focus First Presbyterian of Ionia Pastor Water, Church Events

Transcription

1 First Presbyterian MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF IONIA AUGUST 2010 VOLUME 8 First Presbyterian Church of Ionia is engaged in living out our missional work in the community. Our vision to reach Ionia in genuine Christian service is our purpose and focus. Come join us in our grace-filled work and worship as we gather together seeking God's work in the world. of Ionia focus Pastor Water, Kate Water, Everywhere Summer is in full swing and we are relishing the warm weather, summer time activities, family reunions, picnics and vacations..all reminding us that God's presence is with us in the simple pleasures of life. Many of our summertime activities are around bodies of water: ponds on the family property, oceans on the coasts, or nearby Lake Michigan. Writer Loren Eiseley in The Immense Journey says: "If there is magic on this planet it is contained in water. A wind ripple may be translating itself into life." This summer, in our worship together as a growing congregation, we have studied our sacred scriptures and witnessed God's beauty in God's creation, through this gift of life giving water. When we sing the old Presbyterian Hymnal favorite "Thank You God, for Water, Soil and Air" we are affirming our praise of God's creation all around us. Psalm 104 tells us clearly and boldly: Creator God. Create in us such a sense of wonder in all your gifts of creation. Another favorite hymn we've been singing this summer is "All Creatures of Our God and King" which is based on the Canticle of Creation written so long ago by St. Francis of Assisi. The ancient Hebrews got it right. "The Spirit of God moved over the face of the waters." And the Spirit of God is still moving over the waters over, under, in, through, and amidst the waters as the Spirit moves and enlivens all of our God given creation. Continued on page 2 Church Events 08/01 - Farewell to Janet Rice 08/05 - Watering & Weeding 08/07 - "Under the Tent" Trash & Treasure Sale - 9AM to 4PM at the F.U. M.C. 08/12 - Watering & Weeding 08/18 - Mission Committee Meeting at 4 PM at Sue Thompson s lake home 08/19 - Retirees meet at 12 noon at Linda's 08/19 - Soup Kitchen - Team 4 08/19 - Watering & Weeding 08/19 - Worship Committee Meeting 7PM 08/22 - Memorial Fund Committee meets time TBA 08/22 - Pick up Session Packs in Memorial Room 08/26 - Watering & Weeding 08/26 - Session meets at 7 PM 08/28 - BBQ Celebration at Pastor Kate's at 5 PM

2 Serving our Church this Month Liturgists 8/1 Keith Sterner 8/8 Sarah Jane Hanson 8/15 Joy Prelesnik 8/22 Justin VanSyckle 8/29 Jim VanSyckle Ushers 8/1 Bob (head) & Laurie Sykes, Perry & Margaret Gregory 8/8 Ray (head) & Lucy Hughes, Mary Flint, Janet Rice 8/15 Ron (head) & Margaret Story, Larry & Nadine Tiejema 8/22 Ian Rozich (head), Emily Rozich, Anna VanSyckle, Emily Sykes 8/29 Bill (head) & Joann Fuhrman, David & Evelyn Ransom Acolytes 8/1 Megan Ransom 8/8 Lillian Smith 8/15 Ryan Stephens 8/22 Shelly Reglin 8/29 Megan Ransom Communion 8/1 Cindy Rozich, David Hoover, Norma Kilpatrick, Margaret Gregory, Lavonna Hoover Soup Kitchen 7/15 Sue Thompson (Captain), Janice Ferguson, Diane O Mara, Gwen O Mara, Becky Magee MISSION Two people are needed to fill vacancies on one soup kitchen team. Please let Marilyn McKay know if this is something that you could help with. Mission Committee will be meeting at the lake home of Sue Thompson Wednesday, August 18, 2012 at 4:30 pm for a pot luck dinner. We will carpool from the Church parking lot leaving at 4:15 pm. Check with Sue if you can t remember what you signed up to bring. There is a garden watering sign up sheet for August in the Memorial room for anyone who could help take a turn watering the giving garden. A big thank you to those who have participated so far. We should be able to start picking our produce soon now that the beetles seem to be under control! Make sure to sign the garden book in the container by the east entrance when you work in the garden. Thank you, Marilyn McKay Water, Water, Everywhere continued from page 1 As the Ionia County Free Fair this July we handed out cold bottles of clean water to fairgoers.in the name of Jesus, our model of 'giving a cup of water' to those who are thirsty. [Matthew 10:42] It was a missional gesture that was life giving and life affirming. So the next time you, Dip a canoe paddle into a lake, Or cast a fly to a rising trout, Or step into the shower, Or bend your heard toward a drinking fountain, Or watch the rain fall slowly on the grass, Or shed a tear, Or contemplate the incredible liquids now coursing Through your own body, Or wade into a river and go with the flow, Then by all means give thanks to God for the gift of water. - John Paarlberg Reformed Worship Issue # 35 It is my prayer for each of you this summer: May you all drink of the water of life and experience God's incredible substance and power. Shalom ~ Pastor Kate Do you want a sneak peek at Sunday s Service? Do you need a copy of a previous newsletter or bulletin? Check our website on the Publications page.

3 WORSHIP AND WELLNESS Submitted by Sue Thompson 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. How's your temple? Anything that gets us up and moving is a good thing. Join us in September for a weekly dance/aerobic workout class. God created legs and arms, hips and hands so let's Zumba- -good times with good friends moving to Latin music. Specific dates and time to be announced pending the resolution of our technical difficulties. Are you interested in a healthier body, mind and spirit? Perhaps yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation will help. Yoga classes are held Sunday evenings at 7pm and will resume in September. First Presbyterian Zumba and yoga DVD classes are informal, open to all and are free of charge. Bring a friend and be prepared for fun. Remember laughing burns calories. (15 minutes of laughter burns off 2 Hershey kisses) 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. Kosbar Scholarship Recap Submitted by Keith Patterson In the month of July, 2010 the Ionia First Presbyterian Church honored seven college age students with scholarships during our worship services. This fund was created by Helen Kosbar, a longtime member of our church, in 1994 for the youth of our church. The current year students, their colleges & curriculum are: Lauren Haney -Ferris State University Social Work/Languages Nathan Haney - Western Michigan University OTC Training Caitlin Rozich - Western Michigan University Piano/Languages Ian Rozich - Lansing Community College Science/Genetics Tyler VanSyckle - Olivet College Music/Voice/Religious Studies Justin Van Syckle - Central Michigan University Sports Administration Alice Wilcox - Michigan State University Elementary Education Kosbar Scholarship Committee: Keith Patterson, Chairman, Lavonna Hoover, Janet Rice, Larry Tiejama, Linda Steele, Ashlynne Lobdell and Rev. Kate Huddelson Alice Wilcox received a Kosbar scholarship on July 25, 2010 to attend M.S.U. Lauren Haney and Nathan Haney each received a Kosbar scholarship on July 25 th to attend Ferris State University and W.M.U.

4 Jesus said: Matthew 10:42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward. Enjoy the Fair. Given in Love ~ First Presbyterian Church of Ionia ~125 East Main Worship at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday You Need to Know! Total Pledges 2010 = $71, Needed July = $41, Received July = $4, Weekly Avg. needed = $1, Weekly Avg. July = $1, Attendance 7/4 46 7/ / /25 52 Happy Birthday to You! JoAnn Fuhrman 8/5 Megan Ransom 8/5 Robert Nixon 8/10 Lucy Hughes 8/13 Thomas Cox Jr. 8/15 Warren Thompson 8/25 Lee Hunsberger 8/27 Jannea Ralston 8/28 Harkness Handbells Ring Out!! The Harkness Handbell Choir will be starting a new year with new adventures! We are open to the community for new members! We invite you to join us as we play for various events throughout the year. If you would like to join us and become a member, please call Sally Arabie at for more information. We will be playing at the Bertha Brock Fall Festival, the Women's Literary Club, and many other places. If you have an event that you would like us to play for, please call the First Presbyterian Church at or the Handbell Choir Director, Sally Arabie to schedule your event with us. We will be happy to play for you! Administration Team: [Nominating or Personnel] Building & Grounds Team: Stewardship Team: Membership & Care Ministry Team Reports - Forthcoming See Joy Prelesnick or Keith Patterson See Linda Hood or Mary Esther Daddzio See Mary Esther Daddazio/Lavonna Hoover See Norma Kilpatrick There are no Session Highlights this month due to postponement of the meeting in July.

5 Church Photo Directory - due August 23 DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL? Rev. Huddelson is hoping to collect a series of stories from members of the congregation to be included in a Church Anniversary resource, Ionia Presbyterian Stories. If you have had a significant experience of being inspired, guided, healed, touched, or transformed through an experience of God, others want to hear about it. If you feel led to share the story, please contact Rev. Huddelson at ioniapastor@sbcglobal.net. She will send you some guidelines on how to write the story. You do not have to be a writer to do this. She will help you craft the story to get the best out of it. If you have a favorite photo to include please attach to this form and it will be returned to you after printing. Name: Address: Phone: Out of Town Address: Family: Anniversary: Birthday: My vision for our church: Personal Memory or story to share: Due August 23

6 Outdoor Worship First Presbyterian Church of Ionia August 10:00 a.m. Hood Family Campground BBQ PICNIC to follow! We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Teach us to turn towards the beauty you have given us in your creation. Grant that we grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your name, now and forever. August 22nd, 2010 Hood Family Camp Contact Church for information on map, food preparation, etc. See you on the 22nd! Outdoor Worship Creative Liturgy Bring your lawn chairs & blankets Bring picnic food to share For folks living on the west end of town they can take a different route. They would take: M-66 north to Parmeter Rd. turn east go down about 1 mile to stop sign which is Jefferson Rd. Turn north. Go about 3/4 mile to Nickleplate Rd and turn east. Take Nickleplate about 3 miles to Stage Rd. stop sign. Stay on Nickleplate, cross over Stage Rd. continue east on Nickleplate (gravel) about 2 miles to Westbrook. Turn north on Westbrook. Travel about a mile, cross over bridge, continue to top of hill. Driveway on right side of road (east). Turn in drive and follow winding path to bottom of hill. Just north of 3612 Westbrook Rd.Take M-21 east of Ionia to Westbrook Rd. and turn left. It will be about 2.7 north of M-21.