MOORPARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEWSLETTER

December 16, 2014
The purpose of Moorpark Presbyterian Church is to glorify God and to help people become
fully-committed, joyful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Ministry Staff:
(To reach the staff, call the
office at 805-529-8422)
Head Pastor:
Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith
Associate Pastor:
Rev. Janet Loughry
Parish Associate:
Rev. Dr. Daryl FisherOgden
Youth Minister:
Dave Hubbard
Youth Assistant:
Michelle Petersen
Acting Children’s
Ministries Director:
Kara Ayers
Worship Director:
Kristin Giffin
Small Group Coordinator:
Dan Crane
Music Director:
Steve Lady
From Pastor Mark’s Office:
“Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see!” I am so excited that The Festival of the Incarnation is
almost here. Of course, this is another name for Christmas. It’s the time of year in which
we wonder about God’s audacity to come off his throne in heaven to be with us in the flesh
– to be incarnated as Jesus Christ. The “Wonder of Christmas” is certainly a headscratching season to wonder why in the world this God loves us so much that he dirties
himself with our earthly soil. Yet, we praise God that he did! He came to us that we might
know him, love him, and be saved by him in spite of ourselves.
We have the opportunity to invite our friends and neighbors into this wonder-filled
season. Christmas Eve services are at 4:00 (family focused service), 6:00, and 8:00
p.m. While we enjoy focusing on our own families during this season, it’s also a good
season to look outside ourselves and include those who are not yet part of our MPC
family. I can’t wait to see all of you there as we celebrate this season of perplexing wonder
together and find ourselves pondering the God who is “veiled in flesh” as a baby born in the
smell of manure, cradled by cow-slobbered hay. How amazing that God dared to come to
us and get dirty for us in such a humble way!
Pastor Mark McIlraith
By the Way….
Sunday Morning
Worship: 8:15 & 10:45
Sunday School: 9:35
A video of the wonderful MPC Kids Christmas program, “Twas the Night Before” that
was presented Sunday night, December 7, has been posted on YouTube. You can get to
the video through the link on our website or by clicking here.
Visit our website:
“Christmas Symbols” Advent Adult Sunday School
www.mppres.org
You can:
- view sermons
- see the MPC calendar
- read/search an on-line
NIV and KJ Bible
- Read the weekly
newsletter
- find out about all our
group activities
- see bios on our staff,
elders, and deacons
Have you ever looked at your lovely Christmas tree (before the pets get to it!), all the
stockings (and of course you don’t fill them with coal), or the strings of lights you are
untangling for the umpteenth time … and wondered why these traditional trappings are
a part of the Christmas season? Have you ever wondered why
we even celebrate Christmas on December 25? Or, for that
matter, how much of Christmas is even Christian? Join us this
Sunday during the Sunday School hour to learn about these
Christmas symbols, their scripture references, and much more.
There will be gifts given (perhaps 3, just like the wise men) and
something for everyone. We will also have a special artistic
opportunity. So come and enjoy!
Our Deacons and Mission Team
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who donated Thanksgiving
Dinner bags and toys for the Moorpark Pantry Plus
and money to the Deacon Fund for holiday giving! We
were able to deliver over 100 food bags to the Pantry for
food distribution and big bags of toys for giving to little
ones at the Pantry’s Holiday Festival. Your generosity
also allowed your Deacon Board to buy gift cards for MPC
members and attenders in need, especially those with
young children. We are a blessed church. We can be
thankful for so many faithful and willing servants. MPC
rocks!
- Your grateful Mission Team and
Board of Deacons
Mental Health, Addictions, and
PTS Awareness Group
Friday Night, January 9
7:00 p.m. in Room 11
Expressive Art Workshop
Saturday, January 10
9:30 a.m. in the Music Room
Wonder of Christmas
The great majority of people who come to a church for the first time do so because someone - a friend or
family member - has asked them to come. The Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to invite
people to come to church! God didn’t wait for the shepherds to read about Jesus’ birth in the newspaper,
or to randomly pass by the manger and stumble upon Jesus by chance. The angels invited the shepherds
to attend the first Christmas celebration, and they came! Be an angel, too, and invite those around you to
come and hear the good news of Christmas!
Wednesday, Christmas Eve, December 24:
Make plans to join us on Christmas Eve! This year our three evening services will be at 4:00, 6:00, and 8:00
p.m. All three services are full of music and your favorite Christmas carols. The 4:00 p.m. service is our
more family-focused service. The 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. services are identical services which will include a
Christmas festival of praise titled “What a Glorious Night” by our adult choir. Infant care will
be provided at the 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. services only.
Sunday, December 28 and January 4:
On each of the two Sundays following Christmas there will be only one service
at 9:30 a.m. Bring your extra Christmas goodies and join us for an extended
fellowship time following the services. There will be no Sunday School on
either Sunday.
News and Notes
December 16, 2014
Information and activities for the whole congregation
See the “Who’s Doing What” page for activities and information on Women’s
Ministries Groups, 50+ Adventure (Senior Ministries), Small Group Studies, and Men’s Ministries Groups.
Christmas Holiday Office Closures
NEW! In order that our office staff and volunteer may have a
holiday break, the church office will be closed on December
24 – 26, and on January 1 and 2.
Santa Barbara Mission Conference
UPDATE! MISSIONAL CHURCH: CONGREGATIONS AND
OUTREACH Rev. Graham Baird, former founding pastor of
Highlands Church in Paso Robles, is the called church planter
of “Mission Street Church,” which meets in a movie theater in
Camarillo. Though only several weeks old (October 26), it has
a consistent worship attendance of 65. Graham’s workshop in
the Santa Barbara Mission Conference will reveal how mainline denominational churches can more effectively reach their
mission fields in fruitful and successful ways. Register now for
the conference, which takes place January 23-24 at First
Presbyterian Church, Santa Barbara. Register by going online
at sbmissionconference.org or by picking up and completing a
brochure at any of the churches in the Santa Barbara
Presbytery, at Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara,
Montecito Covenant Church, or Coast Community Church of
the Nazarene.
New Adult Sunday School Classes
NEW! New Adult Sunday School Classes will begin on
Sunday, January 11, during the Sunday School hour at 9:35
a.m. between our worship services. See page 5 in this and the
next newsletter (January 6. 2015), or the back of the
Announcements Page in future bulletins.
Prayer Shawl Meeting
NEW! We’re making knitted/crocheted shawls and blankets
for those in need. No skill is needed, and both men & women
are invited to attend. Teaching and encouragement are
offered at each meeting! This month we’ll meet on Thursday,
December 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please
contact Susan Wesner for more information.
January Deacon Meeting
NEW! Next month the Board of Deacons will meet on
Tuesday, January 6, at 7:15 p.m. in Room 11. For more
information, contact Deacon Moderator Sue Wesner or
Associate Pastor Janet Loughry (805-529-8422, x2).
Mental Health, Addictions and Post
Traumatic Stress Support Group
Did you know:
- One out of four Americans suffer from mental illness of
some kind.
- Individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol are 80% more
likely to have an underlying mental health issue.
- Depression and addictions often occur with posttraumatic stress.
There is hope! Recovery is possible. Join us for an evening
support group, one Friday night each month to raise
awareness, reduce stigma and hear stories of hope. The next
meeting is January 9, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 11. On hand
will be Julie Cast, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist,
who will share about PTSD, Gail Beeker, a volunteer group
leader at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Carolin
Migliazzo, a student at Fuller Seminary, with family experience
with mental illness and addiction. Scan the code for our blog
or go to http://hopempc.wordpress.com/.
MPC Expressive Art Workshop
NEW! The MPC Expressive Art Workshop meets on the
2ndSaturday of each month in the downstairs Music Room from
9:30 a.m. to no later than noon. Please RSVP to Julie Cast
who will prepare the materials for each class. For more
information contact Julie Cast. You can leave
a message, an e-mail or a text. NOTE: The
next class meeting is scheduled for
Saturday, January 10. Please RSVP by
Wednesday, January 7.
MPC Family Christmas Tree
One of our lovely advent traditions is
putting up
our church-family
Christmas tree. If you haven’t yet
placed your family ornament on the
tree, please join in this wonderful
tradition! Simply write your family’s
name on a red or gold ornament (or
combination of the two) of your
choosing and hang it on the tree in the
narthex. Then as you enter the
church, stop and enjoy the “MPC Family Christmas
Tree!” There will be a dish of ornament hooks on the table to
the left as you enter the church. Merry Christmas!
The Word Store
The Word Store ministry encourages
us to store God's word in our hearts;
and as we cooperate with God, He
causes us to grow in love and grace. All of the verses
selected for 2014 have been set to music and come from
album 7, Not One Falls, in the Hide the Word series by
Mark Altrogge and are taken from the English Standard
Version (ESV). Copies of the cd are available at the
website below for $12. Music can be a huge help in
memorizing scripture!
http://www.forevergratefulmusic.com/not_one_falls.htm
The Word Store Verse for December is #7 on the Not
One Falls cd. The verse is from Colossians1:15 – 16:
15 He
is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of
all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in
heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities—all things were created through him and
for him.
Community Events
Tickets are still available for the special performance of
Handel’s Messiah to be held at the new Performing Arts
Center located on the Agoura High School campus on
Sunday afternoon, December 21 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets will be
on sale on-line at www.thepaecs.org. Tickets will also be
available at the box office the day of the performance. Tickets
are $10 per person for open seating. There is no charge for
parking. Over 100 singers will perform this timeless Christmas
classic with the Westminster Presbyterian Church Orchestra
under the direction of Ed Lojeski. Soloists include soprano
Heidi Cissell, mezzo-soprano Tracy Van Fleet, tenor Darrell
Rowader, and bass Abdiel Gonzalez. Enjoy this celebration of
the Messiah’s birth, including the awe-inspiring Hallelujah
Chorus, as we get nearer to Christmas Day.
End of Year Financial Notes
This holiday season, we want to thank everyone who
has supported MPC this past year with their time, talent
and financial contributions, and look forward to support
from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a
convenient way to make regular offerings or if you plan to
make an additional gift before the end of the year, we
encourage you to look into our electronic giving
options. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around
the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most
welcome way to make contributions. Visit
www.mppres.org or contact the church office for more
information.
To ensure the deductibility of your church contributions, do
not file your 2014 income tax return until you have
received a written acknowledgment of
your
contributions
from
the
church. The IRS rule is that a
contribution is effective when
delivered. This means that a check
deposited in the church offering in
January cannot be deducted in the previous year,
even if it is backdated to the previous year or even if it was
actually written and dated in the previous year. Therefore,
the last Sunday of the year to give is on December
28. However, checks that are mailed and postmarked by
the end of the year are deductible in that year even though
not received until the following year.
NEW! Pledge Update: As of last Sunday, we have
received 100 pledges for $588,796 for the 2015 operating
budget. You may place your card in the offering plate this
Sunday, bring it by the church office, or send it to the
church (13950 Peach Hill Rd,
Moorpark, CA 93021). If you need
a card, they will be available this
Sunday in the backs of the pews
and on the table in the narthex.
Our goal as Christians is to grow together to be what the Bible calls “mature people in Christ.” That takes
the very best we have to give. To help us get there, we are offering several exciting adult Sunday School
classes that begin January 11, at 9:35 a.m.
“Christians in a Non-Christian World”
“Paradox and the Solution”
Led by Rev. Dr. Daryl Fisher-Ogden in Rm 11
Led by Julie Cast in the Music Room
American society has changed over the last few years. No
longer is our society primarily Christian. Even many individuals
who identify themselves as Christians really do not follow
Biblical tenets. What are those basic tenets? How do we, as
Bible-based people, interact with individuals who don’t
believe? How do we approach the challenges facing our
society as Christians? These are the same questions early
Christians faced in the first 3 centuries. The challenges and
successful responses to basic questions will be explored as
Dr. Daryl Fisher-Ogden leads this class from a historical
viewpoint. Come and learn more about our faith and how
Christians have responded throughout history to a NonChristian world.
“Foot Soldiers for Jesus”
Led by Rev. Janet Loughry in Wilkinson Hall
So, you don’t have the spiritual gift of evangelism? Many of us
do not. However, because we know and trust and have our
faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are called to share
our faith with others. What makes us reluctant to do so?
Lack of confidence or fear of rejection? As one author puts
it: “Evangelism…is telling good news and helping people
exchange their religion for a relationship. It is … being
yourself; telling your story; working together; leaving a legacy.”
Pastor Janet is partnering with Men’s Ministry guys, Tom Flitch
and others, Evangelism elder Todd Eckert and Missions elder
John Colvin. Together we will practice telling our own story
with helpful, hands-on tools, and use confidence-building
techniques and other resources to strengthen our foundation
and deepen our faith. We will also have MPC and outside
speakers sharing “next step” evangelism and missions.
With Julie, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, this
class will explore how to express and find solutions in God’s
Word to the feelings of confusion and disconnect we may
experience when our lives don’t easily fall in line with God’s
promises. In the first part we’ll be establishing our need for a
very present God and the second part will explore why the
crucifixion and resurrection are the answer to the paradox of
God’s promises. Each participant will be presented weekly
with a paradox and will have the opportunity to respond with
color and images. No artistic experience or talent is needed,
as this is simply another way to express our thoughts and
feelings. In fact the people who usually get the most out of
these are those who have little or no art experience! God has
made us to understand and communicate on many levels.
Listening and writing, singing and acting are others that we are
familiar with. Exploring through color, line, texture and shape
is another. Sometimes, we don’t have the words to express
our feelings and that’s when art expression often will speak for
us.
“God’s Not Dead!”
Led by Tom Flitsch in Rm 8
“Do you know what you believe? Are you ready to defend
it? Are you prepared for the challenge?” Based on the hit
movie, “Gods Not Dead” we will study, share in discussion and
learn more in depth what it means to be prepared to defend
our faith and/or grow in our faith. It will give us a strong
foundation of scripture and evidence to stand on that will not
only help us stay strong, but allow us to reach friends and
family for Christ. In the end we will be able to confidently
proclaim to anyone in any setting: “Gods not Dead!” a few
classes will combine with the “Footsoldier” class. What a
great combined focus moving forward for Jesus and His
Kingdom.
Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith’s Weekly Q & A
In addition to the wonderful classes listed above, Pastor Mark will also hold a Q & A session on the scripture readings from his
sermon each week, held in the Sanctuary during the Sunday School hour.
Small Groups, 50+ Adventures (Senior Ministries), Women’s Ministries,
Men’s Ministries and MOPS
50+ Adventures (Senior Ministries)
Coordinators Ted and Linda Dahl
50+ Adventures, MPC’s seniors ministry, provides activities for people 50 years and older. They encourage
Christian fellowship, are reasonable in cost, and fairly accessible for all. On occasion, the entire congregation will be
invited to a 50+ Adventures event. Past events have included a picnic and bluegrass concert, museum trips, Pastor
Dave’s travel shows, theater productions, the Pageant of our Lord, whale watching, art galleries, and the annual potluck
dinner and game night. Events are planned by the Steering Committee. They’re generally planned for September - June
of each year. For more information about 50+ Adventures, contact Ted and Linda Dahl.
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers)
For information call: Nicole Grimes or Melissa Ingemunson ([email protected])
UPDATE! MOPS is designed to nurture every mother with children from infancy through
kindergarten. MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are
foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs. MOPS offers moms
the opportunity to share concerns, explore areas of creativity, and hear information on topics that
equip them for the responsibilities of family and community. MOPS is about celebrating motherhood, meeting needs,
making connections and experiencing God’s love through relationships and resources. The Moorpark MOPS group
meets on the first and third Fridays of the month from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the next meeting being this Friday,
December 19. For more information, contact Nicole Grimes or Melissa Ingemunson ([email protected]).
Do you have a heart for young mothers? MOPS needs you for a Mentor Mom! Contact Bonnie Boe for
more information (805-529-8422 or [email protected])
Women’s Ministries
Coordinator Janet Stark and Tracy Flitsch
NEW! Women’s Ministries team will have their next planning meeting on Sunday, January 18, at 12:00 p.m.in the
Fireside Room.
The Tuesday Ladies for Christ (TLC) Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study meets each Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. in
Room 11. For more information contact Tracy Flitsch. NOTE: TLC will resume meeting in January on the 6th.
Men’s Ministries
For information call: Tom Flitsch
NEW! The Men’s Ministries team will have its next monthly meeting Tuesday, January 27, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 8.
Any men are welcome to attend. For information call Tom Flitsch.
The Men’s Wednesday Small Group Bible Study meets at The Grinder in Moorpark each Wednesday at 6:45 a.m.
For more information contact Mark Parker or Dean May. All men are welcome!
More MPC Activities:
Mondays:
Tuesdays:
Handbell Choir Practice. Contact info: Kristin Giffin ([email protected])
Women’s Bible Study. Meets each Tuesday in Room 11. Contact info: Tracey Flitsch
Prayer Meeting in Pastor Janet Loughry’s office. Contact info: Pastor Janet Loughry (805-529-8422,
x2)
3:30 p.m. Youth Open House. Contact info: Youth Minister Dave Hubbard ([email protected])
7:00 p.m. “Renew” Junior and Senior High Youth Group. Contact info: Youth Minister Dave Hubbard
([email protected]).
Wednesdays: 6:45 a.m. Men’s Small Group Wednesday Bible Study. Contact info: Mark Parker or Dean May. The group meets
at The Grinder restaurant in Moorpark.
10:00 a.m. Community Bible Study (CBS). Women’s weekly in-depth Bible study. Contact info: Diane Henderson
Thursdays: 5:30 p.m. MPC Kids Chorale practice. Contact info: Worship Director Kristin Giffin ([email protected])
6:30 p.m. Worship Band Practice. Contact info: Worship Director Kristin Giffin ([email protected])
8:00 p.m. The Living Voice Ensemble practice. Contact info: Steve Lady ([email protected])
Sundays:
9:30 a.m. The Living Voice Ensemble practice. Contact info: Steve Lady ([email protected])
7:15 p.m.
9:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
21 (Sun)
24 (Wed)
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
24 – 26 (Wed – Fri)
28 (Sun)
9:30 a.m.
1, 2 (Thu, Fri)
4 (Sun)
9:30 a.m.
6 (Tue)
6:00 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
9 (Fri)
7:00 p.m.
10 (Sat)
11 (Sun)
13 (Tue)
15 (Thu)
16 (Fri)
9:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
18 (Sun)
19 (Mon)
20 (Tue)
12:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
DECEMBER
ADVENT 4
Christmas Eve Worship Service, family-focused
Christmas Eve Worship Service
Christmas Eve Worship Service
Church office closed
Single Worship Service – no Sunday School
JANUARY
Church office closed
Single Worship Service – no Sunday School
Renew Parents Meeting. Contact person is Youth Minister Dave Hubbard
(805-529-8422, x3)
Deacon meeting. Contact persons are Deacon Moderator Sue Wesner and
Pastor Janet Loughry (805-529-8422, x2)
Mental Health, Addictions, & PTS Support Group. Contact person is
Carolin Migliazzo
Expressive Art Workshop. Contact person is Julie Cast
The Harvard Krokodiloes in concert. Contact person is Todd Eckert
Session Meeting. Contact person is Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith (805-529-8422, x1)
Prayer Shawl Ministry. Contact person is Sue Wesner
MOPS (Mother of Pre-Schoolers). Contact persons are Nicole Grimes and Melissa Ingemunson
([email protected]).
Women’s Ministry team meeting. Contact persons are Tracey Flitsch and Janet Stark
Military Families Support Group. Contact person is Gary Belie
Women’s Ministry team meeting. Contact persons are Tracey Flitsch and Janet Stark
Children’s Ministries Page
Come to Our Celebration Programs!
What is my child learning after the Children’s sermon?
Every Sunday, all ages have a place just for them to help them
grow in worshiping God. Wee Celebrate – Every Sunday in
room 3, is where 3 yr olds – Kindergarteners have a short
worship time tailored to their little hearts and minds, full of
simple songs, ways to participate (who gets to light the candle
today?) and a Bible story.
Celebration Circle – 1st and 3rd Sundays in Room 4
is where 1st – 3rd graders learn about God by studying Psalms
with lots of fun activities!
Praise & Celebrate – 2nd and 4th Sundays in Room
11 is where 1st – 5th graders continue their worship time looking
at God’s promises and what that means to them. Fun music
and good discussion!
All ages can grow in worshiping our truly amazing Lord!
Come, join us, as we praise and celebrate Him!
On Sunday, December 28 and January 4, children 4 years
and up are invited to dismiss to Wilkinson Hall for a special
Christmas Celebration time full of activities Older youth are
most welcome to lend a hand and share in the fun & learning
as well. Parents are asked to take their child to the hall and
help with the sign-in process as this morning is different from
the regular routine. Wee Celebration and Praise and
Celebrate will return on Sunday, January 11.
Youth Partners
Is your older child looking for more involvement on
Sunday mornings? Youth Partners, MPC’s Sunday morning
service ministry (from Sept. - June) for youth 5th grade and
older, may be just what you’re looking for! Children are trained
to serve and “partner” with adult teams in one of our children’s
worship classes – or playtime care in the nursery. Youth
Partners serve once or twice a month. It’s a win-win-win
situation - adults have extra, trained hands to help them, youth
discover the joy of working with younger children, and the kids
themselves find their learning (and/or playtime!) more fun just
because of the “cool” youth who are there. Interested youth
pick up application forms at the Children’s Ministries table on
Sundays or in the Children’s Ministries office.
I Spy Baby Jesus!
NEW! This Christmas, help sharpen your family’s focus on
Christ’s birth and encourage others at the same time as you go
through your week together. Just as a candy cane can be
turned around to be a “J” for Jesus, help your child spot true
messages of Christmas in decorations in your neighborhood
and stores. It may take some sharp eyes, but the best games
are just that way. Thank store owners personally or hand out
“thank you for your beautiful nativity display” notes to homes
that include a manger scene in their yard. What a great way to
encourage others as you train your child to look for what is true
and lasting!
Junior Winter Camp
NEW! Jr. Winter Camp at Forest Home for 4th-5th graders is
coming soon! Sign-ups begin this Sunday for Forest Home Jr.
Winter Camp, February 20-22, 2015. The cost is $210 and
includes meals, lodging and lots of activities! Come learn how
to love like Jesus! Open to all 4th and 5th graders!
Your Holiday Travels can Bless our
Sunday School Mission!
Your extra samples are our “treasures”! Please bring any
little shampoos, lotions, toothbrushes, or other personal
items for our Club 55 kids to give to the Moorpark Pantry Plus.
A collection box is on the upper patio info booth every Sunday
or can be brought to the children’s ministries office during the
week. Our 5th graders earn shopping “points” from serving at
church, class participation and home Bible study—and use
these donations to fill their mission basket. Thank you for
helping our youth experience the joy of personally giving of
themselves for the sake of others. For more details on this
mission project, talk to Kara Ayers.