The Light of Meridian

Transcription

1 The Light of Meridian Monthly Newsletter of Meridian Presbyterian Church September 2017 Meridian Presbyterian Church 4150 Highland Avenue Butler, PA Church Events Sept. 3rd 10:00 New Members Class Service Sept. 5th 6:30Deacons/Trustee Mtg. Sept. 7th 1:00 Sarah Elizabeth Circle Sept. 10 th 10:00 New Members Class Annual Church Picnic (following worship) Sept. 12 th 6:30 Session/Committee Mtg. Sept. 17th 9:00 Community Lunch Sept. 20th Community Dinner A Word from Pastor Steve So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 (NIV) Watching the news can make us think that things in this country and in our lives are constantly getting worse. I m not sure if that is true or not, but I do know that is how many of us feel. After the events in Charlottesville a few weeks ago I began to pray about how to address these issues in the life of our church. It s important as Christians that we pay attention to what is happening around us. We believe that the gospel speaks into every time and every situation. If that is true, then Charlottesville is not different. The problems we face run much deeper than black or white, rich or poor. At the root of this is Satan whose objective in this world is to divide us. It is evil that builds up barriers and creates a world of us versus them. We build these walls because of race, gender, creed, or politics and we fall into Satan s trap of division. Instead of proclaiming the crucified and risen Christ, we argue for our agendas. This world goes against everything the gospel teaches us. Whatever side you fall on remember this, we all are one in Christ Jesus. In the church we have a responsibility to speak when hate divides, even if it is coming from extremist, because the gospel proclaims something far more powerful, that Christ unites. If you have clothed yourself with Christ, then the divisions have fallen away and you stand with your brother and sister as a child of God. Whether things are getting worse or better, I don t have an answer for that. What I do know is that if we live and treat each other the way Jesus commanded the world would be a much better place. Don t let Satan build walls, let Jesus tear them down. In Christ, Pastor Steve Continued on page 2...

2 Worship Information Worship Information Cont d. September 17th The Heart of a Servant September 3rd The Stone was Rolled Away First Passage: Isaiah 25:6-9 Focus Passage: Mark 16:1-8 Synopsis: The women come to the tomb expecting to give Jesus his proper burial rite, however, the stone has been rolled away, Jesus swallows death and conquers the grave. This is not just an Easter message, this is the good news of the gospel. The servant is our savior. Where of death is your victory? Where o death is your sting? We are resurrection people. September 10th Be My Witnesses First Passage: Psalm 47 Focus Passage: Mark 16:9-20 Synopsis: The ascension of Jesus is one of the most important parts of the gospel story. It is also one of the least talked about. The story of the savior and the servant continues because Jesus sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. The savior and servant sends us into the world to be his witnesses. The story of redemption continues because the church is called to love and serve the world like Jesus. Will you join us? First Passage: 1 Samuel 12:21-24 Focus Passage: Philippians 2:1-11 Synopsis: Coming off our series, A Savior and a Servant what does it look like for us to have the same mind that was in Christ? We talk about service, but are we serving others? Is the church here so that you might be served, or is it your launching point in the service of others? If we truly value others above ourselves we ll serve them in Christ s name. September 24th My Family First Passage: Deuteronomy 7:6-11 Focus Passage: Romans 8:12-17 Synopsis: We are told that they will know we are Christians by our love. However, we live in a world where the word love is thrown around with reckless abandon. We love our family, but we also love our Steelers, vacation, grandma s cookies and the latest movie. We love what makes us happy or gives us pleasure, but the love that marks us as God s children goes deeper. What does it mean to love the way God calls us to love? Fall Worship Schedule Begins on September 3rd With Sunday school at 9:45am and worship time at 11:00am

3 Please Join Us for the Annual Meridian Presbyterian Church Potluck Picnic Hosted by the Deacons Date: September 10th Time: Following Worship The Deacons will provide the main dish and refreshments, so please bring your favorite dish (for at least 18 people) to share! Please sign-up, so we know how to prepare! Also, please be sure to RSVP on the RSVP List in the library. Any questions, please contact a fellow Deacon, or Alicia Palmiero at or apalmiero@me.com FINANCIAL UPDATE Thank you for your support and generous gifts to the church. Over the last two months we have been able to significantly reduce our deficit. We still have some work to do, but we re heading in the right direction. We ll update the church our exact position at the end of the quarter. Thank You! ************************ FAITH & FELLOWSHIP Faith & Fellowship Dinner & Bible Study will begin on Wednesday, October 18th. Please watch the bulletin for more information as it becomes available. ******************************* YOUTH and FAMILY HAYRIDE THANK YOU On September 22nd, the Lyons will be hosting us for a family hay ride. All youth and families are welcomed to attend. Once everyone arrives, the hayride will start. We will end the evening with s mores, a bonfire, and a movie. The Deacons would like to thank everyone who helped out at the VBS picnic. Everyone attending is asked to bring a lawn chair and a snack to share. ************************M ark Your Calendar If your child would like to go, but you cannot stay, contact Michael Haddox, by text or call , or pastormike@meridianpres.org. He will arrange transportation so that anyone who wants to attend is able. September 22nd 6:30-9pm Where: 307 Welsh Rd. Evans City, Pa Who: All Youth & Families You are invited to attend a Tureen Luncheon sponsored by the Mission Committee on Sunday, October 1st, following morning worship. Following lunch, we will be packing hygiene kits for our mission project. Please watch the bulletin for more information.

4 Meridian Presbyterian Church 4150 Highland Avenue Butler, PA A NOTE OF THANKS Dear Pastor Steve and the Good Folks at Meridian Presbyterian, Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to share with you how your prayers and financial generosity are blessing Chinese College Students. We are excited to be returning to XiZang Minzu University, and we re so grateful for the chance to connect and reconnect with you. We look forward to keeping the Missions Committee updated with newsletters that will help you to knowhow to be praying for us, as we continue to pray that the Father will se you to reach the unreached in Butler County. Blessings, Brian & Pam Fetterman

5 September Celebrations BIRTHDAYS 9/1 9/2 9/5 9/6 9/8 9/9 9/11 9/13 9/14 9/17 9/20 9/22 9/24 9/26 9/29 Bob Sloan Evan Palmiero Bernie Baker Jim Preston Deklan Raddatz Ken Wehr Susan Mossgrove Barbra Karner Ashley Wolanin George Cygan Michelle Doutt Quinn Rishor Alaina Shiever Sarah Preston Karen Laughner Ed Gilliland Jackie Wells Brenda Zangas Jesse Haddox Bob Orsborn Peggy McKee Evan R. Mikan Mark Monnie Kurt Rishor Secretary /Treasurer Reminders Announcement Deadlines Weekly Bulletins - noon on Wednesday October Newsletter - September 20th Reimbursement Schedule Forms Due - Sept. 3 & 17 Checks Ready - Sept. 10 & 24 * Please remember to check the accordion envelope in my mailbox for checks. ANNIVERSARIES 9/7 9/12 9/14 9/17 9/18 9/21 9/27 Todd and Katie Schultz Cole and Kala Siefker Randy and Karen Laughner Kurt and Elizabeth Rishor Steve and Katie Rauschenberger Bill and Gail Raley Mark and Ann Marie Monnie Dan and Carla Rearick BABY MEAL TRAIN The Meal Train, organized by the Deacons, Is here to help after the birth of a child or for anyone in need due to an illness or surgery. Please contact Alicia Palmiero apalmiero@me.com The VOICe Wish List was not available at the time of printing our newsletter. Please call or refer to the VOICe website for Wish list and Donation Day Information. Voiceforvictims.com

6 September 2017 Sun 3 Mon 4 10: 00 New Members Class :00 New Members Class Church Picnic 17 Tue 5 Wed 6 Thu 7 1:00 pm Sarah Elizabeth Circle 6:30 pm Deacons/Trustee 6:00 pm Bells 7:00 pm Choir Fri Sat :00 pm Bells 7:00 pm Choir 6:30 pm Session/Committee 18 9:00 Pack Comm. Lunches Community Dinner St. Andrews 6:00 pm Bells 7:00 pm Choir 6:30-9:00 pm Youth & Family Hayride :00-2:00 Sewing Group 6:00 Bells 7:00 Choir 30