HOPE NEWS. Pastor s Message. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Transcription

1 F I R S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H HOPE NEWS February 2014 Pastor s Message Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Easter is late this year, which means Lent starts much later this year. In fact, Lent will start on March 5, Ash Wednesday, which is over a month away. However, I thought I would take the opportunity now to share a little about Lenten spiritual practices. Over the years, I have found the spiritual discipline of giving up something for Lent to be very helpful. One year I gave up drinking soda pop. Now I rarely drink soda pop. Another year, I gave up eating desserts. This was a tough one because of church dinners and all the enticing desserts that showed up. Yet, it ended up being one of the more powerful experiences for me. On some years I have fasted one day a week. (In the early church, they fasted two days a week usually Monday and Wednesday.) However, to get the full impact of fasting as a spiritual discipline, it is recommended that one fast for a whole year, which was my intent the first year I fasted. However, after 3 months, I had lost 8 pounds, not by design, and I was much thinner in those days. So I stopped the fast. I knew if I continued to lose 8 pounds every 12 weeks, I would have some major health problems. Fasting, though, was still a powerful experience for me. The goal of giving up something, or fasting, for Lent is to focus our attention on God. When we feel the craving for what we are missing, we turn to God in prayer and rely on His strength to get us through. Over time, we draw closer to God, spend more time in prayer, and gain spiritual strength to resist temptations that come into our lives daily. In a month we will enter into the season of Lent. If you are looking for a spiritual discipline to enhance your Lenten journey, I suggest you try giving up something you enjoy for Lent, or even fast if your health and physician allow it. During the next month, you have time to think about and plan your Lenten journey. Peace, Pastor David

2 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Greetings! I'm happy to be able to provide an update about our youth ministry events and gatherings. It was our pleasure as a church to host the Valley Epiphany Gathering, which was led and organized by Lita Simpson. Youth from several different Presbyterian churches across the valley gathered for fellowship and a branch burning service on January 5th. The next two weekends were both dedicated to Mo Ranch Mid-winters. Junior High students attended from the 10th to the 12th, while our High School group was there from the 17th to the 19th. Both groups had a wonderful time connecting with other youth from Mission Presbytery and studying scripture. The theme for the weekend was "Take Root, Branch Out" and the scripture we studied was John 15:1-11. "I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. You have been made clean already by the teaching I have given you. Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. Those who do not remain in me are thrown out like a branch and dry up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, where they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. My Father's glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples. I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:1-11, The Message) UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS AND SERVICE We look forward to sharing more of our experiences from Mo Ranch during Youth Sunday, which is scheduled for April 27th. We will have youth group on February 9, 16, and 23. Youth group is held from 5:30-7:00. For this month's service project, the youth will be collecting food donations each Sunday to add to our food pantry. Canned goods may be donated in the narthex. I am very excited to have this wonderful opportunity to work with the youth. Everyone at the church has been so welcoming and helpful. Getting to know many of the young people throughout our events in January has been a fantastic experience, and I look forward to our upcoming activities. Grace and Peace, Lily (Ordway) Perez, Youth Director FELLOWSHIP TIME Feb. 2: 10:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast! Feb. 9: 10:00 a.m. Feb. 16: 10:00 a.m. & Potluck after the worship service Feb. 23: 10:00 a.m. Please consider signing up to provide Fellowship for any of the open 10:00 a.m. slots. You can sign up on the calendar posted in the fellowship hall. We've had cookies, donuts, and fruits in the past sessions.

3 FINANCAL INFORMATION COMMUNION The deacons will continue to take communion to the homebound on the same day that we have it in church, which is the first Sunday of the month. If you know of someone who is homebound and would like communion, let us know by calling the office or informing your deacon. POWER OF HOPE The Power of Hope Fund is used for helping families in need find a sense of hope. This offering is collected on communion Sundays. The Division of Finance provides a monthly report regarding average weekly Sunday service attendance and tithes. December 2013 Average weekly attendance: 127 Average weekly tithes and offerings: $5207 Average Weekly Expenses: $ 5900 All financial information is available in the church office. MEN S BIBLE STUDY Men s Bible study meets every Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. in the Parlor. We are studying the book of Job. All men are invited to join us. PARLOR BIBLE STUDY The Parlor Bible Study has finished our study for the fall. We will start again, Tuesday, February 11th, PARENTING CLASSES Parenting classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Classes will run for 7 weeks, and it will be the same curriculum as used in the fall classes. If you know anyone who might be interested, please have them call the Church office. Brochures will be available. POTLUCK SUNDAY Our monthly potlucks are every third Sunday of the month after worship in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a dish to share. For the month of February, the youth will be collecting food donations each Sunday to start a small food pantry here at the church to help needy people. Here is a list of items that will be needed: Dry items: beans, rice, pasta (shells, elbow), mac & cheese. Canned items: green beans, corn, peas, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tuna, chicken, spam, spaghetti sauce. Items can be placed in boxes that will be placed in the narthex and fellowship hall.

4 SHORT TERM LIST Thomas January Judy Kruse Connor Cruz Mercedes Miller Marty Pullen Ruth Armstrong Jeanie Baldridge Amy Scott Marti Dyrk Pamela Dueñas Mary Ellen Beard Robby Milton Helen Meyerink Florabelle (Flo) Ford Vaun Burgess Alan Landers (Doris s son-in-law) Jay Tirrel (Shirley Anderson s son) Gerardo Mendoza (Ana Maria Anita s son) Glenn & Margaret Housley LONG TERM LIST PRAYER LIST Alfredo (Jeff s friend) Bob Jolma D J McGroarty Chris Anderson David Salazar Mary Jane Lofton Gloria Serna Joleigh Stephenson Ares Don Brue Helen Willhite Randy Petch Katrina Rogers Art Lindstrom Helen Milton Marcello Ortega Phil Timmer (Sherri Bagwell s cousin) Betty Roberts (Pastor Sonja s mother) Lois Alexander (Phyllis Walker s step mother) Julia Sleeth Mays (Ellen Sleeth s sister) Wayne Corley (friend of Shirley Fisk) STATE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES Eric Whitaker (Carmen Whitaker s son) based in Chad, Africa Jonita Whitaker - based in Naples, Italy If you have someone you would like to add to the Prayer Chain for members to pray for, please call ( ) or janeseils@msn.com so this person can be added to our list. Thanksgiving for the life of: Phyllis Opsata We extend our sympathy to the Opsata family. Phyllis passed away Saturday, January 25 th. Please keep the Opsata family in your prayers. SHUT-INS & FRIENDS Juanita Pointer Delores Rettig Fran Pellett Joe Barbee Arlene Waughtal Juanita Cloninger Millie Johansen Katie Carter MILITARY PERSONNEL Terry Osheim, Jonathon Osheim, Joseph Osheim (Sharon Newcomer s nephews) Clint Gebke (Polly Lovell s grandson) Mickel Fernández Jim Rogers (Jim & Barbara Roger s son) Lucas Anderson (Orlen Anderson s grandson)

5 HEALTHY SNACKING Now that the holiday season is over, the high calorie snacks are not staring us in the face just begging to go in our mouths. Now is the time to look carefully at what we eat when we are hungry for a snack. Snacking has gotten a bad name with all the chocolate advertised on television commercials. Actually, we should have one or two snacks a day with smaller meals to round out our nutrition for the day. My husband has taken to making fruit smoothies for our mid-afternoon snack with some added protein in the form of a packaged protein shake as the doctor has recommended more protein in his diet. This adds more vitamins and minerals with needed fiber to our diet. He doesn't add any sugar, as the frozen fruit he uses is naturally sweet. Look for unsweetened frozen fruit if you make smoothies, and look out for sugar in the protein shakes. Most snacks marketed for children are loaded with fat and sugar. Adult snacks are a little better but still sugar is a big part of commercial snacks. When sugar was a small part of our diet that was no problem, but now with sugar in everything our bodies work overtime saving sugar as fat. Our bodies were not designed for that much sugar. Another mistake in snacking is not paying attention to portion size. Look on the box of commercially made snacks for how much is in a portion. You could even put the amount in a portion in small bags or on a plate so you will not be tempted to get more. One piece of fruit in a medium size is considered a serving. Remember, whenever something like fat is taken out of a commercial snack something like sugar or salt is added for flavor. If the salt is taken out fat is added. HEALTHY SNACKS Microwavable popcorn. Read the box and look for fat and salt content. Some kinds are more healthy. Cheese and crackers. Look for low fat cheese and crackers should be whole grain and low fat for this to qualify as healthy snack. Think of your snack as an opportunity to add more fiber, vegetables, and fruit to your diet. Antioxidants are also included as a bonus. Fresh fruit and fresh vegetables are great snacks. Yogurt. I have even found lactose free and sugar free varieties. Cereals. Oatmeal is high fiber and low fat. Look for whole grain cereals and use 1% or 2% lower fat milk. So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God 1 Cor. 10:31

6 Session Snippets January 19 th, 2012 The Session welcomes questions about church activities and asks everyone to pray for our ruling elders, deacons, congregation, community, and the world at large. Set annual congregational meeting for February 2, 2014 Approved a Wednesday evening worship service beginning March 5, 2014 Elected Terry Barbee nominating committee chair for Approved investigating possibility of holding a meal for the neighborhood and community at the end of each month when food stamp recipients have often run out of food. Approved keeping a small supply of basic food items in the office to help those in emergency need Working on repairing audio visual system in the sanctuary Approved establishing a suggestion box. Suggestions must be signed in case there are questions to help implement ideas Reviewed end of year financials. Although the year ended with a deficit, carry over funds to 2014 offset that loss. Elected Terry Barbee and Carolyn Bell as elder commissioners for Presbytery meetings Christian Education Mission Outreach Finance Worship Fellowship Properties Personnel Committees 2014 Julie Kelly Carolyn Bell Wendy Rogers Barbara Rogers Melissa Jones Terry Barbee Todd King Gift of the Heart Hygiene Kit In response to the many natural disasters happening around the world, the Session has approved a mission project to provide hygiene kits for distribution by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance where needed. This is a project that is easy to include family members, co-workers, mobile home park residents, and friends. We hope you will start collecting items now for the kits which will be put together during the fellowship time the last Sunday in February. This gives you plenty of time! Hygiene Kit FAQS Can I bring a kit already assembled? Yes Can I bring parts of a kit like the gallon bags or bars of soap? Yes Can I bring completed kit(s) before March the end of February? Yes. There will be a box in the narthex or you can give them to Debby Rektorik. If enough are received to fill a large mailing box, they will be mailed before the deadline. Can I give money to buy kits or pay for postage? Yes. Just mark your checks for hygiene kits when you send to the church. Can I get copy of hygiene kit list so I can send to my friends and family by ? Yes, that would be great! Just at drektorik@gmail.com. Hygiene Kit List 1 hand towel (approximately 16" x 28", no fingertip or bath towels) 1 washcloth 1 wide-tooth comb (remove from package) 1 nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards; remove from package) 1 bar of soap (bath size in wrapper) 1 toothbrush (in original packaging) 6 Band-Aids or other adhesive bandage strips One gallon plastic bag with zipper closure (put all other items in bag and seal) Please do not add toothpaste to the Hygiene Kit. Toothpaste which has

7 an extended expiration date will be added to hygiene kits just prior to shipment. Seal all items in a onegallon plastic bag with a zipper closure. For More Information on Gift of the Heart Kits: Special Thanks To Our Recent Hosts FLOWER HOSTS: Hannah McCann Mike Jones Family Loretta Barbee Camille Jones LITURGISTS: Sue Peterson Dawn Groen Baily Bagwell Camille Jones Gerrit Groen TIME FOR ALL YOUNG DISCIPLES Zane Handley Jane Seils Loretta Barbee 1 Stephanie Aranda 8 Mary Tucker Wessel 13 Lee Moyer 15 Dean Long 17 Jarod Kelly 19 Lawrence Strouts 20 Barbara Rogers 21 Marites Cabote 22 Ozzie Ostberg 26 Avril Aldaba 26 Jay Herrera 26 Marvin Miller 27 Matthew Peterson 27 Mary Ellen Beard 28 Reminder: We are asking individuals who wish to dedicate flowers to do so individually and to make arrangements for delivery and pickup after the service. Also, please remember to contact the church office to make sure the day is available and to make your dedication in the bulletin. Thank you. REMINDER: Newsletter articles can be submitted to the church office by , telephone call, and/or in person. Newsletter deadline is February 19 th

8 Officers of FPC CONTACT US FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 709 S. IOWA AVE. WESLACO, TX TEL: Pastor: David McCann Secretary: Connie Leyva Youth Director: Lily Perez Session Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Julie Kelly Terry Barbee Wendy Rogers Melissa Jones Carolyn Bell Todd King Barbara Rogers Kaitlyn Bagwell Deacons Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Thelma Cardenas Hannah McCann Zane Handley Ruth Meehlhause Jennifer Rektorik Bruce Walker Carmen Whitaker Phyllis Walker *Moderator REMINDER: Session meetings are every 3rd Sunday of the monthat 12 noon. Next meeting is February 16 th. Revised Common Lectionary: Scriptures for February February 2 Micah 6:1-8; Ps. 15; 1 Cor. 1:18-31 Matt. 5:1-12 February 9 Isa. 58:1-9a (9b-12); Ps. 112:1-9 (10) 1 Cor. 2:1-12 (13-16); Matt. 5:13-20 February 16 Deut. 30:15-20; Ps. 119:1-8; 1 Cor. 3:1-9 Matt. 5:21-37 February 23 Lev. 19:1-2,9-18; Ps. 119: Cor. 3:10-11, 16-23; Matt Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

9 March 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Presbytery Mtg. 2 Communion 11:30 a.m. Deacon s Meeting Christian Ed. Mtg. 5:30 p.m. Youth Group 9 Blood Pressure Check :00 a.m. Men s Bible Study 12:00 p.m. Parlor Bible Study 4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers 11 7:00 a.m. Men s Bible Study 12:00 p.m. Parlor Bible Study 4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers 5 6:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service 7:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 12 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Service 7:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal :00 a.m. WOC Meeting 12:00 p.m. M.E. Rice Circle :30 p.m. Potluck 12:00 p.m. Session Meeting 23 11:30 a.m. Youth Fundraiser 5:30 p.m. Youth Group 30 5:30 p.m. Youth Group :00 a.m. Men s Bible Study 12:00 p.m. Parlor Bible Study 4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers 25 7:00 a.m. Men s Bible Study 12:00 p.m. Parlor Bible Study 4:30 p.m. Weight Watchers 19 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Service 7:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 26 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Service 7:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal