Pasadena Presbyterian Church

"But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers." (John 4:23)

WORSHIP is always front and center in our lives as Christians and as Christ’s Church.

Often some of the first glimpses of Jesus people get are from being with us during our services.

Our worship shows who God is and whose we are: as we together praise, pray, study God’s Word, commune with Jesus, give our gifts and receive God’s blessing, we not only experience God’s life-saving and transforming love and grace in Jesus, we also get fitted and fueled to live for Jesus in this world; and we get a glimpse of what eternity with Him will be like.

You can tell a lot about us as a congregation just by being in worship with us!

Our corporate worship grows out of our daily, continual love-life with, and so, worship of God through Christ. While our fellowship with Jesus and each other on Sundays both defines and refines us, it is the time we spend individually and personally with the Lord—“daily devotions” which include prayer and Bible study—that God uses most to conform us each to Christ.

Others can tell a lot about our love-and-worship of Jesus by how Jesus’ worth is seen and shown as we are with Him, and so then with them, each day!

WORSHIP is central and vital to us—individually and corporately—at and as PPC. As we have been worshipping in one service this summer, we have not only gotten to see the Lord “high and exalted” (Isaiah 6:1) even more, we have also been brought closer to Jesus and to one another. What has been so wonderful is how the Lord has used worship to enhance our unity, and to help us refocus on being His together. The “trappings” of worship (i.e., style, songs, hymns, instruments, bulletins, creeds, prayers and service order) have not been the “traps” or impediments to our fellowship as they have sometimes been in the past.

CAN WE CONTINUE TO LET JESUS UNITE US IN WORSHIP, AND NOT LET WORSHIP BECOME A POINT OF CONTENTION AND POTENTIAL DIVISION AGAIN?

We will get to find-out. Whether we continue on with one service, or return to two or more services at some point, we should always be diligent to “preserve the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3) which is really what worship in “Spirit and truth” in any form, and at any time, is about.

Thanking God for the privilege of praising Him in worship together with you—His saints at and as PPC!

The Session met for its normal stated meeting on June 24, 2014. The following items were discussed and/or acted on:

1. Deacons elect Julie Gull and Michelle Loy were examined, approved, and prayed for, and will be ordained and installed in July.
2. A request to Tampa Bay Presbytery was unanimously approved by ruling elders that our church be allowed to participate in the gracious communion/dismissal process.
3. A committee chaired by John Odom, with Leslie Hughes, one deacon, and two at large members to interact with Presbytery's visiting team was approved.
4. The clerk was directed to notify Presbytery of our decision.
5. A letter of notification was approved, and will be sent to the congregation.
6. The financial report through the end of May 2014 showed a positive balance of $11,778.32 in the operating account.

Stewardship can be defined as using well the things that have been entrusted to us. We have been given many things by God - money, time, and talents. God is pleased when we use well and wisely manage what He has given us (Matthew 25:21). I encourage us all to continue glorifying and enjoying God by using His gifts well.

Beginning September 7, we will continue with ONE WORSHIP SERVICE at 10:30am in the Sanctuary. Sunday School will be at 9am.

Our MAINTENANCE CZAR would be available M-F, 8am—2pm to handle all maintenance needs that arise during preschool and office hours. Duties would be to contact, meet with, and as needed supervise our various service vendors and coordinate maintenance work by PPC volunteers. If you believe the Lord is leading you to help and serve our church in this way, or for more details. please let Pastor Carl know.

PRAISE CHORUS
Will Restart Wed. Sept 17!
All Singers Are Welcome!
Rehearsals will be Wednesdays 7-8pm in the sanctuary.
See Carol Pilkington for details.

Month	Families	New Families	Individuals	Pounds of Food
May	260	26	717	9,514
June	298	44	767	8,742
July	303	26	774	8,318

Your Food Distribution Center has continued throughout the summer months with people stepping forward and taking up the slack due to illnesses, vacations, etc. God has blessed the pantry by providing both food and money so this ministry can continue. We would point out that the need continues to grow in St. Petersburg and many pantries have shut their doors. I note that we are already having some difficulty in getting food, but God always comes through in the nick of time.

July marked the 3rd anniversary of the food distribution ministry. God has allowed us to touch the lives of over 500 families by providing physical food and spiritual growth to most of the people who come through the door of the 123 house. We have seen lives changed as we have been faithful to pray for these men, women and children. I note that 2 weeks ago two ladies told that their daughters were healed of cancer after they had come here for prayer.

Sarah Circle (formerly Esther & Ruth Circles) – Tuesday, September 9th at 1:00 p.m. at thehome of Pat Drucker.

As you notice, we now have one day circle and one evening circle. If you would like to join either of the circles please contact Pat Watts (727-302-0888). It is not a continuous bible study so any month that you would like to join us, we’d love to have you.

If you have any suggestions or ideas for future projects and/or events/programs, please contact one of our present committee members: Ann Carney, Cookie Cottrell, Vicki Danz, Pat Drucker, Pat Edgington, Becky McLaughlin, Terry Odom, Alma Oline, Felicia Ragland, Aristeia Sowa or Pat Watts.

Let us be committed to serving those closest to us and those far away. Telling them about Jesus and nurturing those who seek Him in their journey of a Christ-changed life. How are you doing on your journey with Jesus? Can you use some encouragement? Can you encourage someone? Can you bring someone with you? Will we take another step and let our faith be renewed?

Ever encounter someone who ……..
…… is unwilling to admit and confess their own sins?
…… has a bitter spirit toward another?
…… is unwilling to forgive?
…… is resistant to the Word of God?
…… displays an inflexible attitude that can’t be changed?
…… feels that their way is always the right and only way?
…… refuses to let people get too close?
…… is supersensitive in a way that makes it difficult for others to get along with them?
…… seems preoccupied with their own needs and not concerned about the needs of others?
Ever seen that person in the mirror?
These are some signs of a hardened heart. But God has special blessings for those who are humble and who cultivate a contrite heart.
So take a deep breath because “the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,” (Psalm 34:18) and “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) Some of God’s choicest gifts are for those who know the blessing of a broken heart. And whether we want to own it all the time or not, we’re all a bit broken, aren’t we?

We confess that we have often brought to You sacrifices that were unworthy. Instead of bringing the first fruits, we brought the leftovers. Instead of bringing what really cost us something, we brought You the easiest and cheapest thing. Forgive us! Help us to see life as an opportunity to present spiritual sacrifices to You. Our words and works are just as much offerings as our wealth. What a privilege to be one of Your priests. Help us to minister as we should, and may our spiritual sacrifices please You.

Scripture commands us to be devoted to one another. Romans 12:10 states: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves”. NIV
“Koinonia’s” primary meaning is “fellowship, sharing in common communion”. The first occurrence of Koinonia is in Acts 2:42. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith and encouragement.

Koinonia Ministry met August 14, 2014 and had a lot of discussion on different ideas of getting our congregation together for different activities. We met again Sunday, August 17th at 9:15 a.m. to finalize some of the suggestions that had been presented.

Praise Kids/Youth will resume their Sunday night meetings from 6:00-7:30 pm, gathering in the Fellowship Hall for snacks and fellowship, Sunday, September 7th. Volunteers are always needed Sunday evenings and if you are interested you can contact Laurie Smith @

. Praise Kids/Youth had a pool party in July and another one is planned for September 21st from 4-7pm (light supper included). Some Family Fun Nights are being planned (save the date Oct. 19th - details to follow) and possibly after church lunches once a month. When details are worked out we will advertise these events when they will be taking place. Fun nights and lunches will be for the whole body here at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. Watch for more happenings in next month’s newsletter.

Members of our Koinonia Ministry are: Cookie Cottrell, Vicki Danz, Ruth Gey, Zinet Kalis, Sandy Moore, Terry Odom, Alma Oline, Shirley Phillips, Felicia Ragland, Laurie Smith, Patti Strong, Dave Taylor and Pat Watts.

The pre-school staff has worked hard preparing for the 80 children and their families who will be blessing us with their presence this school year. We are ready, the classrooms are ready, and we are up and running. We look forward with joyful anticipation to the many blessings that this new school year will bring us. I look forward as always to see where God will be leading this ministry, and how he will help us to minister to the many families in our care.

Thank you for all of your prayers which have uplifted this ministry and allowed us to continue doing God’s work for 12 years. Continue to keep our families and staff in prayer as we begin this new year of blessings. We are ever mindful that Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” How blessed are we to welcome these 80 children in His name.

COME BACK TO MITFORD IN SEPTEMBER
Have you refreshed your memories of the fictional little town of Mitford so that you are ready when the latest Jan Karon novel comes out Sept. 2? If you have, then here is the first chapter (supplied by USA Today) of Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good that you can read until I get our copy of the book and put it on the hallway shelf. Look at http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2014/04/30/jan-karon-mitford-cover-reveal-excerpt/8481081/

According to her website, although Jan had wanted to be a writer since childhood, she entered a career in advertising. When she was 50, she moved to Blowing Rock, NC to finally launch the writing phase of her life. The article continues, "After

struggling—and failing—to get a novel underway, Jan awoke one night with a mental image of an Episcopal priest walking down a village street. She grew curious and started writing about a character she named Father Tim Kavanagh. Soon, Jan was publishing weekly installments about Father Tim in her local newspaper, The Blowing Rocket, which saw its circulation double as a result....The installments became Jan’s first Mitford novel, At Home in Mitford. That book has since been

reprinted more than eighty times." She has been nominated for many awards, fans love the series, her children's books, a cookbook, and books of quotes, and these can be found in your church library.

"Jan says her character-driven work seeks to give readers a large, extended family to call their own," her website says. The popularity of her Mitford series of books certainly seems to prove that people were looking for just such a family and town.

Come for a fun night of fellowship with the young adults of PPC! Exact activities and games are yet to be determined (but we usually play video games or board/card games). . . Feel free to bring suggestions!

Starting back up Sunday, Sep.7th
6-7:30 P.M. Every Sunday
All ages: Pre-K-5th, 6th-12th Grade
Nursery care for ages 0-3 years.

Family fun days planned for the future (entire church family invited)! Stay tuned!

Please bring in your aluminum soda cans (rinsed) and put them in the blue recycling bin, opposite the church kitchen door, as you come in to the Fellowship Hall. These cans will be sold to a salvage business and the money will go toward our church youth group. Thank you!

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith,
one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
The Deacon Song
(Sung to “Frere Jacques”)
We’re your Deacons
We’re your Deacons
We are here
To Serve You
Please call us with your prayer concerns
Please call us with your prayer concerns
WE LOVE YOU!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!

We try to stay on top of prayer requests and concerns. If you know of someone who is ill in our church family, please let the office know. Even if the office is closed you can still leave a voice mail. If you have a pastoral emergency, you can always leave a voice mail at the Manse at 727-368-5588.
In the event that Pastor Carl is on vacation, we always record the substitute’s name and telephone
number on our outgoing voice mail message. Thank you for your help.

As a result of changes in our staffing, PPC facilities will no longer be open in the evening for meetings or groups on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and all-day on Saturdays. If your meeting or group is affected by this new policy, you need to contact the church office to reschedule your use of the facilities to Tuesday or Thursday evenings. If your group can’t change to meet on the nights when PPC is now open, you will need to contact Pastor Carl or find another location.

Please do not put paper flyers or announcements on the walls! We have bulletin boards for our various ministries and groups to use to post items. If you need something posted, please check with the appropriate ministry or group or the church office.

Everyone will receive a final year statement at the end of the year for tax purposes.