Alleluia Newsletter

June-July 2009

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From Me to You
Session Digest
Stewardship Ministry Update
Financial Secretary's Report to Session
Vacation Bible School
Children's Church
New Combined Adult Sunday School Class
Kid's Summer Praise Club
Antioch Youth News
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
Calendar
Library
Life Groups
Evangemissions
Fourth of July Picnic
Do You Have a Great Recipe You Want to Share?
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC
Birthdays

From Me to You:

“One generation shall praise Your works to another,
and shall declare Your mighty acts”
(Psalm 145:4)

VBS (aka Vacation Bible School) is coming-up!

This year we will be hosting VBS from June 7th (“Kick-off” Sunday) through Friday, June 12th, with a VBS CELEBRATION at 8:30am on Sunday June 14th.

VBS is one of the most effective ways we at PPC reach-out and minister to our community.

To-date, we have over 100 children registered to participate.  Many of those come from our SONRISE PRESCHOOL; however, this year, we are also seeing children from our surrounding neighborhood signing-up—more than before. 

We all are praying for ways to connect with those around us, to share Jesus and His Gospel with them.  God is answering those prayers by literally having the “fish” (even little ones) jump into our boat! 

Jesus said "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch."

So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in

because of the great number of fish.” (John 21:6)

God is preparing a great “catch” for PPC this summer:  Are you a part of the team?
With a greater number of children coming to VBS, we need ALL HANDS ON DECK! 

If you haven’t already signed-on to volunteer, please call Leslie Hughes, VBS Director (481-6705 cell).  Even if you can only help a part of one day, you are needed, and you will be blessed for helping the little children come to know Jesus! 

"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them!

For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18:16)

Grateful to be a partner with you in seeing the Lord bring many more children, of all ages and stages, to faith and life in Him!

In Christ,

Carl

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Session Digest: April 28, 2009

The stated meeting of the Session on April 28 was opened with prayer by the   Moderator, Pastor Carl Crawford.

Several items worthy of praise and thanksgiving were shared. Among these were two adults that recently came to faith in Christ, Mandy Brandt successfully raising her         missionary financial and prayer support, Bryce Gonzalez receiving a top award, Terry  Collier finished his doctorate, and a young adult life group starting on April 29.

The following items were discussed and acted on:

1. Trisha Rambhajan was received into membership by reaffirmation of faith.
2. A congregational meeting will be held after a combined worship service on May 31 for the purpose of approving a change of Elder numbers from 18 to 12, and to vote on new Elder nominations. Those nominated to date are Patty Burrows, Brenda Taylor, Leo Meilus, and Leslie Hughes.
3. George and Diane Cramer transferred their membership to Pasadena Community Church.
4. A bid was approved to redo the floor of the Counseling House.
5. A bid was approved to install chain link fence on the south side of 6710 and 6720 houses.
6. The financial report was received and approved, showing a positive balance of $33,304.56 at the end of March.
7. Adult Sunday school classes will be meeting together this summer with R.C. Sproul tapes.
8. A new women's Bible study group, taught by Carol Pilkington, using Beth Moore's study of Daniel, will begin on May 13.
9. The denominational vote to change the wording of the qualifications of church officers has been rejected.

The meeting was closed with a season of 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

"Will I live for what I can see, knowing that it will soon disappear? Or will I live for eternity?" Bruce Wilkerson asks in his wonderful little book, "A Life God Rewards". The book explains several verses where Jesus taught that remembering our heavenly rewards can help transform how we live now.

"He will reward each according to his works" Matthew 16:27
"You will have treasure in heaven" Matthew 9:21
"You will be blessed..for you shall be repaid at the resurrection" Luke 14:14

As Bruce wisely points out, 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."

Tom Smith, Stewardship Chair

Painting in Fellowship Hall, New Carpeting in Boswell

No, not that kind of painting. The Presbyterian Women of Pasadena has generously financed replacing the paneling and funding the materials for a wonderful painting on canvas of the Last Supper to be hung on the West Wall of Fellowship Hall. Our own Yvonne Long will be the artist and work can begin after our 4th of July celebration. The Presbyterian Women has also generously offered to fund new carpeting for the Boswell room and the work can begin after Vacation Bible School.

WAHL Scholarship Will Not Be Available This Year

Unfortunately, the Wahl Scholarship will not be available to aid our students this year. Downturns in the financial markets have lowered the fund's balance below its initial principal, so we have no earnings to award this year.

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Financial Secretary's Report to Session: April 30, 2009

The Financials for April  show actual income $27,865.21 with expenses of $31,169.02 leaving us $3,303.81 in the red. 

Cash Reserves             $126,259.17

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Vacation Bible School

Dates: June 8-12
When: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Aftercare 12:00 PM-5:30 PM
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

Our children will be learning about God’s love for us during VBS in June.

It is not too late to register!  Walk-up registrations are available. 

There is no registration fee for children currently attending Wednesday’s Discovery Kids!  Please be sure to make a note on the registration form that your child was attending Discovery Kids.

Do you feel that God is calling you into ministry to children?  We still need you – it is never too late to volunteer!

For more information, please contact Leslie Hughes at 481-6705, or the church office, 345-0148.

Leslie Hughes

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Children's Church

Children’s Church will not meet throughout the summer months, but there will be a special children’s message during the 8:30 AM service only and will begin after June 14th (VBS Sunday).
Have a safe, happy, restful, Holy Spirit-filled summer.

“From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and Hs righteousness with their children’s children.”  Psalm 103:17
Leslie Hughes

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New Combined Adult Sunday School Class

Combined Adult Sunday School Class for June 7th through August 23rd.  RC Sproul Knowing Scripture DVD Series.  Dr. Sproul shows that it is the privilege and duty of every believer to diligently study God's revealed Word.  Included in the study are such topics as: "Why Study the Bible?"; "The Science of Interpretation"; "Parallelisms"; "Scripture and Culture" plus 7 other fascinating topics!  You will not want to miss this excellent study which will be held in the Chapel.

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Kid's Summer Praise Club

We are excited about our summer program for children in preschool through grade 5!  There will be a different Biblically based activity each Wednesday throughout the summer from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.  These hours will allow the adults to take part in one of the exciting adult classes offered throughout the summer.  This special summer program will start next Wed., June 3rd. We look forward to seeing you!

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What's Happening in the Antioch Youth Group

The Youth group was blessed by the music of Joel Auge, Sara Groves, Brandon Heath, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West at Busch Gardens first Christian music festival, Glory at the Gardens. 

The Sunday evening Confirmation class has been continuing throughout the month of May, and is accompanied by a time of fellowship and praise and worship.  The confirmation class will conclude on Sunday, June 14th.  Youth will continue to meet on Sunday evenings from 5 PM – 7 PM throughout the summer.

If you would like to see our Youth in action serving God, their church, and the community, then stop by the church during VBS June 8th – 12th.  Many of the Youth members will be serving in various capacities throughout the week.

There will be several mission and camp opportunities available to our youth throughout the summer months.  Please consult the Youth bulletin board outside the church office for a calendar and updated 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, in faith and in purity.”  1 Timothy 4:12

Leslie Hughes, Youth Leader

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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.

We recently had our PW Birthday Celebration in the Chapel with Linda Osmundson, CEO of CASA as our guest speaker.  Following our meeting in the Chapel we all enjoyed a salad luncheon of veggies, fruits and meats and then a style show fashioned by our own models.  The Birthday Celebration is one of the larger mission programs that Presbyterian Women worldwide are involved in. 

Presbyterian Women have just finished up their Bible study on Luke’s Gospel for the Poor and are looking forward to the new Bible study on Joshua: A Journey of Faith which will begin with our circle meetings in September.  This should be very challenging and again Pastor Carl will give us a written overview of this study, as he did with our study on Luke’s Gospel for the Poor.  We do appreciate all that he contributed last year with his study helps and look forward to the coming year.

June, July and August are the months that Presbyterian Women take a time for spiritual refreshment and a time to reflect and relax.  Our monthly circle meetings begin again in September thru May.  We would invite any of you women not actively involved to “give us a try”.    (Watch for a list of circles in the August Alleluia News)  Any suggestions, comments or anyone who would enjoy leadership, please give me a call @302-0888.   
                                                                               
In Christ’s Love,
Patricia Watts, Moderator

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Fathers, Or Their Absences, Have Huge Affect on Daughters' Lives, Book Explains; Books for Fathers, Daughters, and Children on Father's Day Featured in June

If you are an adult daughter facing another Father's Day with mixed emotions, Healing for the Father Wound may be an important book for you. Author H. Norman Wright states in the introduction to the book (formerly titled A Dad-Shaped Hole In My Heart), "I hope the following chapters will not only give you a glimpse into the kinds of problems that can arise when your earthly father fails you but also give concrete help in overcoming them. The good news is that no hurt or disappointment can defeat us if we put our trust in someone else who is perfect and loves us unconditionally: our heavenly Father." The book includes Scriptures and many very short, personal stories of women. These women suffered because their fathers neglected, abused or abandoned them or they lost their fathers through death or divorce. No matter how old you are, or if your father is no longer able to be contacted, this book may be a help. Wright draws on his many years of counseling and adds exercises in some of the chapters. He is a Christian, a licensed marriage, family, child and trauma therapist, and an educator.

And, if you have ever wondered about a very famous father, consider reading A Legacy of Faith: Things I Learned from My Father, written by Ruth Graham, evangelist Billy Graham's third child. According to Ms. Graham, though he was a very absent father, he was a very good father and she regrets that she did not always follow his advice. In this book  she shows she obviously loves and admires her father and came to treasure his counsel and values later in life. Also, the book has many family photos in it.

Or, if you are a father, the library has books to help you be a better one: What Kids Need Most in a Dad; Bill Cosby Fatherhood; The New Dare to Discipline; The Husband Book; Becoming a Father;  A Dad Is For Spending Time With; What Kids Wish Parents Knew About Parenting; and How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team.

And for children celebrating their relationships with their fathers and grandfathers: Happy Father's Day, The Glad I Gotcha Day, I'm Glad I'm Your Dad, God Gave Us You, Grandfather and I, and The Best Night Out With Dad (Chicken Soup for Little Souls).
Laurie Smith, Librarian

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Life Groups Study

The Oline and Treleaven Life Groups will not meet for the Summer. The Pilkington Gonzalez, and Nieves Life Groups will meet on their current scheduled days and times. Please contact David Pilkington if you have any questions.  

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Evangemission

As the summer is rapidly approaching, many of us are looking forward to some quiet time, some time off, some vacation time. As we go about planning for the summer, may I ask you to add one more thing to your list of things to do?  Pray for our missionaries daily.

Pray for Rex Almquist of South East Asian Relief ministry.  He and his foster son Lan Chuot will be traveling to Viet Nam in June.  They are still in need of $6400 for their trip.  This will help provide schooling, books, clothing, and supplies for 400-500 poor children.  It will also provide needed surgeries for at least 2 pre-teens and also go to help and support poor needing homeless families and homeless street children. 

Pray for Alex and Julie and their ministry in Costa Rica.  Especially pray for Julie as she will be a mom soon.  Pray for this young family as they minister to those with Aids and HIV and bring the love of Jesus to those who are suffering.  Pray for their teaching ministry to blossom and grow so that more and more of the hurting will be reached.

Pray for Stacey from Intervarsity who will be in Mexico this summer leading a team to minister to young adults there.

Pray for Larry LeGrande and his family in Indonesia. Larry, who just spoke at our Missions dinner, is working with a denomination that wants to send 60 of their members to serve for 5 years in Indonesia.

Pray for Mandy Brandt with Tree House in Minnesota as she expands her ministry there with troubled youth.  Mandy is our newest missionary from Pasadena and is making such a difference in the lives of those God has placed in her path.

Pray for Brian Sanders who will be in Manila and the Philippines this summer bringing hope and Jesus to the lost.

For more information on these and other missionaries, please check the newsletters and brochures on the mission bulletin board in front of the church office.

Paul Rivard  EM Chair

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4th of July Picnic at PPC

Mark your calendars: coming on July 4th, 2009, between 9pm and 3pm, "Jeremiah the Storyteller" brings you an old fashioned 4th of July Picnic at PPC. Featuring fried chicken, salads, and desserts. There will be games, music, a cake auction and storytelling.

We are in need of volunteers. Please let Jeremiah know by calling Dave Taylor or the church office.

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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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Sunday Worship Attendance

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What's New At PPC

Dear Friends,

I would like to thank everyone for their cards, prayers and visits during my stay at Palms of Pasadena Hospital and The Springs Rehab Center. I especially want to expressmy appreciation for the visits that Pastor Carl made with his encouraging and uplifting prayers. Thanks again!

Harold Watts

Thank You

To all my previous praying brothers & sisters at PPC,

I wish it were possible to thank each of you individually, but instead I send “all” of you a mammoth thank you and may God’s richest blessings be yours!

Your prayers are being answered and my recovery is ongoing. I hope to be with you in the not so distant future.

With all my heart,

Eleanor Lazenby

Congratulations to Our New Elders-Elect Class of 2010

• LEO MEILUS
• BRENDA TAYLOR
• PATTY BURROWS
• LESLIE HUGHES

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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