Reedurban APRIL 2016 Newsletter

Transcription

1 Reedurban Presbyterian Church Our dwelling place has been with the Lord for 90 Years of Ministry Reedurban APRIL 2016 Newsletter The special events of Holy Week Palm Sunday, March 20 A service that begins with praise and ends with foreboding as Jesus moves to the cross Maundy Thursday, March 24 Potluck Supper, 6:30 pm Sacrament of the Lord s Supper in Fellowship Hall Candles around the Cross In the sanctuary Good Friday Prayer Vigil, March 25 7:00 am 5:00 pm Offer 15 minutes of prayer in the sanctuary or at home. (Sign-up sheet at the church) Easter Sunday, March 27 9 am Breakfast in Fellowship Hall 10:30 am Worship Renewing Our Baptismal Vows Join us as we begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday service beginning at 10:30 am. On March 24, we will gather for a covered dish supper (no desserts, please) in Fellowship Hall at 6:30pm. After enjoying table fellowship we will celebrate the sacrament of the Last Supper in context of the Passover festival around the tables. After we have sung a hymn, we will go the sanctuary for a brief liturgy of Tenebrae (the gathering darkness) and participate in a meditation on the cross. Please come and walk through these biblical events, and open your heart to the presence of Christ s Spirit bringing to your remembrance what Christ has done for us. Please sign the sheet in the Welcome Center to spend 15 minutes in prayer on Good Friday either at the church or at home. The men of the church will be cooking and serving a great pancake and sausage breakfast on Easter morning beginning at 9:00 am. Come and join us for wonderful fellowship & great food.

2 Dear Friends, Baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. In baptism God tells us through the presence of Christ s Spirit that we are loved and precious in God s sight. We learn who we truly are: God s beloved children. I remember talking with my mother about baptism one evening after a Wednesday Confirmation Class in 7th Grade. Our minister had given us the assignment to interview church members about their experiences of baptism. My mom told me, Whatever else it means, Baptism means God won t ever let you go. You can never get too far away or lost that God can t find you and bring you home. How comforting and true! On Easter Sunday in worship, we will have the opportunity to reaffirm our Baptism. Personally and as a community of faith we will answer the baptismal questions: Who is your Lord and Savior? Do you trust in him? Do you intend to be his disciple, to obey his word and show his love? Will you be a faithful member of this congregation, giving of yourself in every way, and will you seek the fellowship of the church wherever you may be? As we celebrate the victory of Jesus on the cross, I look forward to reaffirming God s great, saving, unconditional love with you. Grace and Peace, Lynn Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. I Peter 4:10 A few examples of the impact of One Great Hour gifts: 220,000 people received food, water, shelter, and medical care in the aftermath of the Nepal earthquakes. Over 308,000 people in over 30 countries now have increased food security and livelihoods through international development work. More than 10,000 children and their families in 5 bateyes in the Dominican Republic have access to clean water, helping to prevent water-related diseases. Easter is the culmination of our special OGHS offering. Please remember how our gifts serve people in our community and around the world by alleviating hunger, rebuilding after crises or catastrophes, and working with communities to overcome oppression, and be generous with your gift.

3 Nothing Left to Live By by J. Barrie Shepherd The cave was empty, vacant, void don t you see? contents vanished, absolutely nothing there, nothing left inside, wrapped up, signed, sealed, yes, and delivered And everything every blessed thing was now, is now, outside, unwrapped, unsealed, unbound, expectant, waiting to be recognized, to be approached to be announced, to be answered to with more than words, with nothing less than life. The March 15 Session meeting began with reflection on Philippians 4:8-9, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing...think on these things. Thank You s for mission support were shared from Muskingum Valley Presbytery and the General Assembly Mission Office. There was discussion about new lights needed in the sanctuary and new lights installed in the restrooms. Thanks to the gift of time and skill from Steve Mays the latter is accomplished. Please note: TURN OFF THE SWITCHES IN THE RESTROOMS WHEN YOU LEAVE. (The motion detectors were not working well, and one had shorted out.) Worship during Holy Week is planned, as is the Reverse Offering activity and Easter Breakfast hosted by the men of the church. Reports were received of contacts elders made with a dozen members on the church rolls who have not participated in the life of the church for a long time. By their request and vote of the Session, 9 people were removed from the active rolls. Thanks were expressed for all who contributed to the installation and instruction for the new AED. By unanimous vote Janice Mays, church secretary, will be given a fourth week of paid vacation as she begins her 21 st year of service to the church. Income continues to fall behind expenses, but we are fortunate that expenses are significantly moderated from last year at this time. The meeting was closed with prayer by elder Carol Kaufmann. Stewardship through the end of February of $18,297 is $1,776 less than expenses of $20,073. Total income for the same period of $19,647 is $426 less than expenses. Submitted by: Rick Lichtenwalter

4 For the month of April we will be collecting cleaning supplies (Spic & Span, window cleaner, cleaning cloths, etc.) for the Giving Tree. They may be placed in the basket in the Narthex. The food cupboard is in need of all items. Thank you in advance for your generosity. The Deacons will be having their Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, April 23 rd from 4:00 6:30 pm. Mark your calendars. PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY UPDATE As spring approaches, there is a higher incidence of head, facial and oral trauma! Therefore April is National Facial Protection Month per U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web/site. Springtime sport participation may include track and field, lacrosse, soccer or baseball which has a high rate of dental and facial injuries. Wearing a mouth guard is good prevention. Even being a spectator at a baseball game has a risk of being injured by a foul ball! Stay alert!! Skate board and bike riders know the importance of wearing a helmet when riding. Protect your face by wearing a SPF 15 sunscreen daily and use a mosquito spray. Wear good supportive shoes when walking or hiking to prevent falls. Reduce stress!! Stress and anxiety can cause us to grind teeth during night causing severe tooth damage, neglect of flossing teeth and poor dietary habits promotes tooth decay and periodontal disease. As you know stress can increase your blood pressure, so come to our blood pressure screening at the Community Dinners on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 and April 26, 2016 from 4 PM-6:30 PM. Submitted by: Gwen Weston LIGHTS IN THE SANCTUARY Session has approved Abbott Electric to replace the 28 light sockets in the sanctuary with new LED bulbs. The total cost of the project is $3, This includes new sockets, bulbs, labor and the use of a lift to do the work. We are asking the congregation to help defray the cost by donating to this cause. Perhaps you could help by purchasing one or more of the 28 lights needed at a cost of $ each. Any amount you could donate would be appreciated. Please prayerfully consider this major project in the life of our church. If you have any questions, please contact any session member.

5 REVERSE OFFERING On Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016, Outreach will again sponsor our Reverse Offering. Every adult will receive a plastic Easter egg which will contain a brief scriptural thought and a penny. Everyone will also be given a Reedurban business-size card that reads God Loves You. We ask that you take to heart the scripture (Glorifying God) and allow the penny to be a reminder of the importance of reaching out to those who are less fortunate (Meeting Human Needs). Additionally, several of the eggs will contain a $20.00 voucher (to be claimed after Worship in the Narthex). Those who receive this money need spend it as a random act of kindness for a complete stranger and give them the God Loves You card. Use the $20 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE towards someone s groceries, a meal at a fast food restaurant, gasoline purchase, etc. We only ask that you let us know within the next 2 weeks how the money was used and the effect that it had on that person. You may Jack Robinson (jellojr@gmail.com) or place your written response in the Offering. If you request, we will not publish your name. Keep the egg in your car as a constant reminder that there are people who need help every day. By our Christian actions, we are Making Disciples. Our congregation has had a Prayer Chain to lift up members and friends of the congregation, events and issues to God in a shared and helpful way. At times it has been more active that others. Several people who have been part of it in the past would like to reconstitute the Prayer Chain, and the first item in the process is to invite everyone to be part of it. If you have been a part of the Prayer Chain and would like to continue or if you have never been part of it and would like to be, please call the church office or add your name to the sheet in the Welcome Center. Guidelines and a chain of participants will be created and distributed. It is a blessing to welcome our newest Reedurban PC member, Jeanne Carson. Jeanne is a native of Stark County and a long-time good friend of Pam and Glenn Baxter. She recently relocated back in the area from Illinois where her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter live. Jeanne works for Ameridial, Inc. and was recently promoted. She is a real Ohio State fan and has two rescue dogs that keep her hopping. Welcome, Jeanne! P.S. Please add Jeanne to your church directory: 3005 Parklane NW, Canton, OH Phone:

6 Open to anyone who would like to grow in their faith in the company of loving Christians. Belayers Sunday evenings 5:30 pm - conference room. Questions: Chuck Blackstone Friends Bible Study Women s group 2 nd Information: Mary Kay Cutlip and 4th Tuesdays 9:30 am - Blue Fig Restaurant. Seekers Every other Tuesdays 1:00 pm - Woodlawn Village Club House. Questions: Carol Kaufmann Pathfinders 2 nd and 4 th Tuesdays 6:30 pm - Conference Room. Information: Wendy Lichtenwalter Sowers 1 st and 3 rd Wednesdays 10:00 am - church. Information: Don and Jackie Peel at Men s Breakfast Group 1 st and 3 rd Wednesdays 8:30 am - Main Street Grill (inside Buehler s). Questions: Jack Robinson Crafty Knitters 2 nd and 4 th Thursday 10:00 am - church. Questions: Mary Kay Cutlip at The Monthly Community dinner sponsored by the Men s Breakfast Group is held on the last Tuesday of each month from 4:00-6:30 pm. The next dinner will be on Tuesday, March 29 th. Blood pressure screenings are offered as well. Jack Robinson ( ) or Dave Weston ( ) can answer any questions. Desserts are always needed and welcomed. Submitted by: Jack Robinson LIBRARY UPDATE Calling Everyone Who Likes to Read and/or Organize: The church library needs some updating. Specifically, we need to go through the books and audiovisuals and many hymnals and make some decisions about them. This isn t a long-term commitment. It s more the job of a short-term Task Force. If we met for a couple of hours one day, we may have it done. Will you help? If so, please let Rev. Shetzer know. It would be great to tackle the project in early April that s the goal.

7 Church School Teachers: March 20 th Debbie Anderson March 27 th Paula Bracken April 3 rd Children worship w/parents April 10 th Mary Kay Cutlip April 17 th Debbie Anderson April 24 th Darlene Mock Submitted by: Darlene Mock Sharing Ministry and Mission The church is filled with inspiring stories of faith. Each of us has a story to tell of our individual faith journeys and how the Lord has blessed us along our way through caring people and the church community. You are invited to offer your story for publication through our monthly newsletter. It is an opportunity to glorify God and inspire the church. We are blessed by Carol Kaufmann to share her faith story this month. How Firm a Foundation (#408, Celebration Hymnal) Born Carol Jean Robinson, I was an only child, but not lonely. When I was about 5 years old, we moved from the South Hills of Pittsburgh to the North Hills next door to another only child, also named Carol and also 5 years old! Our new neighborhood turned out to be a typical Mr. Roger s one with lots of kids. My wonderful, witty Dad was of Irish descent, and my strong, but loving gentle Scottish Mom was born in Scotland. (She called him a second-hand Irishman! ) Both were Presbyterian. (I was baptized in the Presbyterian Church as a wee one. ) So, I guess I was predestined, (good Presbyterian word!), to grow up in the church. I feel particularly blessed by that because some people are fortunate if they have one mentor in their faith journey; I have had several, beginning with the young neighbor across the street who took my friend Carol & I to Sunday school; the youth director who encouraged me to be a camp counselor and to join the youth choir; and on through the pastor who suggested I apply for the 3 year Lay Preacher classes (at age 61!) It must be noted also that I learned a great deal over the years through singing in choirs; church, school concert choirs, and community choirs. (To this day, as I read certain Scriptures, tunes will play in my head!) What a joy to sing praises to our God and King! I am so thankful that my children and grandchildren are active in their respective churches and especially that my dear husband, Jack and I shared such a rich and joyous journey together before he went home to the Church triumphant. You know, whether a person has grown up in the church or has had a Damascus Road experience, we sometimes make the mistake of thinking that, once we have accepted Jesus as Lord, our lives are going to be one long dance on the Yellow Brick Road. You and I know nothing could be further from the truth. Everybody hurts at times; no one is exempt. But this I have also learned: the Lord who suffered, died, and rose again for us is faithful. His promises do not break when life breaks. His grace is sufficient for us. I love one of the Hebrew names for our God: El Shaddai--- the God of more than enough. In Christ s love, Carol Kaufmann

8 The Moon and God Check out this interesting article from July 20,1969, making the rounds on the internet: What was the first liquid and food consumed on the moon? I m betting that most are unaware of this story. Forty-five years ago, two human beings changed history by walking on the surface of the moon. Bur, what happened before Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong exited the Lunar Module is perhaps even more amazing, if only because so few people know about it. I m talking about the fact that Buzz Aldrin took communion. Some months after his return he wrote about it in Guideposts magazine. The background to the story is that Aldrin was an elder at his Presbyterian Church in Texas during this period in his life; and knowing that he would soon be doing something unprecedented in human history, he felt that he should mark the occasion somehow. He asked his minister to help him, and so the minister consecrated a communion wafer and a small vial of communion wine. Buzz took them with him into space. He and Armstrong had only landed on the lunar surface for a few minutes when Aldrin made the following public statement: This is the Lunar Module pilot. I d like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way. He then ended radio communication and there, on the silent surface of the moon, 250,000 miles from home, he read a verse from the gospel of John, and he took communion. Here is what he said happened: In the radio blackout, I opened the little plastic packages which contained the bread and the wine. I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the 1/6 th gravity of the moon, the wine slowly curled and gracefully came up the side of the cup. Then I read the scripture. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whosoever abides in me will bring forth much fruit Apart from me you can do nothing. Aldrin writes on, I had intended to read my communion passage back to earth, but at the last minute (they) had requested that I not do this. NASA was already embroiled in a legal battle with Madelyn Murray O Hare, the celebrated opponent of religion, over the Apollo 8 crew s reading from Genesis while orbiting the moon at Christmas. I agreed reluctantly. I ate the tiny host and swallowed the wine. I gave thanks for the intelligence and spirit that had brought two young pilots to the Sea of Tranquility. It was interesting for me to think that the very first liquid ever poured on the moon and the very first food eaten there were the communion elements. And, of course, it s interesting to think that some of the first words spoken on the moon were the words of Jesus Christ, who made the earth and the moon, and who in the immortal words of Dante, is himself the Love that moves the sun and other stars. (Thanks to Carol Kaufmann for sharing this good news!) 2016 SESSION Moderator: Rev. Lynn Shetzer Clerk: Rob Townsend Class of 2016: Carol Mossor Gary Steinbach Rob Townsend Jim VanEtten Class of 2017: Carol Kaufmann Chuck Leeser Rick Lichtenwalter Gwen Weston Class of 2018: Charles Blackstone Paula Bracken Dwight Newsom Jack Robinson 2016 DEACONS Moderator: Linda Radsick Vice-Moderator: Darlene Mock Class of 2016 Katie Hinson Sue Larke Lois Pinhard Margaret Whitacre Class of 2017: Pam Baxter Mary Kay Cutlip Linda Radsick John Whitacre Class of 2018: Marge Merrin Darlene Mock Heike Townsend Renate White

9 THE PRESCHOOL AROUND THE CORNER March has turned out to be a very busy month for our preschoolers. There are so many exciting things to celebrate - warmer weather, the change in time, St. Patrick s Day, Palm Sunday, and of course Easter. The children have been learning about fairy tales, rhyming, and real and pretend. The older preschoolers have been investigating the weather, clouds, constellations, and the moon. In the next few weeks the children will participate in some green activities, such as making and tasting green eggs and making some glittery shamrocks. The class will also discuss Passover and Easter. Tricia and I would like to congratulate Janice on her 20 years of service at the church. Also we would like to thank the congregation for supplying the preschool with the use of the pediatric AED. We hope everyone has a happy Easter. Reta Hale & Tricia Conner Reminder: For safety reasons no one will be permitted to use the back entrance or go beyond the partition from 8:30 to noon while the Preschool Around the Corner is in operation. If you would like to contact them for enrollment information, please contact the preschool at or ThePreschoolAroundTheCorner@gmail.com Thanks for your cooperation. CELEBRATION FOR JANICE S 20 YEARS The committee (Cheryl Robinson, Merleen Davis, Lynn Shetzer and Mary Lou Upton) wanted to report to the congregation regarding the recognition of Janice s 20 years serving as our church secretary. As you know last Sunday we were pleased to have Janice and her whole family in worship with us. A luncheon was provided after the worship service. With the money collected we purchased 3 gift cards (2 to her favorite stores and one for a special dinner out) which were presented to her that day. We want to thank all who donated and helped in any way to make this such a memorable day for Janice. Dear Reedurban Family, Words cannot express all the love I felt during Worship and also at the wonderful luncheon you provided for my family and me on Sunday. For the past 20 years you have always made us feel a part of the Reedurban Family and Sunday was no exception. For you to have done this for me touches my heart so deeply. Thank you for the wonderful gift cards (my favorite places), cards and flowers. You sure know how to throw a party! My family enjoyed the fellowship so much and after meeting all of you they definitely understand why I love my job. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart and it is an honor to be a part of the Reedurban Family. Love, Janice

10 APRIL 2 nd Anna Luxenburg Bob Radsick Kathy Steiner 3 rd Jackson Kiger 5 th Pam Baxter Isaiah Hayes 6 th John Whitacre 8 th Yvonne Wise 10 th Barbara Wright 17 th Blake Newsom Megan Swihart 18 th Rod Anderson 23 rd Leighton Rosendale 30 th Chuck Blackstone Phyllis Greene April 3 April 10 April 17 April 24 Deacons Pam Baxter Dick Hambleton VOLUNTEER NEEDED Rick & Wendy Lichtenwalter We are looking for volunteers to be greeters. Please sign up for a Sunday or two. Greeters will be provided with a name badge to wear while greeting. Before you go home, please be sure to leave that badge on the counter in the Welcome Center. For more information on being a Greeter, please contact Pam Baxter at FLOWER CHART The deadline for the MAY newsletter is APRIL 15 th. Please have your articles to Cheryl Robinson ( ) ( car929@aol.com) or to the church office by then. The 2016 Flower Chart has been posted on the bulletin board outside the office. If you would like to give flowers for a special occasion or a special person, please fill in your name next to the date. You will be billed from Flowers By Pat. April 3 April 10 April 17 April 24 Darlene Mock in memory of her father, Roy Hines Gary & Elaine Steinbach in celebration of their 25 th wedding anniversary OPEN John & Margaret Whitacre in celebration of their 51 st wedding anniversary

11 March 20 th March 27 th April 3 rd April 10 th April 17 th April 24 th Pam Baxter Paula Bracken Lois Pinhard Debbie Anderson Paula Bracken Pam Baxter The Crib Room is for children under age 4. Helpers, subs or even a regular are always needed in the Crib Room. If you are unable to serve as scheduled, please trade with someone on the list or call Darlene Mock at Anyone that could volunteer in the crib room during the church service would be greatly appreciated. Please call the church office or Darlene Mock. Phyllis Greene (Laurels of Massillon) Marge Showers (Hanover House) Patrick Bracken Dorothy Carpenter Jerry Givens Edna Harper Jackson Kiger II Gloria Perrin Nadine Regula Stephen Steiner Jim Trimmer Paul Waibel LITURGIST SIGN-UP The liturgist sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board outside the office for the months of April and May. If you are interested, please sign your name. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Kaufmann at Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you call the office and we are not in, please leave a message on the machine and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. There is a brown wooden box full of knitting needles missing from the Crafty Knitters cupboard in the fellowship hall. If you know anything about it, please either return the box or call Mary Kay at

12