PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2014 the Invitation Rally Day and The Story at Providence SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 9:45am The Story is an amazing resource that makes the Bible more readable and understandable than ever before All of the stories have been collected from the NIV translation of the Bible and placed in chronological order. Chapter and verse numbers have been removed so that the Bible reads like a novel. Each chapter is clearly connected with the last allowing God s Living Word to be shared as one seamless narrative. On Rally Day, Sunday, September 7, we will kick off our study of The Story by gathering in the Fellowship Hall at 9:45am. We ll talk a bit about the study before dismissing young people to their classes. We are asking parents to accompany their kids to their classrooms so that parents & kids have a chance to meet the teachers and locate their classes. Afterwards, parents and adults will be encouraged to visit adult classes that will focus on The Story to identify one that seems like a good fit. Our study of Chapter 1 will begin on Sunday, September 14. Every Sunday, worship and sermons will be based on the week s reading from The Story. Entire families may even share their study time at home. Annual Church Picnic SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 12:15pm Invite your friends and neighbors and bring the whole family to the worship service on Sunday, September 21, then stay for a pig roast served up by our Fellowship Committee The picnic feast will include pork perfectly roasted and served up in both barbeque and Carolina styles, hot dogs, salads, and beverages. Please bring your favorite dessert to share and leave it in the fellowship hall prior to the worship service. The Story Sunday School and Small Group Opportunities for Adults Inside The Story Pastor Billy Ricketts Room 205 (upstairs) Bible Book of the Quarter Karen Moore Room 104/Media Room Family Matters Connie Salter Room 110 Genesis and Beyond Becky Walter Room 111 Jubilate Valetta Fellenbaum Choir Room Sunday Morning Small Group Dianne Stockmeier Parlor The Story Sunday School Opportunities for Kids Middle School/High School Susan Bell, Judy Cole, and Gary Reese Room 200 3rd through 5th Grade George Fitzgerald and Laura Nielson Room 203 Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Jen Rohde and Sue Shepard Room 201 Pre-Kindergarten Little Lambs/Room 109 A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD S LOVE PAGE 1
From My Open Door It s hard to believe summer is all but over, school is starting back for many and we return to some of our regular programs here at Providence. Where did the summer go? I came across an article the other day on the biblical literacy of American Christians. The article noted that, a 2007 Kelton Research survey revealed that people know more about what goes into a Big Mac than they do about the Bible; they can name members of the Brady Bunch better than they can name the Ten Commandments. Twelve percent of adults think that Noah s wife was Joan of Ark, and about half don t know that the book of Isaiah is in the Old Testament. After reading the article, it brought back memories of attending my church s Sunday night youth group where we had fun and food, but also studied the Bible and select verses of Scripture. I could hold my own in the group. So, when I began seminary, I thought I d be okay, but soon realized how shallow the depth of my biblical knowledge was. I spent a good bit of extra time becoming acquainted with various texts, themes, characters, historical significance an order of the 66 books of the Bible as I studied for the Bible Content Exam (Presbyterian candidates for ministry must take a Jeffrey S. Bell, Pastor 100 question multiple choice exam on the Bible before ordination). As Christians we re called to know what we believe, why we believe it, and where our beliefs come from. That includes knowing the Bible and understanding the scriptures we hold in high regard. With that in mind, Providence will embark on a year long study of the Bible in Sunday School, in worship, in groups large and small. Our hope is to shed some light on the Bible and allow us to become familiar with the stories of Biblical characters, and our faith tradition. So join us for worship, to learn about rebellious midwives, a man and his talking donkey, a woman judge, an excessive king, and a brave prostitute. You can also improve your biblical literacy by coming to the Kirk Night Bible Studies, Wednesday evenings See you in Church Jeff SESSION NOTES The Session met on Monday, August 11, 2014, and conducted the following business: - Received into membership Catherine and Jim Tribble - Approved the baptism of Haley Lynn Burdette and Skylar Jade Burdette - Authorized allocation of $7,000 to establish a Renovation Special Fund for office furniture replacement and Narthex improvements - Session will formally recognize the efforts and hard work of Kevin and Cecilia Daley in planning, preparing and carrying out group Workcamp - Approved a champagne toast during the reception following Trista Barrow's wedding on April 11, 2015 - Authorized use of the church bus for trips on Sept. 28 and Oct. 4 to Fanny Crosby's Blessed Assurance KIRK NIGHT: THE BOOK OF REVELATION It s a unique book, and the only apocalyptic book in the New Testament (apocalypse is Greek for unveiling or uncovering of future events or hidden realms, like heaven). What makes this so unusual is that while the New Testament books were written apocalyptic literature flourished. And at the heart of apocalyptic literature was hope hope that God would right wrongs and rescue the righteous. Is this Kirk Nite study going to answer all your questions? No. Will it solve the mystery of the ages? Not exactly. But it will give us a change to gain a broad overview of the last book in the Bible, and fill in some of the gaps and perhaps encourage us to read The Revelation again (or for the first time) Kirk Night begins on Wednesday, September 17. Come at 6:00pm for a shared meal. Stay for the study of Revelation, beginning at 6:30pm. Kids can enjoy rhythm, singing, and musical instruments at Kirkmusik with Valetta Fellenbaum during the study. A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD S LOVE PAGE 2
THIS MONTH AT PROVIDENCE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Betty Brock s Birthday Claudia Cosimano s Birthday Church Office Closed TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 George Fitzgerald s Birthday Chris Daley s Birthday 12:00pm Gad-Abouts Pot Luck WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 7:00pm Bells of Providence 7:30pm Chancel Choir THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 T. C. Rock s Birthday 6:30pm Presbyterian Men s Dinner FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Basia Petteway s Birthday SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Stephanie Boose s Birthday 8:15am Presbytery of Eastern Virginia Presbyerian Women Fall Gathering at Grace Covenant Presbyterian SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Megan Bell s Birthday Benjamin Marshall s Birthday 9:45am Rally Day & Sunday School 11:00am Worship and Communion MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Lisa Olson s Birthday 7:00pm Committee Chairs 7:30pm Committee Night TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Alan Lane s Birthday Deborah Hensly s Birthday Tyler Owensby s Birthday 10:00am Dorcas Circle 7:30pm Bells of Providence WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Joan Roberts Birthday 9:45am Mary and Martha Circle 7:30pm Chancel Choir THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Jerry Barnes Birthday 7:00pm Women's Bible Study FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Susan Ayers Birthday Kameron McCubbin s Birthday SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Kitty James Birthday Richard Kemmerer s Birthday Jonikka Furlough s Birthday SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Robert Watkins Birthday Nancy Whitaker s Birthday 9:00am Merry Bells 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship 6:00pm Ruth Circle MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Yana Holden s Birthday Newsletter Submission Deadline 7:00pm Session New Members Received TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Elijah Marshall s Birthday 7:30pm Bells of Providence WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 6:00pm Kirk Night 7:30pm Kirkmusik 7:30pm Chancel Choir THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Bonnie Murphy s Birthday Josh Ricketts Birthday 7:00pm Care Team Leaders FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 9:00am Courtyard Graces SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 9:00am Merry Bells 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship 12:15pm Annual Church Picnic 12:15pm PW Coordinating Team MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 John Kilday s Birthday James Richardson s Birthday Wyatt Deck s Birthday Abby Raney s Birthday TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Matt Marshall s Birthday Chelsea Hanson s Birthday 7:30pm Bells of Providence WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Bill Bruce s Birthday Lena Karn s Birthday 6:00pm Kirk Night 7:30pm Kirkmusik 7:30pm Chancel Choir THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Laureen Simmons Birthday Andy Johnson s Birthday Women s Retreat to the Outer Banks SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 William Zimmerman s Birthday Women s Retreat to the Outer Banks SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Carolyn Reid s Birthday Carl Stein s Birthday Billy Ricketts Birthday Maggie White s Birthday Women s Retreat to the Outer Banks ODU Campus Ministry Meal 9:00am Merry Bells 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Cathy Reese s Birthday TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Bill Bishop s Birthday 7:30pm Bells of Providence A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD S LOVE PAGE 3
WORK CAMP 2014 Over 400 campers and staff attended Work Camp Virginia Beach, REPAIR: Be A Story Of Transformation Sixteen groups from 8 states changed the lives of residents in 60 homes. Youth and volunteers built 3 wheelchair ramps, replaced an entire roof, replaced skirting on mobile homes, painted the inside and outside of homes, repaired porches, steps, and damaged wood, and more. As part of the Work Camp experience youth donated over 2000 food items to St. Mark s Catholic Church food pantry. Providence provided a fantastic spread of snacks on Friday evening for campers and residents to enjoy while celebrating the work completed. Thank you, Providence family, for your financial support, the use of your ladders, the delicious snacks provided, the thirst-quenching water, and the volunteer hours given during the entire process, especially camp week. We ve received many great reviews of this camp experience from Group headquarters in Colorado, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Home Depot, Work Camp staff and the residents. Your help we made Work Camp Virginia Beach a great success. Discussions are taking place for next year s Work Camp opportunies for Providence youth. Due to the success of this year s camp, Group has forwarded the application for a 2016 Work Camp in Virginia Beach to Providence. Thanks again for your prayers and support, Kevin Daley JUVENILE DETENTION MINISTRY An enthusiastic group of 4 female and 30 male detainees joined Providence volunteers in the gym at the detention center this summer. Our time with them included a discussion of good and evil, cardmaking with rubber stamps and colored pencils, rounds of Bingo, and an invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Three young men stood and repeated a prayer of acceptance and the other detainees clapped in approval. Each received a copy of the New Testament. Many detainees have asked for prayers for their court dates, verdicts of release from detention, and safety for their families and friends. Mr. Washer, Head of Recreation, also needs prayers as he is planning a memorial service for his mother and his father in his hometown. The faithful Providence volunteers ask for your prayers as they reach out to these youth and are grateful for your support. NEW PICTORAL DIRECTORY Time for a New Pictorial Directory The Congregational Care Committee has scheduled photography sessions on November 5, 6, 7, and 8 for a new pictorial directory. Mark your calendars now as we will need everyone to cooperate with a smile to make the directory a success. More details about times will follow. The pictures on the activity pages in the directory are a true favorite. Have you taken pictures this past year at church events, worship, Sunday School, Workcamp 2014, Move into the Community, youth fellowship, choir, bells, men and women s groups, gad-abouts, softball? If so, you can help now by sending digital photos to publications@provpres.org for possible inclusion in the directory. If you have print photos, leave them in the church office with your name. We will scan them and return the pictures to you. MUSIC NOTES FROM VALETTA If you have ever thought about joining one of the music ensembles at Providence, now is a great time to do it After a summer break, all of the groups are gearing up for the new program year, and new members are always welcome. Feel free to email me at music@provpres.org with any questions. Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the choir room. Bells of Providence rehearse Tuesdays at 7:30pm, and Merry Bells will begin their 9:00am Sunday rehearsals on September 14. When Wednesday Kirk Night starts up in September, Kirkmusik will again be held for young children. After the 6:00 family meal, the children go with me to the choir room at 6:30 for music fun including singing, playing instruments, and music games. And, if you prefer to sing only as part of our larger choir, the congregation, know that your song is a "joyful noise" in praise A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD S LOVE PAGE 4
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Summer was a fun and productive time for Providence women. Food items brought to our pool party stocked the cupboards for the beginning of this year s Beach Bag program. The 2,134 school supply items collected in August for St. Columba Ecumenical Ministries far surpassed last year s total. The Introduction to Fall Bible Studies for Women offered women the opportunity to sign up for circles and studies to come. September brings a new season of studies and activities. Mark your calendars and invite a friend to join us Presbytery of Eastern Virginia Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering - September 6, 8:15am - 12:30pm, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Rev. Caroline Jinkins will inspire us to reach out to each other and to our diverse community of sisters in need of love and the saving power of Jesus Christ. The day will include a variety of workshops and child care is available. Circles and Bible Study begin - second week of September Dorcas Circle, meeting monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 10:00am and studying Horizons Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians. Circle Chair: Beverly Lehm. Mary and Martha Circle, meeting monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 9:45am and studying Horizons Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians. Circle Chair: Stephanie Boose. This circle offers child care. Ruth Circle, meeting monthly on the 2nd Sunday at 6:00pm and studying Horizons Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians. Circle Chair: Cathy Reese. This circle meeting time coincides with the weekly Providence Youth Fellowship meeting. PW Bible Study, meeting monthly on the 2nd Thursday at 7:00pm and studying Liz Curtis Higgs The Girl s Still Got It: Take a Walk with Ruth and the God Who Rocked Her World. Bible Study Leader: Karen Moore. Providence Women s Retreat to the Outer Banks - Friday, September 26 - Sunday, September 28 A time to get away from busy schedules and pressing demands and spend time in Scripture, in song, and in relaxation with your Providence friends both new and treasured. The cost of the retreat is $60, meals and lodging included. Bus transportation and carpools are available. Beach Bags - This ongoing ministry provides weekend meals to identified children in need at Fairfield Elementary School. Beginning in September please bring donations to the old kitchen at church and place them in the bin marked, Beach Bags. Your generosity makes a big difference in the life of a local child. Items needed weekly: individual cereal boxes/bowls; individual 8 oz. shelf-stable milk; individual 4 oz. or larger fruit cups and/or 100% juice boxes; shelf-stable main course items such as ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs, beef stew, chicken & dumplings, tuna/chunk chicken, tuna helper, macaroni & cheese, chunky soups, peanut butter and crackers; and snack items such as granola bars, cereal bars, pretzels, trail mix, snack crackers, toaster pastries, cheese/peanut butter crackers, and raisins. PRESBYTERIAN MEN The first dinner meeting of the season for Presbyterian Men is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, at 6:30pm. Please invite a friend to join you We will be choosing a direction and focus for the upcoming year. We will recap the Fish Fry on August 23. Rich Lindgren will provide the dinner. A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD S LOVE PAGE 5
PROVIDENCE YOUTH Youth Fellowship - Starting on Sunday, October 12 at 6:00pm, Providence middle/high students will gather at the church the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks of each month for food, fun, fellowship and study. Dinner will be served at YF. Weekly study is based on The Story. Mission Matters Youth Group - Starting on Sunday, October 5 at 12:45pm, Providence middle/high students are invited to join Pastor Billy as this group discusses opportunities to answer Christ s call to make a difference in the world. This group will meet at the church each month to discuss a variety of topics (caring for the sick; seeking justice; honoring the poor; loving the forsaken; etc.) and then, once a quarter, go out into the world to make a difference. Lunch will be served at gatherings. Young people are encouraged to bring along an adult partner. YOUNGER ADULTS AND PARENTS New gatherings for younger adults, parents of young children, and parents of teens begin at Providence in October. More information can be found in the Family Life booklet in the Narthex and foyer brochure racks, on our website under the Family Life tab on the navigation bar: http://www.provpres.org/family-life/index.html, or by contacting Pastor Billy at familylife@provpres.org. PROJECT LIGHT The Project Light Learning Center at Providence is looking for a new director. Utilizing interactive software, this computerized outreach ministry offers free tutoring to help children and adults learn to read, improve reading skills or learn English as a Second Language. Classes are held at Providence twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 p.m. The one-hour class, which meets from September through May, follows the Virginia Beach Public Schools calendar. Anyone interested in leading this rewarding program should contact Sandra Rushton. PARTNER IN EDUCATION The school year is beginning and so are the programs that we support as a Partner in Education with Fairfield Elementary School. Please consider being a part of this very important ministry Volunteers are needed for the Reading Café which has traditionally been every Monday from 11:00am 12:50pm. You can volunteer just one or two Mondays a month. We hope to have enough people to rotate turns. This program is designed to provide students with a positive reading experience and a little extra individual attention. They may read to you, you may read to or with them, talk about their book, etc. The objective is to share a love of books and reading. We will begin this program in September. Please contact Dianne Stockmeier or Deborah Hensly for more information and to add your name to the list of volunteers. The Lunch Buddies program is just what the name indicates. volunteering to be a buddy to students in need of an adult mentor, sharing time and conversation during their lunch period once a month. Many students live in single parent households, do not have good adult relationships, military parents are deployed, etc. This program needs as many people as possible to participate. The program will likely begin in November allowing teachers time to designate students and obtain the required parental permission. More information to follow. Farm Fresh receipts and Box Tops for Education will be collected to redeem for school supplies. Bring the bottom portion of your Farm Fresh receipt that provides the 123-4 total and Box Tops found on many grocery items and deposit them in the designated container at any sanctuary entrance. Receipts dated September 8, 2014 May 31, 2015 are eligible. We can all support both of these programs to help Fairfield Elementary purchase additional school supplies as budgets dwindle. A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD S LOVE PAGE 6
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ELDERS The Congregational Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for Ruling Elder: 5 positions in the Class of 2018. Elections will be held at the Annual Congregational Meeting in January with terms beginning February 22, 2015. You may offer candidates for nomination either by using the form below, or by contacting a Nominating Committee member. Nominees will be compiled and reviewed by the Nominating Committee. The final nominees will be contacted to ensure they are willing to serve, and the nomination will be brought before the congregations for election at a called congregational meeting. Ruling elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. What does the Bible say about qualifications for elders, overseers, and deacons? See 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world. The ruling elders charge is to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation. They should have a knowledge and commitment to our Presbyterian system and traditions, or a willingness to learn them. Together, with the Teaching Elder, Rev. Jeff Bell, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline in our local church an dthe church at large. Ruling Elders provide administrative and program leadership in cooperation with church staff. In addition to monthly session and committee meetings, ruling elders perform many other duties through their involvement in Worship, Christian Education, and other programs offered both inside and outside our church. Nominating Committee members: Rich Lindgren Carol Hickman Virginia Arcipowski Tom McMahan Cecilia Daley Joe Ussery Jessica Dorsch Nominations should be submitted on or before September 29, 2014. Complete the form below with your nominations and submit to a member of the Nominating Committee, to the Providence church office, or place in the offering plate during Sunday morning worship. ELDER NOMINATIONS Name of nominee Reason(s) for nomination Name of nominee Reason(s) for nomination Name of nominee Reason(s) for nomination A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD S LOVE PAGE 7
FELLOWSHIP HOUR SCHEDULE September 7 - Fellowship Committee September 14 - Mission, Outreach, Evangelism September 21 - ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC September 28 - Property Committee FOOD PANTRY PARTNERSHIP St. Mark's Food Pantry was very grateful for the generous donations received from Work Camp youth. These donations served 86 families in one week. The number of families applying for food is once more rising. Tuna is currently the most needed food item followed by pancake mix, syrup and cereal. Your generous donations to help feed the needy in our community are much appreciated. NEWSLETTER INFORMATION Newsletter items should be submitted no later than the 15 th of each month for the following month s edition. Please e-mail newsletter items to: publications@provpres.org. Providence Presbyterian Church 5497 Providence Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-420-6159 www.provpres.org office@provpres.org Church Staff Pastor Parish Associate Pastor of Family Life Ministries Director of Music Organist Administrative Assistant Kitchen Coordinator Nursery Supervisor Treasurer Financial Secretary Rev. Jeffrey S. Bell Rev. Tom Chadwick Pastor Billy Ricketts Valetta Fellenbaum John Dixon Karen Cagni Terrie Wichrowski Michelle Wofford Carolyn Knowles Terrie Wichrowski The Session Moderator: Rev. Jeffrey S. Bell Clerk of Session: Jonathan Hyslop Administration *Glynn Rogers, Gary Parson Christian Education *Robin Birdwell, Gary Reese Congregational Care *Anita Matteson, Don Singletary Fellowship *Rich Lindgren, Carol Hickman Mission/Outreach/Evangelism *Sandra Rushton, Rose Farr Property *George Fitzgerald, Riley Hensly Worship *Tom Barrow, Susan Ayers *committee chair PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5497 Providence Road Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-420-6159 www.provpres.org office@provpres.org