The Compass. F I R S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H Portland, Indiana

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1 The Compass November- December 2017 F I R S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H Portland, Indiana Pastoral Perspectives-On the Charge and Benediction of Joy in Prayer and Thanksgiving The words continually ring true. The charge and benediction of my pastor at the end of Sunday morning worship services from my childhood and teenage years even now resound throughout my very being, and may be especially so in the deep recesses of my heart and mind. I had the honor and privilege of reciting the very same words as a pastor and guest preacher nearly six years ago in the sanctuary of my old home church in Mount Vernon, New York. I cannot even imagine growing up and going through life without a regular charge and benediction on a regular basis, particularly at the end of each service of worship. There may be varied incantations but the general gist of it goes something like this: "Go forth into the world in peace! Take hold of that which is good. Do not pay back wrong for wrong. But support the fainthearted, and help those who are in need of help, for you thereby show due honor to every person. Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus our Lord. And may the love of God the Father, the grace of God the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you and those whom you love this day and always. Amen." It was a heartfelt moment. It was an emotional event. To have a sudden, immediate, keen awareness of God's hand upon you as your life seemingly flashes by before you. When things appear to come full circle in the unity of all things past and into the present future, one cannot help but stand in reverence and awe at the wonder of the Lord's providential grace in one's life. Still before the Holy One, there is a sense of speechlessness amidst the experience of the eternal presence. Thomas Merton writes on the Feast of the Dedication of Gethsemane's Church, "Nothing could be more beautiful, nothing could make me happier." Tears of joy, peace everlasting, grace abounding. Such gladness of heart with gratitude to God. "And yet it raises again the unanswerable question: 'What on earth am I doing here?' " Yes, I hear the charge to go. Yes, I heed the exhortation to receive and live the good word. But what exactly am I doing here for God's sake? For what purpose have you and I been called? And why did I say yes to serving for this brief time of transitions in ministry? Merton goes on to write, "I have answered it a million times. 'I belong here,' and this is no answer. In the end, there is no answer like that. Any vocation is a mystery, and juggling with words does not make it any clearer. It is a contradiction and must remain a contradiction." It's like that saying, "The more you know, the more you realize the less you know." Even when questions may be answered, they beget more questions. And so, it is enough to surrender in awe with great thanksgivings unto the One Who is worthy of all our praise. As the psalmist proclaims, I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord! Therefore, beloved, this Thanksgiving through Advent and always: Go in peace! Do good, not wrong. Support, help, honor, rejoice, pray, give thanks each and every time! We belong here together in the here and now, as well as the not yet, for such a time as this. This is our lot in life. Let it be so. To God be the glory, Pastor Rex IN THIS ISSUE Farewell Pastor Stan pg. 2 PW Fall Gathering pg. 3 Christmas Poinsettias pg. 4 Daylight Saving Time Ends pg Pledge Payments pg. 4 Hanging of the Greens pg. 4 Music Notes pg. 4 A Christmas Carol pg. 4 Thank You pg. 4 Christmas Eve Service pg. 5 Ishihara Reunion pg. 6 Happy Birthday pg. 6 Sunday School News pg. 7 Rally Sunday 2017 pg. 8-9 Calendar pg. 10

2 FPCP BIDS FOND FAREWELL TO PASTOR STAN On September 24, Rev. Stan Gockel preached his final sermon as interim pastor of FPCP. Following the service, a luncheon was held in his honor. Special moments of Stan s tenure were recalled with laughter and a few tears. FPCP wishes Stan well as he ventures into the next phase of his ministry/retirement. Pastor Stan offering his final Charge and Benediction to the congregation of FPCP. Photos on Pages 2 & 3 by Claire Smith. Dennis Ford shared his non-verbal thoughts during the luncheon to honor Pastor Stan and his ministry at our church. Page 2

3 PW FALL GATHERING RECAP By Claire Smith Nearly twenty Presbyterian Women gathered on Saturday, September 30 to enjoy fellowship, food, and an uplifting program presented by our friend Bonnie Maitlen on The Gift of Love. She spoke of the powerful gifts that God has given each of us and that we should unwrap and use them every day. During our business meeting we discussed several upcoming PW mission projects at the Portland Head Start, Youth Service Bureau, and our struggling local food bank. We hope to see you at our next PW gathering in the spring. Pictured left are PW Fall Gathering speaker, Bonnie Maitlen (standing) with FPCP member, Gwen McDaniel. Photo by Claire Smith. Page 3

4 The Deacons will again be decorating the church sanctuary with Christmas poinsettias on December 10, 17 & 24. Order forms will be available in the Sunday bulletin and should be returned to the church office by Monday, November 20. The cost per plant is $ Please call the church office for more information PLEDGE PAYMENTS Contributions for the 2017 tax filing year must be postmarked or delivered to the church office by December 31, 2017 in order to appear on your 2017 Contribution Statement. We appreciate the faithful stewardship displayed by our church members once again this year. May God continue to bless you in 2018! Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday morning, November 5. Don t forget to set your clocks back one hour before retiring Saturday night. HANGING OF THE GREENS PLANNED Hanging of the Greens will take place on Sunday, November 26 following the morning services. Once again this year, the Deacons are asking everyone to participate in this exciting time of fellowship and decorating the church for the Christmas season. If you plan on participating in the Hanging of the Greens, you are encouraged to dress casually. A light luncheon will be served following this event. A CHRISTMAS CAROL COMES TO TOWN MUSIC NOTES By Linda Rodden We would be thrilled to add some new faces to the choir this year! You'll notice that as the years roll past we never add any new members! Please come and join us and share your love of music with this very special group of friends! December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 will find several Presbyterians involved in the Harmony Players' production of A Christmas Carol again this year! We are thrilled to announce that we are beginning a season at Cornerstone Center for the Arts in Muncie, and that our first show is A Christmas Carol! We are adding new music, there are several new faces, from our area, Anderson, Indianapolis, Westfield, Winchester, and Muncie, and our entire set will be reconstructed! A full buffet, lovely decorations, fine china, all in the magnificent Majestic Room on the third floor of Cornerstone! Please come and see this lovely show in a beautiful new setting! Just contact Linda Rodden at for ticket reservations. Our family would like to thank our loving church family for all the prayers, kind words, and cards during Mark s mother s illness and passing. We appreciate all your support. Dr. Mark & Donna Haggenjos Reminder: You can view, download and print a color copy of this newsletter from the church website Page 4

5 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE PLANNING UNDERWAY By Eric Rogers The coming of the Christ Child will be celebrated at First Presbyterian Church with our annual Christmas Eve service of lessons and carols on Sunday, December 24 at 7:00p.m. The service will include readings from the Old and New Testaments, carols, anthems, hymns, and instrumental music. The sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated. This is an all hands on deck opportunity and we hope you can participate. Acolytes, readers, singers, instrumentalists, ushers, and other volunteers are needed. Please call the church office or contact Eric Rogers ( or Some members of the Church who normally don t participate in choir find that the limited number of rehearsals makes this a special opportunity to sing. We are called upon to make a joyful noise and your participation in the Christmas Eve choir is heartily welcomed. You only need to commit time to attend our rehearsals, which will begin on Monday, November 27 at 5:30p.m. There will be a total of four Monday rehearsals plus an abbreviated rehearsal on Christmas Eve right before the service (if you must miss a rehearsal we still want you!). Robert Schnase writes, Churches that practice Passionate Worship place special emphasis on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday services, knowing the disproportionate opportunity these services offer for the church to touch the lives of visitors and nominal members Visitors and extended family members feel welcomed and supported in their participation rather than selfconscious about their unfamiliarity with the church. * Do you know someone who sings but is un-churched or a member who no longer attends First Presbyterian Church? Please invite her or him to participate. Please let me know if there is interest. I will reach out to assure that individual his or her voice will be welcome. Do you have a friend or acquaintance who doesn t attend a church but might be interested in coming to the Christmas Eve service? The Christmas season can be an especially difficult time for some. Connecting with caring people can help them find comfort and meaning at a challenging time. Please go beyond your comfort zone. Reach out and make an invitation. You could change someone s life. * In Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. Photos by Becca James. Page 5

6 A WARM REUNION WITH THE ISHIHARA FAMILY By Claire Smith On August 13 our congregation had a heartwarming reunion with Hiromi and Hideaki Ishihara. It was Hiromi s dream to return to Portland after nearly 20 years. During fellowship hour, Hiromi spoke of her fond memories, love, and gratitude for our congregation. She then entertained us by playing the ocarina with her younger son, Hidenori, playing the recorder. Songs included Fu ru sa to, Sukiyaki, and Jesus Loves Me. Following her performance Hiromi presented personally made origami crane gifts to everyone. What a blessing it is to know and see this wonderful family again. We thank them for coming to visit and making the world just a little smaller and much happier. Hiromasa, Hiromi, Hidenori, and Hideaki Ishihara during their recent visit to First Presbyterian Church and the Portland area. Photo by Dennis Ford. November 02 Jenny Stout 03 Abby Arnold Champ 06 John Goodrich 08 Lynn Boolman 09 Jordyn Champ 12 Wil Goodrich 14 John Engle 17 Michael Hecko Lauren Runkle 19 Katherine Byrum 21 Tray Nixon Preston Runyon 22 Matt McCord 25 Allison Byrum 30 Mary McCord December 01 Bill Knight 05 Derek Arnold Lauren Haggenjos Morgan Trinidad 09 Jennifer Rupe 11 Pete Vogler 15 Liza Haggenjos 31 Vivian Morehous Page 6

7 YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL PREPS BOXES & MAKES CUPCAKES Twice each year, the Youth Sunday School class collects items from the congregation to send to our college students in Care Packages. These packages let our college students,who are away from home, know that their church family cares for and misses them. Pictured are the youth preparing items for the boxes and then packing them for shipment. Photos by Sarona Goodrich. The Youth Sunday School class recently prepared cupcakes for the upcoming Bread of Life Community Meal. Photo by Sarona Goodrich. Page 7

8 RALLY SUNDAY 2017 Rally Sunday marks the kick -off of the season for our choir. An event everyone looks forward to. Photo by Dennis Ford. Of course, no Rally Sunday would be complete without lunch together. This year s luncheon also served as a Choir Appreciation meal enjoyed by all. Photo by Claire Smith. On to the fun activities of Rally Sunday...Hula Hoops! Photo by Claire Smith. Page 8

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10 F I R S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H 402 North Ship Street Portland IN Phone: mailto:office@firstpcportland.org Our Vision Statement To provide a ministry which will lead people to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and reach out with God s love. CALENDAR November 01 All Saints Day Presbytery Meeting 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 02 5:30pm Choir Practice 05 Daylight Saving Time Ends Communion Food Pantry Collection Sunday 08 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 09 5:30pm Choir Practice 12 Stewardship Sunday 14 6:30pm Deacons Meeting 6:45pm Session Meeting 15 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 16 5:30pm Choir Practice 19 Guest Preacher: Rev. Stan Johnson 22 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 23 Thanksgiving Day-Office Closed 26 Hanging of the Greens 27 5:30pm Christmas Eve Choir Practice 29 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 30 5:30pm Choir Practice Church Office hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-2:00pm Closed on Friday. December 03 First Sunday of Advent Communion Guest Preacher: Rev. Stan Johnson Food Pantry Collection Sunday 04 5:30pm Christmas Eve Choir Practice 06 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 07 5:30pm Choir Practice 10 Second Sunday of Advent 11 5:30pm Christmas Eve Choir Practice 12 6:30pm Session Meeting 13 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 14 5:30pm Choir Practice 17 Third Sunday of Advent 18 5:30pm Christmas Eve Choir Practice 20 9:00am Newsletter Deadline 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 21 5:30pm Choir Practice 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent-Christmas Eve Christmas Joy Offering Collected 7:00pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 25 Christmas Day-Church Office Closed 27 7:00pm Mending Families Nar-Anon 28 5:30pm Choir Practice