Pasadena Presbyterian Church
October 2013
Go to:
From Me to You
Session Digest
Financial Report
Food Distribution Center
Women of the Church
Calendar
Evangemissions
Discipleship
S. O. S.
Preschool
Antioch Youth
Children's Church
Praise Kids
Fall Festival
Parent's Night Out
Family Connection
Library
Youth and Young Adult Game Night
Not a Fan Bible Study
Deacon's Corner
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC
Birthdays
“Behold, now is the day of salvation!"
(2 Corinthians 6:2)
Our Session just finished studying a book by the Rev. Paul Nixon titled “I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church.” In the last chapter, Nixon quotes the verse above and notes:
“There are people all around us who have been living in isolation from God and their neighbors most of their lives. How long do we intend to wait before offering them ministries and relationships through our churches that can help them to reclaim their best selves, to discover the joy of Jesus’ way, and to fall more deeply in love with the God who loves them?”
His point is to highlight both the opportunity we all constantly have to share Jesus with others right around us, as well as to flag the tendency we all have to put-off such sharing—i.e., procrastinate.
Some procrastination occurs when churches start to shrink in size, and so shrink-back from reaching-out due to fear, stress, lack of energy or just plain grief due to loss. Other reasons include expecting only staff and clergy to do it, needing some kind of “study” to show us who to reach and how to reach them, or waiting until our church gets its “act” together better--so we feel better about ourselves first.
Good thing the early church didn’t fall into those traps and excuses!
As Paul in his letter notes “NOW” or TODAY “is the day of salvation!” This shows he and the first believers in Christ realized the urgency of getting the Good News of Jesus out to a broken, hopeless, helpless, falling-apart, apart-from-God world. In a way, those first generations of Christians saw themselves as first-responders: going-out, getting involved, rendering aid, doing all they could, to show and share Jesus with those who were dying (literally) to meet Him!
“When people get caught up in great salvation movements of God” Nixon notes in his book, “they tend to choose NOW over LATER. They come to feel a holy urgency about their work.”
So, how about us—you and me at and as PPC?
If we are waiting on others to get back into the race first before we get the Gospel out, or if we’re waiting on others to bring new believers into Jesus’ family before we start making disciples here, it may be that’s the reason not much happens or will happen: waiting on others instead of doing what the Lord already told each of us to do is one of the best ways the devil has to stop a church dead in its tracks. The “NOW” and “TODAY” of the Gospel applies to each of us and all of us:
it is not one person’s, or someone else’s job!
Ask the Lord “what can I do—what do you, Jesus, want to do to reach another through me, today?”
And if you don’t feel the urgency to even ask that, then pray for the Holy Spirit to light a fire in your heart with God’s love for the lost: believe me, the fire they feel is anything but love (see 2 Peter 3:7).
Praying we all choose NOW over LATER in showing, serving and sharing Jesus!
In Christ,
Carl
The Session met on August 27 and September 9. Items listed below were among the various ones
discussed or acted on.
1. Jan Hinkle was received with joy into the active membership of the church by reaffirmation of faith.
2. The Wednesday evening family/children's ministry will now meet on Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
3. Several members who had not attended for some time, and most of whom had been contacted, were removed from church membership. Their names are: Jason and Christine Cook, Erica Johnson, Michael Flowers, and Hope Bates.
4. Metropolitan Ministries will not be collecting food on the church property this fall. Instead our own Food Distribution Ministry will be doing the outreach.
5. The Session again discussed the book, "I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church" by Paul Nixon. The chapter entitled "Choosing Frontier over Fortress" was discussed.
Larry Oline, Clerk
August 2013 Financial Report
The financials for August are: actual income $ 42,982.00* with expenses of - $ 24,549.21 leaving us +$ 18,432.79 in the black
YTD (through July): |
|
| Income: | $ 231,269.74 |
| Expenses: | $ 215,049.25 |
| Balance: | +$ 16,220.49 |
Cash Available Checking Account Balance $ 45,721.48
Cash Reserves General Reserve MM $ 13,321.08
Total Cash (Checking Acct Bal. & MM) $ 59,042.56
*includes transference of about $28,000 PPC Foundation funds to General Checking
WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! Maybe I should explain that “WOW” comment that Pastor Bob stated at the 9:00 a.m. worship service September 15th in reply to Pastor Carl’s question about the previous day’s food pantry. It’s highly unusual for Pastor Bob to say ONLY one word!
Lives are being changed. People come to receive food. The power of the Holy Spirit is present. The Good News is shared. Some people come to know Jesus. Others are challenged in their spiritual lives. Prayer is requested. Many prayers are answered. Relationships are being formed. Healings take place. God is at work in the lives of the guests and also the volunteers. The love of Christ flows between us. Where the Holy Spirit is at work, there is always a WOW!
With this being said, I must voice our present need. You need to know that the Clearwater Feeding America site is closed and we must now travel to Tampa, which involves extra time and more fuel (20 miles verses 60 miles round trip). To make matters worse, we discovered a very large warehouse with empty shelves. There is very little food to purchase at this time. Yes, we went through the same thing last September and October. Consequently we will have to pay grocery store prices for some of our food items.
I challenge you to answer this question, “What does God want me to do in regards to this very great need?” Everyone can pray and should pray. You might purchase canned vegetables. You could donate money. You might volunteer.
Why don’t you ask the people you know who are volunteers? They would love to share how God has blessed them through this ministry. Pastor Bob was blessed to learn that the people missed him during his August trip.
Feel free to call Gene Hammond, Pat Mancini, Larry Hendry or Pastor Bob.
Into Christ Jesus Always;
Your Food Distribution Team
WOMEN OF THE CHURCH – OCTOBER 2013
A little different format for this column beginning this month: Please take note of our bulletin board which Terry Odom has put some information there to attract all women of the church. We will be starting our Bible study again through May doing it once a month. Currently there are circles using this study but we would encourage other women to join the ongoing circles or start a group of your own at a time more convenient.
Committee Meeting – Tuesday, October 1st at 10:00 a.m.in the Boswell Room
Rachel Circle – Monday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Arlene Tomin
Esther Circle – Tuesday, October 8th at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Pat Edgington
Ruth Circle – Tuesday, October 8th at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Laura Prosser
Study books “Exploring the Depths of God’s Love” by Dr. Charles Stanley are available in the church office. These have been provided by the Women of the Church for your use. Please let Terry Odom (347-5754) or Pat Watts (302-0888) know if you are interested in starting your own group.
“Spruce Up Our Sanctuary” (SOS) day will be coordinated by Vicki Danz to get all the men and women to help on Saturday,
October 19, 2013 from 10am to 2pm. Bring your own lunch and we will furnish iced tea. Look for more detailed information elsewhere in this newsletter.
This is the first of many of our service projects we hope to accomplish in the months to come. If you have any suggestions or ideas for future projects and/or events, please contact one of our present committee members: Ann Carney, Vicki Danz, Pat Drucker, Pat Edgington, Becky McLaughlin, Terry Odom, Alma Oline, Felicia Ragland, Aristeia Sowa or Pat Watts.
Listen to some thought provoking and inspiring words from Exodus 32:12-18. "Moses said to the LORD, 'You have been telling me, "Lead these people," but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, "I know you by name and you have found favor with me." If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.' The LORD
replied, 'My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest.' Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?' And the LORD said to Moses, 'I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.' Then Moses said, 'Now show me your glory.'"
This fall we will not be hosting Metropolitan Ministries on our property to collect food and funds. Instead our own Food Distribution Ministry will be having a similar outreach program. Be in prayer for this vital ministry. Be ready to volunteer to be a part of it. We trust that God's Presence will be there and that we can rest (trust) in Him as He shows us His glory.
Larry Oline
Evangemission Chair
Discipleship Begins with Caring for One Another (John 13: 34-35)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Looking at last Sunday’s Back to School Family Dinner. I could see the love that Jesus was talking about. Starting with the love of Vicki Danz and the love she put in her sauce and spaghetti dinner that she prepared. She dressed the tables with checkered tablecloths. The love and acceptance the families continue to see from Leslie makes families come back for more. The night was a great September start. The fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control, was evident.
As we believers yield ourselves to Christ as a surrendered vessel, He fills us with His presence. He loves through us and we serve Him with His gifts. When we allow Christ to love through us, the world recognizes that Christ is still alive. They will know we are Christians by His love, John 15:35. TO KNOW MEANS TO EXPERIENCE FIRST HAND.
What a privilege we have been given in displaying His love by His presence in us. A life of service, and singleness of purpose.
Thanks to all the teachers and Sunday School Teachers at PPC. You are needed and honored.
Discipleship Chair,
Pat Mancini
October 19th
S. O. S.
Spruce-up our sanctuary
10am—2pm
Bring a bag lunch
And willing hearts and hands
September has been a wonderful month at your preschool ministry. We have 81 children enrolled this year. The children at Sonrise have settled into their daily routine and are having fun learning about how wonderfully God has created them. We have been learning about the parts of the body, our five senses, and the gift of family and friends. We had a special Grandparents day celebration and the Grandparents joined the children in the classroom. We are looking forward to a wonderful October! Stop by and see our “Fall Festival Parade” in the parking lot on October 31st at 9:10. I thank God for the wonderful staff that we have here at the preschool ministry. Their love and care for the children and their families is evident each day. As we begin our school year, please join me in praying that the seeds that are being planted here each day will grow to give glory to God.
Laura Woodard
Youth meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00—7:30 PM. Meet in upstairs classroom 206.
Youth is open to all students in grades 6—12.
Youth/Young Adult Games Night — Sunday, October 13, 6:00 PM, Upstairs —Meet in room 206. Snacks served.
Youth Bible Study and Fellowship —6:00 PM — Bible study and Fellowship — Upstairs classroom 206, 10/6, 10/20, 10/27
“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits —so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:2, 5
The children continue to grow in their faith through Bible stories. This month’s lessons are taken from Jude, Revelation, and Genesis.
Children’s Church is a worship service designed specifically for children in preschool through grade 5. The children are dismissed from the Sanctuary each Sunday during the 9:00 AM service, with the exception of Communion Sunday.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These
commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home…” Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Praise Kids is held on Sunday evenings, 6:30 – 7:30 .
Praise Kids is a discipleship ministry for children in Preschool through 5th grade.
October’s Lessons:
10/6 — Paul Preaches in Lystra
10/13 — Thankful Songs in Prison
10/20 — Paul Speaks Out
10/27 — Movie Night
The children grow closer in their relationships with Jesus through Bible stories, games, and arts and crafts.
Mark your calendars for an exciting outreach opportunity!!!
DATE: Saturday, November 23
TIME: 10am to Noon
What is it? We are planning a children’s Fall Festival. We are going to invite the neighborhood children and the children that come to our Food Distribution Ministry to a time of fun, food, fellowship and evangelism.
Why? The Bible tells us in Mark 10:14-16, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” And He took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Who can help? Everyone… We will put you to work, but you will have fun!!!
If you have questions contact Terry Odom or Alma Oline.
WHEN: Saturday, October 19th
TIME: 6-9 PM
WHO: All children 1yr. old through 5th grade
Children ages 1-3 Classroom 5
Children Pre-K age 4– age10 Fellowship Hall
Age-appropriate activities provided for all children. Snack provided. No charge.
Contact Leslie Hughes, 
, for additional information.
Sundays 6:00 PM, Fellowship Hall
Family Connection is a family worship time designed specifically for parents and children.
Worship is followed by adult Bible study from 6:30 – 7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall.
The Bible study is interactive and is fun no matter your level of Bible knowledge. We are currently studying Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians.
Nursery care available for children not yet in preschool.
AUTUMN BRINGS BOOKS ON EVERYTHING FROM APPLES TO ALL SAINTS DAY, AND COLUMBUS TO PUMPKINS
In October we are reminded of holidays and the traditions that accompany them and we can read about them in the library:
All Saints Day, otherwise known as All Hallows (hallowed means sanctified or holy), was celebrated on Nov. 1 and thus the day before it was shortened to Hallow's Eve and then Hallow-e'en. Focusing on a Christian perspective, we could look at the lives of Christians, dead or alive, martyrs or missionaries through these books: Beth Moore's Voices of the Faithful, Books 1&2 and Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus (DC Talk and the Voice of the Martyrs).
Halloween Are You for Real? is a fictional account of one Christian family's response to Halloween. It is an easier-to-read version of Halloween Is It for Real?, which we also have. The author of both writes, "The challenge for Christian parents is to teach our children to use this holiday to celebrate God's victory over evil and evil spirits." The Pumpkin Gospel A story of a new start with God! emphasizes, by using a pumpkin's transition from orange globe to jack-o-lantern, God's forgiveness. The Pumpkin Patch Parable (Liz Curtis Higgs) "illustrates how a loving farmer can turn a simple pumpkin into a simply glorious sight. In the same way, God's transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light."-Amazon review . Also available: P Is for Pumpkin (Mary Manz Simon), God's Harvest Alphabet (Katy-Jo Wargin); My Happy Pumpkin: God's Love Shining Through Me (Crystal Bowman).
Halloween may bring out some fears in kids. Here are some books which address fear: It's Scary A Child's Book about Trust; When I'm Afraid (Jane Belk Moncure); Tupsu the Squirrel Who was Afraid (Melody Carlson); Guess Who's Afraid (Paula J. Brussard); and When Your Child Is Afraid (Dr. Robert Schachter and Carole Spearin McCauey).
Read about Christopher Columbus' life and faith in a novel, Christopher Columbus Navigated by God. The Amazon Editorial Review states, "Using Columbus' own journals and Book of Prophesies, Navigated by God shows how truly important Columbus' faith was to him and how he struggled with many of the sins we all commit." Also in the library is Christopher Columbus His World His Faith His Adventures and, for grades 1-3, Christopher Columbus.
Seasonal foods are highlighted in: How God Gives Us Apples (Mary LeBar); and Picking Apples and Pumpkins (Amy Hutchings). And, for now and November: Family Celebrations at Thanksgiving and Alternatives to Halloween (Ann Hibbard).
Laurie Smith, Librarian
Youth and Young Adult Game Night
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13th , 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Upstairs Classrooms
Refreshments served
- Games that appeal to everyone
- Fun and fellowship!
- Board games, video games
- Ping pong, foosball
- You don’t have to be an expert gamer to participate!
Are you a “fan” or a “totally Committed follower” of Jesus Christ?
Join us Monday evenings beginning September 30th from 6:30-7:30pm and find out.
This is a wonderful discipleship study with multi-media and hands-on activities.
See you there—at PPC of course.
Patti Burrows
Deacon’s Corner
Please remember the Dollars for Deacons.
Please consider a donation to our Samaritan fund also.
Your Deacons: Vicki Danz-Treasurer, Debbie Saathoff; Caesar Van Ardoy and Bill Wyess and welcome new deacons Threse Hammond-Secretary and Terry Odom-Chair of Deacon Board.
If you have a pastoral or prayer need, give YOUR deacon a call!
| 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m | Total | |
| September 01 | 58 | 35 | 93 |
| September 08 | 64 | 45 | 109 |
| September 15 | 50 | 48 | 98 |
| September 22 | 58 |
40 | 98 |
Attention
Those parking on Pinellas Way for any church function must be aware of the parking signs. The police will ticket anyone violating the parking signs.
If you are working in the Food Distribution Center, make sure you park in the lot by the Scout House. This includes the families who are picking up food.
If you are coming to the Family Connection, please be mindful of the parking restrictions.
We want you to have a wonderful experience here at PPC. We would hate for you to leave here having to pay for a parking ticket.
Thank You
To My Church Family
Thank you for your cards and prayers at the passing of my mother, Martha Hinkle.
God in His mercy answered your prayers for peace and strength.
With love,
Jan Hinkle
Church Facility Usage & Harmless Agreement
If you have a group that is not a ministry of the church and you would like to use the facility, you must come into the office for a copy of the Guidelines for Outside Users of Church Facilities and sign the Church Facility Usage and Hold Harmless Agreement.
We have been instructed that this is imperative by our insurance company.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Giving Statements
Giving Statements will be sent out upon request for the quarter.
Everyone will receive a final year statement at the end of the year for tax purposes.
Dollars for Deacons
Please Remember The Dollars For Deacons Envelopes In the Sanctuary
Format for Submitting Information To Be Printed
- Submit information 2 weeks prior to date needed print ready.
- Send information as an Electronic File MS Word Format.
- Newsletter articles are always due by the 15th of the month.
- Newsletter articles should be in font no larger than 10.
- Newsletter articles should be titled with ministry, month and year ie, “Stewardship February 2012”.
Sunday School Schedule
- College/ Career Class: Room 206,Tom Smith IV
- Friendship Class: Boswell, Tom Smith III
- Revelation Adult Bible Study: Room 204, Larry Oline
- Not a Fan Moved to Monday at 6:30: Room 201, Patti Burrows,
Please Help Keep Our Facilities Nice!
Please do not put paper flyers or announcements on the walls! We have billboards for our various ministries and groups to use to post items. If you need somthing posted, please check with the appropriate ministry or group or the church office. Thanks for keeping our facilities nice!
and Updates
the Church