Presbyterian Church of Garden City
Newsletters
2008
May 18, 2008 May 28,
2008 June 15, 2008
July 6, 2008 July 30,
2008 Sept. 10, 2008 Sept. 28, 2008
Oct. 8, 2008 Oct. 29,
2008 Nov. 26, 2008
December 23, 2008
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
December
28, 2008
Greeters - Adah Jenkins
Lay Leader - Audrey Law
Ushers - Rodney and Robert York, Larry and Kelley
Jenkins
Fellowship - Adah Jenkins
Important Dates in
January 2009
January 16 - Year-end Committee reports due
January 18 - Installation and Ordination of
Elders and
Deacons elected on December 7, 2008
January 24 - Leadership Advancement Forum
details on bulletin board adjacent to
church office.
January 25 - Annual Congregational Meeting/
Election of Corporation President
Fellowship Dinner
The Stewardship Committee has worked
diligently to prepare the budget for the coming year. We would like to thank all of you that have sent in your pledge
for 2009. If you have not yet turned in
your pledge, please try and do so as soon as you are able. If you have
misplaced your pledge card, cards are available in the church office.
Kelley Jenkins
Stewardship Committee Member
Across the Pastor’s Desk
The
Twelve Days of Christmas
This
year our services from the Fourth Sunday in Advent to the Epiphany celebration
in January will form one continuous whole. Last Sunday we heard the story of
the Annunciation; Christmas Eve celebrates the birth of the Christ Child; the
Sunday after Christmas extends the meaning of the Incarnation; and Epiphany
celebrates the nations of the world coming to the Christ Child, as symbolized
by the Magi from the East. The
significance of this continuous celebration of the Incarnation from the
Annunciation to the Epiphany is that it preserves for us more of the biblical
narratives and stresses the teaching of the central Christian tradition.
In
the early years of Christianity two different types of celebrations of Christ’s
coming into history became extremely
popular. One, originating in
Frequently
it is asked: “Why should modern Western Christians worry about all of this?”
One obvious value in celebrating both Christmas and Epiphany lies in this
practice fixing in our hearts and memories the manifold meanings of the Christ
event. This practice also provides a
vivid, dramatic portrayal of the twin approaches to answering the question: “What
Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” Western and
Eastern Christianity tend to answer this question slightly differently. Each
side expressed its distinctive flavor in familiar hymnody. Western Christianity
tends to see Jesus “from below”, from the perspective of his true humanity, as
in “Lo how a rose e’er bloometh from
tender stem hath sprung. Of Jesse’s
lineage coming, by faithful prophets foretold.”. Eastern Christians tend to see Jesus as coming “from above”, from
the perspective of coming down from eternity, as in “Let all mortal flesh
keep silence and with fear and trembling stand. Ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessings in his hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand”.
Both
of these relative emphases merit our attention, and both are needed by a
generation which seems to be confused about who this Jesus of Nazareth is. The Western emphasis (true human being)
becomes easily corrupted into “merely human” without the Eastern emphasis on “being
sent by God from eternity”. The Eastern
emphasis (“God from God and light from light”) quickly becomes a form of
unrealistic supernaturalism completely disconnected from ordinary human
experience without the emphasis of the “Logos (Word of God) taking on human
nature”. Both emphases are needed to give a fuller understanding of who this
man from
Jim
Adult Opps Here Now or Coming
Soon!
“If you are not growing, you
are rotting”
“When God’s People Pray,” a DVD
curriculum
January 11 – February 22, led by Chip Marcy in the
Parlor. We’ll have coffee available, so
come and be inspired by this highly reviewed study on the power of prayer. To get the most out of this class, a
participant guide can be ordered through Mary. ($10)
“Miracle of Life Change” Women’s Bible Study, Thursday evenings, led
by Kathryn Ochampaugh in the Parlor.
“Mighty Acts of God” led by Jim Pitts will continue in the
Parlor.
Self-study or informal small
group options
Wednesday nights this winter, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nursery care is available. Mary will set up the equipment in the Parlor
if you let her know you are interested in any of the following DVD’s: (S=series, I=individual)
-Parenting, The Early Years (S)
-The Miracle of Life Change (S)
-History of Christianity (S)
-Embracing Marriage (S)
-The Jesus Film (I, but longer than 1 hour)
To learn what God is
doing around the world
through the PC(USA)
and its partners,
Go to http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/
,
or see the 2009
(Adult &
Children’s editions)
that have been placed
in classrooms and the library.
Christmas Break for
Sunday School & Youth Groups
That’s right, December
28, there will be no
Sunday School for
children or youth.
Classes will resume on
January 4th.
No Youth Group during
Christmas break,
December 24 and
31.
We’ll meet again on
January 7th.
Happy New Year!
All Sunday School
Teachers,
Youth Group Sponsors
And CE Committee
Members
Are Invited to an
Appreciation Dinner
January 11, 2009, 6:00 p.m.,
Middle School Room
2009 Church Directory
Work has begun on updating the 2009 Church
Directory.
Please contact the
office if there has been any change
in your information
from last year.
Email address cannot
be published without your approval,
if you wish for your
email address to appear in the directory
please submit your
email address to the office. Thank you.
Poinsettia Donations
The
following families have donated
poinsettias in memory or in honor of loved ones:
Presbyterian Women’s Circle II
In loving memory of
Harvey Richards by Ruth Richards and the Deaver family
In loving memory of
Marilyn Saunders by the Saunders family
In
loving memory of Burton Lisk by Ruth Lisk
In loving memory of
Frank and Betty Ellis by the Woods family
In loving memory of
Garnet Reid by Anna Reid
Members that have moved
Listed below is the contact information
that the church office has on file for those members who have moved in recent
years.
Judy Ackley Tom
Meschke
Parker, CO 80134
Dennis & Kim Baldwin Paulasue
Sawyers
6452 N. Winfield Ave 254
Joan Ave
Parker, CO 80134
Susan Brookover Dick & Jo Stevens
Rex & Mary Burden David & Cheryl Sweley 5901 W 107 St Apt Nancy Gilmer Mark
& Suzan Tarwater 221 Whispering Wally Hamann Gary
& Stacey Wheatley Matt Huddleston Noman & Elizabeth
Williams January Birthdays Bailey
Roth 1/7 Kierstin
Sanders 1/7 Lee
Ann Shrader 1/8 Kyle
Ochampaugh 1/11 Jennifer
Bailey 1/12 Suzan
Tarwater 1/13 Jack
Adams 1/15 Mitchell
Bock 1/16 Jacob
Ochampaugh 1/17 Jon
Ochampaugh 1/17 Mary
Sterling 1/19 Robert
Jones 1/23 Mary
Guy 1/25 Brenda
Reeve 1/25 Tyson
Sterling 1/26 Paula
Sloderbeck 1/27 Dale
Meadors 1/29 Church Family and Friends in Need
of Special Prayers: Ken Golay, Barbara
Bergmann, Yvonne Battles, Emme Miller, Bob Law, Suzan Tarwater, Marisha Cooper,
Natalie Hendrickson, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Jim
Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys
Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover,
Linda Friesner, 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 Kathryn Ochampaugh and family on the passing of her grandmother, Sue
Callahan on the passing of Bill, Tom Meschke and family on the passing of
Virginia, Jill, Lucas and Aubrey Whippo on the passing of Bob, Gary Shrader and
family on the passing of his father Winston, the family of Rolland Mathias on
the passing of his brother Bob. This week’s
prayer family: Donald and Carolyn Ochampaugh This week’s
prayer church: First
Presbyterian Activities Sunday,
January 4 Bell Choir @
8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am Monday, January 5 PW Board @ 10:00 am, Praise Team @ 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 7 Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00
pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm, Worship @ 8:30 pm Thursday, January 8 CE @ 6:00 pm Sunday, January 11 Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am Monday, January 12 Praise
Team @ 7:00 pm Wednesday,
January 14 Celebrate
Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm Thursday, January 15 Circle I @ 9:30 am, Circle II @ 2:00 pm, Lay
Ministry @ 6:00 pm, Circle III @ 7:30 pm December 10, 2008 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY December 14, 2008
Greeters - George and Debbie Wharton Advent Family - Adah, Kelley and Larry Jenkins Ushers - Kathy Friesen, Ellen Lynn, Anna Reid and
Sharon Ford Fellowship - Pat LeClerc and Gary Friesner A Celebration of Jesus On December 14, 2008 the Chancel Choir
will perform the Christmas Cantata “A
Celebration of Jesus”. The Presbyterian Youth invite you to
celebrate with them. Please plan to
come! The Next Noel featuring the Presbyterian Youth Wednesday. December 17, 2008 6:00
p.m. Potluck dinner, 6:30 p.m. Children’s Christmas program A Note to Children and Parents Please remember our last and very important
practice: Saturday, Dec. 13th All children with speaking parts need to come at 10:00 am and stay till
12:00. All other children (preschool and some older ones without speaking parts)
need to come at 11:00 am and stay till 12:00. Pizza lunch will be served at 11:30. On Wednesday, Dec. 17th All children to come at 5:00pm Dinner with parents at 6:00pm Children's program at 6:30pm Christmas Joy Offering
a Presbyterian Tradition A
Presbyterian tradition for almost seventy years, the Christmas Joy Offering is
an annual special offering designated by the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church (USA) to provide congregations direct ways of supporting
specific causes that help those in need. The receipts of the offering are
distributed equally to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs and to
National Ministries of the General Assembly Council to support Presbyterian
racial ethnic education. Through
the Board of Pensions’ Financial Assistance Programs, the Christmas Joy
Offering recognizes the faithfulness of current and retired church workers by
providing funds to help them through difficult times. To
help retired church workers and their surviving spouses, the board offers
Income Supplements to raise incomes to a level where retirees can live modestly
and continue to maintain their independence. If
these individuals’ incomes do not support their housing needs, the board
provided them Housing Supplements. The Shared Grant Program is open to all
current and retired church workers. Governing bodies, congregations, and
employing organizations offer the grants to church workers who have financial
need or an emergency. The board shares the funding with this partner
organization. Many
times, Shared Grants and Emergency Assistance Grants meet needs that might be
considered routine, such as additional medical or dental expenses not covered
by insurance. Perhaps a retiree needs a little help paying for equipment or
services not covered by traditional insurance. Other times, grants may help a
church worker meet unexpected financial needs or recover from am natural
disaster. Each
of these grants is an expression of Presbyterian’s faithful witness to and
sharing of the love of Christ for all people. Shared and Emergency Assistance
Grants help people with financial needs resulting from a variety of problems:
an unemployed spouse, a flood or tornado, a seriously ill child, or unexpected
family expenses. Again and again, recipients of grants large and small say that
as important as the financial assistance was, what really sustained them was the
knowledge that the church was standing with them in their time of need. The
Presbyterian Church has long promoted education through establishing and
supporting racial ethnic schools and colleges. Christmas Joy Offering funds
provide scholarships to deserving students as well as help with basic operating
costs. These institutions develop leaders in the church and in society, and
they enable students to discover and pursue their professional goals. All
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) related schools and colleges are open to any
qualified student regardless of race. Your
congregation’s gifts allow these schools and colleges to continue the
ministries we have carried out for decades, even as the ways we implement these
ministries evolve in response to changing needs and circumstances. For example,
Roberta Huddleston
2900
others for leadership in church and
society, specializing in Christian and theological education.
Knoxville
College - Founded in 1875 by Presbyterian missionaries, this college in Knoxville,
Tennessee, offers a wide range of study, including teacher education, health
services, business, science, religion, and social services. It is currently
broadening its program so that students who attend are offered opportunities to
work for their tuition.
curriculum with additional courses in fine
arts and religious studies.
Presbyterian
Pan American School - The successor to the Texas Mexican Industrial
Institute (1911) and the Presbyterian School for Mexican Girls (1924),
Presbyterian Pan American School, located in Kingsville, Texas, is a
coeducational college preparatory school offering students a learning
environment on a Christian community.
careers in medicine, business,
law, education, and Christian ministry.
Information
resource: 2008 Christmas Joy Offering
Mission Interpretation General
Assembly Council
Emmaus House
needs our help!
With
Christmas fast approaching, the Emmaus
House needs
donations of
the following food items:
for Christmas: Ham/Chicken;
Corn; Beans (Green & Baked); Soup; Mashed or Sliced Potatoes; Cake or
Cookie Mix; Bread; Nuts; Mac ‘n’ Cheese.
The food baskets for Christmas will go out on December 22, 2008 from
9:30-11:30 am and again from1:00 to 7:00 pm on those days. Please bring in your
donated items for Christmas by December 19th.
Bill
Callahan, a former member of this congregation, passed away in
Sue can be contacted at angels@rapidnet.com or
2009 Church Directory
Work has begun on updating the 2009 Church
Directory.
Please contact the
office if there has been any change
in your information
from last year.
Email address cannot
be published without your approval,
if you wish for your email address to appear
in the directory
please submit your
email address to the office. Thank you.
POINSETTIAS
We are now taking orders for
Poinsettias to be placed in the
Sanctuary during the Advent season in memory or in honor of your loved ones. If
you'd like to order a poinsettia,
please call the office with your request. The cost of poinsettias will
be $23.50
Adult Opportunities
When God’s People Pray
If you are interested in unlocking the power of prayer, individually or for
our church, this six week class is for you!
Pour yourself a cup of coffee and meet us in the Parlor beginning
January 11. Chip Marcy will lead the
discussion. A participant guide is
available for $10.00; please contact the office if you would like to order
one.
Mighty Acts of God
The reigns of Manasseh and Amon, the good king Josiah, and the last days of
the
Miracle of Life Change our Thursday night Women’s Bible Study,
will take a break Dec. 25 & Jan. 1.
Don’t worry if you have not been able to attend regularly! Group leader Kathryn Ochampaugh encourages
you to come – the lessons and discussions are great! Plan to join them January 8, 7-8 p.m. in the Parlor.
Children and Youth Sunday School
Pre-school – 6th : The
Life and Ministry of Jesus.
7 & 8th grade classes will be “Driving thru History” –
High School: “Clean hearts” & “What’s on the inside counts”
Youth Group
Dec. 17th is Children’s Christmas Program. Come for potluck
dinner at 6:00, program around 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
NO Youth Group activities December 24th
or 31st.
Youth
Purchasing Dillons
Certificates are an easy way to help our Youth Mission Fund, and it doesn’t
cost you anything! If you shop at
Dillons, purchase gift certificates on Sunday in the atrium, or in the office
during the week.
Birthdays
Kelli
Ford 12/14
Robert
York 12/14
Ryan
Ochampaugh 12/15
Jon
Ansley 12/16
Carol
Deaver 12/16
Kelley
Jenkins 12/16
Mike
Deaver 12/17
Robert
Hit 12/19
Leah
Williams 12/19
Justin
Erwin 12/20
Janet
Major 12/20
Joe
Burnside 12/24
Steven
Buchele 12/27
Church Family and Friends in Need
of Special Prayers:
Yvonne Battles, Emme
Miller, Bob Law, Suzan Tarwater, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Anne
Brown, Tom Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg
Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat
LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, 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 Sue Callahan on the passing of Bill, Tom Meschke and family on the
passing of Virginia, Jill, Lucas and Aubrey Whippo on the passing of Bob, Gary
Shrader and family on the passing of his father Winston, the family of Rolland
Mathias on the passing of his brother Bob.
This week’s
prayer families: Susan Brookover, Helen Doubrava and Marian McNaught.
This week’s
prayer church: Parks Presbyterian Church of Leoti, KS.
Activities
Sunday,
December 14
3rd
Sunday of Advent
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am, Cantata
Monday, December 15
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday,
December 17
All Children to come @ 5:00 pm, Pot luck dinner @
6:00 pm,
Children’s Christmas program @ 6:30 pm, Choir @
7:30 pm
Sunday, December 21
4th Sunday
of Advent
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Monday, December 22
Session @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, December 24
Candle Light Worship @ 7:00 pm
Thursday, December 25
Christmas day
Friday, December 26
Office Closed
November 26, 2008
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
November 30, 2008
Greeters -
Virginia and Nancy Sowers
Advent Family - The Irvin family
Ushers - Adah Jenkins, Donna Jameson
Fellowship - Brenda Watson
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 7, following
worship we will be holding a Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing
Church Elders, Deacons, Memorial, Nominating and Review Committee members.
A quorum
is needed to pass any and all motions. Without your attendance we may not be
able to meet that requirement and would have to re-schedule this
meeting. We ask that you mark this
date on your calendar and plan to join us
Presbyterian
Women
Presbyterian Women will be
having the annual Christmas Tea at 2:00 pm Sunday, December 7th in the Fellowship Hall. All women are
invited and encouraged to attend. New Officers for the 2009 year will be
installed. The Thank Offering will be taken up and dedicated.
The Thank Offering is one of
two annual offerings of Presbyterian Women. It is collected each fall and
disbursed in the spring. At least 30 percent of the offering goes to health
related projects and the rest of the offering funds new creative approaches to
mission that meet criteria established by the Church-wide Coordinating Team of
Presbyterian Women. The 77 recipients provide a variety if aid - agricultural
development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug
counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness,
literacy, violence, and women’s concerns.
No Youth Group, November 26 –
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hark! Be a Herald Angel!
Join the Youth Group
and the Choir for Caroling
Wednesday, December 10th
at 6:30.
December 6, Three
Events in One!
For Families with
Young Children
I. 10:30-12:00 Birthday party for Jesus
for toddlers, preschoolers,
and kindergarteners
We’ll have a birthday party with games, story and
balloons. Please bring an unwrapped gift to be placed in our manger. The gifts will be given to either ABC
Pregnancy Center or the Salvation Army for the Angel Tree program. The birthday cupcakes will be part of the
kid-friendly meal at 11:30 – 12:00.
II. Celebration of Parents 10:30 – 12:00
Meet in the Parlor with our Parish Nurse, Brenda
Watson and Ann Hamlett from Russell Child Development for a wide ranging
discussion on “Child Development and
Health,” followed by lunch with the children at 11:30. (Infants are welcome!)
III. 10:00 – 12:00 Music
Practice for
All Children & Youth in the Christmas Program They will be sharing in the
meal at 11:30 – 12:00.
Emmaus House
needs our help!
With
Christmas fast approaching, the Emmaus
House needs
donations of
the following food items:
for Christmas: Ham/Chicken;
Corn; Beans (Green & Baked); Soup; Mashed or Sliced Potatoes; Cake or
Cookie Mix; Bread; Nuts; Mac ‘n’ Cheese.
The food baskets for Christmas will go out on December 22, 2008 from
9:30-11:30 am and again from1:00 to 7:00 pm on those days. Please bring in your
donated items for Christmas by December 19th.
A note from Mary
I am thankful for
-teachers who love God and children,
who come faithfully on a regular
basis
or when we call on short
notice
-youth group sponsors willing to share their time
-open spots so that people have opportunity to “enlarge their tents”
-parents who teach their children at home
who bring their children
to Sunday School & Youth Group
who drive and cook and
wash dishes
-teachers of our adult classes
-musicians who help us worship and praise God
-people who pray with me, and for me and for our church.
-people who work on our bulletins, newsletters, web site, sound board,
those people who do the “grunt work”
-people who support our missions – local missions, our youth mission trips,
and long term missionaries
-the PC(USA) website where I can read about the work being done by our
missionaries around the world
and most of all I’m thankful for a loving God and His assurance of life
eternal.
Across the Pastor’s Desk
Several
centuries ago an astute Islamic cleric studied Christianity in depth. He
concluded that, unlike many other religions, Christian faith needed no special
structures to mature its members in depth. No special new structures were
needed because regular church life was designed to do this.
This
scholar may have grasped this reality better than most of us. Devout Christian
faith is to be matured within each parish through our normal program. Apart
from specialized training or for special events, we need go nowhere else.
I
want to challenge each of us to seek more intentionally to incorporate our
faith in this coming year by living out the church year rather
than simply living through it. Our church year begins anew on
Advent Sunday.
The
readings and the services built around them stress the central tenets of our
faith; the Sunday liturgy reproduces the outline of the Synoptic Gospels; the
regular celebration of the Eucharist nurtures our mystical union with the
triune God through our identifying our humanity with Christ’s humanity (Christ’s
Body and Blood); the Biblical and religious studies during the week can enhance
our religious literacy; the fellowship opportunities can develop our experience
of the communion of saints; our participation in varied mission and service
projects offer us the chance to be “Good Samaritans” in concrete ways; etc.
As
we begin a new church year with an expectation of securing a new permanent
pastor within the next few months, do not forget the context in which we are
now living in North America. The old
relationship of our
denomination with our society has
changed. We are no longer unofficially
an established denomination as we were since the days of the nation’s Founding
Fathers. We live on the edges of the
American scene. The prospects of our
returning to “center-stage” within our lifetime are exceedingly slim! In part,
that accounts for the gradually dwindling membership rolls that most of our
sister congregations have experienced over the past few decades. The first step in changing that lies with
our recognizing this changed reality!
The
future lies open for now!
We have a relatively short “window of opportunity” to begin “doing
church” differently. That task will
have to be addressed by the congregation, your Session, and your new
pastor. In the meantime we can begin,
in a preliminary way, to alter the style of our individual lives of discipleship. If each of us (or at least some of us) will
begin living out the Church Year, as generally proposed above, I believe
that you will make a pleasant discovery: your inherited Presbyterian faith will
yield new treasures and take you to places you may never have guessed.
As
much as our present situation is frustrating, it can be equally or more
exciting and exhilarating. God speed each of us toward a renewed discovery of a
deeper grasp of the Reformed faith which has historically produced living
saints of the highest calibre!
Jim
A Celebration of Jesus
On December 14, 2008 the Chancel Choir
will perform the
Christmas Cantata “A
Celebration of Jesus”.
Poinsettias
We are now taking orders for
Poinsettias to be placed in the
Sanctuary during the Advent season in
memory of your loved ones. If you'd like to
order a poinsettia, please call the office with your request.
We do not have a price of the poinsettias at the time of this printing.
Church Family and Friends in Need
of Special Prayers:
Jo Coghill, Suzan
Tarwater, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Jim
Wharton, Eden Murphy, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams,
Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat
LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, 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 Tom Meschke and family on the passing of Virginia, Jill, Lucas and
Aubrey Whippo on the passing of Bob, Gary Shrader and family on the passing of
his father Winston, the family of Rolland Mathias on the passing of his brother
Bob.
Birthdays
Doug Crotty III 12/1
Jerica
Garcia 12/3
Michael
Heatwole 12/4
Justin
Reeve 12/4
Mildred
Rumpf 12/4
Cole
Brown 12/6
Joan
Davis 12/6
Tamara
Halloran 12/9
Jim
Wharton 12/10
Rolland
Mathias 12/11
Jacob
Major 12/12
Kelli
Ford 12/14
Robert
York 12/14
Ryan
Ochampaugh 12/15
Activities
Sunday,
November 30 1st Sunday of Advent
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Monday, December 1
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday,
December 3
Celebrate
Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm,
Choir @ 7:30 pm, Worship @ 8:30 pm
Thursday, December 4
Lay Ministry @ 6:00 pm, CE @ 6:00 pm
Saturday,
December 6
Birthday Party for Jesus 10:00 am
Sunday, December 7 2nd Sunday of Advent
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Congregational Meeting, PW Tea @ 2:00 pm
Monday, December 8
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 10
Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth & Choir
Caroling @ 6:30 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 11
Deacons @ 11:30 am
October 29, 2008
November 2, 2008
Greeters - Ruth Richards and Leona Crotty
Lay Leader - Kathryn Ochampaugh
Ushers -
The Ochampaugh family
Fellowship - The Buchele family
Sound Board – Steven Buchele
Thank You
The Presbyterian Women would like to thank
everyone who either worked the rummage sale or made a donation to
our Fall Rummage Sale and made it such a
success.
We received $1,550.50 from this rummage
sale. We gave the remaining items
to
October
31
“Ode to
Fun - in Two Parts, with Popcorn”
For
families and kids of all ages: 7:30 – 9:00
Active
and Board Games, plus a Veggie Tales Movie
For 4th
grade through age 99
9:00 –
11:30 Old Time Monster Movies
What’s Fair To Ask the PNC?
Now that the congregation has elected a PNC (Pastor Nominating
Committee), what should we, as very interested church members, say to them or ask them?
First of all, let us remember to pray for the PNC. They have a very tough, but very important
and exciting task before them. They will
be making recommendations to the congregation for our next permanent
pastor. They will be “selling Garden
Pres” to several potential candidates and “selling Garden Pres” on some particular candidate. “Selling” is used in its best sense:
presenting: Garden Pres’ needs, assets, and possibilities (without “bulling the
candidate”) and presenting the candidate with his/her positive strengths
(without “bulling the congregation”).
Therefore they need our support and our prayers. We will pray for them each Sunday
morning. They also need to be
remembered by each of us - daily.
Second, they will be updating us and/or asking for input from the
congregation at regular intervals, though not necessarily every Sunday. For instance: the PNC may request some time during the morning service several
weeks in a row and then say very little for several weeks. Be assured, whether they say little or a
lot, they are working very hard.
Next there are some things that we should not ask and they should not
answer! Things like: “Do you have
a candidate in mind yet?” Hopefully
they would say, “We are working very hard reading PIF’s (Pastor Information
Form).” Or “Have you heard him/her
preach?”; possible response, “We plan to hear sermons from every serious
candidate!” Or “After I (or Susie Q)
recommended Rev. X, did the PNC make contact?” PNC response, “We are
considering all recommendations handed to us - by
Sometimes this may be perceived as getting the run-around, like “We know
some secrets while you must stay in the dark!” Secrecy is the last thing the PNC is about. What the PNC is charged to do is this: 1) to
seek out the best available candidate for our congregation; 2) to maintain
confidentiality so that no candidate is embarrassed; equally so that Garden
Pres is not known as a congregation that cannot maintain confidentiality; 3) to
help keep down the congregational rumor mill so that all candidates get a fair
hearing; 4) to help minimize the possibility that some individuals will start
campaigning for or against a candidate in advance of the congregational
meeting.
It is fair to ask, “Where is the PNC in the process?” Answer: “We are reading PIF’s/checking
references/listening to sermon tapes, etc.”
Or “How can I support the PNC?”
Answer” “By being patient with our progress, praying for us, and keeping
our church running smoothly.” “Will we
have a permanent pastor before Christmas?”
Response: “We certainly are working toward presenting a candidate as
soon as possible.”
During this time, the General Presbyter, the Committee on Ministry, and
our Congregational Liaison will be very active. Be assured of this: out there, somewhere, there is a man or a
woman, who will be a good fit for Garden Pres . That person will not be a carbon copy of any preceding pastor that
we have known. He/she will be his/her
own person, with his/her own strengths and his/her own blind spots. Never has it been different; never will it
be different. Each pastor brings
something different from the past that will be grasped in time as needed for
the present. Patience, prayer, and
perseverance are needed to ensure that the best available candidate is located
and approached.
The worst scenario would be: rushing too quickly to get some pastor to
say ,”Yes, I’ll come there!” Probably
you could find some fool who would! But
then, this congregation has seen that scene before! The PNC needs to take whatever time it requires to find a good
fit.
Sign up to write for our own Advent
Devotion booklet!
Visit the table
in the Atrium for scripture readings and signup sheets. The ideal devotion is *short – about 200
words, *simple, keeping to one main topic; *draws a spiritual analogy from an
everyday situation or experience; *begins with a Scripture and ends with a
prayer. We value your contribution!
Please
submit your devotion by Sunday, November 9th.
Send e-mails to:
mrbuchele@hotmail.com,
or leave discs,
handwritten or typed copies at the church office.
“Treasure”
K-8 Sunday School
theme for November
We’ll be learning about stewardship through
4 great Bible stories:*Israelites build the Tabernacle;*Nehemiah; *The Widow;
*The Rich Young Ruler.
Join us as we learn from the Bible and sing
fun new songs! Thanks to the 7 & 8th
graders who have been our drama team! (“Under the Tree” the next series will
begin November 30. If you are
interested in helping with our opening activities, please see Mary, or any CE
committee member.)
Mark your
calendar –
Sunday, November
23rd, Hanging of the Green
AND Children’s
Advent Workshop
While the adults prepare the
Sanctuary for Advent, the children will be making ornaments and learning Bible
stories of lions, lambs, stars, crosses, and more! We’ll finish up with a worship service in the atrium as the
children hang the ornaments and we sing around the tree. (If you are interested in working with
the workshop, please see Mary.)
Adult
“De-stressing
the Holidays”
November
16, 9:30 in the Parlor
Already thinking about the whirlwind of holiday
activities and not sure how it will all get done? Come to this class to find out ways of making it easier, less
stressful this year.
What’s Youth
Group been up to??
Celebrate Kids (Grades
1-4) have been learning about the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, using a
Veggie Tale story of the Flibber-o-loo’s and the Jibbery-Jots.
Prime Time Presbies
(Grades 5-8) & the High School have been busy with
-“Saw you at the Pole” worship service at
Trinity Lutheran,
-the October 15 worship where the
children’s choir presented “I am a Promise” as the message; the youth prepared
and led the liturgy, wrote and led the prayers, chose the songs, assisted with
the Power-point, and the music.
-frisbee golf at the college
-reviewing a Powerpoint “Christianity,
Cults and the Occult”
(A great resource
showing origins, key writings, beliefs and practices. This practical overview is not intended to arouse an unhealthy curiosity
about hidden and forbidden things, but to help discern danger to recognize and
avoid it. If you are interested
in seeing it, please ask Mary.)
Emmaus House
needs our help!
With
Thanksgiving and Christmas fast
approaching, the Emmaus House needs donations of the following food items:
for Thanksgiving:
Turkey/Chicken; Corn; Green Beans;
Cranberry; Soup; Mashed Potatoes, Evaporated Milk; Canned Pumpkin; Bread;
Stuffing.
for Christmas: Ham/Chicken;
Corn; Beans (Green & Baked); Soup; Mashed or Sliced Potatoes; Cake or
Cookie Mix; Bread; Nuts; Mac ‘n’ Cheese.
The food baskets for Thanksgiving will be distributed on November 24,
2008. The food baskets for Christmas will go out on December 22, 2008 from
9:30-11:30 am and again from1:00 to 7:00 pm on those days.
They estimate approximately 250 food boxes will be going out to families
in need. Please bring in your donated
items for Thanksgiving by November 21st and for Christmas by December 19th.
Birthdays Anniversaries
Yvonne Battles 11/1 George
and Debbie Wharton
Emily Headrick 11/3 John
and Julie Ford
JJ Ford 11/4 11/24/1976
Larry Meschke 11/4 Bob
and Melinda Hitz
Pat Sanders 11/7 Bob and Audrey Law
Ryan Cornett 11/9 11/27/1960
Jan
Collins 11/13
Ron
Major 11/14
Anne
Jones 11/15
Mary
Buchele 11/17
Eva
Lewis 11/18
Jayson
Neff 11/21
Abbie
Wharton 11/22
Jessa
York 11/25
Gary
Shrader 11/26
John
Frazier 11/28
Kathy
Irvin 11/29
Have we missed your
birthday? Anniversary?
Please let us know.
Contact the church office with your information.
Church Family and Friends in Need
of Special Prayers:
Bob Whippo, Jo
Coghill, Suzan Tarwater, Trina DeMint, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson,
Yvonne Battles, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Virginia Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden
Murphy, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie
Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale
Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, 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 Rolland Mathias on the passing of his
brother Bob, the family of Margaret Lewis, the family of Les DePew; the family
of Jack Reeve.
This week’s
prayer family: Jeff and Pat Whitham.
This week’s
prayer church: Southwest
Presbyterian Church of
Activities
Sunday,
November 2
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship w/Communion @ 10:45 am
Monday, November 3
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday,
November 5
Celebrate
Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm
Worship @ 8:30 pm
Thursday, November 6
Lay Ministry @ 6:00 pm, CE @ 6:00 pm
Friday, November 7
PW Board @ 10:00 am
Stewardship Sunday, November 9
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Stewardship Dinner to follow Worship
Monday, November 10
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Tuesday, November 11 - Veterans Day
Memorial @ 10:00 am
Wednesday, November 12
Celebrate Kids @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm,
Choir @ 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13
Circle I @ 9:30 am, Deacons @ 11:30 am, Circle II @ 2:00 pm, Circle III @ 7:30 pm
October 8, 2008
As faithful members of the Presbyterian
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
October
12, 2008
Greeters -
N/A at time of printing
Lay Leader - Kathryn Ochampaugh
Ushers - Joan Davis, Ron Major, Rodney York
Fellowship - Congregational Dinner
Congregational Dinner
The
Fellowship Committee decided this year to revive the baked potato-with-toppings
meal function which was for many years a congregational dinner tradition. The
Committee has scheduled October 12 for this meal and will
provide
the potatoes and toppings…congregation is invited to bring additional toppings,
salads or desserts
The Stewardship
Committee would like to thank everyone for their support for the ‘4th
annual Garage Sale’. Thank you to
everyone for cleaning our their garages, basements and sheds and donating the
proceeds to the missions of our church.
A total of $631.96 was
raised through the sale.
Again, THANK YOU to
everyone in helping to make this sale a success.
Presbyterian Women’s
Fall Rummage Sale
has been extended!!!
The
annual Women’s Fall Rummage Sale will be held on October 23rd, 24th
AND 25th. You may start to bring in your items for the
sale on October 19th. The hours of the sale will be October 23rd 1 pm to 7 pm,
October 24th 9 am to 4 pm and October 25th 9:00 am to noon. All proceed go to support
the mission of the Women’s Association.
We have
missed placed our step stool!
The new
step stool from the kitchen has been
misplaced.
If
someone comes across our step stool, would you please return it to the kitchen.
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED!!!!!!
It’s our turn again. We need people to deliver
for Meals on Wheels during the weeks of October 20th to October 25th and October 27th to November
1st. It takes approximately one hour of your time each day and is truly a
worthwhile use of your time. Even if you can only do it on 1 day, it is a
tremendous help to us and the community. We need 6 people for each of the days
for the 2 weeks. To sign up, either call the church office or stop by. We hope
you can help us with this mission opportunity.
Celebration Worship
The Presbyterian youth would like to invite you to worship on Wednesday,
October 15th. We will be gathering for a potluck dinner at 6:00 pm and then
moving to the chapel at 6:30 for worship. Prime Time Presbies will be leading
worship and the message will be provided by the Good News Kid's, titled,
"I am a Promise", a short musical program focusing on our obedience
to doing God's will.
So, please mark your calendar
, bring your favorite dish and join us for worship. We hope to see you there!
Tailgate Trick or
Treat, October 29
We had such a good time last
year and CE heard requests for an encore this year. Soo… Come for hot dogs and chips from 6:00- 6:30, and to “trunk
n’ treat” from 6:30-7:30. Decorate your
vehicle, come in costume, bring some treats.
We’ll share the gospel through “The Pumpkin Gospel.”
Update on Suzan Tarwater
Suzan and Mark Tarwater
are at
Suzan's sister lives in that area of
October 31, “Ode
to Fun - in Two Parts, with Popcorn”
For families and kids of all ages:
7:30 – 9:00 Active and Board Games, plus
a Veggie Tales Movie
For 4th grade through age
99
9:00 – 11:30 Old Time Monster Movies
Adult Opportunities
in the Parlor
“How Christians
Should Vote,” Oct. 12
“Separation of
Church and State in
Bob Halloran will lead these timely discussions. What a great time to explore these topics!
Birthdays Anniversaries
Bill Saunders
10/12 Greg & Linda Adams
Mark Tarwater
10/12 10/14/1990
Greg
Shaw 10/15
Audrey Law 10/16 Doug &
Theresa Heatwole
Virginia Meschke
10/17 10/22/1988
Liz
Headrick 10/18
Kelli
Kidder 10/18
Theresa
Heatwole 10/20
Tom
York 10/21
Joel
Major 10/22
Boone
Burnside 10/24
Christina
Sloderbeck 10/24
Leah
Bielfeldt 10/25
Bob
Halloran 10/28
Donna
Jameson 10/29
Shelby
Heatwole 10/30
Church Family and Friends in Need
of Special Prayers:
Bob Whippo, Jo
Coghill, Suzan Tarwater, Trina DeMint, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson,
Yvonne Battles, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Virginia Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden
Murphy, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie
Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale
Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, 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 Margaret Lewis, the family of Les
DePew; the family of Jack Reeve.
This week’s
prayer family: Van and Anita Salyer.
This week’s
prayer church: First Presbyterian
Activities
Sunday,
October 12
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Congregational Dinner
Monday, October 13
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, October 15
Celebrate
Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm,
Choir @ 7:30 pm, Worship @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, October 19
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Monday, October 20
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm, Parish Nurse Task Force @
7:00 pm
Wednesday, October 22
Celebrate Kids @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm,
Choir @ 7:30 pm
Thursday, October 23
Rummage Sale 1:00 to 7:00 pm
Friday, October 24
Rummage Sale 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday,
October 25
Rummage Sale 9:00 am to Noon
September 28, 2008
Greeters - Rodney and Lloydeen Wolfe
Lay Leader - Audrey Law
Ushers - C Hodgkinson, D Jameson, A Jenkins, M
Mathias
Fellowship - Adah Jenkins and Donna Jameson
The Stewardship Committee has planned our fourth annual Garage Sale
Saturday, September 27th from 8:00 am to noon.
What a great way to clean out those
unwanted items that are being stored in basements, garages or sheds at the same
time helping to continue our mission here in our church and our community.
Please consider donating items such as: old sporting equipment, yard equipment,
useable furniture, even those ‘I may need this someday’ items that have been
around for years.
If you are not able to bring them in and would like to still donate
them, call the church office and we will arrange to have them picked up for
you.
Commitment to Peacemaking
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” Matthew 5:9
Peace
is the wholeness and well-being that God wills for all Creation. Although the
effects of human sin wound all creation, God is continually at work in the
world, offering healing, wholeness, mercy, justice, and peace. God’s peace is
offered wherever there is brokenness - individual lives, families,
congregations, communities, nations, and creation.
On
World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2008, Christians from around the world break
the bread of life and bless the cup of salvation in remembrance of the death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We also bear witness to the unity of
Christians around the world in the bond of peace under divine rule of the
Triune God. This celebration, born out of a time of world war, is marked in the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by a call to peacemaking.
We
will be collecting the Peacemaking Offering on Sunday,
October 5. 25% of the offering will be retained by
our congregation for local mission.
Across the Pastor’s Desk
In keeping with our Book of Order (G-3.0300c)
two Sessional committees function in complementary ways to focus our calling as
witnesses to the Gospel: the Lay Ministry Committee (service) and the Outreach
and Evangelism Committee. In recent
years Service and Evangelism were sometimes pitted against one another in the
larger church. Wisely our BO
recognizes the necessity of both emphases. Equally wisely your Session has made
provisions for both. Occasionally a
particular program sponsored by one or the other of these committees may
overlap. Generally there has been
cooperation and help from the other one.
The Lay Ministry group sponsors a wide
variety of ways for each of us to participate in service to the community: from
donations to the Hunger Barrel to sponsoring/participating in a Habitat for
Humanity project. The Outreach and
Evangelism group keeps up with visitors and potential new members. They alert
the pastor about individuals who may be interested in formalizing a
relationship with our congregation and then arrange appropriate opportunities
for New Member Orientations. Currently
they are considering a more formalized approach to evangelism.
In both of these areas all of us, by our
baptism and our membership vows, either on our own or through a Committee
program, can play a vital role.
Probably most of us are more service oriented than “evangelistically”
oriented. It is apparent that apart from anything we sponsor, many of you serve some worthwhile community
organization: Emmaus House, the hospital, the Tumbleweed Festival, Habitat for
Humanity, the SPCA, Miles of Smiles, etc.
This fulfills our baptismal and membership vows; it is also a part of
our congregation’s ministry, albeit not in an official capacity.
The Directory for Worship speaks
about such service: “Christians respond to God both in communal worship and
service and in personal acts of worship and discipleship.... The believer’s
life of response and discipleship flows into the church’s life of worship and
service.” (W-5.1001) Thus we urge us all not only to “pull our weight in
congregational tasks” but also to choose one or more specific areas of
community life where we can contribute by serving others. This is the core meaning of the “ministry of
the laity”. Personally I believe that the phrase, though popular and catchy,
would more correctly be called “the ministry of the baptized”, simply because
our elders, deacons and ministers of Word and Sacrament are not “laity”, as we
normally use that word. We, too, as
baptized and pledged members of the church at some level, need also to consider
how we can serve apart from our ecclesiastical office.
In the same way and based on the same
logic all of us may participate in evangelism, in the best and deepest sense of
that word. “Evangelism”, as one famous
missionary put it, “is one beggar telling another beggar where to find
food.” If, in the Providence of God, by
means of our personal integrity and our lives of service, our lights shine
before others, we will have multiple opportunities to invite others into our
fellowship. It need cost us nothing but
a simple sentence to invite someone to something we offer. We need not be intrusive, appear arrogant,
come across as pushy, nor act like religious fanatics. We simply use whatever opportunity comes our
way. That is evangelism at its best and
most effective.
The areas of Service and Evangelism need
always to be before us - officially and individually -
Presbyterian Women’s Fall Rummage Salehas been
extended!!!
The annual Women’s Fall Rummage
Sale will be held on October 23rd, 24th AND 25th.
You may start to bring in your items for the sale on October 19th.
The hours of the sale will be October
23rd 1 pm to 7 pm, October 24th 9 am to 4 pm and October
25th 9:00 am to noon. All
proceed go to support the mission of the Women’s Association.
We have missed placed our step stool!
The new step stool from the kitchen has been misplaced. If someone comes
across our step stool, would you please return it to the kitchen.
Meals on Wheels
It’s our turn again. We need people to deliver for Meals on Wheels during
the weeks of October 20th to October
25th and October 27th to November 1st. It takes approximately one hour of your
time each day and is truly a worthwhile use of your time. Even if you can only
do it on 1 day, it is a tremendous help to us and the community. We need 6
people for each of the days for the 2 weeks. To sign up, either call the church
office or stop by. We hope you can help us with this mission opportunity.
The Fellowship Committee decided this year to revive the baked
potato-with-toppings meal function which was for many years a congregational
dinner tradition. They have scheduled the baked potato dinner for Sunday,
October 12. The Committee will provide the potatoes and toppings…congregation
is invited to bring additional toppings, salads or desserts.
Adult Opportunities
Religion and Politics
October 12, 19 & 26, led by Bob Halloran in the Parlor.
Topics will include: “How Should
Christians Vote?” and “Separation of Church & State in
The Mighty Acts of God
Led by Jim Pitts in the Library, this group is beginning a new section on
God’s righteous acts of judgement revealed through the prophets.
To be Scheduled:
Parenting: The Early Years
Miracle of Life Change
When God’s People Pray
October theme is “Heroes”
for Preschool – 8th grades
How is Moses like Superman? Come
find out!
Thank you to Sandra Neff for lending us
the small evergreens we used in promoting Wilderness Trail! And to the 7 & 8th graders
for being our acting company. Bravo!
"Heroes" is the October theme for our Preschool-8th grade Sunday
School classes. If you have super hero posters, figures or costumes, we'd
like to borrow them for the month of October. We'll be learning about
Biblical heroes like Moses, David and Elijah.
Reading Rocks
The Reading Rocks Book Drive
collects books for children and families of
Address changes:
Rex and Mary Burden Tom and Virginia Meschke
5901 W 107th St Apt.
66207-3845
Birthdays Anniversaries
Andrew Garcia 10/4 Van and Anita Salyer
Mallory (Walker) Zirkel 10/5 10/6/1962
Aubrey Whippo 10/5
Carty York 10/5 John and Sharon Ford
Kurt Peterson 10/6 10/8/1983
Kyle Deaver 10/10
Leslie Ford 10/11
Jo Fouse 10/11
Church Family and Friends
in Need of Special Prayers:
Trina DeMint, Marisha
Cooper, Natalie Hendreckson, Yvonne Battles, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Virginia
Meschke, Jim Wharton,
(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 Les DePew, the family of Jack Reeve.
This week’s prayer family: Gary
and Lee Ann Shrader.
This week’s prayer church: First Presbyterian Church of Coffeyville, KS.
Activities
Sunday, September 28
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Monday, September 29
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, October 1
Celebrate
Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm,
Worship @ 8:30 pm
Thursday, October 2
Lay Ministry @ 6:00 pm, CE @ 6:00 pm
Friday, October 3
PW Board @ 10:00 am
Sunday, October 5
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Shut-in Communion
Monday, October 6
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, October 8
Celebrate Kids @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm,
Choir @ 7:30 pm
Thursday, October 9
Circle I @ 9:30 am, Deacons @ noon,Circle II @ 2:00
pm, Circle III @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 11
Children’s music practice @ 10:00 am
THE
PRESBYTERIAN September 10, 2008
Worship
Assistants for Sunday September 14,
2008
Greeters -
Bob and Audrey Law
Lay Leader -
Ron Major
Ushers - The
Irvin family
Fellowship -
Carol Hodgkinson & Donna Jameson
Faith of Our
Fathers, Celebrating Our American Heritage September 14
This patriotic cantata will be part of
our September 14 worship,
and it will
honor those who have sacrificed for God and country.
This will be a
wonderful opportunity to invite neighbors and co-workers.
Pot Luck
Dinner and Family Worship Wednesday, Sep. 17th at 6:00 pm
Bring an entrée and salad or dessert and
join us for a pot luck dinner followed by
Celebration worship as we
welcome back our Youth Groups.
The
Stewardship Committee has planned our fourth annual Garage Sale
Saturday, September 27th
from 8:00 am to noon.
What a great way to clean out those unwanted items that are being
stored in basements,
garages or
sheds at the same time helping to continue our mission here in our church and
our community.
Please
consider donating items such as: old sporting equipment, yard equipment,
useable furniture,
even those ‘I
may need this someday’ items that have been around for years.
If you are not able to bring them in
and would like to still donate them,
call the
church office and we will arrange to have them picked up for you.
Across
the Pastor’s Desk
Often church members become a bit
confused as to which committee does what and why. As we go forward looking for
the next permanent pastor, it is well to refresh our memories about the varied
committees. For the next few months this column will concentrate on the
Sessional Committees. Obviously there
are still more than these, but these are the ones that carry out programs and
tasks on behalf of the Session.
The Stewardship Committee is one that
people know most about. These men and women manage all of the monies that we
regularly contribute and take care of the physical plant in its varied
dimensions. Though there should be no
misunderstanding some people have believed that this committee operates pretty
much on its own and makes all final decisions about finances and the care/uses
of the building.
While it is true that this committee does
make many decisions; each of the committee’s decisions are brought to the
Session as a recommendation. Most of
these recommendations the Session does in fact ratify. Then the decisions
become the decisions of the Session. Sometimes we feel that our Presbyterian
procedures are too complex and drawn out and that we could be more efficient.
These procedures are designed to safeguard the congregation against any arbitrariness
or unfairness. Fortunately the Session has appointed a very high quality
Stewardship Committee - men and women who keep the congregation’s good always
in sight. They are the ones who most want good procedures to be in place so as
to prevent not only actual abuses or mismanagement, but also to prevent the
mere appearance of either.
Without trying to be exhaustive, listed
below are the primary areas this committee handles:
1. Budget development and budget control.
2. Stewardship education and financial
drives.
3. Financial management, including
policy-setting for money handling (accurate counting, crediting, depositing,
bookkeeping, and auditing).
4. Portfolio management .
5. General maintenance of buildings and
grounds.
6. Selecting, purchasing, and repairing
equipment (paperclips to multiple heating/cooling units).
7. Insurance management
These men and women do the “grunt work”
for the Session in these areas. They do not operate independently of the
Session. Rather they present detailed reports about finances, purchases,
investments, and repairs to the Session on a monthly basis. The Session
authorizes their programs, policies, decisions, and expenditures. We may be
very thankful for the experience, the time, and the effort they donate to keep
this congregation fiscally sound, with funds available to meet ordinary
expenses, as well as unexpected emergencies. They fulfill the vision of what
Paul had in mind when he wrote: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same
(Holy) Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord.... And
God has appointed in the church ... healers, helpers, administrators...” (I
Corinthians 12) Let us thank God for these gifts!
Committee Minutes
Committee
minutes for August and September are due in the office on Tuesday, September 16
to be included in the September Session packet.
Session will meet on Monday, September
22 at 6:30 pm.
Two chances
to hear the Youth Mission Trip report
-Celebration
Worship, following Family Potluck at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17
-Youth
Sunday, September 21
Thanks to the
Fellowship and Lay Ministry Committees
and to all
who worked on the Hamburger Feed and Block Party. Great food, great music, great dance revolution – Yeah God!
Photographers
wanted!
If you are interested in taking photos
(using the church’s camera) of church people and activities, please contact
Mary.
Don’t Forget
the Hunger Barrel
Sunday, September 21, the Lay Ministry
committee will be taking donations for their Hunger Barrel to benefit the
Emmaus House.
You Are Not
Alone
St.
Catherine Hospice & the Southwest Kansas Grief Support Team are sponsoring
a Grief Support Group the 1st Tuesday evening of every month from 7:00-8:30 PM
and the 1st Thursday afternoon of every month from 2:00-3:30 PM at the Finney
County Senior Center, 907 N 10th , Garden City. These are open
support groups, there are no age limits, participants may join or exit the
groups at any time and all groups are free of charge. For more
information and questions concerning the support group call Chaplain Billy
Kryger or Gina Cash, St. Catherine hospice 800-281-4077 or 620-272-2519.
Sign Up for
Adult Opportunities:
-Parenting,
The Early Years;
10 Biblical Traits
Your Kids will Remember you for (using DVD)
-Miracle of
Life Change, learn how life change can happen to you, identify
barriers that
have held you back from receiving God’s best.
(on DVD using
Ephesians 4)
-Spiritual
Outdoor Adventures Spiritual insights
using personal testimonies from hunting and fishing., (using DVD)
-History of
Christianity- A DVD Curriculum, An intro to church history, for individuals or
groups.
-When God’s
People Pray, How prayer can become a vital link to God. (using DVD)
-Religion
& Politics, Seven sessions from The Thoughtful Christian, including “How
Should Christians Vote?”, “Separation of Church & State in
Please look
over the display in the atrium and sign up for the classes that interest
you. We hope to have 2 of these classes
on Sunday morning along with “The Mighty Acts of God,” being led by Jim. Classes could also be held on other days and
times, if participants wish. Contact Mary for more information.
Christmas
trees out already??
No, not to
worry, they are part of the Wilderness Trail Sunday School classes
for the
Pre-school through 8th grades.
We have a new
look and sound for these classes – come and see!
Address
changes:
Dave and
Cheryl Sweley Nancy
Gilmer
1217 Sierra Drive
Salina
Ph:
785-404-1584
Birthdays
Wishes
Randy Grisell 9/14
Jack Hitz 9/14
Bonnie Erwin 9/20
Eli Woods 9/22
Anita Salyer 9/23
Michael
Collins 9/25
Debra Harden 9/25
KayeLani
Irvin 9/25
Mat Tarwater 9/29
Kinlee Roth 9/30
Church Family
and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:
Marisha
Cooper, Natalie Hendreckson, Yvonne Battles, Anne Brown,
Tom Meschke,
Virginia Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Monty Fey,
Jim Hamlett,
Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Bob Whippo,
Debbie
Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors,
Susan
Brookover, Linda Friesner, Karen Dunbar, 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 Les DePew, the family of Jack Reeve.
This week’s
prayer family: Rod, Mary, Steven, Mary
Lynn and Wes Buchele.
This week’s prayer church: First Presbyterian Church of Independence,
KS.
Activities
Sunday, September 14
Bell
Tuesday,
September 16
PNC @ 6:30
pm, Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday,
September 17
Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Family Worship
w/Potluck dinner @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm
Thursday,
September 18
CE @ 6:00
pm, Stewardship @ 6:30 pm
Saturday,
September 20
Children’s
music practice @ 11:00 am
Sunday, September
21
Bell
Monday, September
22
Session @
6:30 pm
Tuesday,
September 23
Praise Team
@ 7:00 pm
Wednesday,
September 24
Celebrate
Kids @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm
Saturday,
September 27
Garage
Sale @ 8:00 am, Children’s music practice @ 11:00 am
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
August 3, 2008
Greeters - Ron and Pat Roth
Lay
Leader - Ken Golay
Ushers - N/A at time of printing
Fellowship - Jon and Patti Ansley
Sound Technicians - Michael Heatwole and Mitchell Watson
No
Time Change
This
year the Worship and Prayer Committee have voted to maintain our regular
worship schedule of 10:45 am for the month of August based on the results
of their survey.
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
Session has set the date of August 10, 2008
for a Congregational Meeting.
The purpose of the
meeting is to view and gain
congregational approval of the PowerPoint presentation containing the data from
the Mission Study and the goals and objectives developed by that committee;
to elect a Pastor
Nominating Committee,
to elect a Youth
Elder;
and a Deacon and
nominating committee member
to fill unexpired
terms.
Thank you to all the volunteers who kept the church office open
during Connie's two-week vacation:
Adah
Jenkins, Audrey Law, Yvonne Battles, Nancy Sowers, Ann Hamlett and Mary
Buchele who added the
extra
duties to her own job for a week.
While
Juana is on vacation the last two weeks in July, Kevin Ochampaugh and his boys have
volunteered
to take care
of the custodial needs at the church. Thank you Ochampaughs!!
Youth
-4 youth, 2 adults attend “Mission
Centered” in
-Projects, meals, devotions and evening activities organized by YouthWorks!
-Joined by 2 other Presbyterian groups for mission & fellowship
-Youth mixed into 4 “Crews”
- Each crew had 2 different projects, at least one interacting with
disadvantaged or immigrant children.
Other work included moving furniture for immigrant families, cleaning
the Presbyterian mobile medical clinic and painting.
-Worked hard, made new friends, worshipped every night.
-One of the evening activities was especially moving, as we went to the
The youth hope to have an opportunity to tell you about their own
experiences. Thanks to everyone who
helped with this mission trip!
Remember, if
you shop at Dillons, you can help us raise funds by purchasing gift
certificates and it doesn’t cost you anything!
Movie Night for 7-12th grades
Friday, August 15 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Popcorn, soda, brownies –
Free Admission
Bring your friends!
Sunday School Teachers
& Youth Group Sponsors Needed
Grow God’s Kingdom
here in our church!
Equal Opportunity Employer
Personal
growth & satisfaction
Out of this
world benefits!
Please see the board in the atrium for more
info and to sign up to be part of an exciting year! Pray that people with loving hearts will
step forward to teach and lead. Search
your own heart to see if God is asking you to be part of this ministry, so that
He might bless them and bless you!
* *
* * * * *
Tumbleweed Festival is coming August 23
& 24! This is a great time to have
fun, work together and raise funds for our Youth Mission fund We need your help to make this a
success! Please sign up on the board in
the atrium.
August Sunday School Classes:
August 10 & 17 for Adults
-August 10 - Don Owens “Your search for a Pastor”
-August 17 – From the book “Searching for a Pastor the
-August 10 & 17 Jim Pitts will teach
“The Mighty Acts of God”
August 10 & 17 For Children and Youth
-Pre-school – 6th graders follow the signs to your class!
-7th – 12th graders: “Mission Possible” Don’t be late!
Sunday School Begins September 7th
New Format for Pre-school through 8th
Grades
Youth
Group Begins September 10th
Birthdays
Marsha Grisell 8/1
Larry
Peitz 8/1
Jenny
Tarwater 8/5
Larry
Sanders 8/8
John
L Ford 8/9
Pattie
Peitz 8/10
Van
Salyer 8/11
Dave
Sweley 8/11
Don
Harden 8/15
Margaret
Lewis 8/15
Brian
Tarwater 8/15
Cathaleen
Cooper 8/16
Mike
Friesen 8/16
Rod
Buchele 8/17
Brynn
Hamlett 8/17
Pat
LeClerc 8/18
Lee
Reeve 8/19
Katie
Wharton 8/19
Jim
Pitts 8/24
Virginia
Daryl
Hamlett 8/25
Erin
(Collins) Jones 8/25
Lexi
Billinger 8/27
Wally
Hamann 8/28
Cashton
Young 8/28
George
Wharton 8/30
Blake
Burnside 8/31
Phil
Sloderbeck 8/31
Anniversaries
Ken & Marsha Golay
8/7/1971
Jeff & Mary
Sterling
8/11/1984
Kirk & Sara Brown
8/15/1992
Don & Debbie
Harden
8/15/1991
Randy & Marsha
Grisell
8/17/1974
Steve & Kathy
Irvin
8/18/1984
Jon & Patti Ansley
8/20/1977
Robert & Anne
Jones
8/26/1966
Church Family and
Friends
in Need of Special
Prayers:
Yvonne Battles,
Jennifer & Derrick Bailey, Marisha Cooper, Carole Naylor, Natalie
Hendreckson, Eden Murphy, Anne Brown, Joan Davis, Gary Friesner, Tom
Meschke, Virginia Meschke, Jim Wharton, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams,
Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Bob Whippo, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave
Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda
Friesner, Karen Dunbar, 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 Les DePew, the family of Jack Reeve, Dave and Cheryl
Sweley on the passing of his mother.
This week’s
prayer families: Gladys Cripe, Leona Crotty, Blanche Larson and Molly Wieland.
This week’s prayer
church: First Presbyterian
Church of
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
July 6, 2008
Greeters - n/a at time of printing
Lay Leader - Brad Irvin
Ushers - The Heatwole family
Fellowship - The Ochampaugh family
Sound Technicians - Michael Heatwole and Mitchell
Watson
Summer
Changes
With
the summer months upon us, Youth Sunday school classes will not
be held during the month of July nor the first Sunday in August. There will be
no classes on August 24, which will be the Community Worship service at the
Tumbleweed Festival, and no classes on
August 31 which is the Labor Day weekend. We will be offering a ‘special topic’
Sunday school class on August 10 and 17. Regular Sunday school will resume on
Sunday, September 7.
Jim’s
class on the Mighty Acts of God will continue during the summer months.
Also
during the months of July and August, we will not be hosting our monthly
Celebration Worship held on the third Wednesday of the month. Celebration
Worship will resume on Wednesday, September 17.
Special Note
This year the Worship and Prayer Committee have
voted to maintain our regular worship schedule of 10:45 am for the month of
August based on the results of their survey.
ACROSS THE PASTOR’S DESK
Theme: The Reformed teaching tradition
Reformed theologian, John Leith, wrote: “Presbyterian
and Reformed Christians have always been distinguished by their emphasis on the
life of the mind in the service of God... The early Reformed sermons required
people to think ... it is not necessary for a person to read a theological text
to be a Christian. Yet it is necessary for Presbyterians to take theology
seriously if they are to be Christian in the Presbyterian way.”
Dr. Leith pinpointed both a strength and a
weakness. It is this very
characteristic (thinking about our faith) that so often prompts controversies
among Presbyterians. Yet that very characteristic has lent strength and vigor
to us. Dr. Leith also pointed out how
those periods of church history when deep discussions of theology occurred were
also periods of the church greatest vigor.
The recent sound byte, “Theology Matters!”,
when taken as more than mere window dressing, prompts greater understanding of
the tradition into which God has called each of us. Maintaining a firm teaching
tradition is a way of fulfilling one “The Great Ends of the Church” - the
preservation of the truth. Note two things: 1) “truth” is primarily “the truth
we know in Christ”, though it includes other forms of truth as well. 2) “preserving the truth”is not a mere head
trip, because “truth is in order to goodness; and the great touchstone (test)
of truth is its tendency to promote holiness.” (G- 1.0304 (4)
What follows are
brief explanations from our confessions, our polity statements, and our
liturgical heritage. I hope that this
will help each of us to be better “Christians in a Presbyterian way”.
OUR CONFESSIONAL HERITAGE
First,
from C-67:
“Confessions
and declarations are subordinate standards in the church, subject to the authority
of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, as the Scriptures bear witness to him. No one
type of confession is exclusively valid, no one statement is irreformable.
Obedience to Jesus Christ alone identifies the one universal church and
supplies the continuity of its tradition. This obedience is the ground of the
church’s duty and freedom to reform itself in life and doctrine as new
occasions, in God’s providence, may demand. .. the Trinity and the Person of
Christ are not (here) redefined, but are recognized and reaffirmed as forming
the basis and determining the structure of the Christian faith”. (C-9.03)
Then from the
“2. God
alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and
commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it in
matters of faith or worship. So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such
commandments out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience; and
the requiring an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to
destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also.” (C-6.109)
These paragraphs place our
confessions of faith and our church traditions in proper perspective. Though we do, and should, take both our
theology and our procedures quite seriously, they are quite secondary to the
Scriptures and cannot be forced on any against our will. What can be required of officers is
their acceptance of the essential tenets of Reformed faith and polity and their
willingness to take part in a few necessarily prescribed actions.
A second issue: contrary to some popular
pious sentiments, Reformed teaching never expects blind faith and/or
obedience. We do not teach that
faith is blind or irrational.
We
readily admit that faith may never be totally rational, as philosophers
count rationality. Yet we ever seek to
give the best reasons we know for our faith and seek to be persuasive without
becoming merely argumentative. We seek
more to commend our faith as witnesses than to brainwash.
IN THE SANCTUARY
DIRECTORY
FOR WORSHIP 1 PREFACE
“a. This
Directory for Worship reflects the conviction that the life of the Church is
one, and that its worship, witness, and service are inseparable. The theology
is based on the Bible, is instructed by The Book of Confessions of the
Presbyterian Church (
This Directory, though
frequently neglected, is one of the most religiously significant and
theologically obvious portions in the Book of Order. It describes the religious teaching
that prompts our worship standards. If
we use it only as a “rule book for services”, we will miss its most
significant meanings. If used as
intended, it holds out the promise of being a significant source of unity among
all American Presbyterians.
THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
“THE
CHURCH AND ITS CONFESSIONS
a. The
Presbyterian Church (
who and what it is,
what it believes,
what it resolves to do.
b. These
statements identify the church as a community of people known by its
convictions as well as by its actions. They guide the church in its study and
interpretation of the Scriptures; they summarize the essence of Christian
tradition; they direct the church in maintaining sound doctrines; they equip
the church for its work of proclamation.” (G-2.0100)
The Form of Government seeks
to spell out in our communal life the deepest beliefs that we hold. N. B. The role our theology is intended to
play in congregational life. We don’t
demand that you assert every line of every creed; we hope that our perspective
on the Christian faith elicits your agreement and your abiding interest. Most important of all, our confessional
statements seek to deepen our commitment to the Risen Christ.
Pastoral Letter to the
Churches of
Greetings to you from the 218th General Assembly
I am writing to you to share one of the
action items passed today that may give cause for some questions to you. Thirty years ago I served Southern Kansas as
a commissioner to the General Assembly in
No doubt the actions taken today at this assembly will cause concern and
pain for another part of the church. In
some ways we have come full circle to the days before the ’78 assembly. Printed below is the action taken today by a
margin of 54% in favor and 46% against.
I am sending it to you in its entirety so that you might have the full
text and not just what might appear in a newspaper headline of TV sound
bite. My comments will follow the text.
RECOMMENDATION
The Presbytery of Boston respectfully
overtures the 218th General Assembly (2008) to do the following:
1. Direct the Stated Clerk to send the following proposed amendment
to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative votes:
a. Strike the current text of
G-6.0106b and insert new text to read as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown
with a strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]
“b. Those who are called to office in the church
are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic
confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement
to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a
woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any
self acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained
and/or installed as deacons elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament. Those
who are called to ordained service in the church, by their assent to the
constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge
themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church,
striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to
understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so
doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the Church. Each
governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation
(G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate’s sincere efforts to adhere
to these standards.
b. Amend G-14.0240 as follows:
[Text to be deleted is shown with a strike-through; text to be added or
inserted is shown as italic.]
“Preparation and Examination for Office
“When persons have been elected to the office of elder or deacon, the session
shall confer with them as to their willingness to undertake the office. The
session shall provide for a period of study and preparation, after which the
session shall examine the officers-elect as to their personal faith; knowledge
of the doctrine, government, and discipline contained in the Constitution of
the church; and the duties of the office; and readiness to assent to the
constitutional questions for ordination and installation. If the
examination is approved, the session shall appoint a day for the service of
ordination and installation (see W-4.4000). If the examination is not approved
for one or more elected officers, the session shall report its action to the
congregation’s nominating committee, which shall bring nomination(s) to a
meeting of the congregation for any office(s) not filled.”
c.
Amend G-14.0450 by inserting a new paragraph “b.” and by re-lettering
current paragraphs “b.” through “d.” as “c.” through “f.”
The text shall read as follows: [Text to be deleted is shown with a
strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown as italic.]
“Final Assessment of Readiness to Begin Ordained Ministry
“In the final year of theological education or when a candidate has satisfied
all of the requirements of this section, and before the candidate has received
a call, the committee on preparation for ministry of the candidate’s presbytery
shall conduct a final assessment of the candidate’s readiness to begin ordained
ministry. A summary of this assessment shall be reported to the presbytery and
shall be transmitted to a calling presbytery when requested. The committee on
preparation for ministry shall report to the presbytery when it has certified a
candidate ready for examination for ordination, pending a call. This
consultation shall focus on the outcomes of inquiry and candidacy and shall
include each of the following requirements of certification:
“a. demonstration of readiness to begin ministry of the Word and Sacrament as
required to fulfill the candidacy phase of preparation;
“b. demonstration of readiness to assent to the constitutional questions for
ordination and installation;
“b. c. presentation
of a transcript showing satisfactory grades at a regionally accredited college
or university, together with a diploma;
“c. d. presentation
of a transcript from a theological institution accredited by the Association of
Theological Schools acceptable to the presbytery, the transcript showing satisfactory
grades, and presentation of a plan to complete the theological degree including
Hebrew and Greek and exegesis of the Old and New Testaments using Hebrew and
Greek texts;
“d. e.
presentation of satisfactory grades together with the examination papers in
the five areas covered by the Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on
Examinations for Candidates.”
2. Provide the following authoritative interpretation:
Interpretive statements concerning ordained service of homosexual church
members by the 190th General Assembly (1978) of the United Presbyterian Church
in the United States of America, and the 119th General Assembly (1979) of the
Presbyterian Church in the United States and all subsequent affirmations
thereof, have no further force or effect.
Item one of this overture will require a majority vote of the Presbyteries
to approve it before it becomes a part of the constitution. Therefore it will be incumbent upon the
Presbytery to take the time to engage in careful conversation about this
overture and to prayerfully discern our response. It is my prayer in the meantime that this action of the assembly
and the subsequent discussions will not distract us from the number one
priority of making disciples for Jesus Christ.
Let us continue to be faithful in pointing the people of our
congregations toward the love and mercy of God as shone to us in the sacrifice
of Christ on the cross.
Prayerfully,
Don Owens,
General Presbyter
Notes from Mary
On a recent nine hour bus ride, I read for a second
time two books on topics that might interest you:
"How
to Pray for Your Children," by Quin Sherrer, and "Growing
Compassionate Kids, Helping Kids See Beyond Their Backyard,"
by Jan Johnson.
Both are full of inspiring stories and practical
ideas. The one on praying for children
is not limited to parents with young children, but also adult children. Please contact me if:
We value your prayers for the youth mission
trip, for safe travel, good relationships, meaningful experiences. Thanks for praying!
Tumbleweed Festival is coming soon!
Please mark your calendars for Saturday & Sunday, August 23-24. We'll soon have a sign –up sheet in the
Atrium for serving in the food stand.
Thank
you
for your help & participation in our
St.
“Be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to
share”
1 Timothy 6:18
Are you ready to give back for all the blessings
you have received? Come and volunteer at
Update from
Music Ministry:
Patriotic Music
will be predominant throughout July!!
Bell Choir, Children's Choir, Meditation Music before church,
Adult/Youth Choir and more will be heard.
July Hymns will
be: #562 Eternal Father, Strong to Save; #563 Lift Every Voice and
Sing; #564 O Beautiful for Spacious Skies; #244 Let Us With a Gladsome Mind;
#514 Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ; #316 Breathe On Me Breath of God; #4
Creator of the Stars of Night; #345 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind; #441 I
Love Thy Kingdom, Lord; and more.
Prayer Response: "O
How I Love Jesus" from the Old Presbyterian Hymnal.
Benediction: "Go
With Us, Lord" (#535 words, set to tune of "The Water is Wide")
Choir Offerings
will be: "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"; "Hear Our
Prayer"; "No Greater Love"; "Battle Hymn of the
Republic"; "This Land is Your Land"; "God of Our
Fathers"; "God of Strength and God of Power" (Adult & Youth
Choir)
Please see the website for specifics on times and dates
of all music as well as bulletins. www.pcgardencity.org
July Birthday’s July
Anniversaries
Doug Heatwole 7/1 Robert &
Rosemary York
George Purnell 7/1 7/1/1968
Blanche Salyer 7/1 Phil & Paula
Sloderbeck
Connor Wikoff 7/1 7/12/1975
Ernie Wharton 7/3 Bob & Jill
Whippo
Anna Reid 7/6 7/12/1997
Rosemary York 7/6 Michael & Jan
Collins
Brad Irvin 7/8 7/17/1971
Connie Harsha 7/10 Larry & Kelley
Jenkins
Pat Roth 7/12 7/27/1991
Debbie Wharton 7/12 Mark & Suzan
Tarwater
Linda Adams 7/16 7/29/1978
Lucas Whippo 7/16
Jill Mayfield 7/18
Annalise
Marsha Golay 7/19
Leona Meadors 7/19
Darcy Reeve 7/20
Patti Ansley 7/24
Chip Marcy 7/24
Weston Peitz 7/21
Kayde Rietzke 7/26
Anne Brown 7/27
Jana Burnside 7/29
Rodney Wolfe 7/29
Tom Walker 7/30
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:
Natalie Hendreckson,
Eden Murphy, Anne Brown, Joan Davis, Gary Friesner, Tom Meschke, Jim
Wharton, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Virginia Meschke,
Laurie Bock, Bob Whippo, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat
LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, Karen Dunbar, 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 Les DePew, the family of Jack Reeve,
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.
This is
week’s prayer family: Randy and Marsha Grisell.
This week’s
prayer church: First Presbyterian Church in Bucklin, KS.
Activities
Sunday, June 29
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Baptism, Reception of New Members
Tuesday,
July 1
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm, Mission Study @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, 2
Choir @ 7:30 pm
Friday, July 4
Independence Day Office closed
Sunday, July 6
Worship @ 10:45 am
Tuesday, July 8
CE @ 6:00 pm, Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, July 9
Choir @ 7:30 pm
Thursday, July 10
Deacons @ 11:30 am, Lay Ministry @ 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 12
Mission Trip leaves
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
June 15, 2008
Greeters
- Dale and Leona Meadors
Lay
Leader - High School
Ushers - High School
Fellowship
- Breakfast at the Church
Sound Technicians - Michael Heatwole and Mitchell Watson
Treat yourself to “Breakfast at Church” this
Sunday, June 15. The Fellowship
Committee will be serving ham, pancakes and orange juice beginning at 9:30
a.m. The congregation is invited to
bring a side dish of fresh fruit. Any
donations for the breakfast will go for Youth Mission trip gas expenses.
The VBS Beach Party starts Monday at 9:00
a.m. We have great music and stories,
crafts, snacks and games. If you have
children in your house or neighborhood, please bring them to the Party! (Ages 3 – 4th grade, Monday –
Friday, 9:00 – 11:45 a.m.) Registration
forms are in the atrium. We ask for your prayers during this busy and
exciting week.
“A
If you can’t be here for VBS, come to our Family Potluck and Worship
service on Wednesday, June 18. Flamé
the Flamingo, and the VBS children will be there, and worship will include many
of the scriptures, songs and “Beach Be-Attitudes” being used at VBS. Bring a main dish and a side dish or dessert
for potluck dinner at 6:00. Then praise
God with us in worship at 6:30!
COMMITTEE MINUTES DUE
JUNE 17, 2008
Across the Pastor’s Desk
Paul’s
Letter to the Romans
For several
weeks this summer our lectionary suggests readings from Paul’s Letter to the
Romans as the major text for the Sunday sermon. In many respects Romans is among the most significant and
most influential of all of the books in the Bible. Since Reformation times Romans and Galatians have
figured heavily in theological and religious discussions. It is frequently said, “Galatians is
the Magna Charta of Christian freedom, and Romans is its Constitution.”
Romans is
important for at least two reasons: first, it represents the most mature and
systematic thinking of the Apostle Paul.
Apart from Paul’s vision, Christianity might likely have remained an
insignificant and narrow Jewish sect.
In Romans Paul sets forth the vision of the universal scope of
God’s redemptive act in Jesus Christ, offered to all who accept that redemption
in trust.
Second,
throughout the centuries after Paul’s death Romans has prompted renewal
in the Christian Church when she had become ailing and ineffective. Romans
inspired Augustine, the bishop-theologian/philosopher, to pen his most
influential writings; Pope Gregory the Great initiated the fuller
Christianization of Europe after studying Romans in depth. Perhaps best known to us is how Romans,
with the Letter to the Galatians, was the writing that set Martin Luther
on a course that would lead to the Reformation. Even more recently a study of Romans prompted the
religious and theological revival of the mid-twentieth century. Needless to say
Romans has shaped our lives in ways we may have never recognized.
There are two distinct, and somewhat related, ways that Romans
is interpreted. Some commentators have
seen this a sustained discussion and explanation of the implications of a
doctrine - justification by God’s grace and effective by faith. Certainly Romans says much about
justification by faith. A second view
emphasizes that in Romans Paul is tracing the ways of God throughout
history and shows how Christ sums up that long history. Both perspectives merit our respect and,
possibly, both are required if we are to grasp Paul’s message in full.
It is my hope
that some of you will read all of Romans and at one sitting. Since it is only 16 chapters long, doing
that would not require an immense investment of time. We are more accustomed to
reading short snippets from the Bible, or even single verses, and meditating on
those. While that practice has much to
commend it, it would increase the value of short readings if we knew the larger
context from which those came.
While Romans
is not easy reading, it was designed to be read aloud to the average
congregation in the early
Dear Scholarship Committee and Presbyterian Church Thank
you all for the college scholarship.
The money is a big help towards my books and tuition. I
appreciate your support!
Thanks and God Bless,
Brynn Hamlett
Reserve a
time to have your T.L.C.W.
(Tender
Loving Car Wash)
Youth
Outside
only $10, Inside only $10, Both $20
Contact one of our youth, or Chip
Marcy or Mary Buchele to schedule.
(Pick-up & return by adult driver available.)
From the Personnel Committee
Our
Administrative Assistant Connie Boese will be gone on vacation the weeks of July
7 and 14. Now is your chance to be "Secretary for a Day",
or longer! We are looking for volunteers to answer the phone, take
messages and talk to people who come into the office. You would not be
expected to type anything or do the many other administrative tasks that Connie
ordinarily takes care of.
Mary Buchele
will also be out of the office on the mission trip during the second week, so
we will need to cover full days during that time. If you want to
volunteer please call the office or Ann Hamlett and let us know when you could
be available and we will work out the schedule. Thanks!
Hunger
Barrel
Sunday, June
15, 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.
SYNOD
CONNECTION
Presbyterian
Disaster Assistance
UPDATE ON PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (PDA)
RESPONSES:
PDA continues
to respond to numerous storms that have affected the
CONGRATULATIONS
The Synod of
Mid-America congratulates the First Presbyterian Church of Atchison, KS as they
begin celebrations and observances of their 150th Anniversary.
Events will conclude on October 21, the actual anniversary of the church’s
charter.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The 218th General Assembly convenes, June 21 – 28, 2008 in
Birthdays
Tom Meschke 6/16
Darlene Mathias 6/18
Carole Naylor 6/19
Ken Harsha 6/21
Sarah Headrick 6/22
Madelyn Mathias 6/23
Cheryl Sweley 6/24
Molly Wieland 6/24
Jeff Sterling 6/25
Patsy Roth 6/26
Rick Erwin 6/27
Jill Whippo 6/27
Randy McVey 6/28
Sara Brown 6/29
Bob Law 6/30
Vivian Mohler 6/30
Anniversaries
Rodney & Lloydeen
Wolfe 6/15/1980
Lee & Brenda Reeve 6/18/1983
Rodney & Tara York 6/19/2004
Rick & Bonnie Erwin 6/21/1975
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.
Dillon Certificates
Please
remember, if you shop at Dillon Stores, you can support our Youth Missions by
using certificates.
Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:
Eden Murphy, Anne Brown, Joan Davis, Gary Friesner, Tom Meschke,
Jim Wharton, Monty Fey, Les DePew, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams,
Virginia Meschke, Jack Reeve, Laurie Bock, Bob Whippo, Debbie Harden, Gladys
Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover,
Linda Friesner, Karen Dunbar, 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.
This week’s prayer family: Robert and Rosemary York and Joe York.
This week’s prayer church: First Presbyterian Church of Freeport, KS.
Activities
Sunday, June 15
Breakfast at the Church @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45
am
Tuesday, June 17
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm, Presbytery in
Wednesday, June 18
Celebration Worship, w/Potluck Dinner @ 6:00 pm,
Choir @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 22
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Monday, June 23
Session @ 6:30 pm
Tuesday, June 24
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, June 25
Choir @ 7:30 pm
THE PRESBYTERIAN
May 28, 2008
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
June
1, 2008
Greeters - Adah Jenkins
Lay Leader - Carole Naylor
Ushers - N/A at time of printing
Fellowship - The Buchele family
Sound Technicians - Michael Heatwole and
Mitchell Watson
Breakfast at
the Church
Our next
Fellowship meal gathering is Breakfast in the Church on Sunday,
June 15 at
9:30 am.
The
Fellowship Committee will provide ham, pancakes and orange juice.
The congregation
is invited to bring a side dish of fresh fruit.
Scholarships
Another year has come, and we have received applications
from very worthy students. The Scholarship Committee is
pleased to announce the names of this year’s recipients.
Michael
Heatwole; KayeLani Irvin; Mitchell Watson;
Brynn
Hamlett and Brad Irvin.
We wish them an exciting year at the
schools where they will attend.
The Scholarship
Committee
Across the Pastor’s Desk
After my first
Communion Service here, a very loyal member complained mildly, “I didn’t like
inviting to Communion ‘those who are baptized’! Then she quickly added a very
good question: “Why limit communion to the baptized?” Frankly I appreciated
both the mild complaint and its follow-up question. After a brief answer, I promised to think through our
conversation and to write out a more complete answer. Then I asked, “Would it
sound better to you to say: ‘We invite to this Table Christians from any
tradition’?” “Oh yes”, came back the quick reply, “I like that” That puzzled
me, because I saw no difference (other than the phrasing) between the two
statements. But apparently some others do.
Somehow saying “baptized” rather than “Christian” felt somewhat
offensive.
Historically, from the
start, only “the baptized” (i.e. “those who professed Christ as Lord”) received
communion. Inquirers or the curious were welcomed for the opening prayers,
hymns, psalms, readings, and sermon. Thereafter a deacon would dismiss those
who weren’t professing Christians (i.e. who weren’t “among the baptized”). The
terms “Christians”, “professing Christians”, and “the baptized” were synonymous
terms. After 200 A.D. another term also became common: “catholic”. A “catholic”
was the same as “a (professing) Christian” which meant that the person had been
baptized and had “professed the catholic faith”. This meant that the person had
professed the content of the Apostles’ Creed (later this also included the
Nicene Creed). This is how Presbyterians use these terms to this day. Some Presbyterians prefer some terms to
other terms. That is perfectly natural
and acceptable. What is important to
know is what these church terms mean in PC (USA).
“But by what strange
logic do we limit an invitation to the Lord’s Table at all?” This represents a
relatively modern question that would have sounded strange to many generations
of Christians. There are different answers
given by different
The basic logic flows from Paul’s teaching that “whoever
shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty
of the body and blood of the Lord”. In all probability this is not a text we
moderns know much about, much less frequently ponder! So what is eating and
drinking unworthily? Possibly this
question itself raises our hackles. If so, this response tells us more about our
assumptions and personal experiences than about the question
itself.
Perhaps we can get at this issue by focusing on “What
does it mean for any of us to receive Holy Communion?” First it is a
profession of faith in Jesus, the Christ, as Lord (and Savior). Essentially the Lord’s Supper builds on our
baptismal practice, profession, and faith. It is intended as a weekly
re-affirmation and extension/expansion of the meaning of Christian baptism. One pastor explained, “We do not want anyone
unwittingly or unknowingly to profess in behavior a faith that he
or she would not be willing to affirm by mouth publicly.” Let us assume that a
Jew, a Buddhist, or a non-Christian secularist attended a eucharistic
celebration and wished to show great respect (but without agreeing with the
Christological and Trinitarian teachings and emphases that are part and parcel
of the service); we value their respect and wish to return it. We don’t want to invite them to do something
in action that in good conscience they could not and would not do verbally and
consciously. (There is still more sacramental teaching in this Pauline
teaching, but the rest applies more to us as church members than to those
outside.)
We readily admit that all denominations of Christians,
over the centuries, in one way or another, have sometimes acted unrealistically exclusivistic, moralistic,
haughty, and/or arrogant. We denounce
that as readily as we strive not to appear to be casual or indifferent to the
significance of the Lord’s Table. Our
current practice is: “the invitation to the Lord’s Table is extended to all
who have been baptized...” and “all the baptized faithful are to be
welcomed to the Table” We prefer to
stress who is to receive communion than to stress who is not to
receive!
Addition
to Teachers and Sponsors listed
in the last bulletin:
Kathryn
Ochampaugh was the sponsor
for Celebrate Kids! our group for K-4th graders and she did a great
job! Thanks to her and all the teachers
and sponsors!
Sunday School June 1
& 8, 22 & 29 (June 15 come for breakfast!)
- “The Mighty Acts
of God”,
Jim’s class for adults (high schoolers
welcome too!) will continue in the
library.
- Favorite
Scriptures One Room Sunday School
for
Pre-schoolers through adults, in the Middle School Room
Each day will have group activities for
hearing and understanding the story, and individual activities for a variety of
reading and skill levels.
June 1 “For God so Loved the World”
June 8 “The Golden Rule”
June 22 “Ask, Seek, Knock”
June 29 “I can do all things through
Christ”
June
Get ready for a Beach Party VBS! June 16 – 20, 9:00 –
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:
- Recreation -
“life-guards” (to travel w/ groups) – 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; Life preserver; Flip-flops;
2 small plastic wading
pools; 1 pair snorkeling fins
Large chair for
David’s throne; 3 inner tubes or swim wings
We need your help
Have you signed up for Meals on Wheels?
There are still routes that we do not
have drivers for. If you are able to volunteer approximately one hour on the
days still available, please consider helping.
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.
From the Personnel Committee
Our Administrative Assistant Connie Boese will be gone on
vacation the weeks of July 7 and 14. Now is your chance to be
"Secretary for a Day", or longer! We are looking for volunteers
to answer the phone, take messages and talk to people who come into the office.
You would not be expected to type anything or do the many other administrative
tasks that Connie ordinarily takes care of.
Mary Buchele will also be out of the office on the
mission trip during the second week, so we will need to cover full days during
that time. If you want to volunteer please call the office or Ann Hamlett
and let us know when you could be available and we will work out the schedule.
Thanks!
Reserve a time to have your T.L.C.W.
(Tender Loving Car Wash)
Youth
Outside only $10, Inside only $10, Both $20
Contact one of
our youth, or Chip Marcy or Mary Buchele to schedule.
(Pick-up & return by adult
driver available.)
June Birthdays June
Anniversaries
Rodney York 6/4 Ron
& Janet Major
Julie Middleton 6/5 6/1/1974
Riley
Bock 6/7 Ron & Pat Roth
Mary Connors 6/11 6/6/1996
Joan Parsons 6/11
Tom Meschke 6/16
6/17/1987
Darlene
Mathias 6/18 John &
Emme Miller
Carole Naylor 6/19
6/8/1963
Ken Harsha 6/21 Joe & Jana Burnside
Sarah Headrick 6/22 6/12/1976
Madelyn Mathias 6/23 Rod
& Mary Buchele
Cheryl
Sweley 6/24 6/14/1986
Molly
Wieland 6/24 Ken & Connie Harsha
Jeff
Sterling 6/25 6/14/1953
Patsy Roth 6/26 Rodney &
Lloydeen Wolfe
Rick
Erwin 6/27 6/15/1980
Jill
Whippo 6/27 Lee & Brenda
Reeve
Randy
McVey 6/28 6/18/1983
Sara
Brown 6/29 Rodney & Tara
York
Bob
Law 6/30 6/19/2004
Vivian
Mohler 6/30 Rick & Bonnie
Erwin
6/21/1975
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:
Anne Brown, Louis McElroy, Gary Friesner, Tom Meschke, Monty
Fey, Les DePew, Jim Hamlett, Rhonda Hutton, Marge Williams, Greg Adams,
Virginia Meschke, Jack Reeve, Laurie Bock, 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; Rolland Mathias and family on the passing of his
brother, Laddie.
This week’s
prayer family: Jon and Patti Ansley.
This week’s
prayer church: Forest Park Presbyterian Church in
Activities
Sunday, June 1
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship w/Communion @ 10:45 am
Tuesday, June 3
Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, June 4
Choir @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 8
Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,
Worship @ 10:45 am
Tuesday, June 10
CE @ 6:00 pm, Praise Team @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, June 11
Choir @ 7:30 pm, Worship @ 8 pm
Thursday, June 12
Deacons @ 11:30 am, Lay Ministry @ 6:00 pm,
Stewardship @ 6:30 pm
THE PRESBYTERIAN
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR SUNDAY
May 18, 2008
Greeters - Ken & Connie Harsha
Lay
Leader - Prime Time Presbies
Ushers - Prime Time Presbies
Fellowship - Nancy Gilmer
Sound Technicians - Michael Heatwole and Mitchell Watson
Across the Pastor’s Desk
The Current
Challenge of Christian Education
“Needed: Teachers, Leaders, and Sponsors”
Traditions are hard to shake! Whether good or bad, helpful or destructive, time-limited or universal, particular traditions die hard! Yet the flow of history often calls particular attitudes and ways of doing things into question. We seem to be at such a place vis-a-vis Christian Education. We traditionally call it “Sunday School”.