Pasadena Presbyterian Church
January 2010
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From Me to You
Session Digest
Financial Secretary's Report to Session
Children's Church
Antioch Youth News
Fellowship Committee
Discipleship Ministry
Wings of Victory International Second Annual Ladies Retreat, January 15, 16, 17
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
Calendar
Library
Evangemissions
Missionary in Residence
Faith Community Nursing
Preschool
Church Women United
Helping Hands Ministry
Great Gift Idea for Christmas
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC
Birthdays
“When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son." (Gal. 4:4)
Looking back to 2009, we can and do give thanks to the Lord for the progress of our congregation’s life and ministries. He has raised-up new ministries in our midst—Helping Hands, Faith Community Nursing, a Food Pantry, and the “new and improved” version of a diaconate. He has grown our Sonrise Preschool, Praise Kids, Life Groups, Women’s Studies and Sunday School. Our worship services continue to help us adorn and adore Jesus as the Savior and Lord of our lives that He is. Our elders, teachers, volunteers and staff have served with excellence, diligence, enthusiasm and vision. We’ve even finished 2009 in the black with a surplus (first in many years) in our operating budget!
--We can and do thank Jesus for making 2009 a solid step toward the great future He has for us!
That future begins now.
It’s a new month, a new year, a new decade--2010! What opportunities and possibilities for further growth in, among and through us will the Lord bring? It will be exciting if not challenging to find out! A major “next step” for us at PPC in 2010 will be to say “yes” to Jesus’ call and follow Him again in mission to Ecuador.
Why is this trip important and necessary for us to continue to become and be all the Lord has planned?
--In one word: service. While we’ve already begun new service ministries in addition to those already going on (Homeless Outreach being a key example), we all need to learn how to better employ those efforts as bridges to our own community, to share the Gospel and invite people to faith and life in Christ.
Reaching the lost with the saving love of Jesus is on God’s heart, as it has been from before all time. 2010 is the “fullness of time” for us at PPC to be even more God’s vehicle to “send forth His Son.” Going to Ecuador is His invitation to join Him, learn from Him, and be better equipped and able to share Jesus through the witness of our service in our own community. In just one week abroad—the same amount of time it took for God to create everything—He can effectively refocus, retool and ready us to be missionaries and a missional church to our own area. The life-changing truths and skills we learn during the week in Ecuador will have immediate and lasting effects in and through our lives and congregation, in our own homes and hometown. This is the amazing way Jesus is building and extending His Church in the USA today!
I invite you to pray about going on this trip—July 23 through 31st. If you are already involved in service ministry, or just interested in how the Lord uses these to bring people to faith and life in Him, or even if you’ve never shared the Gospel before, I encourage you to go. You will find this to be one of the best experiences ever in Your life with Christ, and one of the best investments in His coming Kingdom you could ever make.
If you have questions, please see me. Deadline to sign-up is January 31st.
Serving Christ, at home and abroad with you!
Carl
NO SESSION MEETING IN NOVEMBER
DECEMBER DIGEST WILL APPEAR IN FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
Financial Secretary's Report to Session: November 30, 2009
The Financials for November show actual income $30,753.21 with expenses of $28,951.11 leaving us $1,802.10 in the black.
Year to Date 2009 |
|
| Actual Income | $368,699.28 |
| Actual Expenses | $334,987.03 |
| Black | $ 33,712.25 |
PPC Foundation |
|
| Pasadena Foundation | $ 26,930.50 |
| Wahl Scholarship | $ 49,945.67 |
Cash Reserves $133,390.75
Columbia Theological Seminary Scholarship Fund |
|
| Current value of fund | $8,193.53 |
| Gifts placed into fund | $8,001.92 |
January, the first month of a new year. The lessons in Children’s Church will center around our NEW lives in Christ that result when we commit our lives to him. The gospel will be presented, and the children will have an opportunity to share their faith with each other.
Children’s Church is a worship service designed for children in Kindergarten through Grade 5. The children are dismissed from the Sanctuary during the 8:30 AM service each Sunday, with the exception of Communion Sunday.
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)
Leslie Hughes
What's Happening in the Antioch Youth Group
Happy New Year
As I am writing this article from the hospital, I am thinking how God has richly blessed our Antioch Youth ministry throughout this year. Our youth group has been on successful, fun outings and trips and have ministered to the church. We all must be thankful and give all praise to our Heavenly Father for everything He has done. We look forward to the upcoming year ahead in 2010. I know that God will continue to provide for our needs not only as a youth group but as a church.
My prayer is that this upcoming year we will see God working in our kids lives, We are looking for mission opportunities and servant projects. If you have any ideas please let Rob, Brenda, Leslie or Anthony know.
In January the youth will be going to Winter Jam 2010
Winter Jam 2010
Just $10 at the door!
Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 6 PM
St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., TAMPA
God Bless all of you
Rob Taylor
Volunteer Youth Leader
Happy New Year Everyone!!!
Here we are at the start of a brand new year! With the new year brings new and exciting events! As Chair of Fellowship Committee, I would like to personally invite everyone to come and have fun January 13, 2010 at our January Soup and Salad Potluck/No Talent Show! Turkey noodle, split pea and bean soup will be provided. Dishes to bring can be your favorite salad or your favorite bread. Different types of crackers would be a tasty compliment to the soups if you would rather bring those. Desserts are always a nice treat as well. If you have a talent, or a lack of talent, and would like to perform and share with us, you need to sign up ASAP, so we can coordinate, etc. Come and enjoy the meal and then be prepared to laugh your socks off!
I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way for the December Christmas Dinner! You all just jumped right in and assisted wherever and whenever help was needed! What a fantabulous team you are! You all are awesome! That’s what it’s all about…..
The Food Pantry opened December 4! In the two days we were open, we have served 13 families in the community totaling 30 individuals! We have almost depleted 
our supply of bibles, and the food supply has gone down considerably. Any donations would be gladly accepted! Items needed most are canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, soup, crackers, cereal, ravioli and the like and canned fruits. We can use smaller sizes and individually wrapped items more efficiently than the larger ones. I know it’s cheaper to buy in bulk, but we can not open and divide larger amounts. A very appreciative thank you to all who have donated food, or time or prayed for the success of the pantry! THANK YOU!
In Christ’s Love,
Brenda Taylor, Fellowship Chair
Discipleship Ministry: New Wednesday Night Study coming in January – “The Purpose Driven Life”
Please join us for a new Wednesday night bible study based on Rick Warren’s outstanding book “The Purpose Driven Life.” Led by Carl Treleaven, the study will be every Wednesday at 7PM starting on January 13th 2010.
The most basic question everyone faces in life is “why am I here?” “What is my purpose?” Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but Rick Warren says the starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God’s purposes for putting us on earth.
This book helps readers understand God’s incredible plan for their lives. Warren enables them to see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God created them to live.
The Purpose-Driven Life is a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century...a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself, Warren clearly explains God’s five purposes for each of us:
- We were planned for God’s pleasure, so your first purpose is to offer real worship.
- We were formed for God’s family, so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.
- We were created to become like Christ, so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.
- We were shaped for serving God, so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.
- We were made for a mission, so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.
Beth Moore Wednesday Night Study “Living Beyond Yourself” Continues in January
The Beth Moore study “Living Beyond Yourself” is starting up again on January 6th. This ladies only study is an in-depth study of the fruit of the Spirit – living proof that God dwells in us. This study equips women to come to know the freedom of a life filled with peace, joy, gentleness, and other positive characteristics (Gal. 5:22-23). By encouraging participants to develop and maintain an intimate relationship with the Spirit of God, this study will help them to nurture and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in their daily lives.
Wings of Victory International Second Annual Ladies Retreat, January 15, 16, 17
THEME..."BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE...SO CAN WE BE...THRU JESUS"
JOHN 8:36
WHERE: 3488 E. Riverside Drive
Ft. Myers, FL. 33916
PHONE: Barbara Ragland: 239-332-8929
REGISTRATION begins 1/15 .... Dinner at 7 P.M.
FINAL SESSION ENDS...1/17.... 3.P.M.
COST: $50 includes 2 nights and 6 meals. Also gifts and prizes.
Scholarships are available and will be confidential.
An offering will be taken to help with expenses which are NOT covered.
Come early if you can. Wed. and/or Thurs. to help set up and intercede.
Donations toward the Retreat are appreciated and tax deductible.
Mailing address: Wings of Victory International
3468 E. Riverside Drive
Ft. Myers, FL. 33916
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS. SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION ENDS JAN. 10TH. If you wish to share accommodations with your group, register them all together and we well do our best. No promises. First registrations get preference.
Coordinator: Elizabeth (Liz) Cabot
Liz has facilitated many Ladies Retreats as well as our first one. This will be a wonderful time of refreshing for all of you. She and her family have been missionaries in Nicaragua for years and other parts of South America. She will be one of several speakers. You will enjoy getting to know this Dynamite Lady!
WHAT TO BRING
Linens and pillow. We may need some air mattresses. You will be in houses and may need to double up. PAJAMA PARTY TIME!!
Gift of $5 or less for your "Secret Sister".
Bible, note pad, pen, comfortable clothing, walking shoes.
Teachable Heart, Anticipation, Excitement, and a great big SMILE.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Notes about this area: The Caloosahatchee is a mile wide here. The Tarpon St. Pier is one block away. Evan's Neighborhood Restaurant is one mile away. We will have 4 meals there. Evan is Barbara's Son. This is "Old" Ft. Myers. Evan's home across the street from us is on the river and 100 years old. The house next to it was built by Zane Gray's boat captain. This is a wonderful area for walks. Downtown is 2 miles away. Edison's Home is about 5 miles with Henry Ford's home next to it.
WE CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SEE YOU!!! Make reservations for you and your friends NOW!
Blessings,
Barbara Ragland
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 January 2010 at Pasadena
PLEASE NOTE – NO COUNCIL MEETING THIS MONTH
Monday, January 4th at 10:15 am Communion at The Springs
Monday, January 11th at 7:00 pm Rachel Circle – Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, January 12th at 10:00 am Esther Circle - Becky McLaughlin’s Home
Tuesday, January 12th at 1:00 pm Ruth Circle – Marge Visser’s Home
Our Sock Tree this year produced 200 pair of socks that were boxed up and taken to Bethel Farm Ministry by Leo Meilus (our faithful servant for the past several years). Thanks to all who donated socks for this worthy cause.
Next month we will have a list of those who signed Christmas cards and hung them on one of our Christmas Card Greeting Trees and a report of the proceeds from this project which went to CASA.
LOOKING AHEAD to a very important meeting for Presbyterian Women. On February 20th St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center will host the twentieth annual gathering of Presbyterian Women. Ann Barnwell of the Synod of South Atlantic will be our speaker. She will be discussing what the future is for Presbyterian Women. We will be car-pooling so clear the date and details will be in the next newsletter.
A HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL!
In Christ’s Love,
Patricia Watts, Acting Moderator
CD/AudioBook Section of the Library Continues to Grow
People are living in a fast-paced world, but they still need "continuing education." As Christians we are to continue to learn about our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who have commute time might choose to use it to listen to Christian audio books. Or, if you are having trouble seeing, you may benefit from audio books.
We mentioned a few months ago that our church library has begun an audio book collection. As an oak starts from one acorn, it started with one CD donation from a church member and, later, a persistent suggestion from another member (like rain??) encouraged it to grow.
Our latest additions are:
- Quiet Strength, The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker. Read by Tony Dungy.
- Debt-Proof Your Marriage How to Achieve Financial Harmony by Mary Hunt, founder and publisher of Cheapskate Monthly
- Preparing for Adolescence How to Survive the Coming Years of Change by Dr. James Dobson. Includes 1 CD for parents with guidelines on what to expect; 6 CDs for young people ages 10 to 14; one CD for parents to listen to first, with answers to the questions young people ask.
- Confident Parenting Raising Responsible Kids Who Love God and Themselves by Jim Burns
- C.S. Lewis' (unabridged) The Chronicles of Narnia (depending on which book, readers include Lynn Redgrave and Patrick Stewart)
- Tender Warrior: Every Man's Purpose, Every Woman's Dream, Every Child's Hope by Stu Weber
Laurie Smith, Librarian
Paul says, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift (2 Cor 9:15).” We just finished celebrating the birth of God’s perfect gift to us -- His son, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God doesn’t want us to keep this gift all to ourselves – he wants us to share it with others.
One of the songs that the children sang during the Christmas Eve service says it best:
“Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.”
Allow yourself to be used by God. God may use YOU to make this one of the most fulfilling years in someone’s life!
Hi everyone: It is certainly a blessing being here among God’s family, everyone has been so helpful and caring offering whatever assistance they could, for this reason, we say thank you all very much for all the help.
As we are working with different groups and interacting with the church family in general, it is certainly a blessing to us knowing we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by the hands of God (Pas: 139:14.).Yes you and me, our finger prints may be different, our names may be different, but in Christ Jesus we are one. Each having a very important part in the body of Christ, God wants to employ all of us to do His work here on earth, starting right where you are, right now.
So let us all be willing to do our part, every Man, Woman, Child, Boy, and Girl, serving the Lord together in Love, reaching out to our communities and all those around us making a difference to all that we meet, our neighbors, friends, family, enemies, co-workers, schoolmates, employees, employers, primary Physicians, etc.
Remember, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Luke 10: 2 Many different jobs available, just say, here I am Lord use me! f you have said yes to the Lord, then get ready the opportunity to serve will come just for you.
On Saturday January 23RD 2010 in the Fellowship Hall, there will be an outreach geared toward the unreached, community, family, friends, neighbors, and all who need to know our Lord. We are serving the Word, live youth band snacks & drinks, and a movie (Facing the Giants) this is all free, free, free!!!! Your help is needed to distribute tickets, and serve where necessary. Thank you. Prayers are also needed for this event.
My wife Judy enjoyed the opportunity sharing her testimony at the Tea fellowship, and meeting the other women, what a great blessing it was. Our sons Phillip and Michael are excited for the opportunity of being here at this time, enjoying the youth band and taking part in the activities, even hanging of the greens. They are happy to be here for Christmas after being away for three years; and looking forward to this time which they enjoy very much.
Missionary in Residence for Christ sake.
Anthony Oliver
Did you know, according to online statistics, 40 to 45% of Americans make one or more New Year’s Resolutions each year? The reported top 10 resolutions are: weight loss, exercise, stop smoking, manage debt, save money, spend more time with family, take a class, reduce stress, go green and volunteer. Did you also know that while 75% of all resolutions are maintained past the first week, only 46% continue after 6 months? Does that mean that New Year’s Resolutions are pointless? Actually, research shows that persons who make and write down their resolutions are 10 times more likely to achieve their goals. So take out your Bible, paper and pen. Find a quiet, relaxing spot where you can spend some time in prayer and ask God to show you what changes need to happen in your life for a healthier 2010. Health care legislation is on the horizon and I think it is reasonable to assume there will not be as much money available for acute and long-term care needs. Now, more than ever, is the time to think in terms of prevention. What kind of changes do you need to make to prevent heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, stroke, or high blood pressure? Rather than just make a resolution this year, why not set some healthy lifestyle goals. Be specific write out not only what the goal is, but why it is important to you and how you are going to attain it. Make sure the goal is measurable. You need to be able to mark your progress so you can know when you reach your goal. The goal must be attainable. Be realistic, start small and be consistent. Your goal must also have a time frame. Give yourself a target to work toward. Monthly or quarterly goals give you a sense of urgency to take action toward accomplishing your goals. Let me know if there is a topic you would like covered in the monthly Health and Wellness programs. Or if you have a health concern about which you would like more information. The January program is on Advanced Directives and will be on Tuesday, January 19, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the chapel. In addition, take advantage of the blood pressure screenings held in fellowship hall before and after Sunday school. January screenings will be on the 3rd and 24th.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Cor. 5:17
Debbie Rivard, RN
Church Phone: 345-0148
I hope that you all had a very blessed Christmas. December was a very exciting month in the preschool ministry. Our focus of course was preparing for the great celebration of the birth of Jesus. We learned about Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus, our Savior and Friend. The Christmas Pageant was wonderful. What a blessing to have so many church ministries working together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The Praise Band led us in worship and song, the Children’s Church Ministry sang a prelude to the pageant led by Leslie Hughes, and the Preschool Ministry presented a Living Nativity. Lauren Hughes was the narrator and the preschool children sang songs that told the story of Jesus’ birth. The Fellowship Committee hosted a reception of cookies and punch. Approximately 400 were in attendance. Who could not be touched by the telling of the story when the children sang “Come Lord Jesus, Come and be born in our Hearts”? Who could not understand why we celebrate Christmas when the children sang “All the tinsel and lights and the presents are nice, but the real gift is You. Happy Birthday Jesus, Jesus I love You.”
Registration for the 2009-2010 school year will begin on Monday February 1st for currently enrolled families, Thursday February 4th for returning families and Members of PPC not currently enrolled. On Monday February 8th, registration will be open to the public.
May your New Year be blessed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit – Laura Woodard
ANNUAL MEETING – JANUARY 16, 2010
REGISTRATION: 9:30 A.M. PROGRAM: 10:00 A.M. PALM LAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 5401 22ND AVENUE N., ST. PETERSBURG. BRING A COVERED DISH. RESERVATIONS ($3.00) SHOULD BE MADE WITH LAURA PROSSER BY JANUARY 4TH.
Pasadena Presbyterian Church has started a new church-sponsored outreach ministry called the “Helping Hands Ministry.” We are providing the following services to those in our congregation and eventually to the community at large. We will initially provide, but not be limited to, the following services:
- Specific home maintenance projects
- Specific yard maintenance projects
- Specific home cleaning projects
- Rides to and from church functions
We are looking for volunteers of all ages to assist in this important giving ministry. Everyone in our church family is strongly encouraged to participate by providing services according to your abilities. Your gracious help is most appreciated.
If you would like to volunteer, or are in need of any assistance, please contact Bill Wyess at 360-7095.
Great Gift Idea for Christmas and New Years
Virginia “Ginny” Rhoades has published a compilation of her faith-based poems and stories in her new book By The Way… Our Session previously received Ginny’s gracious donation of 100 copies to PPC to help raise funds for our on-going mission through short-term trips (like the one coming up in 2010 to Ecuador). Copies are available through our church office; a $10 donation is suggested.
| 8:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | Total | |
| December 6 | 109 | 59 | 168 |
| December 13 | 98 | 90 | 188 |
| December 20 | 124 | 60 | 184 |
Thank You
Many thanks for your cards, visits and prayers during my surgery. I would also like to personally thank Carl for all of his visits.
May God Bless You
Doris Entreken
Special Thanks
Many thanks to the congregation for all the prayers for my sister Ava Edwards. Her tumor is benign and will be treated in a couple of months by medicine or laser surgery.
Praise God!
Elaine Luke
Support Our Troops
Pasadena Presbyterian Church is again collecting items for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. They may be dropped off at the visitors booth on Sunday.
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