The Saltshaker - Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church

Altadena
Valley
Presbyterian
Church
-
www.avpc.org
Volume CLXXX
July 1, 2015
The Saltshaker
Easter
@inAVPC
Camping
July!
Inside this issue:
Feature:
Camp Solid Rock
1
Pastor’s Pen
Session/Diaconate
Minutes
2
Meet Our New Members Ben & Mary Frances
Snyder
3
AVPC News
4
Children’s Ministry
God’s House
Kindergarten
5
Youth Happenings
6
Mercy Team Update
Missions News
7
Volunteer Schedules
Budget Report
Birthdays
8
Special points of
interest:
Meet Our New
Members — Ben &
Mary Frances
Snyder
Meet Our New
Missionary Besiana Rajta
Everyone, it’s time to get excited about Camp Solid Rock! You may think we can’t possibly
top last year’s camp experience, with James Tate travelling in Dr. What’s Time Machine to
Ancient Israel; there he met cruel Jezebel (the very scary Dawn Cwynar) who tried to egg on
her husband Ahab (a surprisingly short Andrew Coats) to capture and kill the prophet Elijah
(Michael Chick). Remember the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal—with almost real fire and lightning? It’s amazing that we ever managed to clean up all that water
from the rainstorm God sent to “drown out” the prayers of the Baal-worshipers.
This year, our campers will travel to ancient Persia—sliding down a “time tunnel” into the
throne room of mighty King Xerxes; there’s a murderer loose in Xerxes’ kingdom, but Queen
Esther will have to be careful in how she introduces the subject to her royal husband. It will
take plenty of tact to save the innocent and bring the guilty to punishment. We hope that the
kids will be inspired to think about how God can use even ordinary people to accomplish His
purposes in very difficult times. Meanwhile, they will enjoy watching a pair of Sherlock
Holmes-inspired detectives carry on their own investigation.
Besides watching the Bible skits, kids will have fun doing cool crafts, listening to Mr.
Carter’s mission stories, playing games with Mr. Anthony, enjoying snacks, and more. One
advantage to having camp in July this year is that, for the first time, Mr. Whitner will be on
hand to lead us in music each day. Not only that, but Stephanie Whitner is the brains behind
our Esther drama!
As we go through the next month, please pray that kids in our surrounding community will
respond to our invitation to come to Camp Solid Rock—and that we’ll have great opportunities to get to know them and share the gospel. We can still use plenty of volunteers, especially for tribe leaders. You can pick up a volunteer form or registration form in the Parlor or
Welcome Center, or you can print one online (just go to www.avpc.org).
www.avpc.org
Betty Carter, Children’s Director
Page 2
Pastor’s Pen
I am sad as I write this, because I just read that Tullian Tchividjian has resigned as senior pastor of Coral
Ridge Presbyterian Church because of an adulterous relationship. Reports are that his wife became
trapped in an adulterous affair first, and when Tullian sought comfort by sharing the pain in his heart
with another woman, that relationship became adulterous. Tchividjian, Billy Graham’s grandson, had led
Coral Ridge through a very difficult pastoral transition after the death of its founding pastor, the wellknown D. James Kennedy. He is a gifted writer and speaker, and was much sought after as a speaker
outside his own church. In addition, he was a strong proponent of the grace-based approach to sanctification that is such a significant part of our teaching here at Altadena. The damage brought by this sin will
be great. It will damage his church, the gospel message he preached, his family, our denomination, and
the many people who have been ministered to by him.
“I know, too, that the
grace of God is a
powerful thing. So I
pray that Tullian will
submit to the grace of
God that he so
effectively and
powerfully preached.”
Though I have no inside knowledge of what happened here, I can’t help but draw some conclusions
about lessons to be learned, thus bringing some good out of this tragic fall. One lesson is to guard my
own heart lest I too fall. I can understand how such a thing as this happened, and I know my own heart
well enough to know that I am not beyond such a fall myself. Another lesson I take to heart in this is to
learn not to value celebrity-type success. It is easy for a non-celebrity like me to occasionally be attracted by the kind of success experienced by him. There is something in my flesh that is drawn to wanting
people to tell me how uniquely helpful and encouraging my sermons are. The problem is that one might
be tempted to believe these accolades and lose the humility that lies at the heart of biblical purity and
holiness. A third lesson is to make sure I am cultivating intimacy with my wife. Like many professions,
it is easy in the ministry to let yourself get so busy that you ignore the needs of your own family.
I am sure there are more lessons to be learned here. For now, though, I’m just sad and humbled. I know,
too, that the grace of God is a powerful thing. So I pray that Tullian will submit to the grace of God that
he so effectively and powerfully preached. And I pray that he will not attempt to come back to the ministry prematurely, but wait on God’s grace to restore and heal his broken heart and his broken marriage.
Brad Allison, Pastor
Session/Diaconate Minutes
Session Meeting, May 19
• Deborah Halbrooks was approved for membership. She is joining by transfer of letter from
Covenant Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Angie Klose was approved for membership. She is joining by profession of faith.
• Charles and Sarah Monroe were approved for membership. They are joining by transfer of letter
from Faith Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Ben and Mary Frances Snyder were approved for membership. They are joining by transfer of letter
from Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Rusty and Lisa Campbell were approved for membership. They are joining by transfer of letter from
The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama.
• The Session approved the following one-time gift requests from the Missions Committee:
•
Katie Lloyd (MTW/Uganda)—$1,000
•
Jessica Wendland (Serge/Ireland)—$1,000
•
Pettit Family Relief—$1,000
• The Session approved the addition of four new missionaries to be funded at $500/month:
•
Besiana Rajta (CRU/Albania)
•
Oli & Constance Smith (Serge/London)
•
Craig Branch (Search Ministries)
•
Sarah Wentworth (Serge/Uganda)
• Changes to the AVPC Employee Handbook were presented to the Session for review. The Session
approved the changes.
• Anthony let the Session know that he is nearing the completion of the current semester in his coursework and is on track for graduation at the end of this year.
Page 3
Meet Our New Members—
Ben & Mary Frances Snyder
How did you first find out about our church? Ben & Mary
Frances: When we moved to Birmingham we knew we wanted a
PCA church. We found AVPC on the PCA website.
What have you enjoyed about AVPC the most? Ben: I really
have enjoyed the music, the teaching, and the community and
fellowship. Mary Frances: The close knit community and fellowship
How long have you been a Christian? Ben: I have been a Christian since I was eight years old. Mary Frances: Since I was five
years old.
Where were you born and raised and what do you remember
most about your childhood? Ben: I was born in Columbus,
Mississippi but was raised in Meridian, Mississippi. What I
remember most about my childhood is playing, watching, and
talking about sports. I am the middle child of three boys and we all
played soccer, football, and baseball. We also had season tickets to
all of the University of Alabama sporting events. Mary Frances: I
was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi. What I remember
most about my childhood is the kind of mother that I had. I have a lot of memories of sweet and loving
things that my mother would do for us, including taking us on “field trips” around our town during the
summer. We visited a bread factory, a fish hatchery, and other interesting places.
Meet our new
members - Ben, Mary
Frances, Nora, and
Benji!
As a young man/woman, I thought I would be… but actually… Ben: I never really knew what I
wanted to be when I grew up but God led me to serving and caring for others by being a nurse, and I
absolutely love it! Mary Frances: As a child I wanted to be a marine biologist when I grew up. Later in
life I wanted to be a business woman. I ended up being an attorney working for a Christian ministry.
My first job was… My worst job was… My favorite job was… because…; Ben: My first job was
cutting grass for the local country club. My favorite job is being a nurse because I love helping people.
Mary Frances: My first job was working at the bank for a summer where my father worked. My favorite job is my current job at Lifeline Children’s Services, where I serve as Director of Administration
& Compliance. It is a blessing to work in a Christian atmosphere.
I always thought it would be great to… Ben: Learn a second language. Mary Frances: Travel to the
Holy Land.
How did you meet your spouse? What was special to you about your spouse? Ben: We grew up in
the same town and met at my church when she visited with a friend. There are so many special things
about my spouse. She is the most caring and thoughtful person I have ever met. She is extremely empathetic. She is also very neat and organized. She is a great listener and always gives intelligent advice.
She is the best friend I have ever had. Mary Frances: We grew up in the same town, but I met him
when I visited his church with a friend of mine in high school (we went to different schools). We dated
for a short time in high school and then went our separate ways for 10 years before running back into
each other and getting married. There is so much that is special about Ben. He is the kindest person
that I know and an amazing husband and father. I love to watch him with our children.
How long have you been married? What have you done together in your marriage that has
meant the most to you or been the most enjoyable? Ben: We have been married for four years.
Having children together has been the most amazing thing ever, but traveling to south France was
really fun too! Mary Frances: By far becoming parents and raising our children together has meant the
most and also been the most enjoyable.
People would be surprised if they knew… Ben: How much I love soccer. Mary Frances: I was
almost driven off of a mountain in Argentina by my paragliding instructor.
My hope for AVPC is that it could… Ben: Continue to grow in the grace of God our Father, glorifying him in all that it does. Mary Frances: Continue to grow in Christ and grow together in fellowship.
Page 4
AVPC News
PEOPLE NEWS AND PRAYER REQUESTS:
• We express our condolences to Jason and Romina Foster and their family on the death of
Romina’s father, Omar Gil.
• We express our condolences to Mark and Marian Wilson and their family on the death of Marian’s
mother, Patricia Montgomery.
• We express our condolences to Zac and Alli Campbell and their family on the death of their
daughter, Elle Campbell.
• We express our condolences to Corb and Carol Heimburger and their family on the death of
Corb’s father, Dr. Bob Heimburger.
• We express our condolences to Scott and Debbie Pennington and their family on the death of Debbie’s father, Leon Wilson.
• We express our condolences to Barry and Lea Anne Parker and their family on the death of Lea
Anne’s father, Carmon Ersel King, Jr.
• Mary Kay Beard has a new address: 2017 Chickadee Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101. She also
has a new cell phone number: 573.691.7619.
• Ashley Hood has a new address: 310 Kingston Circle, Birmingham, AL 35211.
• Holt & Laura Gray have a new address: 1416 Buckhead Road, Vestavia, AL 35216.
• Congratulations to Naomi Hill on her recent marriage to Shahn Washington. They were married
here at AVPC on June 6.
• Congratulations to Joanna Carter on her recent marriage to Benjamin Briggs. They were married
on June 7. Joanna is the daughter of Jon and Betty Carter.
• Congratulations to our high school graduates, who will heading to college in the fall. These
students are: Mary Davis Barber (Auburn University), Ruth Blackburn (Samford University),
Amy Kathryn Coley (Auburn University), Abraham Lee (Auburn University),
Katie Lee (Florida State University), Sarah Linder (Samford University), Matt McCallum
(Auburn University), and Julia Wilson (Samford University).
• Congratulations to AVPC-supported missionary Fran Burgess, who just completed his first solo
flight in Papua New Guinea and is now Captain Burgess!
Men—make sure to sign
up for the Barons game
on Tuesday, July 28!
PREGNANCIES:
Grace Kipp (due in July)
Nikki Armstrong (due in November)
UPCOMING EVENTS—MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
WACK - July 6-10
Membership Weekend - July 17-18
Camp Solid Rock - July 27-30
ALL MEN ARE INVITED—Men’s Baseball Outing—Tuesday, July 28
Barons Game at Regions Field—meet at front gate at 6:30 p.m.
Sign up online at www.avpc.org/baseball
Contact Jack Morris ([email protected]) for questions.
Page 5
Children’s Ministry
“But the truth is that
the God who put his
image on every
human soul knows
all of his creatures
deeply and
intimately. No life is
an ugly waste or a
throw-away to him.”
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Last week, we gathered as a church community to celebrate the life of a beautiful little girl, and also to
grieve with her family. The Campbells will miss their sweet Elle profoundly. Our worship together that
morning—singing songs of praise to the Lord along with songs of hope and longing even through
pain—was a beautiful testament to what a human life really is. Even at the age of a three, before she’s
done anything that the world considers important, a little child bears the image of God; through her
innocence and trust, she reflects something of God’s love to the world around her and especially to her
family who care for her so deeply. That’s why we all prayed earnestly during those difficult weeks that
God would keep Elle here--because she was such a valuable gift to those who knew her! A unique
image-bearer who would one day trust her Savior and grow to serve the body of Christ.
It’s really amazing that God allows us as human beings to reflect his glory in this way; in our short time
here on earth, we all complete our parts in His story and accomplish what no one else can—and yet,
even though we accept the truth of that and sometimes feel the miracle of it, how sad it is when we have
to say goodbye to someone we love and face a long separation.
One thing I found myself feeling deeply last week was how unfair it seems that so many children are
never loved or celebrated by a Christian community in this way. Orphaned or abandoned or mistreated,
they live their lives unseen by the world. No one calls out the glory of the image of God in them; only a
few really try to help. Where is the hope in this? If you’re like me, just thinking about it has the power
to rock your faith. How can God let such injustice go on? Doesn’t he love those children as much as he
loves ours?
After writhing around for a while in these unhappy thoughts, I realized that I’m assuming God loves in
the same way I do. My love is limited by distance and space, by sin, by lack of empathy, by fear of
differences and personal risks. Because I can’t really know or love very many people, I think God can’t
either. But the truth is that the God who put his image on every human soul knows all of his creatures
deeply and intimately. No life is an ugly waste or a throw-away to him. He gave his own son to rescue
us all from sin and death, and in some mysterious way, he even loves those who resist him.
This an amazing truth, and I pray that as I grieve for one little girl, I can become more like the saving,
celebrating God who created her. I pray that I’ll have his love for all the children He brings to our
church as well as those in the city around us and beyond. Lord, give us eyes to see your image in each
child; give us strength to take them the good news of Jesus Christ; give us courage to love them as you
have loved us.
Betty Carter, Children’s Director
God’s House Kindergarten
Big Prayers for Little Souls
Our GHK staff meets every morning for a time of announcements, devotion, and prayer. This is a time
that is precious to us all, for we love the fellowship, and, oh, how it strengthens our hearts to know that
we can ask others to pray for us! We have seen many, many prayers answered over the years.
We are blessed at God’s House to be able to pray for one another and with our students. Not all our
children come from Christian homes. Paul tells us in Philippians to pray about everything, so when a
child asks for prayer for a booboo or a lost puppy, then we pray. Hopefully these little ones are learning
about the God who loves and cares for them. And when we teachers face circumstances that need
God’s hand to minister and to guide, then we can confidently pray for each other, knowing that God
hears.
There is also a deeper dimension to prayer. I’ve just started reading Timothy Keller’s new book,
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God. In the second chapter, Keller directs the reader to
the book of Ephesians. He notes that Paul’s prayers for the believers in Ephesus are not prayers for God
to change outward circumstances. Instead, Paul prays that the Ephesians will ‘know him better,’ that
they will have wisdom, revelation, and enlightened hearts that see God. What a big prayer for these
little souls running around on our playground! As teachers entrusted with the well-being of our
students, we hope to be faithful to the work God has given us to do.
Lou Ann Spell, GHK Teacher
Page 6
Youth Happenings
Jr. High - F.I.S.H. Nights
Our F.I.S.H. Nights or “Friends In Someone’s House” will continue throughout July for our Jr. High
students. From 6:00-8:00 p.m. each Wednesday evening we’ll do a new (and often crazy) activity set
to a fun fish theme. Dates for the remaining F.I.S.H. nights are July 8, 15, 29; August 5.
July 8 – Swimming @ the Rasmussens’ (1122 Lake Colony Lane, 35242)
July 15 – Water Slide @ the Lloyds’ (3104 Meadows Lane, 35242)
July 29 - Activity TBA @ the Stephens’ (704 Haycort Lane, 35244)
August 5 - Activity/Location TBA
Sr. High - $100 Sundays
We have this idea of giving our Seniors a night to plan all on their own, using - you guessed it - $100
cash. It’s a chance for our Seniors to put their touches on an event to serve their youth group. $100
goes a long way and could, for instance, rent two sumo suits, bring in a guest speaker, or simply purchase a nice dinner. The only limits are the imaginations of our Seniors and $100. Remaining dates for
$100 Sundays are July 5, 12, 19. We’ll meet from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
July 5 - Altadena Park
July 12 - Location TBA
July 19 - Location TBA
Summer Sunday School Series
We’re continuing our Summer Sunday School series (say that five times fast!) for Jr. and Sr. High
students. Jr. High students are studying “Jesus, the One and Only” (Great Commission Publications)
with intern Nathan Lloyd in the Parlor Basement room. And - Sr. High students will continue their
study on Evangelism with Anthony in the Altadena House. Hope to see you there!
The AVPC Youth
Ministry Exists to…
ENGAGE junior
and senior high
students with the
gospel,
ENCOURAGE their
growth in Jesus
Christ, and
EQUIP them to
make an impact on
the world.
JULY
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 Youth Mission Trip
to Atlantic City
2
3
4
5 6:00 p.m.
Sr. High - $100
Sundays
6 Julia Wilson’s
birthday!
Michael
Whitner’s
birthday!
7
8 6:00 p.m.
Jr. High F.I.S.H.
Nights
9
10
11
12 6:00 p.m.
Sr. High - $100
Sundays
13
14
15 6:00 p.m.
Jr. High F.I.S.H.
Nights
16
17
18
19 6:00 p.m.
Sr. High - $100
Sundays
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 Sarah
Stephen’s
birthday!
Shelby Stephen’s
birthday!
27
28
29 6:00 p.m.
Jr. High F.I.S.H.
Nights
30
31 Jacob Apol’s
birthday!
Camp Solid Rock
Remember, be sure to regularly consult the online calendar at www.avpc.org for additions or changes to
youth happenings at AVPC. Thank you for your continued partnership in the Jr. & Sr. High ministry
through prayer and participation.
Page 7
A Note from the Campbell Family
To our wonderful church family,
How can we ever say thanks? You all have been such a blessing to us. You have truly been the definition of what a church should be/do. It's been absolutely beautiful. In the ugly, dark places we've been,
you have been such a beautiful light for us. You have walked through the valley of the shadow of death
along side us and for that we thank you. We love you so much and can not imagine going through any
of this without all of you. Thank you for all the meals, house cleaning, childcare, lawn care, gifts,
donations, and prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We will forever be grateful. Please continue
to pray for us and love on us, as well as our extended family. We will hurt for a long time and right
now, we can't imagine not hurting. But we know the Lord will heal us. Thank you again.
We love you all.
The Campbells
Missions News
Meet Besi Rajta
Meet our new missionary, Besiana “Besi” Rajta!
Besi serves with CRU in Albania. We first met
Besi through Ed and Laura Wolfe, Mary
Katherine Calderini, and Sherry Cawley, who
served with Besi in Albania on a short-term trip in
July 2014. The rest, as they say, is history – Besi
visited the States and our congregation, and we
are glad to announce that we’ll be supporting her
financially.
Besi was born in Albania. Her parents were
atheists, but God was working in her family
through Besi and stirred questions in her heart at a young age as she pondered God’s existence, her own
existence and the meaning of life, and the afterlife. After communism fell, Besi (who had been praying
for God to show her the way and to convince her of his existence) was introduced to some Christians
who showed her their love and compassion for God and for one another. She started attending church
and reading the Bible. She was especially struck by Jesus’s proclamation that he is “the way, the truth,
and the life.” In that moment, she realized that she had been trying – in vain – to earn eternal life that
had already been provided for her through Christ. At 14 years of age, Besi gave her life to Christ.
Meet our new
missionary,
Besiana Rajta!
Since then, Besi’s greatest desire has been to tell others about Jesus – to share with them the good news
that was shared with her. Besi served with CRU as a student, leading small group Bible studies and
discipling new believers. She is now on staff with CRU and serves on the National Campus Team
which oversees the campus movement in Albania and Kosovo. They provide leadership to campus
staffs and help them with strategic planning. Besi works directly with the campus women’s staff. She
shepherds, equips, and serves alongside these women as they seek to reach high school and college
students for Christ. Continue to pray for Besi and her work – that God will continue to bless her and her
work, and will use her to spread the gospel in Albania, Kosovo, and beyond.
Page 8
Volunteer Schedules
July Nursery Volunteer Schedule
Nursery Director - Diana Lloyd (908.9666)
Volunteers work 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Note: Please arrive at your assigned room by 10:30 a.m. to allow Sunday School teachers to get to
church. Thank you! All volunteers are asked to help sweep and clean up between 12:05-12:15 p.m.
Sunday
Infant
(Room 13)
Toddler & Age 2
(Room 14)
Age 3
(Room 15)
Ages 4-5
Worship Center
(8:15)
Ages 4-5
Worship Center
(10:45)
5
Barclay Godwin
NA
NA
Carter
Allison/Wilson
12
NA
NA
Lavendol
Cvacho
19
Deborah
Halbrooks
Nancy Jackson
NA
NA
Heimburger
Putman/Grey
26
Kelly Jackson
NA
NA
Carter
Wimberly/Sheetz
MAY FINANCIAL REPORT
Beginning Bal.
General Fund
Missions
Total
Income
Expenses
Transfer
Ending Balance
$-38,353
$87,615
$78,326
$-5,934
$-34,998
$-500
$19,731
$40,439
$5,934
$-15,274
$-38,853
$107,346
$118,765
$0
$-50,272
Birthdays for July
7/1 Betty C. Carter
7/1 Melinda Calderini
7/1 Misty Miller
7/8 Ken Francis
7/9 Missy Doles
7/10 Fran Sciacca
7/19 David Mackle
7/19 Tim English
7/20 Melissa Osborne
7/27 Jaylen Clark
7/28 Dan Linder
7/29 Andrew Coats
7/2 Stephanie Whitner
7/10 Mitch Cawley
7/21 Isaac Savoie
7/29 Ellie Jane Williamson
7/4
7/5
7/6
7/6
7/6
7/7
7/11
7/12
7/13
7/14
7/15
7/15
7/22
7/22
7/23
7/24
7/24
7/26
7/31 Sue Mackle
7/31 Jacob Apol
Mark Wilson
Cindy Kinnebrew
Paula Beeton
Julia Wilson
Michael Whitner
McKean Kipp
Kelley Lloyd
Lisa Tyson
Adelaide Gamble
Dan Murphy
Abby Thielman
Jenna Rasmussen
Larry Dunlap
Silena Cvacho
Conor Bodkin
Carol Lloyd
Sarah Jane Thielman
Sarah Stephens
7/7 Harris Jackson
7/15 Laura Gray
7/26 Shelby Stephens
7/8 Lee Davis
7/16 Charis Armstrong
7/27 Dee Mayhew