Homecoming Sunday. many familiar faces for this time of celebration!

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1 The Highlander The Newsletter of The Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney E. Union St., Punxsutawney, PA September 2012 Mark Your Calendars September 2nd Final Summer Worship at 10:00 a.m. September 9th Fall Worship Begins 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship September 15th Saturday Friends Out New Anchor Inn September 30th Homecoming Sunday: A Service of Celebration & Meal Letter from Rev. Brett Worship & Music Fun & Fellowship Education & Discipleship Calendar & Birthdays Missions & Outreach Financial Information Volunteer Schedule & Sunday, September 30th - 11:00 a.m. A Special Worship Service of Welcome and Celebration Homecoming Sunday many familiar faces for this time of celebration! Calling all Members, Friends, Those Near, and Those Far Away to The Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney s Homecoming Sunday on September 30th! Invite past members, children and grandchildren, and anybody who has been a part of this wonderful congregation to a morning of worship and a delicious fellowship meal following the service. We hope to see Worship in our Beautiful Sanctuary, Favorite Hymns & Our Talented Choir, A Special Homecoming Message, Catching Up with Members Past and Present, and a Delicious Meal! Make sure to pick up a special Homecoming Sunday Bulletin featuring updates from former Pastors Kent Holmes and Bill Starr! Can t make it? Call or the church office to give us an update. Do You Have Photos of Church Life or Members? Contact Rev. rev.brettswanson@gmail.com

2 More and more people are turning to the internet to find love these days. With dating websites like eharmony and Match.com becoming the de facto source for meeting new people to the tune of four billion dollars annually, the tried and true we met through a friend or I ran into her at a bar is becoming old hat. Just this Summer I officiated a wedding for a couple that met online. It wasn t my first. It won t be my last. One of the most unique experiences awaiting those who turn to online dating is the lengthy survey and profile creation process. One site renown for its depth of personal exploration requires answers to 258 questions ranging from upbringing, past dating experiences, religious tolerances, and professional aspirations. Gone are the Singles ads with it s familiar coding; SWF, 32 searching for SWM, age 21-35; telling the world you are a 32 year old single white female searching for a year old single white male simply isn t going to cut it anymore. By the time any prospective matches have seen your profile the myriad of answers you provided to identify yourself - be they accurate or imaginary - have been tabulated and paired with other customers. It stands to reason, the quickest way to waste the time of the genuinely honest is to lie when identifying yourself. If you told the world you had the body of a god and when you finally met a match it turned out the deity you were describing was Buddha you see what I mean. Honest Identity: it isn t just for online dating anymore. Here is the tricky thing about identity: the proof is in the pudding. Or to say it another way, thus you will know them by their fruits to quote the Gospel of Matthew. When I met with the Session and Deacons last Spring, the most pressing concern I shared with our leadership was the question of Identity for this congregation. Our name is The Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney but for much of the universe the term Presbyterian means very little. We are of Punxsutawney, does that mean we are a local outfit, unconcerned with the county, state, nation, world? Are we the Teacher Church as some have described it? Are we that downtown, stone church, taking our identity by our building alone? I ve used this space here not too long ago to tell the story of my failing in describing our church apart from mentioning Presby McPhil, the kilt clad Groundhog statue standing watch over the parking lot. I believe it is time to start crafting our congregational identity not just with words but with actions. With September s dawning and the start of our so-called regular season now upon us, I believe it is time to ask ourselves by which fruits will we be known. We can put absolutely whatever we want on the church website and nobody will know if it is completely bogus but us. What will be unmistakable are actions; the fruit we produce. I dream of someone some day very soon saying Oh, that s the church that helps feed the hungry or Yeah, I go to the church that goes on a mission trip every year or even still, The Presbyterian Church? I know that place. They are really committed to being a church open to everybody. Like the prospective online suitor, words are only good if they are backed up with actions. Peace, Calling All Ringers! The Bell Choir Begins Practice Thursday, September 20th at 6:00 p.m. Both experienced and future ringers are always welcome to come and make beautiful music with our collection of hand bells. Join us! T h e H i g h l a n d e r

3 P a g e 3 Worship & Music Our September 2012 Worship Calendar ***Worship Begins at 11:00 a.m. Starting Sunday, September 9th*** September marks the return of regular season here at PCOP. Our worship service will return to 11:00 a.m. and Sunday School will return to 9:45 a.m. Mark your calendars! Please also note our Homecoming Sunday scheduled for September 30th. To learn more, check out the advertisement on the Cover (page 1). September 16th 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time The Wrong Kind of On Fire Proverbs 1:20-33 & James 3:1-12 September 2nd Final 10:00 a.m. Worship & Celebration of The Lord s Supper Unstained Song of Solomon 2:8-13 & James 1:19-27 September 23rd 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Guest Preacher Rev. Jean Martin September 9th First Sunday of Fall Worship 11:00 a.m. Worship A Message for the Non-Poor Proverbs 22 & James 2:1-10 September 30th Homecoming Sunday A Service of Celebration Inviting Members and Friends Past & Present to Gather for Worship & Share a Meal Make a Joyful Noise! Join the Choir! Kick-Off Choir Picnic Open to Current Choir Members & Those Interested In Joining Thursday, September 6th - 6:00 p.m. at Ginger Momyer s Home 115 Elm Road, Punxsutawney Calling all Choir Members and those interested in learning more about our choir. The kick-off picnic will be at Ginger Momyer s home on Thursday, September 6th. For more information contact Ginger. Good News! The Choir Begins Singing on Sunday, September 9th T h e H i g h l a n d e r

4 S e p t e m b e r P a g e 4 Fun & Fellowship Saturday Friends Out for September SATURDAY FRIENDS OUT WILL MEET AT The New Anchor Inn 466 Harmony Road Punxsutawney 12:00 p.m. Lunch on Saturday, September 15th Please call the church office to make your reservation by September 13th Final Summer Walk & Talk is Thursday, September 6th at 8:00 a.m. Thanks to all who came out this Summer! Special Thanks to Bill & Jean Deeley! COME ON OUT AND SUPPORT 2012 PAHS Varsity Football Schedule OUR STUDENT ATHLETES Devin Williams (Football) Haley Hartman (Cheerleading) August 31 September 7 September 14 September 21 September 28 October 5 October 12 October 19 Home vs. Brookville Away vs. Union Home vs. Dubois Home vs. AC Valley Away vs. St. Mary s Home vs. Clarion Limestone Away vs. Karns City Away vs. Clarion Area See Devin & Haley in action at Varsity Football Games October 26 Home vs. Moniteau Home games at 7:00 p.m.

5 S e p t e m b e r P a g e 5 Final Summer Session! Education & Discipleship Bible in 365 Project Discussion Opportunity Sunday, September 2nd - 9:15 A.M. Sunday, September 2nd will be our next Bible in 365 Project discussion opportunity! This time together will be an opportunity to ask questions, discuss what we have read, and look ahead to future readings. Tuesdays at Ten Fall Kick-Off! The Making of The New Testament Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Seminar Room Join us for our much-anticipated look into the Who, What, Where, Why and How of the New Testament! This class will utilize an unique DVD program that pairs a multi-media presentation with discussion to give participants a wellrounded look into the history, legend, and legacy of the New Testament. Starting Tuesday, September 11th Adult Sunday School Kick-Off! All Things Presbyterian Who We Are, Where We ve Been, and Where We re Going Sunday, September 9th to Sunday, September 30th 9:45 a.m. - Seminar Room Perfect for New Members, those interested in discussion, and anyone wanting an informative but humorous look into all-things Presbyterian. Some of our class topics 5 Things You Might Not Know About the PCUSA What does it mean to be Reformed? The Care & Feeding of Active Members What s Important & What s Not T h e H i g h l a n d e r P a g e 5

6 S e p t e m b e r P a g e 6 Education & Discipleship Sunday School Kick-Off Sunday, September 9th 9:45 a.m. t0 10:45 a.m. Education Hour Rotation Schedule September 9th-30th Lord s Prayer October 7th-28th Books of the Bible November 4th-25th The Book of Acts & The Apostle Paul December 2nd-23rd Christmas Around the World (Half Rotation Singers Practice, Half Rotation) January 6th-27th The People Are The Church February 3rd-24th Children of the Bible with Hands-On Mission Project March 3rd-17th Jesus as a Boy (Half Rotation Singers Practice, Half Rotation) April 7th-28th God s Big Family May 5th-26th The Year in Review Rotation Station is for children in Kindergarten through 5 th grade and features a variety of opportunities for children to explore the stories of our faith as well as what it means to be part of our church. Lessons for will mix Old and New Testament stories and lessons with hands-on mission projects, and first hand experiences of the people that make up our church. We are pleased to have Joyce Cooper and Bev Keeley back leading our program and teaching our classes, and look forward to all the fun our children will have with such loving and dedicated teachers. Older students will be asked to assist the teacher with the younger students as needed for the lessons. Children will meet the teacher in the Art Room on the second floor of the education wing. Parents may pick up their children in the classroom or the nursery before worship. Each child who attends Sunday School or Youth Group activities receives a Nativity figure gift every December. Members of our church make the ceramic pieces and wooden stable. The first year, they will get the starter set of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The following year they receive the stable and an angel. Every year following, they receive one more piece, such as an animal, shepherd, or wise man. A complete set is displayed in the church parlor each December. Hope to see you there! T h e H i g h l a n d e r P a g e 6

7 SEPTEMBER 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Final Worship at 10:00 a.m. Labor Day *Office Closed* Walk & Talk 8:00 a.m. FINAL Walk & Talk 8:00 a.m. ~ Choir Picnic 6:00 p.m Start of Fall Worship at 11:00 a.m. Session at 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays at Ten at 10:00 a.m. Presbytery Mtg. at 4:00 p.m. 16 Christian Ed. 9:45 a.m. ~ Worship 11:00 a.m Tuesdays at Ten at 10:00 a.m Hand-Bell Choir Kick-Off 6:00 p.m Rev. Brett Swanson on Vacation 23 Christian Ed. 9:45 a.m. ~ Worship 11:00 a.m. 30 Homecoming Sunday: Worship & Meal 11:00 a.m Tuesdays at Ten at 10:00 a.m Rev. Brett Swanson on Vacation (September 19th to September 29th) Happy Birthday! 3rd Richard Fetterman 16th Emily Eyler 27th Kellan Cessna 5th Barry Eyler 20th Patty Chambers 28th Ann Mumper 7th Emma White 21st Dee Blose 30th Roberta Dinsmore 10th Andy Phillber 26th Doug Harrold Guy Lester

8 S e p t e m b e r P a g e 8 Mission & Outreach Calling All KNITTERS and CROCHETERS 650 Tri-County Children go without Mittens & Gloves during the Winter Calling all Knitters and Crocheters! The Mission Team asks you to put your talents to use in helping some of the 650 children in our tri-county area stay warm this winter by making mittens for the children of the Head Start program. Winter is less than three months away and with the loss of some faithful knitters, there is an anticipated shortage for Winter Completed mittens can be dropped off in the Foyer. Can t knit but would like to help? Pick up a skein or two of yarn for the folks making the mittens or make an monetary contribution to help purchase supplies. Questions? Contact Roberta Dinsmore Disaster Relief Clean-Up Bucket Project Don t forget to drop off purchased items for the Disaster Relief Clean-Up Buckets in the Blue Bucket in the Foyer. We are collecting: Scouring Pads Sponges Clothes Pins & Clothesline Work Gloves & Latex Gloves Dawn Dish Soap & Lysol Cleaner Package of Easy Wipes Heavy Duty Trash Bags Scrub Brushes Dust Masks 50 oz. Bottle of Laundry Detergent Non-Aerosol Insect Repellant **Items Go in Blue Bucket in Foyer** Support Our Troops! Hygiene Item Collection for Soldiers Overseas We are safe at home only because some folks are giving their time---and even their lives---to make sure we are safe. In a small way we all can help to make their lives a bit more comfortable by participating in our collection of individual hygiene and health products for our military forces overseas. Individually sized items can be purchased at most drug or dollar stores or brought home from hotels. There will be an area in the church foyer for your donations. Monetary donations are always welcome to help off-set the cost of shipping. Shampoo & Conditioner, Hand Sanitizer Mouth Wash, Lotion Small Soaps, Body Powder and more!

9 Thank You to our September Volunteers September 2nd **Worship 10:00 a.m.** September 9th **Worship 11:00 a.m.** September 16th **Worship 11:00 a.m.** Screen George Momyer Sound Barb Hanley Liturgist Muriel Grube Screen Nick Suntheimer Sound George Momyer Liturgist Carole Haire Acolyte Holly Hartman Screen Ben Fye Sound Bruce Williams Liturgist Dana Hartman Acolyte Jackson & Ben Fezell Those Needing Our Prayer Sallye Barrett Otto Grube Betty Brumbaugh Lois Leksell Cathy Gould D.J. Bianco Annie Laurie Williams Kathy Kopp Nancy Lazorchak Carl & Louise Benson Avanell Bennett Debbie Wright Family of John Williams Family of Maxine Dellamastra Our Christian Sympathies go to Susan Wydra and family at the death of her mother. The Philliber family at the death of Betty Philliber, long time member of this church. September 23rd **Worship 11:00 a.m.** Screen Sound Liturgist Bill Cooper Nick Suntheimer Haley Hartman September Green Team Volunteers Acolyte Madelyn Fye & September 2-8 Keith Hughes McKenzie Reiter September 9-15 Debbie Dinsmore September 30th Screen George Momyer **Worship 11:00 a.m.** Sound Barb Hanley Liturgist John Hughes Acolyte Holly Hartman September September September 30 - October 6 Richard Fetterman Wick Divelbiss Bill Copper FINANCIAL STATEMENT - July & August 2012 July August July August Budgeted Current Current Year to Date Year to Date Receipts $16, $12, $103, $115, Disbursements $15, $16, $106, $122, $179, Excess (- Deficiency) of Revenues over Expenditures $1, ($4,118.88) ($2,897.75) ($7,016.63) The earth is the Lord s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it ~ Psalm 24:1 T h e H i g h l a n d e r P a g e 9

10 The Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney 106 E. Union St. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Office: (814) Visit Us Online at punxsypc.net Reminder Deadline for October 2012 s Highlander Articles is Monday, September 17th Community Spotlight Showcasing Events and Opportunities of Members Active in our Community Congratulations to Ben Fye and all the Cast and Crew of The Senator Wore Pantyhose on a wonderful show! a production of The Reitz Theater (DuBois) ATTENTION MEMBERS: Are you involved with a community group, activity, production, or event? Do you play a role in making Punxsutawney and beyond a better place? We want to hear about it! Send your information to rev.brettswanson@gmail.com