Alleluia Newsletter

March 2010

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From Me to You
Session Digest
Financial Report
Operating Budget 2010
Children's Church
Stewardship Update
Wednesday Night Women's Bible Study Group
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
Calendar
Library
Evangemissions
Missionary in Residence
Faith Community Nursing
Preschool
Helping Hands Ministry
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC
Birthdays

From Me to You:

“Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission.”
(Acts 12:25)
Ready for a shock?
The word “mission” occurs only one time in the whole New Testament (NAS and NIV versions)!

That one time is in the verse from Acts quoted above—and even then, the actual word in Greek is “diakonia” which is ordinarily translated “ministry.”

What’s more, did you know that Jesus, in the so-called “Great Commission” in Matthew 28:19ff, doesn’t command us to go but to “make disciples of all nations?”  The actual phrase in Greek is “as you are going” meaning as we go about our lives each day to praise, please, show and share Christ.

What gives?

I thought we at PPC are trying to become a “missional” church?  I thought everything we do is really to help get the Gospel out?   I thought we all were supposed to be missionaries to those around us and wherever Jesus might send us in the world?

Well, yes:  there is no question that God is a missionary God, as the likes of Pastor John Piper have said.  God’s sending Jesus the Son to us, becoming one of us and coming here to give Himself for us on a cross, is the ultimate act of and model for missions; and when we read through the Book of Acts, we see clearly that God the Holy Spirit worked in and through the Church, as THE vehicle to share the Gospel of Jesus with the world (He’s still doing that today!).

So, even though the word “mission” isn’t used, the concept and call to share Jesus certainly is:

For “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED”

"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?

How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?

And how will they hear without a preacher?

How will they preach unless they are sent?

Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE

WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"  (Romans 8:13-15 NAS)

Celebrating God’s missional heart, work and will in Christ is the focus for our annual Missions Conference, coming up March 17 -26.  Details of our activities and single worship service/fair (Sunday March 21) are provided elsewhere in this newsletter.  Our featured speaker this year will be our own Missionary-in-Residence, Pastor Anthony Oliver.  The theme and focus is on how we are becoming and can better be Jesus’ Church in His mission right here in our own “Jerusalem” as well as around the world. 

A big part of our annual conference is, of course, our FAITH PROMISE pledges.  PPC helps provide financial support for 19 missionaries, amounting to over $4500/month!  Several of our supported missionaries will be here for you to “meet and greet” them during the conference.  Please keep them all in your prayers, and also ask the Lord how He wants to provide for them through your participation in Faith Promise 2010!

Looking forward to how the Lord will continue to send us out, to show and share Jesus with everyone, everywhere, to His glory!

In Christ,

Carl

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Session Digest: January 26, 2010

    The Session met for the January Stated meeting on January 26 at 7 p.m. in the Boswell Room. The Moderator was Carl Crawford, who called the meeting to order with prayer. A quorum was present. Elder Casey led in a devotional from a book by Charles Stanley titled "Winning Your Battles Through Prayer" centered on 1 Peter 5:9 and James 4:7,8.
 The following items were discussed and acted on:
1. Michael Flowers and Kelly Watkins were received into membership by reaffirmation of their faith in Christ.
2. The Annual Statistical Report was distributed.
3. Helen Mull was approved to transfer her membership to Faith Presbyterian Church.
4. The Annual Financial Report was received which showed a positive balance at the end of the year of $15681.17.
5. It was approved that a bus be purchased with money given to the Beth Talbert Memorial Fund and up to $8000 from the Bequests category of the Financial Report.
6. Life Groups are starting again, studying the book by Henry Blackaby called "Experiencing The Cross".
7. A congregational meeting will be called for February 28 in order to elect a new nominating committee.
8. Elders White and Smith were elected as Commissioners to Presbytery on February 27 in Hudson, Florida.

The meeting adjourned with special seasons of prayer at 8:50 p.m.
Larry Oline, Clerk

Complete Session minutes are public record and are available for review in the Church Office by any PPC member.

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Financial Report: January 31, 2010

The Financials for January show actual income $58,263.66 with expenses of $33,207.18 leaving us $25,056.48 in the black.                                                       

Cash Reserves             $140,418.16

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Operating Budget 2010

Pasadena Presbyterian Church
OPERATING BUDGET 2010
EST. TOTAL INCOME		2010	2009 (actual)
		$402,200	$392,438
EXPENSES
ACCOUNT	TITLE	2010	2009 (actual)
5.101	DISCIPLESHIP	$5,550	$1,135
5.102	FELLOWSHIP	$2,800	$761
5.103,4	EVANGEMISSIONS*	$5,500	$3,805
5.106,7	STEWARDSHIP	$140,177	$138,897
5.105	WORSHIP	$5,200	$4,368
5.108	PERSONNEL	$246,032	$220,389
TOTAL	EXPENSES	$405,259	$377,279
	NET	-$3,059	$15,159
IF YOU WANT A COMPLETE COPY OF THE 2010 BUDGET
PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE
*does not include Faith Promise

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Children's Church

God continues to reveal His word to the children during weekly Children’s Church worship services.  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.

“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’”    Luke 10:21

Leslie Hughes

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Stewardship Update

Lent
It's Lent, the time Christians traditionally prepare to celebrate Christ's resurrection with prayer, penitence, and giving. And when you think about giving during Lent, it should be with the same consideration you do the year round: not just about money, but your time and your self. Some people think that this should be a time to deny yourself some food or pleasure or habit, just because denying seems so religious and right. Before you forgo something, take some time to be alone with God and see what God wants. Perhaps you will be surprised. Sometimes we go on about tithing from the Old Testament and forget about all the feasts. Like David's wife, we are too embarrassed about too much fun with God; and all concerned with what everyone else will think. So take time to enjoy God and his blessings this Lent.

Please, Remember the Samaritan's Fund
Several of our fellow Pasadena members are in need; so we'd like to remind everyone that the Samaritan's Fund was set up to help church members and the Deacons' Fund is for those outside the church. At the moment, the Deacons' Fund is doing very well (maybe because it's printed on the pledge offering 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.

Wish List Update 
The purchase of a church van took a big step toward reality with a generous endowment from the Beth Talbert Memorial fund of $6,293 last year with the family's agreement. That put us at $12,593, within striking distance of getting a van. So the session agreed to close the gap and asked Dave Terhune and Bill Wyess to look for a suitable vehicle. They found a great used van for $19,400 in Dade City, Pasco County.  So, the church now has a van and it will soon have Pasadena Presbyterian Church's name painted on the sides. God has given us everything we wished for on our wish list, first the new refrigerator and now the church van.

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Wednesday Night Women's Bible Study Group

Three times a year, the Ancient Israelites traveled to the temple in Jerusalem, NOW IT’S YOUR TURN, join us on April 21st at 6:30 for “Stepping up:  A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent” that explores Psalms 120-134.   Through this study you will gain a new appreciation for the life of faith as a journey to greater fellowship with and worship of God.  The more we unveil our faces to God and bare our soul to Him, expressing what is on our hearts, the safer we will feel with Him, and the closer we’ll draw to him.   
Sign up now for this exciting journey by contacting Carol Pilkington at 397-8487 or carolcmc@tampabay.rr.com to order your workbook and enable planning for the session.

Each Wednesday night, we have a women’s bible study group that has blossomed, transforming lives, changing hearts, teaching and leading women to be who God has designed her to be.   We are finishing up our study of the Fruit of the Spirit on March 10th and I want to share with you some of the words expressed to me about what this study has meant to some of the 35 women who have been attending each week. 

“for me personally, there have been two Wednesday evenings recently that Beth Moore's study was just what I needed. And, our small group leader epitomizes how God so graciously works in our lives and changes us to be the person HE wants us to be. I have learned from the other ladies as well.....I appreciate it all!”

“I have been out of serious bible study for years, this study has brought me back to the word, a deeper fellowship with God and a changed heart.”

“This study has been an answered prayer to for me.”

“I am so thankful and feel so blessed for this time to learn so much and have so many great examples of the type of woman God wants me to be.

“I have learned so much and know that I am right where God wants me to be.”

Please join me on our next journey in God’s Word,

In his love
Carol Pilkington

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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 February 2010 at Pasadena
                            Monday, March 1st at 10:15 am                         Communion at The Springs
                                Tuesday, March 2nd at 10:00 am                   PW Council Meeting – Boswell Room
                                Monday, March 8th at 7:00 pm                      Rachel Circle – Fellowship Hall
                                Tuesday, March 9th at 10:00 am                    Esther Circle -         Barbara Kaplan’s Home
                                Tuesday, March 9th at 1:00 pm                      Ruth Circle – Beverly Cole's Home

Another Circle, named Hannah has been started and meets in the evenings.  Time and place to be determined each month.  Contact Vicki Danz (347-3617), Felicia Ragland (345-6396) or Ruth Hansell (343-1568) for further information.

Saturday, February 20th St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center hosted the Twentieth Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women.  Ann Barnwell of the Synod of South Atlantic was the  speaker.  Robin Powell was installed as the new Moderator of Presbyterian Women of Tampa Bay. Robin will be our guest speaker at our Birthday Celebration, Saturday, May 15, 2010.  Please mark this date on your calendar and you will hear more about this in our April Alleluia News.

In Christ’s Love,
Patricia Watts, Acting Moderator

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Library News

Esther Bierbaum was the Library Services Chair for the Church & Synagogue Library Association (CSLA), a national organization which, according to its website,  "Serves librarians, many of whom are nonprofessional volunteers, through publications, a network of religious libraries, and training sessions offered at regional and national workshops." The organization also "provides counseling and guidance for individual libraries through its Library Services Committee composed of experienced congregational librarians." She also was associated on the local level and encouraged me to become a member of the CSLA Florida Suncoast Chapter, as she was.

She also generously donated books to the library, including:
The Letter and the Scroll What Archaeology Tells Us About the Bible (A National Geographic book),
Extreme Parenting The Ride of Your Life (Tim and Darcy Kimmel) ;
Youth:
 A Friend at Midnight (fiction)
 Introducing Russell
Easy:
Sleep in Peace
 Four Feet, Two Sandals

Laurie Smith, Librarian

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Evangemission

Our annual Missions Conference will kick off this month on March 17th with a potluck dinner.  Pastor Anthony Oliver will share a message following the dinner.  The conference continues with a combined service on Sunday, March 21st.  Our visiting missionaries will visit Sunday School classes prior to the service, and then will meet with the congregation in Fellowship Hall following the service.  Please stop by and meet our missionaries and enjoy a light lunch.

Faith promise letters will be mailed out one week prior to the March 21st service.  Please pray about missionary support through our Faith Promise offering that will be taken on March 21st.  We currently support 19 missionaries/missionary organizations, and this is funding that is not included in the church’s budgeted expenses. 

Please continue to pray for all of our missionaries:  Campus Crusade, Heart to Honduras, International Teams USA, Intervarsity, Kairos, Living Bread Church, Mission India, New Missions (Haiti), Operation Mobilization, Pioneer (Indonesia), Southeast Asian Relief, Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg Free Clinic, Tampa Bay Harvest, Tree House, Vision of Hope, Underground Network, Wings of Victory, Wycliff.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?’  And I said ‘Here am I.  Send me!’”   Isaiah 6:8

Leslie Hughes, EvangeMissions Chair

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Missionary in Residence

Hi every one, greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus our Lord the Savior of our soul, and is still saving souls every day. So let us be part of what God is doing. PRAISE THE LORD.
Thanks to everyone for helping in our first movie night and hoping the next time to have some of our friends, neighbors, co-workers, families, so let’s praise the Lord for now for what he is going to do for us.
You know the bible is very clear that in all things we should give God thanks, in the good times in bad times at all times.

So as I was reading in God’s Word today I thought I would share with you as well, about A Heart after God  Mark, 7:6   “He answers and said unto them ,Well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but in their heart is far from me.”
Honoreth me with their lips
It means that God is not looking for just lip service, that is not good enough.  He is saying to them that they were hypocrites because they were only giving lip talk and their heart was not changing towards God or the things of God.  They were full of themselves and the traditional ways of men, and were always defending, or not willing to let go of their wrong teaching which blinded their eyes from hearing the truth of Gods Word through Jesus.
Today we have the same problem, most people don’t even know why they do what they do or don’t even take the time to find out if they are pleasing the Father in what they are doing.
The questions we need to ask.
Do you see God as your Father?
Do you see Jesus' Word as from the Father?
Is the Word of God through Jesus Final Authority in your life?
Am I born again by the spirit of the living God?
Am I thinking differently than how I used to think?
Am I living the Word of God?
Am I walking and loving others like Jesus would? And forgiving others as He did?
These are some of the questions we must ask ourselves, and if the answer is no, then chances are I am one who is not honoring Him with my lips, but my heart is far from Him.

Time to come close to the Father in your heart.
It seems that Jesus was saying that he is looking for more than just lip service from us, so what is He looking for? He is looking for a heart that honoreth Him, a heart that want sto be close to Him, seeking after God the Father, Enjoying the Father's presence at all times, seeking after the Father’s will for our lives and not our own daily, knowing the Father through His Word (Words of Jesus the Christ) daily and obeying Him, enjoying your Father’s love, grace, peace.

Beloved let us be the real thing, let our heart and lips speak the same thing, a hunger after God's own heart in Love, not as the hypocrites do.

Missionary in Residence
Pastor Anthony Oliver   

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Faith Community Nursing

Happy March! If you were not able to attend our February Health and Wellness program, you missed an interesting presentation given by Bill and Kathie Schellhaas on Seniors vs. Crime. Bill provided us with an enlightening visual on check washing that will have all of us reaching for our special pen before we write checks in the future! Their program prompted me to write about some safety measures as we look to the census that will be taken in the next few weeks.  Be aware that The Census Bureau is preparing to go door to door conducting the American Community Survey. This survey is not the same as the 2010 Census.  The American Community Survey is sent to a small sampling of people on a yearly basis to tell the government what the population looks like and how it lives. The purpose of The American Community Survey is to help communities determine where to locate services and allocate resources. The law mandates that you must answer the questions of The American Community Survey to the best of your ability.

The 2010 Census, on the other hand, counts every resident in the United States and is required by the constitution to take place every 10 years. When you receive your 2010 Census form if you just answer the 10 short question and then mail the form back in the postage paid envelope provided, your obligation will be completed. If you do not mail the form back, you will receive a visit from a census taker who will ask you the questions on the form. This is a ripe opportunity for a con artist!

 So, how do you tell the difference between a US Census worker and a con artist? The US Census Bureau provides the following recognition tips to assure the validity of the field representative: (1) Must present an ID Badge which contains photograph of field representative, Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date. (2) Will provide you with a letter from a director of the Census Bureau on US Census Bureau letter head (be aware that Florida is part of the Atlanta Region). (3) May be carrying a laptop and/or bag with a Census Bureau logo.

Census workers WILL ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range. However, they will NOT ask you for your Social Security number, credit card or banking information, such as a bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations. Also, the Census Bureau will NEVER contact you by email. NEVER click on a link or open any attachments in an email that is supposedly from the US Census Bureau ~ simply delete it. Eventually, a Census worker may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. Keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable, you do not have to let the Census worker inside your home. Be informed and be safe!

Debbie Rivard, RN, FCN

“Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” Galatians 6: 7,8 NIV

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Preschool

We had a “whole lot of love” being shared in the preschool ministry during the month of February. We celebrated our love for our family and friends, our love for Jesus, and Jesus’ love for us. We had a beautiful service in the Sanctuary to mark the beginning of Lent. The lesson taught us to be proud to be a Christian, and the cross was a sign to the world that wanted to share the love of Jesus. The children were then called forward one at a time to receive the crosses they had made. Each child was called forward with these words “………….Jesus has called you by name.”  When the child heard their name they came forward and were asked if they would wear their cross as a sign to the world of their love for Jesus. When they responded the cross was hung on their neck. The spirit of the Lord was truly present in the Sanctuary, as each child, in awe of what was happening came forward to receive their cross and pledge to show the world their love for Jesus. I was so blessed to lay hands on each child and tell them that Jesus loved them. I was reminded of the open heart, innocent acceptance, and faith without question that children have. Let us together pray that each of us may forever embrace the love of Jesus with an open heart. We ended the service singing “I Love You Lord”. Their acceptance of Jesus reminds me of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in which he writes, “We live by faith not by sight.” (2 Corinthians, 5:7) May we all walk by faith that is as innocent as the faith of a child. Join me in praying that the seeds that are planted in the preschool ministry of Pasadena Presbyterian Church, be deeply rooted and produce a lifetime of love and commitment to Jesus Christ. May each and every one of you have a blessed Lenten Season, and be brought closer to our Lord and Savior, who has redeemed the world and saved us by His Grace.  – Laura Woodard

***We have currently enrolling for the 2010-2011 school year. Please invite any families that may be interested in attending to contact me for a tour of the school.  There are brochures available for distribution in the preschool office.

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Helping Hands Ministry

Pasadena Presbyterian Church has started a new church-sponsored outreach ministry called the “Helping Hands Ministry.” We are providing the following services to those in our congregation and eventually to the community at large. We will initially provide, but not be limited to, the following services:

• Specific home maintenance projects
• Specific yard maintenance projects
  
• Specific home cleaning projects
  
• Rides to and from church functions

We are looking for volunteers of all ages to assist in this important giving ministry. Everyone in our church family is strongly encouraged to participate by providing services according to your abilities. Your gracious help is most appreciated.

If you would like to volunteer, or are in need of any assistance, please contact Bill Wyess at 360-7095.

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Sunday Worship Attendance

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What's New At PPC

Thank You

My sincere thanks to all at Pasadena PC who helped celebrate my “39th” birthday on January 31st with cards, gifts, lunch and well wishes.

God Bless You!

Love you all,
Laura Lucas

Special Thanks

To the Pasadena Presbyterian Congregation:

Please know my deep appreciation to all who are supporting Pasadena’s on-going short-term, missions program through your donations for my book BY THE WAY…,  a choice for personal reading or gift giving.

How vivid are my memories of a trip to Ecuador several years ago. Though not up to current travel, I have you in my prayers for success in this mission to Ecuador, truly a land of rich history, verdant beauty, and colorful people. I hope you will continue to help make this mission trip possible.

Yours in faith,
Jennie Rhoades

How Safe Is It to Use Food from a Dented Can?

“When in doubt, throw it out,” says dietitian Stacey Nelson of Massachusetts General Hospital. “While rare, there is a potential for botulism poisoning. Even the tiniest amount of botulinum toxin can be deadly, so never ever taste food from dented, bulging, leaking, or rusty cans.

Support Our Troops

Pasadena Presbyterian Church is again collecting items for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. They may be dropped off at the visitors booth on Sunday.

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