April 30, 2008
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
May 4, 2008
Greeters - Ruth Richards and Donna Jameson;Lay Leader - Ann Hamlett; Ushers - The Heatwole family
Fellowship - Graduate Recognition; Sound Technicians - Michael
Heatwole and Mitchell Watson
We need your help
Twice each year our Church is involved with the delivering of Meals on Wheels.
Once again we are seeking volunteers. We are scheduled to deliver meals during the two (2) week period of
June 16th through
21st and June 23rd through 28th.
Sign up sheet is located in the office on the front desk. Thank you.
The Presbyterian Women’sAssociationwould like to thank everyone for the wonderful support for the annual Spring Rummage Sale.
Left over items were donated
to the Salvation Army.
Through all the hard work and generous donations the Women raised $921.14 for their mission work. Again Thank You to all.
Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 4th
Special Presentation during Worship Reception during Fellowship time
Michael Heatwole
is the son of Theresa and Doug Heatwole. He will be attending
KayeLani Irvin
is the daughter of Kathy and Steve Irvin. She will be attending Garden City Community
College and then transferring to the
Amanda McVey
is the daughter of Becky and Randy McVey. She will be attending Garden City Community College. Mandy plans to major in Psychology.
Bailey Roth
is the daughter of Ron and Pat Roth, and Carrie and Ron France. She will be attending
Garden City Community College in the field of Elementary Education
Mitchell Watson
is the son of Brenda and Larry Watson. He
will be attending
Kinlee Roth
is the daughter of Ron and Pat Roth, and Carrie and Ron France. She will be receiving her Associates
Degree from Garden City Community College. Kinlee plans to go on to
Amanda
Brookover
will graduate from
Kelly Reeve
is
the daughter of Brenda and Lee Reeve. She will be receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science from
Sunday School Pentecost Celebration “Happy Birthday to the Church”May 11th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.All Sunday School classes invited! If you’ve not been attending a class – you are still invited!
Across
the Pastor’s Desk
What does PC (USA) stand for? We often hear this question,
sometimes as inquiry and sometimes as pointed criticism. However it is voiced, it is a question worth addressing.
Publicly and officially we stand for a religious and theological position best called “Modern Orthodoxy”, “Orthodoxy as a Growing
Tradition”, or “Critical Orthodoxy”. Each term points out a different facet of the same general movement. This position
is neither “Conservative” (though it honors the historic teaching tradition of Christianity) nor is it “Liberal” (though, while it
is open, it nevertheless knows there are boundaries to what can be called “authentic, historic Christian faith”).
Being neither “Conservative” nor “Liberal”, this theological position is sometimes shot at by both sides. Nor should this position
be construed as a monolithic movement with clear and constant boundaries; rather it is a broad movement with clarity about at least
three things: Among other emphases, it is determined: 1) to take historic Christianity seriously, rather than cavalierly dismissing
whatever doesn’t suit our tastes; 2) to take the discoveries of the Scientific Era equally seriously; and 3) to remain open
to other Christians while remaining loyal to our own Reformed Tradition.
More specificall, this position is well articulated in two places: the first in C-67 in the Book of Confessions: “.. the Trinity and
the Person of Christ are not redefined, but are recognized and reaffirmed as forming the basis and determining the structure of the
Christian faith.” (C-9.03) Then in Chapter 2 of the Book of Order ten or more basic affirmations are made. Additionally, one
statement later in the Book of Order spells out a general principle : “The Presbyterian system of government (and teaching) calls
for continuity with and faithfulness to the heritage that lies behind the contemporary church. It calls equally for openness
and faithfulness to the renewing activity of the God of history.” (G-4.0303) This is what we mean when we speak of “Ecclesia
reformata, semper reformanda”. We have translated that ancient motto with this phrase: “The church reformed and always
being reformed by the Word of God and the call of the Spirit.”
Though
we are not unique in this respect, Reformed and Presbyterian congregations historically have earned the reputation for offering a
very challenging religious life that is both deeply devout and intellectually responsible. Neither of these characteristics alone is
sufficient. Devotion without hardheaded thinking easily degenerates into sugary sentimentality; hardheaded thinking without
devotion all too easily becomes merely an elitist head trip. Neither alone is sufficient to proclaim the gospel. To be
a Reformed Christian is to drink deeply from the Scriptures, our confessions of faith, and our implementation of these concretely
through the Book of Order. We celebrate and pray these basic themes in our worship, especially through “The Service
for the Lord’s Day” where we celebrate the historic liturgy of the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church”. Thus we join with
Christians from all times and places in the adoration and service of the holy and undivided Trinity.
Ours is an era of such rapid change that we hardly become adjusted to our “ brave new world” before another major change begins developing. In this atmosphere many people feel tempted to equate current ideas with both “brand new breakthroughs never before considered” and
“superior intellectual, ethical, and spiritual insights”. The seduction to value current ideas as both “brand new” and “superior”
makes confessing an historic faith exceedingly difficult. Others seem intent on repeating past formulas as if they were a part
of Holy Scripture;. This attitude makes any variation in thought, expression, or practice problematic. Historians push us to
transcend these two modern prejudices. However, that is precisely what PC (USA) is seeking to do. One of our seminaries
adopted a motto that expresses this idea decades ago: “To preach the ancient Gospel to a new and changing world.”
What is the
Pentecost Offering?
The Pentecost Offering provides a way to directly meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults.
The benefits can be seen all around us. Congregations are trying new ways to minister with the children at risk in their communities.
General Assembly programs are advocating for children and providing leadership development opportunities for our youth and young adults.
Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised over $4.8 million for these ministries that benefit younger members of God’s family.
40
percent of the Pentecost Offering is kept by congregations for use on behalf of children at risk.
10 percent supports General Assembly
Child Advocacy Ministries in 2008 to:
¨ Empower children on behalf of other children through the
launch of the
Kids 4 Kids Website: www.presbykids4kids.org for older elementary children.
¨ Facilitate the denomination’s ongoing emphasis, the Decade of the Child (2001-2011). Resources and initiatives
are being developed on such issues as child soldiers, child trafficking, child sexual abuse, bullying, and violent video games. Action initiatives include increasing health care coverage for impoverished
families with children and advocating for a just minimum wage to
help lift families with children out of poverty.
25 percent of the Offering supports General Assembly ministries with youth in 2008
to:
¨ Provide scholarships to faithful adult youth workers who will attend the fall 2008 Presbyterian
Youth Workers’ Association gathering in
¨ Create four new specialty resources for youth and youth leadership: More Motion, Be Tween, Youth Ministry and Learning Disabilities,
and a new resource for planning youth-related mission trips.
¨ Support the new resource The Thoughtful
Christian for teens, an online series geared toward youth groups engaging in powerful and provocative Christian study.
¨ Assist staff in preparing the Parents of Teens Initiative, a new Web site and online resource.
¨ Support the faithful members of the church who minister with young people through the Presbyterian Youth Workers’ Association.
25
percent supports Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) opportunities, which in 2008 will:
¨ Prepare young
adults from the
¨ Help pay the travel and living
expenses of young adults (ages 19-30) serving overseas in the International Young Adult Volunteer program. Offering funds
match those raised by the young adults as they prepare for this life-changing opportunity to experience and share God in a community
of need in another culture for one year.
Memorial Donation
A Memorial has been set-up in honor of Dave’s mother Lois Sweley.
The Memorial will be sent to Sunrise Presbyterian Church in
Get ready for a Beach Party VBS! June 16 – 20, 9:30 – 11:45 a.m.
We
are planning an exciting week, with science, crafts, music, games, snacks and drama-filled Bible stories!
We need
leaders and helpers in these areas:
- Preschool - recreation - Bible story - “life-guarding”
- decorating - Discovery (uses science to illustrate daily points)
Please sign up in the Atrium, or contact Mary.
VBS leaders
& helpers make a difference in the lives of our children. God calls us to teach children
We need your help, if you have any
of the following items that you could loan us we would appreciate it.
Items needed: Beach towels - bright colors; Beach chairs;
Life preserver; Sea shells; Flip-flops; 2 small plastic wading pools; Large chair for David’s throne; 3 pair snorkeling fins; 3 inner
tubes or swim wings; 3 hula hoops; Sand buckets
Russian Music for Violin and Piano featuring Priscilla Hallberg - Violin;
Linda Adams - Piano; Sunday, May 25, 2008 beginning at 3:00 pm at
The Presbyterian Church of Garden City
Free Admission; For more information
call Priscilla Hallberg at 275-4379
A 6-week Grief Recovery Workshop will be held on
Tuesday evenings - May 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and June 3rd and 10th - from 7:00 - 8:30 PM - at
Topics include: Types of Loss; Stages of Grief; Doing Grief Work; Dealing with Anger, Guilt
and Depression; Steps to Recovery; Children and Grief; Suicide; Anniversaries and Holidays; Spiritual Issues
The workshops are
open to anyone who would like to attend. Questions may be directed to Gina Cash at St. Catherine Hospice, 620-272-2519 or 1-800-281-4077.
Tables
of 8
The Lay Ministry committee would like to invite you to join in a fun opportunity to fellowship and get to know some of your fellow
church members better. Groups of eight people meet on a mutually agreed-upon time and frequency to simply share a meal and friendly
conversation. It’s a wonderful chance to form new friendships and strengthen old ones and make our church a warmer place to be.If
you are interested, there will be a table to sign up for a Table of 8 in the atrium following worship.
Be a “Teaching Family” this
summer!
Christian Ed. Committee is looking for families interested in leading Sunday School one Sunday this summer.
If you are interested
in being a “teaching family” for a Sunday, please contact Mary or one of the Committee members: Pat Sanders, Becky McVey, Chip
Marcy, Lauren Deaver, KayeLani Irvin or Mitchell Watson.
New books on the New Arrivals cart:
The Presbyterian Handbook
(Not your standard
handbook, this is written in the style of “Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbooks™, and includes tips on getting to know your pastor,
praying, listening to a sermon, explaining predestination, and what to bring to a potluck.)
Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt, A
Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, and other Confused Presbyterians by Ted V. Foote Jr., and P. Alex Thornburg
How to Worship as a Presbyterian by Dean W. Chapman
The Case for a Creator by Lee Stobel
Embracing Parents, How Your Congregation can
Strengthen Families by Lolene and Eugene Roehlkepartian
Why Great Men Fall, 15 Winning Strategies to Rise above it all by Wayde Goodal
Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn
The Bible
Makes Sense by Walter Brueggemann
A Geography of God, Exploring the Christian Journey by Michael L. Lindvall
The Godbearing Life, The
Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry by Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster
May Birthdays May Anniversaries
Carol Hodgkinson 5/2 Gary and Lee Ann Shrader
Matt Friesen 5/4 5/25/1991
Tanya Munoz 5/4 Matt and Jennifer Jones
Nancy Gilmer 5/6 5/26/2001
Jeanne Hamilton 5/6
Helen Doubrava 5/7
Lorene
Walker 5/7
Gladys Cripe 5/10
Roberta Huddleston 5/10
Laurie Bock 5/13
Ken
Golay 5/13
Mason Bock 5/15
Jeff Whitham 5/15
Carl Bors V 5/19
Henry Bors 5/19
Pauline Weddle 5/20
Trace Woods 5/21
Rebecca Crotty 5/23
Hayley Mayfield 5/23
Mitchell Watson 5/25
Neely
Burnside 5/26
Mary Lynn Buchele 5/27
Kathy Friesen 5/27
Kirk Brown 5/28
Lauren Deaver 5/31
Pat Whitham 5/31
Card Ministry
We like to send cards and birthday wishes. If you have not received a birthday or anniversary card from us in the past, we may not have your information on file. Please contact the office so our Deacons can get you on their greetings list.
Church Family and Friends in Need of
Special Prayers:
Tom Meschke, Kathy Irvin, Monty Fey, Les DePew, Jim Hamlett, Larry Sanders, Rhonda Hutton, Marge Williams, Rolland
Mathias, Greg Adams, Virginia Meschke, Jack Reeve, Adria Doll, Laurie Bock, Gary Friesner, Bob Whippo, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe,
Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, Karen Dunbar, Glen Woods, Cole Tuit, John Hoxie, Ruth
Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.
(Please call the church with your personal prayer request). God Bless
All Of You.
The following families have recently lost loved ones.
Please pray for the family of Ella Neff, Dave and Cheryl Sweley
on the passing of his mother, Lois, Blanche Larson on the passing of her son Eric, Gladys Cripe and Blanche Larson on the passing
of their sister Virginia Coen, Rolland Mathias and family on the passing of his brother, Laddie, Kathy Irvin and family on the passing
of her mother.
This week’s prayer family: Gordon & Priscilla Hallberg and Elizabeth Hodges.
This week’s prayer
church: Bethel Presbyterian Church in
Activities
Sunday, May 4 - Graduate Recognition
Bell Choir @ 8:30
am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am
Tuesday, May 6
C.E. @ 6:00 pm, Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 7
Celebrate
Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm, Worship @ 8:30 pm
Thursday, May 8
Circle I @ 9:30 am, Deacons @ 11:30 am,
Circle II @ 2:00 pm, Circle III @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 11 - Pentecost
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship w/Communion
@ 10:45 am
Tuesday, May 13
Stewardship @ 6:30 pm, Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 14
Last Day of Youth Groups
Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm