March 2015 - Morrisville Presbyterian Church

Journeys of Faith
2015 Lenten Supper Series
Date
February 26
March 5
March 12
March 19
March 26
Speaker
Debbie Heffernan
Steve McBride
Bill Burgess
Linda Seaman
Bruce Ballantine
Gather with your Morrisville Presbyterian friends on Thursday evenings during Lent
for a simple soup supper in Fellowship Hall,
followed by a brief worship service – also in Fellowship Hall.
Supper will begin at 6:00 p.m., Worship will begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 7:00 p.m.
This year’s worship theme is Journeys of Faith. And each Thursday during the service, a
member of the MPC staff will share a portion of his or her faith journey.
In order that we might know how much food to prepare and how many places to set,
please make your reservation each week on Sunday morning by writing
supper (as well as the number in your party) next to your name on the Fellowship Pad.
Or you may phone or email the church office by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Plan to make the Lenten Supper Series a part of your Lenten spiritual practice.
You can expect to be nourished in body and in spirit.
One more thing: Bring a friend!
Pastor’s Pen
Dear Friends:
As a young adult, I thought there were certain things
that had to be accomplished prior to becoming a parent.
The list went something like this: own a home; have six
months of income in the bank; take Lamaze classes;
decorate and furnish the nursery; pick a name; start a
college fund; update the wills; join a church; read the
leading baby and child-rearing books; know all the answers and be able to anticipate all the problems; develop
a unified philosophy of how to raise a child -- something both parents can agree on; purchase a car seat and
stroller; and in those pre-cell phone days, rent a pager so
I could be reached at the time of delivery.
Prior to our first child’s actual arrival, we did own our
home; we had been to two out of six birthing classes;
we had picked a name and joined a church; I had a pager; and we found out we could rent a car seat from the
hospital. But that was about it. We had barely put a
dent in that list of mine. We were not ready to become
parents.
However, on February 17, 1985, Kaitlan arrived; and all
of a sudden, ready or not, we were parents.
I now realize that if we had waited until we were ready,
most of us would never have become parents. You can
never be quite prepared enough. You can never know
enough. You can never have it all figured out. You can
never be mature enough. In fact, I said many times
over the years that by the time I get this parenting thing
figured out, my work as a parent will be finished. The
thing about becoming a parent is: It’s less a matter of
waiting until we’re ready. And it’s more a matter of
learning and growing as we do it.
So it is with the Christian faith. If we waited until we
were mature in the faith to become Christians, we might
never become Christians. It’s not so much a matter of
being ready. Rather it’s more a matter of being willing - willing to learn and grow as we live the faith. It’s a
matter of trying and sometimes failing, then trying
again.
Do you remember the time when Peter and the disciples
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saw Jesus walking on the water? Peter, in a moment of
boldness, says: Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you
on the water.
Come ahead -- says Jesus.
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walks on the water toward Jesus. But then he looks down at the waves churning beneath his feet. He loses his nerve and begins to
sink. Master, save me!
Jesus doesn’t hesitate. He reaches down and grabs Peter’s hand.
We can criticize Peter for his loss of nerve. But the
truth is: at least he got out of the boat. And therein lies
the lesson for us. When Jesus says to us come ahead, we
need to be willing to risk getting out of the boat.
We’re never going to be completely ready. But that’s the
reality of following Jesus. It’s in the doing that we are
made ready. It’s in the obedient response to his call that
we grow as Christians. It is in the stepping out in faith that
we mature and our faith grows stronger.
And the lesson of Peter is that once we respond to Jesus’ call by stepping out in faith, when we falter, when
we begin to sink, Jesus is there to help us. Jesus is there
to pull us up and pull us out of whatever mess we’re in.
Jesus is there to help us find our feet again. Jesus is
there to help us start over.
In 1999, a church in Lancaster, California, was at a low
point. Worship attendance had dropped to 50 people
per Sunday; and the congregation was desperate for revitalization. As the church discussed its future, a 92-yearold member stood up and challenged members of the
church to become “mission-minded.” And they did just
that. The congregation took a leap of faith and embarked on a mission trip to Southeast Asia in the year
2000. The work they did there -- planting a new church
-- was not easy. And it cost a lot of money. But they
repeated the trip the following year, then went to Egypt
and then southwestern China.
To date, approximately 70 percent of the congregation
has been overseas on church-planting mission trips; and
this work has revitalized the church at home. It’s no
longer difficult to get volunteers for Sunday school and
VBS because the people have been trained and equipped
through their mission experiences. The members of
that church sensed Jesus calling them to come ahead into
the mission field. And trusting the power of God, they
did just that.
the water.
You may be thinking: We’re not ready to walk on water.
But remember: Jesus who calls will also save us if we
start to sink. And it’s in the doing that we are made
ready.
Members of a Colorado congregation spotted an old
store on the main street of their small town and immediately recognized that it had incredible community outreach potential. They sensed God was calling them to
reach their neighbors -- especially those disconnected
from God and the church -- and so they acquired the
building as an ideal location for a café and bookstore.
Yours in Christ,
They turned the store into a commercial restaurant
called The Lighthouse Café -- an eatery that is now open to
the public six days a week -- with specialty coffees, pastries, sandwiches, and soups.
The café provides a bridge to the community by bringing people into the building for breakfast, lunch and
community events. It helps build relationships, break
down barriers, and makes it easier for neighbors to
come to the church for other events.
The café also stimulates community-building within the
congregation. People worship during one service and
eat during the other; or they stop in for breakfast before
worship or for lunch a bit later. People have a hunger -for food and for relationships -- and The Lighthouse Café
plays a role in satisfying both. This church sensed it was
being called to get out of the boat to do something new
and different and challenging. This church had never
been in the restaurant business before. There was no
guarantee of success; and there were mistakes made
along the way. But this church responded to the call -turning an old store into a place of grace. And it’s working.
I’m not certain where God is calling Morrisville Presbyterian Church to go, or what God is calling this congregation to do. But I am certain that God consistently
challenges the people of God to do new things, to
stretch our faith, and to grow. God in Christ consistently calls out to his followers: Come ahead -- challenging us
to do amazing things for the sake of his kingdom. And
when that happens -- whether we think we’re ready or
not -- we must get out of the boat and walk with him on
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated
on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the 7:00 p.m.
worship service, and again for the first Sunday of Lent
on February 22, 2015 at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will also be celebrated on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the 10:30
a.m. worship service.
Sacrament of Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated on Sunday,
May 10, 2015 at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Adults
wishing to be baptized or parents requesting baptism for
their child are asked to call the church office at 215-2954191.
In Loving Memory
Nancy Jeanne Everest, passed away on January 29, 2015.
Lois Mangold, wife of Glenn Mangold, passed away on
January 31, 2015.
Phyllis Boyle, mother of Margie Hughes, passed away
February 10, 2015.
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WORSHIP & MUSIC
FEBRUARY 18, 2015
Contemplative Worship,
Imposition of Ashes,
and
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
7:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Special Music Offered by the Chancel Ringers
Supper begins at 6:00 p.m.
Worship begins at 6:30 p.m. &
concludes at 7:00 p.m.
Date
Speaker
Feb. 26
Mar. 5
Mar. 12
Mar. 19
Mar. 26
Debbie Heffernan
Steve McBride
Bill Burgess
Linda Seaman
Bruce Ballantine
Journeys of Faith
THE WORD IN MUSIC
Sunday, March 15th - 10:30 a.m.
The combined vocal choirs of MPC, The Chancel
Choir, Teen Choir, Agape & Cherub Choir, will join
with Church Soloists and Chamber Orchestra to offer
this stirring musical work Mass of the Children during our
worship. Rutter’s inspiration to compose this work
came out of his own devastation after the tragic loss of
his son. In an unprecedented fashion, Rutter’s work
combines the thoughts, prayers, and praises of all who
gather to worship our Lord.
2015 Easter Memorials & Honorariums
Have you considered honoring, celebrating, or remembering a family
member, friend, or loved one this Eastertide? Contributions to our
Memorial Fund can be made, not just for remembering a loved one
who has passed, but also for honoring someone in your life now.
This year our Easter Flowers will be beautiful, multi-colored tulips.
With an abundance of allergic reactions to lilies, the Worship
Committee is trying this new floral direction for this year.
Contributions are welcomed for:
FLOWERS:
Members and friends of the church are reminded that the plants, which beautify the church, may be
given as memorials. Forms are available online and in the church office. Please fill out a form and
return it with your check in the amount of $10.00 per plant ordered to the church office by Sunday,
March 22nd.
MUSIC:
Memorial contributions to this fund help supplement the music ministry program via the Memorials
Committee’s oversight. Contributions of any amount are welcome.
FOOD BASKET PROGRAM:
In addition to free-will donations received by the Deacons, you are welcome to contribute to the
Food Basket Program as a memorial to loved ones.
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Please return all contributions to the Church Office by March 22nd
CHILDREN and FAMILY
YOUTH NEWS
Sunday School Teacher Training
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Noon—2:00 p.m.
Topic: Different Learning Styles
All teachers from preschool through high school are
invited to our spring training event, Sunday March 22
from noon to 2 pm. We'll share a light lunch, then hear
from our own Emily Bausher ( M.A., Ed.S., L.P.C.) who
will teach us about different learning styles and help us
learn how to engage students who have a variety of ways
of learning. Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
She received a bachelors degree from Dickinson College
and a Masters in counseling from Rider University. She
has worked at Penndel Mental Health Center for the
past 8 years as a Mobile Therapist and currently as a Behavior Specialist. She also has a private practice in Newtown where she specializes in working with children
with behavioral, emotional, and social challenges as well
as with parents on improving communication and
strengthening parenting skills.
Family Easter
Event & Potluck!
Sunday March 29 from
4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Please join us for lots of fun activities that bring home
the message of Jesus, including a special Easter Egg
hunt. Afterwards, we'll all enjoy lively fellowship over a
potluck dinner. See you there!
Sponsored by Children and Family committee.
Look what Grace Di Tulio made in Sunday School!
Youth Club Happenings
At our January 7 meeting, Youth Club welcomed back 4
alumni to share their experiences after high school. It
was a great opportunity for the kids to hear stories, ask
questions and reconnect with old friends. Thanks to
Maddy, Nick, Stephen, and Shannon!
Contact:
Elizabeth Dugan—[email protected]
Lisa Zazzu—[email protected]
OUTREACH
How many Presbyterians does it take
to prepare and serve breakfast?
The third Saturday of every month MPC has the
opportunity to feed hungry people at the Trenton
Presbyterian Church on State Street, right across the
river. We meet at 6:50 am in the MPC parking lot and
return by 9:30 am. While we are there, we mix 30 dozen
eggs for scrambled eggs and 12 dozen eggs for French
toast, and cook plenty of sausages and hash browns.
Our youth went last May and November. The Personnel
Committee went in January. Everyone found it to be a
rewarding experience. Would you like to join us? I know
that at least 100 – 150 people look forward to seeing
you. Please contact
Pastor Debbie if you
are interested. Our
next date to serve is
March 21st.
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ADULT EDUCATION at MPC
SUNDAY MORNINGS
at 9:30 a.m. – Conference Room
WHAT WONDROUS LOVE
HOLY WEEK IN WORD AND ART
With Susan Light and Elder Ken Junkins
February 22 to March 29
Each session of our Lenten study will begin with a short
DVD segment, examining the symbolism and images in
paintings depicting scenes from Jesus’ ministry and
passion. We will continue the discussion of these events
and our reactions to the artwork using questions and
copies of the paintings in our Participant Guides. Take
this opportunity for an unusual and enriching approach
to hearing the familiar stories of Holy Week.
ONGOING EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS
BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY
led by Pastor Bruce, Wednesdays at noon in the Conference Room
Participants in the Brown Bag Bible study are currently
reading and discussing the Songs of Ascent, Psalms 120
through 134, supported by the commentary of Eugene
Peterson in his book A Long Obedience in the Same
Direction. You are invited to join the group any
Wednesday at noon. Take a lunch break with the
pastors and members – learn to read between the lines
of the text! There’s a seat for you – and bring a friend!
Winter Weather Cancellation Policy
Sunday morning gatherings, which include 8:30 a.m.
Prayers, 9:30 a.m Sunday School and the 10:30 a.m.
Worship Service, will take place as scheduled unless a
weather-related state of emergency or travel ban is
declared for Morrisville and/or surrounding
communities. In such cases, notification will be
provided in the following ways:
(1) a recorded message on the church answering
machine (215-295-4191)
(2) a broadcast email to all members/friends for whom
we have email addresses
(3) a notice on the church website, www.mpcusa.net.
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WEEKLY PRAYER GROUP
All Welcome - Men, Women, and Children
Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the Conference Room
ALL ARE WELCOME! Each week, after offering our
prayers for those on the MPC Prayer list, we discuss the
Bible verses in the current week’s liturgy, how those
scriptures relate to our everyday lives, and try to anticipate how our Pastor may interpret the same passages
during the sermon.
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS
Two evening book groups have now formed, one
discussing Gilead, Home and Lila – a trilogy of novels by
Marilynne Robinson, and one exploring C.S. Lewis’
Narnia books. There is current interest in forming a
daytime group and other books are being considered,
including The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. For
further information on current or future groups, contact
Susan Light ([email protected]) or Carol
Carpenter ([email protected]) or access the
Adult Education tab on the MPC website.
NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
DATES
Thursday, February 26
Friday, February 27
Saturday, February 28
Stay tuned for additional days to be added to
schedule your photo session.
Pastoral Care Reminder
Members of the staff truly want to be attentive when
members or friends of MPC are experiencing health
difficulties. If you (or a family member) have been admitted
to a hospital, please let us know by contacting the church
office, and one of the pastors will be pleased to visit. You
may also reach the pastors on their mobile phones:
Bruce Ballantine - 304-914-2108
Debbie Heffernan - 267-342-0089.
Thank you for your assistance.
BOOMERS & BEYOND
Hopefully March
has brought some
warmth to our frozen
landscape. The promise
of Spring is much cherished …. more and more
as I grow older. Our
Congregational Ministry
Committee is busily planning events and more opportunities to eat and learn together. This Spring we bring to
you a Be Informed Series. First up will be a talk about
the troubling issue of Identity Theft (speaker to be announced) following the service of April 19. A complimentary lunch will be served. Next, our own Dr. Charles
Paraboschi will be speaking about a subject near and
dear to my heart – your heart – on Sunday April 26 in
Fellowship Hall following the service. A free lunch (yes
…. F-R-E-E) will be provided also. What is better than
two free lunches you ask? Well, a third free lunch on
Sunday May 3 of course! Pastor Ballantine and Steve
Ulrich from Hooper’s Funeral Home will speak to us
about final arrangements. Each session will include an
opportunity for your questions. We ask that you sign up
in the Communication Center or through the office. See
you there, friends.
More paraprosdokians: ****A bus station is where a bus
stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my
desk I have a work station. **** A clear conscience is
the sign of a fuzzy memory. **** I used to be indecisive.
Now I’m not so sure. ** Nostalgia is not what it used
to be.** **You don’t need a parachute to skydive. You
only need a parachute to skydive twice.
During the Sacrament
of Baptism, the
congregation is asked
if they will nurture and
support the child being
Baptized to help raise
them in a manner that
will instill in them a
sense of what God's
purpose is for them as they grow. Morrisville
Presbyterian Church fulfilled that promise to Shannon
Waite. From her youth choir directors, Sunday School
teachers, Confirmation teachers, Mission Trip adults
and so many others, words were put into action. We
would like to thank everyone who was a part of
Shannon's journey to become The Reverend Shannon
Waite and especially those who were able to share in the
joyous occasion of her Ordination in January. The smile
on her face was evidence of the reward for the hard
work, trials and tribulations and the enthusiasm she is
taking forward on her journey to do God's work.
~From the two of us, THANK YOU!
Steve and Sheryll Waite
YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy – Recently I accompanied a member who had this outpatient procedure performed. The most common complication of
cataract surgery is the clouding of part of the lens covering (capsule) that remains after surgery. If this cloudiness affects your vision you may elect to have YAG
posterior capsulotomy to correct the problem. Consult
your doctor if you think this might be of benefit to you.
Thank You for Giving Us a Fresh Look!
A hearty thank you to our property manager, Rich Drabb, for his hard
work giving some of the MPC building's hallways and classrooms a fresh,
clean appearance. Rich led the volunteer team of Roger Anderson, Lou
Fancher, Jack Fancher, and Randy Curtiss in painting the communication
center starting the process of updating that area. The office hallway is
progressing nicely as well. Freshly painted ceiling and walls, new floor
cove molding, office door windows and name plates add polish and
functionality to the space. Maintaining and improving our building for
the benefit of our current and future members is a continuous endeavor.
If you would like to help in any way, call Rich Drabb.
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M ORRISVILLE P RESBYTERIAN C HURCH
771 N. Pennsylvania Ave. | Morrisville, PA 19067
Phone: 215-295-4191 | web: www.MPCusa.net
Staff E-mail
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
MPC Currents (USPS#204-040), is published monthly.
Periodical mail postage paid at Levittown, PA 19055.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Morrisville Presbyterian Church,
771 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067.
Change of Address
Please be advised we no longer have our Post Office Box
240. Please mail all correspondence to our street
address: 771 N. Pennsylvania Ave, Morrisville, PA 19067.
The Evangelism & Communications Committee is committed to keeping
church news up to date. It is our goal to print and distribute “Currents” by
the 3rd Sunday of the Month.
Therefore we ask that you please submit articles for the
April 2015 “Currents” by March 1st.
[email protected]
FEBRUARY
17
18
21
22
26
7:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
Ash Wednesday Worship (Chapel)
Session Retreat at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church
Worship—First Sunday in Lent
Lenten Supper & Worship (Fellowship Hall)
10:30 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
10:30 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
10:30 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
10:30 a.m.
4:00 p.m.
Worship—Second Sunday of Lent
Lenten Supper & Worship (Fellowship Hall)
Confirmation Retreat
Confirmation Retreat
Worship—Third Sunday of Lent
Lenten Supper & Worship (Fellowship Hall)
Worship—The Word in Music
Lenten Supper & Worship (Fellowship Hall)
Worship—Fifth Sunday of Lent
Lenten Supper & Worship (Fellowship Hall)
Worship—Palm Sunday
Easter Fun & Potluck Supper
6:00 p.m.
Lenten Supper & Worship for Maundy Thursday
Worship for EASTER SUNDAY at 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m
MARCH
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5
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8
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19
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APRIL
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C OM I N G E V E N T S
walk with
us. . .