Pasadena Presbyterian Church
February 2011
Go to:
From Me to You
Session Digest
Stewardship Ministry Update
Financial Report
Evangemissions
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
Calendar
Faith Community Nursing
Fellowship
Praise Kids
Youth
Library
Preschool
Deacon's Corner
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC
Birthdays
“Since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.”
(2 Corinthians 4:1)
As you are probably aware, 2010 was a “mixed-bag” for PPC. While we were stable in most ways, and had some great new successes in ministry and mission, we like most congregations in the USA, struggled financially. All told, $54,000 of our “rainy-day” cash reserves was used to fund our deficit. We cannot continue to operate for long in this way.
Therefore, due to declines in 2011 pledges and anticipated income, the Session of PPC at its called meeting on January 11 approved the following actions regarding PPC staff and our church operations:
- The position of Church Managing Executive Secretary, currently filled by Eva Smith, will be eliminated effective February 11, 2011.
- A new part-time (24 hours/week) position of Church Secretary will be created and a search for a qualified person initiated as soon as possible.
- The position of Clerical Assistant, currently filled by Patti Strong, will be eliminated as soon as the new Church Secretary’s position is filled.
- Beginning February 11, church office hours will be Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm until further notice. The church office will be closed on Fridays.
- A new position of Bookkeeper (contract 10 hours/wk) will be created and a search for a qualified person initiated as soon as possible.
- The Session in adopting the 2011 operating budget reduced 4 of the remaining staff salaries (Pastor, Facility Manager, Custodian, Church organist/choir director) by 10% for the year. The congregation voted on changes to the Pastor’s terms of call at the meeting January 30th.
- The contract ministry staff positions of Nursery Worker, Missionary in Residence and Director of Family Ministries are not affected by the 10% salary reductions. The MIR and DOFM positions will be evaluated in May to determine whether or not new contracts will be issued for July 1.
In addition to the changes in staff and salaries, the Session also determined that it was necessary to reduce all of the PPC ministry budgets to bare essentials. A summary of the 2011 operating budget (in comparison with 2010) is presented in this newsletter. Copies of the entire 2011 operating budget are available upon request from the church office.
It should be clearly said that PPC is not in danger of closing its doors. We are still a viable congregation and have a very dedicated core group of elders, deacons, teachers and volunteers. We still have a solid foundation in Christ on which to grow toward a positive future. However, to grow, we will also need to make additional changes--doing some new things, and doing other things differently or not at all. Your Session is meeting February 26 for a follow-on retreat from its convocation last fall to seek the Lord’s will, wisdom and practical plan for the steps ahead in our walk with Christ. Your prayers are especially invited and appreciated.
As challenging as this time is and will be in our church’s life, we must hold fast to Jesus as Head, stand firm in His Word for our hope, and remain steadfast in our love for one another and others as His family. As the title of a book once said, “tough times don’t last; tough people—God’s people—do!”
In Christ,
Carl
Session Digest: November 30, 2010
The Session met on January 11 at 7 p.m. in the Boswell Room. The meeting was moderated by Pastor Carl. After prayer and a devotional by Sergio Gonzalez on leadership, the following items were discussed and acted on.
1. For the budget of 2011 each personnel position was reduced by ten percent except the nursery worker.
2. The full time positions of Managing Executive Secretary and Clerical Assistant will be eliminated after one month with a one month severance payment. The position of Clerical Assistant will continue until the hiring of a part time church secretary is filled.
3. A part time bookkeeper and a part time church secretary will be hired.
4. The pastor's salary was reduced to $39,150 (a ten percent reduction) with a total package of $68,082 (at total reduction of 15%). This will be up for approval at the annual meeting on 1-30-11.
5. The end of 2010 year financial report showed a negative balance of $32,307.27, a checking account balance of $51,382.42, and a total cash balance of $81,038.83.
6. A bake sale for youth was approved for February.
7. Vacation Bible School dates of June 13-17 with no tuition, but with donations, were approved.
8. A summer camp for June 20-27 with professional teachers and tuition was approved.
9. The Missions Conference on March 13 with Jay Molina, the Director of Metropolitan Ministries, as speaker was approved.
10. The Ash Wednesday service on March 9 will be about the persecuted church.
11. Pastor Oliver will be asked to speak at both services on February 20, Youth Sunday.*
12. A Session retreat will be held on February 26 in the Boswell Room from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
13. Pastor Bellingar was approved to moderate the part of the PPC annual meeting when the subject of the Pastor's salary is discussed.*
Larry Oline, Clerk
Any member of Pasadena Presbyterian Church may read the minutes in the office.
*approved at Called Meeting January 23.
Stewardship Ministry Update: Operating Budget 2011
Pasadena Presbyterian Church
|
||||
|
OPERATING BUDGET 2011
|
||||
| EST. TOTAL INCOME | 2011 | 2010 (actual) |  |
|
| $370,500 | $406,601 | |||
| includes | ($50K reserves) | (54K reserves) | ||
| EXPENSES | ||||
| ACCOUNT | TITLE | 2011 | 2010 (actual) | |
| 5.101 | DISCIPLESHIP | $1,500 | $1,876 | |
| 5.102 | FELLOWSHIP | $200 | $921 | |
| 5.103,4 | EVANGEMISSIONS* | $1,250 | $744 | |
| 5.106,7 | STEWARDSHIP | $136,779 | $136,001 | |
| 5.105 | WORSHIP | $4,901 | $5,367 | |
| 5.108 | PERSONNEL | $243,389 | $260,440 | |
| TOTAL | EXPENSES | $388,019 | $406,601 | |
| NET | -$17,591 | $0 | ||
IF YOU WANT A COMPLETE COPY OF THE 2010 BUDGET
|
||||
PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE
|
||||
*does not include Faith Promise
|
||||
Financial Report: December 31, 2010
The Financials for December show actual income $51,255.54 with expenses of $36,238.06 leaving us $15,017.48 in the black.
Year to Date 2010 |
|
| Actual Income | $374,294.03 |
| Actual Expenses | $406,601.30 |
| Red | $ 32,307.27 |
PPC Foundation |
|
| Pasadena Foundation | $ 28,491.30 |
| Wahl Scholarship | $ 49,959.36 |
Cash Available
Checking Account Balance: $51,382.42
Cash Reserves
General Reserve MM $29,556.41
Total Cash $81,038.83
Imagine the world’s population of 6.3 billion people represented by these 10 people. How many are Christians? How many still need to hear?
CHRISTIAN: 10%
They are born again, Bible believing, Evangelical, Christians.
NOMINAL CHRISTIAN: 20%
They are nominal Christians who may go to church regularly or not so often. They say they are Christians, but have no real inward change with Christ dwelling in them. Do they really know Jesus?
REACHED NON-CHRISTIANS: 30%
They have heard the Gospel message but have rejected it and continue to hold to their former religions. Evangelised non-Christians.
UNREACHED: 40%
They have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly. They have no missionary or church near them or no witness for Christ.
Who are these Unreached?
MUSLIM: They believe in one God, Allah and his prophet, Muhammad. They say Jesus was a great teacher and a prophet too, but not as great as Mohammed. They also say Jesus is not the Son of God.
HINDU: Believes in many gods – shown as idols and believes in a cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation.
BUDDHIST:Follow the teachings of Buddha (a man) who is portrayed as an idol that is worshipped.
CHINESE:Communist and Traditional Chinese Religions. They believe there is no God. Man is the only answer.
Where are you? Are you in the 10%? If so, what are you doing to help reach the unreached and the unbelieving? Jesus is coming soon! So is our Evangemissions Conference - Wednesday March 9th and Sunday March 13th with Pastor Jay Molina from Metropolitan Ministries as our speaker. Please pray about making a faith promise of your time and your money. Invest in the future – the Kingdom of Heaven!
— Evangemissions
THE PURPOSE OF PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN:
FORGIVEN AND FREED BY GOD IN JESUS CHRIST AND EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE COMMIT OURSELVES. . . . .
To nurture our faith through prayer and bible study
To support the mission of the church worldwide
To work for justice and peace
To build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God’s Kingdom.
Activities for Month of February 2011 at Pasadena
Tuesday, February 1st at 10:00 a.m. PW Council Meeting – Boswell
Monday, February 7th at 10:00 am Communion at the Springs
Tuesday, February 8th at 10:00 am Esther Circle – Hazel Kirsch’s Home
Tuesday, February 8th at 1:00 pm Ruth Circle – Ruth Gey’s Home
Thursday, February 10th at 7:30 pm Hannah Circle – Library
Saturday, February 19, 2011, Presbyterian Women of Tampa Bay will hold their 23rd Annual Gathering at Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater. Details are posted on our PW bulletin board.
Presbyterian Women of Tampa Bay will not be holding their spring retreat until May 2nd to 4th. Keep both of these dates open so you are able to attend. If you haven’t attended a spring retreat before you don’t know what you’re missing. A good time to make friends from other churches in our area and also the Peace River Presbyterian Women who will be hosting the retreat this year. It’s a fun time and in a beautiful setting. Pray about it and watch for details in a later newsletter.
In Christ’s Love,
Patricia Watts,
Moderator
Faith Community Nursing ~ Health and Wellness Ministry
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24 NIV
Sleep is essential to your well-being. It is necessary for the body to recharge its batteries, heal its wounds, rest the spirit, and regroup for another day. Although, everyone needs a slightly different amount of sleep, everyone needs good quality rest. This means deep, uninterrupted sleep for at least six or more hours a night. Without good sleep you will experience fatigue, moodiness, irritability, poor memory, decreased dexterity, decreased energy level, and possibly depression.
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalms 4:8 NIV
Such things as excessive napping, physical ailments, bad sleep habits, excessive worrying, or even hormonal changes can cause a poor night’s sleep. The majority of these conditions can be remedied through behavior changes or medical treatment. If falling asleep is difficult, establish a routine to train the brain to prepare for sleep. If sleep problems occur more than three times in a week, consider seeing a doctor to determine if the problem might be medical in nature. Conditions like restless legs or hot flashes can be addressed medically. Continued sleeplessness and fatigue may cause additional risks for high blood pressure, cardio-vascular problems, weight gain, or depression.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
Ideas to combat difficulty falling asleep include: establish a bedtime routine that prepares you and your mind for sleep. The room should be dark, a comfortable temperature, and quiet to allow the mind to relax. A light snack of carbohydrates (yogurt, apple, cheese, or granola) before bed may help you sleep. Conversely, heavy spicy foods, alcohol, or caffeine will keep you awake. A bedtime prayer will provide both comfort and relaxation.
“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.” Hebrews 12:12 NLT
Sleep apnea, a repetitious stop and start in bedtime breathing, will cause chronic fatigue which then impacts clarity of thinking and levels of activity. A variety of issues such as weight, snoring, alcohol intake, or physical make-up may cause this condition. If you are consistently tired after a long night’s sleep you may not be getting sufficient oxygen during sleep. Consider seeing a physician as this treatable condition is a risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.
(Sources: Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com/ and Season of Wholeness: Monthly Themes and Programming for Faith Community Ministry, 2009).
Blessings,
Debbie Rivard, RN
Debbie Rivard, RN, FCN
There will be no Fellowship Dinner in February. We will be helping with the Youth Cake Auction on February 13th. Please bring your money that Sunday to support the PPC Youth. Donations of baked goods are needed.
March 13th is the Mission Conference. A luncheon will be available for everyone in the Fellowship Hall. The regular donation fees apply of $6 per person and $12 for a family. We will be having sandwiches, chips, cookies and beverages.
Looking forward to April 24th, Resurrection Sunday? Then join us for a brunch between services. What a wonderful way to share this day with your church family.
The next Fellowship Meeting will be February 7th in the Fellowship Hall. Vicki Danz will take the place of Ruth Hansell as temporary chair of the Fellowship Committee.
Cookbooks are still available. Any money received now is pure ‘gravy’ for the church. Think about giving a cookbook to your family and friends while helping your church. Cookbooks are $10 and are available in the office during the week and in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays.
Patti Strong, Committee Member
The children continue to learn life lessons about the Fruit of the Spirit each Wednesday evening from 6:30 - 8:00. The children are learning a special song that they will share with the congregation on Youth Sunday, February 20th. If you would like your child to take part in this special service, it is not too late. We will continue to rehearse each Wednesday evening in February. The children meet upstairs in the elementary classroom.
"Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises." Psalm 47:6
The Youth attended the Winter Jam Christian concert at the St. Pete Times Forum on January 15th, along with about 16,000 other people. It was a great night of praise and worship, and many people prayed to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Featured Christian artists included Red, Chris Sligh, Christ August, the David Crowder Band, Kutless, Francesca Battistelli, Newsong, Sidewalk Prophets, and the Newsboys.
A Silent Auction/Bake Sale will be held on Sunday, February 13th. Donations of baked goods are welcome. Please drop off your auction items prior to, or immediately following, the first service in the hallway outside the Sanctuary. Items will be displayed between the services. There will be bidding sheets for each item. Bidding will take place through the end of Sunday School, at which time items may be picked up. All proceeds will benefit the Youth fund.
Youth Sunday will be held on February 20th. The Animus Victor band will be providing the Praise and Worship music for the 8:30 service, and our Youth will be greeting and ushering. The younger children of the church will be singing during the service, as well. Please make a point to help "train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it (Prov 22:6)."
The month of February is a good month to focus on relationships. While the church library has many good books on marriage relationships (before, during and after), other relationships are also in its scope. Most importantly, is a relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Two of Max Lucado's books are new to the library. His latest (Sept. 2010) is Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, the unabridged cd/audiobook version. The book description is: Though there are many upsetting events in the world, "... you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did."
The library has recently received the Lucado cd/audiobook Every Day Deserves a Chance. "Doesn't every day deserve a chance to be a good day?," the description reads. " ... But what of those days when traffic snarls, airports close, friends forget, and spouses complain? Or divorce days, final exam days, surgery days, tax days, or even days when the cemetery dirt is still fresh? 'Yes, every day,' says best-selling author Lucado. In Every Day Deserves a Chance he unpacks Jesus' delightful formula for upgrading each of your days to blue ribbon status: saturate your day in Jesus' grace; entrust your day to His oversight; accept His direction."
Also, new to the library are these books: Tony Dungy's The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently (now in hardcover, in addition to cd); Dennis & Barbara Rainey's Parenting Today's Adolescent Helping Your Child Avoid the Traps of the Preteen and Teen Years; Janet Parshall and Sarah Parshall Perry's When the Fairy Dust Settles A Mother and Her Daughter Discuss What Really Matters (topics include beauty, perfectionism, relationships and others) and Hayley diMarco's Mean Girls: Facing Your Beauty Turned Beast (Its description: "Mean girls might be around forever, but that doesn't mean they have to torment you. You can avoid fear, hurt, and embarrassment.")
So, it's time to look at our relationships. Let the library help you be your best through Christian authors who find their wisdom in the Bible and have found ways to express it.
Laurie Smith, librarian
We had a wonderful January at the preschool ministry. The children learned about the wise men following the star to where Jesus was and how they worshoped Him. They decided that they too wanted to follow Jesus and worship Him. We will begin to study the life of Jesus and His ministry in the coming weeks.
The children have also been busy learning about the winter season and the animals that God created that live in cold areas. We thanked Him for penguins that swim in the icy regions of the north, and bears that hibernate in winter. The teachers created a “snow day” and the children wore mittens, hats, and gloves and made snow cones. We thanked God for all of the seasons and the animals He gave to us.
Registration has begun for the 2010-2011 school year will begin on February 7th. If anyone you know is of preschool age and is interested in attending please invite them to call me for a tour of the school. Congregational members receive a 10% tuition discount.
Thank you for your prayers for this very important ministry and the 81 families who walk through these doors each day. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Laura Woodard, Preschool Administrator
| 8:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m | Total | |
| January 2 | 83 | 58 | 141 |
| January 9 | 88 | 62 | 150 |
| January 16 | 70 | 76 | 146 |
| January 23 | 83 | 62 | 145 |
Youth Fund Raiser Bake Sale/Silent Auction
When: Sunday, February 13th
Where: In the hallway outside the Sanctuary
Baked goods will be displayed between the 1st and 2nd services. Bid on your favorite item(s). Pick up the item(s) you won after bidding closes at 10:55am or after second service.
Donations of baked goods for the auction will be accepted. Drop off your donated items before or after the 1st service.
All proceeds will benefit PPC Youth.
Youth: February 20th, 8:30 Service
Featuring the ANIMUS VICTOR Band as well as the children singing a special song
Please Note
PLEASE NOTE: Eva Smith’s last day will be February 11. If you would like to drop her a note of appreciation for all her years of service here at PPC, please feel free to do so, and please keep her in your prayers.
Beginning February 14, CHURCH OFFICE HOURS will be M-Th, 9am—1pm.
and Updates
the Church