Gettysburg Presbyterian Church. The Pastor s Page. Proverbs Challenge

Transcription

1 Gettysburg Presbyterian Church The Pastor s Page Proverbs Challenge When working on my doctoral project in Christian ethics, I discovered three main schools of thought concerning how we decide what s right and wrong. The Deontological School focuses on using rules, like the Ten Commandments, to determine right and wrong. The Consequential School believes that right and wrong is determined by the effect that our actions have. Paul uses this approach in I Cor. 8:13 when he states that he won t eat meat offered to idols if it causes another Christian to fall, even though he has no personal scruples against doing so. August 26, 2015 Inside Sunday School Classes Exploring Membership Youth Club Information Prayers for Peace Kick-Off Sunday All-Church Picnic PW Fall All-Circle Meeting Choir Members Needed The third school of ethics says that rules and outcomes are meaningless unless we are people of character. This school focuses on Christian virtues and creating people of good character. In the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs is designed to produce good character in us. Proverbs will be the focus of our sermons in September and October. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. I challenge you to read one chapter of Proverbs each day of these two months. If you miss a day, don t worry. Just read the chapter corresponding to that day s date, e.g. chapter 1 on Sept. 1, etc. Together, let s work on becoming people of character this Fall! Dave

2 Happy Birthday to... September 1 Dottie Fleckner Conor Wagner September 2 Carol Eyler September 3 William Faloon Warren Walle September 4 Mary Crouthamel Terry Manning Carole Simon Kaylee Sites September 5 Meredith Bergen Gayle Kelch Jim Raggets Nick Telenson September 6 Lisa Gormley Lisamarie Marks September 7 Rachel Landauer George Lomas Veronica Paul Marian Schultz September 8 Lou Nyiri September 9 Mike Brubaker Tanya Hall Georgia Kuhn September 10 Joanne Getty Timothy Johnson Lucille Myers September 11 Donna Newman Candace Veon-Nyiri Jenifer Wagner September 12 Linda Miller Shaely Stabler Brittany Stone September 13 Anne Kern Linda Raymond September 14 Eric Doyle Zachary Shoemaker September 15 Emily Beamer Ross Brownley Barbara Ellingson Montford Illick Roslyn Parkhurst Adam Smarsh Bonnie Wright September 16 Kelly Jones Ross Myers September 17 Cindy Burnsteel Brianna Hieber Tyler Kint Kate Moyer September 18 Nancy Cook Justin Lewis Robert Tomassini September 19 Georgia Bittle Jodi Dillman Lois Edwards Owen Freas Shawn Graff September 20 Sarah Hoffman Amber Skoczen September 21 Pat Conklin Liz Conover Ryan Kime Eleanor Rice Jennifer Unger September 22 Roy Thomas Neal Weaver September 23 Barbara Forrest Mary Ann Remaley Robert Smith September 24 Jessica Lush September 25 Tim Bollinger Karen Golanoski Alexa Wilhelm September 26 Rachel Parmentier Page 2 September 27 Henry Oswald September 28 Justin Beegle Sharon Kuntzman September 29 Chris Carbaugh Will Mosser Katie Shoemaker September 30 Roger Clowes Kay Heggan Blake Pierson Stephen Swartzbaugh Congratulations to Ralph & Sarah Lambert who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on August 21, 2015 Words of Thanks can t really express how I feel after receiving so many expressions of sympathy and support during the illness and at the passing of my husband, Rush. Flowers, cards, food, phone calls and just an opportunity to talk were just what I needed. What a blessing to be part of such a caring family at GPC! God bless you all! Marge Benson Job Opening There is an immediate opening for a Director of Music for Contemporary Worship. The Director will oversee the Praise Band and additional music for 33 weeks each year. Please go to the church website to see the job description. Also, be in prayer that God will lead us to just the right person! Exploring Membership Class Sunday, October 11 12:00-4:00 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about GPC, plan to attend the Exploring Membership Class on Sunday afternoon, October 11. Following a lunch together, you ll have a chance to learn more about Presbyterians and opportunities for spiritual nurture and service here at GPC, and to meet our staff. Following the class, Session will meet to receive new members at 4:00 p.m. Childcare is available. If interested, call the church office ( ) if you are planning to attend. NEED A RIDE? If you are having trouble attending church services and/or church functions due to not having transportation, let the Deacons help you. We are only a phone call away. The transportation Deacon for September is Bonnie Wright at

3 SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 13 th Page 3 Sunday School classes begin on Sunday, September 13 th. There is something for everyone. If you have any questions, contact Cheryl Betts at the church office ( ext. 5). We look forward to seeing you on the 7 th! Children (9:15 10:30 a.m.) Class Location Teachers Childcare (ages 0-2) Church Nursery Kathy Kircher, Becky Strevig Preschool (ages 3 & 4) Sky Room Lower SS Wing Elly Cleaver, Phyllis Dowd, & Mary Beth Shoemaker Kindergarten & First Grade Beach Room Lower SS Wing Cindy Burnsteel, Jen Daniels, Krista Delacruz & Sarah Skoczen (**Primary Choir for Children ages 3 Grade 2 will meet downstairs from Carrie Trax, Meghan Moroz & 10:30 10:45 a.m. each week). Jen Unger Grades 2 & 3 Jungle Room Lower SS Wing Sonja Brown, Susan Kint & Jane North Grades 4 & 5 Fish Room Lower SS Wing Marion Lambert Grades 6 8 Paideia House Upstairs Al Moyer & Barb Sanders Youth (9:30 10:30 a.m.) Grades 9-12 Youth Room (top floor) Rev. Lou Nyiri (Including Confirmation Class) Adult Classes (9:30 10:30 a.m.) MacAskill Room Elective Class Location Teachers September Faith in Food MacAskill (Sewing Room possible) Susan Kolmer September 27 th Faith in Food MacAskill Hannah Grose, Director of Gleaning Network Men s Bible Class Crane Library Ron Hankey This fall the class will study the book of Acts of the Apostles Surviving Parenthood Eisenhower Lounge Shared Leadership This group for young married couples (with or without small children) will discuss Growing Kids God s Way. ***************************************************************************************************************************** Bible Studies Disciple I Sundays 5 7 P.M. Sewing Room Randy Parmentier Disciple IV Sundays 5 7 P.M. *Upstairs by Choir Room Marion Lambert Disciple II Mondays A.M. *Upstairs by Choir Room Cheryl Betts * New name Disciple Room

4 Page 4 Calendar of Giving The Calendar of Giving is an opportunity for our congregation to support numerous local organizations. Through this program, we identify local organizations that are in need of smaller donations. Each month, we will be collecting specific items for the identified organization. For the month of: September We are collecting items for Manos Unidas pencils, file folders, tablets, craft supplies, washable paints, paintbrushes, crayons, glue, colored markers, construction paper. Faith in Food New Adult Elective Faith in Food begins on September 13 th. Food, if not dear to our hearts, it passes near our hearts every day. We all must eat, and the approaches we take toward food are as varied as our personalities. But what does God say about food and how we should eat? Come and test your knowledge of food as presented in the Bible, then be prepared for some interesting and provocative discussions to follow. Children s Sunday School Schedule The Sunday School classes for ages 3 Grade 8 will be held from 9:15 10:30 a.m. again this year. Why the extra 15 minutes? Beginning September 13, children in K Grade 8 will be going to the Contemporary Service for 15 minutes, so the children and youth can learn those wonderful songs. The classes will sit together in the front pews and then leave the Contemporary service at the Greeting time to return to their classrooms for their regular lesson. The Preschool class will have their own singing time in their classroom. Class of 2015 If you or your child graduated from high school in 2015 we need to know their post-high school address. We wish to keep in touch with them periodically throughout the year(s) following graduation from high school. We need your help to do this by providing us with their post-high school contact information. Please complete the contact card below and return to Rev. Lou Nyiri at the church office (208 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg) or (gpclou@embarqmail.com). Name of Graduate: 2015 Post-High School Graduate Contact Information Postal Mail Address 1: What months is graduate at this address? Postal Mail Address 2: What months is graduate at this address? Address: Cell Phone (optional):

5 Page 5 CONDOLENCES Our thoughts and prayers are with: Barb Eriksen on the recent death of her husband Ralph. Prayers for Peace Sept. 21 On Monday evening, Sept. 21, at 7 PM there will be an interfaith prayer service open to anyone who believes that peace within and between people is desirable and possible in our communities and our world. Sept. 21 happens to be the UN International Day of Peace as well as the World Council of Churches Day of Prayer for Peace. Prayers will be offered during the one hour service by people representing several faith traditions. There will also be time for silent, personal prayer and meditation as well as an opportunity for those attending to highlight specific areas where prayers for peace are needed. The service is open to the public and will take place in our sanctuary. YOUTH CLUB Starts September 16 th! Youth Club is our after-school program for children in Grades 3-5, held every Wednesday during the school year. The program includes snack, Bible activities and small groups, free time, Bible games and other games and dinner. Singing and handbell choirs follow dinner for those who are interested. The regular program runs from 3:15 5:45 p.m. and extends to 6:45 p.m. for those interested in the music opportunities. Youth club is a program of fun, faith, food and fellowship. It is also an opportunity for children to participate in a less formal church setting. Registration forms need to be returned to Cheryl by this Sunday, August 30 th. If you have any questions or need a registration form, contact Cheryl Betts at , ext 5 or gpcdce@embarqmail.com. We welcome all children in this fun, high-energy program! Kick-Off Sunday September 13, 2015 The Fellowship Team invites you to be part of the excitement on Kick-Off Sunday, September 13. This is a great opportunity to generate enthusiasm for your ministry team, as well as the overall new programmatic year, which begins on September 13, It ll be amazing to see how God uses the upcoming programmatic, education and service opportunities of to further the good news of the Gospel. The focus of the morning will be generating enthusiasm for the upcoming year and highlighting the many GPC Ministry Teams. Plan to stop by Fellowship Hall before or after you worship and check out the displays of the many ministries and missions of this church. Kick-Off Sunday is a great chance to learn more about our GPC church family, meet new people and enjoy our kickoff to a new year of activities and service in Jesus name. It is also a good time to introduce a friend you know who is looking for a church family so that they will learn about all that we offer here and, most important, all that God is doing GPC. If one of the ministry teams or groups you work with in our church would like to reserve a table, then complete the form below and return it to Rev. Lou Nyiri by September 6th GPC September 13, 2015 Kick-Off Sunday & Ministry Team Fair (Return this form to Rev. Lou Nyiri in the church office via mail; offering plate or gpclou@embarqmail.com NO LATER than September 6) We need ½ of an 8-foot table (4 X4 ) We need 1 whole 8-foot table (4 X8 ) Group Name: Group Contact: Group Contact Phone: (Best time to call: 3-5pm / 5-7pm / 7-9pm) Group Contact Will you need an electrical outlet for your display? YES / NO

6 Page 6 Book Club Readers, I want to thank you all for your enthusiasm and good wishes as I learned how to be the GPC Librarian. It has been two years since I took on the responsibility of the Crane Library and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, especially getting to know all of you through the Book Corner Articles. I have had some unexpected responsibilities of late (not health related!) and will be unable to continue as the librarian. Together we have made changes to our library and learned about Christian ethics through our reading. I do hope this has been satisfactory and hope that it continues. There is still work to be done so that the Crane Library will be a place we can go to relax and enjoy God through books. The ladies of the Esther Circle have dedicated the entire series of Jan Karon s Mitford series to the memory of Betsy Clowes. Thank you ladies! A very special friend of mine is going to be celebrating her 95 th birthday on September 4. Please send a card, visit her or think of her on her birthday. A very Happy Birthday Mary Crouthamel!!! Once again, thank you for allowing me into your homes through the Book Corner. I will miss it but hope that you will stop me in church or on the street and ask what I am reading because I will tell you and ask the same of you! God Bless and Keep on Reading! Cathy G P C Book Corner The Nominating Committee will be meeting late Aug. & early Sept. to nominate Elders, Deacons & future members of the Nominating Committee. This list of nominees will be presented to the congregation for election at the Congregational Meeting. If you would like to suggest someone for one of these positions please contact either Pastor Dave or Anne Gallon, Chairman of the Nominating committee. INVITATION TO Mid-Ship and Ship parents As you bring your youth to the youth programs on Sunday evenings, why not consider attending the Disciple I Bible Study class that runs from 5 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings. You could come as a family and enjoy a Bible study class while youth enjoy their groups and then go home together. We would love to have you participate in this program and save gas and trips back and forth. Contact Cheryl to register at ext. 5 or at gpcdce@embarqmail.com. Classes begin on September 13 th. WOMEN of GPC Please join in the FALL All-CIRCLE MEETING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Rachel Parmentier will lead the discussion on the Introduction and Lesson 1 of the HORIZONS Bible Study COME TO THE WATERS Genesis 1:1 2:14 Dessert & Beverages Provided This meeting will be in place of the Regular September Circle meetings. MORE THAN HOT CROSS BUNS: Music at GPC proudly announces our new Recorder Consort! This group welcomes those who have any experience playing recorders to join, and any size recorder is welcome. If you do not have a recorder the church will provide one for you. If you do not know how to play a recorder but would like to learn, please see Emily or her at emilykkoons@gmail.com. Rehearsals for the Recorder Consort are held approximately once monthly, and the group will play three-four times during the church year. Hope to see recorder enthusiasts there! - Emily

7 Page 7 HELP NEEDED in Christian Education Christian Education needs individuals to help in the following areas for Fall Programming: Games/Activities Leader Youth Club Wednesday afternoons 4:45-5:15 p.m. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DATES TO REMEMBER Sunday, August 30 th Sunday, September 13 th Monday, September 14 th Wednesday, September 16 th Blessing of Backpacks Presenting Bibles to 3 Year Olds Kick Off Sunday All Sunday School classes resume Presenting Bibles to new 2 nd Graders Disciple Bible Studies I and IV Begin Disciple II Bible Study begins Youth Club Kickoff We have two adult choirs at GPC and WE NEED SINGERS. The 11:00 choir will have their first rehearsal Wednesday evening Sept. 2 nd, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Early choir will begin on Sept. 6 th, rehearsal at 7:40 a.m. (childcare provided) and sing at the 8:15 a.m. service. Please consider joining this ministry! ANNUAL ALL CHURCH POT-LUCK PICNIC Fun, Fellowship and Food! It will be a Fantastic time! Where: When: Bring: Gettysburg Area Rec. Park South End Pavilions Kiwanis and Lions Pavilions 545 Long Lane, Gettysburg, PA (Bathrooms are available.) Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 1:30 4:00 p.m. 1. Place Settings (plates, knives, forks, spoons) 2. A covered dish to serve 12 people (& serving spoon) Last Name A-G: Dessert Last Name H-Z: Salad or Casserole Sign Up: Deadline by September 13, Drop cut-off in the offering plate. 2. Lou: gpclou@embarqmail.com 3. Call Lou: Pork generously provided by Benji Conover and prepared by Penny Messinger. Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. The church will provide pork sandwiches, cold drinks, ice, napkins and condiments. After lunch, lawn games will be available (ladder golf, horse shoes, corn hole ) INCLUDING a tournament with prizes! ************************************************************** ANNUAL ALL-CHURCH POT-LUCK PICNIC SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 NAME: NUMBER ATTENDING:

8 Page Fall Small Group Study Coming Soon! New and Exciting for Everyone! Join us for an exciting study of The Power of Weakness by Dan Schaeffer. When I am weak, then I am strong. Do we really believe these words penned by the Apostle Paul? If so, why do we often rely on our own wits, strength, and resources when the power that God holds is so much greater? Does God s power matter if He is already given us talent and ability? Author Dan Schaeffer explores these questions and helps us grasp the biblical truth that God longs to use our limitations to display His greatness. The Power of Weakness invites you to trust God with your abilities and inabilities, and find relief from the wearying pursuit of success. All are welcome to participate from junior high to our most senior members. Dan Schaeffer is a pastor and award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in several publications. His books include In Search of the Real Meaning of Christmas, When Faith and Decisions Collide, A Better Country, and Restored. Small group leaders are being identified and meeting locations developed. Sign-ups will begin on September 6 th with the study beginning the week of October 12 th through the week of November 16 th. Watch for more information in the bulletin and a table in Fellowship Hall. Together, we can grow in our faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. Preparing Through Life for End of Life Interactive Resource Fair to Help Plan and Prepare or End of Life Topics include: Saturday, September 26 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. At Gettysburg Presbyterian Church Advanced Directives and/or Living Wills, Pre-planning for Funerals, Grief Support, Home Care, Nursing Care, Hospice And Much More! Seeking Volunteers! On Saturday, September 26 th, our church is hosting a resource fair and educational event in cooperation with the Healthy Adams County End of Life Committee. The purpose of the event is to help people think about how they would like to direct their care toward the end of their life and to find out what services are available to make that plan happen. People from all over Adams County have been invited and for many it will be their first time walking into our lovely church. We would like to have some members to help as volunteer greeters and guides during the event which will run from 10 AM to 2 PM. You are also very welcome to take advantage of the exhibits and the educational sessions while you are there. If you would like to help for one hour or more, please contact Linda Thompson at lthomp@acofa.org or or Cheryl Betts in the church office , ext. 5. Thank you! NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Nursery volunteers needed for the 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. services. Please contact Patti Schwartz at if you can help. Disciple 1 Bible Study: Why study the Bible? What does it mean for me? These are a few questions that some ask when thinking about a long-term Bible Study. It has been proven over the years that even those who think they know their Bible find new meanings in the passages and in applying it to their lives today. Signing up for Disciple class could be a wonderful way to grow in your faith and knowledge of the Bible. Please give this sincere consideration Disciple I covers 70% of the Bible over 34 weeks something that many of us haven t done in many years, if ever. Sign up over the next few weeks for this wonderful class. You will not regret it. Class will be Sunday evenings from 5 7 PM beginning September 13 th.

9 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY :00 Noon Newsletter :00 p.m. Stephen Ministry 12:00 p.m. Men's Interfaith Deadline 4:00 p.m. Arab Christian Con. Ed & Supervision 5:45 p.m. Cont. Music Practice 10:00 a.m Moms Board Fellowship 7:00 p.m. Christian Education 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 p.m. Adult Eduation Team 6 7 (OFFICE CLOSED) :40 a.m. Early Choir 7:30 a.m. Habitat Board 5:30 p.m. Welcome & Outreach 12:00 p.m Heart 4:00 p.m. Arab Christian 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 5:45 p.m. Cont. Music Practice 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts Fellowship (ages 3 Grade 8) 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir 7:00 p.m. Sunday School 12:00-4:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 7:15 p.m. Cont. Min. Team Teachers Meeting Set up for Kick Off Sunday (Grades 9-12 & Adult) 10:30 a.m. Adult Choir 7:15 p.m. Adult Bell Choir Fellowship Hall Floor being waxed KICK OFF SUNDAY & :00 Noon Newsletter BRING A FRIEND SUNDAY 10:00 a.m. Disciple Bible 6:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Deadline 4:00 p.m. Arab Christian Bibles Presented to 6:30 p.m. Christian Ed. Leaders 3:15 p.m. Youth Club 9:00 a.m. Dollars for Scholars Fellowship Second Graders 7:00 p.m. Historic Church 6:30 p.m. Heart Healthy Grp 5:45 p.m. Chapel Choir 7:15 p.m. Adult Bell Choir 7:40 a.m. Early Choir Walking Tour Board 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry 5:45 p.m. Cont. Music Practice 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 7:00 p.m. Mission & Supervision 6:15 p.m. Chapel Bells (ages 3 Grade 8) Interpretation 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 7:15 p.m. Contemporary (Grades 9-12 & Adult) Ministry Team 10:30 a.m. Adult Choir 4:00 p.m. Session Meeting 4:00 p.m. Youth Bell Choir 5:00 p.m. Youth Choir 5:30 p.m. SHIP/MidShip Youth/Parent Info & Ice Cream Social :15 a.m. Sunday School 7:00 a.m. Kiwanis 6:30 p.m. Girl Scout Parent 1:00-4:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (ages 3 Grade 8) 10:00 a.m. Disciple Bible 2:45 p.m. MidSHIP Small Grp Meeting Set Up for Adult Fair Adult Fair 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 7:00p.m. Peace Prayer 3:15 p.m. Youth Club 7:15 p.m. Adult Bell Choir "Preparing Through Life (Grades 9-12 & Adult) Service 5:45 p.m. Chapel Choir for End of Life" 1:30-4:00 p.m. All-Church Picnic 5:45 p.m. Cont. Music Practice 4:00 p.m. Youth Bell Choir 6:15 p.m. Chapel Bells 5:00 p.m. Youth Choir 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir 4:00 p.m. Arab Christian 7:00 p.m. Disciple Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Health Care for All Fellowship 27 Peacemaking Offering :40 a.m. Early Choir 3:15 p.m. Youth Club 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Disciple Bible 5:45 p.m. Chapel Choir (ages 3 Grade 8) 6:30 p.m. Worship & 5:45 p.m. Cont. Music Practice 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Music 6:15 p.m. Chapel Bells (Grades 9-12 & Adult) 7:00 p.m. Communion 10:30 a.m. Adult Choir 2:00 p.m. PW Combined Preparation 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Circle Meeting 4:00 p.m. Youth Bell Choir 5:00 p.m. Youth Choir 5:30 p.m. MidSHIP & SHIP Picnics 7:00 p.m. Disciple Bible Study September

10 Gettysburg Presbyterian Church 208 Baltimore Street Gettysburg, PA Office: (717) Fax: (717) Page 10 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Gettysburg, PA Permit No. 198 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED *********************** Gettysburg Presbyterian Church Mission Statement Gettysburg Presbyterian Church believes that God calls us to invite people to faith in Jesus Christ, and equip them to grow as His fully devoted followers. As disciples we: * study regularly * pray daily * witness boldly * live faithfully * serve passionately * give generously * worship weekly GPC Serving God for 275 years Next Newsletter Deadline: Noon, Thursday, September Fall Worship Schedule Begins Sept. 6!!! 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship (and Sunday School) August 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 August / September 2015 GPC WORSHIP SCHEDULE Contemporary 9:00 a.m. Traditional 10:30 a.m. The Raising of Lazarus 275th Anniversary Vignette Proverbs Series: Wisdom Communion Proverbs Series: Fear of God Kick-Off Sunday Presentation of Bibles to 2nd graders 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sept. 20 Proverbs Series: Dealing with Anger 275th Anniversary Vignette