Pasadena Presbyterian Church
September 2011
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From Me to You
Session Digest
Stewardship Ministry Update
Financial Report
Evangemissions
Food Distribution Center
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
Fellowship
Calendar
Praise Kids
Family Connection
Marriage and Parenting Class
Antioch Youth
Library
Preschool
Deacon's Corner
Women in the Word
Discipleship
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC
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“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
(Revelation 5:12)
What is Jesus worth to you?
I know that’s a peculiar question, but it is something the world around us wonders about.
Everything in this world is assigned some value by someone. For things we buy, they’re worth what they cost (or what we are willing to pay for them). For many jobs, they’re valued at what the employee is paid (but who can put any price on something like parenting???). Sometimes, things are considered valuable because of age—like antiques (so why doesn’t our MTV-driven culture highly value seniors like so many other societies do?) Unique and high-quality items—one-of-a-kind—are called rare and sometimes irreplaceable (so why don’t we all value each other more???).
What then about Jesus—how do we know His worth??
He is God the Son from “before all things”(Colossians 1:18)— He is age-less!
He is the only begotten Son of God who came to us and became one of and for us
(John 3:16)—He is unique!
His “job” is to be the Savior for the whole world (John 4:42)—price-less!
He gave Himself on a cross for all our sins and paid the debt we could never repay
ourselves (Col. 2:14)--He is matchless!
His blood redeems us and cleanses us from all our sins (1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:10)
—He is unique and irreplaceable!
If we know Jesus is PRICELESS, how do others get to know that—and Him—too?
We as His Church show His worth to the world:
--In our WORSHIP: not how but WHO we worship is what matters!
--In our STEWARDSHIP: not how much but how FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL we are in using all God’s gifts!
--In our DISCIPLESHIP: not just how well we know God’s Word, but how much we DO WHAT HE SAYS!
--In our FELLOWSHIP: not just if we have fun but share JESUS in LOVE together!
Most importantly, though, we show how much we value our forgiveness, salvation and love-life with Jesus in how often and how well we GIVE HIM AWAY—show and share Him with others, and invite others to faith and life in Him!
One of the reasons too many people reject the free offer of eternal life in Christ is unfortunately because we who have received Him don’t show His worth. Our lack of zeal, commitment, sacrifice, joy in and love for Jesus can be a major impediment to those who need Him. That’s why Scripture tells us: “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10).
Grateful to continue to show the matchless worth of Jesus with you as and at PPC!
In Christ,
Carl
SESSION DID NOT MEET IN JULY
Next DIGEST will be in the October Newsletter
Thank you for your faithfulness!
As I'm writing this the past week has been a roller coaster on the stock market. Up and down daily, it was the most volatile week ever. But thankfully 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 servant with two was also praised for using the master's talents well. But the one who was given one hid it in the ground, didn't use it well at all and was rebuked.
We are all stewards of what God gives us. Our time, talents, money, everything is His. Thanks again to all who have given so faithfully and so well. God has blessed many through your gifts. Our church is seeing the results of your great faithfulness and good stewardship in these tough times.
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. When filling in your offering envelope, please consider writing in "Samaritan's Fund" so that we can continue to help church members in need.
Thanks again to the Presbyterian Women
And let's continue our theme of thanking God for His faithful servants. The Presbyterian Women of Pasadena has generously financed lovely new tile flooring for the bathrooms.
Tom Smith, Stewardship Chair
Pasadena Presbyterian Church Wishlist |
||
| Nature of Project | Estimated Cost | Received |
| Youth Sound Equipment (speakers, etc.) | $1,500 | New item |
| Sanctuary Projector | $4,000 | New item |
NO UPDATE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
July and August will be available for the October newsletter!
Sorry!
DIRECT – From the missionary to you:
Connecting with God Through Prayer
By Julie Paniagua
“There was a strong sense of heaviness as we walked into the meeting room in Las Tablas for the weekly women’s bible study” says Julie, “the women’s faces seemed long and their eyes had a deep sadness.”
They started to open up one by one - Aracely shared that she could no longer work to earn money for her child’s education, because the school found out that the oldest girl was taking care of the younger siblings in order for her to work, they threatened her with the child protective services who would take her children away if they found out. Lorena shared her deep sense of loneliness, after being separated from her husband for six years due to domestic violence, she was actually contemplating returning to him in order to receive some “affection”. Candy said that she was physically alive but emotionally dead. On and on the stories and comments went. This is the reality of the women in Las Tablas. Their poverty is not only physical, but spiritual and emotional as well. We studied that day the story of Hannah (Samuel’s mother) who poured out her heart and troubles to the Lord in prayer. That step of faith and act of humility and transparency demonstrated her dependence on the Lord. We asked the women that day to follow Hannah’s example and to take the time to pour out their hearts before him, to cry out for help and grace in their time of need. Each women knelt down individually before the Lord and began to cry out. It was moving to see and hear the women crying out to God. Although no one’s circumstances immediately changed, there was a sense that the heaviness had been lifted and a glimpse of hope restored. We all experienced a vivid reminder of our dependency on the Lord and our need to receive help and grace from God through prayer.
By Gene Hammond for Evangemissions
Is there a sense of heaviness in your life? We are dependent upon the Lord at all times but often forget how much we are until there is trouble that we can’t handle. Then we see that only God can give us the help and grace that we need to lift us to higher ground. Do you need prayer and to be connected to God through prayer? There is a group that meets every Wednesday night for prayer and Bible study in the 123 house – the house on the South side of the church by the Scout house. 7:00 PM come and get connected. Our troubles may not seem as big as those of poor abused women in Costa Rica but you are just as
important to God and need Him just as much. God can lift the clouds and bring out the sunshine.
Your contribution to Missions helps missionaries like Julie, Alex and baby Keyla share God’s love.
Gene Hammond for the PPC Evangemissions Ministry.
Good News! God continues to bless the Food Distribution Center’s Ministry through Pasadena Presbyterian Church. He has blessed us with a continued flow of visitors. He has blessed us with passionate and eager volunteers. He has blessed us with finances. He has blessed us with food to give out. He has blessed us with a refrigerator and freezer. He has blessed us with prayer support. He has blessed us with new brothers and sisters in the faith. He has blessed us with people who are rededicating their lives to Jesus.
Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote, “My God will supply every need that you have through His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” We asked God for the freezer and the refrigerator and God provided. Many of the people who visit us have been praying for food and God has answered their prayers also. The over-all result in this ministry is that God is being glorified and people are receiving the love of God.
We pointed out last month that the need is great. God gave us the privilege and opportunity to share with 17 people and to provide food for 56 men, women and children on Saturday August 13th at the 123 house. The house bustled with activity as 18 volunteers packed boxes and or sat down with our visitors, listened to their needs, shared the Good News of Jesus, offered prayer and invited them to church and Sunday school. A blood pressure clinic was available. Our goal is to treat each visitor with dignity and respect, just like Jesus treats us.
Don’t let the number of volunteers stop you from joining us in this great ministry. We need people to talk with our guests and people to pack food. We need everyone to pray.
Food costs money! What a profound statement! You knew that, but you don’t know that we receive a monthly order from “Taking it to the Streets” for $112.50. By the time you read this article we will have purchased food from ”Feeding America“ at 18 cents a pound for frozen meat and 5 cents a pound for canned food.
This is a self-supporting ministry of the church, which means that we depend solely upon receiving food items and money to operate from you. We are not a budgeted ministry of the church, but are under the authority of the church. Please pray about giving a donation to this vital ministry. Make checks payable to Pasadena Presbyterian church and ear marked for the food distribution ministry. You can also bring non-perishable food items to the church. Boxes have been placed in the hall for your convenience.
For more information, contact Russ Cabot at 727-343-8473 or Larry Hendry at 727-638-7246 for details. The food will be distributed from the 123 House on the 2nd Saturday and the 4th Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
WOMEN OF THE CHURCH ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 2011
PLEASE NOTE -------NO COUNCIL MEETING FOR SEPTEMBER.
COMMUNION AT THE SPRINGS WILL BEGIN AGAIN ON OCTOBER 3, 2011.
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 1:00 pm Hannah Circle will meet at the Church
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 7:00 pm Rachel Circle will meet at Ann Carney’s home
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 @ 1:00 pm Esther Circle will meet at Pat Edgington’s home
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 @ 1:00 pm Ruth Circle will meet at Pat Drucker’s home
We are pleased to announce that our circles will no longer be using the Horizon Bible Study and are happy and thankful for Terry Odom adapting a bible study from the Book of James for our bible study this year. This is one of the smallerbooks in the New Testament, having only 5 chapters which will be spread out over the 9-month period of our circle meetings. The Epistle of James is the “how-to” book of the Christian life. It is one of the most practical books in the New Testament because it offers instruction and exhortation to Christians who are experiencing problems, as all of us do. (taken from Nelson Study Bible)
LOOKING AHEAD to October 1, 2011 a Help Shop at Christ Presbyterian Church in Largo, FL from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Information is on our bulletin board. Anyone interested in attending should contact Ann Carney before September 16, 2011. The cost is $8.00 per person (which includes lunch). For further information please contact Ann Carney at 727-323-0972. If we have at least 6 ladies interested in going, we will use PPC van.
LOOKING AHEAD to our Thank Offering Service which will be Sunday, November 20, 2011 during a combined service at 10:30 a.m. Alma & Larry Oline will be our guest speakers, just returning from their Japan mission trip. More details will be in October’s newsletter. Just want you to keep these dates open so that you won’t miss the help shop or Thank Offering Service.
God’s Blessings to all,
Patricia Watts
The Fellowship Ministry’s first meeting was held Monday, August 8th at 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We have Alma Oline, Patti Strong, Vicki Danz, Shirley Phillips and Felicia Ragland on our committee, however three were excused. We would like to announce (with excitement) that Phyllis and Bill Poirier have gratefully accepted to serve as Sunday morning fellowship volunteers to see that you have coffee before and after the 8:30 a.m. service and before Sunday School. We do need volunteers to bring “goodies” and juice/punch each Sunday. There will be sign up sheets in the Fellowship Hall and one going to the Sunday School classes in various months. We appreciate any donations (food or money) so that we may have fresh baked goods at all times. We discussed several events but nothing definite was decided but you will be the first to hear what plans we have as soon as they are finalized. If you have any suggestions that you might want to see take place here at Pasadena, please contact me at 727-302-0888 or talk with anyone on our committee with your suggestions. We do appreciate your input. Thank you!
Patricia Watts, Chairperson
Another exciting, Christ-filled year of Praise Kids begins on Wednesday, September 7th, and runs from 7:00 – 8:00 PM weekly. We will be using Gospel Light’s “Kid’s Time: God’s Big Picture” curriculum. The children will encounter Jesus each week through stories, movies, songs, games, arts and crafts, puppet shows, skits and a variety of other activities geared toward children in pre-k through 5th grade. Bible study skills will also be taught and used each week. A snack is served weekly.
Please invite your children, nieces, nephews, neighbors, grandchildren to be a part of this fun-filled, Christ-centered ministry to children.
*What is it?
Family Connection is an interactive discipleship experience for families. Children and parents participate together.
*When is it? Where is it?
Begins Wednesday, September 7th, and runs each Wednesday evening from
6:30 – 7:00 PM in Fellowship Hall
Children will be dismissed for Praise Kids at 7:00, while parents will have discipleship opportunities of their own.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will
become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
Do you want to experience “oneness” in your relationship? Do you have a desire to be Godly mates and
parents? Then this class is for you!
This discussion-oriented class will cover marriage and child-rearing issues in a biblical manner. The class will begin Wednesday, September 7th, 7:00- 8:00 PM, and will continue for 8 weeks. The class will meet in the Boswell Room. Child care will be provided for preschool children too young to attend Praise Kids.
Please contact Leslie Hughes, 
, for additional information.
The Youth and young adults will be traveling to Rock the Universe in Orlando the weekend of September 9 – 10, where they will hear multiple Christian Praise and Worship bands such as Third Day, Casting Crowns, Relient K, Tenth Avenue North, and Brandon Heath.
The Discipleship Ministry is pleased to announce that the Youth will be joining up with St. Petersburg K-Life beginning in September. Please be sure to read your weekly flyer for K-Life updates. Please visit the St. Pete K-Life website, http://stpete.klife.com/, for information about K-Life.
REVISITING 9/11 THROUGH A POSITIVE LOOK IN A BOOK
Ten years ago in September our nation was suffering as it was hit with terrorist attacks. Two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon, as we remember all too well. Another was to crash in Pennsylvania.
Let's Roll! Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage, published by Tyndale House Publishers in 2002, is a book that was written about the heroes on Flight 93 which crashed into the Pennsylvania countryside instead of a national landmark on that fateful 9/11/01 day.
It is written by Lisa Beamer, the wife of one of the passengers of Flight 93. The book's title comes from the phrase which Todd Beamer, the author's husband, called out as he and other passengers and crew members rushed toward the cockpit to try to retake the plane from the hijackers. "Let's roll" was a phrase he often used at home to tell his family it was time to head out and do something. The operator he had been talking to and had left the line open with when he left, heard his call to action. As Lisa writes in the book, with Ken Abraham, "In those mind-numbing days after the crash I had (and still have) no desire for publicity. I did, however, hope that by doing the interviews I'd have some small public record of who Todd was and some documentation of what he had done aboard Flight 93... for the sake of our children. Little did I know that I'd eventually have miles of videotape and stacks of printed materials for our kids to examine someday."
"Todd and Lisa Beamer have become symbols of national and personal strength in the face of crisis-Todd for the brave actions that cost his life, and Lisa for her gracious and courageous response...," the book jacket states. "Let's Roll! is their story –a message of character, courage, and faith in the face of horrifying tragedy... (It) will give you unparalleled hope for your own future in today's troubled world." Todd Beamer had just completed a study led by his pastor on the Lord's Prayer and to him, it was now more than just words he had learned as a child when he recited it before he and others went into action. His faith was grounded in Jesus Christ.
"My life since September 11 includes many human sorrows and challenges, and every day I must choose how to confront them," Lisa writes. "I can sink into depression or anger or anxiety, or I can trust that God is working everything for my good. I have chosen to believe God –to believe he loves me and has a plan for now and for eternity. I don't claim to understand, but I choose daily –even moment by moment –to have faith not in what is seen but in what is unseen. The road ahead is uncertain and even scary at times, but I believe that God will provide what's best for me, just when I need it. Even now, in the midst of great sorrow, there is much to be thankful for –a great family, wonderful friends, and a strong community of faith. I try to appreciate my blessings every day."
Laurie Smith,
Librarian
Sonrise Early Learning Center’s First Day of School Was August 22nd.
We Pray the Lord’s Blessing on the Students & Teachers in the 2011-2012 School Year.
Welcome Back!
Fall will soon be in the air and with it a season of joy! Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before we know it. This is a time to rejoice even more for all that God has given us. A time to share our love and all the bounty the Lord has blessed us with.
Take a minute to greet someone new to you both before and after the service. Gods’ love has no bounds and neither should ours.
Please remember to contact a Deacon should a need, prayer or question arise. We are here to serve you and we are always available. Also remember that transportation is furnished to and from church services for those in need, simply contact Bill Wyess.
In Christ,
Bill Schellhaas, Chair; Judy Bloomfield; Vicki Danz; Debbie Saathoff; Caeser Van Ardoy and Bill Wyess.
The “Women in the Word” team is excited to invite you to a new Bible study. Please invite your mom, sister, cousin, aunt, friend or even a stranger to this exciting study. See you there!!!
YOU ARE INVITED TO A BIBLE STUDY!
TITLE: “BELIEVING GOD” Experiencing a fresh EXPLOSION of faith… a study by Beth Moore
WHO: All Women
WHEN: Every Wednesday, starting September 14th Thru November 17th (10 weeks)
TIME: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
WHERE: Pasadena Presbyterian Church, Chapel
Planning to attend contact: Barb Hendry at 727-224-5081, Barbara.Hendry@wellsfargo.com or Terry Odom at 727-347-5754, taodom@tampabay.rr.com.
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” Isaiah 43:10
Discipleship is off to a great start preparing for this year. We are working on bringing the focus of our Ministry more closely in line with PPC’s Purpose Statement and vision.
Any PPC member seeking to teach a class based on a book or outline they have chosen is invited to attend a Discipleship Ministry Meeting. Call me, Kathie Schellhaas and I will be happy to give you the details.
Women in the Word will be coming back this September, as will Sunday School. Life Groups will start in January, as we are planning a few changes. We are looking for volunteers to help us lighten the load of weekly Children’s Church. If you can help by taking one, to no more than three days, teaching Children’s Church by yourself or with a friend, please let Leslie Hughes or Kathie Schellhaas know. We will give you lots of help.
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of Ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” 1 Cor. 12:4-8
Kathie Schellhaas, Discipleship Chair
| 8:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m | Total | |
| July 31 | 57 | 32 | 89 |
| August 7 | 63 | 51 | 114 |
| August 14 | 63 | 34 | 97 |
| August 21 | 73 | 44 | 117 |
Attention
Due to the limited office hours and personnel, you are asked to submit anything you need as an insert, flyer, etc. print ready 2 weeks prior to the date needed. Sending an electronic file (MS WORD FORMAT) is preferred).
As always, Newsletter articles are due by the 15th of the month for the upcoming month’s newsletter.
Thank you.
Ppc office
Thanks
Lois Hamilton wants us to know that Larry Hendry and Bill Wyess painted 2 bedrooms for her and did a wonderful job. The Hamiltons are very grateful to the Helping Hands Ministry.
Please Help Keep Our Facilities Nice!
Please do not put paper flyers or announcements on the walls! We have billboards for our various ministries and groups to use to post items. If you need somthing posted, please check with the appropriate ministry or group or the church office. Thanks for keeping our facilities nice!
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