A Joint Newsletter from the Ministries of The Presbyterian Church of Prospect and The Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church. September 2018.

Transcription

1 Volume 1 No. 8 A Joint Newsletter from the Ministries of The Presbyterian Church of Prospect and The Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church September 2018 Recovery How are you? It s a simple question that we ask or are asked many times a day. The answer is often not simple. It s hard to put into words how we re really doing because 1) we don t always know, 2) the right words are hard to come by, 3) not everyone who asks the question really wants a long and involved answer, and 4) how we re doing isn t necessarily the most important thing to talk about. Lately, I ve taken comfort in saying, I m recovering. Thank you. Recovering is good word. I used to think that the word recovery only describes someone coming back from a terrible injury, illness, addiction, and/or loss. The longer I live the more I m beginning to think we are all in recovery of some sort or another. There are many examples in Scripture of people in spiritual recovery; affecting their thinking, their relationships, and the course of their lives. Mercifully, God brings people back. Continued on Page 3

2 Page 2 The Presbyterian Church Of Prospect And The Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Directory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Office, FAX, , tpcp@zoominternet.net Website: tpcp.net and tpcp.net/nebo/ Rev. Steve Cort, Pastor Cathy Johnson, Office Administrator Beverly O Hara, Presbyterian Church of Prospect Clerk of Session Randy Bieber, Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Clerk of Session The Presbyterian Church of Prospect Church Leaders Elders Deacons Trustees Mary Fisher Carrie Chapman Rick Brain Lisa Holland Robin Cort Jerry Osborne Dave Johnson Sandy Duncan Jack Sigmund Mark Johnson Betty Herold Al Timms Leslie Raisley Beverly Lotz Jerry Vanater Beverly O Hara Shirley Warburton *********************************************** Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Leaders Elders Trustees Deacons Randy Bieber Mary Rush Ben Patton Pauline Winchell Lynette Patton Aaron Winchell Kathy Wolabaugh Ella Heathcote Jason Rush Kathy Wolabaugh Jeff Kennedy Nathan Patton Please continue to pray for our country, for those affected by natural disasters, disease, war and other desperate situations.

3 Page 3 Recovery Continued from Page 1 The road to recovery and the road to ruin have some things in common. They both cost something. Each one hurts. They usually take a long time. And each road affects other people. Here s a true story illustrating both roads. Anton Pilipa lives in Toronto and suffers from mental illness. Five years ago, feeling he wanted his space, he moved into his own apartment. A few short days later, without any notice, he went missing. No one could find him. His brother Stefan said, "There isn't much you can do when someone disappears. Try posters. Call the Police. Drive around the neighborhood. And then a lot of waiting. And frustration." Every day Stefan would awaken to the thought where are you? Are you dead or alive? His brother searched to find him but could not. Mostly, he simply waited and hoped. Over a period of five years, the wandering Anton made his way to Brazil, travelling mostly on foot. Somehow while there, he attracted the attention of the police. A female police officer named Helen, who spoke English, spent two hours with him and managed to get Anton's first name and country of origin. The police then took him to a mental health center for treatment. He began living in a mental institution though he had escaped twice. He was resigned to living in a room with 30 people, being medicated for his mental illness and eating poorly. Then, the police officer, Helen, searched the internet using "Anton" and "Canada" in the search window. She was looking for family connections on social media. Then, she got a hit. A friend of Anton's brother, Stefan, had re-posted a picture of Anton on Twitter. The police officer then contacted the friend, who contacted Stefan. Immediately, the police officer ed Stefan with a picture and a question, "Is this your brother?" Stefan was stunned. He flew to Brazil to meet his lost brother of five years. When they met, it was both a happy and sad moment. Anton was in very rough shape having lived on the road for five years while battling mental illness. The brothers embraced. Anton is now home in Toronto; on the road to recovery. source: Matt Galloway, Reunited Brother Metro Morning, CBC radio Toronto (2-7-17) Continued on Page 4

4 Page 4 Recovery Continued from Page 3 Anton is something of a modern day prodigal son. Christians are often prodigals too. Life circumstances, twisted loves, character defects, and things we don t even understand take us away from God, from others, and from the person we would like to be. Fortunately our Good Shepherd goes after lost sheep. Recovery in the Spirit has a lot to do with hearing His voice, contributing to the flock, going where he leads, and giving up control. Here s Julie W s story: My daughter was using drugs. She wouldn t see the counselor, talk to me, or stop destroying herself. I called my friend Linda. Her son, also an addict, had been sentenced to state prison. "You can't imagine all that's going on here," I said. "Come over for coffee," she urged. I didn't touch my coffee as I blurted the saga. Linda didn't sweet-talk. "You need help." "You haven't heard the whole story," I argued. "I'm fine my daughter, she needs help." "You're addicted to worry and control," Linda said. "I've been where you are... The only one you can control is yourself." The possibility that she might be right terrified me. "It took me years to realize that I'm not in charge. God is," Linda admitted. We went to a meeting. The speaker said, "By worrying, you're telling God he can't handle things...to change, you'll have to leave behind some familiar lifelong habits." But how? This is who I am what I do. "An alcoholic can't drink, and those of us in this room can't allow an ounce of worry. For us, it's every bit as dangerous and addictive. Worry robs our peace." I didn't think change was possible. Not for me. But I knew one thing for sure I was destroying my life. That night at home I got real. "Help me, God. I can't do this without you." I began to ask God for help each morning. I whispered, "Not my job," as worry, fear, or control tried to needle back in. Recovery defies logic. It means doing the opposite of what feels natural. When I took care of myself and my addictions, my daughter did the same. Hear these words of guidance, and encouragement, and recovery from God in I Peter 5: Continued on Page 5

5 Page 5 Recovery Continued from Page 4 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. September Sermons The buses are running again. The 15mph speed limit signs are blinking in front of the elementary school. Department stores are selling notebooks, pencils, and lots of new clothes. School s here! No matter how many birthdays we ve had or how many classes we ve sat through, the followers of Jesus never stop learning. Each day is full of spiritual lessons, other people, and our wise Teacher. It seems fitting to focus on God s kind of education in the September worship messages. The theme for the month is: Back to School in the Old Testament. Sept. 2 Chemistry & Foreign Language Class with Moses Sept. 9 Gym Class with the Hebrews Sept. 16 Social Studies & Philosophy in Ecclesiastes Sept. 23 Mathematics in Proverbs Sept. 30 Speech Class with the Prophets

6 Page 6 Ministry Highlights & Events At The Presbyterian Church of Prospect Pages 6 9 New Staff for our Preschool Mrs. Colleen Eicher has been hired as the new teacher s aide. Mrs. Eicher lives in Butler with her family. She attended both Misericordia University & Temple University and has extensive experience in social work and counseling. With her educational background, as well as her strong Christian faith the Preschool board welcomes her as the perfect addition to our preschool staff. On this note, we are sad to announce that Mrs. Christina Beggs will not be returning as the Preschool 3-year-old teacher due to family obligations that prevent her from continuing full time. She will, however, be available to us as a substitute teacher should we need her in the future. We greatly appreciate what she has done over the past 2 years to integrate our new curriculum into our 3 year old program. She will be greatly missed and we definitely look forward to her visits back to the classroom. The Deacons want to thank everyone for their support, donations and baked goods received for our Rummage Sale. We now have an extra $2,000 to do the work that God has chosen us to do for his glory. One comment we received was that our church has a really good attitude when we have our sale. So thanks to all the help and blessings you have shown to our customers. Thank you to all our friends and church family for the many expressions of sympathy, prayers and cards we received at the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother and great grandma, Shirley Gibson. - Dale Gibson and family

7 Page 7 Ministry Highlights & Events At The Presbyterian Church of Prospect Pages 6 9 It s hard to believe that it is time to start our new school year already! We hope everyone had a relaxing and fun filled summer break. We are looking forward to making lots of new friends and learning many new things. September is a month full of change. Not only the changing season, but a change in our routine as well. This can sometimes be stressful for students and parents alike. While we welcome the changes that God has in store for us this school year, we ask for your prayers for guidance, calm hearts, and God s blessing on our students and their families. We are so very thankful for this church and their continued support of our preschool program. God is good! Heather & Colleen SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 3 Kesha Weiland 24 Barb Vanater 5 Bob Gaskill 24 Gayle Vanater 5 Brooke Schaefers 29 Amanda Schaub 15 Shirley Warburton 29 Mark Schaefers 17 Rosa Potts 29 Caity Holland 20 Karen Maser 30 Ella Hicks ANNIVERARIES 3 Craig and Nancy McMillan 9 Jim & Shirley Warburton 15 Dave & Beverly Lotz

8 Page 8 Ministry Highlights & Events At The Presbyterian Church of Prospect Pages 6 9 Prayer Concerns Please call the Prayer Chain Team Captains with your Prayer Requests. Remember, if you place someone on the Prayer Chain, please keep the Team Captains aware of updates in conditions and situations. Team Captains: Diane Kemper Dolly Hays Mary Harmon Mary Fisher The September Prayer Walk (Sit in) is scheduled for Tuesday, September 4th at 6:30 pm at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Mark your calendar and plan to join with us in prayer. SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS Sept. 4th Preschool Open House Sept. 5th Sept. 8th Sept. 11th Sept. 13th Sept. 23rd Sept. 30th First Day of Preschool 8 am Men s Breakfast 10 am Deacons Mtg. 7 pm Session Mtg. 4:30 8 pm Music at the Farm Show Someday Sunday GREETERS ARE NEEDED Volunteers are needed to greet at the door on Sunday mornings. If you can help, please see Sandy Duncan

9 Page 9 Ministry Highlights & Events At The Presbyterian Church of Prospect Pages 6 9 The Presbyterian Church of Prospect Fundraising Committee is participating in BOSCOVS FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS. 25% off shopping passes are being sold. The passes are good for shopping at Boscovs October 16th. The passes are $5. each and they are 100% profit for our church. They can be purchased from Carol Johnson. For more info call Carol Johnson, Men s Breakfast Next meeting is September 8th at 8 am. All men in the church and their guests are welcome. Eat, talk, study, grow! Cup Of Friendship Women s Fellowship First Wednesday of every month. 10 am Next gathering September 5th Donations of Pies and cakes are needed for the Music at the Farm (Show Grounds). Help is also needed to park cars. See Joyce Cranmer. TPCP Financial Summary as of July 2018 Income: $67,759. Expenses: $67,062.

10 Page 10 Calendar Legend MN-Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church (Bold Italics) TPCP-The Presb Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesd S U N M O N TUE W E D 2 8 am MN Men s Breakfast 9:30 am MN Worship 10:30 am MN Sunday School 10 am TPCP Sunday School 11 am TPCP Worship No Fellowship Meal 3 Office Closed Labor Day 4 6:30 pm Prayer Walk at Emmanuel Lutheran Church 5 1st Day of Preschoo 10 am - Cup of F TPCP Chimes & C MN-8 pm-choir 9 9:30 am MN Worship 10:30 am MN Sunday School 3 pm Mini Golf 10 am TPCP Sunday School 11 am TPCP Worship am Deacon s Mtg 12 TPCP Chimes & MN-8 pm-choir 16 9:30 am MN Worship 10:30 am MN Sunday School 10 am TPCP Sunday School 11 am TPCP Worship Fellowship Meal TPCP Chimes & MN-8 pm-choir 239:30 am MN Worship 10:30 am MN Sunday School 10 am TPCP Sunday School 11 am TPCP Worship 24 MN Pumpkin Picking 25 4 pm Presbytery Mtg. 26 TPCP Chimes & MN-8 pm-choir 4:30 8 pm Music at the Farm Show Grounds 30 Someday Sunday 9:30 am MN Worship 10:30 am MN Sunday School 10 am TPCP Sunday School 11 am TPCP Worship

11 Page 11 Presbyterian Church of Prospect Shared activities nesday Thursday Friday Saturday T H U F R I SAT 1 y of school p of Friendship es & Choir hoir 6 6 pm Fund Raising Committee Mtg am TPCP Men s Breakfast mes & Choir Choir 13 7 pm TPCP Session Mtg :45 pm Scavenger Hunt mes & Choir Choir 20 MN-7 pm-session Mtg mes & Choir Choir

12 Page 12 Ministry Highlights & Events At Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Pages MT NEBO SUMMER ACTIVITIES July was busy for the Mt. Nebo Congregation. Life at Mt. Nebo is full and moving fast but not too full or fast to take time to serve others and have fun. During the Big Butler Fair Mt. Nebo was happy to fill two shifts at the Prospect Volunteer Fireman s stand. As our church family grows we were able to fill two shifts for the 1st time, and we had a great time working for the VFD who are so dedicated and work hard through out the year protecting us. We were honored to have the GREAT FRY DADDY and THE GRILLE GUY there to serve up fries and burgers to hungry customers. The food prepared and served was great but dimmed in comparison to the fun had by all. We hope you will join us next year. With your help maybe we can do 3 shifts!! CAMP NEBO was a roaring success again this July. Food, fun and laughs for everyone. The evening started out with a church picnic including the famous Wings by Cox expertly prepared by Dave Cox. Hot dogs roasted over an open fire along with covered dishes brought by everyone completed the dinner menu. After dinner everyone gathered around the bonfire for conversation, laughs and fun. As the night wore on more friends passing by on the road stopped to visit and laugh as well. The fire, fun, and laughs lasted towards midnight concluding with games around the fire, such as solving minute mysteries and counting frogs kerplunk-kerplunk! A hard group of campers spent the night in RV s, tents, hammocks, and vehicles. Arising in the morning to the smell of bacon cooking and coffee perking, along with a bountiful buffet of various breakfast dishes, a hardy breakfast was had by all before having church outside in the shelter. Life at Mt. Nebo is alive and well because He Lives. Yes, we serve a Risen Savior and he is in the world today. Come join us, laugh, love, serve and live life to the fullest because HE LIVES!

13 Page 13 SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS Ministry Highlights & Events At Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Pages ANNIVERSARIES 10 Virlinda Bieber 26 Danny & Jen Fassinger 14 Nathan Patton 28 Randy & Virlinda Bieber 21 Pam Fisher 22 Danny Fassinger 30 Dorothy Aiken Mt. Nebo Yard & Bake Sale was another big success. Thank you to everyone that helped. We had a very successful year. Special thanks to Clayton McKinney for the days he spent hauling; Scott McKinney for putting up the tarps, and because of his efforts it didn t rain! Thank you to Tom McGregor for helping haul everything to Goodwill after the sale. Thanks to all the people that donated both bake goods and treasures. We can never thank the ladies enough for setting up and cleaning up. This was a team effort and we look forward to doing it again next year. All proceeds will go towards several ministries that we support. Coming in September Mini Golf September 9th 3 pm. We will meet at Eracers Wild West Mini Golf on Route 68. The Mt. Nebo church will cover the cost of children/youth. Join the fun. See Lynnette Patton with any questions. On August 12, nearly 30 members and friends of Mt. Nebo gathered together to witness the immersion baptism of Glenna, Justin and Amy Weichey. Thank you to Pastor Steve, Aaron Winchell, and Randy Bieber for assisting with the baptism and to all those who came to share in this special event. After the ceremony, Virlinda Bieber released 6 butterflies in honor of each of them, plus one for The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost. Thank you also to Linda Prementine for the use of her swimming pool. What a beautiful and blessed day!

14 Page 14 Ministry Highlights & Events At Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Pages PRAYER CONCERNS If you need prayer the Mt. Nebo Prayer Chain is there for you. Mary Rush Marge Cornetti Shirley Bieber Cathy Burr Virlinda Bieber Lynnette Patton Bev McKinney Sandi Cox Donna Frazier Ella Heathcote Kathy Wolabaugh TRACTOR SUNDAY Attendance at Tractor Sunday was great. 79 people came and braved the weather. We were really worried at first, but God is so good! It ended up being a great morning. A total of 28 Tractors were present including toy, riding and farm tractors. We had a great day and will do it again. Thank you all for the concern and the condolences and especially for the prayers that sustained us this past year. - The Boice Family Mt. Nebo Men s Breakfast Sunday, September 2, am All men are invited. Join us! Great food & good conversation.

15 Page 15 Ministry Highlights & Events At Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Pages QUEHANNA TRAIL TREK August 17th, 18th, and 19th, Pastor Steve, whose trail name was No Brains, led four fearless and inexperienced backpackers into the wilderness on a 20 mile hiking trip on the Quehanna Trail near Parker Dam State Park. The group was made up of Becca Frazier, aka Flash, Erica Gallagher, aka Two Socks, Clayton McKinney, aka Steel Toe, and Nathan Patton, aka Huk. Leaving Sunday afternoon, we stopped for a quick bite to eat in what would be our last contact with civilization for 42 hours. We soon learned that this would not be an average walk in the woods. Our first night on the trail we hiked 2 miles to what we would call home for the night, a relatively flat spot next to a creek. Camp was set up and with darkness falling we called it a night. The next morning we awoke and ate breakfast. As we talked about our concerns for the day, a rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. We hiked 12 miles on Monday, some of which were a bit soggy, and some portions that seemed near vertical. Along the way Pastor Steve shared his previous experiences hiking. Once again camp was set up much to the delight of the inexperienced hikers. Dinner that night was delicious dehydrated lasagna (it tasted better that it sounds). With hikers being damp, exhausted, and with blistered feet, we called it an early night at 8:30 (hikers midnight!). The next morning we awoke eager to get back on the trail and make our triumphant return to the vehicles. Pastor sent the four of us out ahead to gain confidence in our abilities to navigate the trail on our town. We soon learned our pace was much slower than Pastor Steve s. He soon caught us! As we hiked our pace quickened in hopes of seeing the trail end around every turn. When we reached the end, a feeling of relief and satisfaction came over the group. All and all it was a great time despite the rain and blisters. Getting to be in God s creation, experiencing total darkness, and seeing a black bear along the way, plus sharing stories made the trip a memorable one. Thanks to Pastor Steve for giving us the opportunity, and sharing his time and experience with us!!

16 Page 16 SHARED MINISTRY EVENTS The Presbyterian Church of Prospect AND Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church DRIVERS NEEDED! Become a part of this rewarding service to our Senior Citizens. To volunteer, contact: Judy Raisley, Or Mary Fisher,

17 Page 17 SHARED MINISTRY EVENTS The Presbyterian Church of Prospect AND Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Emmanuel Lutheran Church 175th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, September 23, 2018 Church Service at Emmanuel 11 am Congratulations to our brothers & sisters in Christ. Worship and picnic with Rev. Tega Swann What a joy it was to have her and several of her parishioners attend our church services. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship time with both churches in the Mt. Nebo picnic shelter. It was nice to have the opportunity to speak to Tega and her church members. Food and fellowship what more could we ask for! COMING IN SEPTEMBER Mt. Nebo & TPCP Scavenger Hunt Saturday, September 15th starting at 3:45 pm We will meet at the Mt. Nebo Church and start the hunt! Dinner will be at 6:30 at the Mt. Nebo picnic shelter. Dave Cox will provide wings and those in attendance are asked to bring a dish to share. Mark your calendar this is a great time. Robin and I are so very grateful for your intercessions, support and love. God is good! - Pastor Steve & Robin

18 Page 18 SHARED MINISTRY EVENTS The Presbyterian Church of Prospect AND Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church MUSIC AT THE FARM (SHOW GROUNDS) SUNDAY, SEPT. 23 4:30-8:00PM BUTLER FARM SHOW AMPITHEATRE PAVILION. FOOD; CAKE WALK; CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP; OUTSTANDING LOCAL MUSICIANS Be comfortable. Bring your own chair.

19 Page 19 SHARED MINISTRY EVENTS The Presbyterian Church of Prospect AND Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School Report. Our week at VBS was filled with adventure and learning. The children learned about how Jesus RESCUES us in different times of our lives. There were skits each night, where the kids helped the Captain find a missing item from his shipwreck. Items were also added back onto the ship. In doing so, they learned how they are needed on the ship and how Jesus is needed in their lives. The children also raised over $300 that week for a local girl with cancer. The week ended with a family picnic. It was a great week! Special thanks to all those who volunteered of their time each night, the snack donations, and ALL the toilet paper rolls!! Thank you to Randy Bieber and Irene Maser for their craftsmanship in building the ship, and to Jim Szymoniak for stepping in for Pastor Steve. Special thanks to our patient and determined leaders: Kesha and Ella!

20 The Presbyterian Church of Prospect and Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Office location: 115 Church Street Prospect, Pennsylvania Worship & Grow with us! Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Church of Prospect 1236 Prospect Road 115 Church Street Prospect, Pa Prospect, Pa :30 am Worship 9:45 am Sunday School 10:30 am Sunday 11 am Worship School NON PROFIT ORG. U S POSTAGE P A I D BUTLER, PA. PERMIT NO. 123 tpcp.net Or tpcp.net/ Nebo/ Visit our Website