Good News. Providence Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News OCTOBER 2011 Reflections on the Journey of Faith At present, I am hammering on my keyboard to the rhythm of Igor Stravinsky s ballet score The Rite of Spring, hoping that snow will withdraw to a summer retreat and not reappear until next December. No, I am not performing a pagan ballet in my study, hoping to bypass fall and winter and jump to an early spring. I could never dance a ballet, at least not without a lot of training! The Rite of Spring is now considered one of the musical masterpieces of the 20 th century. However, at its debut on May 29, 1913 at the Théatre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, it was far from a classic. In fact, it was scandalous! NPR s website has a page called Milestones of the Millennium. Here is what Performance Today commentator Thomas Kelly wrote of the controversy: In addition to the outrageous costumes, unusual choreography and bizarre story of pagan sacrifice, Stravinsky s musical innovations tested the patience of the audience to the fullest. The Rite of Spring turned out to be anything but spring-like. One of the dancers recalled that Vaslav Nijinsky s shocking choreography was physically unnatural to perform. With every leap we landed heavily enough to jar every organ in us. The music itself was angular, dissonant and totally unpredictable. In the introduction, Stravinsky called for a bassoon to play higher in its range than anyone else had ever done. In fact, the instrument was virtually unrecognizable as a bassoon. When the curtain rose and the dancing began, there appeared a musical theme without a melody, only a loud, pulsating, dissonant chord with jarring, irregular accents. The audience responded to the ballet with such a din of hisses and catcalls that the performers could barely hear each other. How many times have we heard stories like this one? Something new and innovative comes along and it is condemned, only to become classic and timeless. What modern blunders in our times will be considered classic in a future generation? In the life of the church it is important to try news things. Sometimes we may create our own blunders, and yet we may still stumble into something, by the grace of God, that is revolutionary. In his inner being, Stravinsky must have know he was on to something wonderful. He obeyed that inner voice and the result was a masterpiece. Inside this issue: Session Highlights 2 Nickels 4 Nets 3 KidsQuest 4 Youth Corner 5 Stewardship 6 Ornaments 6 Contemplative 6 Mission 7 Shawl Ministry 8 Blood Drives 8 Music & Arts 9

2 GOOD NEWS SESSION HIGHLIGHTS The Session of Providence met Tuesday, September 13, 2011 and: Heard that The Rev. Dr. Michael P. Burns surgery went well, he appreciates all the prayers and well wishes, and will be back in the pulpit on Sunday, September 25; Heard from Darlene Lane, representing the Deacons, that they will be helping with the New Members Class on Sunday, September 18, and that they have been in care with Mick and Joni during Mick s absence; Approved a proposal to hold a fun filled variety show and Spaghetti Dinner event in November as part of the Nickels for Nets Mission; Were presented with an overview of the Information Architecture Page 2 redesign of the church s website and explained how the design will seek to attract and inform visitors; Heard that the church photo directory needed extensive editing, but it is coming soon! Heard that Gayle Schlenker is stepping down as Clerk of Session, extended sincere thanks for all her efforts, and heard that the search for a new Clerk to continue Gayle s tremendous work continues; In recognition that both Christmas Day and New Year s Day fall on Sundays this year, approved holding one combined service in Sanctuary at 10:00am on each of those days, and celebrating communion on Sunday, January 8, The next meeting of Session will be October 11, 2011 at 7:30pm in the Parlor. The inner voice of the church is the voice of the Holy Spirit. Reflections from page 1 The inner voice of the church is the voice of the Holy Spirit. The early church followed the voice of the Holy Spirit and changed their world. What kind of world awaits us if we trust the voice of the Spirit in our lives? Maybe just maybe the voice of the Holy Spirit is calling us together to work a miracle of mission and ministry in the midst of our historical setting. I have great expectations that God can do amazing things through this congregation if we continue to trust the voice of the Spirit. Basking in the light of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, reminds us that rebirth is all around us. God continues to do something new! God will continue to do new things through our ministry together. Faithfully, Mick The Rev. Dr. Michael P. Burns Pastor

3 Page 3 Calling Entertainers of All Ages & Stages PROVIDENCE S got TALENT!! Sunday, November 6, 5:00 7:00pm, Fellowship Hall Featuring a spaghetti dinner, variety show, dessert bake-off/auction, and raffle!! All to benefit NICKELS 4 NETS! Musicians, comedians, thespians too, Magicians, etcetera WE NEED YOU!! Please contact Darlene Lane by October 30 to participate in the variety show! Cookies and cakes and cobblers, too! If your talent is baking, then WE NEED YOU! Please contact Jill & Jenny Waters by October 30 to participate in the dessert bake-off and auction! EVERYONE! Please save the date for this fun-filled, family-friendly evening! $10 purchases a net and saves 5 lives! Nickels 4 Nets is a program of PC (USA) s Healthy Women, Healthy Families ministry.

4 Build shepherding relationships with our precious and beloved children of God. GOOD NEWS Ki ds Q u es t During September and October we learned and are learning about the different ways in which Jesus revealed himself to people following his resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Paul outlines it all to whom Jesus appeared. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared to me also. We learn about Jesus revealing himself to his followers on the Road to Emmaus, to a doubting Thomas, affirming his love for Peter and finally telling us to go and make disciples The Great Commission. And always remember it is Christ who equips us for all we do in his name. Our next unit teaches us of the work and power of the Holy Spirit. We delve into Pentecost, learn how the power of the Holy Spirit heals people in order to reveal the saving power of Jesus, ending with how God rescued Peter from prison. We are having loads of fun in Kid Connection continuing to build our faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. We are always looking for willing souls to serve during Kid Connection at 10:00am as large group leader sharing the message, music leader sharing the joy of lifting our voices in praise for the Lord, and small group leaders building shepherding relationships with our precious and beloved children of God. Christmas Pageant Parent Meeting Sunday, October 16, :30 11:00am in Room 202 Stop by to meet with Cheryl Crosswait, Christmas Pageant Director Bibles Awarded to Children in 4 th 6 th Grades Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2011 Upward Basketball Every Child Plays. Every Child Learns. Every Child is a Winner! Registration Opens: October 1, 2011 Chik-Fil-A Night: October 6, 2011, 4 8pm 9509 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA Evaluations: October 22, 24-28, 2011 Practices Start: December 2, 2011 Games Start: January 7, 2012 Page 4

5 Page 5 What Is New? A great many things, actually! We re doing some new things with the Youth at Providence this year so here s a quick guide to what we ve changed, what we haven t, and why it s all important! *NEW* Bible Sundaes! Bible study and dessert the 1st and 3rd Sundays each month from 6-7:30pm for Jr & Sr Highs. Studying the Bible and understanding how it connects to our everyday life is something we can t get enough of, but we can try! Ice cream is also something we can t get enough of. This is a perfect blend of the two! *IMPROVED* PYF! Mission and Fellowship events on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month from 6-7:30pm for Jr & Sr Highs. We sure know how to have fun! In store for this year: a few games you ve never heard of, new mission projects, and pizza just the way you like it! I ll announce whose pizza we ll be eating each night (along with the old standards of plain cheese and pepperoni, of course!) so be sure to come eat it, especially if it s something crazy like thin crust bacon, ham, pineapple and black olives (MEM s favorite!)! *NEW* Confirmation/Jr High Sunday School is improved enough to be considered new! This year s class will run September-May on Sunday mornings at 10 in room 206. Not ready to commit to the class yet? Never fear, you ll be auditing the class, just call it Jr High Sunday School, and don t worry about the homework assignments, registration forms or required attendance! The class will be offered every Youth Corner other year, so if you choose not to be a Confirmand this year you ll have another chance later! **This crazy new plan is also Mary Ellen s project for the Princeton Institute for Youth Ministry Certificate in Youth and Theology which she will be completing (hopefully) next spring!** *IMPROVED* Sr High Sunday School will be doing the Feasting on the Word curriculum that follows the lectionary. Sr Highs will still meet in the Youth Lounge with donuts and cushy couches, but the conversation will be expanded to include the day s sermon whenever possible. Parents are encouraged to attend the adult Feasting on the Word class to compare notes over lunch! *EXACTLY THE SAME* Primary faith formation happens at home; we re here to help you with that however we can! For the stuff that happens here at church, parents are needed through all aspects of every event that we do, and then some! Check the Youth Bulletin Board often to see what s new, to volunteer or to RSVP for events. Make sure you have a Medical Release Form on file for participation in any and all events! *COMING NEXT SUMMER* May: College Age mission trip to Hosanna Industries June 30: Opening Worship at General Assembly in Pittsburgh July 8-14: Montreat Youth Conference July 15-21: LOGOS Conference East August: Sr High mission trip to Hosanna Industries

6 GOOD NEWS Page 6 Stewardship & Finance 2012 Stewardship Campaign Giving In Love The 2012 Stewardship Campaign is just around the corner. The theme for this year s campaign is Giving In Love. The campaign will kick off October 2 and will culminate on Commitment Sunday, October 30. In Paul s letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 13:3 and 2 Corinthians 8:8), he describes Giving In Love as one of the primary characteristics of biblical giving and relates that doing so clearly demonstrates one s love for the Lord, for God s church, and for those in need. Author John MacArthur in his book entitled Whose Money Is It, Anyway? states that we can give without loving but we can t truly love without giving. He further posits that biblical giving is perhaps the surest way to demonstrate one s genuine love for others. Between October 2 and October 30 you will hear Giving In Love addressed from the pulpit. And you will receive information about how our Giving In Love can result in continued strong support for the work of Providence in 2012 both near and far. White House Christmas Ornaments The Men of the Church are taking orders until October 16 for the 2011 White House Christmas ornament for delivery on October ornaments - $18.00 each 25 or more - $16.25 each Please look for the sign-up poster in the Gathering or Commons areas, or your order to petermcclintock@hotmail.com or call him at Proceeds benefit PPC activities. Contemplative Prayer This monthly informal drop-in gathering meets the third Monday of the month at 7:30pm in the Parlor. The next two gatherings are October 17 and November 21. An Evening of Quiet and Reflection will be on December 19. If you have questions, call Terry Lamb.

7 Page 7 Mission Operation Christmas Child is coming to Providence October 16th through November 13th. This annual event is a special outreach ministry of Samaritan s Purse that brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through simple, gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God s love. It is a wonderful opportunity for families, small groups, or Workplace Giving Campaigns No doubt many at Providence will be hearing about workplace giving campaigns in the next few weeks. Two organizations that Providence supports through its benevolence budget and by its many volunteers would also like you to know about their designation numbers; please remember them in your giving, as they provide emergency assistance to many of our needy neighbors. ACCA (Annandale Christian Community for Action) United Way #8058 Combined Federal Campaign #58934 Fairfax FISH United Way #8305 Combined Federal Campaign #72413 individuals to share their blessings and show concern for those who are less fortunate. Look for the Operation Christmas Child display in the Gathering Area starting October 16th. Pick up an instructional brochure and an empty shoe box (or use one of your own), have fun shopping for small gifts, and return the filled box by November 13. If you have any questions, please call Sarah Davis. It Is Not Too Early. Providence members and friends will again have the opportunity to celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays by helping some neighbors who will not have a very good holiday without your assistance. This is a terrific way to add to your own celebration! It is not too early to start thinking about how you will be celebrating the holidays. Holiday Adopt-a-Family: adopt a family for one or both of the holidays (food for the holiday meal and gifts for children at Christmas). Or The Littlest Tree: add a hat, mittens, gloves or children s underwear to the Littlest Tree. Watch for more information next month and in the Sunday bulletins. Operation Christmas Child Holiday Adopt-a-Family The Littlest Tree ACCA Fairfax FISH

8 GOOD NEWS Page 8 Comfort Shawl Ministry This drop-in group meets weekly on Mondays, except holidays, at 10:00am to knit or crochet shawls, scarves, and blankets for members and friends of the Providence congregation needing a little extra TLC. You say you don t know how to knit or crochet? Come and let us teach you! If you have any questions, contact Nancy Jones or Kathy Moss. We d love to have you join us every week or as your schedule permits. Come and see! You DID Save a Life The September 13 Blood Drive results: We had 39 donors sign in for the drive, and they produced 30 good units. Our total for all drives at Providence is 2,938 good units to the citizens of our community. We deeply appreciate the patience of those who had to wait to make their donations, and we apologize to those who were unable to wait. We are working closely with the leadership of the Red Cross to eliminate these delays before the next drive on December 13. And here are four more blood drive dates we have scheduled with the Red Cross: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Tuesday, September 11, 2012 Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Thank you for your continuing support.

9 Page 9 J. Reilly Lewis Organist Sunday, October 2, :00 pm Providence Presbyterian Church 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA subject to change Tickets In Advance $20 (Students/Seniors $10) (At the Door $25/$15) To reserve tickets, call Providence Presbyterian Church (703) , ext. 30 Tickets held at Will Call

10 Providence Presbyterian Church 9019 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Merrifield, VA Permit No Wittenberg Door O c to b er 2011 W o r s h i p T r a d i t i o n a l, 9 : 0 0, S a n c t u a r y S u n d a y S c h o o l f o r A l l A g e s T r a d i t i o n a l, 1 1 : 0 0, S a n c t u a r y C o n t e m p o r a r y, 1 1 : 1 5, F e l l o w s h i p H a l l C o m m u n i o n O c t o b e r 2 M & A C o n c e r t O c t o b e r 2, 7 : 0 0 p m, S a n c t u a r y C h u r c h C l e a n - u p D a y O c t o b e r 8, 9 : 0 0 a m t o n o o n C o n t e m p l a t i v e P r a y e r O c t o b e r 1 7, 7 : 3 0 p m, P a r l o r P r o v i d e n c e P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h L i t t l e R i v e r T u r n p i k e Fa i r f a x, V A O f f i c e w w w. p r o v i d e n c e c h u r c h. o r g S T A F F The Rev. D r. Michael P. Burns, Pastor The Rev. Mary E. Rodgers, Associate Pastor Mary Ellen Moss, Director of Youth Ministries Leigh Burke, Director of Children s Ministries Joe Moss, Business Administrator Kathy Knorr, Executive Secretary Terry Stoneberg, Director of Music Jane Kaye, O rganist Rick Thiele, Music Leader & Technology Coordinator Arwen Norman, Children s C hoir Director Gene Kaye, Providence Singers Richard Mudd, Sexton Good News Editor: Kathy Knorr