bakerstown connections - First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, PA

BAKERSTOWN
CONNECTIONS
JUNE 2015
P.O. Box 127, Route 8 at Heckert Road, Bakerstown PA 15007  Phone: 724-443-1555  Website: www.fpcb.org
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
of BAKERSTOWN
Connecting the people around us
to the God who loves us ...
through Reaching, Growing, and Serving!
Sunday Schedule
8:45 - 9:45 a.m. Praise Worship Service
10:00 - 10:50 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 - 12:00 p.m. Choral Worship Service
The Café is open from 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Senior Pastor - Dan Muttart
Assistant Pastor - Jeremy Collins
Parish Pastor - Gary Weston
Director of Christian Education - Sandy Floyd
Choral Director - Mia Tepper
Organist - Rich Anthony
Children’s Ministry Asst. - Danni Hackel
Youth Ministry Asst.- Lee Haney
Business Manager - Mike Herron
Financial Assistant - Kelly Ganter
Program Assistant - Leslie Ward
Office Assistant - Linda Smith
Hospitality Coordinator- Brenda Clifford
Housekeeper - Lisa Wood
Custodian - Mike Risk
Pastor Emeritus - Richard A. Morledge
Deadline for July/Aug. Newsletter: June 10
A Glimpse at the Calendar
June 1-5, 8-12, BPCC Preschool Camp
June 7, Youth Sunday, Senior Recognition
June 11-19, Summer’s Best 2 Weeks
June 13, Serving Day
June 14, Flying Solo
June 21, Father’s Day, Baptism Sunday
June 28, Communion
July 13-17, Summer Blast Camp—Everest
July 19, Summer Blast Sunday—One
10 a.m. Worship Service
July 25, Youth Outcry Concert
August 12-14, Hosanna / FPCB Work Days
August 20, Pirates Game, Faith Night
August 29, Chancel Choir Retreat
See bulletins, call the church office, or visit
www.fpcb.org for details.
Dear Friends,
With the printing of this newsletter, graduations and graduation
parties are going to be in full swing. It’s a great time, when you sit
back and reflect on the accomplishments of your high school student
or college graduate. But we also know that for the majority of graduates, life doesn’t stop there. After a time of celebration, it is time for
those graduates to move forward with their plans for the future.
The same can be said of the Christian faith. When we are new
Christians, we are anxious to know everything about the faith — how
the Old Testament connects to the New Testament, how the Bible can
be used to guide us through life, and more. Though we never truly stop
learning about the plans of God as revealed in His Scripture, there
does come a time, however, when we have to move beyond knowledge
for the sake of knowledge, and move out with that knowledge into the
world, to fulfill the Great Commission of going and making disciples
of all the nations.
As you enjoy this summer, as you take the time to revel in the beauty
of God’s creation, my encouragement is that you also look around you
with your “God eyes” on — seeing your surroundings and perhaps the
needs of people you encounter from His perspective. Then, act as a
Christian graduate: apply what you have learned about the Christian
faith and Christian service into the life of somebody else — God will
reveal clearly the person or people He is placing in your life.
Graduation is just the beginning of a young person’s journey. The
Christian knowledge you gain at church and through your own private
study is just the beginning of the mature Christian’s journey.
Blessings,
Pastor Dan
Reaching . . . Growing . . . Serving
BAKERSTOWN CONNECTIONS
Adult Education (Sundays Mornings; 3 Sundays Evenings)
page 2
Something new . . .
Sunday Mornings at 10 a.m.
JUNE 7 & JUNE 14
Co-Ed Studies, “Dust to Glory”

June 7, The Conversion of Paul, Mitch Tepper

June 14, Romans, Mike Reynolds
Also,
Women’s Studies, Daniel. Geneva Room.
Three Sunday Evenings
7 – 8 p.m.
Men’s Studies, Men’s Fraternity. Administration
Building.
Parenting Group, James Dobson’s “Leaving a
Legacy”. Heritage Room.
Join us:

JUNE 21—AUGUST 16
ford Road, Gibsonia). After getting your ice
cream at Edward’s Ice Cream, bring your
lawn chairs together in the nearby field!
Enjoy time with Pastor Jeremy.
“COUNTER CULTURE”
by David Platt; Jeremy Collins, facilitator
Do Christians in the contemporary church have the
courage to counter the culture?
See how the gospel compels followers of Christ to
counter culture on a wide variety of social issues in
the world around them. The Bible is clear on a
number of issues:

Who God is—the holy, just, and gracious Creator
of the universe

Who we are—men and women created in the image of God for our good and for God’s glory

Who Christ is and what He has done—His life,
death, and resurrection

What it means to follow Christ—to die to ourselves and to live in Him

Why this matters for eternity—heaven and hell
are at stake in our response to the gospel
So how do these truths affect how we respond to the
social issues of our day—realities such as poverty,
sex slavery, abortion, immorality, the degradation of
marriage, the neglect of orphans and widows, racism,
and persecution?
David Platt believes that the truths of the gospel
should compel us to a contrite, compassionate, and
courageous personal response to social issues in the
culture. Using biblical foundations, practical illustrations, and personal exhortations, this study is a pointed yet winsome call for readers to faithfully follow
Christ in countercultural ways.
June 14 (Edward’s Ice Cream, 518 Baird-

July 19 (Wynn home, 11064 Babcock
Blvd., Gibsonia), Kerrie & Joe Wynn have
opened their backyard for us to meet. Ice
cream sundaes will be provided. Just bring
your lawn chair! Enjoy time with Pastor
Gary.

August 9 (Narcisi Winery, 4578 Gibsonia
Road, Gibsonia). Gather at Narcisi Winery
with your lawn chairs. Small snacks will be
provided. Enjoy time with Pastor Dan.
Bring your lawn chair and Bible.
Enjoy lite refreshments and fellowship as we look
at some of your pastors’ favorite Bible verses!
Family and friends are encouraged
to attend!
To help us plan, please RSVP the Wednesday
prior to the Sunday evening …
[email protected] or 724-443-1555.
Reaching . . . Growing . . . Serving
BAKERSTOWN CONNECTIONS
Church Family News / Faith Night
Church Family News
Please contact the church office with news to share!
Born:

Bo Charles Derby, son of Colleen Hughey Derby & Todd
Derby, grandson of Chuck & Darlene Hughey, and greatgrandson of Bill Ludwig, on April 21

Laurel Rose McKenzie, daughter of Julie Utz McKenzie
& Gray McKenzie, granddaughter of Bob & Connie Utz,
and great-granddaughter of John & Jeanne Utz, on May 2

Shae Lynn Crummy, daughter of Lindsey Jacobs
Crummy & Tyler Crummy, and granddaughter of Bill &
Marty Crummy and Jake & Judy Jacobs, on May 8
Baptized on Mother’s Day, May 10:

Spencer Franklin Mahan, son of Colleen Shoup Mahan &
Jamie D. Mahan, grandson of Tom & Gerri Shoup

Gabriella Linda Samperi, daughter of Marissa Williams
Samperi & Peter P. Samperi and granddaughter of David
& Elaine Williams
Happy Anniversary:

Paul & Joyce Merten will celebrate their 50th on June 26
Our Prayers Go Out to:

Greg Clifford in the death of his father John W. “Jack”
Clifford on May 1

April Lichina and Ashley Wright in the death of their
father David M. Wright on May 24
In Memoriam:

Florence C. Ball … May 2, 2015

Ruth A. Wilson … May 7, 2015

Ruth M. Stephan … May 18, 2015
page 3
“Please pass along my sincere
In Our Mailbox
thanks to our church family. I have
received some wonderful cards with great words of encouragement from June Manderfield, John and Jeanne Utz,
and Stan and Susie Boone. Being deployed is tough, besides asking and leaning on God to get you through, one of
the things to look forward to is mail from family and
friends back home. It's hard to describe, but it just gives
you that feel good spirit and a renewal for what we are doing. Knowing friends and family are praying for us and
thinking of us, does a lot to boost our morale! Again thank
you for all the support and love!! Tell the church thank
you for their support and prayers, it doesn't go unnoticed
and it's greatly appreciated! Ryan Schleiden”
“Our Family at Church, You are more than ‘Church
Family’, You are ‘Family’! And we are praising our Lord
for giving you to us. Thank you all for your loving care
and support. Greg & Brenda and the Clifford Family”
Church Gardening & Landscaping Opportunity
Do you have a green thumb and enjoy working outdoors? The Property Committee of Session has had the
support of various Church Ministry Teams to help our
Custodian Mike Risk take care of the church grounds for
the past several summers. This year it was suggested by
a member of the congregation that there may be other
members of the congregation not currently serving on a
Ministry Team who may also have the desire and time to
help maintain the church grounds. If you enjoy weeding,
trimming bushes, watering flowers, etc. we could really
use your assistance during the growing season.
Please contact Property Committee members Bob
Hackel, Dave Deiters, Roy Millhouse, Sue Kushner or
Business Manager Mike Herron
to let them know of your interest.
Have a happy
summer, everyone!
Thank you for your consideration
of this request to help keep our
grounds attractive!
Faith Night @ PNC Park—August 20th
A Great Opportunity for the entire
FPCB Church Family!
This is a fantastic evening to cheer on the Buccos
and after the game hear the gospel proclaimed.
We will have 50 tickets, and prices should be
between $20-$25. Email [email protected] if you are interested.
Reaching . . . Growing . . . Serving
BAKERSTOWN CONNECTIONS
page 4
Discipleship & Fellowship / Stephen Ministry
Water Color Class Art Show — Sunday Morning, May 10 in the Café
Many thanks to Shelby Hill and the talented students in his two water color
classes at FPCB. The Café was transformed into an art gallery on May 10!
Flying Solo
A ministry for
Single Women
The next Flying Solo
get-together is June
14 at the North Park Clubhouse at 12:30
p.m. Contact: Betty Bayne, 724-443-6256.
FREE FITNESS
at FPCB
concluded on May 21 after
6 energetic weeks
under the direction of Mia
Tepper. The 12—14
participants shared nutrition
tips, a devotional, and a 30minute workout each week.
A new session will be planned
in the fall.
TOPS
(Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the
Colonial Room
Men & women are invited.
Contact: Lisa Wood
at 724-898-7848.
Do you ever clean out old boxes in the spring to make room Stephen Ministry
for more “treasures”? When I was doing that task recently, I
found an old Bible in the back of a closet. As I took this precious book off the shelf,
a note card written by my daughter when she was just getting to know herself and
her God fell to the floor. She wrote, “In the same way, we can see and understand
only a little about God now, as if we were peering at his reflection in a poor mirror;
but someday we are going to see him in his completeness, face to face. Now all I
know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly, just as God sees into
my heart right now. There are three things that remain: faith, hope and love—and the
greatest of these is LOVE!” This snippet was part of a paper she was writing. I see
this faith in so many young people in our church, and would like other children to
enjoy the love and faith that we share here. Our children will be leaders someday in
this troubled world, and they need to know the love of God through Christ. Let us
help them to hear and to share the message. Wonderful things can happen if we trust
God and help one another. Stephen Ministers want you to know that we are here for
you. Everything is shared in strict confidence. If interested, speak with our pastors,
any Stephen Minister, or call Bob Joyce at 724-443-8379.
“Dear Lord, help me to share the wonders of faith and love
even when the sharing may be difficult! Amen.”
Your friend in Christ, Pat Eversole
Reaching . . . Growing . . . Serving
BAKERSTOWN CONNECTIONS
Stewardship
Serving Day
June 13 from 8:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Reaching, Growing & Serving…
It’s time for the third annual “Serving Day”. The Stewardship Team is again
sponsoring a day to provide all the members of our congregation with a practical
way of putting the “Serving” portion of our church motto into action. The plan is
that on one Saturday each year, we will come together in the church parking lot,
“dressed for work”, for a brief morning prayer and then perform some service in the
name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our first “Serving Day” was spent
providing some needed outdoor maintenance and landscaping at the Lighthouse
facility. Our second “Serving Day” was spent doing some indoor painting, outdoor
landscaping, removal of some old concrete steps and other maintenance issues at
the Samaritan Counseling Center.
This year we will be working around the FPCB Campus. The scope of work is being
determined from a list created by the Property Committee during their campus walkaround. Work involved this year will include some landscaping, minor repairs, outdoor painting, etc. We expect to be able to provide work for all ages, for any skill
level that you may have.
Please reserve Saturday, June 13th from 8:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. on your calendars.
While we would appreciate an e-mail being sent to [email protected] to let us know
you plan to attend so we can properly prepare for a hearty lunch, we welcome
anyone who has a few hours to offer anytime during the day. Details will be
provided in the bulletin and on the church web site as we finalize plans. Thank you
in advance for your consideration of this request! We hope to have another great
day “Serving” the Lord in a practical way at His church in Bakerstown.
Free Coffee Wednesday
Starts June 3
6:30-9:00 a.m.
Free coffee will be given away in
the FPCB parking lot on
Wednesdays for 12 weeks!
page 5
It could have
Stewardship
been an episode
from the T.V. show “Glee” as I
watched a roomful of graduating
students singing and dancing as
the music of “Uptown Funk”
blared throughout the classroom,
an energetic teacher singing and
performing right alongside her
excited kids. The only difference
in this “episode” was that these
students were preschoolers.
Later in the morning, I interviewed
the teacher – notably different
from typical interviews. The room
was dark, Zen music was playing,
and 20 worn-out kids were on little
mats sleeping with their blankets—some snoring. I turned on
my recorder and whispered as loud
as I could in hopes it would record: “So, how do you like your
preschool curriculum?” I had observed the teacher all morning, and
don’t think I had ever seen someone so enthusiastic, energetic and
invested in her teaching job. Imagine my surprise when I learned her
goal in life had nothing to do with
teaching preschoolers: She had
been a star basketball player in
college and was getting her master’s degree in coaching—she
wanted to be a basketball coach.
Like the teacher I saw, some of
you may not be in your ‘ultimate
place’ right now, either physically,
mentally, or spiritually. But I encourage you right now to be exceedingly enthusiastic about the
gifts you have been given by
God—whatever they are; share
them with others and watch the
blessings flow like I saw in the
preschool classroom that day.
“Enthusiasm” comes from Greek
and literally means “the God
(entheo) inside (iasm)”. Let others
see God inside you and be blessed
by your enthusiasm today!
Mary Ehmann, Stewardship Team
Reaching . . . Growing . . . Serving
BAKERSTOWN CONNECTIONS
Children’s Ministry
page 6
Children’s Ministry
Summer Blast 2015—Theme: “EVEREST”
July 13-17 from 9 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Summer Blast Sunday, July 19 at 10 a.m.
For Children Age 4 - Grade 5
People of all ages
came out to ring the
bell 144 times to
celebrate FPCB’s
144th Birthday
on May 20!
Return registration forms
and a $25/child payment by
June 1 to be guaranteed a
t-shirt. For registrations
received after June 1, the
cost is $30/child.
Be sure to order your Base
Camp Sing & Play CD for
just $7 so your child can
take home the music they sing every day.
Youth and adults are encouraged to serve
There are so many ways to serve: crew leader, worship team,
snack team, office staff, child care, decorations, photographers.
Download your volunteer registration form at www.fpcb.org or
pick up a copy in the Christian Education entrance and return it
to the church office or email [email protected] by June 12.
Orientation for Summer Blast
Monday, June 29 at 7 p.m. in the Colonial Room.
Station leaders and Crew leaders (grade 6—adult)
are asked to attend the Summer Blast Orientation.
Childcare is available if requested in advance.
Contact: Sandy Floyd, 724-443-1555 or [email protected].
Fall TEAM. Sunday, August 12, 12:30 p.m. Colonial Room.
A time for teachers to be encouraged, appreciated and motivated.
All teachers should plan to attend as we prepare for a new year!
Parents, please note . . .

On Youth Sunday, June 7, children in grades K-5
will remain in the sanctuary following the Children’s Moment. Sunday School will meet at 10 a.m.

Summer Schedule: In June, July and August we will
combine these classes: K-Grade 2; and Grades 3-5.

On June 14, children will be planting flowers around
the Administration Building.
Do you have a heart for children
to learn & grow in knowing Jesus?
Prayerfully consider how you might be a part of this
exciting ministry to children. Scheduling for the next
year (September 2015—August 2016) begins soon.
Needed are:

teachers of Sunday School from 9 - 10:50 a.m. or
11 a.m. – noon (four times/quarter)

childcare givers in the stork & toddler area
from 8:30 – 10 a.m. or 10 a.m. – noon (one
Sunday/month)

childcare givers for 2 & 3’s and 4/pre-k’s during
worship (one Sunday/month)

resource room team (organize supplies and
materials for teachers and families to use)
Youth are invited to help with childcare and in the
classroom if they have finished 6th grade. Contact:
Sandy Floyd, [email protected] or 724-443-1555.
Reaching . . . Growing . . . Serving
BAKERSTOWN CONNECTIONS
Mission / BPCC / Tweener’s Retreat
Mission Updates
The mission of The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse
Foundation is encouraging others to
find hope in Christ by meeting their immediate needs and
empowering them towards self-sufficiency. We do this by
ministering to the whole person, which includes services and
programs designed to meet an individuals physical, spiritual,
mental, emotional, financial, and relational needs.
Hosanna Industries
Hosanna Industries has completed
50 projects
for needy households this year to date,
with a current project waiting list of 92
and over 100 in the application process!
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Gal. 6:2. Jesus has called us to love God and love one another
above all else. This kind of love inspires us to meet people
where they are in their time of despair and meet their needs so that
they are restored to a life full of
purpose, hope and dignity.
Let’s pitch in and help to
complete even more projects!
August 12-14 for
Hosanna / FPCB Workdays!
The job location will be determined as we get closer to
that date due to weather and client circumstances. Please
sign up trusting that you will be doing productive work to
show Christ's Love to our needy neighbors! All ages and
skill levels welcome! Hosanna will provide the tools.
Middle-schoolers will also have the opportunity to stay
on Hosanna's campus with Jeremy that week. Contact
Amanda Becker at 412-559-7062 or
[email protected] to sign up.
Tweener’s Retreat at Ligonier May 8-9
Six boys led by
Jeremy Collins and
Dan Saniga had time
for both spiritual
growth and fun at
the Tweener’s
Retreat at Ligonier.
page 7
The Lighthouse relies on
hundreds of volunteers each year
who donate their time to our
foodbank, facilities projects,
produce distribution, and other
projects and events. To volunteer
at The Lighthouse, please call
724-898-4673.
FPCB volunteers got a lot of landscaping done at the
Lighthouse for our church’s Serving Day in 2013.
I would like to personally thank each one of our BPCC
staff members as our school year begins to come to a
close for the 2014-15 school year!
“Gifts of the Heart” You are “the gift that
keeps giving” for children! You are there
for them almost every day through inclement weather, through fatigue, through all
of your own personal life’s ups and
downs. For some of your children, you may
be the only one in their lives that is always
constant, always there, always caring. You
are the gift that keeps on giving! God has
“called” each of you to this ministry, and I
sure am grateful that He did!! Thank you
for being the hands and feet of Jesus to our little ones! Beth Joyce, Anne
Kronenwetter, Marci Cyphert, Christina
Dean, Cathy Collier, Robin Williams, Sue
Novelli, Joan Grassucci, Leah Prasse,
Brenda Joyce, Jill Sweet, Bev Stone,
Kiki Cherry, Jane Mobley.
Preschool Director Emily Willard
Reaching . . . Growing . . . Serving
BPCC
Phone: 724-443-5330
[email protected].
Emily Willard, Director
JUNE 2015 NEWSLETTER
Non-Profit Org.
Nonprofit Standard Mail
Permit #9
U.S. Postage
Bakerstown, PA 15007
First Presbyterian Church
of Bakerstown
P.O. Box 127
Route 8 at Heckert Road
Bakerstown, PA 15007
Phone: 724-443-1555
Internet: www.fpcb.org
Sunday Schedule:
8:45 — 9:45 a.m.
Praise Worship Service
10:00 — 10:50 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 — 12:00 p.m. Choral Worship Service
The Café is open from 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Upcoming Events . . .
Youth Sunday: June 7th !!!!
Our students will be leading worship in both services. We hope you
join us for worship as together we proclaim the truth that “Our God
is not dead.”
NYC Missions Trip: July 26th - August 1st
Our High School students will be spending the week in New York City
serving the community in soup kitchens, shelters and churches. It will
be a fantastic opportunity to serve God outside the walls of the church.
Hosanna Missions Trip: August 10th - 14th
Our Middle School students will be working alongside the
Hosanna mission workers during this entire week. The FPCB
church family also has the opportunity to join us the 12th,
13th, and 14th. It will be a great chance to work with us
for the purpose of the gospel.
Reaching . . . Growing . . . Serving