Loch Raven Press. Loch Raven Press. The Pastor s Page - Looking for a Home, I Mean, a House. Inside this issue:

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1 Loch Raven Press Loch Raven Press L O C H R AV E N P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H, P C A May 2012 The Pastor s Page - Looking for a Home, I Mean, a House As you well know (and we greatly appreciate your prayers for us!), we are in the process of searching for a new house in the area. We thought we had found one, but the inspection disclosed some major areas of concern. So we are back looking. Not having a place to call your own is unsettling, which has made me think about houses and homes. Perhaps you have heard the phrase, Home is where the heart is - or the poem by J. H. Payne, Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there s no place like home. Both of these express the truth that our homes are more than a house, that it takes more than a house to make a home. The reality is, God created us for relationship with Himself and with others; and when we don t have that we are profoundly unsettled, no matter how ornate or plush our apartment or house. It s a question of our hearts - if they are full of love for God and others, then the external circumstances - whether we live in a hut or a hotel penthouse - will not be all that important. This highlights one of the unique joys of Christianity: because we love Jesus and believe in Him, we have the assurance of an eternal home in heaven with Christ (Jn. 14:1-3). We know that we are just passing through, that we are in the world, but not of it (Jn. 17:11 & 16). We should not feel totally at home here, instead, we should have a sense that we are strangers and pilgrims. The question, then, is this: On what is my (and your) heart set? I can certainly testify that I want to be with my family, and am very unhappy when I m apart from them! And that is as it should be. Do I feel that same piercing sense of absence from my Lord and Savior? This is one of the important implications of believing in the resurrection and ascension - that one day we will be with Jesus face to face, with resurrection bodies ourselves. Do I long for that day? Is there an eager anticipation and expectation? Am I more and more getting ready for that day? I hope and pray that both you and I are ready and praying for that day of Christ s return or our being taken into His presence. (Come quickly, Lord Jesus!) This is one of the blessed comforts that the twin doctrines of the (continued on page 2) Inside this issue: NEW EVENTS 2 TRUSTEES TOOLBOX 3 MISSION POSSIBLE 5 CHRISTIAN ED 6 TECH TEAM & DEACONS WOMEN IN THE CHURCH LRPC LETTERS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR 10 Keeping Christ Pre-eminent In All Things

2 Loch Raven Press Pastor s Page - continued bodily resurrection and ascension of Jesus give us. We have the sure hope of our own body and soul being reunited at the last day (see WCF 32.2; WLC 87; HC 57), that is, we are comforted as we look to the future. And we have a comfort as we live in the presence, because our Lord and Savior is seated at the right hand of the God the Father Almighty (The Apostles Creed; Heb. 1:3). As we think about the 40 days between Jesus resurrection and His ascension, may I recommend two books that would be very edifying? The first is a new book on the resurrection entitled Lifted: Experiencing the Resurrection Life by Sam Allberry. The second, by Derek Thomas, is Taken Up to Heaven: The Ascension of Christ. These two doctrines deserve more attention from us than solely on Easter Sunday (the resurrection) and when we recite the Apostles Creed ( He ascended into heaven ). By God s grace, I pray that our lives and worship might be deepened as we learn and love our Glorious Savior. Pastor Milligan Red Cross Blood Drive at LRPC May 1, 2012 Our Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Church on Tuesday, May 1, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Can you roll up your sleeves and give? Helpers will be needed for the canteen as well as donors. If you can help, please contact Rita Kraus ( ) or call or the church office. If you didn t sign up on the sheet in the office for a donation time, come when you can on Tuesday, May 1. New Members Class A class for new members will be starting in the next few weeks. If you are not sure whether you d like to become a member but would like more information about Loch Raven Presbyterian and the PCA, you are welcome to attend this class. The class will be held during the Sunday school hour, 9:30 10:30 a.m. Please call the church office or contact Pastor Milligan if you would like to attend. Page 2 National Day of Prayer May 2-3, 2012 at LRPC Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12 LRPC will be participating in the National Day of Prayer on May 3. Join us on Wednesday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. when Delegate Joseph C. Boteler, III, of Baltimore County, District 8, shares with us how to pray for our elected leaders before our Congregational Prayer meeting from 7:00 8:00 p.m. The sanctuary will be open on Thursday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for a 12 Hour Prayer Vigil. If you would like to sign up to take a half-hour on the schedule for prayer, please see Keith Wawrzyniak ( ) or call the church office.

3 Trustees Toolbox The Board of Trustee s monthly meeting was held on Monday, April 9th th, Items of discussion were: Spring Clean Up Day posted for April 21 st, Saturday from 9am to 1pm. As of April 8, twenty two church members were signed up to work. Seventy bags of mulch were purchased from the Boy Scouts. The organized and detailed documentation of the church s financial statements and records by Austin Kenly. His excellent work allowed the December 2011 audit by Kahn, Berman, Solomon, Taibel & Mogol, P.A., go smoothly. The auditors reviewed the records for 2009 and The Community Announcement Sign next to the playground was vandalized. New plexi glass will be ordered. Joan Higdon was elected to represent the Trustees at the Nominating Committee for the upcoming year. Donated items from church members in the last few months were appreciated. Church members are encouraged to contact Purple Heart or Salvation Army to pick up any furniture or electronics that you may consider donating to the church, due to the lack of available space in the church house and church. Before donating, members should contact a Trustee. Happenings in the next few weeks are: Painting the speed bumps while the weather is above 50 degrees. Cleaning and organizing the church house attic. As always, if you have any concerns regarding the church property or maintenance thereof please call me at , me at tsfreeman2@verizon.net or wave me down at church. In the Lord s service, Sue Freeman Clean-Up Day April 21, 2012 Thanks to all who worked the grounds look great! A special thanks to Sue Freeman for organizing the day.

4 Installation of W. David Milligan Sunday, April 22, 2012 Participating in the Service: RE Jason Hannas Living Hope PCA, Moderator RE Jim Fox - Loch Raven PCA RE Brian Sweeney Loch Raven PCA RE David Woo (alternate) - Loch Raven PCA TE Robert Bell Aisquith PCA TE Bill Jones - Loch Raven PCA TE Dan Smith Evangelical PCA TE Todd Williams Safe Harbor PCA Page 4

5 MISSION POSSIBLE May, 2010 BALTIMORE RESCUE MISSION A Changed Life P.O. Box 735 Baltimore, MD In the Spring Update, Chuck tells the story of James Brooks, a man who, in his young adult life, became involved in the use of alcohol and drugs. In 1990 he married and eventually became the father of four children. However, he continued to misuse alcohol and drugs. Five years later he left his family and lived sporadically with other relatives. In 2000 he spent time in another ministry and put his faith in Christ but then backslid when he was on his own, ending up on the streets of Baltimore. In 2005 he entered the detox program at the Baltimore Rescue Mission, rededicated his life to Christ, and completed the process of drying out. He was invited to be a member of the Missions staff recovery program and, for the last several years, has had the responsibility of checking in the men at night. James in now in touch with his family and spends time with his children on occasion. He is a responsible staff member of the Mission and he continues to grow in grace to God s glory. Pastor Chuck Buettner, D.D. Executive Director 22% Financial Deficit On January 26, 2012, the Board of Directors met for our Annual Business Meeting at which time we reviewed every aspect of the ministries of the Baltimore Rescue Mission. We were very happy with the spiritual results in both the men s division and the Karis Home. We are thankful for the Lord working in the hearts of many people. We rejoiced in the completion of several major building maintenance projects that were totally funded through special gifts for materials or donated labor and materials. There was, however, a cause for major concern in the area of finances. The Baltimore Rescue Mission has never been big on fundraising and we still maintain our policy of not accepting any form of government aid. We do not charge for any of our services nor do we sell clothing or furniture. PRAY for the leaders of the Mission as they seek to resolve this problem. All information comes from the Spring issue of the UPDATE YEAR-END STATISTICS COMBINED TOTALS FOR MEN S DIVISION and KARIS HOME ( WOMEN S DIVISION) Bed Nights... 59,459 Different People..1,986 Meals Provided.220,000 Salvation Decisions..220 Rededications Clothing Distributed..2,000+ Assurance of Salvation...67 Gospel Services..730 Bible Memory Classes.560 New Convert s Classes Staff Bible Studies Morning Devotions Used Detox..286 Medical Clinic

6 Christian Education Loch Raven Press Head Coach Recruiting for VBS Olympion 2012 Team! Start by getting your summer schedule in shape! Coaches (volunteers) plan now to sign up for Olympion 2012, Loch Raven s exciting VBS program, inspiring children to run with Joshua, that great champion of the faith whose wholehearted obedience to the Lord points us to Christ. The Games begin: Monday, July 23 to Friday, July 27 9:00 to 12:00am For Athletes age 4 to grade 6 completed. Training Camp & Arena Loch Raven Presbyterian Church 9318 Old Harford Rd. Parkville, MD Lochravenpca@comcast.net Pumped up to join the team? Questions? Call the church office or contact Head Coach, Carol Holzman at or Carolbsf@aol.com. Page 6

7 TECH BYTe WHAT'S NEW IN THE TECH AREA? 1. A new sound operator--- Brian Oswinkle 2. Upgraded software for preparing the material projected on the walls 3. New handheld microphone, Reminders new vocal microphone, new instrumental microphone Many people are hearing challenged and cannot hear people speaking in large groups without microphones. If you or your group desire (s) to have sound or projection for your activities, speak with Barbara Reed about your needs. She will check with members of the tech team to see what their availability is. For major activities, it is important to complete a Church Facilities Request Form and submit it to the church secretary. That form will be forwarded to the coordinator. Only trained members of the Tech Team are authorized to use the equipment in the booth. Deacons Corner If you are interested in being a part of the tech team, contact Barbara Reed. Training will be provided. Volunteers to be sound or projection operators are needed so that the team can provide those services on Sunday mornings as well as for other occasions; for example, memorial services, VBS, week day program. Who are the members of the Tech Team? Sound operators Richie Brown Jason Palmisano Brian Oswinkle Projection operators Lee Goon Barbara Reed (coordinator) Brian Sweeney All of us seek to serve God by enabling the congregation in their worship to see and hear what is projected on the wall and spoken via microphone. ACTC News A hearty thanks to all who donated to the ACTC (Assistance Center of Towson Churches) March food drive. We were able to collect a substantial amount of monetary donations and food bags. I lost count while filling up my trunk, back seat, and front passenger side. I know everyone at the center was thankful for the donations. Coming up on June 3 rd ACTC will be holding their 1 st annual 5k run/1.5 mile Walk for Hunger. So, all you walkers and runners are asked to join in. Registration is at 4:00 pm and the race starts at 5:00. There is a $25 fee for registering before and $35 fee on the actual day. They also suggest for you to try to get sponsors. If you are interested in finding out more go to (and see the article on page 9 of this issue of the Loch Raven Press). Thanks again for your support and caring. ~Wendy Keller for the LRPC Deacons

8 Women in the Church Women s Exercise Class at LRPC Ladies!! Please join us on Tuesday afternoons from 5:15-6:15 p.m. for new program at LRPC: a high energy workout for whole person fitness, based on a DVD series called Power Praise Moves. This is a lowimpact program and a Christian alternative to traditional yoga. We will stretch as Scripture is recited. There is no cost Circle Meetings to join the group; just bring an exercise mat, a water bottle (optional), and wear stretchy, comfortable clothes. Feel free to invite a friend to join you. This program will start on May 8th in the Choir Room at LRPC. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call Carol Sweeney at Circle Date/Time Hostess Elizabeth Friday, May 25 TBA 10:00 a.m. Esther Wednesday, May 16 12:30 p.m. Hannah Thursday, May 10 7:15 p.m. Rebekah Thursday, May 10 10:30 a.m. Ruth Thursday, May 10 Doris Cline Marlene Wawrzyniak Thelma Lee TBA 10:30 a.m. Half-Baked Girls Monday, May 7 7:00 p.m. Charlotte Kidwell Page 8

9 Loch Raven Press Dear Church Family, It is with sincere love and gratitude that I thank all of you for your kindness during my recent illness. The prayers, delicious meals, cards, phone calls and visits were so special and encouraging to me. I have moved to Oak Crest. The transition is still new to me. I am trying hard not to get lost. My house will soon be for sale. I pray it will not take too long until someone wants to buy it. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways and has given me such a loving, caring Church family. God s Richest Blessing Miriam Logan Shine 95.1 FM Opening WRBS AM/FM has an opening for a full-time sales position. It requires 3+ years of successful outside sales experience and offers sales commission with full benefits. If interested, send your resume and cover letter to: Nancy Duncan, Director of Sales at jobs@wrbs.com or fax No phone calls. Applications must be received by May 25, Page 9 To the Congregation at LRPC: May we say how grateful we are for all the prayers, concerns, and phone calls that went out for our family in our absence. I can honestly say, we have never experienced all of our children having something gone wrong in their families while we were away. And to have our new pastor be concerned and praying for our son shows the compassion he has for God s people. I do believe each one is on the mend now and have been told, No more leaving home. God is so good, all the time. In Christian Love, Bill and Elaine Eaton Christus Victor Lutheran Flea Market - May 5 Our neighboring church, Christus Victor Lutheran, 9833 Harford Road, Carney, MD will be holding their annual Spring Indoor Flea Market on Saturday, May 5, 2012, from 7 am to 1 pm. Donations are accepted from Tuesday to Friday of that week from 9am to 3pm. Outdoor table space is $15 per space. Contact Pam Taylor ( ) for more information. Letters and Events Call to ACTCion 5K Run/ 1.5 Mile Walk for Hunger Awareness Towson Presbyterian is spearheading a Run/Walk for Hunger Awareness to benefit the Assistance Center of Town Churches on Sunday, June 3, This first and hopefully annual event will be held at Goucher College, which has waived their usual $2,000 event fee. Check-in begins at 4:00 pm. The race begins at 5:00 pm. Everyone is encouraged to join in by either walking, running, sponsoring, or donating to the event. Prayers are also needed to make the event a success. The committee is securing event sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring or helping in any way, please contact Dotsie Bregel: dbregel@gmail.com or The fee to participate as a runner is $25 with advanced registration and $35.00 on the day of the event. Registration forms for runners can be mailed in or completed online at: Events.html Thank you for anything you may been called to do regarding the Call to ACTCion 5k Run/1.5 Mile Walk.

10 Loch Raven Raven Press Press May 2012 at LRPC S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T 1 2-8PM BLOOD DRIVE 6:15 PM TOPS 7:00 2 Congregation Prayer Meeting 3 9PAM 9PM NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER VIGIL 4 Knitting Group 5 Session Retreat 6 7 1:30 PM Missions Committee Meeting Half-Baked Girls Bible Study 8 6:15 PM TOPS 7:00 Grief Share 9 Congregation Prayer Meeting 10 Praise Team 7:45 PM Choir Rehearsal 11 Girl Scout Mtg Session, Deacons & Trustees Meetings 15 6:15 PM TOPS 7:00 Grief Share 16 Congregation Prayer Meeting 17 Praise Team 7:45 PM Choir Rehearsal 18 Knitting Group :15 PM TOPS 7:00 Grief Share 23 Congregation Prayer Meeting NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 24 Praise Team 7:45 PM Choir Rehearsal 25 Girl Scout Mtg Communion Sunday :15 PM TOPS 7:00 Grief Share Page 10

11 Rev. David Milligan Pastor Mrs. Suzanne Woo Music Director Ms. Pei Hsin Kao Accompanist Mr. Austin Kenly Church Treasurer LOCH RAVEN PCA Website: Office Phone: Fax: Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 to 3:00 The Office is closed on Wednesday and Friday. Mrs. Lee Goon, Ms. Kathy Fagan Administrative Assistants SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Service PRAYER MEETING Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Loch Raven Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God and make known His eternal and unchanging purpose, fulfilled through a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Loch Raven Presbyterian Church 9318 Old Harford Road Baltimore, MD 21234