Praise ye the Lord! News from First Presbyterian Church, York, PA First February 2015 Sunday Morning Schedule Presbyterian 8:00 a.m. Service for the Lord’s Day with Communion Chapel Church 8:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service Christine Thomas Hall 9:45 a.m. Adult Education 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Adult Education 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service Sanctuary CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday -Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon Page 1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE From Dr. Lytch 3 Lent 4 Caring Company Update 5 Adult Education 6-7 Bible Studies 8 Deacons’ Corner 8 In the Sunday School 9 WFPC 11 Finance 12 Youth Update 13 Thank You Notes 14-15 Life Under the Steeple 15-18 Abendmusik Concert HALLELUJAH communicates the activities of The First Presbyterian Church of York (PC USA). It is produced by the Communications Committee of First Presbyterian Church, 225 East Market Street, York, Pennsylvania 17403. Phone (717) 843-8041. Hallelujah staff: Editor - Betty Schonauer; Formatting and typing - Kathy Sprenkle, The staff edits material with regard to clarity, available space, and timeliness. HALLELUJAH deadline is the 15th of every month. 19 Need to Reach the Pastors or Church Staff? The staff can be reached by calling the church at 843-8041 or by e-mail. Interim Sr. Pastor and Head of Staff Rev. Dr. Stephens G. Lytch. ext. 227 [email protected] Associate Pastor Rev. Allison J. Beaulieu ...... ext. 230 [email protected] Director of Music Ministry Jim Spark ............................. ext. 236 [email protected] Director of Christian Education Wendy Smith ........................ ext. 231 [email protected] Facility Manager John Adams ......................... ext. 240 Cell .................................... 887-6696 [email protected] Administrative Secretary Kathy Sprenkle..................... ext. 228 [email protected] Receptionist/Secretary Rasheeda Martin.................. ext. 221 [email protected] Financial Administrator Alicia ORorey ....................... ext. 229 [email protected] Director of Childcare Ministries Heidi Cavanaugh ...............225-6631 [email protected] Caring Company Director Bill Gellman ........................848-8869 [email protected] Page 2 From Dr. Lytch In Matthew 10, Jesus affirms that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbor. He then tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate what it means to love our neighbor. Obviously, the love Jesus commends to us in the parable is not the same love we celebrate on Valentine’s Day. The Good Samaritan did not make a long-term commitment to the wounded traveler whom he helped. He did not enter into a relationship of mutual emotional and spiritual support. The Samaritan responded to human need, provided care, and as far as we know, went on with his life. Romantic love that we celebrate on Valentine’s Day is exclusively focused on one other person, and we can only be close friends with a limited number of people. Lovers, family members and friends put legitimate demands on us that limit our ability to care for others with the same intensity we care for them. We are not capable of deep emotional attachments to everyone we encounter, and it would not be appropriate for others to have the same kind of love for my loved ones that I have for them. The kind of Christian love and fellowship that Jesus calls us to show to all people is not based on the kind of natural attraction we have for friends and loved ones. In fact, the expectation of close friendship from fellow church members often leads to deep disappointment in those who expect every member of their congregation to be a close friend. Many congregations with a large membership require or strongly encourage members to join small groups where they can nurture deeper friendships without the expectation that they have a close relationship with everyone in the church. Nevertheless, the love we celebrate on Valentine’s Day can help us grow in the kind of love that Jesus tells us to have for our neighbors. As we grow in our love for friends, family and spouse, our hearts are opened to others. We grow in our understanding of how God loves them. Secure in the love of those to whom we have committed ourselves, we are free to serve others whom God loves. We serve in the name of Jesus whose self -giving love is a model for us. Yours in Christ, Page 3 Rev. Lytch Ash Wednesday Communion Service Wednesday, February 18 7:00 p.m. – Sanctuary The Ash Wednesday communion service is a time to meditate on our mortality and sinfulness, to renew our commitment to daily repentance, and to remember with confidence and gratitude that Christ has conquered sin and death. Lenten Communion Services Each Wednesday, February 25 - March 25 12:00 Noon – Chapel These weekly communion services are a chance to reflect and meditate on the Lectionary gospel texts for Lent. Each service will have a time of confession, scripture reading, time to meditate on God’s word, and communion. Join us as we walk together on this Lenten journey. House of Prayer 2015 Lenten Prayer Booklet for FPC Don't forget to pick up your copy of the 2015 Lenten Prayer Booklet for FPC. This year's Booklet contains prayers written BY members of our church FOR members and groups of our church. The booklets will be available at the back of the Sanctuary and in the Gathering Place beginning Sunday, February 15. God works through the prayers of His people. Page 4 Caring Company Update At the time I last sat down to compose my thoughts in December, we were on the verge of administering the 2014 Christmas Giving Tree. During this time, approximately 120 families with over 280 children had the opportunity to fellowship with members of FPC. After sharing light refreshments, parents received gifts for their children and children picked out gifts for their parent(s). Finally, each family received a gift bag of food before they left the building, to ensure that they would have something with which to prepare a holiday meal. I want to thank each and every one of you that participated in the Giving Tree. It’s always a special occasion when members of the church reach out to members of the immediate community (and beyond). One thing I did want to convey in this message was the ongoing efforts of church members to grow and improve the Caring Company food pantry (now officially known as the Ruth Kammer Food Pantry). Late in 2013, I purchased a high capacity scale to help weigh any and all donations received from the church and from other sources (e.g., the annual US Postal Service food drive). I have used that scale to good effect, as it has allowed us to measure and track the amount of food that we order from the Central PA Food Bank, as well as the food that comes in from donations. For the early months of 2014, we were ordering approximately 2,000 pounds/ month from the Food Bank and taking in about 250 pounds/month through church donations. But recent examination of the data reveals that church donations have substantially increased over the past several months (to about 500 pounds/month). In fact, for the first two weeks of January, we have received over 450 pounds in donations from the congregation, so I want to thank those of you that have stepped up to the plate (no pun intended). And just so you know, for the 2014 calendar year, we ordered over 22,000 pounds of goods from the Central PA Food Bank, and took in just over 4,000 pounds in donations from the congregation, as well as another 1,900 pounds from the Postal Carrier’s Food Drive. All told, we received and disbursed more than 28,000 pounds of food to 1,605 families with more than 4,600 family members. Thanks so much to those of you that have taken it upon yourself to get involved: in 2014, we have added three new church volunteers to the Caring Company staff and hired two new Caring Company employees. Yes, it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster ride this past year, but we hope that with additional manpower (and space) the Caring Company can keep improving upon its service to the community. Here’s to a great New Year! Bill Gellman, Director Page 5 Adult Education Make a new year’s resolution to be in God’s Word. There are a number of opportunities to grow in your faith on Sunday mornings. Here is what is being offered for the month of February at the 10:00 education hour: Shine at Nine - 8:50 a.m. Sunday in Room 209 On February 1 and 8, Byron Borger continues to lead the Shine @ Nine class and the Perspective’s class on the topic of ways to find God in movies, TV, pop music, and more. Join us as we take a Christian look at entertainment and pop culture. On February 22, there will be a new class for Lent on the Lord’s Prayer. Wendy Smith will lead the Shine @ Nine class and Jenn Ryan will lead the Perspective’s class. The class will meet in Room 209. Perspectives - 10:00a.m. Sunday in Room 209 On February 1 and 8, Byron Borger continues to lead the Shine @ Nine class and the Perspective’s class on the topic of ways to find God in movies, TV, pop music and more. Join us as we take a Christian look at entertainment and pop culture. On February 22, there will be a new class for Lent on the Lord’s Prayer. Wendy Smith will lead the Shine @ Nine class and Jenn Ryan will lead the Perspective’s class. The class will meet in Room 209. HomeBuilders - 10:00 a.m. Sunday in Room 301 What does it mean to be a Good Samaritan? Join the Homebuilder’s class as they discover how to care for the sick, seek justice and reconciliation, honor the poor, love the forsaken, and tend to God’s creation as they explore the DVD series “Becoming a Good Samaritan” by Michael Seaton and Ashley Wiersma. The class meets on the second floor of the Kerr education building. Page 6 Women’s Class - 10:00 a.m. Sunday in the Parlor The women’s class is tackling the book of Jeremiah using the DVD series “Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World” by Melissa Spoestra. Join the women as they look at the world through the eyes of the prophet Jeremiah and discover an intentional way to overcome doubt and worry remembering that God is rich in mercy and love and has plans for all of us. The class meets in the Parlor. Jill Raudensky leads the class. Women at the Well - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday in Room 302 Join the Women at the Well class on Wednesday night as they delve into the book of John. Laura Byrne is leading the class which meets at 6:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Kerr building. All women are invited! Session with Session Join us on February 15 at 10:00 a.m. in Christine Thomas Hall for a “Session with Session.” This is a time to hear from Session members and a time to be in dialogue about issues that are important to the church. No other adult education classes will be held, so everyone can attend this session with Session. Join us as we seek to keep the communication open! Godly Play During the sermon at 11:00 a.m. worship service, the kindergarten- 3rd graders are invited to come to hear a Bible story and respond to it through art. This is their “sermon” as they hear God’s story in a contemplative way. After the story is told, questions like these are asked: What is your favorite part of the story? What do you think is the most important part of the story? Where are you in the story? These questions help the children to think about the story and respond to it in a thoughtful way. In February the following stories will be explored: February 1 ..... The Greatest Commandment February 8 ..... The Parable of the Two Sons February 15 ... Transfiguration of Jesus February 22 ... No Godly Play - Communion Page 7 Bible Studies Men’s Bible Study The Men’s Bible Study meets in the Library at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday evening after WFPC dinner. If you would like to be a part of this group, please contact Brian Smith at 751-2225 or [email protected]. PathFinders Bible Study The Pathfinders meet at 1:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays at the home of Judy Landis (7550894), 1732 Sagamore Drive (near North Hills Elementary School). We are now studying Paul's letter to the Philippians using a study guide written by N. T. Wright.. Come join us! Mothers’ Bible Study (Moms) In January the ladies of Mothers’ Bible Study finished “stumbling” with Lisa Harper as they completed her study of Stumbling into Grace. This second half of the study year will find them working on a new guide, Pursuing God’s Beauty, a study of the Gospel of John by Margaret Feinburg. So February will be the perfect month for you and your friends and neighbors to join MBS on Tuesday mornings 9:15 a.m. till 11:00 for sharing God’s Word, enjoying fellowship with other faith explorers, and learning how to be women of God. Childcare will be provided as needed with a call to Heidi Cavanaugh (717-225-6631) in advance. If no child care is needed, please just come and join the group. You will receive a warm welcome – hugs included as desired! Deacons’ Corner We are here to serve you, the congregation. You may not realize that we offer more than funeral receptions. We prepare the letters of concern, take flowers to our parishioners, have a medical closet of equipment for your use, provide transportation, meal train following illness or hospitalization, and limited financial assistance. We can pray for you or visit your loved ones, but we can't do this if you don't let us know. Please call any of the Deacons listed in the Church Directory. Page 8 In the Sunday School Join us as we continue to discover ways to be a disciple of Christ. Here is what is happening in each Sunday school class for the month of February: Two –four year olds: In February these children will be exploring the story of Jesus healing the paralytic. They will also begin to explore the Lord’s Prayer. Kindergarten through fifth grade: Using the rotation style of learning, these children will explore Bible stories several ways. In February these children will be exploring the story of Jesus healing the paralytic and they will begin to explore the Lord’s Prayer. 2nd-3rd 4th-5th Drama Wondering Art Prayer Wondering Art Drama Through the Roof Through the Roof Art Drama Wondering Drama Wondering Art Date Story Feb. 1 Prayer Feb.8 Feb.15 Feb. 22 K-1st Sixth through eighth grade will continue to explore the Old Testament. In February they will hear the story of Samuel, Saul, and David. Ninth grade: This is the confirmation class. They meet all year in preparation to join the church in the spring. In February they will explore questions like: Where did the Bible come from? Why do we need so many versions of the Bible? Do we take the Bible literally? On February 22, they will meet with their companions of faith. Tenth-twelfth grade continue to explore topics that are relevant to their faith. Page 9 Stewardship in the Sunday School All children are encouraged to support our special children in Carmel, India through their Sunday school offerings. Last year we were only able to support one child through the offerings. We hope that this year we will be able to support four children, as we have in prior years, so that they can have food, clothing, and schooling! S. Katrivel 6 years old A. Tamilarasan 9 years old A. Muniyappan 9th grade M. Venkatesan College Page 10 WFPC Wednesdays at First Presbyterian Church Join us each Wednesday night for food, fellowship, choir practice, and learning! There is something for everyone! Come and be a part of this great mid-week program! Here is the schedule for WFPC: 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. 4 yr olds Grades 3-4 Dinner in 6:00-6:35 p.m. 6:35-7:15 p.m. Alpha Choir Room 306 Bible Story Godly Play Room Chimes Room 304 Omega Choir Choir Room Joyful Ringers Bell Choir Room Omega Choir Choir Room Grades 5-7 Christine Youth Thomas service projects, movies, and art projects. Hall Women’s Bible Study-Room 301 Men’s Bible Study-Library (Child care provided for both Bible studies) Adults Dinner in Christine Thomas Hall The cost for the dinner is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, with a maximum cost per family of $10.00. In addition to the menu, there will be milk and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Here are the menus for February: February 4 .......Chicken noodle soup and hamburgers February 11 .....Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches February 18 .....Beef vegetable soup and chicken sandwiches February 25 .....Walking tacos Page 11 Notes From Finance During the last quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015, the Finance Committee has been going full throttle. Here is a review of what has been going on: 2014 was a tremendous year. We were able to meet all of our expenses with our income! Joyous moments come to all, but none more than to Finance at the year end when our bills are covered. Many thanks to the congregation in helping meet our goal in 2014! At the end of 2014 a large gift was given to us to the tune of $125,000. The donor has requested that this money be utilized for outreach programs. For the past two years First Presbyterian Church has seen large donations to help us grow. Join us in praising God for his abundant blessings! The 2015 budget is in the process of approval. Please consider attending the Congregational Meeting, February 8, if you would like more information on the 2015 Budget. Contribution Statements are scheduled to be mailed before the end of January. If you have any questions or feel there is an error in your statement, please contact Alicia O’Rorey at the office or via email at [email protected]. Don’t forget your Per Capita! This is an expense for First Presbyterian Church and your contribution towards that helps greatly. You can give at any time during the year. Please consider paying your per capita this year. A special note; the per capita has increased by $2 to $31, although this is not currently the amount on your envelopes. (Printing error) What is per capita? Per capita is a set amount of money (apportionment) per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Because every Presbyterian shares in the benefit of the PC(USA)’s system of government, the expenses associated with coordinating and performing the functions of that system should be shared by everyone as well. The first-known mention of per capita dates back to 1734 in a letter to ministers! Who pays per capita, and how much? Congregations (through their sessions) pay an annual amount of money per church member — per capita apportionment — to their respective presbyteries. The per capita amount requested from a congregation is a combined total of requests from that congregation’s presbytery, the synod in which the presbytery is located, and the General Assembly — based on their respective budgets for the coming year(s). Page 12 Youth Sunday and Auction March 15, 2015 Youth Update Please join us for the annual Youth Auction on Sunday, March 15, at 12:00 p.m., right after the 11:00 a.m. service. Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments as you browse through the many items in our silent auction. Later, at 1:00 p,m,, we will start the live auction which will include high value items like vacation weeks in Aruba, Myrtle Beach, and Orlando, as well as autographed sports memorabilia, tickets to local events, and gift certificates from local businesses. But we are still in need of items for the auction and you can help! Here are some ideas: A dinner hosted at your home for a couple or group A week at a vacation home Gift baskets with or without a theme Brand new items (unused tools, jewelry, purses, etc.) Gently used items still in very good condition Gift certificates to local stores and restaurants Services such as babysitting, car wash, home organization Tickets to sporting events Sports and music memorabilia Tickets to the Strand, York Little Theater, or Dreamwrights Wine-tasting evening Car, garden, or landscape servicing Movie tickets Dessert of the month Artwork Electronics (never used or gently used) Pool party for a group Pet walking or pet sitting Any kind of sports lessons (tennis, etc.) Music / Singing / Art lessons To donate or volunteer, please call or email Rev. Allison at the church office or [email protected]. Or, you may contact the Auction Coordinators, Molly Borger and Tammy Olderich. We are hopeful that, with this new date and time, we will have a successful auction! All proceeds will go to the youth's summer mission activities, which will be York Mission Week and the Senior High mission trip to Orland, Maine. Thank you so much for your help! Page 13 A Note of Thanks To the Deacons and members of FPC, Thank you so much for visiting our home on two occasions in order to show support to our family following the birth of our son Daniel. We deeply appreciate the lovely flowers and all the good thoughts and prayers you have been sending our way. Daniel is home now and doing well. He is bringing immense joy to our home each and every day. We look forward to bringing him to church sometime soon so we can show him off. God bless you all! Much appreciation, Jennifer, Tom, John, Grace, and Daniel Reilly Dear Church Family, What an honor to have the “Ruth Kammer Food Pantry” plaque hung in the Food Ministry area! Serving on the Mission Committee for more than 30 years was a privilege and joy. The loving and caring reception of my 8:00 a.m. service friends was heartwarming. Following my marriage in June 1946 (officiated by the Rev. Thomas S. Dickson), I joined FPC in October that year. Some years later, I was Sunday School department head for 4 year olds for ten years and then became the third female Elder of the Session (Christine Thomas and Martha Stebbins preceded me). I was Clerk of Session for two terms. Moving on, I served as the first female church school superintendent with an enrollment of 500 students. For 30 years, I was involved with communion preparation. I was also involved with the FPC tutoring program and was the director of the program at Goode School. I was a member of the first Stephen Ministry class and was active until my heart attack in June. With thanks and gratitude for being part of the life of our church and the love, caring, and prayers extended to me, Ruth Kammer 1273 Oak Forest Drive The Villages, FL 32162-7588 Page 14 FPC HOSPITALITY AT ITS BEST! There was need, we asked, and you responded in a big way. Thank you so much for the wonderful support of our Christmas Hospitality. We truly showed that FPC Cares. Whether you provided cookies, gifts, pantry foods, scarves, gift bags, and/or your time – you made a difference for our neighbors at Christmas! Special thanks to John, Deb, Bob, FPC Staff, and Caring Company Staff for their support during this important mission. We are sure this act of hospitality made God smile! Thank you so much, Mission Committee, Caring Company Advisory Board and Amanda, Bev, Jan, and Sharon REPORT FOR RECENT SPECIAL OFFERINGS Blankets and Tools : $ 2,609 used to provide blankets, gardening tools, food for displaced families, sewing machines and other benefits though Church World Service. Thanksgiving Dinner: $ 3,533—this year about 400 were our guests despite bad weather Thanksgiving Offering: $,1,808—shared by the Middle East program of our PCUSA to provide comfort and hope for recent refugees, and locally by the York Rescue Mission for their ongoing programs. Christmas Offering: $7,501: one half for the Salvation Army to help with seasonal and annual projects. One half to help our PCUSA to aid pupils, teachers, and schools in South Sudan (Africa), where only twenty percent of the children are in school, Again our church has been able to reach out in Christian love to show that we care and hope to provide comfort and cheer in the lives of others—locally and around the world. Thank you for participating and sharing with others. --Mission Committee Page 15 Life Under the Steeple In Memoriam William T. Delp January 12, 2015 Ruth B. Bachman January 13, 2015 What if a shoebox was just the first step to following Christ? (Operation Christmas Child) The “Shoebox Ministry” is back at FPC - (Operation Christmas Child from Samaritan’s Purse) children who are living in poverty in 111 countries around the world. When the shoeboxes are delivered – the children are also offered a bible that is printed in the local language. The FPC Mission Committee has approved our participation in this important international outreach effort in 2015. Operation Christmas Child distributes shoeboxes filled with vital personal hygiene items and helpful school supplies, as well as other small and large gifts. The shoeboxes are delivered to If you would like to sign up to participate in this mission outreach – e-mail David Carney at [email protected] and he will get you a standardized size shoebox provided by Samaritan’s Purse. You can also call him at 845-7987 with any questions. On Sunday, February 8, the York County Junior Honors Choir will join us for worship during the 11:00 a.m. service. The choir is comprised of 100 select singers in grades 7, 8 and 9 from school districts throughout York County. Page 16 Sunday Morning Volunteers February 1 February 8 February 15 February 22 Hospitality Desk Sue Souser Helen Goeltzenleuchter Judy Zuber Ruth Sabey Acolyte Abby Scott Stover Christian Bucks Isaiah Olderich Hockensmith LOC & Flower delivery Betsy Knaub Jeff Lehn Randy McCreary Nancy Wiegmann Flower delivery Dave Mixon Brian Raines Carol Rohrbaugh Don Monroe Nursery 8:45 a.m. Stacy Shaffer Faith Shaffer Jenn Ryan Nursery 10:00 a.m. Corinne Brown Liz Hamberger Nursery 11:00 a.m. Diane Wrobleski/ Kendall Smith/ Katie Tallman Beth Walp/ Alex Yelenoc Kate Barclay The Borger Family Nancy Wiegman/ Grace Bissey Knitting Groups FPC has two knitting groups that meet once a month at the homes of its members. One group meets in the afternoon ( contact Helen Goeltzenleuchter at 268-4353) and the other group in the evening (contact Sandy Sykes at 805-6508). If you cannot attend either group, you can knit at home and donate your items. You can donate yarn to our cause too. Projects include preemie hats, prayer shawls, scarves, hats, and more. Mature Singles This small group is open to anyone age 55 and over for good Christian socialization. Last month we had a soup, salad, and bread gathering at the home of Michelle Bigley, and this month we will have another Chinese New Year luncheon. Not only do we do things as a group, but you can invite a guest to join you for our outings. Contact Helen Goeltzenleuchter at 268-4353. Page 17 Life Under the Steeple KIDZREAD@FPC Library "No one is born brave. But don't let that stop you." I am Jackie Robinson by Brad Meltzer (Ages 6-10 and adults) When Jackie was born, his mother named him Jack Roosevelt Robinson, named for Teddy Roosevelt who worked for equal rights for black people. Jackie loved sports and played baseball, basketball, football and track, ending up with the Brooklyn Dodgers even though he was spit at, tripped, and threatened. His answer was "I wanted to fight back; but for real change to come, you need to lead by example." (Ordinary People Change the World series) Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Ages 10-16 and adults) An amazing autobiography by an outstanding children's author about growing up black, first in South Carolina and then in Brooklyn. Even though she struggled with reading in school, this story is written in verse and is funny and sad and powerful (Winner of the 2014 National Book Award.) Sundial Telephone Ministry During the 11:00 a.m. worship service If you are unable to attend Sunday worship, you can hear the service on your phone by calling one of these numbers: 843-8043 846-3935 848-8869 846-7687 846-7688 854-7878 Winter Weather Cancellations? Find out before you leave. Please go to our website at www.fpcyork.org, or call the church, extension 223, for special announcements. We are using ABC TV Channel 27 (York Cable Channel 6) to report cancellation of church activities. Announcements will be listed first by county and then in alphabetical order. FPC is shown as First Presbyterian Church, not “1st.” You can also log onto their website, www.abc27.com, and go to “Snowwatch” on the right side menu. Page 18 Sunday, March 1, 2015 3:00 p.m. (snow date March 8 at 3:00 p.m.) First Presbyterian Church of York 225 East Market Street Page 19 York, PA 17403 Page 20 Return Service Requested First Presbyterian Church of York 225 East Market Street York, PA 17403 www.fpcyork.org NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID YORK, PA PERMIT NO. 1397