Our Worship of God

THE PRESBYTERIAN

1719 Texas Street Garden City, Kansas 67846

phone (620) 275-9141 fax (620) 275-9142

email: pcgardencity@sbcglobal.net www.pcgardencity.org

February 27 2008

Mission Statement

As faithful members of the Presbyterian Church of Garden City, Kansas, we accept God’s call to be involved in the

ministry of God’s church.

Our mission is a twofold responsibility; to nurture and support our local church;

and to follow Christ’s call to serve in the world, thereby proclaiming the Gospel to all.

Across the Pastor’s Desk

As we look toward the future of this congregation, I want to suggest a principle that generally yields the best and longest lasting results: new directions don’t fall out of the sky, but emerge more gradually out of long established principles and procedures. Translated into practical terms, this principle suggests that we first insure that we know about and have implemented the best in the PC USA system of teaching, practice, and procedure, before we begin innovating. This would insure that any changes in worship style, mission thrust, organizational patterns, etc. would have already been considered, and the best would be maintained. Otherwise any significant changes would simply be revolutionary at best and would create some chaos at worst.

In keeping with this I have tried to ensure that at all levels, we are in the process of maintaining or implementing the old “tried and true” from the best resources of PC USA. From that base some innovations can be launched and tested. Without that base, any innovations introduced would be somebody’s or some group’s whims or personal taste. Important as these are, whims and personal tastes are an insufficient reason for making changes or introducing innovations that effect a whole congregation and/or its future. This also includes a particular pastor’s whims and tastes.

Congregations somewhat routinely pass off changes introduced by new pastors as “that’s just how Pastor Jack/Jill likes to do it”. In the past all of us pastors have somewhat reluctantly accepted that sentiment, fearing that the logic of and the reason for some change being introduced would not be understood. So it seemed best just to accept the “that’s just how Pastor Jack/Jill likes to do it” way of putting it and skip the explaining part. However efficient that attitude may be some of the time, it really doesn’t measure up to Reformed standards. Hopefully all pastors have more profound reasons for doing things than “that’s just how I like it”, unless the issue revolves around the color of clothing or the flavor of their toothpaste. A more Reformed approach to change is: “This new procedure/practice/etc. is based on ____ and better reflects our perspective as Reformed Christians.” When anyone asks me about any change, I vow to explain it briefly. Should I not do so, please ask me the basis.

I will also continue each week to write about some dimension of “church life in a Presbyterian mode” in the Sunday bulletin. If there is any aspect that you would like to know more about, please contact me or Connie or put a short request in the offering plate marked for my attention.

This congregation needs to play an even more vital role in the community and our general area. We offer a somewhat different and (hopefully) more open church option for many newcomers. However by providing a comfortable and compassionate space for newcomers, we don’t want to neglect or to alienate unnecessarily our “long timers”. Old and new together, venturing forth together is our optimum goal.

Jim Pitts

C.E. & a Note from Mary:

Our 3rd-6^th grade Sunday School teacher, Brenda Watson was teaching about the crucifixion and showing slides of the Stations of the Cross. One of the students asked how heavy the cross was. Brenda replied that she thought it was about 100 pounds. “Wow! How could he carry it so far,” one of the responses. Brenda was excited to share how Jesus was a carpenter, had a strong body to lift the wood for the He built, how far He walked on His journeys. She told them Jesus took care of His body and He wants us to take care of ours.

What a joy it is to integrate talk of our faith with our daily lives! I became a Sunday School teacher when my children were in preschool because I wanted to be able to incorporate what they learned in Sunday school into our family activities during the rest of the week. It is just as important to continue these conversations as children grow, and also between all family members, no matter their age or whether or not they still live at the same address. Sunday School is a great way to start the week!

If you have forgotten how to start those spiritual conversations in your family, try these ideas: 1) Use the One Great Hour of Sharing fish banks and calendar of activities that will be handed out March 2 (also available in the Atrium) 2) Check out the “Faith Talk” cards or “Chicken Soup for the Soul” cards from the Library Cart in the Atrium, or 3) check out the “Imaginiff” game from the Library cart.

“Vacation Bible School is always on my mind.” (Isn’t that a Jon Denver tune?) If you are interested in seeing the preview packs or have opinions about VBS 2008, please visit with me!

The APCE conference was 3 ½ days of exciting workshops, worship, and renewing of the mind. I’ve already used information from one of the workshops at Youth Group! ~Mary

Healing Service

Sunday, March 2nd will be a ‘service of healing’. Communion will be served with the Elders of the Class of 2010 assisting Pastor Pitts. You are encouraged to come forward for anointing and prayers.

Hunger Barrel

This Sunday, the Lay Ministry committee will be taking donations for their Hunger Barrel to benefit the Emmaus House. There is a great need in our community and your generosity is greatly appreciated. Together, we can help ease the hunger in our community.

Sermons Ala Carte

The next Lenten lunch will be on Thursday, March 6 at Garden Valley Church located at 1701 N 3rd. Sermon begins at 12:00 pm Lunch follows at 12:30 pm. The theme of this service will be “The Cross of Sacrifice/service” presented by Mary Fabin of First Baptist Church.

Easter Lilies

We are taking orders for Easter Lilies to be placed in the sanctuary. If you wish to honor or remember someone with an Easter Lily, please call the church office to place your order. This year’s cost will be $19.00.

Maundy Thursday, March 20^th

Communion Service will begin at 7:00 pm.

Deacons will be assisting with Communion.

A Prayer Service will be held Good Friday,

March 21st at 7:00 pm.

Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast Ride “Lenten Airways” this Easter morn, on a trip through the Holy Land. No passport or luggage needed, just be at the gate (inside the Atrium) by departure time of 7:30 a.m. The High School group is planning a joyful Easter Sunrise service, and Christian Ed. will provide breakfast afterwards. Children and youth Sunday school classes will be at regular time of 9:30 am. Adult classes – see next newsletter for several special opportunities.

Children’s Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt and Activities, Saturday, March 22, 10:00 – 11:00. We’ll use special eggs and activities to teach our children the real Easter story. Watch for more details.

Volunteers Needed

Here is a great opportunity to help your church!

Kathy Irvin and Nancy Sowers have been preparing and cleaning up Communion. There have been times when they have not been able to do this and need volunteers to help out. If you are interested in learning how communion is prepared, training and support will be provided.

Please contact the church office for more information.

Check it Out

Information on a number of upcoming events has been posted on the bulletin board adjacent to the church office.

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Les DePew, Jim Hamlett, Larry Sanders, Rhonda Hutton, Rolland Mathias, Marge Williams, Virginia Meschke, the Burnside family, Jack Reeve, Laurie Bock, Gary Friesner, Greg Adams, Bob Whippo, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Laurie Bock, Pat LeClerc, Susan Brookover, Dale Meadors, Linda Friesner, Glen Woods, Wesley Sterling, John Hoxie, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse, Kim Eakes, Ruth Oliver.

(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 Kathy Irvin and family.

This week’s prayer family: Bud, Sandra, Kirsten and Jayson Neff.

This week’s prayer church: Westwood Presbyterian Church

in Wichita, KS.

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY

March 2^nd

Greeters - Joan Davis

Lay Leader - Brenda Watson

Ushers - Kathryn, Kyle, Jacob and Jonathan Ochampaugh

Fellowship - Sandra, Kirstin and Jayson Neff

Sound Technicians - Michael Heatwole and Mitchell Watson

March Birthdays March Anniversaries

Greg Adams 3/1 Daryl & Ann Hamlett

Mitchell Mayfield 3/1 3/8/1975

Jeb Meschke 3/3

Chase Sterling 3/6

John Ford 3/11

Ruth Richards 3/11

Rhonda Hutton 3/13

Bruce Middleton 3/14