Meeting House News First Presbyterian Church On the Square 2A North Hanover Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 Rev. Jon A. Black, Pastor Debby Madden, Director of Educational Ministry Shirley S. King, Organist Susan Shuey, Choir Director Jack Sprecher, Sexton Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary Church Administrative Office Hours: M, W, F, 9AM-2PM Phone (717)243-4612 E-mail fpcarl@pa.net Rev. Black jblack.fpcarl@pa.net Debby Madden dmadden.fpcarl@pa.net Website www.firstprescarlisle.com
March, 2013 In This Issue Pastor s Note 2 From the Pastor 2 Worship Highlights - March 3 Worship Highlights 3 Special Lenten Events 4 Holy Week & Easter 5 Easter Dinner Bags 5 Life of the Church 6 -- Civil War 150 -- Girl Scouts -- Meetings -- Living with Diabetes -- Educational Events -- Memorial Bulletins -- Book Club Picks Lend a Hand Trips 7 Session & Deacons News 7 Truck Stop Ministry 7 Fellowship Hosts 7 Birthdays 8 Serving in Worship 8 March Calendar 9 A Note from the Pastor Page 2 In my clippings I came across this sonnet. Unfortunately, I had clipped off the author s name! The poem appeared in a longer article in CIVA, a magazine devoted to art and Christian life. Leading into the article, the author writes, I conclude this reflection with a couple of sonnets. First up is Love s Choice. The author suggests that because sacrament is an embodied expression of meaning made in community through which something material becomes, as it were, more than itself, it might prove a model for artists. I am led to think about John s gospel: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of goodness and truth. Consider, too, the expression from Paul, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Bread and wine become our body and blood, too, as we consume the sacrament. The sacrament takes shape through us as we speak and touch in Christ s name. Resurrection rises, Christ lives, and we are part of that new life. Thanks be to God! Love s Choice This bread is light, dissolving, almost air, A little visitation on my tongue, A wafer-thin sensation, hardly there. This taste of wine is brief in flavor, flung A moment to the palate s roof and fled, Even its aftertaste a memory. Yet this is how He comes. Through wine and bread Love chooses to be emptied into me. He does not come in unimagined light Too bright to be denied, too absolute For consciousness, too strong for sight, Leaving the seer blind, the poet mute, Soup for S.H.A.R.E. Chooses instead to seep into each sense, To dye himself into experience. May the Christ who dies for us also dye into us in sacrament, word, and Spirit, that we may live in and through him, a life not clipped but made new forever. Rev. Black
P a g e 3 Worship Highlights - March MARCH 3 (Lent 3) 9:15 AM: Prayer, in the sanctuary 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all 10:45 AM: Worship. Sermon: Drinking Together ; Scripture: Isaiah 55: 1-9 After worship: Conversation & refreshments in Fellowship Hall. (No Children s Choir rehearsal.) MARCH 10 (Lent 4) 9:15 AM: Prayer, in the sanctuary 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all 10:45 AM: Worship, with the Sacrament of Baptism. Sermon: Try the New Menu ; Scripture: Joshua 5: 9-12. After worship: Conversation & refreshments in Fellowship Hall. The Children s Choir rehearses. MARCH 17 (Lent 5) 9:15 AM: Prayer, in the sanctuary 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all 10:45 AM: Worship. Sermon: The Same, But Not ; Scripture: Isaiah 43: 16-21 After worship: Conversation and refreshments in Fellowship Hall. The Prayer Community meets. The Children s Choir rehearses. Girl Scout Sunday! 6:30 PM: Vesper Service for Wholeness MARCH 24 (Palm Sunday) 9:15 AM: Prayer, in the sanctuary 9:30 AM: Education hour; classes for all 10:45 AM: Worship, with special Children s Choir anthems. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is received. Sermon: Therefore ; Scripture: Philippians 2: 5-11. After worship: Conversation and refreshments in Fellowship Hall. Palms will adorn the sanctuary. They will be distributed to some of our at-home members after worship. MARCH 31 (Easter Day) 6:45 AM: Easter Sunrise Service at Meeting House Springs Cemetery (weather-permitting). A light breakfast follows. No Prayer Gathering at 9:15 AM, or Education Hour at 9:30 AM. 10:45 AM: Celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, with Communion Sermon: I Told You So ; Scripture: Luke 24: 1-12.
There are three Lenten, Wednesday, noon-time organ concerts in March! The concerts in our sanctuary are followed by soup luncheons in the Gathering Room. Your donation of $5 goes to Project SHARE to support their work in feeding the hungry in our community. Come nurture and feed your spirit on the Lenten journey! March concerts feature: March 6 March 13 March 20 Of Special Note Lenten Organ Concerts & Soup Lunches Steven Middernacht, of First Evangelical Lutheran Brian Rotz, of St. John s Episcopal Shirley King (with spoken word by Rev. Black) Services & Events in March (see page 5 also) March 17, 6:30 PM: Service for Wholeness Vespers, sanctuary March 23, 10:00 AM: Children s Easter Egg Hunt, Fellowship Hall (sign-up sheet posted) March 24 (Palm Sunday) Seder Meal for children (POC: Bob Davis) March 28, 7:00 PM: Maundy Thursday Communion & Tenebrae Service, Fellowship Hall March 29, Noon-2:00 PM: Community Cross Walk March 29, 4:00 PM: Good Friday Service for Children & Families, with Communion Sunday Mornings in Lent - 9:30 AM During Lent, we are continuing to look at Seven Deadly Sins and Virtues -- exploring some of the classic yet very contemporary sins as well as virtues that mark our lives. (Gathering Room) One Great Hour of Sharing The annual One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering will be received on Palm Sunday, March 24. This is one of four annual designated offerings by the PC(USA). Need is increasing. Both within the United States and throughout the world, the gap between those who have enough and those who don t continues to widen. Increased costs of living mean that this year s dollar simply can t do as much work as last year s. The pinch many Americans feel is amplified many times over for those who must already spend most of their earnings on food. Specially-marked envelopes will be available in the pew racks. Other methods of contributing include Children s Fish Banks (taken home Feb. 24) and Adults Fish Bowls (found on sanctuary windowsills). In the weeks to come, please prayerfully consider your gift to OGHS. Children s Choir Soup and Dessert makers are needed. Sign up in Fellowship Hall. Director Jen Koishal is conducting rehearsals of the Children s Choir immediately after worship on the following March dates: March 10 & 17. The choir will offer two anthems during worship on Palm Sunday, March 24. CHILDREN/PARENTS: Listen to and practice the songs by going to Jen s blogspot, which you can link to from the church s website www.firstprescarlisle.com under EVENTS ; or by going directly to: http://firstpreskids.blogspot.com.
P a g e 5 Holy Week MAUNDY THURSDAY... will be observed at First Church with a 7:30 PM service of Communion and Tenebrae. Come to Fellowship Hall for a 7:30 PM service around the Lord s Table. It will include Taize music, prayer, a brief meditation, and remembrance of our Lord s Supper on the night of his betrayal. (The word tenebrae is Latin for shadows. A Tenebrae service recreates the emotional aspects of the passion story. Taize music emphasizes simple phrases from scripture, usually repeated.) GOOD FRIDAY... will be observed at First Church with a 4:00 PM Service for Children and Families. Debby Madden will lead this service, which includes Communion. The service will include scripture readings and hymns, and will end with time for silent contemplation. ALSO ON GOOD FRIDAY, A COMMUNITY CROSS WALK... will take place from Noon to 2:00 PM. The walk begins at the First United Methodist Church (N. East Street), and concludes at Allison United Methodist Church (Mooreland Ave.). Along the route, scripture is read and prayers are offered by members of the community. Stations on the way include First Evangelical Lutheran, St. Patrick s Shrine, The Salvation Army, St. John s Episcopal, First Presbyterian, and Grace United Methodist. Walk all or a portion of the journey. Easter Day At 6:45 AM, an Easter Sunrise Service will be held (beginning promptly) at the Meeting House Springs Cemetery, weather-permitting. (Sunrise is at 6:55 AM!) If you haven t attended this service in the past, make this the year you come out to enjoy the blessing of this historic, picturesque setting where we will celebrate the resurrection of the Lord. A light breakfast will follow. There will be NO 9:15 AM Prayer Gathering, or 9:30 AM Education Hour. At 10:45 AM, celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord by attending a festive worship service, which includes Communion. The sermon I Told You So is based on Luke 24: 1-12. PROJECT S.H.A.R.E. -- Annual Easter Dinner Bag Project Executive Director, Elaine Livas, writes: As the Lenten season quickly approaches, we individually and as a community contemplate various ways of sacrifice and service. This year, numerous families will have to sacrifice their family s Easter dinner due to job loss, illness or other drain in income. Project SHARE is anticipating serving 1,100 low-income families during the month of March and invites you to partner with us to provide hope in the form of an Easter dinner bag and card to your neighbors in need. Items needed are: canned pineapple; box/bag brown sugar; canned green beans; bag of fresh potatoes; instant bread mix; bottle of 100% juice; dessert mix (brownies, etc.); a signed Easter card. It is optional to provide a ham (4-7 lbs.), and it is best if it does not require refrigeration. A gift card for a ham is fine too. Or, you may donate funds. Items will be accepted at our location (5 N. Orange St., Ste 4) anytime 8:30 AM - 4 PM, weekdays March 1-18. (NOTE: Shopping lists are available on the church bulletin board.) THANKS!
P a g e 6 In the Life of the Church CIVIL WAR 150 A number of events will be held this summer in our community to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. At our church, plans are underway for a program on June 29th, and a special worship service the following day. The Saturday event is a sampler of life and times with some highlights on local events. Music by a fiddler, a Civil War era preacher, and other guests may be part of the occasion. The committee invites your support and participation, including contributions to help underwrite the program. Contact Richard Tritt for further information or to make a contribution. Meanwhile, mark your calendar and watch for more details about this unique weekend of commemoration. MARCH MEETINGS (The Adult Choir rehearses Wednesdays at 7 PM.) Mon, 3/4, 7 PM Board of Deacons Mon, 3/11, 7 PM Space for God Tue, 3/12, 7:30 PM Session Thu, 3/14, 7:30 AM Men s Breakfast Sun, 3/17, post-worship Prayer Community Sun, 3/17, 4 PM Civil War Committee Thu, 3/21, 7 PM Book Club Mon, 3/25, 2 PM Faith Circle Mon, 3/25, 7 PM Space for God MEMORIAL BULLETINS DID YOU KNOW??? During Advent and Lent, the church purchases special bulletins to enhance the worship experience. You may sponsor one of these bulletins and it will be highlighted with your memorial or honorary dedication. Contact the church office (243-4612) to learn the cost. 2013 BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS GIRL SCOUT NEWS Daisy and Brownie Scout troops will meet at First Church as follows: Daisies (Mondays, 6-7 PM): Mar. 4 & 18 Brownies (Tuesdays, 6-7:15 PM): Mar. 5 & 19 Girl Scout cookie sales are continuing! See April Brymesser to order yours. The troop is donating cookies to local fire and police personnel as part of Project Cookie Share. The troop earns money based on the amount of sales, which goes to troop purchases, field trips, service projects, etc. Your support is greatly appreciated! (Girl Scout Sunday is March 10!) LIVING WITH DIABETES A monthly program, Living with Diabetes, is being held the first Thursday of each month, 5-7 PM, in Fellowship Hall. March s session is on March 7th. This cooperative program of First Church and Sadler Health Center targets new diabetics. Contact Harold Kretzing, 243-4010. TWO EDUCATIONAL EVENTS 1) Friday-Sunday, March 1-3: A Women s Spiritual Retreat at Camp Kenbrook, Lebanon. Ladies, get away for rest & relaxation, while deepening your relationship with God. (See Debby for details.) 2) Saturday, March 9, 9 AM - Noon: A Continuing Education Event will be held on the topic, Deacons and Congregational Care. This will be a relaxed morning of dialogue and investigating opportunities to grow in congregational care. Debby Madden will lead a seminar on Prayer and Visitation. Mar. 21: And Then There Were None Sep. 12: (two books) - Confederates in the Attic and Apr. 18: Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur s Court Grapes of Wrath May 16: Silver Like Dust Oct. 10: Letters of a Woman Homesteader June 13: A Dr. Seuss Special Nov. 14: The Round House July & August: NO Book Club meetings Dec. 5: Planning Meeting for 2014
P a g e 7 DEACONS NEWS The first meeting of the Board of Deacons for 2013 was held on Feb. 4. It included a welcome to new members of the Board and reorganization for the new year. Basic committees include: CARING (Barb Allen, Sharon Miller, Kathy Mulvey & Marita Neslund); OUTREACH (Rachel Bailey, Mary Jane Blosser, Candy Gulotta, Peggy McKeehen & Tracy Sommers); SERVICE (Scott Thompson, Steve Elsier, Lynda Mann). Scott Thompson is serving as Moderator, Kathy Mulvey as Treasurer, and Tracy Sommers as secretary. The Board developed plans for continuing to support serving My Brother s Table at The Salvation Army, as well as purchasing infant formula for Project SHARE. They are planning a variety of events this year, several of which proved popular in the past. Plans to serve My Brother s Table on Feb. 17th were finalized. The CARING Committee is developing a time and talents interest survey. With a review of at-home members, prayers were offered to close the meeting. The next regular meeting is 7 PM, March 4th! Lend A Hand Work Trips to New Jersey Trips to Point Pleasant Beach, NJ for Hurricane Sandy Recovery are ongoing. Three seats remain for the trip of Sunday, Mar. 17 thru Friday, Mar. 22. Get more details by calling the LAH office, 731-8888, or leader Bill Bauer at 319-5018. (Additional trips/dates/costs are posted on the bulletin board.) SESSION NEWS The Session met on Feb. 12, opening with devotions that were linked to scripture passages based on Psalm 16. Session welcomed the Rev. Candace Veon-Nyiri, presbytery regional associate (RA) for our area. RA s encourage and promote networking of ministry and mission among congregations and support them as they address their needs. Candace shared some of her experiences as an RA and offered continuing support to our Session and congregation. LETTERS RECEIVED INCLUDED: - from the presbytery coordinating council with info about important developments in the ministry at Krislund Camp. The letter recognized the new buildings and facilities now available, the search for a new fulltime Camp Manager, and the development of opportunities for this summer s program. - from Elizabeth Little, Presbyterian Mission Agency, regarding our congregation s mission giving. - from Carlisle CARES, thanking the congregation for their Christmas offering ($728). - from organist Shirley King, regarding her retirement at the end of June. (The Session is planning a special recognition, as well as beginning the search for an organist.) Session approved the baptism of Clairissa Brooke Crum for Mar. 10, with Elder Peg Owen assisting with the sacrament. The Worship Committee noted that plans are underway for commemoration events at the end of June as part of Civil War 150. Plans for repairs on the organ continue. Session approved the observance of Communion for Good Friday during the service for Children & Families. Member Finley Negley s memorial service will be held at the church. New flags will soon appear in the sanctuary thanks to a gift from Deborah Sweaney and Jim Baker. Elders received a packet of information regarding Session committees, by-laws, and our Mission Statement. Committee are being reorganized for the new year. The meeting was closed with prayer. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 7:30 PM, Mar. 12. CARLISLE TRUCK STOP MINISTRY NEWS A Letter of Thanks was received recently from Chaplain Dan Lehigh of the Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry. He wrote, You all provided a very successful cookie season. Final count was 13,366 bags! They were so well-received. We received cards, calls, letters and personal greetings from grateful drivers and travelers.thank you so very much.there are so many recipients, and they make a great impact. (THANKS to our Deacons who led the effort!) You are invited to the Ministry s Spring Fundraising Banquet -- Saturday, April 20 at the Newville Church of the Brethren, 16 Carlisle Road (near Saylor s Market). A fullcourse dinner will be served at 5:30 PM; tickets are $12 (see Jean Kretzing to purchase.) Door prizes will be awarded; a freewill offering will be taken; and the evening s entertainment is the gospel quartet Soul Purpose. (Also, the Ministry is offering to advertise your local business in the Banquet s program. Details/cost can be found on the church bulletin board.) They will hold a Hoss s Community Night Fundraiser on April 6. You must present a flyer when you dine. They will be available on the literature table. If you wish to support our ministry of hospitality, please sign up. Hosts are needed for March 3 and 24; and most Sundays in April.
4 Fred Bean Robert Line 8 Darien Crim 10 J.B. Henry 11 Elizabeth Landis 12 Emily Compton Evelyn Morrell 16 Melissa Sheperd 17 Kathy Mulvey Jen Patterson 18 Leisa Heineman 19 Jim Crum 20 Ann Bean Katie Crum MARCH BIRTHDAYS 21 Madalyn Brymesser Richard Darr 22 Chris Carvell 23 John Stodghill 24 Lydia Lynes 26 Eric Hinderliter (Mission worker) 27 Roberta Graff Deb Ryerson 28 Trudy Bailey Nancy Jacoby Tracy Sommers Elliott Sternbergh 30 Linda Rydberg READERS Mar. 3 Chris Carvell Mar. 10 Gay McGeary Mar. 17 Deb Ryerson Mar. 24 Megan Crum Mar. 31 Crea Clark USHERS Mar. 3 Darrs; Bob Davis; Diane Carvell Mar. 10 Dennisons Mar. 17 Mulveys; Steve Elsier; Joe Grabey Mar. 24 Gulottas; JB Henry; Scott Thompson Mar. 31 Gottliebs; Lynne/Grace Hofferica NURSERY Mar. 3 April & Justin Brymesser Mar. 10 Jen Blyth & Michael Cameron Mar. 17 Heather & Scott Thompson Mar. 24 Elizabeth & John Martin Mar. 31 Diane & Chris Carvell CHILDREN S CHURCH Mar. 3 XX Mar. 10 XX Mar. 17 XX Mar. 24 Bob Davis (Seder Meal) FELLOWSHIP HOSTS Mar. 3 XX Mar. 10 Girl Scout Troops/Leaders Mar. 17 Bruce & Anita Ashbaugh Mar. 24 XX COUNTERS Mar. 3 Ann Gottlieb; Sylvia Thompson; Chris Carvell Mar. 10 Joe & Molly Shane; Lynne Hofferica Mar. 17 Matt & Megan Crum; Kay Hock Mar. 24 Dick Sommers; Bruce & Trudy Bailey Mar. 31 Jim & Barb Crum; Brad Martin FLOWERS -- Evelyn Morrell (chair); Clare Hamm CD RECORDING -- Ray Thomas COMMUNION SERVERS (Mar. 31, Easter) -- Peg Owen; JJ patterson; Bob Read; Joe Shane; Deborah Sweaney; Sylvia Thompson If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a substitute and notify the church office (243-4612) no later than 9 AM on Friday before your date. Thanks. ENTERED THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT FINLEY NEGLEY, January 30. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection was held at the church on Saturday, February 16th. VICTOR MADISON, February 12, father of Dirk Madison. A funeral service was held on Sunday, February 17. BAPTISM Clairissa Brooke Crum, infant daughter of Matt and Megan Crum, and sister of Katie, will be baptized on Sunday, March 10th.
P a g e 9 March 2013 SunSun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2--DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS; SPRING FORWARD! 3 - LENT 3 9:15: Prayer 9:30: Education 10:45: Worship, - Fellowship Time 4 7 PM: Deacons 6-7 PM: Girl Scouts 5 6-7:15 PM: Girl Scouts 6 Noon: 3rd Organ Concert & Soup Lunch 7 PM: Choir 7 5-7 PM: Living With Diabetes - Fellowship Hall 8 9 9 AM - Noon: Gettysburg PC, Deacons Education Event 10 - LENT 4 11 12 13 14 15 16 9:15: Prayer 9:30: Education 10:45: Worship, baptism. - Fellowship Time - Children s Choir 7 PM: Space for God 7:30 PM: Session Noon: 4th Organ Concert & Soup Lunch 7 PM: Choir 7:30 AM: Men s Breakfast 17 - LENT 5 9:15: Prayer 9:30: Education 10:45: Worship, - Fellowship Time - Prayer Comm. - Children s Choir 18 6-7 PM: Girl Scouts Deadline to office of items for April issue of MH News 19 6-7:15 PM: Girl Scouts 20 Noon: Final Organ Concert & Soup Lunch 7 PM: Choir 21 7 PM: Book Club 22 23 10 AM - Noon Easter Egg Hunt (at the church) 6:30 PM: Vesper Service for Wholeness 24 - PALM SUNDAY 9:15: Prayer 9:30: Education (A Seder Meal is held for children. ) 10:45: Worship. - Fellowship Time 25 2 PM: Faith Circle 7 PM: Space for God 26 27 7 PM: Choir 28 7 PM: Maundy Thursday & Tenebrae Service 29 Noon-2PM: Community Cross Walk 4 PM: Good Friday Service for Children & Families 30 31 -- EASTER DAY! 6:45 AM: Sunrise Service, Meeting House Springs (weather-permitting); a light breakfast follows, No Prayer Gathering or Education Hour. 10:45: Worship, with Communion MARK YOUR CALENDAR -- APRIL 21st A Spring Into Mission Day will be held, patterned after our Fall event. We will participate in mission opportunities and hold an informal worship service.