August 2014 - Presbyterian Church of Chestertown
Transcription
August 2014 - Presbyterian Church of Chestertown
Presbyterian Church of Chestertown 905 Gateway Drive, Chestertown MD 21620 410-778-6057 Presbyterian Church of Chestertown (PCC) Worship Service and Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sara Holben, Pastor John Ames, Parish Associate Jules Scheidel, Pastoral Asst. Earl Brooks, Pastor Emeritus Kate Bennett, Music Ministry Terri Gloyd, Christian Educ. Caitlan Quinn, Youth Ministry Carol Taylor, Administration Wayne Bedwell, Sexton The Presbyterian Church of Chestertown is a connectional church, part of the New Castle Presbytery, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) August 2014: Volume 250 Notes from Sara B ehind the scenes, the Nominating Committee is quietly preparing for a slate of nominees to present to the congregation for election as elders and deacons. So, what is it that these elders and deacons do? Ruling Elders serve on the Session (the governing body) of our congregation. “Ruling elders are so named not because they ‘lord it over’ the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life.” [G-2.0301, PCUSA Book of Order] Elders carry out those responsibilities by keeping track of what happens on a day-to-day basis and also by keeping a focus on the larger picture of what it is that we as PCC need to be doing to be faithful to our ministry. The Deacons have a list of responsibilities that they take care of – flower delivery after Sunday services; special care for those in need in our congregation; sending greeting cards for important dates in our members’ lives; providing transportation help for members; providing bereavement care when a member of PCC dies … the list keeps evolving each year as the needs of our congregation and community grow. Being a deacon takes willing hands and time spent “doing things” behind the scenes, usually unnoticed by most of us. Deacons bring to their service open hearts, open hands, a sense of call, and an expression of Christ’s love to all. I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary witness and service of all the Elders and the Deacons of this congregation. The election for our newest elders and deacons will take place late this fall. As the Nominating Committee continues its work during the summer please, we invite you to suggest Continued on page 2 WWW.PRESBYTERIANCHESTERTOWN.ORG 1 From Sara, cont. SESSION Clerk of Session Dal Holmes Class of 2014 Ned Leverage – Finance Tom Speakman Jr. – Personnel Sue Willits – Discipleship Class of 2015 Sabina Baker – Christian Education Betsy Miller – Congregational Life Dave Nickle – Property Class of 2016 Alice Bradshaw – Communication Liaison Gwen Meyers – Mission Liaison Ruth Vietri-Green – Worship, Music and the Arts Liaison D EA C O N S Class of 2014 Jerry Ferguson Jim O’Harrah Karen Wright Brooke Cunane, Youth Deacon Class of 2015 Sarah Arnold Courtney Sjostrom Cindy Thorp Class of 2016 Curtis Blouch JoAnn Connolley Jan Taylor names of those people who you think bring the gifts and skills to serve as Elders and Deacons of this congregation. Serving as an officer of a Presbyterian congregation is both a privilege and a challenge. Above all, it is a calling from God to use one’s talents and gifts in service to the Lord through the work of the church. Please be in prayer for the Nominating Committee and for those who will be asked to serve – whoever it will be. Nominating Committee members are: Elders Ned Leverage and Sue Willits (co-chairs of the committee); Sarah Arnold (representing the deacons); and Dallas Higginbotham, Lorraine Nickle, Sandee Trakat, and Lansing Williams (elected at-large by the congregation at the annual meeting this past January). May God’s blessing and peace be with all of you during these closing days of summer and may you find your spirits renewed and refreshed! In Christ’s service, Music Notes from Kate Have you ever wanted to try singing in the choir or ringing in the handbell choir, without committing to actually joining? Here’s your chance! Intro to Handbells, Saturday, Aug. 30, 10:00 – 12:00—for anyone who would like to try ringing and see what it’s all about! Meet in the choir room. And Pick-up Choir, Sunday, Aug. 31—for anyone who would like to try singing. Meet with Kate in the choir room at 8:45, and we will rehearse a simple anthem to sing in worship at 9:30. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of music with you! For those who wish to join the Chancel Choir or Handbell Choir for the year, here is the schedule: Chancel Choir Saturday, Sept. 6, 10:00 – 12:00: read-through of music for the Fall, in the choir room Sunday, Sept. 7: begin singing in worship for the year. Sunday schedule: 9:00 a.m. warm-ups, 9:30 worship service, 11:00 – 12:00 rehearsal, in the choir room. Handbell Choir Thursday, Sept. 11: begin Thursday rehearsals, 4:00 – 5:30, in the choir room. The handbell choir plays in worship approximately every 6 weeks. - Kate Bennett 2 Christian Education News Summer Sunday School continues with Jesus’ stories of the parables. Children learn about God’s constant love for us, even when we go astray. Consider joining our CE team for a discussion meeting coming soon (watch the bulletin)! Help Wanted: The Nursery is looking for a team of helpers to rotate and help when we have little ones to attend to on a Sunday morning. If you love little ones, please see Terri Gloyd for an opportunity to help. Many thanks to all those who helped to make our week of Vacation Bible School a success! About 60 children learned to imagine, build, grow, work and walk with God while having fun with crafts, games, science experiments, songs and stories from the Bible. It took our church family and our Sacred Heart friends and of course some divine intervention for this week to achieve the mission of building God’s kingdom! We raised funds for water purification in Malawi and gathered many craft supplies for local organizations. Stay tuned for more opportunities to reach out to families and children. Got Ideas? Please feel free to share ideas for activities to enrich your faith experience. Sabina Baker, Terri Gloyd, pastor Sara and Caitlan Quinn will be having some brainstorming sessions and may even send you a survey to gather ideas for your input! PCC wants to continue to grow deeply in Christian faith opportunities for all ages. Share your ideas today! Youth News It has been a busy season for our youth! We began the summer with an ice cream party, welcoming our rising sixth grade students and reviewing our summer calendar. Following Vacation Bible School, we began our 12-week Bible study which mirrors the series we are following in worship this summer. At the end of June, one of our youth, Rebecca Strootman, and I attended the Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference in Harrisonburg,VA. I would invite you to speak with either of us about the people we met and things we learned when we went “Beyond the Manger!” Our youth will finish out the summer by continuing through the Bible study, making trips to the beach and Six Flags, and volunteering at the Humane Society. - Caitlan Quinn Worship on the Beach What a delightful day PCC members shared on July 13, 2014! Many of us gathered at the beach of Howell Point Farm for worship in the bright sunshine with the sparkling water of the bay just about within reach. Pastor Sara Holben led the service assisted by Caitlan Quinn. Special music was provided by Jean and Ned Leverage. At the close of worship the under 20 set headed straight to the water for a great swim. Thank you to the adults who served as lifeguards! By 11:00 a.m., beach worshipers were joined by sanctuary worshipers (John Ames led that service) for a wonderful picnic lunch provided by PCC. Fried chicken, salads, chips, watermelon, rolls and butter quickly disappeared just in time for ice cream and brownies. Many gallons of lemonade, iced tea and cold water kept everyone hydrated and refreshed. Many, many thanks to our hosts, the Blevins, as well as all of those PCC members who never fail to give their time and energy for preparing the beach, setting up before worship, serving lunch, cleaning up and returning many things to the church. Thanks to all of you, it was a great time! 3 Sophia Schmidt Troy Mishaw Bill Trakat Cindy Moore Alex Payne Kate Bennett Owen Fry Taylor Richardson Cole Taylor Ned Leverage Caitlan Quinn Patsy Alverson Brad Moore Carolyne Grotsky Dennis Jacobs Charlie Gloyd Bobbie Chase Pat Ferguson Tom Speakman Logan Leverage Jan Cayce Jean Leverage Barbara Brillhart Bill Williams Adrian Baker John Hellwege Garrett Shirk Kimberly Penny Joanne Clarke Martha Nickless Dorothy Blevins Anna Shirk Brian Arnold Tom Pierson Mark Kamon Mary Alice Munson Sandy Winquist David Brown 4 From John’s Study Happy Birthday August 2 August 3 August 3 August 5 August 5 August 6 August 6 August 6 August 7 August 8 August 8 August 9 August 10 August 11 August 12 August 13 August 14 August 15 August 15 August 16 August 20 August 21 August 21 August 23 August 24 August 24 August 24 August 24 August 25 August 25 August 26 August 27 August 28 August 28 August 29 August 29 August 29 August 30 A few weeks ago I did a “Children’s Time” on Henry Highland Garnet, for whom the local elementary school is named. My reason for doing so was that the Kent County Historical Society was planning a children’s program on Garnet, which our church was asked to publicize. Normally we don’t announce events sponsored by other groups, but this seemed too good to miss. A couple of adults asked me to say more about one of Kent County’s most illustrious sons, and so by a vote of 3 to 0 – (with 312 abstentions) I’ll do that here. In my “children’s time” I bemoaned the fact that no portrait of Garnet hung in the school. I based that silly assertion on a very brief visit, several years ago, in which I didn’t notice a portrait. Maggie Jackson and her parents, Kate and Luke, took the trouble to do what I should have done, which is to pay a visit to the school. The portrait is there – hung prominently in the entrance hall. I know nothing about the integration of Kent County Schools, which must have happened in the late 1960s, but I’m very glad that the newly integrated elementary school kept the name “Garnet.” Henry Highland Garnet was born a slave on December 23, 1815 in New Market, Maryland. I’m not sure exactly where that was, but I think it was a few miles west of Millington, on “Old Morgnec Road.” When he was about 9 years old his family was given permission to attend a funeral, after which they escaped – aided by Quakers and hiding in the false bottom of a farm wagon – to Wilmington, Delaware. From there the Quakers helped them make their way to New York City. Henry attended the “African Free School” in New York for a few years, but left school to become a cabin boy on a ship sailing from New York to Havana. While he was away at sea his family was found by “slave catchers” from Maryland. His mother escaped by jumping from a second story window and was hidden by neighbors, and his father bluffed his way out; but his younger sister was captured and brought back to Kent County. Henry later purchased his sister out of slavery and the family was reunited. He was able to continue his education, which was very difficult for an African-American in the 1830s, and after attending several schools ended up at the Oneida Institute in Whitesboro, New York. This was an institution established by “New School” Presbyterians which, amid great controversy, Continued on page 5 From John, cont. had begun to admit African-Americans. Henry became a Presbyterian and was ordained to the ministry about 1839 as pastor of the Liberty Presbyterian Church in Troy, New York. He also became a very effective orator for the abolitionist cause and was a prominent leader in the American Anti-Slavery Society, which had been organized by William Lloyd Garrison, and the American Colonization Society – which sought to re-settle freed slaves in West Africa. In 1843 he delivered a very famous speech to the National Negro Convention in Buffalo, New York called “A Call to Rebellion.” The radicalism of this speech caused the abolitionist leaders – Garrison and Frederick Douglass – to break with Garnet, fearing that he would alienate white supporters. He traveled to England and Scotland and became renowned as a spellbinding orator. Later, during the Civil War, Queen Victoria gave him credit for galvanizing the British people against slavery and against the Confederacy. Returning to New York, he became pastor of the Shiloh Presbyterian Church (now the St. James Presbyterian Church) in Harlem where he served until 1863. He then turned to the task of recruiting African-Americans into the Union Army, and came to Washington, DC to support these “Colored Troops” who were often subject to harsh discrimination in the Army. He founded the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church in Washington – the first black Presbyterian Church in DC – and on February 12, 1865 was asked by Abraham Lincoln to speak to a joint session of Congress to celebrate the adoption of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in the United States. Thus he became the first African-American to address the US Congress. He was appointed US Minister to Liberia by President James Garfield in 1881 and fulfilling a life-long dream he went to Africa. He died shortly after his arrival, however, and is buried in Monrovia, Liberia. I think it is wonderful that the local elementary school is named for a Presbyterian minister and a distinguished resident of Kent County who deserves to be much better known. And I’m glad that there is a picture of him in the school. - John Ames Happy Anniversary Jon & Karen Wright Chad & Gwen Myers David & Sharon Brown Jason & Jill Payne John & Jackie Urlock Jeffery & Carolyne Grotsky Scott & Deeann Jones Don & Linda West Bill & JoAnn Bowdle Christine & David O’Neill Ed & Marian Fry Don & Dianne Cantor David & Lorraine Nickle August 3 August 6 August 7 August 12 August 12 August 13 August 15 August 23 August 25 August 26 August 28 August 28 August 29 Thank You Note Dear PCC Family, Thank you for your prayers, love, support, encouragement and cards. This has sustained me through my hospitalization and continues to help me through my weeks of rehab. Each day I feel stronger and more optimistic about a full recovery. Special thanks to Pastors Sara and John for their visits, prayers and sermon copies. Cole and I feel that God has led us to Heron Point and to PCC. We’re so blessed to be part of this caring congregation. In Christian love, Jan Taylor 5 August 2014 PCC News Vol. 250 The PCC newsletter is published monthly except in January and July. It is distributed to member families and friends as a means of communication and outreach. Comments may be directed to the editor through the church office. Articles for publication should be submitted in writing, including the author’s name, address and telephone number. All such articles are subject to editing before inclusion and become church property. E D IT O R JoAnn Fairchild Wood September deadline: August 20, 2014 The Presbyterian Church of Chestertown (PCC) 905 Gateway Drive Chestertown, MD 21620 Phone: 410-778-6057 Fax: 410-778-9780 E-mail: [email protected] www.presbyterianchestertown.org a “Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviours. Keep your behaviours positive because your behaviours become your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” - Gandhi 6 Our Necessary Losses H ave you ever thought that death either comes too late or too early? My wife of 25 years died at age 60; and a relative, a wife and mother of two, died just recently at age 40. At both funerals many mourners were heard to say, “It’s just not right. It’s just not fair.” Those among us who have suffered the unexpected loss of a loved one can readily identify with these sentiments. After all, it is not fair. Is it? But wait! Introducing the concept of fairness implies justice or what should have been. But surely we all have come to experience the reality that life is not always fair. Yes, maybe the human condition requires necessary losses. After all life is fragile, tomorrow is never guaranteed to any of us. This despite what actuarial statistics tell us about life expectancy. If no one died prematurely or unexpectedly we would never appreciate longevity. This is just one of many paradoxes inherent in human life. Some other examples of this dialectic: If there was no evil we would never cherish goodness; If there was no blight we would not be in awe of beauty; if no fear then we would not aspire to serenity; no anxiety would result in our not appreciating peace of mind. Alas, the human condition can often be a perplexity. Accepting the nature of the human condition minimizes our tendency to assign blame for unexpected losses. It inhibits us from playing God, from asking how this loss could possibly be part of God’s plan. A failure to embrace our humanity often results in a crisis of faith. Listen to Gilbert O’Sullivan on the death of his parents: “Reality came around to knock me down…leaving me to doubt all about God and his mercy, who if he really does exist why did he desert me?” Yes we are human and we tend to rage against what we perceive as unfair losses, but to quote Jiminy Cricket, responding to Pinocchio’s many why’s: “That’s the nature of things!” I conclude with this from Hubert H. Humphrey: “It’s not what gets taken away from you that counts. It’s what you do with what you have left.” Ralph Surette is a retired psychologist and a PCC member. Comments welcomed at [email protected]. P a s to r S a r a H o l b e n August 2014 Dear PCC family and friends, About a month ago, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly met in its biennial national assembly and undertook a wide range of business related to the ministry of our denomination. New missionaries were commissioned and decisions were made to support and develop ministries of evangelism, education, and compassion. Along with these actions, however, were several decisions that have generated national publicity and a lot of reactions and responses both positive and negative—not only in the denomination but also in our own congregation. The Session of our congregation came together in early July to hear an update on these decisions and they will be continuing their discussion over the coming weeks and months. The two issues receiving the most media attention and generating the most concern across the church are: 1. A very narrow vote (310-303) to divest funds invested by the General Assembly in three U.S. companies. These funds are primarily held by the Presbyterian Foundation and the Board of Pensions. The three companies are Caterpillar, HewlettPackard, and Motorola Solutions whose products are considered to be used by Israel to continue and make more oppressive the occupation of Palestine. The church has been studying this issue for 10 years and has made numerous attempts to work with the three companies, and others, in a resolution of this issue. Understand, though, the action is not divestment from Israel, as it is often described, NOR is it a boycott of the products of these companies. NOR does the denomination expect that any individual congregation or person do the same if they should happen to hold stock in these companies. This is a decision that only affects denominational investment funds and those investments will be sold. (Just as a footnote: The PCUSA has a long history of socially-responsible investments of its own funds that includes no denominational funds being invested in tobacco products, alcohol, and weapons production.) In the action that was taken the PCUSA is explicit in affirming the right of Israel to exist as a sovereign nation and advocating for the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, free from the threat of violence. The close vote of the General Assembly indicates that even Presbyterians who have taken time to study the facts and hear the opinions presented could not reach clear consensus. 2. The second issue relates to two different actions by the General Assembly on the issue of marriage and the changing understandings of marriage that are Continued on next page 7 General Assembly update cont. emerging in the U.S. This action was approved by about a 2/3 vote of the General Assembly. The Assembly granted discretion to teaching elders (pastors) in determining whether or not to conduct same-gender marriages, and granted discretion to sessions in determining whether to permit the use of church facilities for these marriages in civil jurisdictions where such marriages are legal. This change affects all congregations in Maryland as we live in a state in which same-gender marriage is now legal. This action does not involve a change in the Book of Order and so it is effective immediately. It is important to recognize that the Assembly took great care to be sure not to bind the conscience of any teaching elder (pastor) or session: no pastor will be compelled to officiate same gender marriages, and no session will be forced to allow the use of church property for any use that they find contrary to their interpretation of the Word of God. In a separate action, the Assembly approved sending out for presbytery approval a constitutional amendment to the Book of Order that would change the constitutional definition of marriage from “between a man and a woman” to “between two people, traditionally between a man and a woman.” That amendment will be before our own presbytery for discussion and a vote in September). This proposed change in the Book of Order will not take effect unless the amendment is approved by a majority of the 172 presbyteries by June 21, 2015. All of this news brings a variety of reactions, emotions, and questions. I have heard from members of PCC who are angry and distressed by each of these actions, and others who welcome them and are thankful. As your pastor I thank all of you who have taken time to let me know of your concerns and opinions. Our congregation has always been a place that has welcomed people of diverse backgrounds, opinions, and commitments. That does not always make it comfortable, but it does remind us of our need to find ways to live together as the body of Christ. (Additional information on these topics can be found at www.pcusa.org and in some hand-outs that are in our Narthex.) A Pastoral Letter from Presbyterians for Renewal and the Fellowship of Presbyterians (both organizations opposed the changes in the marriage policies) reminded those who support the action and those who oppose it that we as Presbyterians are still being called by God “… to continue to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and to testify to the transforming power of his love that is available to everyone. … Let us commit to one another, and to Almighty God, that we will seek to embody the grace and love of our Savior across our theological differences….” We believe as Presbyterians that God is always calling us to discern and hear God’s word to the Church for the times in which we live. In this challenging time for the Church, please join me in prayer as we seek together to discern God’s guidance for these days. In Christ, 8 Three Generations of Speakmans T he Discipleship Committee is currently interviewing families with three generations who actively participate in the life of PCC. This month features the Speakman family. After living and marrying in Pennsylvania, Tom and Sue settled in Still Pond with their two young children after searching for the perfect location to start a wholesale nursery and landscaping business. Tom has been growing plants since he was sixteen years old and Sue remembers his backyard where he grew chrysanthemums. With lots of hard work and dedication, Speakman Nursery has been in business for twenty-five years. Soon after they moved to Kent County, neighbors and PCC members Ken & Marie Thomas stopped by to introduce themselves. They told Tom & Sue about a new Presbyterian Church that was located on Philosophers Terrace in Chestertown. Earl Brooks was the pastor and there they found a welcoming church home for their young family. Throughout the years, Tom and Sue and their family have remained active PCC members. Sue has served as an elder and continues to help many families who experience the death of a loved one as chairman of the bereavement committee. In her spare time, she loves to quilt. Tom planned for and planted the beautiful Memorial Garden at PCC that still remains Tom’s “pride and joy and a very special place.” The garden was donated by Tom and reflects his spirituality. Son Tommy and his wife Kelly have two children, Megan & Will, who regularly attend Sunday school. Tommy is currently on Session serving his third year as elder. Daughter Patty Hamsher lives in Cordova, MD, with her husband Doug. She is a busy mother of two girls who also writes for an Eastern Shore publication. “We all love boating, fishing, swimming and cooking,”exclaims Sue, “but family is the most important thing in my life.” PCC is indeed blessed to have three generations of Speakmans in its midst. — Sue Willits A recent photograph of the Speakmans taken during Sue Norris Speakman’s family reunion shows, from left to right: Kelly & Tom Jr. (Tommy) with their children Megan and Will; Doug and Patty Speakman Hamsher with their children Sariah and Gabriella, and Tom Sr. & Sue. 9 The Presbyterian Church of Chestertown 905 Gateway Drive Chestertown, MD 21620 Phone: 410-778-6057 / Fax: 410-778-9780 www.presbyterianchestertown.org E-mail: [email protected] Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 68 Chestertown MD ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all Joy—we give you thanks and praise. 10