Alleluia Newsletter

April 2009

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From Me to You
Session Digest
Focus on Fellowship
Stewardship Ministry Update
Financial Secretary's Report to Session
Schedule for Holy Week at PPC
Preschool News
Children's Church
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
Vacation Bible School
Library
Life Groups
Mentoring Group
Evangemissions
PPC Cofirmation Class
An Invitation Wrapped in Love
Nominations for Elder
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC

From Me to You:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
Who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”
(1 Peter 1:3)

In tough and trying times, we need hope—real hope:  hope as the Bible means it; hope that is in our Risen Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!

Hope in terms of the Bible isn’t wishful thinking;  it is the full assurance of our faith, trusting in the Person, power, plan and promises of God in Christ.  As Peter uses it in the opening to his first letter (above), our hope is grounded-in and directly tied-to the resurrection of Jesus Christ:  His rising to life again by the power of God brings us His very own victory over sin, death and the devil!

Peter calls this hope “living”—because it comes from Jesus who lives, and because Jesus lives in us (when we pray to receive Him as our Savior and ask Him to reign in our lives as our Lord).  Our hope in the Risen Christ brings us life:  new, transformed and eternal life—life with Jesus now and forever, which is incredible, fulfilling, joy-filled and triumphant no matter the circumstances we are in or the trials facing us. 

Because Jesus lives, we do and we will, too!
That’s the message the world needs to hear and a reality it needs to see—always but especially now because times are tough, the future is uncertain, and brokenness is everywhere (just pick up a paper or watch the news!).  What hope is there for healing, forgiveness, new life and real change without Jesus and His rising from the dead?  People are looking in lots of places other than Christ and His Church trying to find some belief, thing or One, to hang onto and stay afloat with, when all else around seems to be sinking and spiraling down;  they don’t know Who we know, nor have the life and hope we have in Christ.  The question is:  are we willing to show and share Jesus with them?

Resurrection Sunday is an occasion when even the world recognizes something happened that somehow brought hope and new life into history.  With things the way they are in the world, this season is an opportunity for us to reach-out, explain the Truth and promises of the Gospel, invite people to faith in Jesus, and welcome them to come with us into His house and see what hope in Him means and does, in and among us—who live for Jesus and in whom He lives! 
The empty tomb is God’s calling card, inviting people to come and meet the Risen Jesus today!

Looking forward to how this Holy season God will show-up, surprise us, and work through us all at PPC to bring His hope, love and life in Jesus to the world!

In Christ,
Carl

He is Risen!  He is Risen indeed!   (Let’s try using that traditional greeting Christians use on Resurrection Sunday, in lieu of the world’s “Happy Easter” substitute).

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Session Digest: February 24

The stated meeting of the Session was opened with prayer by the Moderator, Pastor Carl Crawford, at 7:00 p.m. Elder Rexie Casey led in a devotion relative to our need of Jesus living through us.

The following items were acted on by the Session:

1. Carol Greenberg was received as a member by transfer from Garden Crest Presbyterian Church.
2. Revised shepherding lists were not ready, but will be distributed soon.
3. The Women of the Church have agreed to raise funds and have found a man to drywall the west wall of the Fellowship Hall. This project was approved with thanks to the women.
4. The Moderator was given permission to publicize the Good Samaritan Fund and to ask for donations in order to offer financial help for various church members in need.
5. The financial report was received and approved, showing a positive balance of $7278.16.
6. The part time secretary, Peggy Bestman, was let go.
7. Pastor’s mentoring group met on February 3.Their next meeting will be on March 3.
8. A special meeting was scheduled for March 31 for a time of preparation and prayer.

 The meeting was closed with praises and prayer at 9:35 p.m.

The post-meeting of the Elders ended at 10:10 p.m.

Larry Oline, Clerk

(Session minutes are public record and are available for review by PPC members in the church office)

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Focus on Fellowship

Our next Family Night Dinner is scheduled for 6:00 PM on April 1  Reservations should be in March 29th!

Please come join us for another opportunity to experience Lucio’s creations. Lucio and Shane will be preparing a special menu: 

• Roasted Pork Loin
• Mashed Potatoes
• Season Vegetables
• Broccoli and Cheese Soup
• Mixed Green Salad
• Rolls
• Chocolate Cake

We are looking for Family Night Coordinators.  We depend on volunteer coordinators for the success of the Family Night Dinners.  Coordinators are generally responsible for recruiting volunteers to set up supplies for the dinner, organizing cleanup and ensuring Vicki is made aware of any supplies that need to be replenished.  Coordinators also ensure that the office has the date and menu in time to create the flyers that are inserted in the bulletins.  Please contact Threse Hammond and she’ll provide you with additional details.

Threse Hammond, Fellowship Chair

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)

Let's start trash talking. We can't take any more newspapers, but please continue recycling aluminum soda cans at church. The old recycled newspaper dumpster has been removed and we are no longer taking newspaper collections. The dumpster had been broken for some time and children were using it as a playground,  jumping into the piles of newspapers. We had contacted the vendor and tried to get it fixed, and safe, for months but they never got around to fixing/replacing it. So, we had to ask them to remove the old newspaper dumpster. We still have two locations to take recycled cans, though: inside Fellowship Hall near the vending machine and outside the Boy Scout house.

We have a cool topic for the wish list this month. Our newest wish list item is a replacement refrigerator for the kitchen. The old one was cited for rust by the health department so we placed a new one on the wish list below. And thanks again for your past generosity with the AV system. It's been funded, thanks to your donations, so it's now crossed off the list.

If you have any suggestions or questions about stewardship matters, feel free to contact a member of the ministry or email the church office (PraisingGod@pasadenapc.com).  Thank you for your support as we work together in all things for God’s glory. God's been doing great things at Pasadena. May we continue to obey and so show our love for Him.

PLEASE DO NOT DONATE TO THE DEACON’S FUND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  The Deacon’s Fund, with a    current balance of about $5000, is used for only financial assistance for those outside the PPC family.  In lieu of      contributing to that fund, the Session suggests contributions be made to the Samaritan Fund of our PPC.  This fund is used to help those within our PPC family with  financial and other needs.  It is currently running out of funding.  As the Lord leads, please prayerfully consider giving to the SAMARITAN FUND to help those in need here at PPC.

Tom Smith, Stewardship Chair

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Financial Secretary's Report to Session: February 28, 2009

The Financials for February show actual income $19,675.42 with expenses of $31,623.06 leaving us $11,947.64 in the red.    

Cash Reserves             $92,807.42   

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Schedule for Holy Week Services at PPC

April 3  Friday—7pm 

“Second Love” a play written by Bob Chick and presented by our own Pasadena Playmakers

April 5 Palm Sunday—8:30am and 11am with Processionals

11am Choir Cantata (No Communion at 11am)
All children preschool age through grade 5 are invited to meet in the Narthex prior to the 8:30 am service to process through the Sanctuary with palm branches.  "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" John 12:13

April 9 Maundy Thursday—7pm 

Communion service in the Chapel

April 12 Resurrection Sunday

8:30am Celebration and 11am Traditional services; 
9:45 Sunday School for  YOUTH AND ABOVE and a Resurrection Egg Hunt in the Chapel for Elementary and below
Resurrection Egg Hunt
There will be a Resurrection Egg Hunt for all childred pre-school age through grade 5 immediately following the 8:30 service on Easter Sunday, April 12th.  All children will meet in the Chapel.  There will be no children's Sunday School this Sunday only.

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Children's Church

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Preschool News

March was a wonderful month at the preschool ministry. We learned about the many different types of people that live in the world, and how God has created each and every one of His children to be unique and special. The parents of the three year old class hosted an“International Celebration” with food, music, clothing, and art work from many different countries. It was wonderful to see the parents and children interacting in such a meaningful way and sharing their heritage. We had about 300 people attend family night. The theme was “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” We sang songs from different countries and praised God in many different languages!

We also learned that God created many different types of animals. We learned about life on a farm and even had a farm come to visit us at school!
As we continued our journey towards the celebration of Easter, the children learned a lot about the life of Jesus. They learned how He traveled with His friends and spread the Good News to everyone, and how we too can tell our families and friends about Jesus.  They learned about the many miracles He worked while He taught people how they should live.  May your Easter be blessed as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Laura Woodard – preschool director

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Pasadena Presbyterian Women

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 April at Pasadena
                Monday, April 6th  at 10:00 am                     PW Communion at the Springs
                Tuesday, April 7th  at  9:30 am                     Council Meeting - Boswell
                Monday, April 13th at 7:00 pm                      Rachel Circle - Fellowship Hall
                Tuesday, April 14th at 10:00 am                    Esther Circle - Bettie Ehman’s Home
                Tuesday, April 14th at 1:00 pm                      Ruth Circle –  Elaine Luke’s Home
               
Please Note– All women of the church are automatically members of Presbyterian Women, even if you are not currently active in a circle.  The circles are set up to meet monthly during September thru May and enjoy a bible study from the PW Horizon magazine (or one of their choice) at their meetings.  It is also a time of fellowship and caring for one another. We have two other circles than the ones listed above but because of work schedules and illnesses, we would like to encourage the members of Martha and Lydia Circles to join Rachel, Esther or Ruth until we can find a convenient time for all.  Normally, Martha Circle would meet on the 2nd Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. either at the church or in homes. Lydia Circle has been meeting the 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  Any suggestions or comments, please contact me at 727-302-0888.

Don’t forget the Spring Retreat in Ellenton April 27-29, 2009. Information is on our bulletin board with regards to prices, activities, etc.  Any questions please contact me at 727-302-0888.

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

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Vacation Bible School

When: June 8 - 12
Theme: Son Rock Kids Camp
Theme verse: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God."  1 John 3:1

The lessons in Son Rock Kids Camp teach the children how they can be accepted, protected, saved, forgiven, and living for/by Jesus.  Registration forms for PPC members will be available beginning Sunday, April 26th. 

Volunteers are needed. If you feel called to be a part of this ministry, please contact Leslie Hughes at 867-7745, or leave a message in the church office, 345-0148.

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Max Lucado Featured as This Month's Notable Author by the Church Library

Our library has over 20 of Max Lucado's works, including a number of his non-fiction books, novels, books for children, and children's DVDs. He has become a very popular author and preacher and was the first to win the Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year three times. We have the books which won him the awards: Just Like Jesus, In the Grip of Grace and When God Whispers Your Name. His interests also extend to children's and teen's books. One of his books, Hermie: A Common Caterpillar, has generated a series of childrens' DVDs and books under the banner Hermie & Friends.

Although he has garnered many awards, Lucado (pronounced Loo-kay-doe) prefers to be a "preacher who writes rather than a writer who preaches," according to his website.  Health concerns (atrial fibrillation) several years ago brought a slight change in his career. He is still with the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he has been for over 20 years, but he is now the "Pastor of Writing and Preaching," with another pastor to handle the other parts of being senior pastor to a very large church. He spends most Sundays at home, speaking to his church family and being with his wife and three daughters. His church website says, "He believes that God has called him to make this church his life work." He also has a one-minute radio ministry called UpWords on 1400 stations. Earlier in his career, he was also a church planner in Brazil after serving a Miami church. He writes about one book each year.

Our library collection includes these adult, non-fiction Lucado titles: The Gift for All People, He Chose the Nails, When Christ Comes,  Growing the Marriage of Your Dreams (a book/CD combination), The Great House of God, 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, The Final Week of Jesus, Just Like Jesus, He Still Moves Stones,  and the fictional A Cosmic Christmas and The Christmas Cross.

We have Lucado's children's books: A Fruitcake Christmas, Because I Love You, The Song of the King, The Crippled Lamb, Jacob's Gift, The Way Home (A Princess Story); and, the teen book: Just Like Jesus with Teen Story Adaptations. The library also has the DVDs Hermie, Hermie: The High Seas, Webster The Scaredy Spider, Stanley the Stinkbug Goes to Camp and Hailey and Bailey.

Laurie Smith, librarian

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"BE COMMITTED" - New Life Groups Study

Starting April 26th  and running through July 26th

The Study is "BE COMMITTED!" a book about Ruth and Esther (Doing God’s will whatever the cost) by Warren Wiersbe.  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.

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New Mentoring Group Formed

To mentor means to serve as a trusted counselor, according to the dictionary. This is a good thing. Mentoring, in the form of a group of loving Christians, is even better. The session of Pasadena, encouraged and supported by the Presbytery's Committee on Ministry,  has formed a mentoring group to counsel and encourage Pastor Carl. The members include the founding minister from Faith Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Paul Aughinbaugh, and our own: Cammie Fine, Rick Levering, Jack Stahley, Tom Smith and, of course, Pastor Carl. The group started last month and will work this year on four areas: 1) pastoral care 2) preaching and worship 3) administration and staff and 4) outreach and growth. Please be in prayer for this new group and the church of our Lord Jesus Christ here at Pasadena.

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Evangemission

Well, that’s over. Mission Sunday is done. Faith Promise is done. Did you see me there, Lord?  Did you see me at the mission tables and talking to the missionaries?  Did you see me fill out my Faith Promise?  Did you see me put it in the offering?  I’m okay. Right, God?  I mean, that’s what you want us to do, Right? Support missionaries.  

What?  What do you mean, it’s not enough?  Are you talking to me?  I’m supposed to do what?  You want me to pray for them?  Oh yeah, that’s right, I can do that.  I’ll pray for them every week or so.  Every day?  Okay, okay, yes, I can do that every day.  No, I won’t forget.  Alright, just to make sure I’ll put a note on my alarm clock so I’ll see it every morning.  But what do I pray about?  Oh, you want me to find out what they need?  How should I know what they need?  Oh yeah, I guess I could ask them.  Okay, okay, yes, I could find out what their needs are and their concerns. 

Encourage them?  Well, I hadn’t thought about it, but I could probably do that.   Okay, I will encourage them.   Come to think of it, Lord, there are missionaries in our church who have really touched my heart.  I mean, I don’t know why, but I just seem to keep thinking about them and what they are facing.  Wait a minute…could that be you?  Yeah, I thought so. 

And Lord, just one more thing.   What about those who haven’t made a faith promise?  What about those who haven’t given to missions?  What about them?  Oh yeah, you’re right, that used to be me, too.  I used to think it wasn’t my responsibility.  I used to think it wasn’t that important.  I used to think someone else would lift them up so I didn’t have to.  Until we had that talk.        

Thank you Lord, for helping me see what I was missing.

Paul Rivard, EvangeMissions Chair

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PPC Confirmation Class

Classes are for those in Youth Ministry and of that age.  Classes will be held during Youth Ministry times (Sundays 5-7pm) from April 19 through June 14 (reception of those candidates joining PPC).  Youth who have been confirmed into active membership at PPC will help serve as mentors to the new candidates.  Youth who do not wish to be a candidate may still participate in the classes (the content will be the lesson for Youth Ministry each Sunday).  Those who want to be candidates and who complete the course will be given the opportunity to join PPC on June 14—no one will be required to join.  Pastor Carl and Youth Leaders Leslie Hughes and Rob Taylor will conduct the classes as scheduled below.  Youth who are present and want to be candidates at the April 19 kick-off will be enrolled. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Carl.

PPC CONFIRMATION COURSE

A. KNOWING JESUS

• April 19            1.  Knowing God’s story: covenants of the Old/New TestamentsThe Trinity, And  your eternal choice
• Apr 26              2.  Spiritual life:  prayer
• May 3              3.   Spiritual life:  the Bible

B. MAKING JESUS KNOWN

• May 10             4.  Spiritual life:  worship (inc. sacraments) 
• May 17             5.  Spiritual life:  stewardship
• May 24            6.  Spiritual life in Christ together:  church history/Presbyterian/PPC
• May 31             7.  Faith Statements    
• June 7                 Examination before Session (required:  candidates only)
• June 14                 Reception into active membership  (VBS Sunday)

REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDATES: 

• attend all classes; 
• pray;
• complete all homework assignments on time (and do any make-up work if excused absence); 
• pray;
• attend Sunday school and worship;
• prayerfully consider if the Lord Jesus is leading to join PPC.

*all sessions are from 5-7pm on Sundays

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An Invitation Wrapped in Love

The Pasadena Players present an original play, "Second Love,"  that could change your heart as it did the Andersons, a fictitious family trapped in a real life drama only God could handle.

Time: 7 o'clock Friday, April 3rd

Place: Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 100 Pasadena Ave. N.,

Mark your calendar now and invite a friend for an evening of a free drama plus dessert.

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Nominations for Elder

The PPC Nominating Committee is receiving NOMINATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF CHURCH ELDER.  If you would like to be considered (self-referral) or if you would like to suggest a name to be considered, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee (see below) no later than April 12th.  You do not have to first ask permission or even advise someone you’d like to suggest his/her name before giving his/her name to the committee.  All suggested names will be held in confidence and prayerfully considered by the Nominating Committee; however, suggesting a name does not guarantee that person will be recommended and nominated to the congregation by the committee.  Only active members (officially on the active roll) may serve as Elders.  Members of the Nominating can also be nominated.

To suggest a name for elder, contact any of the following:

• Leo Meilus (chair, Nominating Committee)
• Kathie Schellhaas vice-chair, (Nominating Committee) 
• You may also leave a note in Leo’s or Kathie’s box in the church office
• Committee Members:
• Laura Prosser
• Bill Wyess
• Becky McLaughlin
• Ceasar Van Ardoy

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Sunday Worship Attendance

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What's New At PPC

Dear Friends,

Thank You

Thank you for your outpouring of love and kindness following the death of my Mom.

That love…that kindness…that   concern…helped lift me from that moment of sorrow to one of considerable joy, a joy based on the knowledge that Mom now is free of her dementia and is at Our Lord’s side.

Knowing Mom, I suspect Christ might be smiling a bit because making people happy was a gift of hers.

The pastor at her memorial service referred to the Latin meaning of her name, Beatrice: “one who brings great joy.”
That she did!
And, in the moments that I particularly needed it, you did, too. Thank you!

A Special Thank You

My thanks and grateful appreciation  to my church family for the cards, calls, and prayers on my behalf  during a recent spell of pneumonia!

In Christ and with many thanks again,  Esther Bierbaum

Walk For Life

"All Walks of Life Can Save a Life!"  Make a difference for life in the Pregnancy Center's Annual WALK FOR LIFE Saturday, May 9th - Mother's Day Weekend.  The Pregnancy Center, an outreach of New Life Solutions, is dedicated to providing a full range of free services to women in need, as well as alternatives to abortion.  We also are a youth development program in Pinellas County.  Pick up a "WALK FOR LIFE" sponsor brochure today.  Stop by the WALK FOR LIFE table and pick up a pledge form, register at www.walkforlife.com or the Pregnancy Center at 727-216-1410 ext. 7 for  additional information. If you need more information, contact Barbara Gonzalez, liaison for Pasadena PC and The Pregnancy Center.

Recycled Items Needed For Vacation Bible School

Making crafts allows kids to learn the Bible lessons at vacation Bible school by touching and creating. We will be needing cardboard tubes which used to hold paper towels, wrapping paper tubes, and empty, smooth-sided (not grooved), 16.9 oz. plastic water or soda bottles. Please bring these items to the church office, library or art room. Thanks for helping almost 200 kids learn about Christ.

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 praisingGod@pasadenapc.com. Please be sure to put Prayer Request E-mail List in the Subject line.

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