From Pastor Bob s Desk

Transcription

1 March 2013 Hosanna to the King If there had been no palm branches to usher Christ in, Then there would be no singing, "Hosanna to the King". If there had been no shedding of blood nor pain, Then there would be no salvation to gain. If there had been no death on the cross, Then all mankind would be eternally lost. If there had been no resurrection from the dead, Then there would be no crown on His head. Hallelujah for the palms. Hallelujah for the pain. Hallelujah for the cross. Hallelujah for the crown. Inside this issue: Deborah Smith Plemmons Love Feast 2 Scriptures, Servants & Stats 3 WGT Calendar 4 Tiny Timbers Tidbits 5 Youth News 6 Camp Swatara 7 One Great Hour of Sharing 7 VBS 8 From Pastor Bob s Desk I don t know about you, but I am definitely ready for spring! I am writing this in late February, and I ve been ready for spring ever since coming back from California. Yes, I know it has not been a real cold winter, and we have not had a big snowfall (yet). But everything is dead and bleak. I really love spring. After 3 months of bleakness, those first flowers start to bloom in early March. Then later in the month, the grass turns green, and it looks like God took a giant paintbrush and colored his world green. Then come more flowers, then little leaves on trees, then flowering trees, then bigger green leaves. Our dead world comes to life! Spring is a reminder to us from God. Things die, but they will come back to life, and new life will spring up. You might say this is nature s way of preaching the message of Easter. Jesus died, but then rose again to a new body. He was the first to rise in this way. He is the firstfruits of the larger harvest to come. We all have to die sometime. But when Jesus comes again, there will be a spring of souls. We who have trusted him will rise to a new body. Best of all, this spring of souls will be an everlasting spring. We will forever live in perfect fellowship with God, who is the source of life. We will never die again. There will be no more winters, just spring. For now, we are in the midst of Lent and it is still bleak and wintery. But spring is coming! Lent is traditionally a time to mourn for our sins, and repent of them. This may seem kind of bleak. But it helps prepare the way for the joy of Easter. Death does not have the last word. Life does! Do come join us in the weeks ahead as we move through Lent, celebrate Love Feast, and finally break through to Easter. I know Easter (like spring) is very popular. But don t you think it would be more meaningful if you would prepare your heart for it by worshipping with us in the weeks before? I hope to see you in the weeks ahead, as we build up to that joyful season of Easter. And as you see those first flowers bloom, think about what nature is pointing toward. In Christ s Hope, Pastor Bob

2 Page 2 March 2013 PREACHING SCHEDULE March 3rd - The Rich Ruler Scripture - Luke 18:18-30 A wealthy young man, a ruler among the Jewish people, comes to Jesus with a question. His encounter with Jesus ends with a surprising challenge: sell all you have, and give it to the poor. Jesus did not challenge any other person to do this, but maybe he knew this man had made money his god. In any case, all of us need to ask ourselves what our real treasure is - our money or our relationship with God. March 10th - Jesus the Prophet Scripture - John 2:13-22 We may have this image of Jesus as a nice guy, who was never angry or confrontational. But in this passage we see him as a prophet who shows righteous anger. He was outraged by priestly profiteering from religion, the desecration of God s house, and the exploitation of the poor. Are we outraged by such things today? March 17th - Dick Dickason will share from his heart with a message titled, But If Not from Daniel 3:1-18. March 24th - Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday From Son of Thunder to Apostle of Love Scripture - Luke 9:51-56, John 12:12-19; John 15:12-13 This will be a first person dramatic presentation. The pastor will be the Apostle John, who will relate things he learned through his time with Jesus, and the transformation Jesus brought about in his life. Both the Palm Sunday story and the cross will be woven in. March 31st - Easter Sunday That Was No Ghost! Scripture - Luke 24:36-45 The disciples have an encounter with the risen Christ, which changes them forever. Ultimately they go from being a fearful little band hiding behind locked doors, to being a force that no one can stop! The resurrection of Jesus can change us, too. Among other things, it gives us a great hope. Love Feast All who profess a saving knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ are invited to come to the tables to celebrate the Love Feast and Communion Service on Maundy Thursday, March 28th, beginning at. You will be blessed in this service of humility and thanksgiving as we remember the love our Lord had for us in that He was willing to be our sacrificial Lamb. Please come! I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:15 & 16

3 Page 3 Messenger Luke 18:18-30 Pastor Bob March Sermon Texts & Servants March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 Palm Sunday John 2:13-22 Pastor Bob Daniel 3:1-18 Dick Dickason Luke 9:51-56; John 12:12-19; John 15:12-13 Pastor Bob March 31 Easter Sunday Luke 24:36-45 Pastor Bob Pianist Brenda Geib Sylvia Weaver Sylvia Weaver Special Music Kari Slater Children Sing! Allison Huber Offertory Hymn Chorister June Kolp Sylvia Weaver Regena Tripp Regena Tripp Glenn Weaver Greeters 8 am Ruth Carlson Sarah & George Clugston Linda & Jim Spickler Angie & Daryl Harnish Dave & June Sauder Greeters Steve & Nel Bender Laurie & Kelsey Hollinger Gerald & Phyllis Hamme Bob & Shirley Dunkelberger Randy & Karen Ginder Leader Abigail Schwanger Diane Kulas June Kolp Audrey Estep Greg Seitz Ushers Youth New Horizons SS Class Faith Seekers SS Class Sojourners SS Class Sound Room 8 am Jerry Huber/Duane Martin Jerry Huber/Duane Martin Jerry Huber Jerry Huber/Merv McClenaghan Jerry Huber/Merv McClenaghan Sound Room Merv McClenaghan/ Jason Leonard Jeff Schwanger/ Merv McClenaghan Jeff Schwanger/ Duane Martin Jeff Schwanger/ Jason Leonard Jeff Schwanger/ Jason Leonard 8 am Nursery/ Toddler Jason & Kari Slater Daryl & Angie Harnish Mike & Marcia Hawthorne Nursery Lou Trout & Brenda Axe Abigail Schwanger & Jamie Gruber Shawn & Lisa Cannon Kulas Family Toddler Haverkamp Family Joel & Kelly Garber Jason & Holly Leonard Groff Family Sarah Kolp January & February Stats January 27 February 3 February 10 February 17 Total Sunday School General $5, $4, $4, $3, Building $50.00 $50.00 Deacon $95.00 $30.00 $40.00 $60.00 Seminary $45.00 $20.00

4 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday am Women s Fellowship Mystery Outing 4:45pm 8:00 am Sunday School 9:15 am First Tuesday 6:45 pm 6 Jr. High Clubs, Sr. High Clubs am Crochet Time 8:30 am Turn Clocks AHEAD 8:00 am Sunday School 9:15 am VBS Noon Tiny Timbers Board Meeting 12 Commission Mtg. Board Mtg. 8 pm 13 Jr. High Clubs, Sr. High Clubs 14 COBYS Banquet at Middle Creek CoB 6:30 pm Hour Famine am Pancake Breakfast 30-Hour Famine 8:00 am Sunday School 9:15 am Kid s Church April EVERGREEN NEWS Submissions Due 19 Deacon Mtg. Spring Begins 20 Jr. High Clubs, Sr. High Clubs am Love Feast Bread Baking Easter Egg hunt Palm Sunday 24 Anointing Sunday 8:00 am Jr. High Clubs, Sr. High Clubs 28 Love Feast 29 Good Friday Office Closed 30 Sunday School 9:15 am Easter Sunday 31 8 am Sunday School 9:15 am

5 Page 5 Time seems to be flying here at Tiny Timbers. The children have been busy grocery shopping, which was a really big hit. Each of them had an opportunity to be a shopper, a cashier, or bagger. Also, the children have been splashing around in the water with their ocean animals in the sensory table & have had the chance to play with office equipment. I had to laugh because I was asking each of them what their favorite activity was to do in the office. Some of them pointed to the typewriter but didn t even know what it was called. We had our Valentine s Day celebration which is always fun for the children. We are grateful for all the parents who come in and volunteer throughout the year and for helping to plan special activities. Teacher conferences were held & went well. It is amazing to see how the children have progressed since the beginning of the year. They are recognizing more letters & showing improvement in writing their names. After several months together, the children are settling into a routine and are more comfortable talking with us and playing with their friends. Their smiles and hugs always brighten our day! They continue to be good listeners during Bible stories and love singing about God. What a wonderful way for our children to embrace Him n their lives. Miss Susan & I feel very blessed to be a part of Tiny Timbers. We appreciate the classroom donations and are grateful for your continued prayers and support. Please take a moment to come see our classroom bulletin board filled with our Hearts of Joy! Brethren Village Auxiliary I attended the Brethren Village Auxiliary meeting in January. The Auxiliary made $1, from the Cookie Sale at Christmas time. I want to thank you for donating cookies. The Auxiliary is having the Easter Candy Sale on Friday, March 22nd in the Wolfe Auditorium from 9 am till 1 pm. If you would like to donate candy for the sale, please have it at the church on Thursday, March 21st by Noon. Please put it in the kitchen & it will be picked up & taken to Brethren Village. West Green Tree Church and Fairview Church of the Brethren are in charge of the Birthday Party for the residents on July 2nd. If you are interested in helping with this, please see Rose Hibshman. Miss Maria, MWF Assistant Attention Greeters The Hospitality Committee is reminding those that are on the schedule for the 8 am greeting time to please be punctual. Our service at 8 am is a smaller group of people, but we would like to follow through with our greeting time until otherwise notified. Thank you! WGT Hospitality Committee Cindy Collins, Mandy O Brien, Heather Haverkamp & Dawn Dupler View Bald Eagles Join us on March 24th to view the Bald Eagles at the Conowingo Dam. We will leave the church at 1 pm. Pack a lunch & we will eat at the church & head out for an afternoon of fellowship while enjoying these majestic birds. Things to bring: binoculars, camera, walking/hiking shoes, warm clothes & an adventurous spirit! There is a flat hiking trail that follows the river where the eagles may be viewed or bring a chair & view them from the parking area. The plan is to carpool. Contact Audrey or Randy Estep at with questions. A sign up sheet is in the church lobby.

6 Page 6 Thank You! We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended & helped with the Valentine's Dinner! It was a huge success once again! The senior high youth raised $500 towards their "Acquire the Fire" Conference in April. As always we are so touched by the support the congregation shows for the youth!! We look forward to a great conference in New York City filled with bands & speakers such as Lecrae, Desperation Band, Shonlock, Andy Mineo, Ron Luce, John Gray & Mike Guzzardo. If you have a minute and want to see more on what the senior high youth will be doing please check out the website, Thanks again to the West Green Tree Congregation for all of your support! The youth group could not thrive without you!! In God s Love, Your Senior High Youth Group 30 Hour Famine We would also like to take this opportunity to let you know about the 30 Hour Famine the Jr. & Sr. High Youth will be doing on March 15 & 16! We will be collecting donations for this event from now until then. If you are interested in donating please see any of our youth members or come out to our Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast on March 16th from 7 am - in the Fellowship Hall! We look forward to seeing you! If you have questions about the Famine PLEASE ask youth member & they will be happy to give you all the details!!! :) Winter Weather Service Cancellation Information Winter is here & that means colder temperatures, snow & ice, and hazardous driving! In the event that WGT needs to cancel or delay services, please tune to the following to check on the status of services. * *WHP - Channel 21 *WPMT - Channel 43 *CW - Channel 15 *FM 90.3 WJTL (radio) * Anniversaries 3/2 - Shawn & Lisa Cannon 3/3 - Colton & Brienna Brown 3/5 - Walt & Lois Schwanger 3/15 - Mike & Robin Cicero 3/18 - Edgar & Diane Sides 3/24 - Doug & Janessa Daniels Birthdays 3/1 - Katherine Gebhard 3/3 - Charlie Mitchell 3/6 - Sandra Dickason 3/8 - Mandy O Brien 3/9 - Randy Ginder 3/10 - Dean Garber 3/12 - Gary Collins 3/13 - Sheila Miller 3/16 - Krystle Shoemaker, Lisa Shoemaker 3/20 - Betty Jane Swarr 3/21 - Traci Clugston, Linda Gerdel, Charlotte Riggleman 3/23 - Justin Hawthorne, Kelly McClenaghan, Trisha Williams 3/24 - Abigail Ramsey 3/28 - Clint Groff 3/28 - Kaitlyn Long

7 Page 7 CAMP SWATARA NEWS Check out the new and improved Camp Swatara bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall! If you were a camper last year you should have already received information for this year s camps. If you are new to camping check out the bulletin board, go on line at or facebook.com/campswatara. You can view some great videos of the camping program. You can also do all registrations on line this year. Registration forms are on the bulletin board if you prefer to do a paper registration. On the reverse side of this page you can see everything that is happening in April at camp. Two Spring weekends are offered for Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-6; a Sunday afternoon and evening of fun is on April 21 st ; 3000 Miles for Peace in honor of Paul Ziegler is on April 27 th ; and a retirement celebration in recognition of Marlin Houff s 32 years as camp administrator is on April 28 th. Lots of things to do and see! Be sure to contact the camp if you are interested in attending any of these events. Parents don t forget to get your Good As Gold Certificate for your camper from Jim Kolp. The church will pay half of the camping fee up to $ Information is on the bulletin board if you are interested in volunteering as a Camp Councilor. There are some paid positions still available and there is information about those as well. There s plenty for adults to do at camp. Some of the activities are listed on the bulletin board more will be coming as the summer season progresses. If you have any questions see either Jim or June Kolp. HAPPY CAMPING! From the Witness Commission We had the pleasure of hearing from Kelsey Hollinger in February about her mission experience in Uganda. Hearing about her experience gave us a personal account of the mission work that our church supports. We have also heard a few Minute for Mission moments during the Sunday services. We would like to keep the congregation informed of what it is we support, and how those gifts are being used to show Christ's love. In an effort to do this, the following is information about One Great Hour of Sharing. One Great Hour of Sharing is an offering that makes the love of Christ real for individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship, and for those who serve them through gifts of money and time. Today, projects are underway in more than 100 countries, including the United States and Canada. While specific allocations differ in each denomination, all use their One Great Hour of Sharing funds to make possible disaster relief, refugee assistance, development aid and more. The theme for the 2013 One Great Hour of Sharing offering continues to be Sharing Brings Joy, and this year the focus is bringing joy to God. When you participate in this offering, you are helping to empower projects all over the world, like bringing medical aid to Haiti, clean water to Nigeria, disaster relief to the US, and food to the hungry in 32 countries. This all happens because of volunteers and donors who give and serve through the many ministries of Global Mission and Service, Brethren Disaster Ministries, Brethren Volunteer Service, workcamps, the Global Food Crisis Fund, and many others. Sharing brings joy to us, to others, and to God, so please continue to generously support your Church of the Brethren ministries through One Great Hour of Sharing. Your offerings to this outreach may be placed in the jar located in the lobby under the mailboxes. More information on One Great Hour of Sharing, can be found on the Church of the Brethren website or on onegreathourofsharing.org. If you have any questions about other missions we support, please ask one of the Witness Commission members. Thank you!

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9 Page 9 Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services Fundraiser Remember to keep filling your bottles for the Baby Bottle Boomerang to benefit SVPS. Bottles should be returned to the church by Sunday, March 3rd. Bottles may be placed in the box marked for them in the lobby. Please see Lou Trout with questions regarding this fundraiser. Thank you for your participation in this fundraiser! Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services exists to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and uphold the sanctity of human life through sexual integrity education, unplanned pregnancy intervention and post-abortion restoration. Baby Bottle Boomerang is used to benefit the clients of SVPS in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Safe Church Several items are coming up that may interest you if you work with children at WGT. **A retreat for adult survivors of child sexual abuse is scheduled for April 6th from 8:30 am till 3 pm at Black Rock Retreat Center. This is open to anyone attending WGT & is free as a benefit for participating in Safe Church. Registration deadline is March 22nd. **On April 13th, beginning at 9 am, Samaritan Counseling Center will present another educational session for all adult members of WGT regarding the grooming process which will discuss the techniques sexual perpetrators use to groom children & their families. This session will be held at WGT & is recommended to all adults. **May 4th, from 8:15 am till Noon, there will be a training for anyone who works with our children & youth. It will be held at Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church. The Circle of Grace curriculum will be introduced. If you have any questions regarding any of these sessions, please see one of the Safe Church Committee members (Lisa Cannon, Brenda Drawbaugh, Tracy Drescher, Kathy Martin, & Cindy Seitz). VBS It is hard to believe, but we have already started planning VBS 2013!!! This year our theme is KINGDOM ROCK: Where Kids Stand Strong for God! Mark your calendars for July 15th - 19th from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, each day. There will be a preliminary meeting on Sunday, March 10 after 2 nd service. If you are interested in volunteering for VBS come out and learn about this year s VBS program. You may visit: group.com/vbs/kingdom-rock to see a preview of the program. If you have any knights or castle-type decorations or other items, please contact Jamie Gruber at Jamiemagnew@gmail.com as we are looking for some fun things (like a suit of armor if any of you have that lying around!) to help bring our theme home. You ll be hearing more about VBS in the coming months, but we wanted you to MARK YOUR CALENDARS now so you can either come and enjoy the program or volunteer to help make this year the best VBS yet! If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Gruber at or Jamiemagnew@gmail.com. Thanks! Tractor Sunday Mark your calendars now for Tractor Sunday being held at WGT on Sunday, April 28th! This is always a fun day for kids of all ages! Come enjoy a great message, good food, & an opportunity to check out some of the local farm tractors! Watch the bulletin in the coming weeks for more information.

10 WEST GREEN TREE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 740 Greentree Road Elizabethtown, PA WEST GREEN TREE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN Bob Vroon, Interim Pastor Audrey Estep, Licensed Minister Paula M. Jones, Administrative Assistant Phone: Fax: Our Purpose Statement We intentionally develop friends of Jesus Christ by sharing God s love through words and deeds. Sunday Service Times: Contemporary 8:00 am Sunday School 9:15 am Traditional Wednesday Service Times: Jr. High 7:00 pm Sr. High 7:00 pm