school year. This gives participants from the 8:30 and 11:00 services to worship together at 10 am. You are encouraged to take time during the summer to get to know some of the members and friends of our congregation you might not have had the opportunity to meet. Summer Worship at 10 am is from Fourth of July Weekend through Labor Day Weekend 3

4 Music Notes By Barbara Stefan In Our Music This Sunday Quartet: Be Still, My Soul In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15 Little is known of this German hymn writer with the impressive name, Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel. Before she died in 1768, she apparently wrote 29 hymns, but only this one was translated (100 years after it was written) and remains in common use. It is found in The Hymnbook, but was not included in the new Presbyterian Hymnal. Schlegel s poem, joined with the haunting music of Finlandia by Jean Sibelius, was the favorite hymn of Eric Liddell, the gold medalist in the 1924 Olympics, who later went to China as a missionary, and died in a Japanese prison camp during the Second World War. The hymn was widely sung during World War II when it comforted an entire nation, including Virgil Bachman of Michigan, who wrote in his church newsletter: I had probably sung Be Still, My Soul many times before, but it was not until I sang it in a quaint village church in France during World War II that it became part of my life. The war in Europe was going badly; news from the front was disheartening; we were edgy, confused, and discouraged. It was at this crucial time that a chaplain arranged a service for us weary, dirty GIs. Halfway through the service it happened. Softly the organ began and we sang, Be still, my soul. How badly it was needed! It was as though the Lord was speaking to us in a very personal way: Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain, the cross of war with its hardships, misery, separation, pain, and loss. As we left that little church, the peace I felt among the horrors of war was nothing but a gift of the Holy Spirit. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! (Psalm 100) While our choirs enjoy a much-deserved break this summer, here are some of the musical offerings during our worship on Sundays. June 26: Be Still, My Soul, Diana Maxwell, Betsy Stagno, Chuck Munds, Tom Shaw, quartet July 10: Save the People from the musical Godspell, Glenn Himes, solo July 17: Down from His Glory, Chuck Munds, solo July 24: Blessings, Ronda Gilbert, Sue Ferguson, Elizabeth Himes, Kim Cameron, quartet July 31: Is It You? Colin & Geoff McLean, duet August 7: Jane & Warren Storck, guest duet August 14: Casey MacLean, violin; Marilyn Dorn, vocal and guitar August 21: As the Deer, Carolynn Baer, flute; Jill Westeyn, oboe August 28: Bassoon solo, Anne Scroggs; How Great Thou Art Anne & John Scroggs, duet Sept 4: Open Thanks to all for your offering of time and talent to enhance our worship. Note: Barbara is on vacation until July 6; please welcome Roy McCullough, guest organist. 4

5 VBS Volunteer Corner We have a job for you! Crafts are planned, menus are in progress and the fun is just beginning! Our adventure begins on August 1 st and we d hate for you to miss out on the fun. Here are just a few ways you can be a part of it! Promotion Volunteers Do you like to walk? Need an excuse for some exercise? We are looking for volunteers to help distribute VBS flyers to local neighborhoods starting NOW. Let us know if you d be willing to give 30 minutes of your time to help spread the news in your neighborhood. Bible Story Leader the volunteer in this role will lead the participants in learning the bible story of the day. Children are separated into groups of readers and non-readers. This is a great opportunity to really see the children grasp the power of God s Word. Can t come every day but have 1 or 2 days available? Let us know and we can combine talents for a team effort. Games Do you like to be outside? We need a few good volunteers to monitor the participants on the playground and lead them in some fun activities. This is a great opportunity for the youth of the church to take on a leadership role. Crew Leaders One of the best things about VBS is that by the end of the week, each group has become its own little family. Be a part of the family by leading the participants around to each of their stations! NO advance work is necessary. Youth volunteers are welcome and encouraged. Nursery We are looking for one more adult/youth to staff the volunteer nursery. This service provides the opportunity for parents with younger siblings to help out with our VBS program. Iron Ministry Do you like to iron? We needs some volunteers for early in the week to iron on transfers the kids will make so they each have their own t-shirt to wear on Friday! Work in the comfort of your own home. Photographer Like to take pictures? Come to VBS and walk around documenting all the fun we are having! Prayer Warriors VBS would never happen without a lot of prayer! Keep a watch for a special bulletin board with prayer opportunities as we count down to VBS. Have a question? Want more information? Ask Volunteer Coordinator Sue Ferguson or send an to vbs@cpcfairfax.org 5

6 Assisting in Worship Sunday June 26th Liturgist: 8:30 Mary Ellen Absetz; 11:00???? Audio: 8:30?? Children s Message:????? 11:00??? Counters: Betsy Stagno & Tom Ransom Deacons: Chris Hagan & Kathy Plecity Ushers: (11) Jim Baer (captain), Maria Potts, Denise Beach & David Motter (8:30 ) Mark Plecity or Bill Schmidt Greeters: 8:30 - Loper Family; 11 - Ransom Family New schedule Posted in Narthex. Help Needed: 11AM Audio person for this Sunday! Directory Updates New address & phone number for Kim Cameron: Green Park Way Centreville, VA New for June Gladding: june.gladding@verizon.net Our Birthdays Natalie Eberhart June 29 Jack Mercer June 30 Jeff Kane July 04 Erica Absetz July 07 Sam Himes July 07 Andy MacLean July 09 Matthew Soroko July 09 Wendy Shaw July 09 Kimberly Ferguson July 12 John Mercer July 12 Mark Plecity July 12 Katie Simi July 12 Stephanie Twedt July 12 Joyce Norvell July 13 Peter Roth July 14 Trevor Smith July 14 Kirstin Mercer July 15 Stephen Nelson July 18 Patrick Cahill July 20 Dereck Rinehart July 20 Breana Tate July 23 Devon Beach July 24 Amelia Hamby July 25 Keith Scroggs July 25 Joshua Soroko July 27 Kevin Gilbert July 28 Ben Nelson July 28 6

7 We really need people to volunteer to be Lay Readers on Sunday mornings at the 10:00 o clock worship service. Won t you please consider giving a little of your time to help with the worship programs in this way? The sign -up sheets are on the bulletin board opposite the church office. Or you may just give Karen Cheslock a call at to sign up for a date Per Capita $34.00 per member (Including confirmed children) 7