Transfiguration of the Lord Worship Service February 26, :30 a.m.

Transcription

1 P u b l i s h e d : J a n u a r y 2 3, Transfiguration of the Lord February 26, :30 a.m.

2 Dear Friends, Pastor s Pen Call me biased. I freely admit it. I am a Youth Sunday geek. You might as well throw Youth Club into the mix and the Youth in Mission Trip. Working with youth is a blessing. Each year our youth have the opportunity to lead us in worship and the high school seniors get to preach. The Sunday school classes prepare their prayers and select the creed. Members of the Teen Choir join their voices with the Children s Choir. There is a part for everyone. Youth Sunday also involves mission. We collect soup cans and monetary donations for the Food Center on Souper Bowl/Youth Sunday. What I find so refreshing at MPC is the way adults in the congregation smile when they see the youth. Adults are willing to teach Sunday School, become mentors for the confirmands and support them in fundraising. Youth are involved in the education committee and in the youth ministry committee. Christmas Eve 2016 Dick Scott surrounded by many of the youth he encouraged. Keep up the good work! Many times I have heard it said, Youth are the church of the future. I disagree. Youth are the church right now. Show them how to be the body of Christ. Pray for our youth. Pray for each other. Pray for the youth of our community in Morrisville, Yardley, Trenton and beyond. God bless you, Debbie YOUTH SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 5 On February 5, drop a dollar into a soup pot and unite with thousands worldwide who are putting God s love into action. Bring a can of soup to feed the hungry. Both the money and the soup will go to those in need through the MPC Food Center. This is just one of the many ways we can serve God and our neighbor. Please be a part of this important event. Log on to and get the total picture of the good that is being done. 2 10:30 a.m. & Communion Youth Sunday is also Souper Bowl Sunday

3 OUR CHURCH FAMILY Sacrament of the Lord s Supper The next Sacrament of the Lord s Supper will be celebrated on Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017 during the 7:00 p.m. worship service. Sacrament of Baptism Adults wishing to be baptized or parents requesting baptism for their child are asked to call the church office at HYMNALS Remembering our Identity An open book represents the scriptures of the Old and New testaments. We are grateful for the recent donation of our beautiful red Glory To God hymnals. We are now making the old blue hymnals available to anyone who wants a copy. Please help yourself to blue hymnals that are placed outside the Choir Room. We are keeping a set of the old blue hymnals for use by the choir and by Sunday School classrooms and are making a selection of copies which reflect the generosity of a prior generation of donors so that we can continue to honor the memory of loved ones in whose memory or honor the hymnals were dedicated. We discovered that the approximately 548 blue hymnals were donated by eight families or individual donors. We are attempting to contact the donors or their surviving family members to determine if any family member wants to keep any of the hymnals, but at this point have reached only one donor. We are happy to report that Sue Van Orden, now Agnes Sue Van Orden Northrup, resides at Attleboro. She and her second husband, Bob Northrup also a longtime MPC member, are still members of MPC and like to hear from their old MPC friends. MPC wishes to thank again the following people who donated blue hymnals and asks if anyone knows how to reach the uncontacted people in the following list, that they please inform the Church Office. Betty and Bill Jennings donated many hymnals in memory of various Aunts and Uncles and other family members. Susanne White, family and friends donated many hymnals in memory of D. Alan White. Sue Van Orden and family donated many hymnals in memory of Frederick Van Orden. Contacted. Arlene Spicer Dunphy donated a hymnal for Maude Piret. The Rev. Dr. Aaron Gast donated a hymnal for Mickey Lazenby Gast. Joan Ashmen donated two hymnals in memory of her husband Gerald (Gerry) Ashmen. There is an Anonymous donation in memory of W. Gregory Clark. There is an Anonymous donation in honor of Ethel G. Schacht. Suzanne White lived at Attleboro as recently as 2013 when she was listed in the MPC Directory. Does anyone know the whereabouts of any of her relatives? Our current MPC member, Joan Ashmen, is looking for the blue hymnal she donated in memory of her husband. If you have one of the blue hymnals at home, please check to see if it is dedicated to Joan Ashman s husband and if it is, please return it to the MPC Office and take another blue hymnal from those located outside the Choir Room. Thank you. 3

4 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 4 Adult Education Opportunities SUNDAYS 9:30 a.m. Conference Room Spiritual Practices to Connect with God s Love With Elder Ruth Workman Concludes February 5 God calls us to a lifelong journey of faith, and wherever we are on our journey, God is there, inviting us into a deeper relationship. During these three sessions, we will explore ways of connecting with God: inwardly through meditation and prayer; outwardly through simplicity, solitude and service; corporately through guidance and celebration. Bring your curiosity and your questions as we explore together. Cries of the Poor With Elder Nancy Powers and Jill Monroe-Dillon February 12, 19 and 26 What does the Bible say about our responsibility to transform our hearts and care for the poor? How do we enact justice? Listen to how God instructs us to love with action and truth. Parables of Lent With Elders Carol Carpenter and DeeAnn Martin March 5, 12, 19, 26 April 2 and 9 Jesus parables are stories that use earthly things and situations to teach us the secrets of the Kingdom of God. In this Lenten season, prepare your hearts to receive. Pastoral Care Reminder Members of the staff truly want to be attentive when members or friends of MPC are experiencing health difficulties. If you (or a family member) have been admitted to a hospital, please let us know by contacting the church office, and one of the pastors will be pleased to visit. You may also reach the pastors on their mobile phones: Bruce Ballantine Debbie Heffernan Thank you for your assistance. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS Brown Bag Bible Study Led by Pastor Bruce Ballantine Wednesdays at Noon in Conference Room Participants in the Brown Bag Bible study are studying the book of Isaiah using a commentary by John Goldingay. Now is a great time to join us! (Let the office know if you need us to order you a copy of the book.) Take a lunch break with Pastor Bruce and members and learn to read between the lines of the text! There is a seat for you. Bring a friend! Weekly Prayer Group Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Join us each Wednesday in Room 200 where prayers are offered on behalf of those on the church's prayer list. All are welcome! SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES This month, Book Groups will begin to discuss Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible, which tells the story of a broken missionary family in the Congo in the 1960s as the colonial era ended. Themes include how our own culture impacts how we interpret the Gospel, how our pasts accompany us, how our families shape and mark us, racism vs. acceptance, human corruptibility and grace, and African history and culture. Theatre Excursions to the Bristol Riverside Theatre continue. The next play in the America Rising Series is The Pine Barrens by Tarig Hamami on Monday, February 6 (dinner at 5:00 p.m. and play starts at 6:00 p.m.). The next Main Stage performance in the Theology Sunday series is Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry on Sunday, February 12 at 3:00 p.m. Jesus Christ Superstar will run from March 21 to April 9 and Theology Sunday will be on April 9. The Fellowship for the Performing Arts is producing The Most Reluctant Convert, the story of C.S. Lewis' faith journey from atheism to belief, from February 8 to April 2, 2017 at the Acorn Theatre in NYC. Discounted tickets are available (CSLewisOnStage.com) on some dates in February. You will need a special code to get the discount. If you are interested in participating in any of these small groups, please contact Susan Light by at susanklight@varizon.net for more details, especially about obtaining the discount for the C.S. Lewis play.

5 WOMEN S RETREAT REGISTRATION Women's Retreat registration forms are available in the information racks. Look for the pink brochure. The MPC Women's retreat will be held at Emmaus House in beautiful Ocean Grove NJ from March 31 - April 2, Gloria Yi, Associate Pastor at Woodside Presbyterian Church, will lead us as we explore the topic "All Who Thirst Come to the Waters. The cost of the retreat is $75 due to a generous bequest in honor of Dorothea E. Scheidemantel. Without this bequest the cost of the retreat would be $235. Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible BE INFORMED LUNCHEON SERIES - FEB. 5, 12 & 19 In the Presbyterian tradition of emphasizing education and lifelong learning, two years ago the MPC Congregational Ministry Committee developed a series of luncheons entitled The Be Informed Series. On three successive Sundays following the worship service, members are invited to gather in Fellowship Hall for a delicious meal, followed by a presentation on a topic of interest. This year the schedule is as follows: Date Presenter Topic 2/5 Carolyn McAnlis, Registered Dietician Healthy Eating for a Healthy Life 2/12 Music Director Tim Carpenter The Stories Behind the Hymns 2/19 Darletta Berry-Johnson, Executive Director Ivins Outreach Update Kathy Foster, Board President Please plan to join us for the 2017 version of Be Informed. Look for the Congregational Ministry table in the Communication Center and make your reservation early. One more thing: be sure to invite a friend! YOUTH CLUB SWEEPS! MPC Youth Club gets ready for Broomball! 5

6 PER CAPITA ENVELOPES What is the Per Capita envelope for? Each year MPC is obligated to send to The Presbytery of Philadelphia an assessment (called a Per Capita ) for every person listed as an active member of MPC as of December 31 of the prior year. Active members are defined as all those who have been confirmed (our 8 th graders on up) and all adults who have joined by any other method (via transfer, etc). The annual assessment is The Presbytery of Philadelphia s primary revenue source and is used to cover presbytery-related salaries, benefits, rent, utilities, insurance, missions, conferences, outreach, etc. A portion of each per capita payment is also applied to cover similar expenses incurred by the Synod of the Trinity and General Assembly. In 2017, MPC is obligated to pay $12,575 in Per Capita charges or $27.10 for EACH MPC congregation member. Last year MPC received only $4,600 in Per Capita monies from the congregation and had to fund the difference from pledge and other revenue that normally would have been used for MPC programs and mission work. To ensure MPC has the monies to pay the presbytery our annual Per Capita assessment without adversely impacting our other MPC missions, we request you contribute $27.10 for EACH confirmed congregation member in your family via your Per Capita envelope. THANK YOU, in advance, for your support and generosity. OUTREACH COMMITTEE The Outreach Committee received letters of appreciation from: The Outreach Foundation, Urban Promise of Trenton, Presby's Inspired Life, Anchor House and Mercer Street Friends for our donations to their organizations. Thank you to all who contribute to the MPC budget and all who support the Clothing Center ministry for making these donations possible. CARPENTER S CORNER On February 19, during morning worship we will celebrate the Word through Music. The Lectionary takes us through a cycle of scripture every three years: readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, Gospels and New Testament are specified for each Sunday and Holy Day of the year. But not all scripture passages are represented; the Song of Solomon, the love poetry of the Old Testament, is conspicuously absent. We will attempt to remedy that oversight by focusing on these texts, the music the words inspired and what it can tell us about the power of love in our midst. The authorship is attributed to King Solomon, but much of the text seems to be written from a woman s point of view. In any case, the text abounds with powerful imagery: Set me as a seal upon your heart. Many waters cannot quench love. Thou hast ravished my heart. and Love is strong as death. Music has the power to add depth and nuance to already powerful text and to bring us to deeper understanding. Please be sure to be part of this special service of worship. KUDOS TO BELL CHOIR The Chancel Ringers performed for Holly Nights at Pennsbury Manor and received a thank you note which said, in part: "The beautiful sound of the bells traveled across the site and brought magic to the event. One staff member commented that it was his favorite Holly Nights performance in years." 6

7 MPC FINANCE COMMITTEE & TRUSTEES REPORT MPC FINANCIAL SUMMARY DECEMBER 2016 FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS Fiscal Fiscal YTD Year to Date Year to Date Variance Budget Actuals (See Note 1) Total Operating Revenue $507,500 $471,616 ($35,884) Total Expenses $652,135 $601,394 $50,741 Operating Excess / (Shortfall) ($144,635) ($129,778) $14,857 Other Income $76,030 $55,154 ($20,876) Net Excess / (Shortfall) ($68,605) ($74,624) ($6,019) Restricted Income (PW Retreats only) $0 $62,000 $62,000 Note 1: The variance is the difference between the Actual dollar results and the Budgeted dollars. All favorable variances are noted as positive numbers; all unfavorable variances are shown as bracketed numbers above. OVERALL SUMMARY: Although pledges, plate receipts and bequest income was lower than expected, significant cost savings in almost all MPC Departments/Councils along with higher than expected investment income drove YTD unrestricted net to be within $6,000 of budget for the year. In addition, a very generous $62,000 restricted gift strictly for the use in funding Presbyterian Women retreats over the next 10 years was received. December 2016 Year-to-Date Variance Explanations: - YTD Operating Revenue ($36K unfavorable): Current Year Pledge receipts were $29,300 unfavorable to budget. In addition, Plate receipts were $12,400 under budget. Slightly offsetting these items was Head Start rent, which was $7,500 favorable to budget. - YTD Total Expenses ($51K favorable): Overall expenses were lower than budgeted due to lower than expected heating, snow removal, building repairs, music ministry, admin payroll costs, educational ministry, congregational ministry and PNC expenditures. - YTD Other Income ($21K unfavorable): The variance was caused by $37,100 in lower than expected bequest income which was partially offset by $16,200 in higher than expected investment income. - YTD Restricted Income ($62K favorable): In August, we received a very generous $62,000 gift from Sally Sue Scheidemantel in honor of her mother, Dorothea E. Scheidemantel. This restricted gift was given to defray the costs of Presbyterian Women retreats over the next ten years so more of our congregation s women may attend these spiritual events. Of the $62,000 gift, $2,000 is earmarked for scholarships to enable women with financial challenges to attend these retreats free of charge if needed. 7

8 MORRISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 771 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Morrisville, PA Phone: web: Staff Morrisville Presbyterian Church Currents (USPS# ), is published monthly except for July and August. Periodical mail postage paid at Levittown, PA POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Morrisville Presbyterian Church, 771 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Morrisville, PA C OMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 1 6:00 p.m. Youth Club 3 6:30 p.m. 4th & 5th Grade Retreat 5 10:30 a.m. Youth Sunday 11:30 a.m. Be Informed Series 11:45 a.m. Youth in Mission Trip Meeting 8 6:00 p.m. Youth Club 12 10:30 a.m. Scout Sunday 11:30 a.m. Be Informed Series 15 6:00 p.m. Youth Club 18 6:45 a.m. Prep and Serve Breakfast FPC of Trenton 19 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Be Informed Series 22 6:00 p.m. Youth Club 26 10:30 a.m. Transfiguration of the Lord MARCH 1 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday & Communion 5 10:30 a.m. & Communion 8 6:00 p.m. Youth Club The Evangelism & Communications Committee is committed to keeping church news up to date. It is our goal to print and distribute Currents within the last week of the month. Therefore we ask that you please submit articles for the March 2017 Currents by February 10th to Currents@MPCusa.net Don t forget to wear your name tag! If you need a new one, please contact the church office.