THE PRESBYTERIAN
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’s Associationwould
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