Alleluia Newsletter

May 2009

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From Me to You
Session Digest
Stewardship Ministry Update
Financial Secretary's Report to Session
Vacation Bible School
Preschool News
Children's Church
Antioch Youth News
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
Library
Life Groups
Wednesday Night Women's Bible Studay
Frienship Day Lunch
We Need Your Help to Find All Our 2009 Graduates
Do You Have a Great Recipe You Want to Share?
National Day of Prayer
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC

From Me to You:

"This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
(Acts 1:11)

The ASCENSION of Jesus is one of the most important events in His story.  Yet, we often neglect it, probably because it falls just prior to (10 days before) Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit and birthday of the Church). 

The ASCENSION answers the basic question:  where is Jesus now?   According to the Bible, He is in heaven, sitting at the right hand of God and His throne (Matthew 26:64; Acts 2:23, 5:31, 7:55; Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3 and 12:2, just to mention a few references).  The “right hand” is the place of authority, power and favor (Exodus 15:6; Psalms 77:10, 80:17, 98:1; and of course Matthew 20:21).  Jesus ASCENDING to the right hand of God the Father has several vital implications for us.

First, His ascension shows God the Father’s acceptance of Jesus’ life and redemptive work.  “It is finished” was Jesus’ cry on the cross (John 19:30), signifying His sacrifice for our sins and gift of His life for ours was complete:  no other Person or works could ever do what Jesus, living a sinless life and giving Himself in our place, did.  “It is accepted” is the signal from heaven, with Jesus taking His seat there (1 Peter 2:5; Romans 12:1).  This is not the world’s idea of tolerance and acceptability:  we are all loved by God always (John 3:16); but we are not made acceptable to God, to be in His Holy presence forever, except by faith in the perfect, substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:18-21).

Second, Jesus sits at the Father’s right hand in order to intercede for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).  This means God looks at those who believe in and have accepted Jesus as Savior through the Person and sacrifice of Christ—the blood of Jesus covers and takes away all our sin before God (1 John 1:5-10).  Jesus’ intercession also includes His advocacy for us (1 John 2:2).  Satan is our adversary (that is what his name means):  he is always seeking grounds (our sins) to accuse us before God.  Jesus sits as our Defense Counselor (who else would we want on and at our side?); and by His Spirit—God the Holy Spirit—He even indwells and encourages us now in our love-life with God (John 14:17, 14:26; Romans 8:26-27).

Third, Jesus’ ascension opened the door for the rest of God’s story—us.  The “Church age” is the time between Jesus’ ascension and His return (Rev. 19:11ff).  The Church as Christ’s Body now on earth exists so that the Gospel (Good News of Jesus) can be proclaimed to the ends of the earth, before the end (judgment) comes (Matthew 24:14). 

Because Jesus ascended, He reigns and rules now at the right hand of God, He is Head of His Church, and He is the King who will return (maybe sooner than we think!) and usher-in God’s Kingdom on earth.  That’s why we can look up (Luke 21:28f) even when the circumstances around us are growing more desperate and difficult each day:  one day we will see Jesus face-to-face when He returns “in just the same way” as He ascended!

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout , with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words” (I Thessalonians 4: 16-18).

Grateful until then to be sharing Jesus with the world along with you, His faithful saints at PPC!

In Christ,          

Carl

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Session Digest: March 24

The stated meeting of March 24 and a called meeting of March 31 were held. Both of the meetings were opened with prayer by the Moderator, Pastor Carl Crawford. At the stated meeting various Elders shared testimonies of what God is doing in their lives.

The following items were considered and discussed, and in some cases acted on by the Session:

1. Michael Casey moved his membership to First United Methodist Church. Bill Hallock, Betty Price, and Marjorie Visser moved their memberships to Faith Presbyterian Church.
2. The kitchen wall project, already approved, will most probably be done sometime after July 4.
3. Some errors were found in the financial report, so it was received, but not approved.
4. The recycled newspaper dumpster had to be removed because it was broken and had become a safety hazard.
5. Some mold has been found in the Counseling House.  His office has been moved to the church offices.
6. A Christian Counseling Committee has been approved consisting of Carl Crawford (ex officio), Rexie Casey, Esther Bierbaum, Scott Haefele, Buck Philips, Shirley Philips, and Caesar Van Ardoy.
7. A new ministry called "Helping Hands" has been formed. It is hoped this ministry will reach out to those in the church that need some physical help, but are unable to do it.
8. A total of 17 faith promise pledges totaling $23,440 have been received to help support missionaries.
9. Rev. Bob Belingar was approved to preach both services on March 29, and to be available for hospital visits and office needs in order for Pastor Carl to transport his mother from Atlanta to St. Petersburg.
10. Carl Crawford, Tom Smith, and Larry Oline were commissioners to Prebytery on February 28. Among other issues, they reported that the Amendment from General Assembly to replace the wording of G-6.0106b was defeated within Tampa Bay Presbytery by a vote of 105 to 74.
11. Session will recommend to the congregation at a May meeting that Session be reduced to a total of twelve Elders (three classes of four Elders each).
12. Discussion was held on topics of interest. These topics were: Youth Ministry, Family Night Suppers, 8:30 joy!, Luke 6:42, Connectedness, Worship, Focus inward, Where is our outreach as a missional church?, Membership involvement (Life Groups, etc.), and Taking the next step.

Both meetings were closed with praises and prayer.

Larry Oline, Clerk

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

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Stewardship Ministry Update

"Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession, the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else."  II Corinthians 9:13

This verse is part of Paul's letter to the Corinthian Christians in which he writes how they should steward what God has given them. Paul tried to teach the Corinthians that they were not to give in order to get something back, but were to fulfill the promises they made and to give because of their love for Christ. Paul taught the Corinthians that their attitude toward giving is most important, not the amount. God gives to them generously (time, talent, and money) so that they could give to others.

This is God's word to us now, too. Our nation, indeed the whole world, is being schooled in where to place our trust and we are finding out again it's not in this world's treasure. At the end of our lives the only thing that will remain is what we have given to God. As Jim Elliot wisely wrote in his journal "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

Thanks to Paul's letters, the Corinthians aren't the only ones who are learning God's will and each generation needs to pass this lesson on.

Tom Smith, Stewardship Chair

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Financial Secretary's Report to Session: March 31, 2009

The Financials for March show actual income $66,478.57 with expenses of $27,154.60 leaving us $38,198.50 in the black. 

Cash Reserves             $128,908.36

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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.

Leslie Hughes

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Children's Church

The children's sermons throughout the month of May will concentrate on Discipleship, specifically prayer, worship, Bible study, and evangelism.  The children will be challenged to practice the disciplines on a daily basis.

Children's Church is a worship service designed specifically 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.

May 31st will mark the last day of Children's Church for this school year.  It will resume again on September 14th. 

Have a wonderful, relaxing, Christ-filled summer.

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."
Jeremiah 6:16

Leslie Hughes

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What's Happening in the Antioch Youth Group

The first Sunday of the month, May 3rd, is "Youth Out-to-Lunch" day.  The Youth will be going to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  Bring some money and join us!

The Youth will be going to "Glory at the Gardens" at Busch Gardens on May 16th.  Some featured Christian artists are Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath, Matthew West, and Sara Groves.

The confirmation class will continue through May on Sunday evenings from 5:00 - 7:00 PM .  There will be a time of Praise and Worship, fellowship, and teaching.  All Youth are invited!  Please see Rob, Brenda, or Leslie for more information.

Please see the Youth bulletin board for the latest calendar and information.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, if faith, and in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12

Leslie Hughes

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Preschool News

April was a special time for celebrating Jesus at the preschool ministry. In preparation for Easter we celebrated Palm Sunday in the Sanctuary. The children waved palm branches and sang “Holy, Holy, Holy Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” as a child who represented Jesus walked down the road to Jerusalem. Next we sang a joyful praise song “He is K-I-N-G Lord of Lord and King of Kings!” The children were very excited to welcome Jesus and praise Him. On Holy Thursday we reenacted the Last Supper. The children learned that Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and then the teachers washed their student’s feet. Next they broke bread and drank grape juice together just as Jesus and His disciples did. The children learned that Jesus came back to us after suffering on the cross because of His great love for us. They know He is with us forever, and teaches us how to live a good and holy life. On Easter Monday we had a great celebration!

It is hard to believe, but the 2008-2009 school year is coming to an end. Graduation will be on May 28th. Please pray for our graduating class as they prepare to leave the safe haven of Pasadena Presbyterian Church and move on into the world. We pray that the seeds that have been planted here grow and produce great works for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Look on the wall for the pictures of our graduates on the plaque after May 28th. This will be our 6th graduating class! Thank you for all of your prayers and support for this very important ministry. Have a wonderful summer. Let us pray for each other. 

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 May at Pasadena

Monday, May  4th at 10:00 a.m.                    Communion at the Springs
Tuesday, May  5th  at  9:30 am                     Council Meeting - Boswell
Monday, May 13th at 7:00 pm                       Rachel Circle - Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, May 14th at 11:30 am                     Esther Circle – Treasure Island Yacht Club
Tuesday, May 14th at 12:00 noon                  Ruth Circle –  Restaurant (TBA)

PLEASE NOTE – Our Birthday Offering Celebration will be Saturday, May 23rd in the Chapel at 10:30 a.m. for our program.  Our salad luncheon will follow in the Fellowship Hall with a style show during the luncheon.  We will be modeling fashions by Catherine’s Plus Sizes (sizes begin at 14) and Felicia Ragland will be our commentator.  At this printing we do not have the name of our guest speaker but PLEASE watch our bulletin board for this information.  Anyone interested in modeling, please contact Ruth Hansell or Felicia Ragland.

A NOTE OF APPRECIATION to all the women who volunteered with their sandwiches, cookies and preparation and clean up the day of Phyllis Truesdale’s memorial service.  Phyllis would have been very proud of the women as she always was.  THANK YOU – ONE AND ALL!!!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN would like to share with you all that a mural is going to be painted by our own Yvonne Long to be placed in the Fellowship Hall.  We have accepted the bid for the materials needed and have decided that this would be a wonderful memorial to our dear Phyllis who spent many hours working for the Lord in the Fellowship Hall.

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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Time to Plan Your Summer Reading List

Non-fiction

• Your Money Map by Howard Dayton
• The Love Languages of God How to Feel and Reflect Divine Love by Gary Chapman
• Billy Graham Personal Thoughts of a Public Man by David Frost
• The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times (Moody Bible)
• Stress Fractures Biblical Sprints for Everyday Pressures by Chuck Swindoll

Fiction

• Unshaken (Francine Rivers) Ruth One of the Five unlikely women who changed eternity
• Shiloh Autumn (Bodie and Brock Thoene)
• All the Way Home (Ann Tatlock)

Youth Fiction

• Sophie, Lily Series

Easy

• First Science Books by Heno Head (God Made the Ocean, God's World of Weather, etc.)

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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Wednesday Night Women's Bible Studay

Beth Moore’s Study of Daniel: Lives of Integrity Words of Prophecy

Do you want to learn  how to shine for Christ in our modern culture without falling prey to its allure? Just as the prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressure to compromise his faith in a hostile culture and was constantly confronted by the temptations and threats, we as believers face similar trails today.

Join us starting May 13th for a 12 week study of Daniel
Wednesdays:   6:00pm to 8:00pm

The first portion of the study deals with Daniel’s life.  Daniel models how to develop enduring integrity in an enticing world.  The second part of the study explores thrilling prophecies from the time of Daniel through the second coming of Christ.

Please sign up by calling the church office or contacting Carol Pilkington, 397-8487.   This 12 week study will require outside reading being able to receive the full benefit of this study. We will be ordering the books for this study by May 6st.   The cost of the book is $19.00.  The study is open to all women.  Please feel free to invite family and friends to attend.

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Friendship Day Lunch

On Friday, May 1st, May Friendship Day will be held at Pass-a-Grille Community Church, 107 16th St., St. Pete Beach, beginning at 9:30 AM.  Lunch is $7.  Reservations required.  If you have any questions, call Laura Prosser.

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We Need Your Help to Find All Our 2009 Graduates!

GRADUATION SUNDAY WILL BE ON JUNE 7TH

WE NEED…

…THE NAME OF THE PERSON GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE (INCLUDING DECEMBER GRADUATES).

…THE GRADUATES CAN BE YOURSELF, YOUR SON, DAUGHTER, NIECE, NEPHEW, GRANDCHILD, ETC. ANY PERSON THAT HAS A DIRECT CONNECTION WITH A MEMBER OF OUR CHURCH.
…A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY ABOUT THE GRADUATE.

…THE INFORMATION BY MAY 27TH. PLEASE CONTACT TERRY ODOM AT 347-5754.

THIS IS A SPECIAL TIME FOR ALL GRADUATES. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THIS CELEBRATION!

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Do You Have A Great Recipe You Want to Share?

The Monday Morning Crafters group is now accepting recipes to be used in their up coming cookbook.  If you have one or a few favorite recipes that you would like included in the publication, please see one of the crafters or turn it in at the office. It is preferable to have all recipes typed, but not mandatory. If you can’t type them, PLEASE print clearly and don’t forget to add your name. Recipes will not be returned. The Monday Morning Crafters group meets every Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For more information or to submit recipes, please see Ruth Hansel, Vicki Danz, Shirley Phillips, Felicia Ragland, Brenda Taylor or Cathy Taylor.

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National Day of Prayer

Our Chapel will be open from 8:30am—5:00pm Thursday, May 7th for National Day of Prayer.

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Sunday Worship Attendance

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What's New At PPC

Dear Friends,

Thank You

Dear Friends:

Perhaps you said a little prayer, or had a  momentary thought, just wanted you to know, it really helped a lot. 
Thanks for your prayers, cards, and concerns. God heard and answered prayers with the right Drs. and right treatment. I'm really blessed.

Thanks again and God Bless you all.
Becky

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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