Niagara`s Still Waters - Rev. Justin Lee Marple

Niagara’s Still Waters
Niagara Presbyterian Church
The Lord Is My Shepherd; I Shall Not Want.
He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures.
He Leads Me Beside Still Waters.”
—Psalm 23:1
-2 (ESV)
The Pastor’s Green Pastures:
September 2010
Communication – one word, huge concept. The key to any marriage is communication. It is often said that
the new pastor may have a honeymoon period with the new church. This is just a continuation of a larger
marriage metaphor for the relationship. For example, you spent much time courting people and asking the
Some
you had questions
asked about
garden
and so
I thought
that I would
give everyone
anin
update.
The growth
most of
important
formy
any
potential
spouse
– including
questions
about faith
Jesus Christ.
But
marriage
is
a
much
stronger
metaphor
for
our
relationship
with
Jesus
Christ.
He
is
the
groom
and
we
still seems agonizingly slow for many things. This reminds me that Spiritual growth in some areas of my own
together are the bride (sorry to the men).
life can seem agonizingly slow. Some plants are not bearing much fruit and others are producing abundantly.
Communication is essential in our relationship with Jesus – He speaks to us in His word and through the
Some
will takeof
a few
years
a notable
andLikewise,
others have
done better than
I could have
this
proclamation
it and
we before
speak to
Him in yield
prayer.
communication
is essential
in allimagined
of our
first
year. Some
of the fruit
I have
beenrelationship.
freezing untilInI fact,
have the
enough
to docommunity
something iswith,
which isSon,
really
hard
relationships
– including
the
pastoral
original
the Father,
and
Holy
Spirit.
with the red raspberries that I would like to eat as I pick. It is like Jesus' parable – of the seed that fell on good
Onesome
of the
drawbacks
of the written
and
snail-mailed
newsletter
is that
communication
tendsthe
to go in
soil
produced
a hundredfold,
some
sixty,
some thirty
(Matt 13:8,
23, the
Mark
4:8, 20). Of course
one direction. I want to encourage you to speak too. Now if you received this as an email, it is possible for
weeding
can
be tedious
– especially
the “strangle
weed”
that
likes
to take
overoptions
and is nearly
impossible
you to hit
reply
and send
us a message
back. But
I want
you
to have
more
for both
receivingto
the
uproot.
It issending
important
to keep Of
at itcourse,
though,I would
just as love
we need
to abesnail-mail
aware of note.
the weeds
ourbe
lives
– “the cares of
news and
feedback.
to get
Theyincan
an encouragement
to me
every
I look at them
sometimes
put for
them
up things”
aroundthat
the “choke
‘prayer the
chamber
study’
to
the
world
andtime
the deceitfulness
of–riches
and theI will
desires
other
word” and
(Mark
4:19).
encourage me in the work of prayer and the service of the word and sacraments.
if you leave encouraging comments about sermons and other things on my website, http://www.
IAnd
planted
more than two sunflower seeds but I have two huge sunflower plants. As a child in Kansas, we grew
RevMarple.com, that may prompt others to check out a sermon or other reflection that you found helpful so
some
sunflowers
at least
one year and I had forgotten that the bud will follow the sun. The other day I was
that they
might also
benefit.
observing
that
the
top
of
the
faced one
way of
in thumb
the morning
and
opposite
direction inwith
the evening
Here are a couple things to plant
remember
as rules
for any
ofthe
your
communications
anyone. and
First,
ten
positive
encouraging
comments
generally
will
offset
one
negative
comment
but
people
(generally
then today when I went home for lunch it hit me that it was pointing straight up – and then I remembered that
speaking) are often quick to offer criticism and slow to offer encouragement. Positive communication is
the
sunflower bud follows the sun and points to it. What a powerful metaphor (made even more powerful in
something that is often neglected. And, secondly, it is best (whenever possible) to give positive feedback in
English
the
italicized
homonym
hereafter)
forprivately).
what we are
do as Christians
– we are notistoverbal
followorthe
sun
writing by
and
negative
feedback
in person
(and
Buttowhether
the communication
written,
may we continue to speak truth in love.
in the sky above but to follow the Son in the heaven of heavens
For those of you who surf the web – be sure above.
to check
out the
Indeed,
weblog
are at
to http://revmarple.com/niagara.
point to Him with our words andInstead
deeds.
of only getting a monthly newsletter column, you can find a weekly one there – if you do not read any others,
take a look at the first entry at the bottom. Be sure to comment.
When the flower opens it will face east. Old Cemeteries used to
have all of the stones face east too. East is the direction of the
About that, let me end with a note of encouragement. Thanks be to God, you have been very welcoming and
and thus
symbolically
the direction with
of expectation
of the
gracious to me and my family. Leia and I love sunrise
worshipping
with
you and fellowshipping
you. We have
thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality – you truly
have
a
gift
for
it!
return of Jesus Christ. Perhaps we can be reminded by the
In Him,
direction the flower will face to look for the
return
of Jesus
November
2009
Rev. Justin Lee Marple, Teaching Shepherd
Edited by Michelle Alexis
Christ. May He come quickly.
Let us build one another up and encourage one another in the good work of serving the Lord Christ!
Hopefully these illustrations will also help you to
remember these things.
In Christ,
Pastor Justin
P.S. I have put other pictures in an album on Facebook if anyone is interested in seeing more.
Starting Sept. 5th
Regular Hours
Sunday School:
9:45 am
Worship:
11:00 am
A new Sunday School class will be
starting September, 19th. It is called,
“The 3D Life”. You actually have two
chances each week: at her home on
Saturdays from 9am to 10am or as a
Sunday School class at the church
from 9:30-10:30am. Call Janice
Farnham, 731-9439, for more info.
*** Save the Date ***
Rally Day is scheduled for
Sunday, September 12th at
9:45 am!
***We are looking for teachers for
Sunday School. Please call Chris
at 579-2332 if interested.
Thank you.
The Deacons invite you to our
picnic on Sunday, September
12th after the worship service.
We will provide food and drinks.
We would love to see you there.
FACT (Feed And Clothe Them), a
ministry out of First Presbyterian of
Niagara Falls, is providing food and
clothes to people who need it on every
Tuesday from 9:00 am to noon. We
encourage you to donate quality used
clothing or to donate your time on a
Tuesday morning to help.
Have an interest in learning to
knit or crochet? Young or old,
beginner to novice; come out on
Wednesday, September 25th
from 6:30 to ? Come out for
fellowship; leave with
creativeness!!
Watch Ask the
Pastor – Pastor
Justin Marple on
WNYB 2:00 pm
on September
29th…..
Session Minutes
Stated monthly meeting of the Niagara Presbyterian Church Session convened with prayer on August 17, 2010
at 7:01pm with the following members in attendance: Bill Davis, William Farnham, Gary Strenkoski, Gary
Ashby, Serena Lang, Steve Hazlett, Paul Hazlett, Bonnie Nation and Kerri Vander Does.
Excused: Shari Johnston
Absent: none
Report of the Clerk: Our church has received a request to host an event for presbytery. We have requested
more information. The Tonawanda Indian Church (Presbyterian) is looking for donations both financial and
labor to help recover from the fire in July. A new Sunday School class will be starting up in September, The 3D
life. Janice Farnham will be leading it. Michelle Alexis will be unavailable at the church office on September
21, 2010. She is being honored. Congratulations Michelle. It is with regret that a resignation letter was
accepted for the job of Children’s Church coordinator. Janice Farnham and Carol Sklarski will now be cochairing Children’s Church.
Report of the Pastor: Rev. Marple made 2 Mount St. Mary’s hospital visits, 2 home visits and 1 Nursing
Home/Assisted Living or Hospice visits. He also made a Communion visit. Additionally, the pastor officiated
at 4 baptisms and 1 funeral. Pastor Marple has continued to attend committee meetings and church ministries
like FROGS. Rev. Marple appeared on “Ask the Pastor” on July 21, and will appear on August 25, and
September 29, 2010. In November, the pastor will be attending a continuing education event.
Report of the Treasurer: Patty Cramer went over the treasurer’s report. We are canceling the subscription to
“Significant Living Magazine”. In order for the Skyline Boys to come for the anniversary dinner, $152.00 is
still needed.
Worship and Evangelism: 68 people were served communion in August. Summer hours will be as follows
July and August: worship will be at 9:30 am followed by Sunday school at 10:45
Christian Life: There was no meeting. Vacation Bible School is August 22-27. All available hands are
needed. The 3D life will be starting again. Please contact Janice Farnham for details/information.
Stewardship: There was no meeting. The Skyline Boys will cost $600. To date, $448.00 has been raised to
bring the group here for the Anniversary Dinner.
Building and Grounds: This committee is working on several projects to improve and beautify our church.
Please be patient and also let them know that their efforts are appreciated. There was no meeting. The Deacons
are working with Building and Grounds to redo the Narthex. The window decals have been approved. A work
day will be scheduled for some time after Labor Day.
Personnel and Nominating: No meeting last month
With there being no further business, the meeting was closed in prayer at 8:30pm. The next scheduled meeting
will be on September 21, 2010.
Kerri Vander Does
2010 Clerk of Session
TREASURER REPORT
PRAYERS FOR THE FOLLOWING:
If you have any prayer requests to share here please contact the church office by September 23rd.
Prayer family of the month
5
12
19
26
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Becker
and family
6710 Woodside Pl
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Beiter
and family
7129 Packard Rd.
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Liz Berge
2181 Amy Dr.
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Mr. and Mrs. Pat Bernier &
Karrie Neff and her son
Timothy
4805 Isherwood Dr.
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
For our people in the Armed Forces
For our people ill at home or in
hospitals or nursing homes:
John Glyshaw (Amber’s Husband)
David Vendetti
Brian Dillon (Amy *Haag* Dillon’s Husband)
Robbi Cramer now stationed at Fort Hood Texas
Richard Hinkle (Lucy Hinkle’s Grandson)
Shane Larson in Lackland Texas Airbase
Christopher Poss in Iraq (Keith Poss’s son)
Happy Birthday
5- Janice Farnham & Jamie Beiter
9- Rev. Michael Burkley
14- Patty Cramer & Tim Barnes
15- Brett Haag
16- Danielle Croisdale
17- John Nation
1819202527-
Elsie Owens
Halle Sauer
Carol Sklarski
Mark Stitt Jr.
Aimee Pearson
Alta Rimer, Liz Siejka, Mildred Thompson, Jim &
Dee Hescox, Doug Smith. Delores Mere, Bev.
Henchbarger, Nick & Helen Delgrolice, Doris
Tisdale, Gerry Winters, Herb Bloomquist, Connie
Goodin, Elsie Owens, Marjorie Merrill, Joan
Shively, Bob & Gladys Newton, and Mary Lou
Hahn.
Happy Anniversary
8- Gary and Renee Hasely
9- Mark and Shari Johnston
16- David and Melanie Vendetti
17- Pat and Karen Bernier
23- Fred and Arleen Greene
23- James and Christina Kramp
30- Brad and Barbara Philips
Sept. Greeting Deacon
Visiting
Deacon
Elder Visiting
5
Terry Gilkerson
Kerri Vander Does
12
19
Thorntana Haag
Katelyn Farnham
26
Marlene Cowling Katelyn Farnham
Patty Cramer
Terry Gilkerson
Katelyn
Farnham
Terry Gilkerson
Thorntana
Haag
Becky Ashby
Paul Hazlett
Bill Davis
Bonnie Nation
Choir
There is always room available to anyone interested
in participating in the Adult choir. You don't need to
know how to read music; you need only a desire to
sing and praise the Lord through music and song.
Anyone is welcome to participate. Rehearsals are on
Thursdays at 6:00 pm beginning September 9th.
All Orders due onSept. 12th
Distribution Day –
Sept. 18th
Call Dawn
Hendricks for more
info.
297-4147
September
Sun
Mon
Tue
*** Prayer Family
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
6:30PM
CROSSROADS
2
3
1:00 50+ Club
4
10
11
17
18
7:00 Worship &
Evangelism
Read Isaiah 1:-20
Communion
9:45 Sunday School
10:45 Worship
6:30 Scripture Study
***Mr. and Mrs. Peter
Becker and family
6
12 Angel Food Orders Due
13
6:30 F.R.O.G. Youth
Group (Grades 6-8)
5
*** 9:45 Sunday School
Rally Day
10:45 Worship
Deacon’s Picnic after
worship service….
6:30 Scripture Study
***Mr. and Mrs. Brian
Beiter and family
19
9:45 Sunday School
10:45 Worship
6:30 Scripture Study
Labor Day
6:30 F.R.O.G. Youth
Group (Grades 6-8)
7
6:00 Christian Life
8
6:30PM
CROSSROADS
6:00 Choir
Read Isaiah 1:21-31
7:00 B & G Comm.
7:00 P & N Comm.
14
15
16
7:00 Stewardship
6:30PM
CROSSROADS
6:30 Knitting /
Crocheting
6:00 Choir
10:00 Angel Food
Pick-Up
Read Isaiah 2:1-5
20
6:30 F.R.O.G. Youth
Group (Grades 6-8)
21
6:45 Session &
Deacon
22
6:30PM
CROSSROADS
6:30 Knitting /
Crocheting
***Liz Berge
26
9:45 Sunday School
10:45 Worship
6:30 Scripture Study
***Mr. and Mrs. Pat
Bernier & Karrie Neff and
her son Timothy
9
27
6:30 F.R.O.G. Youth
Group (Grades 6-8)
28
Read Isaiah 2:6-22
29
2:00 pm Watch Ask
the Pastor on
WNYB.
6:30PM
CROSSROADS
6:30 Knitting /
Crocheting
Read Isaiah 3:1-8
23
6:00 Choir
Newsletter
Deadline
30
6:00 Choir
24
25