Pasadena Presbyterian Church
September 2009
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Financial Secretary's Report to Session
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“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
SERVING the Lord is SEEKING the Lord.
Last month in this column the focus was on seeking the Lord first, before we try to serve Him on our own. Knowing what the Lord wants is always prerequisite to doing His will. Once we do know, though, do we do what He says?
An axiom (true principle) in Scripture is that our faith in Jesus isn’t just an intellectual or academic exercise; in fact, faith must be exercised—put to use—in daily, practical ways, or our lives simply won’t grow in the Lord, and so, show and share Him. James 2:17 says “Faith without works is dead.”
How many Bible studies, Sunday sermons, devotional hours, seminars and events does it take for us to implement what we have learned? Another way to ask that is: how many spiritual “inputs” does it take for us to have a real “output:” i.e., lead another person to faith in Christ? When we aren’t “bearing much fruit” (John 15:8—PPC’s vision statement!) the indication is that we are not learning in order to really know and grow in Jesus; rather we are “stuffing” ourselves with spiritual “food” to make ourselves feel—comfortable!
God is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3), but His intent and goal for our lives isn’t that we just be “arm-chair or pew-potato” Christians! The call to be and make disciples (Matthew 28:19) applies to every believer; the only way we fulfill that commission is by putting our learning, knowledge—our faith—to work by serving to seek the Lord!
Serving to seek means basically saying “yes” to the Lord when He calls and brings opportunities along to witness of and share Him, and help disciple others. “Serving” is not about doing just anything or any seemingly good and helpful “work;” it is about making disciples and doing His will to glorify His Name (see Matthew 7:15-23).
When we put our faith into action, by servingthe Lord faithfully, we:
- Follow and obey Christ, and learn to live in the center of His will (John 12:26; Proverbs 3:5-7)
- Gain wisdom—the practicality of our beliefs and the reality of our new life in Christ (Proverbs 2:1ff ; Romans 7:6)
- Learn to depend upon the Lord even more as His stewards (1 Peter 4:10)
- Develop a hunger for more of Jesus, His Word and ways (Proverbs 16:26)
- Show who Jesus is by following His example (Mark 10:45)
- Share His love with others (Galatians 5:13)
- Strengthen the Body of Christ (Romans 14:16-19)
- See Christ glorified by His power at work in and through our lives! (1 Peter 4:11)
The Bible Studies, LIFE Groups, Sunday School classes, worship services and other discipling resources we have at PPC run wide and deep; but they won’t really accomplish what God has given them to us for, unless we all step-up and serve to seek Jesus!
In Christ,
Carl
NO SESSION MEETING IN JULY
NEXT MEETING ON AUGUST 25TH
The Stewardship Ministry would like to thank the members who have been giving so faithfully and well. Our church is seeing the results of your great faithfulness and good stewardship in these tough times. It's a pleasure and a great encouragement to see how God has blessed your generous giving by keeping us well ahead of our expenses even through this long, hot summer. In these difficult economic times, the human tendency we all feel tugging on us is to be safe, save, and don't take any risks, but you have been like the faithful servants in the famous parable in Matthew 25:14-30. Before the master departs, he gives talents (money) to each man according to his abilities: one five, another two and the last, one. The one who had many talents from the master used them wisely and was able to give back twice as much and was praised for using the master's talents well and faithfully. The same for the one with two. But the one who was given one hid it in the ground and was chastised and thrown out. As I mentioned last month, in his book, A Life God Rewards, Bruce Wilkerson wisely points out that, at the end of our lives, the only thing that will remain is what we have given to God. Thanks again to all who have given so faithfully and so well. God has blessed Pasadena through your gifts.
Fellowship Hall is paneled, Boswell carpeted
And let's continue our theme of thanking God for His faithful servants. The Presbyterian Women of Pasadena has generously financed replacing the paneling above and around the pass-through in Fellowship Hall, as you may have already noticed. What you might not know is that the Presbyterian Women have also commissioned a painting of the Last Supper for that West Wall of Fellowship Hall. Our own Yvonne Long will be the artist. The Presbyterian Women has also generously funded new carpeting for the Boswell room, so be sure to stop by and see the new look in Boswell and be sure to thank them for all they do for the church.
Please, remember the Samaritan's fund
Several of our members are jobless and suffering so we'd like to remind everyone that the Samaritan's Fund helps church members and the Deacons' Fund helps those outside the church. At the moment, the Deacons' Fund is doing very well (maybe because it's printed on the pledge envelope), but the Samaritan's Fund is getting low as we help our members in need. When filling in your offering envelope, please consider writing in "Samaritan's Fund" so that we can continue to help those who belong to our church.
Tom Smith, Stewardship Chair
PPC Wish List |
||
| Nature of Project | Estimated Cost | Recieved |
Church Van |
$20,000 | $6,300 (from sale of the bus) |
Large Refrigerator in F. Hall |
$5,000 |
|
Financial Secretary's Report to Session: July 31, 2009
The Financials for July show actual income $67,158.24 with expenses of $26,732.78 leaving us $40,425.46 in the black.
Increase in income is partially from Preschool End of Year transfer
Year to Date 2009 |
|
| Actual Income | $263,613.28 |
| Actual Expenses | $206,706.92 |
| Black | $56,906.36 |
PPC Foundation |
|
| Pasadena Foundation | $ 25,652.11 |
| Wahl Scholarship | $ 49,945.67 |
Cash Reserves $153,386.58
Adult Sunday School
Classes for the Fall – Beginning September 6th
Tom Smith- Friendship Class in Boswell, will study Covenant Communities, the Fall curriculum of The Present Word. Larry Oline-Study of John, upstairs classroom
Dave Taylor – Drive Through American History in Chapel
Brenda and Rob -Raising Kids God’s way
Dave Pilkington will teach the College Career Class – topic to be determined.
The New Study “Experiencing Prayer with Jesus”, by Henry and Norman Blackaby, will kick off with a Pot Luck Dinner in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 13th. There will be at least four groups, one Sunday Night, one for young adults on Wednesday night (to coincide with Praise Kids Club) one Thursday day, and one Thursday evening.
David Pilkington, Discipleship Chair
Wednesday Night Women's Bible Study Group
26 ladies this summer took a ride through the Beth Moore Study of the Book of Daniel.
At the beginning of the summer, we committed to each other and God that we would learn and allow God to stretch our brains!
We discovered that no matter how hectic our day was, we were rewarded sweetly by God in our commitment to coming each Wednesday night and doing our homework: our average attendance each Wednesday was 23! There was a special ‘You Go Girl Award” each week.
We found we have choices to make and we resolved to be more like Daniel in our own Babylonian culture.
We increased our anticipation of that glorious day when we’ll see the Son of Man and Son of God wearing His rightful crown through our study of prophesy.
Through our prayer partners and small group discussions, we grew closer to God and to one another.
Please prayerfully consider joining us as we kick off another Beth Moore Study this Fall on September 30th at 6:45 to 8:00pm for introduction to the study, a time of prayer and dessert! The new study will be ‘LIVING BEYOND YOURSELF”.
The Goal of this 22 week journey of studying the Fruit of the Spirit is genuine freedom.
The freedom that comes only through a life filled with the Holy Spirit. The course includes a DVD session by Beth Moore one week and the next week meeting in a small discussion group going over a 5 day assignment from that week.
You can register by calling Carol Pilkington, 727-397-8487 or the church office to reserve your book for this study. The cost is $19.00 for the workbook. The first session will start October 7th, 6:45 to 8:00.
PRAISE KID’S CLUB will be starting up September 16th on Wednesday nights from 6:30pm to 8:00pm for children kindergarten through 5th grade. We will be learning about the Fruit of the Spirit that God wants in our lives. There will be music, Bible lessons, games, and crafts as we grow together and get to know and love Jesus more. We are still in need of volunteers to help at least 1 time every 6 to 8 weeks. We will schedule a time for fingerprinting (required when working with children) in September or October.
Praise Kid’s Club Coordinator: Donna Crawford at 368-5588.
STEPHEN MINISTRY is an on-going and vital part of the Lord’s care-giving at PPC.
Presently, we have two active Stephen ministers—Lina Treleaven and Terry Odom. We are always looking for more ministers—those who have been through training in the past and are being called to reactivate, and those who would like to be trained and share in this way of individually, intimately and confidentially showing and sharing God’s love in Christ with others. CHRIST CARING FOR PEOPLE THROUGH PEOPLE is what Stephen Ministry is all about. For more information, please contact Lina, Terry or Pastor Carl.
It is hard to believe that the new school year is upon us, and with the beginning of school comes the start of a new season of Children’s Church, beginning September 13th. The theme of September’s worship will be “service.” We will discuss how we can serve the Lord in all aspects of life – in our homes, schools, grocery stores – wherever we may be!
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.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” Philippians 2:5-7
Leslie Hughes
What's Happening in the Antioch Youth Group
Well summer is almost over The youth are excited about the upcoming trip To NIGHT OF JOY & ROCK THE UNIVERSE Sept 11th, 12th, 13th and Our Back to School Pool Party Sunday Sept 20th.
Our youth meet each week usually on Sunday Night from 5 to 7pm We start with Fellowship Dinner and then we move upstairs for Praise and Worship followed by lesson/Bible study and then we end with Recreation time and hang out talk as a group.
We invite any students in Middle School or High School to come join us.
Also if anyone in the church would be interested in providing or preparing dinner for the youth on a Sunday night please see Rob, Leslie or Brenda and we would welcome your help, and you are welcome to join us and see our youth in action.
We look forward to the future here at Pasadena and to see how God changes and transforms our Youth’s lives.
God Loves You and so Do I,
Rob Taylor, Volunteer Co -Youth Leader
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 September at Pasadena
Tuesday, September 1st at 9:30 am Council Meeting – Boswell ***
Tuesday, September 8th at 10:00 am Esther Circle –Pat Edgington’s Home
Tuesday, September 8th at 1:00 pm Ruth Circle –Madeline Leroy’s Home
Monday, September 14th at 7:00 pm Rachel Circle - Fellowship Hall ###
*** PLEASE NOTE –Bible Moderators are invited to attend the Council Meeting or come to the Boswell Room at 11:00 am when Pastor Carl will give us the overview of our Joshua Bible Study.
###PLEASE NOTE – Rachel Circle is meeting on the 14th as the 7th is Labor Day!
PW Help Shop will be held Saturday, September 12th at First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Registration is 9:00 am and dismissal will be after lunch which is at 12:30 pm. Advanced registration deadline is Monday, August 31, 2009 which should be given to Ann Carney by this date, along with your $7.00 for lunch in cash or check written to Presbyterian Women. (See information on bulletin board for help shops that will be provided and schedule)
In Christ’s Love,
Patricia Watts, Moderator
Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo Catch A Tiger By Its Toe? Big and Small Decisions Face Us Throughout Life
One of our kids, when they were small, was given the choice of an Oreo or a chocolate chip cookie with lunch. The child looked from one to the other and, instead of picking one, said, "Yes." We have a lot of choices to make in our lives. When it is a choice between two good things, we'd like to say "yes" to both of them like our child did. Some choices we face are easy, some hard; some monumental, some inconsequential. We may need help. The library has some books about choices:
For children (courtesy of one of the preschool moms):
- It's Fun to Choose, a Happy Day Book by Dru Cunningham. Written in easy rhymes, the book ends: "No, I'm not a robot. I may accept or refuse. Yes, God really loves me so He lets me choose."
- Choosing Is Fun, another Happy Day Book, by Mary Bachman. This one mentions various choices that kids get to make but also gives examples of Jonah choosing and Mary being chosen to be Jesus' mother.
- Choosing Is..., by Janet Gonter. While the books listed above were more for preschoolers and Kindergartners, this one is the story of an eight-year-old. When presented with each dilemma, he asks, "What would Jesus do?"
- Rascal's Close Call by Paula J. Bussard. While this is good story for young elementary to read, even preschoolers could understand this story, if it was read to them. We read it to our kids when they were young and it came up in conversation just the other day, now that they are grown. It is about Rascal the Raccoon, and how his life is saved by being obedient to his father. It is based on the Bible verse: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1)
- A Matter of Choice, by Angela R. Carl. Also, fiction for older children, this book is about a boy who chooses to follow the rules for a contest and how good it made him feel as opposed to how badly the winner, who broke the rules, feels. This is based on Romans 12:17: "Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody."
For youth:
- Here's Lily, Young Women of Faith, and other volumes in the series by Nancy Rue. These books are about a modern sixth grade girl and the choices she's making.
- Choice Adventure Series, published by Tyndale. These books are written so that the reader is the main character. Different possible endings and side stories are available by turning to a different page.
For adults:
- Choosing to Love Again Restoring Broken Relationships from Focus on the Family
- Staying Close Stopping the Natural Drift Toward Isolation in Marriage by Dennis Rainey
- Your Money Map by Howard Dayton. Help for choosing how to spend your money.
- The New Heights Series (fiction), by Denise Hunter. Each volume is written from the perspective of one of three sisters. Each choice they make effects not only their lives, but the lives of others. Will they seek God's guidance?
- The Case for Christ A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence by Lee Strobel. He wanted to "determine if there's credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God." The biggest choice of all.
Laurie Smith
Librarian
The apostle Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, wrote the following words to the people of Ephesus in Ephesians 6:19-20: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth
, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Paul was willing to endure pain and hardship for preaching the gospel, not unlike the many missionaries that you support through your Faith Promise. Paul was able to persevere in his ministry because he knew that he was a servant of Christ, and because of the strength he received from the many prayers of fellow believers.
There will be five of our supported missionaries listed in the newsletter each month. Please pray for them throughout the month. If you would like more information about our supported missionaries, you can find it on the bulletin board just outside the church office. This month’s missionaries are: Southeast Asian Relief (SEAR – Rex Almquist), Tree House (Mandy Brandt), Underground Network (Brian Sanders), Living Bread Church, and New Missions (Haiti).
Beginning in September, several “local missionaries” will be sharing their testimonies about how they have shared the gospel throughout their daily lives during the 8:30 and 11:00 services. Their testimonies will show that mission work is something that we ALL can do on a daily basis, whether we are at the grocery store, bank, mall – wherever we come in contact with other people!
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16
Leslie Hughes—EvangeMissions Chair
Did you know swine flu is currently circulating in Florida? The Florida Department of Health issued an update which stated over 90% of specimens tested for influenza in late June and early July were positive for swine flu. Knowledge is power ~ the Health and Wellness Ministry focus for September will empower you to take control of your health through knowledge about influenza symptoms, complications and prevention.
Swine flu is simply a new strain of influenza virus that was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States. It is spread from person-to-person, in the same way regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products.
Symptoms of flu include: high fever (101 degrees or higher), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and/or stomach symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur but are more common in children than adults). Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Spread of the flu happens through coughing, sneezing and touching mouth or nose after touching objects with the flu virus on it. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), our bodies shed flu viruses up to one day before symptoms begin and continue 5–10 days after illness onset; this period can last even longer in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Flu illness usually resolves after 3-7 days, although cough and tiredness can persist for more than 2 weeks.
GOOD HANDWASHING IS THE NUMBER ONE DETERANT TO THE SPREAD OF ALL VIRUSES INCLUDING SWINE FLU. I will be posting hand washing reminders throughout the church and preschool area. The best way to STOP the spread of germs is to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze OR cough/sneeze into your upper sleeve NOT your hands and then clean your hands. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (I sing the ABC jingle to myself while washing my hands to make sure I am washing for a full 20 seconds) OR purchase a small alcohol-based hand cleaner to keep with you and use when soap and water is not available. Although we do have vaccines to prevent the flu and antiviral drugs for those sick enough to be hospitalized or who have increased risk for complications; even more effective, is to protect yourself and avoid people who are ill with the flu. Wash your hands. Stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus and if you do get sick, STAY HOME.
Watch the Faith Community Nursing bulletin board for the date for our Ministry kick-off with a healthy foods pot-luck dinner and program to learn your health age.
Debbie Rivard, RN, FCN
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers [and sisters], in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ~ this is your spiritual act of worship” Romans 12:1
I am very excited to be back. August 24th was the first day of school. We have three new staff members at Sonrise. Although we will miss the teachers who have had to leave us, I know that God has provided us with three wonderful teachers who will be a blessing to our school. This will be a year of changes and renewal and I look forward to seeing where God will be leading this ministry and how he will help us to minister to the many families in our care. I am very excited to be working with Debbie Rivard, RN this year. She will be providing a workshop for our parents and our teachers on some very important health issues. Please keep our families and staff in prayer as we begin this new year of blessings.
Preschool Administrator, Laura Woodard
Your mission committee will be sponsoring a Tea on a Saturday in October (date to be announced). We will be hearing from some of our ladies who have gone on mission trips this year. If you would be willing to bring food (tea sandwiches, scones, muffins, fruit,…), help set up or clean up, or help as needed, please let Donna Crawford (368-5588) know.
| 8:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | Total | |
| August 2 | 90 | 57 | 147 |
| August 9 | 102 | 42 | 144 |
| August 16 | 103 | 50 | 153 |
| August 23 | 102 | 48 | 150 |
Thank You
THANK YOU TO PW for funding the Boswell and Fellowship Hall renovations.
Let’s all keep these rooms looking great!
Wings of Victory International First Ladies Retreat
SEPTEMBER 11, 12, 13
THEME.... "_______COME FORTH!"
John 12:43-44
WHERE: 3504 E. Riverside Drive Ft. Myers, FL 33916
PHONE Barbara Ragland: 239-332-8929
Registration begins 9/11.... 3 P.M. Dinner at 7 P.M.
Final Session ends 9/13.....3 P.M.
COST: $50 includes 2 nights and 6 meals. Also gifts and prizes.
An offering will be taken to help with expenses.
Ladies living in the area and wish to sleep at home are welcome to join us and enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship for $40. Do you have a spare room if needed? Ladies who can come early ... Wed. and/or Thurs. to help set up and intercede will be very welcome.
Donations toward the Retreat will be appreciated and tax deductible.
Mailing address: Wings of Victory International
3468 E. Riverside Drive
Ft. Myers, FL 33916
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS. SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION ENDS SEPT. 6th. If you wish to share accommodations with your group, register them all together and we will do our best. No promises. First Registrations get preference.
Coordinator: Elizabeth (Liz) Cabot
Liz has facilitated many Ladies Retreats and is using her expertise to make this a wonderful time of refreshing for all of you. She and her family have been missionaries in Nicaragua for years and other parts of South America. She will be one of the several speakers. Liz is pure Dynamite and you will enjoy getting to know her!
WHAT TO BRING
Linens and pillow. Air mattresses may be useful... you will be in houses and may need to double up. Pajama Party Time!!!
Gift of $5 or less for your "Secret Sister".
Bible, note pad, pen, comfortable clothing, walking shoes.
Teachable Heart, Anticipation, Excitement, and a great big SMILE.
* * * * * * * *
Notes about this area: The Caloosahatchee is a mile wide here. The Tarpon St. Pier is one block away. Evan's Neighborhood Restaurant is one mile away. We will have 3 meals there. He is closed on Sun. Evan is Barbara's Son. This is "Old" Ft. Myers. Evan's house across the street from us is on the river and 100 years old. The house next to his was built by Zane Gray's boat captain. This is a wonderful area for walks. Downtown is 2 miles away. Edison's Home is about 5 miles with Henry Ford's home next to it.
WE CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SEE YOU!!! Make reservations for you and your friends NOW!
Blessings,
Barbara
New PPC Directory
Please call the office to reserve your copy of the new PPC Directory which will be distributed in September.
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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