From Pastor Bob s Desk. February 2013

Transcription

1 February 2013 God s Valentine Gift God s Valentine gift of love to us Was not a bunch of flowers; It wasn t candy, or a book To while away the hours. His gift was to become a man, So He could freely give His sacrificial love for us, So you and I could live. He gave us sweet salvation, and Instruction, good and true-- To love our friends and enemies And love our Savior, too. So as we give our Valentines, Let s thank our Lord and King; The reason we have love to give Is that He gave everything. By Joanna Fuchs Inside this issue: Scriptures, Servants & Stats 3 WGT Calendar 4 Tiny Timbers Tidbits 5 Church Health Survey 8 Safe Church Update 9 Witness Commission Dates 10 From Pastor Bob s Desk Getting tired of winter? You re not alone! Even though it s been a slightly warmer than average one, it s still winter. As we enter February, we realize we probably have one more month of winter, followed by a transitional month. But at least the days are getting longer, and the sun is getting stronger, and average daily high temperatures are slowly rising. Come March, we can expect to see much more rapid progress toward spring. According to the church calendar, the season of Lent begins February 13 this year. The word lent comes from an old English word which means lengthening of days. Lent is a period of about 6 weeks preceding Easter. Since Easter is a little early this year (March 31), so is Lent. Traditionally, Lent has been seen as a time for self-examination and repentance. It is a time to grow closer to God, and to see where he wants us to make changes in our life. In some traditions, people give up something they like during Lent (like candy or some other treat), to show that they are serious about repentance. Seems to me it might be better to just give up some sin or bad habit, or to make some serious change in our lives (with God s help). Starting on the first Sunday in Lent (February 17), I plan to preach a series of sermons on encounters with Jesus. During his earthly ministry, a number of people had a personal encounter with Jesus. In this series, we will look at some of these encounters: the Samaritan woman at the well, a Roman centurion, a rich young ruler of the Jews, the money-changers at the temple, and the Apostle John. For some, their encounter with Jesus was a life-giving experience, while others were simply driven further in the wrong direction. It all depended on their response to Jesus. In any case, these encounters also give us some insight into who Jesus was. Lent is also a time when many churches hold special services. We plan to celebrate Love Feast during Holy Week. There may also be a special prayer meeting or other special events announced in weeks to come. And of course, all we do in Lent ultimately prepares us for a very special Easter celebration.

2 Page 2 February 2013 PREACHING SCHEDULE February 3rd - Called to Hands-on Ministry Scripture - Matthew 25:31-40 and 28:18-20 We live in a messed-up world, even in Lancaster County. People need the wholeness and life-change that Jesus brings. We are called to be his instruments in bringing salvation and transformation to the most needy and hurting people around us. This is often best accomplished through hands-on ministry to them. February 10th - Kelsey Hollinger Speaking February 17th - Encounter With Jesus: One Woman s Story Scripture - John 4:4-30 Today begins a series of sermons on encounters with Jesus. Some very different people had such an encounter. Their lives were impacted for good or ill, depending on their response to him. We begin with a Samaritan woman, who met Jesus beside a well. Her life was a mess. Her encounter with Jesus led her to put her faith in him, and receive salvation. She then spread the Good News to the people in her village. February 14th - An Outsider s Faith Scripture - Matthew 8:5-13 A Roman soldier has an encounter with Jesus. He is seeking healing for a beloved slave. Jesus commends him for his faith, and heals the slave. Jesus then comments that the kingdom of God will include many outsiders. People will come from east and west. But of course someone will have to take the Gospel to them. As spring brings new life in nature, so Easter means new life in the spiritual realm. We hope you can join us for worship services and special events like Love Feast, during this special time of the church year. And I pray that for all of us, this will be a time of change and growth leading to new life. Pastor Bob Lunch Break Prayer Meet in the prayer room each Monday at Noon during the month of February for a short time of prayer. A prayer request container will be located in the Narthex for you to write a prayer request and place your note in the container. This confidential request will be prayed over on Monday along with other prayer concerns. All are invited to come to the prayer room to help pray. Parents & grandparents, please encourage your children to write prayer requests as well. Anniversaries 2/3 - Randy & Audrey Estep 2/16 - Don & Ruthie Hollinger 2/25 - Mel & Brenda Geib 2/26 - Greg & Cindy Seitz Birthdays 2/1 - Matthew Ramsey, Cyrus Williams 2/2 - Nel Bender, Sarah Clugston, Diane Kulas 2/4 - Charles Drescher, Jim Spickler 2/5 - Darlene Breneman, Mason Garber 2/6 - Lisa Kreider 2/7 - Matt Martin 2/9 - Brad Drawbaugh 2/10 - Curtis Gruber 2/11 - Janessa Daniels 2/12 - Matt Haverkamp 2/14 - Donna Hollinger, Don Hollinger 2/15 - Barret Youtz 2/16 - Karen Ginder, Steve Miller, Pastor Bob Vroon 2/17 - Phyllis Hamme, John Townsend 2/20 - Trent Groff, Jean Landvater 2/22 - Brendan Haverkamp 2/23 - Krista Dickson 2/24 - Jessica Tripp 2/25 - Doug Breneman 2/26 - Janie Kreider 2/29 - Gerald Hamme

3 Page 3 February Sermon Texts & Servants Messenger February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24 Pastor Bob Matthew 25:31-40; 28:18-20 Kelsey Hollinger Pastor Bob John 4:4-30 Pastor Bob Matthew 8:5-13 Pianist Sylvia Weaver Janet Myers Brenda Geib Janet Myers Special Music Choir Ladies Quartet Choir Children Sing! & Audrey Garber Offertory Hymn Chorister Glenn Weaver Marilyn Keener Regena Tripp June Kolp Greeters 8 am Jerry & Julie Ruhl Mike & Marcia Hawthorne Dan & Krista Dickson Amy & John Burkhart Greeters Lou Trout & Cindy Collins John & Judy Nauman Barry & Sheila Miller Luetta Hess & Yvonne Johnson Leader Jeff Schwanger Tracy Drescher Kari Slater Audrey Garber 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/Duane Bender Jerry Huber/Merv McClenaghan Sound Room Merv McClenaghan/ Jason Leonard Jeff Schwanger/Merv McClenaghan Jeff Schwanger/Duane Martin Jeff Schwanger/Jason Leonard 8 am Nursery/ Toddler Jason & Kari Slater Daryl & Angie Harnish Mike & Marcia Hawthorne Nursery Toddler Lou Trout & Brenda Axe Abigail Schwanger Tracy & Nicole Drescher The Haverkamp Family Chad & Audrey Garber Joel & Kelly Garber Shawn & Lisa Cannon The Seitz Family January Stats January 6 January 13 January 20 Total Sunday School General $4, $4, $4, Building $50.00 $ $70.00 Deacon $70.00 $ Seminary $50.00

4 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday am Baby Bottle Boomerang 8:00 am Sunday School 9:15 am Fellowship Meal Noon 3 4 Lunch Break Prayer Noon - 12:30 pm Beth Moore Bible Study First Tuesday 6:45 pm 5 6 Jr. High Clubs, Sr. High Clubs Choir am Crochet Time 8:30 am Valentine s Dinner 6:30 pm 8:00 am Sunday School 9:15 am 10 Christmas Dinner Wrap-up Mtg. Noon 11 Lunch Break Prayer Noon - 12:30 pm Tiny Timbers Board Meeting Beth Moore Bible Study Jr. High Clubs, Sr. High Clubs Choir 14 Valentine s Day am 8:00 am Sunday School 9:15 am Kid s Church Lunch Break Prayer Noon - 12:30 pm Beth Moore Bible Study March EVERGREEN NEWS Submissions Due Jr. High Clubs, Sr. High Clubs Choir 21 Tiny Timbers Registration 6 pm - 8 pm am Youth Pizza Party 5:30 pm 24 Anointing Sunday 8:00 am Sunday School 9:15 am 25 Lunch Break Prayer Noon - 12:30 pm Beth Moore Bible Study 26 Deacon Mtg. 27 Jr. High Clubs, Sr. High Clubs Choir 28

5 Page 5 We, the staff and all the Tiny Timbers children and families have been battling with this flu that has been going around. Two of our staff had a touch of it along with some of the children and their families. We have used lots of hand sanitizer these past couple of weeks to try and prevent it from spreading. We hope you, the church family, have been able to stay well. The month of January we made snowman which the children made by us painting the bottom of their one foot. Stop in the Tiny Timbers Classroom to see their creative snowmen. The children learned to cut snowflakes that now decorate the windows of the doors to our Tiny Timbers rooms. The children were hoping to play in the snow, but since we had very little of it so far this school year, the teachers used our sensory table and put shaving cream in it so that the children could pretend they were playing in the snow. If you check the wall outside the Tiny Timbers room you will see the pictures of the children and the results of their pretend snow playing. Miss Cindy and I had the privilege of attending two preschool fairs. One was held at the Mount Joy Library and the other one at Gears Community Center in Elizabethtown. We were pleased to meet lots of mothers from the community looking for a preschool to have their child attend. We hope by attending these events, we may have some new families coming to our Open House Thursday, February 21st, from 6 to 8 PM and enroll their child into our Tiny Timbers program for the school year We are anxious to see what God has planned for His school here at West Green Tree in our next school year. We so appreciate your faithful support and prayers as we the staff of Tiny Timbers continue to reach out and teach these little ones from our church and the community about the Love of God. Blessings to you all, Ruthie Hollinger, Registrar and Tuesday/Thursday PM Christmas Dinner Wrap-Up I again want to thank everyone for all their hard work as we successfully extended a hand of fellowship to nearly 350 people this Christmas. As I thought of what to write to fully express the events of this year, I received a letter from an individual that we delivered a meal to and I think his words say it better than I ever could. Please read on from Bob in Manheim... On Christmas Day Mel and Brenda delivered a delicious holiday dinner to my house. I want to thank them and your congregation for this act of Christian kindness. The food was very enjoyable with very tender white turkey meat and delicious ham loaf (I enjoy the 2 served together as one meal) Thank you also for the 2 greeting cards: the one from Duane & Kathy Martin and the one that is handmade with the glittering star made with very nice workmanship by a student at Tiny Timbers Christian Preschool name "Krie". Thank you also for the English Standard Version New Testament. You had given me one last Christmas so now I have 2. Perhaps I can keep the one and offer the other copy to a neighbor. It's nice to have different translations in order to compare. I have quite a few: Martin Luther's German Bible of the 1530's era, The King James of 1611, the British Revised Version of the 1880's, the New King James Version, and recently I got a second handed New International Version. I became familiar with that version by listening to Pastor Kochsmeier's program on WDAC. I kept wondering what delightful translation he was reading from. I wrote to him & asked him to let me know over the air. Also thank you for that delightful little prayer rug made by Steven Dupler. It was very nicely done and contained such pretty colors. Your brother in Christ, Bob S. All of the little touches that each of you contributed to our Christmas dinner meant so much to so many and don't go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you brothers and sisters for sharing West Green Tree Church of the Brethren's love with our worldly brothers and sisters. Tracy Drescher

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8 Page 8 General Statistics: 38 members and 1 Non-member responded 14 identified as being in leadership Church Survey Results: Themes: Most believe that we are a welcoming, loving, family oriented congregation that emphasizes Bible based teaching, Sunday school, and outreach As a body, we have been challenged by coping with recent changes, finding a unified direction, and breakdowns in communication as a result Many believe that we have hard working leaders who are doing their best during the transition period Throughout the transition, there has been some conflict present within leadership Most believe that the ministry team provides solid messages and meaningful visitation to our congregation We need a vision, identity, and direction for ministry. Many believe that this will result once we choose a senior pastor. Attendance has declined during the transition. However, most responders report being committed to our church. We need to be open with one another when we are hurt, communicating in Christian love Forgiveness is vital to the health of our church We need to refocus on what God wants for our church. He is still in control and we must defer to Him through prayer and openness to His direction for us rather than our own desires We have moved away from our Brethren heritage and need to respect our history while creating a new church identity driven by God Summary: We are a strong, loving church that has been hurting since Pastor Ken left. We have been grieving the loss of a pastor and been challenged by uncertainty. It's natural to go through this process. In order to move forward, we need to unite as a body through prayer and reconciliation. Recommendations: Quarterly prayer meetings focused on church health We are currently looking into a formal reconciliation process through the Mennonite Central Committee Thank you for participating in these surveys! Please see a member of the Executive Committee (Phil Hollinger, Greg Seitz, Jere Fellenbaum, Matt Haverkamp, Angie Harnish, Duane Martin, Paula Jones) with questions or concerns. 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) * Valentine s Dinner Saturday, February 9th 6:30 pm This dinner is open to sweethearts & singles as well!

9 Page 9 Safe Church Update We continue to work on our revised child protection policy as we near the end with only 1 more meeting for the committee to attend. I want to thank my fellow team members for giving up their precious time on Saturday mornings; nearly 25 hours in all not to mention the hours dedicated to drafting our new policy. This continues to be quite a journey and while I recognize that there are concerns with some aspects of the policy, it is my hope that we, my brothers and sisters in Christ do as we are called to exercise in our own families. And that is to respect our differences and discuss concerns with one another so we can work together to make the best changes to our policy which includes training, screening and education all in an effort to help West Green Tree Church of the Brethren be a safe place for all. Some dates that are coming up include April 13th from 9-10 am Samaritan Counseling Center will present another educational session for all adult members of our congregation regarding the "grooming process" which will discuss the techniques sexual perpetrators use to "groom" children and their families. This session will be here at the church and is recommended to all adults, especially parents and other adults who work with children and youth. A retreat for adult survivors of child sexual abuse is scheduled for April 6th from 8:30-3:00 at Black Rock Retreat Center. This is open to anyone who attends WGT and is free to attendees as a benefit of participating with the Safe Church project. This is a time to lift up and empower adult survivors of sexual abuse as they reflect on their journey of healing. More information can be found on the bulletin board by the kitchen. And lastly, May 4th from 8:15 to noon there will be a training for anyone who works with our children and youth at Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church. At this time the Circle of Grace curriculum will be introduced. More details will follow but please mark your calendars and plan to attend. If you have any questions about any of the material that I've listed please feel free to seek out a member of the Safe Church Committee which includes myself, Janet Myers, Brenda Drawbaugh, Lisa Cannon, Kathy Martin, and Cindy Seitz. I want to end with a poem that I hope you appreciate as much as I: A Scar is a Scar A scar is a scar. It doesn't go away. The broken bone may be set, but in the healing, Traces of the injury remain. There it is. I was abused. I was hurt. And a scar is a scar. People around me say, "Forgive" Those who know nothing about brokenness and healing say to me, "Move on". Those who fear the pain say, "Don't look back". I insist on acknowledging this pain. I insist on recognizing the scar. I insist on remembering why there is this jagged, thin line. I insist on being here with me, on holding me, on saying, "That was wrong". Jesus, I know that you remember your pain. You still carry those scars that Thomas touched with his doubting. You insist that there was a real cost when you were hurt. Stand with me in this place of remembering. Stand with me as I clarify: Real injury means real pain. Stand with me in this truth: A scar is a scar. by: Catherine J. Foote Let WGT be a place for all of us to feel safe...and a safe place to heal. Respectfully submitted-tracy Drescher First Tuesdays We had a blast at the first First Tuesday program in January. The kids played games, made crafts, & had a lot of fun while learning. Thanks to Jes Groff, Cindy Seitz, & Chad Garber for helping us have a great night. February 5th from 6:45 pm till 8 pm will be the second First Tuesday program. Please come & have fun with your friends! The theme this month will be love. We will be making Valentine cards. We hope to see all kids ages 5 years old through 5th grade!

10 Page 10 Witness Commission News As we begin the new year, we are planning a host of events to enjoy throughout the year. We are looking forward to some of the same activities that we have enjoyed in the past, and also planning some new things. We are hoping to involve many of you as members, and reach out to those in our local community. Please let us know if there is a new event you'd like to see planned this year, or if you'd like to help plan an event we've done in the past. We're always looking for volunteers to help plan and carry out events or for donations of supplies! Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events: Baby Bottle Boomerang - February 3rd Easter Egg Hunt - March 23rd- rain date March 30th Drive Your Tractor to Church Day - April 28th Clothing Bank - June 8th VBS - July 15th - 19th The tentative schedule for the rest of 2013 includes the Elizabethtown Fair in August, Fall Fest in October, and Operation Christmas Child (shoeboxes) in November. December will include the Elizabethtown Parade, Angel Tree, and the Christmas Dinner. We are excited about all the upcoming events, and hope that you share in that excitement. Please be in prayer about how we can reach out to others through these events. If you are interested in helping with any activities or have any questions, please contact one of the Witness Commission members. Thank you! Angela Harnish, Julie Ruhl, Abigail Schwanger, Jackie Hemperly, and Tracy Drescher Upcoming Events Regarding Safe Church Below is a list of dates to mark on your calendar now regarding Safe Church & trainings. *March 2nd - Safe Church cluster meeting at WGT from 8:15 am till Noon *April 13 - Presentation at WGT from Samaritan Counseling Center. Part 2 adult education session the to general congregation. The DVD, It s not just Jenna will be presented. This session runs form 9 am till 10 am. *May 4th - Safe Church training for all staff and volunteers who work with children at WGT. This will be held at Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church, located at 1865 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster from 8:15 am till Noon. RSVP to Paula in the office. Tamar Speaks - A Retreat for Adult survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Adult survivors of abuse & others from the local faith communities are invited to join on April 6th, at Black Rock Retreat Center in Quarryville, for a day of reflecting on how journeys of healing give voice to Tamar, a daughter of King David, raped by her brother. Like many survivors today, Tamar silently carried the shame that rightfully belonged to her abuser. Led by Dr. Stephanie Van Deusen, the use of art, music, movement, writing, reflection, & discussion will help share with the faith communities & raise awareness about this issue and inspire others to use their power as adults to protect children from sexual harm. There is no cost for WGT congregants as we are a participating Safe Church church. Registration deadline is March 22nd. Forms are available on the bulletin board next to the kitchen or can be obtained by contacting Linda Crockett at , or her at Lcrockett@scclanc.org.

11 Page 11 A Note From Audrey It is hard to believe that I have finished my first year of classes at Evangelical Seminary, but that is not to say there have not been challenges and uncertainties. At times I struggled for clarity and the direction God had placed on my heart. However, in a sermon given by one of my professor s, Janet Stauffer, she reinforced how we recognize God s call in our lives. Her example was the calling of Samuel and knowing God s voice. Another example she gave was the heart test. Deuteronomy 4:29 says If you search for him with all your heart, you will find him. Yes, I thought, this needs to be an intentional search to listen and refocus on God s direction in my life. As I began to search for and listen more clearly to the voice I would recognize, my heart and mind began to stir. Now, this voice came through many people; through their encouraging words of affirmation. And I thank you for that, always continue to share! As I start my second year at ES, I have decided to pursue a Master of Divinity degree. My heart has been compelled by the Holy Spirit to seek fulltime ministry in Congregational Care or Chaplaincy. My M.Div. program track and concentration is in Marriage and Family Counseling with a continued interest in World Christianity. Currently, I am taking a Winterim class on Islam with Dr. David W. Shenk. Dr. Shenk is a Mennonite educator who has served in Somalia and has a heart to share the gospel with all who cross his path. During the spring semester, I will be taking two classes: Epistles and Survey of Christian Theology. My brothers and sisters, God has great things in store for West Green Tree Church of the Brethren. Why? Because we know God s voice! It is great to be part of this wonderful family. I end with God s Words of provision: Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. Deuteronomy 8:6-9 (NIV). God is always present, amen. Your sister, Audrey Free Tax Assistance is Available Free tax assistance is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by Elizabethtown College to individuals who need assistance with basic income tax return preparation. VITA is aimed at those for whom paid assistance may be out of reach - combined family income of $50,000 or less. Appointment times will be available Monday through Friday beginning February 1st through March 28th. VITA volunteers are trained to assist taxpayers with basic tax forms, including exemptions, deductions, & special credits for which some taxpayers may be eligible. PA state & local returns will also be completed. Appointments are necessary & can be made by calling

12 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 & Janet Myers Licensed Ministers 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