Messenger. The Presbyterian Lenten Journey By Pastor John Ziulkowski. Church Events

Transcription

1 The Presbyterian Messenger MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MARCH Lenten Journey By Pastor John Ziulkowski The Lenten Season (February 14 April 1) is the time when many Christians fast and give up one or more worldly pleasures ahead of Easter. But we can also choose to do something in addition or instead! My challenge to us has been to do five things in these weeks before Easter. The 5 things are found in Philippians 4:2-9 and are: 1. Repair a broken relationship (Phil. 4:2). 2. Rejoice in your relationship with the Lord Jesus (Phil. 4:4). 3. Reflect Jesus gentleness (Phil. 4:5). 4. Rest in God the Father s loving care (Phil. 4:8). 5. Reverse destructive thinking (Phil. 4:8). Make time to read the verses. Keep in mind that whatever God commands us to do or not to do, He will give us the power to do or not do. The Bible says, It is God who works in [us] to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phil. 4:13). May the Spirit of Christ bless our 2018 Lenten Journey. In Jesus love, Pastor John Church Events Mar 2 nd - World Day of Prayer Mar 4 th - Communion / Cupcake Sunday Mar 7 th Lenten Luncheon Mar 11 th - Daylight saving time begins Mar 11 th - 4th Sunday in Lent Mar 13 th - Election Day Mar 14 th - Lenten Luncheon Mar 14 th - Session Mar 21 st - Lenten Luncheon Mar 25 th - Palm Sunday (Holy Week begins) Mar 25 th - 1 st Deadline to order Easter lilies Mar 29 th - Maundy Thursday Communion Service & Meal Mar 31 st - Easter Egg Hunt

2 Dispelling the darkness On Good Friday, many churches hold a Tenebrae worship service. Tenebrae (Latin for darkness or shadows ) is an ancient Christian tradition that re-creates the emotions of Jesus Passion and death. The sanctuary gradually grows darker. A strepitus (Latin for loud noise ) may signify the closing of Jesus tomb. As the service concludes, a Christ candle stands alone on the altar, reminding worshipers that victory is coming on Easter morning. When Scottish missionary Peter Milne died in 1924, the thankful people he d served in the South Pacific inscribed this message on his headstone: When he came, there was no light; when he died, there was no darkness. Death s darkness couldn t conquer Jesus, the light of the world, so it does not conquer us. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5, ESV). 1 Corinthians 15:55 O Death, where is your sting? Christ s death becomes the rod, the cudgel that breaks the necks of the fears that are the enemies of my peace; his Word becomes the staff by which he holds on to me and rescues me from danger. Sinclair B. Ferguson, Deserted By God? Making the common sacred First Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) reminds us, Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Author E.M. Bounds describes this mind-set as a spirit of devotion that puts God in all things not merely in our praying and churchgoing. He writes: The spirit of devotion makes the common things of earth sacred and the little things great. With this spirit of devotion, we go to business on Monday directed by the very same influence, and inspired by the same influences, by which we went to church on Sunday. The spirit of devotion makes a Sabbath out of Saturday and transforms the shop and the office into a temple of God. Lenten Luncheons... The Presbyterian Church of Burley will be presenting The Lenten series starting on Wednesday, Feb. 21st at 12 noon and continue for 5 weeks until Wednesday, March 21st. The study is entitled The Meaning of Lent for Today s World Everyone is invited to join us for a light lunch, and join in the discussion. There will be a freewill offering, with the proceeds to fund camp scholarships for young people wanting to go to Camp Sawtooth this summer. Youth Summer Camp Camp Sawtooth is an opportunity to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through living in a close, caring community which studies, plays and worships together, encouraging selfawareness and caring for others. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities while living and learning in a Christian environment. Each camp is unique with all campers enjoying a program specifically designed for them by our Program Staff. Activities include outdoor games and crafts, hiking and swimming, picnics, road trips and evening campfires. Each camp is special Camp Sawtooth Dates: June 24 July 27

3 Session Highlights Greetings from the Session, The Session met for its regular monthly meeting on Feb. 13, Two Elders were excused as they were out of town. Newly elected elder Paul Pugh attended the meeting as an observer. Pastor John Ziulkowski moderated the meeting. The Clerk reported that there are 75 active members on the rolls. There were no funerals, baptisms, or weddings during the month. Twenty-five members and friends were served communion in February. Kathy Poulton was elected clerk and Carleen Clayville was elected as Treasurer for The Session is looking for a person to serve as Presbytery Commissioner. This person must be an elder but not necessarily an active elder at present. Please come and support Lenten Lunches during Feb./Mar. They are held each Wednesday at noon with lunch and a short Lenten message. Any offering received will be used for scholarships for kids to attend Camp Sawtooth this summer. Amelia Clark is renting the Manse and is looking for one or two roommates. If you know of a person looking for a place to live, contact the church office or Kathy Poulton. The Session wishes to thank the Fellowship Committee for the lovely Sweetheart Affair. The food was delicious as usual and the game time was enjoyed by those who attended. Hats Off!!! To the ladies who love to cook and treat us like royalty. The tithes for the month were $8,240 and the expenses were $5,813. Thank you all who donate with love and generosity so that the church can be a strong presence in our community. The Session is beginning to prepare the Mission Statement. This is the first step in our pastor search process. The congregation will need to be ready to give input and fill out surveys. Your input is extremely important. Please be thinking about the past, present and future for First Presbyterian of Burley. A survey will be handed out or sent to you. It is vital that you fill it out and return it to the Session. Thank you. Don t forget to bring Easter eggs and individually wrapped candies for the Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 st. Your help that morning will be necessary and appreciated. The next Session meeting will be on Mar. 14 th. There was no other business discussed and the meeting closed with prayer at 8:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Poulton, Clerk of Session Prayers for the Churches Prayers this month are for: Praying through the Presbytery Lent 2018 Please pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ who are witnessing to God s grace in communities across Idaho and beyond. May God s Spirit inspire and empower us to share the love of Christ and to make a difference in lives. We pray for those called to serve as leaders. May we be attentive to God s word as we seek God s future. Be sure to pick up the Praying through the Presbytery Lent 2018 guide to assist you to pray with and for each other as we engage in discerning God s purposes for mission and ministry. ***This little bookmark sized prayer guide can be found at the back of our sanctuary*** Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God Romans 12:2

4 Committees & Chairpersons Building & Grounds: Dale Martin Christian Education: & Worship Dan Shockey Fellowship: Brent Germann Finance: Carleen Clayville March Scripture Lessons Pastor John s messages during this Lenten Season are from Philippians 4:2-9. We are focusing on things we can DO during our 2018 Lenten Journey. Do read the Scripture verses for each Sunday from the Lectionary. God s Word is a life changing power. March 4 [3rd Sunday in Lent / Communion Sunday] Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 19; 1 Cor. 1:18-25; John 2:13-22 March 11 [4th Sunday in Lent] Num. 21:4-9; Ps. 107:1-3, 17-22; Eph. 2:1-10; John 3:14-21 March 18 [5th Sunday in Lent] Jer. 31:31-34; Ps. 51:1-12; or Ps. 117:9-16 Heb. 5:5-10; John 12:20-33 March 25 [Palm Sunday / Holy Week begins] Isa. 50:4-9a; Ps. 31:9-16; Phil. 2:5-11; Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) Missions & Evangelism: George McGee February 18th Lent begins Lenten Devotionals have been ordered, Jesus and the Prophets The season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and contemplation of the power and promise of the paschal mystery. Perhaps there are no better models of how to live Lent than the prophets. There is a potent connection between Jesus and the prophets. The prophets communicated the word of God; Jesus is the Word of God. The prophets predicted the coming of the prince of peace; Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Not only did Jesus continue the prophetic ministry, he is the fulfillment of the prophetic mission. The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, PC (USA) pastor, has assembled a collection of challenging daily reflections, Scripture and prayers to help us on our Lenten journey. Be sure to pick up a copy and start reading today! They are located We will be selling Easter lilies again this year. The cost will be $10.00 each. There will be a dedication insert in the Easter Sunday bulletin on April 1st. Order forms will be available from February 25 to March 25. Please have your completed order form and money in by March 25th and plan to take your Easter lily home after church on Easter Sunday. Checks should be made payable to First Presbyterian Church and please specify it is for lilies. Thank you! March Birthdays 02 Ginny Behr 08 Tanya Behr 11 Mazie Mozer 19 Sandra Clayville 23 Joshua Murphy 28 Frieda Gebauer 30 Jo Elg God Bless Your Special Day! 2018 Year to Date Tithes and Offerings January Tithes $8, Expenses $5, YTD Totals Tithes $8, Expenses $5,813.02

5 March 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2:30 pm Bible study 2 World Day of Prayer 3 4 3rd Sunday in Lent 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship & Communion 5 6 7:30 am Men s Bible Conner s Café 7 12:00 pm Lenten Luncheon 4.30 pm Choir 8 2:30 pm Bible study 9 10 Cupcake Sunday 11 4th Sunday in Lent 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship Daylight saving time begins Election Day 8am *we are a polling place 7:30 am Men s Bible Conner s Café 14 12:00 pm Lenten Luncheon 4.30 pm Choir 7:00 pm Session 15 2:30 pm Bible study th Sunday in Lent 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship First Day of Spring 7:30 am Men s Bible Conner s Café 21 12:00 pm Lenten Luncheon 4.30 pm Choir 22 2:30 pm Bible study Palm Sunday (Holy Week begins) 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship Deadline to order Easter lilies :30 am Men s Bible Conner s Café 28 12:00 pm Lenten Luncheon 4.30 pm Choir 29 2:30 pm Bible study 6:00 pm Maundy Thursday Communion Service & Meal 30 Good Friday 31 11:00 am 5th annual Easter Egg Hunt March Servers ~ We Appreciate YOU! Head Usher: Gary Hollinger Head Greeter: Lee Bay Communion Servers: Dan Shockey, Gary Hollinger,, Liturgist: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 Children s Time: 3/4 Kristi Pugh, 3/11 Paul Pugh, 3/18 Kathleen Morgan, 3/25 Paul Pugh Coffee Hour: 3/4 Fellowship, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 Anyone able to serve on the unassigned dates above, please feel free to just jump in! LOOKING AHEAD Mark your Calendar APRIL 01: Easter Sunday 01: One Great Hour of Sharing 01: Communion / Cupcake Sunday 11: Session 7:00 pm 15: Scholarship Application Deadline 21: PW Meeting & BD Offering 24: Sausage Supper 5:30 7:00 pm

6 Presbyterian Women The Presbyterian Women met for our Annual Valentine s Brunch on Saturday, February 17. A lovely group of women attended. (We had more tables set up hoping that even more of you could attend). As usual, we opened with prayer and recited our Presbyterian Women Purpose, then Kathy Poulton presented our spring project of Helping those who are in need of a sustainable source of income and nourishment. She handed out containers to collect our pocket change to help those people by teaching them to help themselves. The money raised will be donated to the Presbyterian Mission Project. In our business meeting, we mentioned that Janell had resigned as Secretary, and we needed someone to replace her. If you are willing, please let us know. It would involve taking and presenting notes of the meetings. Since we only meet, 4-5 times a year, it wouldn t be hard to do. We then acknowledged those who need prayer and uplifting. Our brunch of homemade cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit was furnished by Carleen and Kathy, and finished with a little craft of a heart loaded with fun-sized candy, courtesy of Sandra Clayville. Please plan on joining us at our next meeting on Saturday, April 21st. Yours in Christ Carleen Clayville, Moderator Ladies enjoying the PW Valentine Brunch on Saturday, February 17th

7 Presbytery Report The Presbytery of Kendall Stated Meeting February 17,2018 I felt the theme of the Presbytery of Kendall meeting was "Listening for God." I felt this in each report, in the gathering around Christ's table and especial in the message by Janne Goldbeck. I also attended the Church Relations Committee meeting at which time Cathy Chisolm presented the "Listening for God as the Presbytery of Kendall." The handout was sent to each church and put out in our church bulletin on Sunday February 18th. The Nominating Committee did not have a name to present for male minister synod representative. This person would replace Pastor Josyph. The committee is also in search of a replacement for Candi Wyckoff who has announced her retirement as Administrative Assistant. Steve and Senita passed out packets and made a presentation regarding Camp Sawtooth. Summer is around the corner. The Ministerial Relations Committee reported that they had distributed money to two candidates and approved terms of employment between Rev. John Ziulkowski and the Burley church. The MRC presented a motion that was approved to exempt from term limits for elders and deacons from the St Anthony congregation. Joan McCune of the Presbyterian Women discussed the Spring Gathering in Burley on May 5th and the Fall Gathering on October 13 in Pocatello. A copy of the budget was presented for Kendall. Most interesting to me was the Designated/Restricted Fund Balances and how they are used, calculated and distributed. A copy can be seen in the church office. The Board of Manager for the Hilda Thompson Gift reviewed income and dispersion and the ranch's current condition. Handouts from the meeting can be found at the church office. Thank you for allowing me to represent you at this meeting. Russell Morgan, Elder Making it Personal SOMEONE HAS SAID, Knowing Christ died that s history. Believing He died for me that s salvation. A personal relationship with Christ begins at the moment of our salvation. Only when we are born spiritually into God s family do we become members of His spiritual kingdom. While we may not know exactly when this new life begins, we can understand the steps we need to take to begin this relationship. 1 Admit our lost condition. All of us are born to the parents of a fallen humanity. We come into this world separated from the life of God and absorbed with an interest in finding satisfaction and significance on our own terms. We don t show a natural desire for God who made us for Himself (ROMANS 3:11-12). 2 Acknowledge what God has done for us. The word gospel means good news. The gospel of Christ is that God Himself loved us enough to send His own Son into this world to rescue us from our sin (JOHN 1:1-4; 3:16). The good news is that Jesus lived the quality of life that God intended for us to live. He loved His heavenly Father with all of His heart, soul, and mind and showed us what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves. Then, to solve the problem of our lost relationship with His Father, Jesus died in our place, offering Himself as a perfect sacrifice to pay the price of sin. Because He was not only man but God our Creator as well (JOHN 1:1-14), His death was of infinite value. When He rose from the dead, He proved that He had died in our place to pay the price of all sin past, present, and future. 3 Personally believe and receive God s gift. While we all have earned the wages of spiritual death and separation from God (ROMANS 6:23), no one can earn a relationship with God. It is a gift of His love and mercy. No one is saved by trying to be good. We are saved by trusting in Christ: For it is by grace [underserved favor] you have been saved, through faith and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. (EPHESIANS 2:8-9; TITUS 3:5). This may sound too simple. But it takes a miracle of God s grace to break our pride and self-sufficiency. It takes God s Spirit to draw us into this kind of personal relationship. The actual words we say to God to receive this gift may vary (LUKE 18:13; 23:42-43). What is important is that we believe God enough to be able to say, Father, I know I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose from the dead to prove it. Now I accept Your offer of eternal life. I accept Jesus as Your gift for my salvation. If this is the honest expression of your heart, welcome to God s family! By simple, childlike faith you have entered into a personal relationship with the One who made you and saved you for Himself.

8 Committee Reports FINANCE The Finance team wants to thank all who have already paid their Per Capita apportionment for We have mentioned our church s responsibility to pay a Per Capita (per member) to support the Kendall Presbytery, Synod of the Pacific, and General Assembly each year. Of this amount ($43.00 each Member, again this year), a large portion is returned to our Presbytery to support small churches, and special mission projects. Also, we want to thank all who took the time to fill out the Time and Talents form to volunteer to support and help with the many tasks that are required to keep our beautiful church running smoothly, and to pledge financial support. If for some reason you missed our mailing of the form, and would like us to send you another one, please contact the office or anyone on the Finance team. Your support is important and helps so very much, and we thank God for each and every one of you! In Christ s Service Your Finance Team MISSIONS & OUTREACH We continue to receive gifts in kind: food, paper products and home necessities for the Helping Hands food bank in Burley. Helping Hands typically assist a hundred or more family each week. On Easter, April 1st we will receive the One Great Hour of Sharing special offering. This offering supports the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and the Self Development of People program. The funds provided by the One Great Hour of Sharing go to help people recover from natural and man-made disasters, to fight hunger and equip the poor. This ecumenical outreach works in a hundred countries to lift up hurting people in the name of Christ. See the thank you letters posted in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your cheerful generosity. Respectfully submitted, George McGee God s mysterious ways God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform. These oft-quoted words, from a hymn by English poet William Cowper, come with an unsubstantiated yet powerful back story. Cowper, who struggled with depression, decided to commit suicide one night. He called a cab to go to the Thames River, planning to drown himself. Such dense fog arose that the driver got lost and finally stopped to let his passenger out. To Cowper s surprise, he was at his own door! He concluded that God had sent the fog to spare his life. The hymn he wrote in response continues: Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head. His purpose will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour. The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. FELLOWSHIP March 4th Cupcake Sunday March 29th Maundy Thursday 6:00 p.m. Please plan on joining your Worship and Fellowship Committees for a special service. Respectfully submitted, Terrie Shockey Let every dawn of morning be to you as the beginning of life, and every setting sun be to you as its close. Then let every one of these short lives leave its sure record of some kindly thing done for others, some godly strength or knowledge gained for yourself John Ruskin Daylight saving time begins March 11, 2018

9 Committee Reports Thinking of Lent PERSONNEL & NOMINATING The Deacon and Elder assignments have been made. ELDERS Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Dale Martin George McGee Paul Pugh Dan Shockey Brent Germann DEACONS Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Susan McGee Darla Holl Tyson Germann Lee Bay Pam Evans Kathleen Rios Sometime this year the committee will be looking at putting together a Pastor Nominating Committee. Please think about this if you are asked to serve for this very important calling. Respectfully submitted, Gary L. Hollinger Advent prepares us for Christ s birth; Lent prepares us for the glorious act of Christ s resurrection. Churches have special services during the weeks of Lent, but it s what each of us does regarding our spiritual life that makes Lent most meaningful. Lent is a good time to read, study and inwardly digest the four gospels. (The word gospel means good news. ) A college student decided to work his way through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John for his Lenten devotional time. Soon he was fascinated by the stories, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees trying to trap Jesus in debate. The brilliant Jesus handled every occasion with wisdom, leaving the authorities dumbfounded. During his devotional time, the student was filled with laughter and amazement at the brilliant son of God, who was only in his 30s. Get to know the good news, and you ll understand the young man s amazement. PERSONNEL & NOMINATING This will be my last writing for this column, your new Session Chairman, Paul Pugh, will be writing it for now on. We re very fortunate in having Paul come aboard and put forth his ideas to the Session. I would like to thank Lee Bay for always getting her Treasury Report to me on time. Her handling of the funds for the Deacons as Treasurer and her Janitorial work at the church are examples of her hard work. To all members of the Session thank you for helping me in doing my job, and that s no easy task! Last but not least I would like to thank Paul Pugh, Pam Evans, Tyson Germann, and Kathleen Rios for saying yes when I asked them to serve on the Session and Deacons. Yours truly, Gary Hollinger Where was I? Our young son often asks where he was when something significant happened before he was born. Where was I when you two got married? Where was I when Nana died? And even Where was I before I was inside your body? My response is always You were in God s heart. God said as much to Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you (Jeremiah 1:5, NRSV). A Good Friday spiritual asks plaintively, Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Clearly none of us was present when Jesus died. Yet as we worship on Good Friday, we place ourselves at the cross, where Jesus bore our sins. Where was I, we might ask our heavenly Father, when they crucified Jesus? I m confident that God s tender answer is You were in my heart. Indeed, only because of our place there did Jesus go willingly to the cross and rise to assure us of everlasting life. Heidi Mann Special Dates to Remember in March World Day of Prayer, March 2, rd Sunday in Lent, March 4, 2018 Communion / Cupcake Sunday, March 4, 2018 Lenten Luncheon, March 7, 2018 (Wednesdays at noon 3/21) Daylight saving time begins, March 11, th Sunday in Lent, March 11, 2018 Election Day, March 13, 2018 *we are a polling place Session, March 14, th Sunday in Lent, March 18, 2018 Palm Sunday (Holy Week begins), March 25, 2018 Deadline to order Easter lilies, March 25, 2018 Maundy Thursday Service & Meal, March 29, 2018 Easter Egg Hunt, March 31, 2018

10 INTERIM PASTOR: Rev. John Ziulkowski John s office hours: Wed. & Thurs 9am 1pm (also available after hours by appointment) John s lrzski@yahoo.com John s Cell: First Presbyterian Church (USA) 2100 Burton Avenue Burley ID Visit us on the web at: Office Administrator: Barbra Moore Office Hours M F 9am 1pm Office phone: Office burleypc@pmt.org Clerk of Session: Kathy Poulton Director of Music: Paul Pugh Pianist: Susan McGee Organist: Mayna McGill Nursery Attendant: Bonnie Stanley Custodian: Lee Bay Prayer Chain: Gay Neiwert Return Service Requested Service Times: Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:45 am The Presbyterian Messenger and The Lord s Day Bulletin are published by The First Presbyterian Church of Burley, Idaho. Please submit your Newsletter items by the 15th of the month and Bulletin items by Wednesday. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:22 PRAYERS We offer up prayers for... PRAYER CORNER Prayers for recovered health for: Sandra Clayville. Wolf Selcho. Mike Schwartz. Gay Neiwert. Dan Shockey. Susan McGee. And all who are sick or injured. Prayers of thanksgiving for... Those God has healed. All God s blessings! Prayers of support for... All those who have lost loved ones: Harold & Frieda Gebauer, Fred & Gay Neiwert, Gerald & June Stoller The poor, lonely, abused, or struggling with addiction Our church leaders Our military servicepersons Our partnership ministries: Helping Hands Christian Outreach, KAIROS, Mini-Cassia Shelter All who have lost jobs Those facing financial uncertainties Wisdom for those making difficult decisions And we encourage you to Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 Praying through the Presbytery Lent 2018 Prayers: If you know of someone who is in need of our prayers, please contact the church office. Prayer Chain: If you have an emergency prayer request, or would like to join the prayer chain, please contact Gay Neiwert ( ) March 2018