New Castle Presbyterian News October 2018

Transcription

1 New Castle Presbyterian News October 2018 In the interim Out of chaos, hope. I have a blue T-shirt with these words across the back in big white letters. On the front is this: I have worn this shirt on several occasions twice in New Orleans, once in Texas City, Texas, once in Nashville, TN. I have been joined by others from congregations I was serving, and by others in a collaborative presbytery trip. Every time, that shirt got dirty from the work of cleaning out homes ravaged by floods, or rebuilding afterward. Every time, that shirt got hugged in gratitude by those who could never have managed this alone. And every time, my shirt was replaced by another week s worth of blue shirts, over and over and over again. Because Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is in for the long haul. And flood recovery is long haul work. Long after the headlines disappear, long after FEMA has done its thing, there is still unfinished flood recovery business. And PDA is there. In person, and in ministry. Not only rebuilding homes with tools and lumber, but rebuilding lives with Christ-like compassion. But PDA can only do this long-haul work and in person ministry when the larger church recognizes the need and contributes to help face it. PDA active responses include not only the latest disaster Hurricane Florence, but also CA Mudslides, NW wildfires, Hurricane Irma & Maria, Hurricane Harvey, and still Hurricane Matthew. Still, years later. We cannot all physically, financially or logistically put on a blue T-shirt and go for a week of mucking out or drywalling or reflooring. Thanks be to God for those who do! But we can give to ensure that those who are can go and give this very real help needed for the long haul. I hope you will check out and see all that our church is doing to reach out and restore homes and lives. And I hope you will give as you are able. By doing so, know that you are wearing a blue shirt in spirit, and are a part of bringing hope to the chaos. PDA asks that the church Give. Act. Pray. Please pray for all of those affected by this latest disaster, in ways they know clearly now, and in ways yet to be revealed. PDA director Rev. Laurie Kraus shares the prayer that follows. May we make it our own. Grateful for the assurance of God s hope in the midst of all chaos. Jenny

2 PRAYER IN THE MIDST OF HURRICANE FLORENCE God of our life, whose presence sustains us in every circumstance, in the aftermath of storm and distress, we welcome the restoring power of your love and compassion. We open our hearts in sorrow, gratitude, and hope: that those who have been spared nature s fury as well as those whose lives are changed forever by ravages of wind and water may find solace, sustenance, and strength in the days of recovery and reflection that come. We are thankful for the grace of days of preparation as Hurricane Florence approached; for the counsel of experts and the generous collaboration of so many communities, that in the face of the storm kept many out of harm s way and lessened the effects of wind and water on others. At the same time, we open ourselves to the stories of those for whom this storm was not a near miss: communities deeply affected, some still struggling to recover from Hurricane Matthew, whose livelihood, homes and stability have been destroyed. We ask for sustaining courage for those who are suffering; wisdom and diligence among agencies and individuals assessing damage and directing relief efforts; and for generosity to flow as powerfully as rivers and streams, as we, your people, respond to the deep human needs emerging in the wake of the storm. In these days of relief, assessment and response, open our eyes, our hearts, and our hands to the needs of your children and the movements of your Spirit, who flows in us like the river whose streams makes glad the city of God, and the hearts of all who dwell in it, and in You. In the name of Christ the Healer we pray, amen Rev. Dr. Laurie Ann Kraus, director, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING October 7 This PC(USA) Offering is received on World Communion Sunday each year. When we give, we share the peace of Christ by promoting ministries of reconciliation. Sessions get to designate a recipient for 25% of the offering received. In light of the recent and ongoing devastation caused by wildfires in our nation, our Session (in August) designated Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)as this year s recipient of that 25%. PDA has already begun assessments within the bounds of 3 presbyteries in California, Oregon and Montana and will deploy people and resources to help those affected, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Please give generously, so we can offer them peace in the midst of their chaos, and the hope that comes when you know others care. Special offering envelopes will be in the pew racks.

3 PARLEZ-VOUS ANOTHER LANGUAGE? World Communion Sunday is October 7. Your Worship Committee invites you to help bring some of the world to NCPC that morning, as we once again, share the good news of the gospel (John 3:16) in as many languages as we can muster! Sign up on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board, indicated you language. Jenny will provide the text. Dust off that high school Spanish, the German from your travels, or challenge yourself to learn something new with the help of Google Translate whatever! Danke! Tak! Merci! Gracias! JENNY WARREN VACATION October vacation Sunday October 7 (World Communion Sunday) Nona Holy, preaching Emergency Pastoral Care Coverage Oct 1-6 Rev. Tom Speers Sunday October 14 Shannon Hanson, preaching Emergency Pastoral Care Coverage Oct 7-14 Rev. Brad Martin CARROLL FAMILY 250 th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION On Wednesday October 3, at 10:30 a.m., the Meeting House will be the site for A Commemoration and Celebration marking the 250 th anniversary of the arrival of Robert Carroll and Mary Bell Carroll, who came from Ireland to the shores of New Castle on October 3, Roy Carroll, descendant and organizer, is professor of music at Loras College, Dubuque, IA, as well as at Wartburg Theological Seminary. He is also principal harpsichordist and organist with the Dubuque Symphony. Mr. Carroll wishes to extend an invitation to all members of the congregation to join the Carroll family for this service, which will include music, hymns, readings and historical letters. Please come and help us welcome this family coming to celebrate their deep roots in New Castle! A WORD OF THANKS FROM WEST NOTTINGHAM PRESBYTERIAN Dear Pastor Warren, All of us on the West Nottingham Presbyterian Church s PNC thank you, and your friendly and welcoming congregation, for generously providing a neutral pulpit for our candidate on August 12. We also appreciate your help in working with her as the service was being planned. Our PNC will pray for the New Castle Presbyterian Church s PNC, and ask God to guide them too as they seek a new pastor. Again, thank you all very much. God bless, Carolyn Stepnitz, WNPC PNC Co-Chair

4 NEW SESSION COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP With the new incoming elders, there are some changes in the leadership for our congregation s ministry committees and work. For , elders are serving as follows: Worship: Beverly Stoudt & Sarah McCann Resource Development: Monty Gerhart & Rob Barry Christian Education: Diana Reilly, Heather Raezer, Chris Fagles Mission and Outreach: Candy Dunson & Scott Selheimer LGBT Task Force: Scott Matthews Congregational Life & Membership: Kelly McCurdy & Ron Studd They are not meant to serve alone!! How can you join and take part in this pieces of our church s ministry puzzle? Your ideas, your energy, your help are needed! BIBLE STUDY FALL START UP The Weekday Bible study group will re-gather on Wednesday October 17 at 1:00 p.m.in the Fellowship Hall. All those interested or curious are welcome to join us. Bring your questions, ideas and hopes for what we might dive into, as we seek to grow our faith in good company! USHERS & WORSHIP LEADERS NEEDED The latest sign up sheets are up in Fellowship Hall and we are needing both ushers and worship leaders for November and December! Instructions and gratitude come with both! BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION Don t throw that box away just yet! The children in our Sunday school classes all collect Box Tops to help raise money for their schools, and you can help! General Mills, Ziploc, Hefty, and Pillsbury are just a few products that participate in the Box Tops for Education program. Before you throw the box away, look for the little pink Box Tops logo! We will be collecting them throughout the year, and then split them up evenly among the Sunday school class. If you have any questions, please contact Diana Reilly, or anyone on the Christian Education Committee. We appreciate all of your help, we can t wait to see how much we collect!

5 PUMPKIN PARTY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 6PM-8PM Last year, we had a fantastic evening at the church filled with games, costumes, pizza, and of course- Pumpkins! This year we will again be hosting a family party for our Gift of Love program that benefits the Seaman s Center of Wilmington! Please feel free to bring in any items that can go in the ditty boxes (chap stick, hand lotion, toothpaste, etc,) These items are greatly needed and very much appreciated by the seafarers! There are signup sheets for those interested in helping make this another success. Please come out, dress up and have a fun night! If you would like, you can bring a treat to share- we will have pizza, punch and goodies! We hope to see you there! Please RSVP (302) or office@newcastlepreschurch.org. NEW CASTLE ZERO WASTE PROJECT Trex plastic bag collection ended, September 30 th. Hopefully everyone has replaced their single use plastic bags with reusable ones. If anyone would like to volunteer for another 6 month collection period, I would be happy to help start up the project. We collected ~ 260 lbs. of plastic bags, #2, and #4 films of the 500 lbs. goal. They can still be dropped off at your local participating stores. Contact Patti Hansen at with any questions.

6 PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE UPDATE The Pastor Nominating Committee is working on reviewing the many potential candidates that have applied to be our next Pastor. We are looking forward to a busy Fall full of interviews. We thank the congregation for their support during this busy time. SEAMEN S CENTER CHRISTMAS AT SEA The Mission and Outreach Committee would like to remind everyone that we will again be supporting the Seamen s Center Christmas at Sea program. As in past years, we hope to provide approximately 40 ditty boxes which will include various items such as shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, candy, etc., as well as hand knitted scarves and hats. Over 1,000 ditty boxes are given each year to the seamen who arrive at our port by ship during the month of December. This is our opportunity as a church and as individuals to be a part of the bigger world as we share our resources and our gratitude with those who work hard all year long to provide us with essential goods. For those wishing to participate, please see the poster in Fellowship Hall. Items should be delivered to church by November 18, The ditty boxes will be assembled after worship that day. Anyone with questions about the program should contact Ellie Gerhart ( ) or Barbara Whisman ( ).

7 EVERY PIECE COUNTS: Our Church s Ministry Puzzle and YOU As we consider the ministry goals and needs for 2019, Once again Christ challenges each of us to be good stewards in support of the critical work of the church in meeting the vast needs of humankind near and far. Toward this end each of us has a diverse set of talents to contribute. The diverse skills and talents of our members connect like pieces of a puzzle. Once again each of us is asked how to support our church with our individual time, talents and dollars. The picture of work in 2019 includes many puzzle pieces including selecting and welcoming a new pastor. Your piece of the puzzle is essential to the complete picture of our work in support of Christ s teachings. Every Piece Counts: Our Church s Ministry Puzzle and YOU is the theme for our annual stewardship campaign this fall. Each week beginning October 21, we will hear a member of our church family offer a Speaking My Piece moment in worship, sharing their thoughts on the pieces of the NCPC Ministry Puzzle that they value and can offer. Sunday, November 18 will be our Pledge Dedication Sunday, when all will be invited to bring their pieces /pledges forward, as we celebrate all that is possible when we give together. But first, we will gather for our annual Giving Brunch on Sunday October 21. Plan to join us, as we explore our puzzling theme, through creative activities, words and even song as well as important interpretation about the hopes and needs before us for Your piece counts. Please begin to consider how your support of the work of the church connects with others in forming a complete picture of how our congregation addresses the many needs of God s children near and far.

8 Spirit of Christmas December 8, Planning meeting 7 p.m. October 15 Once again, we need the support of many people and many helping hands to make this year's Spirit of Christmas a success! Once again we will send the proceeds from our Spirit of Christmas sales and donations to Friendship House to help the homeless. For our Crafts tables, we welcome any handmade things, including knit/crocheted winter-wear, hand-painted items, sewn necessities, or any other handmade treasures! Or you could make an item from previous Spirit of Christmas projects; we can provide instructions if needed. Please contact Ellie Gerhart at montyellie@aol.com, or Diana Reilly at dckr0680@gmail.com if you have questions or need directions for past projects. Please continue to set aside good-quality new or gently used books for our Books table. Check the bulletin board in the CE Building for additional information over the next few weeks. We will post sign-up sheets in October and November with opportunities for you to provide items such as baked goods and soups, special gift and toy treasures, and time! For general Spirit of Christmas information, contact Pat Taylor at pstedu@yahoo.com, Miranda Matthews at thecatmagnet@yahoo.com, or Kelly Koczak McCurdy at kelly.a.koczak@gmail.com. We can always use new volunteers! We will have our next planning meeting October 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the CE Building. Thank you! Pat Taylor, Miranda Matthews, Kelly Koczak McCurdy SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS CRAFTERS WORKSHOP The Spirit of Christmas is almost here! Now is the time to start making (or finishing) your crafts! We welcome any hand made things- from knit/crocheted winter-wear, hand-painted items, sewn necessities, or any other hand-made treasures! There will be a sewing workshop after church October 7. We will be making the kitchen towel toppers and we need many hands to help! Please contact Ellie Gerhart, Diana Reilly, or anyone else in charge of the Spirit of Christmas if you are interested in joining us- anyone can help!

9 October Birthdays and Anniversaries Lily Powell, 10/4 Carol Mayhew, 10/8 Melissa Boris, 10/10 Phoebe Dill, 10/10 Janet Swick, 10/16 Katherine Sechrist, 10/19 Luca Monzo, 10/22 Don Reese, 10/23 Mariah Graham, 10/24 Mason Reilly, 10/26 Rachel Handy, 10/29 Earl & Janet Reed, 10/3 Gary & Kathy Graham, 10/5 Daniel & Shirley Knox, 10/6 Miranda & Scott Matthews, 10/7 Laurie & Mark Powell, 10/8 Christine & Kevin Collins, 10/12 Carl & Susan Witt, 10/25 Diana & Tony Reilly, 10/26 Meals on Wheels HELP! We need Meals on Wheels delivery people for Call Susan Flook at if you are interested. Substitutes needed, too. No weekend deliveries. Thanks. Consider this as your call in Christ! Our next delivery will be October 1-5. If anyone is interested in delivering meals to shut-in Seniors in the New Castle area, please contact the office at Monday 1 Tuesday 2 Wednesday 3 Thursday 4 Friday 5 Jude Morrow Jo Viola Miranda Matthews Joan Smith Carol & Gene Mayhew Cynthia Robbins Nanette Nichol Susan & Jim Flook Monthly Report Look here each month for a statistical report on the life of the congregation: Membership: August September Income thru 09/01/18: 2018 Budget:... $181, Actual:... $161, Expenses thru 09/01/18: 2018 Budget:... $176, Actual:... $172,579.00

10 THANKS FOR SERVING IN OCTOBER! COMMUNION October 7 Monty & Ellie Gerhart*, Bev & Rod Denison and Karen Dobson USHERS October 7 Jim & Barb Whisman October 14 Amy & Scott Selheimer October 21 Amy & Scott Selheimer October 28 Jim & Barb Whisman COFFEE HOUR HOSTS October 7 October 14 Chris Fagles & Bev Stoudt October 21 Jen Dunham & Bev Denison October 28 Lyn Briggs WORSHIP LEADERS October 7 Ray Snyder October 14 Scott Matthews October 21 - Jane Fouracre October 28 Bev Stoudt NURSERY October 7 Melissa Boris & Lyn Briggs October 14 Molly Shaw & Bev Stoudt October 21 Molly Cooney & Jane Fouracre October 28 Makenzie & Andy Schulz SUNDAY SCHOOL October 7 Bruce Raker October 14 Sarah McCann October 21 Susan Townsend October 28 Ron & Susan Studd COUNTERS October 7 Ringo Keka & Peter McCurdy October 14 Jane Fouracre & Carol Mayhew October 21 Barbara Whisman & Bruce Raker October 28 Jane Fouracre & Carol Mayhew EMMANUEL DINING ROOM Cynthia Robbins Miranda Matthews FLOWERS Brenda Walters

11 New Castle Presbyterian Church 25 E. 2 nd Street New Castle, DE Phone: (302) Fax: (302) office@newcastlepreschurch.org Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Address Change Requested Contact the New Castle Presbyterian Church office: office@newcastlepreschurch.org Contact: The Rev. Jenny Warren at: jpwarren@newcastlepreschurch.org Next Newsletter Deadline is October 20, 2018