The Good News. The Pastor s Pen. Art Helin JULY Dear Friends,

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1 The Good News JULY 2017 The Pastor s Pen Dear Friends, Let me begin this column with heartfelt thanks for your generosity and kindness for the severance package. It is a touching thought that you ll be continuing to be our support through the end of the year. It will enable us to focus on what, where and when God will lead us to a new ministry. As I was thinking about the path you ll be walking in the days ahead, a Scripture passage came to mind. It is Acts 2:42 concerning life in the early Church. And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Four simple activities were identified and they are all important when we need some reassurance: Biblical teaching so they understand the principles, and plans God has for His church and that they might enjoy know his direction to spread the gospel. Fellowship so that they might encourage one another and reflect on what Christ is teaching them in the present. Breaking of bread which represents worship and the sacraments. And... The prayers are more than just the liturgical practices and formal prayers from the Temple; but include bringing the needs of all the followers of Christ in the city where the Church is established. Please notice that each of these activities is best fulfilled in community, not in isolation. I hope that instead of running away from the Church, skipping worship, neglecting opportunities to pray together, have bible studies with one another and serving each other during the upcoming interim period, that you will double your efforts to strengthen your ties with the Lord and each other. One of the most important roles and tasks awaiting you will be the Pastor Nominating Committee. The men and women you choose to represent you in the search and selection of your next pastor need to be men and women committed to the study of the Word of God and to the principles it teaches and that govern your life within the Body of Christ, the Church. Once you ve prayerfully selected and elected them, your work has just begun. They need to be strengthened by your daily prayers for them. The reason is that they need to be in one accord, that is of one mind and purpose seeking God s will and not their own agenda. That hopefully will be their desire. But remember Y our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). And the Pastor Nominating Committee will be one of his first targets. Jessie MacMillan, the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery, was here on June 25 th for our congregational meeting to reassure you that they will do everything possible to help you with many tasks that lie ahead. I believe that Jessie truly cares about you and NPC. I certainly don t want to pile more work on her plate than she already carries, but if things aren t being done through the structures and systems, I believe that she will do whatever is needed to help you move forward into a preferable future. I look forward to the days and weeks ahead to see what the Lord will begin to do to take us down separate paths to accomplish His will. God bless you all and keep you in His care as you write the new chapter of NPC s history together and as we seek to serve Christ where he leads. In His Grip, Art Helin See announcements about events celebrating Art and Jan and what lies ahead for the church on pages 2 & 3

2 Ladies Tea Saturday, July 8th 10:00 a.m. Northfield Presbyterian Church Tea and Light Refreshments will be served. Guest speaker: Juanita Black. Juanita ministers to the homeless, to those in prison and to those recovering from addictions. She is a woman of prayer. She is a faithful, bold servant of Christ. She lost her vision around 17 years ago, but God has fashioned her to be a very wise and discerning woman who sees with the eyes of Jesus. Registration sheets in the narthex or call the office to let us know you re coming. To Celebrate the Helins ministry at NPC! Sunday, July 9th 10:15 a.m. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Beverages and Dessert Provided Please bring a side dish to share. Art s last day of preaching will be July 16th.

3 Calling all Superheroes! Northfield Presbyterian Church July 17-21, :30 8:30 pm It s that time of summer again! We invite all children ages 4 years to 6 th grade to participate in a week of fun with worship, singing, games, and crafts. During this week we will you re your children discover their strength in God! So grab some friends and we ll see you there! God s Heroes have Heart 1 Samuel 16:1-12 God s Heroes have Courage 1 Samuel 25 God s Heroes have Wisdom Luke 2:41-52 God s Heroes have Hope Matthew 4:23-5:12 God s Heroes have Power Acts 2:1-41 REGISTRATION Registration forms are available in the Narthex or on the church website: HELP NEEDED Church Decorating and Set Up for VBS will be Saturday, July 15th at 6pm Please come help if you can! Pulpit Plans for the Near Future The new General Presbyter, The Reverend Sharon Core will be in the pulpit on July 23rd to preach and update us on the Interim Pastor process. Then The Reverend Luke Choi, formerly of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church will be preaching through the month of August. Rev. Choi has preached a couple of times when Pastor Art has been away on vacation and will be a familiar face and voice for us. Session will be meeting with a moderator assigned by Presbytery and will keep us posted with plans as they become available. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we go through this transition.

4 Anti-Trafficking Update For July, the team would like to share other ways your life may be touched by human trafficking. Now, it s 8 A.M. and you sit down at your desk. The computer you use may be dependent on minerals produced in conflict-afflicted areas in Africa where children and adults are forced to work in mines under conditions of forced labor and sexual servitude. The electronic devices you use may also be produced in Asia by adults and children some as young as 9 - who are sold or deceived into working in electronics factories under conditions of forced labor, including excessively long hours, minimal or no pay, and threats. Next Month: 10 A.M. Stewardship Report Zachary Harber Jessica Russo Jack Peters Cheryl Emch Alan Gruber Emily Brooks Joe Russo Kenzie Tartaglione Nathan Geshke Austin Scott Mike Satola Claire Kremyar` Erin Satola 2-Jul 3-Jul 4-Jul 5-Jul 7-Jul 8-Jul 8-Jul 15-Jul 17-Jul 25-Jul 25-Jul 26-Jul 30-Jul We appreciate your keeping up with your pledges during the summer months. June INCOME: $ 14,383 EXPENSES: $ 16,335 Year to date INCOME: $ 94,227 EXPENSES: $ 97,998

5 JULY 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2COMMUNION 3 4 4th of July! Office & Day Care Closed 5 6:30 am Men s Bible Study 6 7pm Choir 7 8 8am Men s Bible Study 10 am Ladies Tea 9 10:15 am Combined Service with VBC Picnic after 10 7pm Session pm VBS Decorating and Set UP 16 11:30 AntiTrafficking Team Mtg :30 am Men s Bible Study 6:30Vacation Bible & Picnic 22 8am Men s Bible Study pm Boys Scouts pm Choir 28 5:30 p.m. Community Meal 29

6 Northfield Presbyterian Church 7755 S. Boyden Rd. Northfield, OH