WESTERN SPIRE. Let it go Lent! Nancy s Nuggets for March 2015

Transcription

1 WESTERN SPIRE Nancy s Nuggets for March 2015 Let it go Lent! Lent 2015 began Ash Wednesday with a great group of people of all ages gathered in the sanctuary. We had the traditional imposition of the ashes and we also discussed the Judeo - Christian understanding of forgiveness. There is a traditional ritual of forgiving and institutionalized practice in the Roman Catholic Church a sacrament called penance, now called reconciliation. We also noted that there is an informal understanding of forgiveness as giving others permission to be themselves; as well as a popular understanding of forgiveness as in let it go. I pointed out that all three understandings are inherent in the Greek term for forgiveness as found in the New Testament. We forgive, we permit and we let go! Unless you have been hiding recently, you will be aware of a princess named Elsa and a Disney movie called Frozen. (Given the weather, those who gathered Ash Wednesday appreciated the irony of the origins of the tune or anthem from Frozen. Let it Go : Frozen we have been of late!) Elsa s affirmation of herself as she is, imperfect and flawed is proclaimed in her anthem, Let it Go. She shows herself as one who is letting the perfect girl go and at the same time letting go of her fear of life, taking hold of her own creativity. This is very biblical! Forgetting what lies behind, and straining forward to what lies ahead, Christians press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. We let go and go for God! This is our theme for Lent, then. Let it go. Move forward despite our fears. Get on with life, not being held back by our own imperfections. No one is perfect; don t hold onto grudges, we are called to be transformed. So clean out your closet, clean up your life; let go of the clutter and forget about your fears. In Christ you are claimed to be God s child; God will support you in your efforts. Don t hang on to what is keeping you from claiming life in Christ. Try not to nurture hurts or get lost in perfectionitis." Let go of what ever is holding you back from living a full life in Christ. Of course, this is easier said than done. However, practice makes perfect (or almost perfect) and we have all forty days of Lent to listen to Jesus and follow as he demonstrates the good life of letting go and a good death as well. Hope to see you all in church even when it is frozen! Soli Deo Gloria! The Rev. Dr. Nancy J. Farrell March, 2015

2 Preaching and Worship March 2015 March 1, 2015 Second Sunday in Lent Scriptures: Genesis 17:1-17; Mark 8:31-38 Sermon: What Will it Profit? Reader: Carol Sloan Toddler Room: Sue Pringle Ushers: John Kratzert March 8, 2015 Third Sunday in Lent Scriptures: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; John 2:13-21 Sermon: What Sign? Reader: Alicia Lynch Ushers: John Kratzert Toddler Room: Irene Fadden Communion Elders: Sally Chase & Cim McFarlane March 15, 2015 Fourth Sunday in Lent Scriptures: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; John 3:11-22 Sermon: Why? Reader: Paul Powell Toddler Room: Carol & Andy Sloan Ushers: John Kratzert March 22, 2015 Fifth Sunday in Lent Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; John 12:20 33 Sermon: Do You Wish to See? Reader: Rena Haigh Toddler Room: Sue Leonard Ushers: John Kratzert March 29, 2015 Palm to Passion Sunday Reader: Lynn Malboeuf Toddler Room: Jody Pruitt Ushers: John Kratzert Good Friday April 3, 2015 Service at 7:00 p.m. 2

3 Deadline for the next SPIRE is Tuesday, March 17, Thank you! The highlight of my recuperation was when the mail came and I received so many cards and notes from my Church Family and friends. How lucky I am to have so many thoughts and prayers coming my way. I know you were all a part of my feeling better so quickly. Thank you so much and I hope to see you all soon. Sandy Kelly To Western Presbyterian Church Family, Thank you to those who were able to attend Heather s memorial. For those who couldn t, your prayers & condolences were just as comforting. We also want to acknowledge the lovely reception given in her honor & all the people who were responsible. God bless you all Mike, Jan & Scott Seman Dear Friends, Thank you for your wonderful generosity over the years for our dear departed church members. Your donations and labor are so appreciated, and add so much to our Celebration of life funeral receptions. The families of the deceased are so grateful, too, and always thank us for our efforts. We are blessed to be able to have the opportunity to honor and celebrate our heavenly saints. Blessings of peace and love, Jan Taylor Funeral Reception Director 3

4 In February, Mission & Social Ministry sent care packages to college students to say that their church family is thinking about them. We only sent an to Josie McMullin as she is in Prague, Czech Republic. Printed below is Emily s Thank You note: Dear Mrs. Chapman, Thank you so much for your ! I loved getting the packages in the past; it is thoughtful and makes me feel more connected to the church and community I love. I am sure I will enjoy myself very much and will learn from the experience. If you do ever have the means and time, I would recommend making a trip out to Prague, though perhaps in the warmer months. It is a beautiful city. I included a photo I took from a balcony at the Prague Castle. I hope you, your family, and the church have a wonderful season and I hope to be able to go back for a Sunday here and there over the summer. Please give everyone my regards. Best, Josie 4

5 WPC's Favorite Prayers The Worship Committee would like to create a booklet of WPC's Favorite Prayers, but we need your help. Please write down your favorite prayer and place it in the prayer box located outside of the office. Be sure to include the author's name, even if the author is you! If you don't know the name of the author, indicate "Author Unknown". Also, put your name on the form as the submitter. The deadline will be the Sunday after Easter. The best possible result is that we have a prayer from everyone! Thank you. JOIN US FOR THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER ON THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015! In observance of the National Day of Prayer, our sanctuary will be open for our congregation and community to use for private prayer. Please mark your calendar, tell a friend, or bring a friend. The following is an excerpt from a June 2014 letter from Shirley Dobson, who is the Chairman of the NDP Task Force. Dear Friends: Hello and warm greetings from all of us at the National Day of Prayer Task Force headquarters.this has been a banner year due in great part to the overwhelming support provided by good friends like you. All 50 Governors and the President of the United States proclaimed the 63 rd annual National Day of Prayer as millions of Americans gathered from coast to coast in solemn assembly. It was quite possibly the single, largest, mobilized effort to prayer in the history of our nation. Approximately 43,000 gatherings, large and small, were held in a multitude of venues from stadiums and churches to parks and individual homes. Americans everywhere paused to intercede for our nation. Adding to the enthusiasm generated by reports from around the country, we were pleased that for the first time, ten other countries joined with us in prayer including Australia, India, Thailand, Israel, Taiwan, Ecuador, Namibia, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Germany. In addition, the National Observance was broadcast live out of Jerusalem, Israel to over 200 countries with more than 270,000 viewers tuning in online. Yet, there was also evidence that we must not fail in advancing the cause of public prayer if we are to maintain this important freedom. An anti-faith organization attempted to block the prayer gathering on Capitol Hill to prevent the military from participating. Although representatives from our armed forces stood firm, it was a powerful reminder that NDP s efforts are key to ensuring that prayer remains an integral part of our national life In closing, I want to remind you that although the official 63 rd annual National Day of Prayer has concluded, we must work diligently, together, to make every day a national day of prayer. Sincerely, Mrs. James C. Dobson (Shirley) Chairman, NDP Task Force 5

6 Third Annual Game Night Saturday, March 14 th at 7 pm will be our annual Game Night. We can play euchre, gin rummy, banana grahams or any other game that you would like to play. Please bring a hors d oeuvre to pass. Beverages will be provided by the Fellowship Ministry Team. We hope you will come and have a night of fun! Women s Association Blanket Sunday February 8 th was our designated Blanket Sunday appeal here at Western Presbyterian Church. A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to this Church World Service ministry of the National Council of the Churches of Christ of the U.S.A. A blanket is the first item provided to people in emergency situations around the world. A blanket means We do care for you. If you missed Blanket Sunday, you may still make a donation with cash or check made out to WPC marked Blanket Sunday. $5.00 buys one blanket. 6

7 2015 Wishlist Dear friends of Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake, The following is a list of items we would like to have to enhance the program and maintenance of our camp. If you have any of these items in new or good used condition, or would like to make a gift to the camp of a new item on this list, please contact us at the office number We are a tax deduction! Your support of Camp Whitman is gratefully appreciated! CRAFTS/ACTIVITIES: Construction Paper Plain white t-shirts (adult sizes S - 4X) RIT dye (we use a TON of RIT dye!) Scissors (kid and adult sizes) Straws Googly eyes Masking tape Scotch tape Glass jars (baby food or jelly jars) Shaving cream Liquid Water Color Paint Buckets (3 gallons) Paper Plates Origami Paper Colored Copy Paper Balloons (regular and water) Popsicle sticks Sidewalk chalk Ping Pong balls Ball pump Cast Iron Dutch Oven Water Color Paints Finger Paint Hot Glue Sticks Elmer s Glue Staples Glitter Old-fashioned ice cream maker Rock salt OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES/KITCHEN: Kayak paddles Golf carts, good condition Silverware Tupperware Microwave oven in good working condition Extension cords 12 wire - 15, 25 and 50 footers Surge protector Good, working, new-to-us boat & motor, 14 ft. or larger, with trailer, preferably with a 60 horse motor or something similar. TOILETRIES, ETC. Toothpaste and toothbrushes Old sneakers or water shoes Travel size shampoo and soap Towels (beach or bath, can be gently used) GIFT CARDS: We always accept Gift Cards from stores such as Target, BJ s, Wholesale Warehouse, Amazon.com, etc.

8 SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EXPENSES Operating and Mission Funds January 1, 2015 Through January 31, 2015 INCOME AMOUNT Operating Pledges/Offerings $7, Per Capita $ Other Donations $ Income from Investments $3, TOTAL INCOME $12, EXPENSES Session Committees $1, Personnel $8, Mission $0.00 Per Capita $ TOTAL EXPENSES $10, NET INCOME (EXPENSES) $1,

9 TODDLER SCHEDULE Below is the Schedule for staffing of the Toddler Room during the 10:00 AM Sunday morning service. Thank you in advance for your extremely important mission of providing infant and toddler care. Please arrive about minutes early. Many thanks! P.S. Snack is in the closet. Let Irene know when we need more. Thanks again. 03/01/15 Sue Pringle /08/15 Irene Fadden /15/15 Carol & Andy Sloan /22/15 Sue Leonard /29/15 Jody Pruitt /05/15 Nancy Talma /12/15 Edie Chapman /19/15 Jan Taylor /26/15 Katie Mitchell /03/15 Ruth Dantz If your name is not on this list of 13 and you would like to make our youngest members of our family feel welcome, please give me a call and I'll add you to the list. Irene Fadden

10 HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY March 2 Ada Graves Markham March 2 James & Jacqueline DeBrine March 3 Norma Alsdorf March 17 Ronald & Barbara Pieters March 4 Heather Dyer March 21 Bill & Elaine Hassler March 4 Ruth Dantz March 4 Barbara Pieters March 5 Lou Callerame March 11 Eric Chapman March 16 Shelby Hutton March 16 Sara Hutton March 17 Collin Trapiss March 18 Cynthia Deys March 19 Doris Chriswell March 22 William Bush March 22 Susan Pringle March 23 Cory Trapiss March 26 Kurt Scribner March 26 Mary Beth LaBerge March 27 Tricia Owen March 27 Avery Hunt March 29 Jacqueline DeBrine March 31 Walter Lester If you are an active member and we have missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact the office at so we can add it to our list next time. If your anniversary or birthday is missing, it means it was not in the Data Base, which is where we get the list. 10

11 1 2 nd Sunday in Lent Noon Study Group at Rev. Nancy s MARCH 2015 SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT pm CTNS Board 2 pm Deacons 7 pm Mission/Social 7 pm Fellowship Concerns 8 3 rd Sunday in Lent Noon Study Group at Rev. Nancy s 15 4 th Sunday in Lent Noon Study Group at Rev. Nancy s 22 5 th Sunday in Lent Noon Study Group at Rev. Nancy s :30 pm King s Daughter s FH & Kit SPIRE DEADLINE pm Session 11 7 pm Christian Ed pm Finance 7 pm Worship am to 4 pm Presbytery Meeting pm Set Up For Easter Bunny Breakfast 7 pm Game Night 28 7 am to Noon FH CTNS Easter Bunny Breakfast 1 pm Memorial Service Mervin Stoltzfus Palm to Passion Sunday 11

12 7 pm Mission/Social Concerns APRIL 2015 SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT Good Friday 7 pm Service 5 Easter Sunday No Sunday School 6 5 pm CTNS Board 7 pm Fellowship 7 2 pm Deacons nd Sunday of Easter :30 pm Property 7 pm Worship 15 7 pm Finance 7 pm Circle IV rd Sunday of Easter 26 4 th Sunday of Easter pm Set Up Rummage Sale 21 SPIRE DEADLINE 6:30-9:30 pm Set Up Rummage Sale pm King s Daughter s FH 22 9 am to 9 pm Set Up Rummage Sale 29 Noon-8 pm Blood Drive FH 23 9 am to 5 pm Rummage Sale am to 5 pm Rummage Sale 25 9 am to 11 am Rummage Sale 11 am to 1 pm Teardown 12