The Dove News NOVEMBER 2015 Newsletter Avondale Presbyterian Church Avondale Presbyterian Church exists to connect people to the Lord Jesus Christ, to contribute to growth in His body, and to commit to serving Christ in the world. VISIT US ON THE WEB.. WWW.AVONDALEPC.ORG Page 1 The Pastor s Pen Page 2 Church News Page 3 PA Clearances Page 4 Upcoming Events-Christmas Bazaar Page 5 Deacon Highlights Page 6 Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 7 Prayer Ministry & Scarf Bomb Page 8 Board Members Page 9 In The News-Christmas Bazaar Page 10 Youth Group News Page 11 Weekly Events Page 12 Music Ministry Page 13-14-Healing Prayer Page 15 -Contact Us
Page 1 From Pastor Ray The Times of Change Ahead I was asked to preach on the topic of change recently. This is a word which carries weight for everyone. It is a topic which stokes emotions. We are experiencing changing times in so many ways. Avondale Presbyterian Church is not the only church experiencing change. Our entire culture is in the midst of frequent change. I recently attended a week of Transitional Ministry Training. One of the themes we were taught is that every church is in transition. Even the most seemingly stable church is in the midst of transition of some kind. Roland Wetzel suggested just the other day that we remember the drama of when the Israelites were just about to enter into the Promised Land as a guiding story for the times in which APC finds itself. Several scouts were dispatched to go in and spy out the land ahead of the advance of the nation. As you may remember, the scouts went in and were intimidated by the size and stature of the inhabitants of the land to which they were about to enter. They said that there were giants in the land and that the Israelites in comparison were like grasshoppers. The consensus report of the scouts was that they should not enter even though the Lord had commanded them to do so. But there was a minority report of two scouts, Joshua and Caleb. These two scouts said that they should enter into the land of promise as God commanded them to do, and that they should trust him to provide for them even though they felt like grasshoppers in the midst of giants. Joshua and Caleb were tapping into the promise of God and putting their faith into God. They were remembering who they were as a people called by God, sustained by God, redeemed by God, delivered by God out of bondage, and promised a new land flowing with milk and honey. They were promised a future with hope and provision by their God. Today is a day in which the entire church, not just APC, needs to tap into the hope we have as a people redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Through God we are a people of HOPE. A book entitled, A Door Set Open: Grounding Change in Mission and Hope, (Peter L. Steinke, Roman and Littlefield, 2010) can help you immensely! In an early chapter is recorded: Hope can carry a congregation over the threshold of can t hope puts possibility into play. Hope is a concrete invitation to act in adventurous ways. Even more, the church has neglected a central teaching of the Bible that is the very foundation of Christian hope. The Bible assures us that God will create a new earth on which we will live in resurrected bodies. Theologian Anthony Hoekema explains, The kingdom of God does not mean merely the salvation of certain individuals nor even a chosen group of people. It means nothing less than the complete renewal of the entire cosmos, culminating in the new heaven and the new earth (Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1979), 53. There is certainly a ton that can be said about change, but one first foundational principle that I commend to APC is to embrace the future with hope as did the two scouts, Joshua and Caleb, who said that we should go forward into the land of promise as God directed. God has a future and a purpose for APC. It will not be realized easily. It will not be what it was in some former day. God is doing something altogether new. Embrace this with hope and with joy. Embrace the process! A time of change is a process which should not be dreaded or avoided. Growth and learning takes place during times of change. Maturity takes place through change and through adversity. Embrace the process. Do not give up! Commit to each other and to God. Go forward with hope and faith. Go forward in the truth that God is making all things new! God is continually working a process to make all things new. Life is a continual process of change. In Christ and with Christ directing the process, we can with faith and hope look forward to a new and even better life!
CHURCH NEWS Page 2 Session Highlights from OCTOBER meeting A meeting is being scheduled with Donegal Presbytery representatives to consider pastoral leadership options for the time of transition ahead. Work on the stewardship drive and budget for 2016 is beginning. Creative ideas for this unique season are forthcoming. The Nominating Team is already asking people to serve as Deacons, Trustees, and Elders. If you are asked to serve, please realize that your church needs you and the Nominating Team believes that you are a person of hope, commitment to our Lord and to this church, and a person of faith in the Lord who will diligently serve toward realizing a new day for Avondale Presbyterian Church. Worship during the Advent and Christmas seasons will remain at one service on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM. The Rev. Dr. Heather Shortlidge, who grew up in Avondale Presbyterian Church and is the Associate Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church, Annapolis, MD, will be preaching on Sunday morning, November 22. We look forward to this day! Transferred to the Church Triumphant Charles E. Wallner. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. They rest from their labors and their works follow them (Revelation 14:13). Recently Hospitalized and/or Recovering Joanne Patton, Carl Lloyd, Dave Schramm, and John Huber. PA Clearances Needed No Fees now! Anyone 18 or older who has regular contact with children and/or youth (Child-care, After- School Adventures, VBS, Youth Group, Youth Bells, etc.) must give copies of those clearances to Pastor Ray (designated by Session to receive and file). They need to be repeated every three years so if you have had them within the last three years then they will suffice for now. Pastor Ray sent an email with information on how to get these clearances. Please call him if you need further direction or need them again. Information is included in this issue of The Dove News as well. The three clearances needed are: Criminal Record Check, Sexual Abuse History Clearance, FBI finger printing (employees) or if you have lived in PA for more than 10 years then you may sign an affidavit which will be notarized declaring that you have not been convicted of a series of offenses listed on the affidavit. (see page 3 ) GROCERY TOTALS THROUGH SEPTEMBER Acme Cards: $ 885.00 Giant Foods: $1011.25 Perkins: $ 419.00 Redner's: $ 0.00 --------------- $2315.25 Since inception of the Grocery Money Fund Raiser program in 2002 our church has raised $61,802.35 For anyone not participating I encourage you to do so. It s easy to use!!!! Acme & Giant gives the church 5% of the purchase amount & Perkin s offer 10%. To purchase grocery cards for Acme or Giant & Perkins money please see Joan Rosazza or call to order them at 610-932-0575. Thank you.
Page 3
Page 4 Adult Sunday School Each Sunday 9AM Room 103 Will Wallace facilitates videos From Christ to Constantine by historian Dr. Jonathan Phillips onsite journeys from the disciples to AD 325 Emperor Constantine s Council of Nicea and the ever popular onsite teachings What The World May Know by Bible historian Dr. Ray Vander Laan, as well as our own free-wheeling discussions that may trigger spiritual renewal. IT S ALMOST HERE! COME FOR THE MUSIC! COME FOR THE FOOD! COME FOR THE FUN! SEE OVER 60 DIFFERENT VENDORS COME CELEBRATE THE SEASON! Friday night, November 13th 5-8 pm Saturday, November 14th 9am-3 pm Ruth / Lois Circle meets November 10th at 1:30 PM in the Quarry at APC The biggest event of the Holiday Season is just around the corner! Come be a part of the 6th Annual Christmas Bazaar and Craı Fair. Invite your neighbors and friends! Christmas Bazaar Coordinators Barbie Needham and Sue Hanson ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO THE AVONDALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MORTGAGE FUND. BAZAAR COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, November 2nd 4:00-8:00 PM Perkins Family Night November 2nd 7:00 PM
Highlights From The Deacons Page 5 By Kathy Lloyd D E A C O N ' S B E N C H The Deacons held their October meeting on the 13th of the month. One correction from last month, the moderator was incorrectly listed as Sherri and that should have been Carrie (same family!) Sorry about that! No requests from community members for financial assistance were received this past month. Thirty-two people donated blood at the blood drive on September 15 th. Our latest coffee hour was held on October 15 - we had lots of goodies left over from the Wallner funeral. The need for a sign-in sheet for children left in the nursery was discussed - we tabled the discussion until our next meeting as our deacon who heads that ministry was absent. We also discussed the possible need of some of our aging members for transportation to church on Sunday mornings. If you fall into this category and you would like to attend church but can't get here - please contact the church office. Also, if you live near Jenner s Pond or Ware Village, for example, and would be able to give someone a ride, we are looking for volunteers should the need arise. The sign-up sheet for ushers and greeters on Sunday morning is on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary. We are now looking for volunteers for that duty for November and December. We thank those who have signed up in the past. Since October was Pastor Appreciation Month, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Board of Deacons to extend to Pastor Ray our heartfelt thank you for guiding and shepherding our congregation all these years. You have never failed to be there when any of us have needed you and there are many in the congregation who will be forever grateful for that. We pray that you and Nancy will find a call nearby and that you will be the blessing to another church family that you have been to ours. We love you and wish you well on your journey. Kathy Lloyd
Birthdays and Anniversaries Page 6 Rici Harden 11/01 Gerald Pierce 11/03 Jeanne Felizardo 11/04 Lauri Brockson 11/05 Bonnie Wallace 11/06 Grace Wadsworth 11/06 Rebecca Rosazza 11/07 Don and Janet Wilson November 9th Ian and Amy McLoughlin November 10th Gerald and Johanne Pierce November 16, 1977 Will and Bonnie Wallace November 27, 1987 Joshua Brockson 11/08 Melissa Koch 11/12 Pat Kimmel 11/14 Marisa Tranchitella 11/15 Aubrey Koch 11/15 Logan Needham 11/16 Louie Tranchitella 11/20 Robert Hart 11/21 Derek Needham 11/21 Dave Schramm 11/22 Steve Kimmel 11/25 Lauri Dillon 11/26 Jimmy Brown Jr. 11/26 Marilyn Wineberg 11/28 Ben Wadsworth 11/28 Janet Wilson 11/29 Betty Carter 11/30
Prayer Ministry submitted by Marge Pickel WHO WE ARE. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood. a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. (I Peter 2:9) In her autobiography, Corrie ten Boom described her and her sister Betsie s horrific time in a Nazi concentration camp in the early 1940s. On one occasion they were forced to take off their clothes during an inspection. Corrie stood in line feeling defiled and forsaken. Suddenly, she remembered that Jesus had hung naked on the cross. Struck with wonder and worship, Corrie whispered to her sister, Betsie, they took His clothes too. Betsie gasped and said, Oh Corrie, and I never thanked Him. It is easy for us to live thanklessly in a world that is full of trouble, struggles and woes. On any given day we can find many reasons to complain. However, Psalm 100 exhorts God s people to be glad, joyful, and thankful for it is He who has made us, and we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. As we remember who we are, we can respond in Thanksgiving. For even in the worst of times, we can remember Christ s love and sacrifice for us. Don t let the brutality of the world take away your thankful heart. Remember you are God s child, and He has shown you His goodness and mercy through His work on the CROSS. As we look at the world around us, we have much to be thankful for. Scarf Bomb Page 7 If you crochet or knit and are willing and able, please consider making a scarf or two or three over the next few months to donate to our 2016 Scarf Bomb in late January. Last year's effort provided over 25 winter scarves to folks who were either cold themselves or knew someone who was. There is no specific pattern or style or color... anything goes! Gently used scarves are also much appreciated. OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD! CELEBRATE HIS GOODNESS THIS THANKSGIVING!
Page 8 TRUSTEES Class of 2016 Ross Lloyd President Bonnie Smith Dee Loux Class of 2017 Kathy Reidinger Tom Young Margie Greenhalgh Class of 2018 Jim Faulkner John Stoltz Tim Swisher SESSION Class of 2016 Judy Young Emma Mebane (1 year term) Class of 2017 Carolyn DiCecco Barbara Hart Ray Greenhalgh Class of 2018 John Watkins Moderator: Ray Meute, Jr. Clerk of Session: Carolyn DiCecco NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Marilyn Wineberg DEACONS Class of 2016 Kathy Lloyd Betsy Eastburn Katie Rupard (1 year) Class of 2017 Carrie Rupard Moderator Cindy Aman Bob Brede Class of 2018 Jan Ramberger, Joyce Swisher Margie Worthington
In The News.. Page 9 Avondale Presbyterian Church to host Annual Craft Fair and Christmas Bazaar The 2015 Avondale Presbyterian Church (APC) Craft Fair and Christmas Bazaar will be held Friday, November 13 th, 5:00pm 8:00pm and Saturday, November 14 th, 9:00am to 3:00pm at the church at 420 Pennsylvania Ave. (Hwy 41) in Avondale, PA. The popular event features over 60 crafters and vendors selling their wares including: distinctive hand-made crafts, jewelry and accessories, Christmas decorations and gift ideas, Vermont cheese, homemade confections, toys, books, flowers, plants and much more. Homemade chili, vegetarian chili, chicken corn soup, baked goods and homemade desserts and more will be available for purchase both days. One of this year s vendors will be New London, PA-based Crossan Concessions, offering freshly popped Kettle Corn. Crossan Concessions is a family owned and operated business. One of the many benefits of the Crossans' kettle corn is that it is made fresh on site. In addition, it has no gluten, no trans fats, no cholesterol and no preservatives. It is whole-grain goodness lightly sweetened with less sugar than candy and with less salt than most flavored popcorns. Crossan Concessions donates part of the proceeds to charitable organizations and the APC s Youth Group. This year s bazaar will also feature a New-to-You Shop where previously loved items will be sold at affordable prices. Proceeds benefit the APC Building Fund. For more information, contact Sue Hanson at 610-268-7437 or Barbie Needham at 610-869-9667. Visit us on Facebook Avondale Presbyterian Church Craft Fair and Christmas Bazaar or visit www.avondalepc.org. Crossan Concessions donates part of the proceeds to the Avondale Presbyterian Church Youth Group.
Page 10 Isaiah 51:1 NOVEMBER YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES Sunday 11/1 6:00-8:30 PM Lesson with Tim Sunday 11/8 6:00 8:30 PM Lesson with Ellen Friday 11/13 - Saturday 11/14 Help out at Bazaar Sunday 11/15 6:00 8:30 PM Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness And who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn. Lesson with Danny Friday 11/20 - Sunday 11/22 Refreshing Mountain Retreat Sunday 11/29 No Youth Group Happy Thanksgiving We invite all 6 th 12 th graders to join us Sunday nights from 6:00 pm 8:30 pm for fun and fellowship. Dinner is provided at 6:00 pm.
Weekly Events Page 11 SPORTS AT APC Open Basketball ***Fridays 4:15 pm APC GREAT HALL Thursdays 6:00-7:20 PM Open Volleyball *** Fridays 7:00PM APC GREAT HALL Choir Thursdays 7:30 9:00 PM Prayer Wednesdays at Noon in the Sanctuary
Music Ministry Page 12 Traditional Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Avondale Presbyterian Church will celebrate the season of Christ's birth with a Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 13th at 10:00AM. The Festival is based upon a tradition dating back to Christmas Eve 1880, when E.W. Benson, later the Archbishop of Canterbury, arranged a small Christmas Eve service. This service was comprised of nine carols and nine small lessons which were read by various officers of the Church, beginning with a chorister and ending with the Bishop. The program was soon adapted by other churches; King's College in England has been presenting their Festival annually since 1910. Please invite your friends, neighbors, and families to join us in worship. The congregation will sing several carols, the choir will sing anthems, and the bells and other instruments will accompany! For more info, contact Peggy Watkins at pegspen@aol.com or 610.659.2641.
Healing Prayer Ministry Page 13 Written by Joan Bolton The Healing Prayer Ministry held a teaching conference, Saturday, Oct. 17 in APC Quarry Room. The teacher was Nick Palka from the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church. Nick s message to us was what he received from the Lord and delivered to us in an anointed and powerful teaching. The following topics were covered: HEALING: Healing comes from God and the power must be present in order for healing to take place. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is the power of God. Jesus had the power of God within Him as evident in Mark 5:24-34. When the woman with the hemorrhage touched Jesus robe he felt healing power go out of Him. HOLY SPIRIT: The Spirit is in you, upon you, and operates through you. In John 14:25, Jesus promises his disciples the Advocate or Holy Spirit to be sent by the Father in His name to remind them of all that Jesus had taught them. He was present from the beginning of time; present at Jesus conception, birth, when He gave Himself up, resurrection. He is an advocate, helper, intercessor, strengthener, counselor, spirit of truth; power generator of the Trinity, and He has feelings (can grieve etc.). We are sealed in the Holy Spirit as a deposit of our inheritance. We are baptized in the Spirit when we are saved and then baptized with the Spirit. ANOINTING: God s anointing is the Holy Spirit within us; tangibility of God s presence. It is holy, and not to be taken lightly; a covenant. It enables us to navigate the negatives in the Christian life. The anointing is carried on the wings of worship, causing us to yield our hearts to God to be able to allow the spirit to reveal the deep things of God. The anointing is available to all and gives the ability to forgive others. The anointing that comes upon or moves through us is for us to use for others. This calling or anointing breaks down sickness and disease. Jesus did not ask God to heal, but commanded the sickness to leave. We should not ask God to heal, but we should command the sickness to leave in the name of Jesus. GOD S PRESENCE: The person of the Holy Spirit brings God s presence. We should spend time in the presence of Jesus before healing prayer, which enables us to surrender or yield to the Lord. In ministry, we are custodians and carriers of the presence of God. GOD S POWER: In unity of heart we feel the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Then, the power descends upon us and flows through us. The power of God increases with the laying on of hands. We must remain open to hear the Holy Spirit and surrender instantaneously while we have the opportunity to do so. Ways that power increases: Prayer: speak the word of God boldly. Power comes in waves, time and time again, like fresh oil, overflowing. (Continued on page 14)
Healing Prayer Ministry Page 14 UNITY: Be in one accord. Increases the power of God. Hunger: You must be hungry for the power of God. Holy desire. When you come hungry, God pours it out. In faith believe. Wash and anoint (Acts 19): You must be clean, prepare yourself. Holy lives allows power to flow through the clean vessel. Association: Power increases by hanging with those who have the power. The disciples hung with Jesus, he rubbed off on them. Associating with the wrong people takes away your strength. In His presence is where the power is. TRANSFERRING GOD S ANOINTING: God s anointing gives us authority. Stay in God s presence full-time; keeps you ready to impart power. You can only impart what you ve received. Nick encouraged our team to teach people who come for prayer about having faith before praying for them. Our team is here the first Saturday of each month (or by appointment) to pray for anyone willing to come, and we so appreciate APC hosting this Ministry. -Notes taken by team members
Page 15 Avondale Presbyterian Church CONTACT US Street Address: 420 Pennsylvania Avenue Avondale, PA 19311 Mailing Address: PO Box 446 Avondale, PA 19311 Website: www.avondalepc.org Church Secretary: Mrs. Cheryl Kline Church Office: 610-268-2919 E-mail: avondale.pcoffice@verizon.net Office Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 9 am 4 pm Pastor: The Rev. Ray Meute, Jr. Home Phone: 610-255-4329 Cell Phone: 610-329-1812 E-Mail: pastor.meute@verizon.net Twitter: @ PastaRA88 Minister: Every member of the congregation Dove News Distributed 10 months/yr. Editors: Cheryl Kline-Ray Meute E-mail: avondale.pcoffice@verizon.net To Contribute: Send DOVE NEWS articles & calendar info via e-mail to Cheryl Kline December Dove News articles due by Wednesday, November 18th. Please include name & contact info with ALL submissions. Please type and e-mail your articles if possible. Church Office Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday 9am- 4pm Avondale Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 446 420 Pennsylvania Avenue Avondale, PA 19311 Phone: 610-268-2919 Fax: 6108-1646 E-mail: avondale.pcoffice@verizon.net Youth Director: Tim Rupard Cell Phone: 484-467-7330 E-mail: trrupard@yahoo.com Choir Director and Director of AvonBells and Joyful Rhythm: Mrs. Peggy Watkins Home Phone: 610-869-2610 E-mail: pegspen@aol.com Organist/Accompanist: Mrs. Amy McLoughlin Cell Phone: 610-716-3066 E-mail: amyamcloughlin@gmail.com We re on the Web! www.avondalepc.org