God`s Grace, My Gratitude - Palmetto Presbyterian Church

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5
MAY
2014
“Garden Path”
The cover art was
created by Martha
Walsh Vaughan,
who lives with her
husband at Clinton
Presbyterian Community. Martha
uses art to help
people understand
brain disorders and
the quiet struggles
many families face.
Support Presbyterian
Communities of South
Carolina through your
gifts to the Mother’s Day
Offering.
God’s Grace, My Gratitude,
Looking for Jesus . . . Looking for Signs of Jesus
My Easter sermon was titled “Looking for Jesus.” Some theologians say we see Jesus in
the good works of his followers—his disciples. Palmetto is blessed to have so many committed disciples of Jesus. You don’t have to look hard to see the results of their commitment. Here are some things to “look” for:
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The new cross hanging on the back wall of the sanctuary (thanks Derrick)
The new shelves, molding and paint in my study (thanks Buddy, Susan & Blair)
The confirmation banners hanging in the Great Hall (thanks Shelly)
The beautiful palm trees at the front entrance (thanks Buck & Anne)
All the classrooms and offices have been cleaned and organized and de-cluttered—
lots of furniture has been moved! (thanks Susan & the Friday morning Men’s Bible
Study group)
Evangelism and marketing efforts. We are on Facebook, we have signs everywhere,
we are taking sweetgrass crosses and roses to neighbors along with church
brochures. And during Easter, we were on TV, in the Post & Courier and on the
radio (thanks Jeff and the Marketing Team)
Our giving is up, better than it has ever been, and we are continuing to reduce the
principle on our mortgage (thank you Palmetto congregation!)
The new member board in the hallway is filling—please get to know our new folks
and invite them to share in our ministry.
The choir loft . . . our choir is one of our best assets, but there is always room up
there for more singers!
Finally, with so much activity and ministry going on at Palmetto and with your busy
lives, I hope you look for the Sabbath reminders in our bulletin and email each week, I
hope you are finding ways to observe a personal Sabbath, and in the midst of all that we
as a congregation do, I hope we never become so busy that we forget to “be still and
know that God is God.”
My prayer is that we are always looking for Jesus and seeing ways we can best be his
disciples.
It’s a joy to be your pastor,
God’s Grace, My Gratitude,
Crystal Cassels
Director of Music
MUSIC NOTES
The cross serves as a focal
point in our church and
hopefully in our lives. As
you enter our sanctuary,
you see the large cross hanging before the windows.
Now, the choir also can see the cross as a focal point
at the back of the church. (Thank you, Derrick Russ!)
Much of our recent music focused on the cross as we
sang or heard “In the Cross of Christ I Glory,” “When
I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Beneath the Cross of
Jesus” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” One old hymn we
did not sing is “The Way of the Cross Leads Home”.
The lyrics are:
I must needs go home by the way of the cross
There's no other way but this.
I shall ne'er get sight of the gates of light
If the way of the cross I miss.
The way of the cross leads home,
The way of the cross leads home,
It is sweet to know as I onward go
The way of the cross leads home.
In my parents’ home there is a painting with a cross
that serves as a focal point in the foyer of the front
entrance. That painting has always reminded me of
this old hymn. It perfectly depicts the dark, sinful
world in which we live with the cross being the only
way to heaven. If you look closely at the picture to the
right, you will see that the people on the way of the
cross are bent over as though it is a difficult journey.
Indeed, God has not promised us a journey that is always easy, but he has promised us eternal rewards
that are far greater than we can imagine if we choose
the way of the cross. Our Savior’s road via the cross
was certainly one of intense difficulty and anguish.
While we have moved on past Easter, I pray that we
always keep our focus and our eyes on the cross.
With a song in my heart,
Crystal
God’s Grace, My Gratitude,
MAY 4th
“Burning Hearts”
Luke 24:13-35
MAY 11th
“Living Life to the Fullest”
John 10:1-10, Psalm 23
Baptisms: Emily & Sarah Mead Jackson
Communion
MAY 18th
“A Sabbath Delight”
Isaiah 58:13-14
6th Anniversary of the Church
Teacher Appreciation
MAY 25th
“Seeking the Advocate”
John 14:15-21
Vision for Wilderness Escape VBS
You have to experience it!
Step back in time, and join Moses as he and the Israelites
escape Egypt and journey into the wilderness—
watching God guide and provide!
Just imagine…
 Exploring Bible-times culture
 Building strong relationships with other family members
 Trying new crafts and games
 Smelling and tasting new foods
 Learning from Moses, who trusted God…no matter what!
Everything—from the music to the costumes to the Israelite Camp crafts and activities—
absolutely everything has the look, feel, and flavors inspired by the ancient culture of the
Israelites.
When: July 13 – 16, 2014
Time: 5:30 – 8pm
It’s our goal to reach kids with this program who will grow in their relationship with God!
We’re praying that this awesome VBS program will touch children’s hearts and lives with
God’s love. Join in the mission of helping kids in our community discover that
 God is with us, so…trust God!
 God gives us what we need, so…trust God!
 God gives us strength, so…trust God!
 God guides us, so…trust God!
As we plan and prepare for Wilderness Escape VBS, our team cherishes your prayers.
There are many volunteer opportunities available.
Watch for more information about this exciting ministry event!
Cost: $20/per child/Youth to include dinner, t-shirt and one music CD per family
Register online at vbs.palmettopreschurch.org
In Christ ~
Lori Russ, VBS Director
[email protected]
God’s Grace, My Gratitude,
SIGN UP NOW!
May 15-18th
PPC'S Men's Hike
Join the men of Palmetto as we take to the
mountains of North Carolina to tackle the
elements on a four day, three night adventure!
Contacts:
Ralph Wetherell
[email protected] or 725-1000
Derrick Russ
[email protected] or 703-217-0605
Ralph R. Wetherell, III
Commissioning as Lay Pastor
for Men’s Ministry at
Palmetto Presbyterian Church
April 6, 2014
(with Donnie Woods, executive
presbyter of Charleston Atlantic
Presbytery, & Rev. Dr. Michael
Lee Fitze)
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS
June 1-August 31
Sunday Worship
9:30 a.m.
(No Sunday School)
Pathway Partners
Small Group Opportunities
June 15-August 10
Mother's Day Offering May 11th
On Mother's Day, churches across South Carolina
will participate in the Mother's Day Offering for
Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina
(PCSC.) This special offering supports seniors
who outlive their resources and depend on the
generosity of others for their care. Thanks to the
support of Presbyterian congregations and generous individuals, over $1.1 million in charitable
care was provided last year by PCSC. Please consider participating in this special offering and
making a difference in the lives of older adults
who are counting on us! Information and offering
envelopes will be provided in your bulletin on
Mother's Day.
To learn more about this offering, you are encouraged to visit www.preshomesc.org/mothersday .
This is one of three denominational offerings approved by Session for 2014. Please make checks payable to Palmetto and use the special envelopes provided. Thank you for your generosity.
God’s Grace, My Gratitude,
Women’s Christian Book Club
Molokai by Alan Brennert
Tuesday, May 20—10:00 a.m.
Join us as we share a good book, friendship & fellowship.
Meeting this month at the home of Ellen Auten
3565 Henrietta Hartford Road
(Tennyson in Park West)
Contact Ellen at [email protected] or 388-6181
Come join us each Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
Strollers and dogs are welcome, too.
Contact Angela Redden at 224-2267 or
[email protected] to find out
more. Rain Cancels.
May 6 at Park West Track
May 13 at PPC
May 20 at Ellen Auten’s House
May 27 at PPC
Welcome to
Our
Church
Reese Allen (Confirmand)
Skylar Baraso (Confirmand)
MaryLou Steele (Confirmand)
Dan & Jan Burleigh
Bradley & Curry Robertson
(Reece, Pierce & Miles)
Mark & Stephanie Rosborg
Michael, Dana & Ben Rusnak
(Samantha)
Susan, Gabbie, Shelby & Lily Winters
FRIDAYS at PPC
6:30-7:00 a.m. Sharpening Time
(optional)
7:00-8:00 a.m. Study
Contact Gary Mullaney at
[email protected]
Join us Thursdays —
10:00 a.m. at PPC
For more info, contact Kendra
Tuck at [email protected]
or 881-0737.
More Happenings at PPC
Check out the online calendar at
www.palmettopreschurch.org
Capital Campaign Update —
2013-2016 Capital Campaign Goal:
$1 million
Pledges: 78
Pledged: $647,985
Received to date: $221,193.35
Thank you, Shelly van Overeem for designing and making
our 2014 Confirmation Class Banner.
God’s Grace, My Gratitude,
Lissa Long—Associate Pastor
Dear PPC Family,
Has your heart been burning? Have you noticed something tugging inside of you
wanting to grow more spiritually, but then find yourself
stuck in the "how to" of the
question? You, my friends, are
not alone!
This is maybe one of the most asked questions and the answers are different for each person. That can feel defeating at
times, but also very rewarding! It means you are ready to get
your feet wet and try something new and exciting.
Sunday, May 18th
It has been a great year for
Sunday School! Thank you
to the over 60 leaders,
teachers, and facilitators
this year helping us dive into the Word and grow spiritually. We can't
wait to recognize you in worship for your
call to leadership.
Since each person is different, not one shoe will fit every jourS.T.E.P.S. Registration to begin in May!
neyman. I've listed a few ideas below to get your juices flowing and prayerfully to spark a conversation. Let me know your Information will be available at the church. Register early
thoughts. I can't pick for you, but maybe help to guide you in and PPC covers the cost! Lots of great opportunities to connect with Presbytery folks and soak up some new wisdom.
an exciting journey. Also, by knowing you are wanting more
S.T.E.P.S. August 23, Mount Pleasant Presbyterian
spiritually, I can also be in prayer with you and for you.
So, take a moment and pray over the beginning of possibilities.
"He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."-Philippians 1:6
In Christ,
Lissa
-Call a friend you've been thinking of and offer a listening ear.
-Open your Bible and begin with Genesis 1:1. Read as much as
you want each day. Underline the parts that grab you.
-Register for emails and news from Meals on Wheels—
Hey guys!
Be on the lookout for news and updates through the Youth's "Back Room
News" each week. We hope to see YOU
at our next gatherings—May 4th and
18th!
Alex Dorsam
High School Montreat Commissioning
will be June 1st during worship.
—Alex
something might catch your eye.
Senior High Chick-fil-A &
-Begin a journal about those tugging feelings. Invite a trusted
friend to share your entries and be in prayer with you.
-Contact Leonard Lindstrom with the Missions Team about
possibilities.
-Worship the Lord regularly.
-Attend a small group, bible study, or prayer walk. Just observe.
-Go devotional shopping. Take your time and read through
several different ones. Pray for guidance on your choice.
-Make a list of your holy places . . . local, a day’s drive, extended
travel places. Visit one and spend time just sitting, listening.
-Turn off your phone and computer for an hour a day.
Mid-High McDonald’s
Please join us at Oakland Market Wednesday
mornings at 7:15. See you there!
Senior Highs—Alex Dorsam 814-6626 or
[email protected]
Mid-Highs—Angela Redden 224-2267 or
[email protected]
MID-HIGH WILL NOT MEET MAY 7th
LAST BREAKFAST FOR YEAR MAY 14TH
God’s Grace, My Gratitude,
NEW MEMBER CLASS
Rev. Dr. Michael Lee Fitze, Pastor
[email protected]
Rev. Lissa Long, Associate Pastor
[email protected]
Crystal Cassels, Director of Music
[email protected]
Alex Dorsam, Youth Director
[email protected]
Ralph Wetherell, Commissioned Lay Pastor
[email protected]
Gloria Squires, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Phone: (843) 884-1504
www.palmettopreschurch.org
Ellen Auten (2016)
Natalie Doss (2014)
Herb Ellis (2014)
Holly Horsman (2015)
John Ledbetter (2014)
Mark McKinney (2015)
Sandra Powell (2015)
Mickey Seabrook (2016)
Jane Springer (2016)
David Steele (2015)
JoAnn Thomas (2016)
Bruce Thompson (2016)
Matt Turner (2014)
Kendra Tuck (2015)
Ralph Wetherell (2014)
Clerk of Session—Holly Horsman
PPC CARES
Elder of the Week
Phone: (843) 991-3534
1720 Carolina Park Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466-7521
The Session meets in Mike’s office each
Sunday at 10:00 a.m. to receive new
members. Please speak to Mike, Lissa,
or one of the Elders (wearing the gold
name tags) about joining
SUNDAY MORNING
Sunday School—9:00 a.m.
Fellowship—10:00-10:30 a.m.
Worship—10:30 a.m.
Children’s Church with a planned lesson for K42nd grade is offered weekly following “Time
with Children” (during the worship service).
FUEL for 3rd-5th grades is offered on the 2nd &
4th Sundays of each month.
Have a prayer request?
Email prayer concerns to:
[email protected]
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Mother’s Day Offering
God’s Grace, My Gratitude,
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
MT PLEASANT SC
PERMIT NO. 203