Sunday, September 8 Rally Day 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship

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1 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 356 Summit Road, Springfield, Pennsylvania , fpcspringfield.org to show and share Christ s love. Dear Church, Full disclosure I am super-excited about Sunday School this year! From the outside, everything will look the same. But on the inside, things will have a slightly different flavor. Everyone all ages, from September 2013 Volume 49-Number 1 adults to children, every Sunday will gather in Fellowship Hall at 9:15 AM. We will eat donuts, pray, sing, and simply be Christians together. Around 9:25, the adults will be excused to Lambert Hall for their class. The youngest children (preschool through Kindergarten) will go to The Giraffe Room for JAM (Joy and Music). That program received such great feedback last year, we decided to keep it going. The remaining children will stay in Fellowship Hall, where our Music Director, Megan, will teach them songs. We hope to have the JAM kids and Sunday School children singing in worship on a regular basis. After music with Megan, around 9:45 AM, I will teach the children a Bible story much as we have done in Vacation Bible School. From there, children will break out into small groups, where Sunday School teachers will drive home the lesson for the day. For the detailoriented, these are the basics: 1. 9:15 AM All ages gather in Fellowship Hall (donuts, prayer) 2. 9:25 AM Adults to Lambert Hall JAM kids (preschool through Kindergarten) to Giraffe Room Music with Megan 3. 9:45 AM Story Time with Pastor Jeff 4. 9:55 AM Sunday School Small Groups That looks like a very strong and meaningful Sunday school schedule to me. I hope you and your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, and everyone else comes to Sunday School! While I m at it, please let me say thank you to all the staff, teachers, and aides who make Sunday School happen. I am so very appreciative of your ministry. God bless you. See you in church, Jeff LEADERSHIP LAUNCH SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 8:30 A.M. 12 P.M. (FELLOWSHIP HALL) To launch the new Sunday School season we will have leader training, the Presbytery s mandatory sexual harassment training and a preview of the new schedule, programs and plans for the spring season. Come for a morning of fellowship and learning. This is an event for all Sunday School teachers, aides, helpers and anyone working with the children. 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 9 to 12 - Your spiritual growth - Sunday School - Sexual Abuse Training Sunday, September 8 Rally Day 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship FLEA MARKET Saturday, September 21 (more information forthcoming) UNDER THE STEEPLE SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 1

2 OUR CHURCH STAFF Jeffrey E. Bryan, Teaching Elder Megan Prescott-Ezickson, Music Director Noha T. Khoury, Director of Children and Youth Ministries Janet Fonash, Office Manager Anne Branton, Office Assistant Bruce Esbensen, Custodian Darla McNulty, Director of Rabbit Hill Nursery School Katherine E. Doyle, Clerk of Session Jim Orlando, Financial Secretary Nancy Hartrum, Treasurer FROM THE OFFICE OFFICE HOURS - 9 A.M. 4 P.M. Monday through Thursday. (closed on Friday) ADDRESS CHANGE: Elva Blaser 1223 Kirkland Village Circle Bethlehem, PA THANK YOU! To the person who so unpretentiously donated Wawa gift cards to the deacons for meals and transportation. Thanks for your kindness!! Nanci Petroski, Deacon On behalf of Nancy and me, thank you for your support and love over these past months and we ask God to bless you for your caring. Gene Foehl Many thanks to our VBS children for contributing $79.12 to Hand in Hand for Children of Chernobyl! Thank you to those who had a meal at Uno. Because of your participation, the church received $ which will go into the Youth Special Projects fund. FROM THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE SIGNING IN ON SUNDAY To maintain accurate records regarding your church attendance, please sign the blue pew pad each Sunday that you attend Worship. Thank you. CONGRATULATIONS TO:! Jack Peoples, a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church was honored on Sunday, June 23 rd by being inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Delaware County Chapter. Jack was honored as a teacher, mentor and official for more than 50 years throughout the State of Pennsylvania. He served as a baseball and basketball official during this period. Jack was also a member of the Springfield High School Hall of Fame. He joined the Hall of Fame that contained members like Alan Ameche, Ernie Beck and Bill Bergey. Attending the ceremony were his grandson Connor, who accepted the award for Jack, and his wife Doris and daughter Karen Fisher. Congratulations, Jack. Dave and Darla McNulty are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on September 7. Married in 1963 at Holmes Presbyterian Church, the young couple saw the years fly by all too quickly! In June they celebrated the milestone with a road trip to Florida with their children, David, Jr. and Colleen McNulty and Denise and Phil Mooney plus six grandchildren. UNDER THE STEEPLE SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 2

3 SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS PICTURES FROM VBS VBS Helpers Casey McAnally, Ellie Stanley and Danielle Agan UNDER THE STEEPLE SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 3

4 FROM HOUSE AND GROUNDS Bill Winans I sometimes sound like a broken record, but where has the time gone? Summer is almost over. Vacations are a thing in the past for most of us. Those who went on some awesome vacations, I hope you had a great time and formed some great memories. For the rest of us I just hope you had a great summer and hopefully good memories also. Once again some parents are smiling because the kids are going back to school, and some kids are frowning because they have to go back to school. But think of it this way, the time you spend in school is usually the most rewarding. You re learning something, you re back with your friends, meeting new teachers and furthering your studies. I miss those days. Yeah, I'm one of those guys who actually liked school. Mainly because of working on a farm all summer when I was young. I put in long hours with no days off. When you work on a farm that has livestock as well as crops your time is not your own. They both need care 24/7. But I have no regrets and would do it all over again. What a great life I had, thanks to our Heavenly Father because He put me there. As everyone can see we are redecorating the Narthex and hopefully it will be done by the time you read this. We have new benches, fresh coat of paint, chair rail, TV, pictures, display case, liturgical banners and some plants I personally want to thank all those involved with this project, from the committee that came up with the idea and scoped it out to the volunteers who did the job. I also want to thank the many donations to the project, the TV, benches, paint, the picture and let s not forget the volunteers who painted and put up the chair rail and baseboards. If this was done by professional outsiders the cost would probably have been prohibitive. We are very blessed in this church to have such generous and talented people. It could not have been done without them. And, as you see the painting has crept slowly into the sanctuary and it looks great. I could not be more proud of a bunch of people who are responsible for getting this done. God bless you all. I hope everyone is pleased with what was done. Until next month, God bless. MISSION OF THE MONTH The USA Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund under the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) program is the September Mission of the Month. This supplements the Great Hour of Sharing offering to enable a significant, initial response to major disasters and emergencies within the United States. PDA has been busy this year providing direct help to communities across the nation that have been adversely affected by the severe weather conditions. Storms, floods, and tornadoes have hit many states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Alaska, Pennsylvania and Louisiana. PDA has worked with Presbyterian leadership in affected communities and has responded to requests for financial assistance or the sending of members of the National Response Team. This has included working with local long-term recovery committees and other organizations involved in long-term recovery; and assessing Presbyterian churches and other congregations locations to serve as hosting sites for volunteer work teams. In most of the situations, school, emergency cleanup, and baby care kits have been provided to disaster survivors including over 1300 blankets. Please consider giving to this worthy Presbyterian mission. Lori Gregory (middle) was our Mission of the Month in July. She is pictured here with Jay Santini and Angie Caruso. NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 13 firstpresby.newsletter@comcast.net UNDER THE STEEPLE SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 4

5 SESSION SUMMARY by Kathy Doyle, Clerk At the last meeting of Session on June 26 th the following items were approved or mentioned: The House & Grounds Committee was complimented for the progress of the Narthex renovation. The new chair rail, painting, addition of plants and future plans are all coming along very nicely. Approval was given to refresh the sanctuary wall below the chair rail with the same color paint as the Narthex. The Caruso, Orlando and Santini families have donated a beautiful brass cross from their previous church in Philadelphia. It will be placed on the communion table, unless communion is being served. The cross was dedicated during a service in July. Noha Khoury is attending Princeton Seminary so she will now be working on a part-time hourly basis. The Personnel Committee is advertising for candidates for the full position of Director of Children and Youth Ministries. Approval was given for a Fundraising and Sales Policy. The guidelines shall be followed by groups and individuals wishing to hold fundraisers or event ticket sales. The guidelines are intended to help better organize the scheduling of fundraising events, to control the exchange of money during the Sunday morning service hours, and to assure fundraising consistent with First Presbyterian s ministries. Basically the policy says that prior to any event fundraising/sales must be approved by Session. During the fundraiser/sale no sales or exchanges of money are allowed in or near the main entrance to the building or in the Narthex at any time. Sales may take place before Sunday School, before and after worship in the lounge, or Fellowship Hall. Participants shall be careful not to impede the flow of traffic. Following the fundraiser/sale facilities shall be left clean and neat, a representative from the requesting organization shall contact Finance to coordinate the deposit of funds into the appropriate in and out account. Groups are required to report the amount of money received during the fundraiser/sale, the related expenses and the amount available for ministry to Session. A full copy of the policy and related forms are available in the church office. The Finance Committee reported that the audit is still being conducted. Our envelope donations are down. Our finances are in the black but we need to be very conscious of spending. The next meeting of Session is on Wednesday, September 25 th, at 7:00 p.m. in Lambert Hall. If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact any member of Session, Rev. Bryan or Kathy Doyle and your concern/question will be brought to the meeting. Here s to a good start to a new church year! JOIN OUR PRAYER CHAIN TEAM It s been quite some time since we have asked if anyone is interested in being part of our Prayer Chain. Would you like to be included in this vital ministry of the church and what does it entail? Simply receiving a prayer request call, passing it on to someone on the chain and then, of course, praying for that request. Please call the church office or talk with Nancy Casey if you would like to be involved in this ministry. OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is extended to: The Beatson family on the death of Christine on June 24. Gussie Logue and family on the death of Bob on July 11. Gene Foehl on Nancy s death on July 21. UNDER THE STEEPLE SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 5

6 . SEPTEMBER 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 Labor Day 3 9:30 am Circle #1 4 7 pm Circle 5 6:30 pm AA 6 6:30 pm Al Office Closed! (Diane Harrington s) #2 (LO) Anon 7:30 pm Del. Valley Chorus (FH) 1 10 am Communion Worship (Nursery Care Provided during this time) 8 KICK OFF 9 7 pm SUNDAY- RALLY Membership DAY Committee (LO) 9:15 am Sunday School for All 10:30 am Worship 6:30 pm Tower Youth 15 9:15 am Sunday School for All 10:30 am Worship 6:30 pm Tower Youth 22(Autumn begins) 9:15 am Sunday School for All 10:30 am Worship 6:30 pm Tower Youth 29 9:15 am Sunday School for All 10:30 am Worship 6:30 pm Tower Youth pm Circle # 3 12 pm Staff Meeting (CR) 7 pm Administrative Committee (CR) pm House & Grounds Committee (LO) 11 6:30 pm 12 6:30 pm AA 13 NL Christian Ed DEADLINE Committee (LO) 7 pm Mission 6:30 pm Al Anon 7 pm Finance Committee (LO) Committee (CR) 7:30 pm Del. Valley Chorus (FH) 18 7 pm Board of Deacons 7:30 pm Del. Valley Chorus (FH) pm Session 7:30 pm Del. Valley Chorus (FH) :30 pm AA 20 5 pm POLO (RN) 6:30 pm Al Anon :30 pm Al Anon Book Club (LO) 7 8 a.m. -12 pm Leadership Launch 14 4 pm City Team Ministries (sign up in Narthex of the church) 21 Flea Market 28 Room Assignment Key, Floor CO Church Office, 2 nd Fassitt Hall LO Lounge, 2 nd SN Sunday School Noah Room, 3 rd CR Conference Room, 2 nd Fassitt Hall MR Music Room, 2 nd Rear SS Sunday School Office, 2 nd Fassitt Hall CS Church Sanctuary, 2nd PO Pastor s Office, 2 nd Fassitt Hall ST Sunday School Tent Room, 3 rd FH Fellowship Hall, 1 st Lower Rear RN Rabbit Hill/Nursery, 1 st YD Youth Director s Office, 2 nd Fassitt Hall LH Lambert Hall, 1 st RW Rabbit Hill West Room, 2 nd YT Youth Tower Room, 3rd LI Library, 2 nd SM Sunday School Moses Room 3rd UNDER THE STEEPLE SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 6

7 THOSE SERVING FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER Date Liturgist Ushers Greeters 9/1 Jeanne Richards Alan Blake, Lynne Hartzell, Nanci Petroski, John Reed Harry Yeager 9/8 Rich West Alan Blake, Lynne Hartzell, Nanci Petroski, John Reed Gussie Logue 9/15 Ed Clapper Robert Black, Donna DiZebba, Jim and Helen Duvernois John and Barbara Poole 9/22 Dick Hartzell Robert Black, Donna DiZebba, Jim and Helen Duvernois Sue Kerr 9/29 Darla McNulty Youth Group Dick and Lynne Hartzell TOWER YOUTH Kick off event for all rising 6th graders and any now in grades 7-12 is new to tower youth! Monday, August 26 at 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Come learn about Tower Youth as we engage in fellowship and a meal together! Contact Noha Khoury ( ) if you have any questions! TOWER YOUTH BEGINS WITH WEEKLY MEETINGS ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 FROM 6:30-8:00 P.M. All 6th through 12th graders and friends are invited to join us for fellowship, fun, discussion, bible study and friends at Tower Youth! Hope you can join us! HOPPIN' BACK TO RABBIT HILL Rabbit Hill will be back in session on September 9th. We are excited about our new and improved playground where our children can enjoy the outdoors! Feel free to drop by any morning to see lots of happy children at work and play. For information go to rabbithillnurseryschool.org or call Darla McNulty at PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES MONTHLY BABYSITTING SHARE! Friday, September p.m. First Presbyterian Springfield Nursery (Mrs. McNulty's classroom) Any children over 2 years $10 for each child All families from the church and community are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity to get an evening free. Drop off your children (over 2 years old) at the church nursery for some pizza and fun! Children will be cared for by 2 nursery-care workers and an experienced babysitter. The children will be making a craft to bring home. Cheese pizza will be included, but please send your child with a drink of their own. Drop your kiddos off anytime after 5, and pick them up by 8 p.m. Space is limited. RSVP to Kim West Bryan kimwestbryan@gmail.com. UNDER THE STEEPLE SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 7

8 First Presbyterian Church 356 Summit Road Springfield, PA USPS Periodicals POSTAGE PAID Media, PA CHANCEL FLOWERS If anyone is interested in ordering Chancel flowers in loving memory or in honor of someone, please don't hesitate to call or Sue Tweedy for flower requests. Her phone number is Her There are three weeks in September with no flowers. One arrangement is $22.50, two are $45.00 All checks should be made out to First Presbyterian Church of Springfield ATTN: Altar Flowers. The FOOD CUPBOARD has been put to good use over the summer. Thank you for your donations. All items are appreciated. A container for your non-perishables is in the hallway outside of the church office. SUNDAY 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for All 10:30 a.m. Worship Service (Nursery care is provided during this time) WOW (Worship Our Way) Kindergarten through Fourth Grades (Children leave the worship service) 6:30 p.m. Tower Youth UNDER THE STEEPLE SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 8