2 MB 6th Mar 2015 March 2015

FAITH TIMES
301 Bailey Ranch Rd.
Aledo, Texas 76008
Office Hours Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00
Phone:
817/441-6262
Fax:
817/441-1565
E-mail:
[email protected]
On the Web at
www.faithaledo.com
Inside this issue:
Message from
Pastor Jim
2
Joys and Concerns 2
Birthdays
2
Music Ministry
3
Calendar
4
Children’s
Ministry
5
Service and
Fellowship
6
Ash Wednesday
8
Sundays at Faith
Sunday School & Bible
Study begin at
9:15 a.m.
Worship begins at
10:30 a.m.
Childcare is provided
Our Vision – A Community where people are FINDING, GROWING, LIVING, AND
EXTENDING the love, grace, and compassion of Jesus Christ.
Volume 13, Issue 3
c
March 2015
Be Beloved
Most of us would agree that being called
‘beloved’ is a good thing and something worth
making a goal in life. But, love is tricky at best.
There are a wide range of things about a person
that may make that person beloved—and, quite a
bit of disagreement about what those things are
that will lift a person to the level of being anyone’s
beloved.
That’s what it takes to be ‘beloved’—to be loved by one or more other persons. And, it
takes that person (or persons) to declare you beloved. There is the catch. Being beloved is
out of your control. It’s in the hands of others.
Even if we become beloved, it takes a considerable (but, important) effort to discover
whether we are beloved for who we are or, what we did and what we do to be called
beloved by others. This is an important distinction because it is virtually impossible to do the
things that make others call you beloved 24/7.
Being beloved by others can be a fleeting thing. Many people have been disappointed by
reaching this goal and watching their beloved-ness disappear as quickly as it came.
A very wise person once said, “If being loved is your goal, you will probably fail.” The real
goal we should strive for then, is to love.
We ought to be able to make this adjustment because, in reality, we have already achieved
the goal of being beloved. Before any other person knew we were coming into the world,
before we did anything to be named beloved by anyone else, we were declared by God to
be beloved—His beloved.
What causes us to let this glorious declaration of our beloved-ness fade into the
background of what the world tells us we need to do and be in order to be called beloved?
It just shouldn’t be that way.
We believe that everyone needs to reclaim their original beloved-ness. Then, live each
day knowing that you have God’s perfect love showering down on you 24/7.
The Apostle John says in 1John 4:18 that God’s perfect love casts out all fears. When our
sense of beloved-ness is dependent on others, life can turn quickly into nothing more than a
struggle for survival. That is sad.
It is sad because even though some may succeed in becoming beloved by the world’s
standards, many will not—even though they have tried so hard to accomplish that goal.
The great spiritual writer, Henri Nouwen, reminds us, “The world is not the source of its
own life much less yours.”
Returning to the Apostle John, a few verses earlier 1John 4:9-10, John tells us:
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might
live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son to be
the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Jesus gave His life to give every one of us back our beloved-ness. This is the gift of the
cross of Jesus Christ. As we approach Easter we urge everyone to reclaim your belovedness. Jesus is dying for you to have it.
View this newsletter on our website. See more about us on Facebook.
FAITH TIMES
Later on in March we mark the beginning of Spring. Schools make space for a Spring Break. All
the stores have transitioned from winter to spring/summer clothes. All of these things point to
a significant change—in the weather.
In the earlier years of my lifetime, we put Easter at the center of this change. Spring Break in
our schools back in Virginia comprised four weekdays off, two before and two after Easter.
New Spring wardrobes made their debut often at Easter. The lyrics of an old song—much
older than me, if you have to ask—depict an annual Easter Parade on 5th Avenue in New York..
I guess it was in my youth when Easter was pushed out of the center of our annual transition
to
Spring.
You can contact
Pastor Jim Witherow
Thank goodness Easter still gets quite a bit of attention. Easter has kind of moved from the
by e-mail,
center of Spring activities to the last of our Spring activities. And, maybe that’s a good thing.
[email protected]
Each of us has a spiritual wardrobe in addition to the clothes we wear. If you are like me, the
tendency is to keep filling up our drawers and closets with new clothes until no more will fit. Then maybe we’ll
get rid of some of the old.
I encourage all of us to use March to take a look at our spiritual wardrobes because Easter is when we get a
whole new spiritual wardrobe. The Apostle Paul used the image of a spiritual wardrobe in many of his letters. In
Colossians 3:9, Paul talks about stripping off the old spiritual wardrobe. Look into your spiritual closets and
drawers during March—clean them out. Get ready to clothe yourself with the new self, Colossians 3:10. Your
Easter wardrobe is being created for you. Will you have room for it?
Spring Blessings!
Pastor Jim
Growing Our Family of Faith
Welcome to Threta Davis, Jamie Saunders, and Peter Schmerber who recently joined our FAITH family! If you are
visiting FAITH we hope that you experienced the Faith Hospitality that we want to extend to all whom God brings
our way. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to fully participate in everything we do at Faith—membership is not
required—but if you are looking for a church home, we encourage you to consider our Faith family. Information
about becoming a member, Journey to Faith, is available at the Hospitality Desk. Please contact Pastor Jim if you are
interested in or would like more information about joining our Faith family!
Joys and Concerns
We pray for Sue Cox’s recovery from back problems. We are praying for Jill Henry’s father after a difficult diagnosis
and Richard Henry’s sister. We celebrate that Carmen Lopez’s mother Lydia is free from cancer and Carmen’s
recover from knee surgery. We pray for Jorge Lott’s recovery and health after a recent heart procedure. We pray
for the success of treatments being administered to Lauren Reed for her cancer. If you have joys, concerns, or prayer
requests please let us know. Call 817-441-6262 and leave messages on Pastor Jim’s voice mail or send an email to Pastor Jim
at: [email protected].
February Birthdays
Shannon Elliott
3/1
Audrey Larsen
3/12
Bobby Baumeister 3/17
Thomas Bolf
3/29
johna beth Mohr 3/5
Bethany Coughlin 3/13
Sheila Ames
3/21
Robin Davis
3/29
Marzie Henckell
3/6
Angela Bollin
3/15
Dan Hall
3/24
Zachery Verner
3/30
Rick Baumeister
3/9
Max Johnson
3/16
Claire Armstrong 3/29
Olivia Henckell
3/31
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FAITH TIMES
Music Notes by johna beth Mohr
Musicians’ Corner
All the Musicians of Faith are all so excited , we have a new piano in
our choir room. Recently our old piano’s middle C finally gave way and
would not sound. When I mentioned our dilemma to the choir, Gregg
Tillman thought he may have a solution! He thought his father (Carl R.
Tillman) might be willing to donate his piano to Faith!
We are now blessed with his gift, a piano for our choir room.
Carl R Tillman was born into a very musical family in Hot Springs,
Arkansas. His mother, Catherine Tillman, taught piano lessons from
her home all the while raising four boys and helping her husband run
small mercantile stores in Hot Springs. Carl is a woodwind instrument
player that later served him well while serving in the Third Army
during WWII. He played the clarinet in post war Europe for many celebrations and cemetery
dedications for our troops that were killed during WWII. Once returning home from his time in the
Army he went to Hendrix College in Arkansas where he received a degree in Music. He returned
back to his home town in Arkansas where he taught music in the Hot Springs public school system.
He later moved to Fort Worth where he met his wife and where music continued to be an
important part of his family's life. He wants to dedicate his piano in memory of Marydell Koepp
Tillman, and her younger brother Lloyd A Koepp Jr.
Thank you Tillman family for your huge kindness, you are blessing us for many years!
MercyMe is an American Christian rock band founded in Greenville, Texas. The band consists of
vocalist Bart Millard, keyboardist James Bryson, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan
Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul.Coming Up to Breathe is the fourth
studio album by Christian rock band MercyMe. nominated for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel
Album at the 49th Grammy Awards, and for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 38th
GMA Dove Awards. The song "Bring the Rain" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 39th
GMA Dove Awards. Please join us March 1 as we sing Bring the Rain for our prelude.
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FAITH TIMES
March 2015
Go to www.faithaledo.com for the most up-to-date version of this calendar.
Sun
1
8:00 am Audio/Praise Band
9:00 am Choir
9:15 am Church School
10:30 am Worship
Music Adv. Team (after
church)
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
2
3
6:30 am Coffee
and the Bible
4
5
6
7
9
10
6:30 am Coffee
and the Bible
11
No Wednesdays
Together—Spring Break
12
13
14
FIRST SUNDAY
LUNCH
8
9:030am Audio
9:15 am Church School
10:30 am Worship /
Communion
5 pm Aledo
4H Club
7 pm Aledo
Venturing Crew
6:30
Sandwiched
Hearts Dinner
Women’s
Bible Study
15
8:30 am Praise Band/Audio
9:00 am Choir
9:15 am Church School
10:30 am Worship
Worship Adv. Team (after
church)
16
22
8:00 am Praise Band/Audio
9:00 am Choir
9:15 am Church School
10:30 am Worship/
Communion
23
29
8:00 am Audio/Praise Band
9:00 am Choir
9:15 am Church School
10:30 am Worship
30
17
6:30 am Coffee
and the Bible
18
6:15 pm
Wed Together / Wed 4
Kids
6:50 pm Youth
6:30 pm
Session
Meeting
EASTER EGG HUNT
24
6:30 am Coffee
and the Bible
25
6:15 pm
Wed Together / Wed 4
Kids
6:45 Fellowship Team
6:50 pm Youth
Women’s
Bible Study
31
6:30 am Coffee
and the Bible
PALM SUNDAY
4
19
20
21
10:30 am Lent
Spirituality
Center
26
7 pm Aledo
Venturing Crew
27
28
FAITH TIMES
Children’s Ministry
Here’s what is going on in the Children’s Ministry
Sunday School
FAITHlets will be learning the Easter Story through books, crafts and games each week.
Club 3:16 and Crossing Zone will be learning about Jesus “I Am” Statements during Lent and Easter.
Nursery Volunteers
The nursery is an important ministry we provide for families with young children and it cannot be done with out
volunteers to love and dote on the smallest members of FAITH. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you
to participate in this ministry.
Kite Flying Planned for Easter Sunday
Butterflies are one symbol of Easter. On Easter Sunday, Children will have the
opportunity to fly butterfly kites (weather depending) and butterfly crafts between
the services.
Worshi
Ou r
Way
Pare
nts
Nigh
t
Out
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FAITH TIMES
Youth Ministry
A Checklist of Youth Events
Sunday, March 1 – Travel to TVS to see the play Jonathan & Will Pickell are involved in.
Will leave Faith
at 2:15. Play is 3-5. Back by 5:45 or so. Cost $
Sunday, March 8 – Winter Jam @ Fort Worth Convention Center (Christian Concert with numerous
artists) – Doors open @ 5:00. Leave Faith at 3:30, grab early supper. Back? Cost $10 plus fast food.
April – Trip to Capernaum.
A live, interactive first century village where we can experience the Passover
experience. More details to follow. http://www.tammylaneproductions.com/purchase-passoverexperience-tickets.html
May – Outing to be determined.
June – Goodland Academy Mission Trip.
Last week in June (Wed – Sunday)
Message from Josh
Greetings Faithful!
At this time of year we find ourselves in the Season of Lent, preparing our hearts and souls for the death and
resurrection of Our Lord Jesus. We are in a season of reflection, spiritual growth, and deep connection with our
faith. In the midst of all that is going on in our life at Faith, I feel that it is important to give an update on the goings on of
our exciting group of young people who make up our youth program. A few weeks ago we were blessed to go on our
annual trip to SHYC or Senior High Youth connection at Austin College. This is always an exciting trip four our youth as
they get to connect with hundreds of youth from other Presbyterian churches across our area through keynotes, small
group activities, and lots of fun and fellowship. This year our theme was awakening a deeper faith and exploring all of the
ways in which the unique pressures our youth face can affect their spiritual growth. The youth also participated in our
Presbytery’s disaster relief efforts by preparing cleanup supplies and back to school kits to be given out in places affected
by hurricanes and floods. It was a wonderful experience to see the youth connecting with youth from other churches
and to explore their faith journeys in new and exciting ways. We also had lots of group bonding time eating at IHOP at
2:00 AM and driving around lost in Sherman due to a shortcoming in my own navigational skills.
Our next activity which we are looking forward to is the Winter Jam Concert which we will be attending on March 8
with the youth from two other local churches. Everyone is invited to go with us regardless of age or previous exposure
to rock music; it will be a great time I’m sure! Our youth team is meeting this Sunday after church to discuss upcoming
events and outings for the Youth of Faith so check the church calendar for upcoming events. We are also excited to be
beginning our confirmation class in the upcoming weeks in which Thomas Bolf and Ryan Shiller will move towards
confirmation and officially join the Youth Program!
Lent blessings and best wishes!
Joshua deSteiguer
76
FAITH TIMES
Fellowship
Sandwiched Hearts Dinner
Saturday, March 14 at 6:30
The Sandwiched Hearts are headed to dinner at The Vintage Grill and Car Museum at 202 Fort
Worth Highway, Weatherford.
Sandwiched Hearts are mostly empty nesters and not yet retired, but anyone is welcome.
First Sunday Lunch in March:
Pulled Pork and Sides
Stay after worship Sunday, March 1, for a yummy lunch.
These lunches are an easy way to get to know your fellow
Faith worshippers.
See Brian McLaren in Fort Worth
What: Brian McLaren is coming to First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth!
When: Saturday, April 11th 9 am – 12 Noon
The Women of Faith recently finished a study, which included Brian McLaren and many of them will be traveling to Fort
Worth to hear him speak about the Bible. If you would like to join the group from Faith, please let Wanda know your
plans. The event is free, but RSVPs have been requested and can be done at FPCFW.org/brianmclaren/
Brian will speak from experiences writing his most recent book We Make the Road By Walking, which “offers everything
you need to explore what a difference an honest, living, growing faith can make in our world today.” Brian will
specifically focus on 1) Rediscovering the Bible, and 2) The Bible is Too Important (and Dangerous) to Be Left to Those
Who Don’t Think Critically About It.
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ALEDO TX
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Faith Presbyterian Church
301 Bailey Ranch Rd.
Aledo, TX 76008
Phone: 817/441-6262
Email: [email protected]
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