Presbyterian Connection

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1 Presbyterian Connection MARCH 2015 Volume 22 Issue 3 What Is Your Outlook On Life Maybe the place to begin determining what our outlook on life is asking, How do I think? What are my attitudes? What got me to thinking about this was a statement an extended family member posted on Facebook. He has had a special awakening in his life to the Lord and is sharing it with family and friends. He wrote, If you will make God bigger in your life, you will begin to see great things happen. That brought my mind back to the favorite passage of Scripture that I periodically share with you, Colossians That passage reminds us that life is at its best when we think and act like Jesus. The more we let the personality of Jesus change and fill our lives, the more uplifted our outlook on life will be. In looking through my scattered notes in the notebook I usually have in my shirt pocket, where I wrote Matt s comment I discovered a few other things that I had written down in it but let slip by me once they were in my clutter of notes to give thought to at a later time. Now is the time and I m going to share those with you as well. Self pity is the Super Glue of Hell that ties you to the past. Our pity parties don t pull us out of the doldrums. They just pull us deeper down and often make us hard to live with. Jesus lifts us up. I like the old hymn Love Lifted Me. I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, Now safe am I. Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Make God bigger in life and the outlook will see God doing great things in your life. Another quotation I dug out of the pocket clutter was: PRAYER: The world s greatest wireless connection. When we let Jesus fill our hearts with his love and grace, we have a direct connection with God. It doesn t require an internet connection fee. It is free. Jesus paid for it for eternity on the cross, dying for our sins. All we have to do is call out to Him to be our Savior and we have a direct connection that is faster than anything we can pay for on the internet and has a range of reach that is out of this world for help to live in this world. The other gem I lifted out of my pocket file is this: When life gets too hard to stand, kneel. Bowing ourselves before God takes us out of the spotlight, where we usually like ourselves to be, even in our shyness, and placing God foremost. This is a good point to remind us of the JOY acronym: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. May our prayer include asking the Lord to give us a Jesus Outlook on life. God bless! Fred 1

2 Ten Funny Things To Learn from the Story Of Noah's Ark Funny things that can be learned from the bible and applied to life. -Don't miss the boat. -Remember that we are all in the same boat. -Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. -Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. -Build your future on high ground. -For safety's sake, always travel in pairs. -Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. -When you're stressed, float a while. January Income - $3, January Expenses - $6, From The Family of Jane Anderson and Amy Anderson Johnson To my loving church family How can I convey the comfort, I and my family have received from your kind and loving prayers and hugs, your cards and actions, your generosities in Mama s memory, and your friendship.not only now with her passing, but all throughout these five years of knowing each of you. You made her happy. Thank you & God Bless you, Amy Johnson Connection Online If you would like to read the Connection newsletter online, go to our website; Click on the Info Center tab at the top, then on the dropdown menu, click on Presbyterian Connection, then choose the month of the newsletter you would like to read. The most recent newsletter will be at the top. Coffee & Fellowship Be sure to drop in for coffee, maybe a Danish or cookies and wonderful fellowship on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in Memorial Hall! Our church face book page Our church address presch@suddenlinkmail.com 2

3 WORSHIP IN MARCH MARCH 1st The Road to Our Neighbor Luke 10:25-27 Zechariah 7:8-14 & Romans 4:13-25 COMMUNION MARCH 8th The Road to Getting Ourselves Together Luke 11:14-28 Exodus 20:1-17 & 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 POT LUCK MARCH 15th The Road to the Eternal City Luke 13:22-35 Psalm 26 & Ephesians 2:1-10 BLESSING OF THE FOOD PANTRY MARCH 22nd The Road to Jericho Luke 19:1-10 Psalm 119:9-16 & Hebrews 5:5-10 MARCH 29th The Road to Fulfilling What the Lord Needs Luke 19:28-40 Psalm 24 & Philippians 2:5-11 MINUTE FOR MISSION ~5th SUNDAY SING - OUR CHURCH AT 6:00 P.M.~ 3

4 CHURCH USHERS/GREETERS March 1 - Irene Bere & Ken Hobart March 8 - Faye Brackett & Sandy Erickson March 15 - Bob & Gloria Wiles March 22 - Irene Bere & Betty Craig March 29 - Irene Bere & Sandy Erickson COMMUNION SERVERS Peni & Ed Lloyd PRAYER LIST FOR CONGREGATIONS, PRESBYTERY OF AR March 1 - Woodlands, Hot Springs Village Holiday Island Church March 8 - Second, Little Rock First, Yellville March 15 - Walnut Grove, Farmington First, Mena March 22 - First United, Fayetteville Lyon College, Batesville March 29 - First, Harrison First, North Little Rock PLEASE NOTIFY PAT ERLEWINE IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO SHOULD BE ON OUR PRAYER LIST. March March 3 - Dick Sass March 10 - Allen Althof March 20 - Betty Perrin March 22 - Pat Erlewine March 28 - Betty Aaron March 30 - Jini Sass BIRTHDAYS April April 6 - Mary Ann Smith April 10 - Betty Craig April 18 - Vivian Meyers April 19 - Norma Taylor April 19 - Garrett Carpenter April 22 - Don Miller ANNIVERSARIES March 12 - Bob & Arabella Richardson March 18 - Dr. Roger & Meg Simons No April Anniversaries 4

5 LIBRARY LINES MARCH 2015 We have some new books: Five new fiction series: The Amish Millers Get Married Series by Ruth Harzler: #1 THE WAY HOME #2 THE WAY FORWARD #3 THE NARROW WAY The Amish of Lancaster Series by Sarah Price: #1 FIELDS OF CORN #2 HILLS OF WHEAT #3 PASTURES OF FAITH #4 VALLEY OF HOPE A Middlefield Family Novel Series by Kathleen Fuller: #1 TREASURING EMMA #2 FAITHFUL TO LAURA #3 LETTERS TO KATIE Families of Honor Series by Shelley Shepard Gray: #1 THE CAREGIVER #2 THE PROTECTOR #3 THE SURVIVOR Stoney Ridge Seasons Series by Suzanne Woods Fisher: #1 THE KEEPER #2 THE HAVEN #3 THE LESSON We also have new fiction books by Karen Kingsbury: THE CHANCE and THE BRIDGE; and books by Suzanne Woods Fisher entitled AMISH PEACE; and by Cynthia Keller entitled AN AMISH GIFT. Three books were also donated: Two fiction books by Terri Blackstock: EVIDENCE OF MERCY and PREDATOR, and one non-fiction by Bettie B. Youngs: A STRING OF PEARLS. The featured book is A STRING OF PEARLS. Soft, smooth, and lustrous, a pearl offers a wonderful symbol for the human experience. Its beautiful polished surface conceals the difficulty with which it was created--by a living creature struggling with its environment. The same can be said of the human spirit. Often it is only when we are confronted with adversity that our souls are transformed to reveal the powerful, radiant lifeforce within. In A string of Pearls, Dr. Bettie Young s shares real-life pearls, the inspiring stories of people who have been transformed by the hardships they ve faced--emerging stronger, wiser, and more alive than they have ever been. As a celebration of the power of the human spirit, A String of Pearls shows us how tough times can help us be more resilient, more accepting, and thrive in a difficult world. Thank you to all who donate to the library. Donations are very much appreciated. Faye Brackett, Librarian 5

6 MISSION MINUTE MARCH-2015 We collected $ for the Christmas Joy offering and collected $ for Food Pantry from the Christmas Card Tree. The Souper Bowl took in $ for the Food Pantry. Thank you to all for the donations to these very worthy causes. Our next mission project will be the One Great Hour of Sharing which will start March 8 th and go through Palm Sunday on March 29 th. A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Presbyterian Hunger Program Self Development of People -The Mission Committee I APPRECIATE YOUR FRIENDSHIP! Thank you for all your thoughts & prayers. Kirk continues to get stronger each day & we are thankful for each day. God Bless you all! Kirk & Kristine Meir THURSDAYS, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO NOON IN MEMORIAL HALL. MEN & WOMEN WELCOME. (Son of Dick & Jini Sass) 6

7 Till We Speak Again Question: I have noticed from time to time that instead of flowers in the entry area of the Church there are objects there, why? Millie: Why Not! No really, good question. Flowers are sure pretty but for some occasions objects in a display reach us in a different way. I asked Meg the logic behind the current display. This is what she shared with me. As we approach Lent and the Easter holiday, these objects were selected carefully. Each one carries a special symbolic meaning in its own right. They were grouped together to represent the whole holiday event and hopefully speak to us individually. The Urn in the back of the grouping represents selflessness. The woman in the Bible could have used it to wash Jesus feet before drying them with her hair. She gave a very expensive and selfless gift out of love without a second thought of cost or personal status. The candle is a representation of Jesus light of the world. He is the beacon of light and hope in the darkness bringing us safely back home. We should always put him in the forefront of our thoughts and lives. The empty wine glass is a symbol of things yet to come. The last supper, the trial, and the crucifixion, as Christ was willing to sacrifice himself for us to insure our life everlasting. The fan is a bit more of a loose symbol, but how do you capture the breath of the Holy Spirit as it enters our hearts and lives? This act is private and invisible to all except the one touched and hopefully changed forever. This display is designed to make you stop, look, and think. By doing this hopefully, it has touched your heart. I do hope this has answered your question. Luv, Millie aka-meg Thought for the Day: Take notice in the beauty of everyday objects, and take nothing for granted; it could all be gone in the blink of an eye. 7

8 MARCH PUZZLE 8

9 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & MEN Good News The P.W.& M. Group is coming to town! That stands for the Presbyterian Women and Men. They are up and ready to get our Mission program up off the ground for a new year in Our meetings are now open to men and women who are not members of our church, as well as our church members. Our first meeting will be March 10th, 9:30 a.m. at The Village Wheel. You may order and pay for whatever you wish to eat from the breakfast menu. The meetings are short (1 1/2 hr s) and we do have lots to plan for the year. So come along and join us and our newly named group. Please bring a canned food item for the Food Pantry. God Bless! - Mary Kerr BULL SHOALS FOOD PANTRY During the month of January, the Bull Shoals Food Pantry served a total of 406 persons from 169 households. (18) were new clients. Age groups as follows: (24) of these served were Veterans. (28) Volunteers worked a total of 445 hours. 9

10 INGREDIENTS 1 qt. whole milk 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 2 pcks Active Dry Yeast, 0.25 oz packets 8 cups (plus 1 cup extra, separated) All Purpose Flour 1 tsp (heaping) Baking Powder 1 tsp (scant) Baking Soda 1 TBS (heaping) salt RECIPE FOR MARCH CINNAMON ROLLS Plenty of Melted Butter (1-2 cups, divided) (not needed for bread) 2 cups Sugar (not needed for bread) Generous Sprinkling of Cinnamon (not needed for bread) ********************************************************************************************* MAPLE FROSTING - (not needed for bread) 1 bag powdered sugar 2 tsp maple flavoring 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup melted butter 1/ cup brewed coffee? Teaspoons salt DIRECTIONS Mix the milk, vegetable oil and sugar in a pan. Scald the mixture (heat until just before the boiling point). Turn off heat and leave to cool 45 minutes to an hour. When the mixture is lukewarm, but not hot, sprinkle in both packages of Active Dry Yeast. Let this sit for a minute. Then add 8 cups of all-purpose flour. Stir mixture together. Cover and let rise for at least an hour. After rising, for at least an hour, add 1 more cup of flour, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir mixture together. (At this point, you could cover the dough and put it in the fridge until you need it overnight, or a day or two. Just keep your eye on it and if it starts to overflow out of the pan, punch it down. When ready to prepare rolls; Sprinkle rolling surface generously with flour. At this point, form rolls or loaves of bread...continue to follow recipe if making Cinnamon rolls. Take half the dough and form a rough rectangle. Then roll the dough thin, maintaining a general rectangular shape. Drizzle 1/2 to 1 cup melted butter over the dough. Now sprinkle 1 cup sugar over the butter, followed by a general sprinkling of cinnamon. Now, starting at the opposite end, begin rolling the dough in a neat line toward you. Keep the roll relatively tight as you go. Next, pinch the seam of the roll to seal it. Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a 7 round, foil cake or pie pan. Then begin cutting the rolls approximately 3/4 to 1 thick and laying them in the buttered pans. Repeat this process with the other half of the dough. Let the rolls rise for 20 to 30 minutes, then bake at 400 degrees until light golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. **For the frosting, mix together all Ingredients listed and stir well until smooth. It should be thick but pourable. Taste and adjust as needed. Generously drizzle over the warm rolls. Go crazy and don t skimp on the frosting. - Submitted by Celia Mallard 10

11 THIS WE BELIEVE for MARCH TO ALL WHO RECEIVED HIM, TO THOSE WHO BELIEVED IN HIS NAME, HE GAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD John 1:12 ~MISSION STATEMENT~ We will be scripture-based to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spiritually led to guide all people to be active doers of the Word Approved by Session on November 16, 2007 CHURCH STAFF Pastor: Fred Taylor, Clerk of Session: Vicky Bair, Church Treasurer: Ken Hobart, Secretary: Christi Partee, Financial Secretary: Dick Sass, Asst. Financial Secretary: Elaine Miller DEACONS Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Pam Hobart Sandy Erickson Ed Lloyd Dick Sass Pat Erlewine Amy Johnson ELDERS Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Ken Hobart Vicky Bair Meg Simons Steve Broskovak Jini Sass Peni Lloyd Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals P.O. Box 305 Bull Shoals, AR