Volume 48, Number 6 - First Presbyterian Church of Palestine, Illinois
Transcription
Volume 48, Number 6 - First Presbyterian Church of Palestine, Illinois
OUR HOME CHURCH Volume 48, Number 6 June 2010 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH “Our mission is to give glory to God and show His love throughout the world.” Pastor Rev. Paul K. Phillips Ministers Our Congregations Inside this issue: 1st Presby News 2 Stats and Reports 3 Presby People News 4 Focus on Missions 5 Calendars 6/7 Youth Group / Graduate List 8 Pastor’s Page 9 Prayer Concerns 10 Pleasant View News 11 Page 2 First Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 132 - Corner of Market & Pike Palestine, Illinois 62451 Opening Adult & Youth Sunday School - 9:30 AM Worship - 10:30 AM Volume 48, Number 6 Clerk of Session Sandy Bryans (618) 928-2536 Trustees Chairman Kent Boyd (618) 586-2722 Treasurer & Secretary Sandra Ellis (618) 586-2329 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Jim Ellis (618) 586-2329 [email protected] Pastor Paul’s sermons this month have included: A New Commandment A Peaceful Spirit Body of Evidence From Confusion to Understanding Mere Mortals Audio tapes of each Sunday’s worship service are on file in the church library. Two tape players are now available to listen to recordings of our worship service. They may be checked out from the library with the tapes. The Class provided ushers this past month. Pastor Paul presented the Children’s Time in May. Austin Calico, Janice Fuller, Sandy Bryans, Karren Greene, Cindy & Kent Boyd, Mary Bush, and Carolyn Ripley served as greeters in May. The Tweens & Teens Sunday School Class hosted the fellowship breakfast on Mothers’ Day. The Inter-Church Graduates Luncheon was held in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church following worship on May 13. Mission Role is Changing General Assembly Mission Council, May 14 "The role of the mission agency is changing from doing mission on the church's behalf to inspiring, equipping, and connecting the church for mission and ministry," Valentine told the council as she outlined the reorganization plan. "Even as we make this shift, we know that God continues to provide all that is necessary for the church's mission." She noted that "congregations and groups are engaging more directly in mission of all sorts” and “we as a church are re-committing ourselves to expanding partnership in God’s mission and in the process expanding our witness to Christ in this country and around the world in ever more profound and impactful ways." Statistics show that Presbyterians are giving more overall to mission than ever before. An adult Bible Study Class continues to meet Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church. The group is led by Pastor Paul and all are welcome! Read the full article at: http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2010/10415.htm Our Home Church Page 3 TRUSTEE HIGHLIGHTS May 19, 2010 † Approved for Treasurer, Sandy Ellis, to change accounts to incur the least amount of monthly fees. † Approved to have Robert Lathrop administer a grub worm application when suitable. † Approved bid from Artisan Glass to clean the stained glass windows. † Approved to remove the probation status of the janitor. † Pastor Paul to contact Otie’s Electric for air conditioner inspection and maintenance. † Approved to run a quarter page advertisement in the 2010 Bull Bash on the Wabash program book. † Approved to accept the insurance policy from Insurance Board. † Noted Mike Magill’s books will be donated to the Palestine Public Library - (this was verified with Greg Magill.) † Approved to accept the bid from John Crampton for window restoration – remove Plexiglas, scrape, wash, paint, putty, and replace Plexiglas. † Approved bid from Gregg Cox to repair front banister, repair east window (bad frame) and move stained glass windows. † Approved bid from Schlomer Restoration to repair bulging bricks on the outer north side of the church. † Approved to renew Wick’s Organ maintenance contract for 2010. † Next meeting will be Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Attendance Register Sunday School Church May 02 68 80 May 09 62 102 May 16 55 75 May 23 55 83 May 30 57 69 Avg. 59 82 Avg. 1 Yr Ago 45 75 TREASURER’S REPORT – MONTHLY SUMMARY - April 2010 Total Operating Receipts $ 6,949.65 Total Operating Disbursements ($ 7,712.43) - Year to Date - YTD Operating Disbursements $ 36,536.08 Percent of Annual Budget 29.40 % Surplus / Deficit ($ 2,525.28) - Benevolence Fund - Disbursements $ 75.12 Balance $ 2, 944.37 - Palestine Food Bank - Receipts $ 50.00 Disbursements $ 30.00 - One Great Hour of Sharing Receipts $ 339.30 Disbursements $ 414.30 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS May 19, 2010 † Served communion to 67 on May 2, 2010. † Approved to support the Summer Success Program with a donation to be determined before the end of May. † Approved to hold a Special Session meeting on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 to discuss Mission Projects. † Approved to cover the Fellowship Breakfasts for July 11, 2010 and November 14, 2010. † Approved to receive the Pentecost Offering on Sunday, May 23, 2010. † Approved to accept Pastor Paul’s request for vacation from June 26, 2010 through July 10, 2010. † Approved to accept Pastor Paul’s request for Study Leave from August 23 – 27, 2010. † Approved to send Oblong Children’s Christian Home the May contribution of $250.00. † Approved to have the remaining Red Hymnals rebound using money from the Memorial Fund to cover the expenses. † Approved to have a Volunteer Recognition CookOut on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. † The next regular Session meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. Page 4 Volume 48, Number 6 The red rocks of Arrowhead Golf Club in Littleton, Colorado were the background for the wedding of Derek and Mackenzie Nickum on May 15, 2010. Family members and friends worried all day if the outdoor wedding would encounter rain, but the sun appeared when the six o'clock ceremony began. Carolyn Ripley and Derek's grandparents, Diane and Charlie Nickum, attended and partied with the newlyweds. Sorry, as of yet, we have no suitable picture of the newly married couple to show. Derek and Mackenzie will live in Arvada, Colorado. Mackenzie teaches math in Westminster and Derek is an engineer in Denver. To fully appreciate the beauty of this setting, check out the online version of this month’s “Our Home Church.” Activities Sunday, June 13th, 5:00 p.m. Volunteer Appreciation / Summer Cookout. All food, drinks, and table service will be provided by the Session. We are in need of a few grills and bar-be-quers! The Palestine Food Pantry is in need of egg cartons. If you have any, please bring to our kitchen. Also, keep the plastic bags coming in. Thanks! the Palestine Food Pantry June 14th - 18th Country VBS at Grace. Sunday, June 20th, 2:30 p.m. Worship service at Cotillion Ridge. Help with hymn singing is always appreciated. June 21st - 25th Union VBS at First Christian. Volunteers to help with VBS are needed. Please contact Dawn Biggs at 586-5542, the sooner the better! Please collect 2 liter bottles and water bottles. They need to be rinsed out and with the lids, please. Our Home Church Page 5 Focus on Missions MARION MEDICAL MISSIONS Millions of the extreme poor in Africa now have a sustainable source of safe drinking water because of Marion Medical Mission. The need is great. UNICEF estimates that 4,500 children die every day, 1 every 15 seconds, from preventable water-borne diseases. 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. The gift of a shallow well literally saves lives. A locally based ministry, Marion Medical Mission, is leading the way in this global struggle. Their goal for 2010, their 25th Anniversary year, is to put in 2,500 shallow wells providing 500,000 of the extreme poor (300,000 children) in Africa with a sustainable source of safe drinking water. On July 17 Marion Medical Mission will celebrate their 25th Anniversary with a day of activities and worship at the Christian Life Center in Herrin, IL. There will be a Silent Auction of African art and wood carvings; a sharing of mission stories and native African speakers from Malawi & Tanzania. The day will conclude with a banquet and a celebratory worship service. Last year 35 volunteers (8 from Southeastern Illinois Presbytery) installed 2071 pumps providing an estimated 414,000 of the extreme poor (240,000 children) with safe drinking water. Marion Medical Mission began in 1985 with local doctors from Marion going to the other side of the globe to help with medical needs in Zaire, Africa. In 1990 MMM began the ministry that has come to be their passion and the centerpiece of their mission: The Shallow Well Program. That year they installed 13 shallow wells in Malawi. Since that humble beginning, they have installed 10,921 shallow wells and expanded from Malawi into Tanzania and Zambia. At an average of 200 people per well, that translates to 2,184,200 people with clean, safe water; truly a global impact for this locally based ministry. At the extremely low cost of $350 per well, MMM is able to provide clean, safe, drinking water at an average of $1.75/person. “What is even more amazing than our low cost per well; is the fact that we also provide a maintenance program that keeps that well working in the village as long as it is needed.” says co-founder and president, Tom Logan of Marion. The African village agrees to pay a nominal yearly fee of approximately $10 for the Maintenance Program. Logan goes on to say: “Our maintenance program is what separates Marion Medical Mission from other water programs and what makes us possibly the world’s largest non-governmental provider of safe water.” MMM provides what the African people cannot afford: a simple hand pump, pipe, parts and cement. The African people provide what they can: they make the bricks, dig the well and gather sand & rock for building the well. MMM works at the grass roots level, hand in hand with the African people and goes into some of the most remote areas.“100% of all donations go directly to their designated purposes and 100% of all undesignated donations go to the mission field in Africa; there are no administrative costs deducted.” Logan is eager to point out. For more information on Marion Medical Mission go to http://marionmedical.org 3:00 - 4:00 pm ~ Volunteers Reunion & Silent Auction Preview 4:00 - 5:30 pm ~ Mission Fair Volunteers Share Mission Stories ~ Videos/Power Points ~ Silent Auction of African Wood ~ Carvings, Art & Jewelry ~ Informational Displays ~ Demonstrations 5:30 - 6:30 pm ~ Banquet (Silent Auction ends at 6:00 pm) 6:30 - 8:00 pm ~ Program & Worship 25th Anniversary Video and Speakers African Shallow Well Coordinators from Malawi & Tanzania African Themed Worship with Special Music & Choir Dinner RSVP by July 11: 618-997-5365 or [email protected] Come to one of the events or come to all of them – but come and celebrate how God has worked through us to do the impossible. 11 4 Larry Biggs Kelly Duvall Jeremy Wollam Justin Wollam 25 Tom & Diane Sherman 18 Fellowship Sunday Doug & Michelle Goodwine Communion Karren Greene Karen Sue Hemrich Jason Richardville Marie Davis Independence Day Sunday Monday 12 5 Noralee Buntin 26 Tommy Woodward 19 6 13 Cara Greene Inboden 27 John Gerrity Rick Alumbaugh Charlotte Miller 20 Charles Walker Tuesday 14 7 Jim Biggs 28 Trustees Meeting 7:30 PM Session Meeting 6:30 PM Kirk Adams 21 Lynn & Mary Ellen York Bruce Fulling Judy Winger Wednesday 8 1 Melissa Adams 29 Mary Lee Shaw Riley Erton 22 15 Dick & Lee Vehling Thursday 9 2 30 Bob & Sandy Bryans 23 Charlee Walker 16 Sandy Bryans Cheryl Mefford Friday July 2010 Karen Klein Gress Amanda Dunlap Our Home Church 3 Dan Sullivan 31 Bob Walker Bill & Jane Kiracofe 24 17 Deanna Holmes Jessica Spinner Vivian Fuller 10 Dana Locke Tammi Wesner Cindy York Steve & Becky Ramsey Saturday PCUSA UCC 6 Tuesday Hannah Shaner Becky McNary 8 15 Alma Hughes Bill Kiracofe Katherine Knoblett 1 Wednesday Cindy Fuller Trustees Meeting 7:30 PM Session Meeting 6:30 PM 16 Betty Woodward Paul & Terryl Postlewaite TJ & Ashley Tingley 9 2 Thursday 17 Floyd & Vivian Fuller 10 Angie Keeler Larry & Sharon Biggs Chester & Karren Greene Scott & Kristi Zane 3 Friday Wes Keeler 11 18 Jim & Judy Kincaid Donald Magill 4 June 2010 Monday 7 21 Marilyn Garrard John & Shirley Burner Dick & Johanna McCarty 28 22 Lugene Bond Bob & Tracy Fulling Glenn & Jan Judge 29 23 Sarah Kimberlin Jan Judge Marilyn Fulling Scott Goodwine 30 24 Shannon Knoblett Doyne Reinbold 25 Steve Ramsey Jim & Cindy Fuller Max & Joan Fulling Charles & Darra Walker Union Vacation Bible School at 1st Christian Church … contact Dawn Biggs at 586-5542 to volunteer! Lisa Beabout Country Vacation Bible School at Grace United Methodist Church … contact Pastor Paul for details! Jay Fulling Abbie Sherman Raymond & Carolyn Biggs 14 Rev. Gordon & Margaret Page Todd & Mei Cui Judge Our Home Church Sunday Allison Dunlap Greg Magill 13 20 Sarah Parkhurst Crane Father's Day Fellowship Sunday 27 Richard & Jane Hudson PCUSA UCC Saturday Sharon Miller Elizabeth Smith 5 12 Travis & Carrie Crumrin 19 26 Taylor Guyer Mark & Linda Catt Chet & Beth Greene Page 8 Volume 48, Number 6 Presbyterian and Pleasant View Youth News On May 16th, we met in union with the First Christian Church at their church. We listened to music and watched video clips from Hero Headquarters – our summer VBS theme. Dawn gave a brief overview of the curriculum and the characters we will meet during VBS week. Following that, we adjourned to the basement for snacks, left-over graduation cake, and an energetic game of Scattergories. A fun time was had by all! rd On May 23 , the youth went on a field trip. After church, we met in the parking lot. Finally, all of us were there and ready to go. Three car loads went to the new Monical’s in Terre Haute for lunch. Following that, we went to X-treme Laser Tag. After being briefed and split into teams, the battle began. Two back-to-back games is more work than you realize! Everyone is ready to head back for another round of games. Those attending were: Michael Johnson, Lauren Wagoner, Jack Murphy, Jackie Caton, Tabitha Frizzi, Foster Biggs, Cody Redman, Cole Wesner, Lance Wesner, & Kendra Biggs. Chaperones were Pastor Paul, Michele Wagoner, & Larry & Dawn Biggs. A great time was had by all! Reminder: There will be no youth meeting on June 20th in observation of Fathers’s Day. ——— Youth Group Meeting Schedule ——— Listen for updates at church on Sunday or call Pastor Paul or Dawn Biggs for more information. Friends, fun, and food are guaranteed! Watch the church bulletin and online calendar for updates on times and plans/outings for Youth Group. No Youth Group on the first Sundays First Presbyterian and Pleasant View will be meeting on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Students in grades sixth through high school are encouraged to attend and bring their friends from 6:30 till 8:00 pm in the church basement. On the third Sunday of each month, we'll be joining with the youth of First Christian Church for Union Youth Group. Eighth Grade Graduates Jackie Caton High School Graduates Michael Johnson Shannon Knoblett Jenna McKee Jessica Spinner Delaney Woodward College Graduates Laci Jean Bex Mercy School of Nursing Diploma in Nursing John Kent Gerrity University of Dayton School of Law Juris Doctor James Curtis Goodwine Southern Illinois University College of Applied Sciences and Arts Bachelor of Science Degree Mortuary Science and Funeral Service Lindsay Ann McKee Indiana State University Bachelor of Science Degree Accounting Minor in Forensic Accounting Susan Ellen O’Donnell University of Iowa PhD in Biochemistry Leigh Andrea Pifer University of Illinois College of Educational Organization and Leadership Masters in Higher Education Administration Hannah Lynn Shaner Indiana State University Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Degree Public Relations Minors in Marketing and Creative Writing Our Home Church Page 9 Pastor Paul’s Page I want to share with you the May 14, 2010 address I gave at the Fortieth Annual Commencement for Lincoln Trail College. I also want to thank Gayle Zaring who recommended me for this privilege to speak to the graduates. Fingerprints and other Indelible Marks “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,” according to Proverbs 10:17. Tonight we celebrate our graduates who have learned to heed instruction, who have invested their time and energies in their path to life. Congratulations! You’ve passed the sitting still and listening test, learning the three R’s, “Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic—forget the spelling. You learned to use No. 2 pencils, compose your own thoughts and ideas. You opened book after book and your knowledge has grown. And everywhere that you learned you left something of yourself behind; your fingerprints and other indelible marks. Every page you read and turned; each pencil or pen held; all the papers written and re-written; each desk sat in; every keyboard used; every ball caught, thrown, dunked or spiked; each instrument played, or Bunsen burner lit has your mark, your fingerprint, on them. You have also LEFT an indelible mark, something special and unique about you, gifted by your creator, with your teachers, your fellow students and families. In learning about the world we acquire a variety of skills; some social that help us get along with others, some marketable skills that enhance our ability to make a living, some creative skills, that help us make music, write poetry, paint or draw, perform on stage. The learning of the world is good when infused with love, compassion and care for others; when the business where we’re employed puts customers first; when the hospital we work at puts patients first; when the school that hires us to be a teacher, a coach or an administrator puts the students first; when the band we play in, the team we play on, or the choir we sing in, puts teamwork first, puts a passion for others first; that type of learning, serving others through compassion, sets us on the path to life. The Bible also says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). A life of faith is not a replacement for worldly knowledge; it is a different kind of knowledge. Faith is the ground we stand on, the soil we grow from, it is believing in things unseen. Faith is acquired throughout our life. It is a spiritual journey, a pilgrimage that we take. God’s word fills the empty spaces that happen in life, in which the worldly knowledge doesn’t have answers. Our faith is a source of comfort when mysteries abound, when the path of life we’re on becomes hard to understand. And sometimes, all we can do during life’s treacherous times is sit still and listen; listen to God’s word and what it means for you. What you have learned here doesn’t stay here. You will add to your knowledge and it will allow you to enjoy the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Knowledge will help you to teach and train others, to love and care for others. You will leave, not just your fingerprints, but an indelible mark wherever you go, because God leaves an indelible mark upon you. In the book of Isaiah, God says, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16). You are not alone. God has claimed you. God has marked you for good things. Use your God-given gifts and your newly acquired skills and knowledge in whatever path you take. Mother Teresa once said with great humility, “I am a pencil in the hand of God, writing love letters to the world.” All of you are tools in the hand of God, “engraved on the palms of God’s hands.” As you go out, be unafraid, because you are not alone in this world. God is with you. And take your books. Get more books. Create within yourself a passion for knowledge and understanding. Share your passion. Share your gifts. Share your faith. Sharing with this world will give you the greatest satisfaction. Sharing is learning the way of a servant’s life. When you share yourself with others you will leave an indelible mark in this world. God bless you and your journeys. The peace of Christ be with you, Pastor Paul Volume 48, Number 6 Page 10 Our Continuing Care Concerns Prayer List Our Friends In Nursing Homes & Retirement Living Vickie Akers Wilma Alumbaugh Phil Bailey Sara Benton Cheryl Brashears Barbara Buchanan Doug Campbell Kay Clark Kathy Clayton Riley Cox Heather Earle Millard Elder Beau Davis Lucille Dunlap Carolyn Ellis Sharon Evans Frances Felkamp Joan Goodwin Delbert Green Jack Grimes Paul Gullett Edna Hall Terri Herning Herb Hess Dorothy Edgington ..... Cotillion Ridge Nursing Home Gerald Illyes..............................................................Bridgepoint Mary Leggitt ................................................Methodist Village Carol Sue Maddox ............................... CMH Skilled Care Anna Mills ........................ Cotillion Ridge Nursing Home Marlene Russell ............ Cotillion Ridge Nursing Home Esther York .................................. Ridgeview Care Center To activate the telephone Prayer Chain please call: Pastor Paul - 586-2039 or 554-1295 (cell); Sandy Bryans - 928-2536; or Sharon Biggs - 586-5131 To activate the online Prayer Chain please email: [email protected] Makenna Hill Patty Neff Pam Hill Sybil Newlin Alma Hughes Doyle Nidey David Hunter Mitchell Nye Randy Hunter Jeanette Oliver Donald Illyes Cody Parker Cliff Inboden Diane Pierson Jan Kincaid Mike Price Austin Lang Gene Purcell Whitney Lewsader & baby Wendell Reinbold Denny Maddox John Repp Ruth Maddox Logan Seaney Jack Martin James Starkey Bob Mason Bonnie Stephens Phyllis McCammon (CA) Carl Tingley George McCarter Dr. John Trimble Judi McCarter Red Waggoner Mary Margaret McCarter Robert Weaver Harley Marie McCord Ann Wesley Heather McCormick Butch White Rev. Carol McDonald Rev. Fred White John McQuay Missy Williams Michelle Mendenhall Lee Wise Ben Miller Jack Woodward Ron & Esther Pfeifer & Family The Church offers its sympathy to and shares its faith with the family and friends of … Carl Robinson & Matthew Akers Elias Ashley Judie Beauchamp * Nathan Devonshire Rob Eller Jeff Evans Jim Ferguson Bradley Fulling Clayton Green Jason Green * Joshua Green Allen Hodge Ed Hodge their families Michael Kennedy II Andrew Kincaide Kristen Klein Patrick Lindley Darren Mikeworth Ryon Mullins Brent Nehls Chelsea Otte Dustin Pankonien * Nick Pate Amy Phillips Justin Potter Jeff Price Michael Ramsey Levi Richardson Shane Robinson Ryan Rumler * Dan Salee Travis Selby * Anthony Shanes Robert Simms Daylon Siverly Emma Stanfield Andy Stephens David Stone Alex Szigethy Tim Tanner Mike Timms Travis Titsworth Kalley Vahl * Lance Vennard * Josh Watkins * Andy Weaver * Nathan Wesley Tyler Williamson Zeb York * out of country Our Home Church Deacons Mary Lee Shaw Brett Burkett Judy Spinner Trustees Clifford Adams Tom Woodward John Coulter Page 11 Pleasant View United Church of Christ Worship Service - 9 A.M. Sunday School - 10 A.M. P.O. Box 132 - Located South of Palestine Clerk Vickie Perkins Treasurer Clifford Adams 586-2546 Secretary Sue Smith 586-5039 Newsletter Contacts Kim Alumbaugh Sue Smith Pleasant View Women’s Fellowship The Women's Fellowship of Pleasant View Church met at the home of Linda Adams on Wednesday, May 26, with six members and one guest, Rev. Paul Phillips, answering roll call. Linda Russell opened the meeting by reading a selection on "Why We Should Be Thankful for Trees" with scripture from Jeremiah 17: 7,8 followed by prayer. Business included: †Thank you cards for the Easter baskets. †A request from 14th and Chestnut in Terre Haute for help with their summer programs and expenses. †Crisis Pregnancy Center in Robinson had an updated newsletter and Mary Lee reported they are in need of funding and prayers at this time. †Labor Day Bake Sale was discussed and decided the group will hold a "bake-less" bake sale again this year. †Alma Hughes had given the fellowship 19 beautiful hand crocheted sweater sets for the layettes. †Cards were to be sent to those mentioned with joys, cares, or concerns. Paula Burkett was the program leader this month. She centered on "What Makes Us Tick" and mentioned several men of the Bible who had found themselves at odds with God. She explained why each of these men found themselves in such a position. She then shared three stories/incidents with the group which were entitled "Ton of Bricks", "Never Quit", and the "Deck of Cards". She closed the meeting with a prayer for our troops in keeping with Memorial Day. The hostess served refreshments to Rev. Paul Phillips, Noralee Buntin, Paula Burkett, Linda Russell, Mary Lee Shaw and Sue Smith. Our next meeting will be with Linda Russell on June 23 at 1:30 P.M. The project for the month will be items for SWAN in Olney. Thought for the month... In God's garden of love, you are His forget-me-nots. Our Home Church First Presbyterian Church Pleasant View Church PO Box 132 Palestine, Illinois 62451 www.1stpresby-palestine.org June 2010