The Runner. I am His to catch... The First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights October Isaiah 52:7

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1 Isaiah 52:7 David B. Carver, Pastor 50 Stratmore St Pittsburgh, PA The Runner The First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights October 2015 The Circus Seimoneit-Barum was a family-operated I am His to catch... a rac on in Germany from Much of what happened there was typical of the genre at various points there were a few lions, some clown acts, and, of course, the trapeze ar sts. Some years ago, the circus was visi ng the town of Frieburg and pastor/writer Henri Nouwen was in a endance with his father. He was in awe, and later wrote, I will never forget how enraptured I became when I first saw the Rodleighs move through the air, flying and catching as elegant dancers. The next day, I returned to the circus to see them again and introduced myself to them as one of their great fans. They invited me to a end their prac ce sessions, gave me free ckets, asked me to dinner, and suggested I travel with them for a week in the near future. I did, and we became good friends. In This Issue: Pastor s Letter 1 Calendar 2 Opportunities 3 Retreat Form 4 Preschool 5 Famine Relief 6 Famine Relief 7 Deacons 8 Deacons 9 Open Door 10 Prayers 11 One day, I was si ng with Rodleigh, the leader of the troupe, in his caravan, talking about flying. He said, 'As a flyer, I must have complete trust in my catcher. The public might think that I am the great star of the trapeze, but the real star is Joe, my catcher. He has to be there for me with split-second precision and grab me out of the air as I come to him in the long jump.' 'How does it work?' I asked. 'The secret,' Rodleigh said, 'is that the flyer does nothing and the catcher does everything. When I fly to Joe, I have simply to stretch out my arms and hands and wait for him to catch me and pull me safely over the apron behind the catchbar.' 'You do nothing!' I said, surprised. 'Nothing,' Rodleigh repeated. 'The worst thing the flyer can do is to try to catch the catcher. I am not supposed to catch Joe. It's Joe's task to catch me. If I grabbed Joe's wrists, I might break them, or he might break mine, and that would be the end for both of us. A flyer must fly, and a catcher must catch, and the flyer must trust, with outstretched arms, that his catcher will be there for him.' (from Wri ngs, Orbis 1998) When I read Nouwen s account, I was struck at once by the number of mes when I ve been frustrated in my a empts to try to reach out to Jesus and find that I could not grasp him the way that I felt I should. Yet upon further reflec on, it occurred to me that not once have I ever held out my arms in trust and been allowed to plummet into oblivion. Faith, for me, is constantly re-learning and rehearsing the great truth that Jesus is there for me. He is not mine to manage, not mine to control but rather, I am his to catch. I m trying to remember that. Perhaps the image, and the reminder, is good for you, too.

2 The Runner October 2015 Page 2 October Calendar

3 The Runner October 2015 Page 3 Events & Opportunities Session October 21st Dinner 5:45 pm Worship 6:30 pm Meeting 7:00 pm Deacons October 12th 7:00 pm Steering Committee October 1st 6:30 pm Events 10th Hayride 16th-18th Youth Group Retreat What is Fall without a Hayride? Come join us on Saturday, October 10th at Reilly s Farm. We will gather at the church at 6:00 PM to carpool and the tractor will leave at 7:00 PM. When we return we will have a big Bonfire waiting for us. So come on out, have a S More and have a good time! The best part is that the cost is free. All Church Retreat Are you looking for a chance to hang with old friends and make new ones? Would you like to get away from your routine and spend some intentional time with God and nature? Come to the 2015 All Church Retreat at Camp Crestfield in Slippery Rock, PA! The weekend will include times of praise and worship, teaching and discussion, recreation, and free time. Former Open Door Director and current Executive Director of the Center for Public Justice, Stephanie Maier Summers, will facilitate the weekend's discussion times. See the included registration form for details and register now to reserve a room and your spot for this special time. If you have questions about the weekend please call the church or talk with Barb Prevost or Adam Simcox. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and your relationships with fellow Chupsters!!! 20th The Table Help Wanted 23rd-25th All Church Retreat 28th REAL FOOD 30th Open Door Halloween party We would like to make a big effort to get the kitchen work completed. If you would be interested in helping us prioritize and develop the finishing work, we d like you to be a part of the team. We would especially like to hear from those for whom the kitchen is a big part of your ministry so we can make things more efficient for everyone. If you can help, please talk to Joann Mikula or Dani Anderson.

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5 The Runner October 2015 Page 5 Preschool News Preschool is off to a busy start! The children are exploring all the new centers and activities. Some of their favorite choices are the kitchen area, train tracks, rice table & puzzles. They are quickly learning the school routine and enjoy the songs and stories at circle time. Whether it s playing with new friends or being with familiar faces the children are enjoying the start of the school year together. HOAGIES ARE BACK! Order your North Shore Deli hoagies by October 11th. Delivery is Tuesday, October 20th between 5-6 pm. Choice of 12 Italian or Turkey and Swiss. Cost is $6 each.

6 The Runner October 2015 Page 6 International Partnership Of Pittsburgh Presbytery A Cord of Three Strands is Not Quickly Broken Is It? Helping Our Partners in a Time of Need The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is describing the unfolding food shortage in Malawi as critical, urging Presbyterians around the world to pray and support efforts to help people in need. In addition, our partner churches in South Sudan are continuing to deal with the threat of famine stalking the land in the wake of more than eighteen months of civil war and violence. Floods in Malawi have washed away crops and armed conflict in South Sudan has prevented farmers from even sowing their seeds. As a result, the International Partnership Ministry Team of Pittsburgh Presbytery has joined with The Malawi Mission Network, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Presbyterian World Mission are calling for a Day of Prayer and Fasting on World Food Day, Friday, October 16, followed by a Day of Action on Sunday, October 18, to collect contributions for food aid. The situation is desperate, said the Rev. Debbie Braaksma, Africa area coordinator, who, along with Nancy Collins, regional liaison for Presbyterian World Mission, traveled throughout Malawi this past month. As the body of Christ we need to stand by our sisters and brothers to support them as they seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus to respond to the hunger crisis unfolding in their midst. Braaksma and Collins traveled in all three Malawian synods of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian to see and hear about the devastation firsthand. What we saw and the stories we heard were very sobering, Braaksma said. Now is the time for Presbyterians to respond through sacrificial giving to prevent a large scale loss of life in Malawi. Working with the ACT Alliance, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has partnered with the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian to distribute food to those most in need, using information supplied by the ACT Malawi Forum. The forum assesses need by region and provides monitoring and evaluation through onsite visits, as well as a peer mechanism process to ensure mutual accountability. Food items, such as maize flour, beans and cooking oil are distributed, with special attention given to pregnant women, children under age five, and persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, the food security outlook in Malawi for October through December 2015 is in the category of stressed or crisis, especially for poor households.

7 The Runner October 2015 Page 7 Meanwhile, in South Sudan, we continue to partner with Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency in providing emergency relief for families in Jonglei State and Malakal affected by the recent violence. The assistance is improving health conditions, increasing the availability of clean drinking water, providing food and non-food necessities, and helping to secure livelihoods. Conflict in South Sudan since December 2013 has killed tens of thousands of people and forced nearly 1.5 million people from their homes. Some 500,000 additional people have become refugees in neighboring nations. Right now, there are 2.5 million facing emergency levels of food insecurity. In partnership, we are also supporting peace-building initiatives in the country, helping to strengthen and support families and communities as they return home and seek peace. When a team from Pittsburgh Presbytery visited our partners in the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC) in January 2015, we were shocked to see how dire the situation had become since our initial 2013 visit. Again, to reference the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, harvesting in Greater Upper Nile is expected to begin in September, one to two months later than normal, due to conflict-related delays in planting, and replanting after early season crop loss. Significant reductions in area cultivated will limit green crop availability in conflict-affected areas. The International Partnership Ministry Team is asking all congregations in Pittsburgh Presbytery to join in this international day of prayer and fasting and to make significant and sacrificial contributions that will assist our partners in South Sudan and in Malawi. Individuals may contribute by sending a check made payable to Pittsburgh Presbytery with African Famine Relief noted on the memo line. Congregations may use the Remittance Form for Mission Contributions indicating the amount and African Famine Relief under Presbytery Programs on the line for International Partnership Designation. All donations will be directed to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which will then be forwarded to our partners in Malawi and South Sudan. Please give generously. The CHUP Youth Group Reacts to this Growing Crisis The Youth Group has committed to participating in the fund-raising for this event in a very big way. They knew that they would raise funds as usual during the 30-Hour Famine in early However, they also knew that their brothers and sisters in Christ needed relief NOW. So the young CHUPsters took it upon themselves to ask Session for a loan so that CHUP could be a part of the famine relief this month. These funds will then be paid back from the proceeds of their own fund raising. Please encourage the spirit of caring determination in the hearts of these young people by helping them not only pay back their loan, but adding to it for the relief of the hungry in Africa. Participate in the Day of Prayer and Fasting and the Day of Action, give generously, and thank God for the work He is doing in the hearts of the young people, both here and abroad.

8 The Runner October 2015 Page 8 From the Deacons Desk October 2015 God is the Giver of All Good Gifts. Let us respond gratefully and joyfully! Join the Deacons in sharing the bounty God has given with our neighbors. Special Offering for The Table Ministry Please consider making a special offering on Sunday, October 4 th to help a team of CHUPsters serve one meal per month at The Table, a ministry sponsored by the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community. It costs about $250 for each meal, and the team serves people each time. Please contact Joe at if you would like to bake cookies or serve meals on Tuesday, October 20 th. Food Pantry Needs When doing your grocery shopping, please consider buying a few items for the food pantry. We are in need of spaghetti & sauce, canned chicken & tuna, chicken & tuna helper, mac & cheese, and complete meals. If you would prefer to donate a grocery gift card, please feel free to give it to Pastor Dave. Thanks for helping us support our neighbors who need nutritious food. Service Opportunities at the All Church Retreat Join the Deacons on Saturday, October 24 th during the retreat at Crestfield for a variety of opportunities to share yourself with others. We plan to make cards and gifts for our elderly members, as well as to write letters to our elected officials encouraging them to allocate funding for initiatives related to food security. Donations for the Holidays If you have extra Thanksgiving or Christmas cards from past years, please consider donating them to the Greeting Card Ministry Center. Remember that you are welcome to use the cards to write a note of encouragement to someone who would benefit from your care. If you would like to help the Deacons to provide Grocery Gift Cards for needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can contribute via cash, check made out to the CHUP Deacons, or gift card. You can hand your gift to a Deacon or put it in a labeled envelope in the offering. Watch for other opportunities to bless our neighbors through the Open Door s Neighborhood Thanksgiving Meal on Friday, November 20 th and by donating supplies for their Christmas Party Gift Bags.

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10 The Runner October 2015 Page 10 The Open Door Afterschool News Family Fun Night October 12 Join us for the first Family Fun Night of the year. It ll be a great time with food, games and lots of laughs. Everyone is invited--bring the family and join us October 12 at 6:00 PM at the Open Door! Halloween Party October 30 K-5 6:00 PM-7:30 pm :00 PM-9:30 pm Don t miss out on the Open Door Halloween Party. Wear your costumes and come out for a great time. There will be no after school program on October 15. Youth Group Schedule October 7 pm October 7 pm October Youth Group Retreat October 18 No Regular Youth Group October 25 No Regular Youth Group The Youth Group is for anyone in grades We meet most Sunday nights on the top floor of Crafton heights Church. At Youth Group, we usually play games, sing a song or two, and talk about what is important in our lives. We really hope that you will come and hang out with us. If you have any questions, or do not want to come alone, please call or youth@chup.org. Help with donations We can use donations of the following items. Some you might even have at home! If you have questions let Brad know. You can drop items off in the box outside of Brad s office. Items Needed 2-Liter bottles (empty and clean) Mason jars and lid rings Kleenex boxes (the taller kind) Nerf guns or darts (no battery operated) Small knit gloves (pairs or singles-clean) Mentoring Program The Open Door is in the process of starting a new one-on-one mentoring program. We are accepting applications for mentor s and mentee s. If you or someone you know is interested contact Brad by calling or by brad@opendoorpgh.org. Check out our website at

11 The Runner October 2015 Page 11 Prayers, Concerns and Joys Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Prayer Concerns Members: Paul Imhoff, Ed Kososki, Dolly Bock, Harry knight, Bill Hyslip, Erlina Mae Adler, Linnea Kunicky, Maryanne Richardson, Marg Tranter, Gwen Lightell Miller, Cheryl Reed, Joey Szumigalski & family, Justin & Eric Barth, the homebound and those in caring facilities. Friends & Relatives: Anya Maciulewski, Charles Moore, John Redd, Debbie Beatty, Duane Eagan, Jean Grekis, Sam Wooding, Angie Hollanger, Virginia & Harold Trunick, Eadie Children, Stan Kuhn, Gary Rivit, Lisa Behr (Julian), Betty Hartlep, Krieger family, Mark Mattern, Elijah Todd, Louise Wilkie, Harold Garrison, Tracey & Laurie Trunick. Sympathy McConnell Family, on the loss of Lil s sister, Gladys Hindes. Family of Robert Haviland. Kish Family, on the loss of Michele s brother, Jack McGinley. Thank You Words cannot express our gratitude for all of the prayers, love, thoughts, help and encouragement that we received during the difficult time after our apartment fire. We are truly blessed to be a part of this loving and caring church family. Rick and Beverly Johnson "Thanks to all who have remembered me with cards and prayers during my illness." Bill Hyslip Thanks to everyone who came out and supported The CHUP Blood Drive on September 13. Please mark your calendars for our next drive Sunday, December 6, Michele and Gabe Kish October Birthdays 5 th Benjamin Veltman 6 th Karen Dreyer 7 th Alyssa Eadie 9 th Sydney Weaver Andrew Knouff 11 th Lindsay O Connor 12 th Daniel Durkin Madison Weaver 13 th Campbell Simcox Piper Gielarowski 15 th Erica Markus 16 th Ricky Lane 17 th Haylee Seeberger 18 th Carol Abel Karen Seeberger 19 th Dani Anderson 21 st Clare Weaver 25 th Kristie Connor 27 th Colleen Lane 28 th Penny Zeisloft 29 th Noah Lane Micah Veltman 30 th Richard Lane Stephanie Summers Congratulations Recently married: Beverly Steinmetz & Rick Johnson Jonathan Mack & Rebecca Lacey Egypt Bey & Kevin Maxson Articles for the November Runner are due on or before Sunday, 10/18/2015.

12 First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights 50 Stratmore Street Pittsburgh, PA NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 862 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Worship Schedule Faith Builders for all ages 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am October 2015 The Runner A Monthly Newsletter Published by The First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights 50 Stratmore Street Pittsburgh, PA Articles due the 3rd Sunday of each month