Bridgeport Presbyterian Church

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1 NEWSLETTER OF BRIDGEPORT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2010 VOLUME 17 NUMBER 9 Bridgeport Presbyterian Church Church Events Aug 22 Blessing of the Backpacks Aug 25 Men s Breakfast Aug 27 CHP Book Sale Aug 28 CHP Book Sale Aug 29 Worship on Patio Sunday School Kickoff and Picnic Vacation Bible School VBS 2010 can be declared a success. We had 29 children enrolled during the week, with daily attendance averaging 23. Thanks to everyone who helped. See the website for all the pictures. Sept 6 Office Closed Sept 13 PW Bible Study Sept 17 Mom s Day Out Sept 19 Youth Group Sept 20 PW Bible Study Sept 22 Men s Breakfast Sept 25 Kids Klub 4 pm Sept 26 Sunday School Sept 27 PW Bible Study

2 BOOK AND BAKE SALE FOR THE CHILDREN S HEALTH PANTRY Books are still needed for the book sale scheduled to take place in just a few weeks. All kinds of books, for any age, will be welcomed (with one exception: no encyclopedias, please). Donations may be deposited on Sunday or on weekdays between 9:30 and 1:30 in either of the two middle classrooms. Plastic bags may be deposited there also. Other attractions, in addition to the books, are a Longaberger basket raffle, a baked goods sale, and hot dogs, chips & soft drinks. Presbyterian Women are handling the baked goods and refreshments. A Book Nook will be set up for browsing, with easy chairs and a complimentary cup of Fair Trade coffee. The coffee cart will be nearby for purchases of Fair Trade coffee and tea. Lots of help is needed - check out the large signup board on the easel in the lobby, and sign up! We think you ll enjoy being a part of this fundraiser for the Children s Health Pantry, BPC s ministry for children of Harrison County and nearby areas. AUGUST 27 & 28 Special Summer Worship Opportunities August 22 Blessing of the Backpacks Children and Youth are invited to bring their back packs to worship. This is a time for us to bless our children as they begin school. Men s Breakfast The monthly men s breakfast will be held at Eat N-Park at 7 AM on August 25, The speaker is scheduled to be Dr. Kevin Crichard. Dr. Crichard is the Director of the West Virginia VA Nursing Facility in Clarksburg. If you are a veteran, know a veteran, or might be a veteran someday, this promises to be a very informative presentation. Please try to attend, and bring a friend or neighbor. Don't miss it! August 29 Worship on the Patio Sunday School Kick-off We will gather after worship to hear about the opportunities in Adult Education, Children and Youth will meet their teachers and we will celebrate with a picnic afterwards. Please bring a dish to share.

3 SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Adam Gray 19 Billy Pulice 2 Jeanne Pote 20 Tammy Hamner 3 Craig Liebig 21 Ryan Nicewarner 6 Beth Armentrout 24 Tyler Faris 6 Dan McCaugherty 27 Linda Burns 9 Nathaniel Frederick 29 Kim Spears Thompson 18 Erma Reel SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 4 Linda & Steve Williams 11 Jody & Richard Tetrick 14 Alison & Patrick Deem 24 Lori & Doug Gray Notes from Presbyterian Women 12 women traveled to the Marietta/Parkersburg area on Saturday, August 7. The day began with a beautiful morning trolley tour of historic Marietta. Lunch time brought a stop at the Lafayette Hotel, a Riverboat Era hotel on the Ohio River. In the afternoon we enjoyed our own private tour of the Blennerhassett Island mansion. The day was filled with great weather, lots of laughter and fellowship. We are excited to be assisting the Children s Health Pantry board with managing the bake sale/hot dog sale fundraiser on August 27/28. Please sign up on the volunteer board in the church hallway if you are willing to donate time or baked goods for those days. Call Teri Laurent for more details. Monday morning Bible study will resume at 10 AM on September 13. Beth McCaugherty will again lead us in the Horizons study. The Book of Revelation is the topic for Cost for the study book is $8. Plan to join us and invite your friends. Our Fall Retreat Saturday has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 2. The theme for the day is Circles of Love and will include a workshop led by Pastor Robin. We will be making beautiful beaded bracelets to depict the story of God s love beginning with creation. More information will be published in the next newsletter and in a special invitation you will receive. The WV Presbyterian Women s Fall Gathering is set for Saturday, September 25 at First Presbyterian Church in Clarksburg. Registration begins at 9 AM and the day s activities commence at 9:45. Lunch at a cost of $8 will be served at noon, and the event will conclude at 2 PM. There will workshops to answer our questions. Individuals from the WV Presbytery office will be in attendance to give us more information about missions, the hunger project and resources available from the Presbytery. Plan now to attend. The group enjoyed an informal Bible study on Wednesday nights in late June and all of July. Thanks to Pastor Robin, Nancy Atkinson, Barbara Judy and Sue Davis for leading us in discussions of several Bible characters.

4 From the Choir Director Christian Composers Part 3 About fifteen years ago, while I was living in the Myrtle Beach area, I discovered a contemporary Christian music station. Having lived in the South for six years, I had heard a lot of southern gospel on the radio, but what I experienced on this station was different, more like pop music than Christian. What I did not realize at the time was that I was hearing the beginnings of a new era of music contemporary Christian music. This new style was ushered in by a few names, who were both performers and composers. While enjoyed the majority of the music I heard, I fell in love with the music of one performer in particular Amy Grant. Born in Augusta, Georgia in 1960 and raised in Nashville, Amy Grant was surrounded by music, especially in church. She learned to play guitar and soon began mixing the styles of gospel, hymns, and Jesus music to produce a totally new sound. After mixing a demo tape, a record producer heard her, signed her, and helped her release her first album in Having decided to focus on her musical career, Amy Grant would drop out of school to start touring, and composing. In 1979, she met songwriter Gary Chapman, and he helped her complete the album My Father s Eyes. Later in 1982, Amy and Gary married. While they both continued to be mostly Christian artists, Amy s next two albums would cross over to the pop charts, and some of her lyrics that lacked religious references would angry her strict Christian fan base. By 1994, her marriage to Gary Chapman was dissolving and a duet with country star Vince Gill would introduce her to a new area of music, as well as a new romantic interest. They would marry in Over the past ten years, Amy Grant has struggled with her career in the Christian field. While it is evident in her recent releases that she is still devoted to God, her divorce and remarriage fueled the anger of many in the Christian music world. Despite these issues, Amy Grant s ability to write music that reaches to the very heart of man s relationship with God can never be in question. Amy has to her credit, 26 albums and 366 song lyrics. She is recognized by historians as the performer and composer who revolutionized Christian music. Respectfully submitted, Lynne Davis Director of Music CPE for Pastor Robin At the August Session meeting the session approved for Pastor Robin to participate in the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at the VA Hospital beginning September 7 and ending the beginning of January Pastor Robin will be at VA hospital on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 8-12 noon. She will be available in the office on Monday and Thursday mornings and most Fridays mornings. I am sure many of you are wondering what Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is and how this may help our congregation. CPE is an interfaith, professional education for ministry. It brings theological students, qualified laypersons, and ministers of all faiths (pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, and others) into supervised encounter with persons in crisis. Out of an intense involvement with persons in need, and the feedback from peers and teachers, CPE participants develop new awareness of themselves as persons and of the needs of those to whom they minister. From theological reflection on specific human situations, they gain a new understanding of ministry. Within the interdisciplinary team process of helping persons, they develop skills in interpersonal and interprofessional relationships. The CPE program teaches participants how to assess and support the spiritual needs and strengths of patients, families, and staff in a compassionate, ethical, and competent manner. The CPE program is committed to a clinical and educational environment that fosters trust, teamwork, professional growth and open communication as well an appreciation for the diversity of patients, their families, our staff and the community. The session feels that this will help Robin grow as a pastor and enable her to better care for our congregation.

5 July Notes: The Committee had no formal meeting, but were very busy all month. VBS 2010 can be declared a success. We had 29 children enrolled during the week, with daily attendance averaging 23. Thanks to everyone who helped To Beth and Lauren McCaugherty and Jessica Leech for the beautiful backdrop and other decorations and signs, to Sue Davis for the use of her overhead projector, and to Bob Allen for creating a stand for our family tree. To Lori and Emily Gray, Jessica Leech and Kevin McMullen who took care of the refreshments each night. To Leah Trippett and Rocky Loar who helped the children with crafts to reinforce each lesson. To Sue Davis, Sam and Brice Ellis who handled recreation even when the weather provided a sauna to work in. To Pastor Robin, Eric Winans (Bob) and Garth Leech (Larry) and all the other volunteer actors for leading the opening Worship and closing activity each evening. To all our young people Emily, Sam, Brice, Kristin Trickett, Dani and Gabi Hamner who were so willing to help where ever they were needed. What a great example you set for our little ones! To Stacey McMullen, Garth Leech and Eric Winans who shepherded our younger groups from place to place all evening. To our members who brought their children and grandchildren to participate along with friends of the children. To Beth and Lauren McCaugherty who served as impromptu facilitators for the Adult class Pickle Pot Problems. To Charlie and Naomi Burkhammer for helping with registration. By Thursday night, we had all learned many more ways to show kindness, patience, to show others that we are dearly loved by God, and how wonderful it is to have Jesus as our friend. On Saturday, the 17th, we were hosts to seventeen members of the Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church in New Jersey. Thanks to Pam and Joe Pinti for allowing them to use their swimming pool, and to Pastor Robin and Ruth Allen for preparing food for a picnic around the pool, and to Garth and Jessica Leech, Dani and Gabi Hamner for spending some quality time with the visitors. They joined the church family at morning worship on the Church Patio on the 18th. Then on Monday, the 19th, Pastor Robin, Garth Leech, and Dani and Gabi Hamner were off to Presbyterian Youth Triennium. We look forward to hearing more about their experience in the near future. Summer Sunday school has also been very successful. Attendance has ranged from four to twelve every week (Last summer, we often had none). Several persons have volunteered to teach one or more weeks Leah Trippett, Sue Davis, Ruth Allen, Alison Deem, and Caroline Tate. We still need teachers for August 8th, 15th and 22nd. Our end-of-summer picnic and back-to-school kick-off will be Sunday, August 29th. A Blessing of the Back Packs will be held during morning worship on the 22nd. Ruth Allen, chairman Christian Education Committee Kids Klub Our kick-off for Kids Klub for the 2010 school year is planned for Saturday afternoon, September 25. We will meet at the Dollar Tree store at Meadowbrook Mall at 4 PM. We will shop for children in the Shoebox Ministry program. We will journey to the church afterwards to wrap our gifts and enjoy some food and fellowship time together. We will also talk about future events and activities. A pizza dinner will be provided. Bring money for shopping and invite your friends Calling All Youth Group Members: It has been a great summer and now let's kick off the school year!! We have a lot of activities planned starting with our annual trip to Valley Worlds of Fun on Sunday, September 19 from 6-9. We will meet in the church parking lot so we can leave by 5:30. Please bring $15.00 with you. Hope to see you guys there and remember, friends are always welcome!

6 SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK-0FF AND PICNIC AUGUST 29 SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 12 PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CLASSES Toddlers and preschoolers will meet together in the classroom closest to the fellowship hall. The Elementary class (Grades K-5) will meet in the classroom across from Pastor Robin s office. The September theme is God Chooses Us and will include the Bible stories of Moses, Samuel, David and Matthew. Through learning about Joshua, Daniel, Abigail and the disciples, we will discover more about the theme of Serving the Lord in October. Trusting God will be our focus in November. Crafts, music and prayer complete the curriculum for our youngest members Preschool Teachers are Sue Davis and Rocky Loar, Elementary teachers are Leah Trippet and Donna Trickett. YOUTH CLASS The Simpson will be back once again as we kick off our Sunday School year together. On Sunday morning s immediately after worship we will gather in the upper room for Sunday School. Each week we will watch all or part of a Simpson s episode as we embark on an exploration of the religious themes prevalent in this popular animated comedy series. Topics include prayer, morality, God, pluralism, the institutional church, hell and the devil, and the Bible. All youth who are in Sixth-Twelfth Grade are invited to join us on Sunday Mornings. The Teaching team is Garth and Jessica Leech with guest appearances by Beth McCaughtery. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL The Bible - Search and Discovery Schedule, Sarah Wilson, teacher, lounge Over the next 12 weeks the Adult Sunday School - The Bible - Search and Discovery class will be looking at the final books of the Old Testament. As we read, reflect and discuss these books we will also be looking forward to starting the New Testament in Please join in as we search to discover God s word in these the final chapters of the old covenant. SEPTEMBER 5 JEREMIAH - Review Jeremiah was a prophet who for 40 years served as God s spokesperson to Judah. He urged God s people to turn from their sins and back to God. Unfortunately no one listened. Because the people rejected his warning Jeremiah began predicting the destruction of Jerusalem. LAMENTATIONS - Chapters 1-5 This is the second book authored by Jeremiah. The first book, Jeremiah, predicted the destruction of Jerusalem the second book, Lamentations, looks back on it. It is known as the book of tears, a funeral song, written for the fallen city of Jerusalem. Discipleship-The Way of Jesus, Pastor Robin and Dave Davis, teachers September 12-October 17, Fellowship Hall Our lives as Christians in the church can be understood as lives of discipleship. Growing in our faith this way has many dimensions. This study focuses on the Call to Discipleship, the Problem of Discipleship, Discipleship as Identity in Christ, Pathways of Discipleship and the Fruits of Discipleship. It opens a variety of paths to understanding both the comfort and the challenge of being Christian believers who follow the way of Jesus in this world.

7 TREASURER S REPORT GENERAL BUDGET JUNE Identified receipts for the month of June were $11,000, versus a budgeted amount of $11,000, while the year to date amounts are $78,000 and $66,000 respectfully. This variance is the result of the booking in 2010 of prepaid giving that was received in 2009 and members paying their pledges in a lump sum. When this is considered, the giving exceeds expected levels by $3,200. Expenses for the month were unfavorable by $300 as compared with budget, and year to date amounts were favorable by $4,300. JULY Identified receipts for the month of July were $12,000 versus a budgeted amount of $11,000, while the year to date amounts are $90,000 and $78,000 respectfully. After making adjustments to the budgeted amount for prepaid pledges, the giving exceeds expected levels by $5,000. Expenses for the month were unfavorable by $3,200 as compared with budget, and year to date amounts were favorable by $1,100. BUILDING IMPROVEMENT FUND In 2004, the church decided to do a building enlargement and kitchen remodeling project that cost in excess of $300,000. Payment was supported by a three year pledge drive from the congregation, transfer of funds from our major maintenance investment fund, and a note at the bank of $85,000. Session decided, in 2007, that rather than have an additional fund drive to pay off the note, we would encourage members to give periodically to cover the principal amount of the monthly payments, and pay the interest portion of the payments from the general budget. Currently, the note balance is $41,300. The monthly principal payments are $420. The fund from which we make these payments has a balance of $1,147. Thanks to you who are making contributions to the building fund a part of your giving. Charlie Burkhammer Treasurer MOM S DAY OUT Due to scheduling changes, Mom s Day Out will move to Fridays this fall. The dates are September 17, October 15, and November 19. The fun begins at 10 AM. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers enjoy playing, creating crafts and hearing Bible stories under the supervision of caring adults. Lunch is provided, and activities conclude at 12:30 PM. Invite your friends and neighbors to participate in this program as well. Reservations for the September 15 session are due to Betty Jo Jones ( ) or Sue Davis ( ) by Wednesday, September 15. To give Mom and Dad some time to shop for Christmas or just some time to relax together, we will sponsor a Parent s Night Out on Friday, December 17. The fun begins at 6 PM with dinner provided for the children aged infant through 10 years. Activities include playtime, crafts, stories, snacks and movies. The evening concludes at 9:30 PM. Put the date on your calendar; more details will come as the date draws near. For your information, the adults who are providing the child care have been screened through background checks processed through the WV Presbytery office.

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10 Bridgeport Presbyterian Church The Church Office is open Monday-Friday 9:30am 12:30pm Pastor Robin Ray Office Website: Pastor Robin Ray Clerk of Session Bob Allen Treasurer Charlie Burkhammer Director of Music Lynne Davis Organist Beth Armentrout Presbyterian Women Sue Davis Janitorial Support Sharon Salate Church Secretary Janice Oldaker Bridgeport Presbyterian Church 1 John Calvin Drive Bridgeport WV 26330