The Belltower Thoughts and writings from our Pastor Dear Members and Other Friends: A Monthly Publication of Dunnellon Presbyterian Church May 2017 I began on a totally different pattern of thought for this article. I may still try to sneak that article in before deadline, but my true desire is to reflect along with you upon the events of the last 6 weeks. Six weeks that have greatly shaped my life. I would be writing for days if I attempted to write about every thought I have thought during my period of illness and the time leading up to it. But I want to write first about the two things I have had a great deal of time to think about, self-sufficiency and humility. In Mid-January Debbie became ill and missed over a week of school. She has never missed more than two days of work in a row due to illness, much less seven days. William and I were okay to the take care of ourselves and minimally take care of mom for about a week, or translated more accurately, the period of time it took until the panic of not having clean underwear set in! Somehow, we thought at this point Debbie was supposed to be miraculously healed, didn t God witness the last episode of Why are underwear blue? I m not sure if it was our prayers or Debbie s pity and panic, but she began to get well enough to resume most of the duties she completes before the panic stage set in. But soon, I started to not feel well myself. Debbie accuses me of having sympathy illness with her that forces her to get well and outperform both William and I on our best days. (She remembers those 30 pounds I gained when she was pregnant with Anna and will never let me forget, I outgained her.) Anyway, while Debbie was slowly getting better, I got sicker and sicker. Three rounds of antibiotics later (and a great time of knee pain relief from being on steroids) I just wasn t getting better and I knew that the most important time in our Stewardship Campaign was drawing near- I couldn t be sick. I tried to will sickness away, but there was no denying. I was eating the best diet I had eaten in years, but I still felt miserable. The pool walking program that I was enjoying greatly, and in which I was progressing to 45-60 minutes of vigorous walking in the pool was an impossibility. I kept making excuses to Eugene Bathurst, my early morning pool buddy, about my absence, but the truth be told I just didn t feel I could even walk to the pool much less for 45 minutes in it! Finally, a trip to the doctor saying, look at me I cannot walk 10 feet without getting breathless, and then a whirlwind of appointments were set. The cardiologist saw me coming into the waiting room and had to wonder aloud when I couldn t make it to the counter. She ordered tests stat but in my mind, was the mantra I can t be sick, I can t be sick, I had too much to do- Lent, Stewardship Campaign, Easter Season, and some Presbytery Moderator responsibilities that only I could perform. The first time I allowed myself to see, that maybe I wasn t so self-sufficient and capable of willing myself back to health, came the morning after the visit to the cardiologist. One of the STAT tests was a CT Scan of my chest and lungs. I called Charles Grant and asked him if he would ride with me to TimberRidge because I could not imagine myself walking to the Imaging Center myself (even though I
had plotted various ways to do so the night before). He offered to drive, but I waved him off with the old, It s just a test, and I think he kept his eyes closed most of the trip. Charles wheeled me in and with all confidence I thought maybe I could have made it! Then the CT Scan. Then came the voice of the radiologist, Mr. Welch I cannot let you leave, we have to admit you immediately to the Emergency Department, they have a bed for you! What s the problem? I asked. Pulmonary Embolisms in both lobes of your lungs, she responded. They are blood clots. How many?, I asked. Too many to count, were not the words I wanted to hear even though I really didn t know the difference between having one or fifty. Do you know how serious this is Mr. Welch?, she asked me. Yes, my cousin died in December from them. Self-sufficiency immediately went out the window. We are a deluded group, we Americans. Self-sufficiency courses through our veins. It is the way we live- but it s not the way Jesus taught us to live. We fool ourselves at times into thinking we are indispensable; things won t go the way they need to go if we aren t right in the middle of it all. But when it all boils down to it, our self-sufficiency can just disguise our own fear that maybe things can work without us. It is all too often not an expression of faith that God who strengthens me can do all things through me, but a statement that reflects a lack of faith, that does not acknowledge the power of God, but more importantly denigrates the very GRACE of God. So, as I was being hook up to heparin, and carted off to Munroe where I would be poked, prodded and examined, I was also being humbled and converted- converted to a more innocent and far less arrogant faith. So many of you know as iconic broadcaster Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story, or at least the part of the story we are experiencing now. Amazing people stepped up and did amazing things for God. I wrote email requests asking folks to take on certain tasks and duties. I have to mention Bette Nagele who wrote me a text saying, I guess I will preach this Sunday when Charlie Crowe could not make it a second Sunday as a substitute. Katherine Heindel just said have Cheryl send me what there is of a bulletin and I will be lay leader. The choir continued to practice for Easter. Cheryl Hellgren managed the office and assisted the team of volunteers led by the Broman s who were dedicated to completing the Setting Our Sails campaign. Two banquets were fully planned and executed. The Deacons carried on their important caring ministry. Those who find their calling in praying for others continued to pray, perhaps even more fervently than ever before. I know not to start acknowledging people by name because if one mentions one name there are fifty more who should have also been named, so consider yourselves all named. This is where my acknowledgement of a lack of selfsufficiency turns to humility. I am truly so humbled by the members of this congregation who helped me to put away my fears that I couldn t miss such an important time in the life of this congregation. I could, because by the Grace of God, the members and friends of this congregation came together to prove that none of us are self-sufficient. And Grace not only reminds us of that, Grace becomes that which enables us to work together as one, even when a part of us becomes unable to do that which everyone has become so accustomed. When friends in ministry ask me about my illness, amazingly I find myself not talking about Embolisms and DVT s; I find myself testifying and witnessing to the lessons God has taught me about self-sufficiency and humility. I find myself boasting not about the wonders of medicine that saved my earthly life, but bragging on the wonders of the Grace that equips, empowers and enables us to work together as one in the name of the One who is Grace, Jesus Christ. Sometimes God teaches us the most profound of lessons through the strangest events in our lives. In a strange way, I am thankful that I could not, so that God could through so many of you! Pastor Jeff
Treasurer s Report It s Almost Here: All of the behind the scenes administrative work has been completed. You should shortly see a donate button on our website www.dunnellonpcusa.org and Facebook page. Or, if you don t want to wait, type the URL: http://members.myeoffering.com/ into your browser then you can add your own donate icon on your desktop. Set up is easy. Once you create your profile (name, email address, password) you ll get a confirmation email with a link that will lead you through balance of the set up. If there is interest, we will have instructional classes. Would you like to volunteer to teach these classes? HE IS RISEN HE IS RISEN, INDEED Until Our Lord Returns Craig Henry Office Hours 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Monday Through Friday Phone: 352.489.2682 Email: dunnpreschurch@bellsouth.net Website: www.dunnellonpcusa.org Find us on Facebook Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/dunnellonpresbyterian It s Getting Hot Here in Florida!!! People are on the move to flee the heat of Florida for the coolness of Northern locations. Please call or email the DPC Office and let Cheryl know where to send your mail. Thank you! God s blessings as you travel! Belltower Newsletter mailing list We have had 5 people sign up for an email version of the Belltower! Great! You will have already received it by the time this paper mail has arrived. If you didn t receive the email call the office 352-489-2682 and let Cheryl know. If you haven t signed up yet and would like to receive the Belltower Newsletter by email please send an email from your preferred email address with the subject line BELLTOWER MAIL to: dunnpreschurch@bellsouth.net You will be placed on the monthly email list, and after a 2-month trial, you will no longer receive the physical mailing. You may also change your status at any time if email doesn t work well for you in the future. This email version of the Belltower will be the full version of the actual Belltower not the edited version as is posted on the DPC website.
Session Notes Many of you have been wondering when are we going to return to our normal Sunday worship schedule. Thank you for hanging in there with us as we continue to try new things and evaluate what is going well, what isn't working and what needs to be changed. We value your comments, suggestions and patience as the worship committee considers the type, time, and number of services needed to best serve our present congregation and be attractive to new people. As we search for a dignified style of worship steeped in tradition and grounded in faith it has been helpful to have one service. We recognize that many miss their former 8:30 AM and 11 AM time to gather, and that many are hoping for us to return to that schedule. With Summer approaching Session approved the recommendation of the Worship committee to continue the one 10 AM Sunday worship service from May through September. During this time the Worship committee will formulate future plans. Please see Elders Barbara C. or Craig H. if you have suggestions, are interested in serving on the committee, or wish additional information. Katherine H. Clerk of Session Memorial Garden Task Force As you can see, the garden has been severely trimmed. This was needed to get it under control. As soon as the new growth begins, it will look much better. Our committee has been looking at different ground covers for easy maintenance. Planting will begin soon. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help keep the memorial garden looking good is welcome. Contact Jean K. at 489-2682 with any questions. Deacons A QUESTION FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY. Can you put together a simple meal or casserole for one of our church family who is in need of this ministry for a few days? If your answer is YES, please call Charlotte B. @ 352.489.2682. Gratefully, The Deacons Helen G., Moderator Thank you for your response. Setting Our Sails News from the Stewardship Committee Volunteer Summary There have been some 69 Volunteer Survey sheets (the Yellow Sheets ) submitted so far. My goal is to compile and present the printed summaries at the next Session meeting, on April 26, 2017. If you would like to participate in other activities of our church and have not yet completed a volunteer sheet, or if you wish to revise information already submitted, feel free to do so. I will collect the sheets and will periodically publish a new version of the summary, maybe every six months or so. Each Session member, and Cheryl in the office, will have a copy for your review and use. The Stewardship Committee of the Setting Our Sails effort thanks you for your interest and your participation in this volunteer program. Comments and suggestions will be appreciated. John H.
Presbyterian Men s Club MAY MEN S BREAKFAST Thursday, May 18 th at 8:00 am The Men s Club will meet for breakfast at the Purple Sage, Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 8:00 am for one hour. We will continue to collect $2 per member for our sponsored charities. Come join us for fellowship, food, fun and discussions on the Session report. Please call Don K. 352-489-2682 by Monday, May 15 th to make a reservation. Presbyterian Women PW CIRCLES Wednesday, May 3 rd Presbyterian Women's Circles will meet in the Fellowship Hall on May 3 rd. Please make note that Circles #1 and #5 will meet together at 10:00 am because so many of their group will be out of town for the month of May. Come join us for fellowship and study. 10:00 am Circle # 1 Mary Martha AND Circle # 5 Pat McDowell 7:00 pm Circle # 3 Lydia PW Spring Gathering PW BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON MAY 9, 2017 12 NOON All women of Dunnellon Presbyterian Church, members and friends, are invited to the PW Birthday Luncheon. You don t have to be a member of a circle to come. Just make (or buy) a salad, to share, get into the party mood, and come to the Fellowship Hall at 12 noon on May 9th. There will be games to play and cake to eat. We will take a collection for the camp scholarship. See you there, Carolle C., Moderator of DPC PW Music I want to thank our wonderful choir members for their dedication and hard work this Lenten and Easter season. Hours of practice were given, sometimes under extreme personal hardships, and I am very proud of each and every one of them. Renee, you are the best and it is a pleasure to work with you. God bless you all and I wish you happiness and health. Keep music in your heart always! Sue Concert Series Sunday, May 7th at 3:00 p.m. West Port High School We will conclude our Concert Series for this season by welcoming back students from West Port High School. We will have the orchestra members, under the direction of Nancy Atkinson with us and afterward they will hold an award ceremony for their members in our church Fellowship Hall. Please come and celebrate their accomplishments and support their efforts. PW Coordinating Team Wednesday, May 17th at 10:00 am Easter Gift Cards Thank You The Presbyterian Women Christian Community Action Committee wishes to thank the DPC Congregation for its support of our Easter Food Gift Cards. Because of your generosity, we were able to help fourteen families including forty children.
Congratulations Sydney! Church Community Activities Sydney H. was crowned Queen of the Rainbow at the Dunnellon Rainbow Royalty Pageant on April 23, 2017. May Family Night Dinner May 10 th at 6:30 pm It s a Potluck! Hosted by the Adult Sunday School Bring your favorite dish to share! And enjoy great food and fellowship! MOVIES WITH MEANING May 6 th at 2 p.m. Title To Be Announced Watch your Sunday Bulletin Thank You We would like to express our appreciation for everyone s thoughts, prayers and cards during the death of our son and daughter-in-law. In love for your caring, Rich and Lois L. Summer Campership Fundraiser Sunday, May 21st at 11:30 am Spaghetti Luncheon Hosted by the IT Youth Group. To benefit the IT youth group members summer camp scholarships. Come enjoy a delicious meal of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread, and Dessert, a Vegetarian option will also be available with reserved request to Valerie H. 352-489-2682. Support our youth in attending the life-changing experience of Christian Summer Camp at the renowned Montgomery Presbyterian Camp! Min. donation is $10.00 per person, $25.00 per family of four OR DONATE MORE IF YOU WISH! SAVE THE TEE DATE - SATURDAY, JUNE 3 rd A Two-man Scramble 9-Hole Golf Tournament is being organized as a youth fundraiser. More details and sign-up to come in the coming weeks.
DUNNELLON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NONPROFIT PO DRAWER 1069 STANDARD MAIL DUNNELLON FL 34430-1069 US POSTAGE PAID (352) 489-2682 DUNNELLON FL 34432 PERMIT NO. 372 REV. JEFFREY W. WELCH, PASTOR ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.