Pasadena Presbyterian Church
January 2009
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From Me to You
Session Digest
Pasadena Presbyterian a STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION
Stewardship Ministry Update
Financial Secretary's Report to Session
What is the Per Capita Apportionment?
What's Happening in the Youth Group
Preschool News
Children's Church
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
Christmas Cards
Calendar
This Position Is Now On Our Wish List For Funding: Director of Family Ministries
Library
Life Groups
The Truth Project
Evangemissions
GLORIFY GOD, BEAR MUCH FRUIT, MAKE DISCIPLESN QUEVEDO, ECUADOR JULY 24 – AUGUST 1, 2009
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC
January Birthdays
"If you wish to come after Me, you must deny yourself,
and take up your cross and follow Me.”(Mark 8:34)
The season of Lent (beginning on Wednesday February 25) is a time for commitment.
Commitment is needed whenever the challenges ahead are great, the time needed to work through them is long, and the outcome is worth our total investment and effort. Lent reminds us of the commitment Jesus made to go to and through a cross: to die for us and rise again to offer us forgiveness from and eternal life with God. Lent calls us to renew our commitments to live for Him, giving ourselves totally to Christ.
“Denying yourself” is the first prerequisite for our commitment to Jesus. This can only happen as we see Jesus as “worth it:” as we fall deeper in love with Him, and find Him even more precious, valuable and worthy of our lives than ourselves or any other one or thing. Commitment requires surrender: we must decide to put Him first, and so ourselves second—or last—in everything. We must choose whether we are going to make life about ourselves or about Him: “Am I living for what I get—to have my needs met-- or for His praise and glory?” The first step in committing ourselves to Christ is “letting go and letting God” have the reins; it is surrendering ourselves to Christ, choosing to make our lives about Him and not ourselves.
“Take up your cross” follows as we then let Jesus redefine why we’re His and here. A “cross” is not just a burden to bear—it is a purpose to fulfill and a ministry to carry-out: Christ’s purpose and His ministry through our lives. The “cross” requires us not only to keep surrendering ourselves, but to continuously accept God’s will and pursue it over our own. God has a specific plan, design and purpose for each of our lives in Christ: that’s why Jesus refers to it as “your cross:” it is something only each one of us is here and called to do; no one else can fulfill God’s will in and for our lives—we each are therefore important to God’s plan and have a place in and part to fulfill as Christ’s body, His Church, in ministry on this earth.
“Follow Me” is the ultimate goal for and expression of our commitment to Christ. “Follow” means He leads: Jesus sets a direction—a purposeful course for us to walk with and live for Him. He isn’t interested in wasting our lives in His time to do things which don’t matter for eternity or give glory to Him—He leads, we “follow.” That also means we are willing to do whatever He says, go whenever He says and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Commitment to Jesus Christ is the main challenge before us today. PPC is not the “ready-made” church it was some 25 or so years ago; as we enter the second month of 2009, we are a congregation the Lord is making ready to continue to “glorify Him, bear much fruit, and show ourselves to be His disciples” (John 15:5—our purpose statement).
Are you committed to doing that--fulfilling God’s plan, purpose and will for us--as His Pasadena Presbyterian Church?
May our faithfulness to Christ continue to show the Truth and true value of our faith in Him, and give Him all the glory, now and forever!
In Christ,
Carl
The stated meeting of the Session was opened with prayer by the Moderator, Pastor Carl Crawford, at 7:00 pm. Pastor Crawford led a devotional thought on shepherds in the Scriptures and us, and how faith is required.
The following items were acted on by the Session:
- Pat Mancini met with the Session and was accepted into membership by re-affirmation of her faith.
- The 2009 proposed budget was discussed, amended, and approved.
- At the suggestion of the Presbytery Committee on Ministry, a mentoring group was discussed and names of possible people were mentioned.
- A list of names will be transferred to the inactive roll if no response has been received from them.
- Session assignments for 2009 were discussed.
- Merrill and Sue Hval were removed from the affiliate roll at their request.
- The funding of the position of Director of Family Ministry will be placed on a wish list and not be a part of the 2009 budget.
- The Moderator reported that Presbytery may have to lay off some staff positions, and that the stated clerk position will be included in the Executive Presbyter position because of a lack of funds.
- The baptism of Abigail Bolden, the Odom’s granddaughter, was approved for Feb. 1, 2009.
The meeting was closed with praises and prayer at 10:30 p.m.
Larry Oline, Clerk
(Session Minutes are public record and are available for review by PPC members in the Church Office)
Pasadena Presbyterian a STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION
Stephen Ministry is a developing program at PPC with one Stephen Minister, Terry Odom. To keep this program strong, more Stephen Ministers are needed. Pastor Carl along with Stephen Leaders, Patty Burrows and Lina Treleaven are planning to start a new training class for Stephen Ministers in early 2009.
Stephen Ministry is a ministry by which church members are trained and organized to help provide one to one Christian care-giving to members of this congregation and community. This will provide our congregation a whole team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in life. Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people.
Stephen Ministers are church members who have received 50 hours of training in providing high quality Christian care to individuals experiencing a crisis or challenge such as grief, divorce, loss of a job, hospitalization, relocation, or loneliness. They listen, understand, accept and pray for and with care receivers who are working through a crisis or a tough time.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry where only the Pastor and one Stephen Leader will know who is receiving the care of a Stephen Minister. Everything a person tells his or her Stephen Minister is kept in strict confidence.
We need your help. Please pray for this special caring ministry as Pastor Carl and the Stephen Leaders work to plan and organize this program. Prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister. Share the good news that Pasadena Presbyterian is once again going to be a Stephen Ministry Congregation.
If you have been trained as a Stephen Minister or Leader in this congregation or in another, please contact Pastor Carl or any of the Stephen Leaders.
Stewardship Ministry Update
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV)
We Need YOU!!!
We have many needs in the church for your time and talents. Are you handy with a hammer, screwdriver, paintbrush or shovel? Are you available to help set up churchfacilities for church functions? We need you! “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
” (1 Peter 4:10.) Please speak with your elder-shepherd or contact the church office, 345-0148.
If you have any suggestions or questions about Stewardship matters, feel free to contact a member of the ministry. We thank you for your support as we work in all things for God’s glory.
PPC Wish List |
||
| Nature of Project | Estimated Cost | Recieved |
| Director of Family Ministries (to start position) | $60,000 | |
| Upgrade AV System in the Sanctuary (In process) | $11,000 | $11,000 |
| Purchase of Church Van (In process) | $16,000 | $6,300 (from sale of the bus) |
Financial Secretary's Report to Session: December 31, 2008
The Financials for December show actual income $29,348.31 with expenses of $29,555.59 leaving us $207.28 in the red.
Year to Date 2008 |
|
| Actual Income | $ 415,506.14 |
| Actual Expenses | $ 410,157.19 |
| Black | $ 5,348.95 |
PPC Foundation |
|
| Pasadena Foundation | $ 24,545.56 |
| Wahl Scholarship | $ 49,945.67 |
Cash Reserves $ 99,224.43
What is the Per Capita Apportionment?
Per Capita Appotionment (PCA) is an annual “membership fee” which all Presbyterian USA churches send to Louisville headquarters as an offering to help support the administrative functions of our Presbytery and Synod and the General Assembly. The PCA is based on the number of active members on a church’s roll. The amount per member is set by Presbytery; for 2009, the amount is $13.47. For PPC, our PCA (don’t you love anagrams?) is estimated to be $5,536. We consider this to be part of our mission giving in support of the wider mission of the PC(USA). Everyone who uses offering envelopes will have one envelope in January marked for PCA . If you don’t use envelopes, but would still like to give specifically to offset your PCA as an active member, you can do so by making out a check to PPC, designate it “For Per Capita.” It would be wonderful to raise our PPC PCA by this special offering, and so free up $5,536 for other ministries in our congregation.
What's Happening in the Youth Group
February 14th Valentines Dinner -
The Youth will be sponsoring a fundraiser on Valentines evening in the Fellowship Hall - A Romantic Olde Style Italian Dinner with a Twist: it's a dinner theatre! The menu will consist of: Luscious Baked Ziti , Mouth Watering Garlic Knots, Fresh Antipasto Salad, and a special Valentines desert. Cupid's Punch and coffee will be served.
The food will be prepared by our own Italian chef, Vicki Danz and company.
Reservations must be made by February 8.
Donations will help fund our youth ministry.
**This is not just for couples but for everyone young and old! Bring your friends; invite your neighbors. Hurry though because reservations will fill fast! Limit of 100.
God Bless,
Rob Taylor
We had a wonderful January at the preschool ministry. The children learned about the Wise Men following the star to where Jesus was and worshiping Him. They decid
ed that we too wanted to follow Jesus and worship Him. Our Bible studies continued with the baptism of Jesus by John. The children learned what it means to be baptized. They even baptized their baby dolls! We will begin to study the life of Jesus and His ministry in the coming weeks.
The children were busy in January 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 2009-2010 school year. If you are, or anyone you know is of preschool age and is interested in attending please invite them to call me for a tour of the school.
Thank you for your prayers for this very important ministry and the 86 families who walk through these doors each day. May the peace of Christ be with you
- Laura Woodard
The theme for February's Children's Church lessons will concentrate on LOVE -- specifically how God has historically shown His love for His people. We will see how God's love manifests itself in His Son, Jesus. We will compare and contrast Old Testament and New Testament scripture that talk about God's love.
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.
"Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies."
Psalm 36:5
Leslie Hughes
Activities for Month of February
Monday, February 2nd at 10:15 am PW Communion at the Springs
Tuesday February 3rd at 9:30 am Council Meeting - Boswell
Monday, February 9th at 7:00 pm Rachel Circle - Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, February 10th at 10:00 am Esther Circle – Hazel Kirsch’s Home
Tuesday, February 10th at 10:00 am Martha Circle – Boswell Room
Tuesday, February 10th at 1:00 pm Ruth Circle – Marge Visser’s Home
Tuesday, February 17th at 7:00 pm Lydia Circle – Room 204
Saturday, February 7, 2009 will be our General Meeting in the Chapel at 10:30 a.m., followed by a light lunch provided by the circles (in the Fellowship Hall). Roger Weldon, Program Manager from Sallie House for abused children will be our speaker. Sallie House is sponsored by the Salvation Army. This will be a very informative meeting and all are invited to attend. Our speaker will be preceded by special music and devotions.
Saturday, February 21, 2009 Tampa Bay Presbyterian Women will have their Nineteenth Annual Gathering at Peace Memorial Church in Clearwater. Registration ($7.00 for lunch) begins at 8:30 a.m. The theme of the Gathering is “Changing the World”. Our speaker, Betsy Berry, served as the Synod of the South Atlantic delegate on the 2008 PW Global Mission Exchange. There will be installation of new officers during the business meeting. Worship will follow with a Communion service and then lunch. Reservations must be made with Ann Carney or Pat Watts by February 10th. This is a Gathering all our women should attend. A good time to see the “workings” of Presbyterian Women.
Don’t forget the Spring Retreat in Ellenton April 27-29, 2009. Details in next Alleluia News.
July 11-15, 2009 – Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, KY. is now accepting registrations. See Pat Watts for more details.
In Christ’s Love,
Patricia Watts, Moderator
The following signed greeting cards wishing our members of Pasadena Presbyterian Church
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hung them on the Presbyterian Women’s Christmas
card greeting tree which was posted on our bulletin board during the month of December.
Esther Bierbaum, Ann Carney,
Howard & Beverly Cole, Crawford Family,
Vicki Danz, Henry & Doris Entreken,
Hal & Joy Feininger, Jim & Shirley Hartsfield,
Becky McLaughlin, Doris Meduna, Helen Mull,
Walter & Aristeia Sowa, Arlene Tomin,
Phyllis Truesdale, Harold & Pat Watts
Our Donations amounted to $250.00, which was sent to CASA to be used for spousal and children abuse.
Thank you one and all who participated in this mission project.
This Position Is Now On Our Wish List For Funding: Director of Family Ministries (DOFM)
This Position Is Now On Our Wish List For Funding:
Position Title: Director of Family Ministries (DOFM)
from Infant to Senior Saints
Purpose: To develop and equip leaders; to engage the community; to pass on faith; and to live well in Jesus Christ.
Responsibilities: In coordination with the Discipleship Ministry the DOFM will perform strategic planning and coordinate family ministries from infant to adult:
1.Recruit, Train and Coordinate teachers/volunteers for all age levels of Christian education (adult small groups, Sunday school, mid-week Christian education ministries, VBS, Youth, etc.) within the church.
2.Secure background checks for all teachers, substitutes and others involved in working with youth or children, including nursery staff and volunteers.
3.Research and select teaching materials, with the approval of the Discipleship Ministry.
4.Evaluate family ministries within the church at least every six months with the Discipleship Ministry.
5.With the chair and members of the Discipleship Ministry, keep track of budget expenditures, and make recommendations for further budget needs, including assisting in preparing the annual discipleship budget.
6.Communicate programs and opportunities through the church newsletter, bulletin boards, brochures and radio announcements.
7.Coordinate with the church office the joint utilization of all educational classrooms with other programs and uses of church facility.
8.Provide opportunities for families to grow in their faith. Plan and conduct family activities, develop workshops for parents and children.
Skills: In addition to having leadership ability, the DOFM should have both credentials and experience in family ministry and teaching.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION,
PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE
(The congregation is asked to pray for and give to fund this position in 2009)
FIREPROOF DVD, BOOK AND THE LOVE DARE ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The newly-released movie Fireproof, made by the same production group who made the movies Facing the Giants and Flywheel, is the newest DVD in the library. Many reviewers feel this is the best movie brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have made yet. Actor Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains) had to audition to get the lead part as Caleb Holt and brings believability to the role of a fireman who is very good at his job but whose marriage is breaking up. When discussing his problem with his father, Holt is challenged to do the "Love Dare." As the Amazon product description states: "While hoping The Love Dare has nothing to do with his parents' newfound faith, Caleb commits to the challenge. But can he attempt to love his wife while avoiding God's love for him? Will he be able to demonstrate love over and over again to a person that's no longer receptive to his love? Or is this just another marriage destined to go up in smoke?"
The Love Dare
This is the book which the father gives the son in the movie Fireproof. “The Love Dare” is a 40-day guided devotional experience that will lead your heart back to truly loving your spouse while learning more about the design, nature, and source of true love. According to the product description each reading includes: Scripture, a statement of principle and the day's dare.
Fireproof, the Book
Eric Wilson, a Christian who is known for writing thrillers, has written the books for all three of the Kendrick brothers' films. Reviewers say that the book (written after the movie) fills in character development and back-story, and is good to read whether or not you have seen the movie.
Fireproof, the Book, was a donation to the library, for which we are thankful. Also, remember to get the "Ministry Builder" stamps for buying anything at Family Christian Bookstores. They are worth money to the library. Ask the clerk for them when you purchase something.
Laurie Smith
Librarian
"BE JOYFUL" - New Life Groups Study
Starting January 11 and running through April 5th
Following up on Pastor Carl's Sermon on Joy, the Study is "BE JOYFUL!" a book on Philippians by Warren Wiersbe. Wiersbe says that if you Master Philippians then you should enjoy a happy Christian Life. Discover the secret of Joy, walk out into the sunshine and be Joyful! Study Books and Informational Brochures are available in the Church Office. Attend a group that works for you! 
LIFE GROUPS Two groups meet Sunday evenings 7-8:30pm, one at the Pilkington home (397-8487) and one at the Treleaven home (368-1349). Another group meets Thursday evening 7-8:30pm, at the Gonzalez home (343-8008). The fourth group is led by Larry and Alma Oline (344-8783) and meets at the Church on Thursdays from 2-3:30pm. Please call the hosts for details.
The TRUTH PROJECT is a DVD-based small group curriculum comprised of 12 one-hour lessons taught by Dr. Del Tackett. This study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life.
More specifics about the Wednesday night class:
Location: Chapel
Facilitators: Owen & Mindy Irvine and Jim & Lynn Hildebrand
Bear Much Fruit
As we begin this new year, I cannot help but wonder how God will use us here at Pasadena. In what ways will He grow us, teach us, break, melt, and mold us as we learn to submit our lives to Him? Do you, like me, ponder the plans God has for our lives? Wondering how we are to use the abundance He has provided and the gifts He has bestowed on each of us. As I began to reflect on how God has used Pasadena to bear much fruit, three names came to mind.
The first is Brian Sanders. As many of you know, Brian was raised at PPC. While a teenager, he gave Pasadena’s first Youth sermon from the pulpit on Youth Sunday. He went on to college, graduate school and seminary. Brian served as Fellowship Executive Director for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and most recently founder and Pastor of The Underground Church in Tampa. The Underground Church consists of over a hundred micro and house churches in local communities and around the world who serve and bring Christ, hope and care to hurting men, women and children. In addition to the Underground Church, Brian is planting or assisting with church plants in dozens of countries around the world. He will be the keynote speaker for our upcoming Mission Conference in March.
Then I was reminded of Bruce Chick. Bruce also grew up here at Pasadena and later became our youth director. As youth director, he made several mission trips to Haiti. He also established a Youth Evangelism Explosion (EE) program, which resulted in Junior and Senior High School students sharing the gospel in their neighborhoods and schools. Bruce later went to seminary in Orlando. Even with his passion for baseball and 5 years playing professional ball, God called him to a greater passion. For the past 4 years Bruce has been the pastor of a church in Roanoke, Virginia where he ministers to a multicultural community.
The third name to come to mind is Mandy Brandt. Mandy also grew up here at PPC, went on to college and a master’s degree and is now preparing for the mission field in Minnesota! Although Mandy has known since high school she wanted to be a counselor, it was only this past summer when she felt God calling her. Mandy literally went from her graduate school commencement ceremony to board a plane for a summer mission trip in South Dakota ministering to Native American Indian children and leading daily VBS type programs. She was responsible for groups of young people who came throughout the summer to volunteer on short term missions. It was during that time God revealed to her He had more in store than “just a summer gig”. Mandy will be leaving for her new assignment in early February. She will be working with at-risk youth in the poorest suburbs of Minneapolis, sharing the love of Jesus through counseling, mentoring, and relationship building. As a missionary, Mandy must raise much of her own support, move away from family and friends, face a climate that has lows of 59 below zero (she has never seen snow!) and readjust to a new neighborhood. But her excitement, faith and trust in the Lord is all you can see in her face and all you can hear in her voice. Please keep Mandy and all of our missionaries in your prayers.
Paul Rivard EM Chair
Glorify God, Bear Much Fruit, Show Ourselves To Be Disciples of Christ
GLORIFY GOD, BEAR MUCH FRUIT, MAKE DISCIPLES IN QUEVEDO, ECUADOR JULY 24 – AUGUST 1, 2009
Learn the skills and exercise the gifts that will help make you a disciple-maker in your own home town!
Put the lessons you’ve learned from Be Complete, Be Joyful, and the Truth Project to work in a real-life, real-love, real experience of showing and sharing the Good News of Jesus with others!
Be a part of a team that God will use to:
Worship, encourage, train and become partners in the Gospel together with local churches!
Witness person-to-person and see souls saved, lives changed, and new churches started!
Engage in compassionate ministries of healing through a team-sponsored medical clinic!
Help local congregations minister to their own communities by participating in building projects and other service ministries!
To JOIN THE TEAM, or for more information, contact Pastor Carl.
Deadline to sign-up is March 31st.
(This trip has the endorsement of the PPC Evangemissions Ministry)
| 8:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | Total | |
| January 4 | 115 | 107 | 222 |
| January 11 | 105 | 76 | 181 |
| January 18 | 98 | 88 | 186 |
| January 25 | 119 | 64 | 183 |
Dear Church Family,
I appreciate your many acts of kindness during and after my surgery. I am most grateful for all your prayers.
Love In His Name,
Shirley Hartsfield
*********************
My Sincere thanks to all for your concern, phone calls and prayers during my surgery and recovery. A special thanks to Pastor Carl for his visits.
God bless one and all,
Mary Turner
Fellowship Dinner
Come join us for a fellowship dinner on
Wednesday, February 11th at 6pm
Cost is $6 per individual and $15 per family
Please R.S.V.P by Monday, February 9th
Beef Barley Soup
Turkey, Ham and Cheese Wraps
Chips
Pasta Salad
Fruit Platter
Chocolate Cake
prepared by our own Lucio and Sherry
Furniture Needed For CASA
A few of our parents at Pasadena Fundamental School are teaming up to furnish transitional apartments in one of our local shelters. They need your help!! If you have any furniture that you do not need...they do need it!!!
CASA is a shelter that assists women and children who are victims of abuse. CASA has many transitional apartments for the women and children to stay in for 18-24 months, allowing them the time to get their feet back on the ground.
Linda Burrows, Dena Minning, Robin Sams, Alison Payne and other moms are teaming together to furnish a CASA apartment. Items such as end tables, dining table and chairs, a couch, loveseat, double or queen bed, dressers, pots and pans, TV stands, TVs, and bar stools are needed. If you have anything to donate, please call Alison Payne 798-2129. Thank you so much.
Prayer Request E-mail List
Our PPC e-mail praise/prayer list is being revised.
If you would like to be included on our e-mail list to receive current Prayer Requests, please send your e-mail address to the church office at esmith@pasadenapc.com. Please be sure to put Prayer Request E-mail List in the Subject line.
HOMELESS OUTREACH
The following items are needed for Personal Hygiene Kits that are given out during the Homeless Outreach lunch program: deodorant, toothbrushes, soap, and razors. Please place items in the blue box in the narthex.
God bless you and thank you for all you do for our homeless neighbors!
and Updates
Women
Member