Volume XX Issue 4
The Caller
September 2010
Volume 21, Issue 7
September 2010
Worship Schedule
Inside this issue
3 Letter from Brenda Barnes
4 Birthday, Baptism, &
Memorial Gifts; New Staff;
Plum Creek Heritage Day
5 Soup Sale
6 Jim Kirk’s Installation (Ken
Mawr United Presbyterian
Church)
7-8 Day Camp Report
9 Help for Haiti, Thank you
September 5, 2010 – 10 a.m.
Labor Day
“Mud Works”
Rev. Brenda Barnes
September 12, 2010 – 10 a.m.
Sunday School Kick Off
Rev. Brenda Barnes
11 Project Hope
10-11 PCUSA Seal
12 Session Update
13 Calendar
The Presbyterian Church of
Plum Creek
September 19, 2010 – 10 a.m.
Heritage Celebration
“Reliable Successors”
Rev. Brenda Barnes
September 26, 2010 – 10 a.m.
Eternal Perspective
550 Center-New Texas Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
[email protected]
www.plumcreekchurch.com
September
2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 1
The Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek publishes The Caller monthly (with the exception of July and
August). If you have an item to contribute, please email it to [email protected] or
place it in The Caller mailbox in the church office. To submit a newspaper or magazine article to be
reprinted in The Caller, include the name and date of the newspaper or magazine where the article was
originally published. To submit an editorial be sure to include your name. The deadline for all articles
is the 15th of the month. Please provide submissions in computer-ready (WORD 2002 or text)
format when possible. Thanks!
Church Address:
Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek
550 Center-New Texas Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
Office Phone Number:
(412) 793-4525
E-mail Address:
[email protected]
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday,
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Minister:
Reverend Brenda Barnes
Praise & Worship Team Leader/
Children's Choir Director:
Kathy Grabigel
Director of Educational
Ministries
Meredith Hedeen
Director of Youth Ministries
Tori Campbell
Organist
Kathy Novak
Worship Services:
Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday School Classes:
Sundays 8:45 a.m.
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 2
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.”
Author Unknown
One of my sillier pastimes is to collect quotes…great quotes…quotes that make
me think, or laugh, or cry. I write them in a journal dedicated just for my quotes
(…and funny cartoons I also collect). Occasionally, I go through the journal and
read through a page or two for inspiration in my daily doings. I came across this
quote on a day I was home sick with a cold or the flu, trying to breathe. Every
breath was a struggle – I had to concentrate fully on the action, the outcome and
the relief that came with each breath.
Sometimes we ask the Lord to surprise us but we don’t take the time to watch for
the gifts God sends. During this time of year, God surprises us with the beauty of
the changing colors, the foggy and frosty mornings that allow the sunlight to
dance off the crystals or dew; but, we don’t stop to allow the Lord to take our
breath away.
Noah had the great surprise of seeing the rainbow in a new way. When God put
the bow in the sky as a sign of God’s faithfulness, Noah must have experienced
a “wow!” moment. We now know that when light is refracted through water
droplets, we see a rainbow…rarely do we stop to reflect on the intricacy of what
God put together so we can be delighted – so that God can take our breath
away.
As we enter the autumnal season of colors and temperature fluctuations, we
should see the beauty of Creation and understand that God rested on that
seventh day; in fact, God created by resting…God created the specific period of
time set aside for rest. This time was specifically created by God just as all the
other parts of Creation. On the seventh day, the creating continued but it took on
a different form – spiritual creation. We realize as we grow in our faith that God is
still creating, sending us visual, as well as spiritual, gifts. These gifts come in the
form of “wow!” moments. Take the time to be “wow-ed.” Concentrate on those
breath-taking moments and thank our Lord for them.
—Pastor Brenda
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 3
BIRTHDAY
MEMORIAL GIFTS
September 4 – Maronee Delo
For Claire Shane
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Fischer
If you know anyone who is 70 or older,
please let the church office know.
We don’t want to miss anyone.
For Ellis Rosenberger.
Mr. and Mrs. David Nesbit
WEDDING
Julie Larko and Scott Bitner
July 17, 2010
BAPTISMS
David Plance
James Robert Hamilton
May 23, 2010
August 1, 2010
*********************************************************************************************************************
Please welcome our new staff….
Meredith Hedeen
Director of Educational Ministries
(effective September 19th)
—
and—
Tori Campbell
Director of Youth Ministries
Both of these newest staff members are well-known to us and are bringing a heart for their respective
ministries, as well as fresh and exciting ideas to our Plum Creek family. We are thrilled for the example
of their commitment to Jesus Christ, to our community, and to our congregation! Please be sure to
welcome them as they begin their new ministry at Plum Creek.
*****************************************************************************************************************
As a member of our church family, you are invited to celebrate . . .
PLUM CREEK HERITAGE SUNDAY
Date
Church Service
Luncheon
September 19, 2010
10:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
A short program and fellowship will follow the luncheon.
Please join us for a time of fellowship and remembrance of the heritage of the Presbyterian Church of
Plum Creek as we kick-off our visioning for the future of our congregation.
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of
wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 4
SOUP SALE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12th
The Retreat Committee is selling Chicken Noodle and Vegetable Beef Soup as well as fresh baked
rolls. Proceeds help to lower the cost of Church Retreats.
We can always use quart jars, lids, and rings. If you have any you can spare, please leave them in the
kitchen by Wednesday, September 8th. They will be much appreciated. If you would like to help with
the soup preparation, please join us in the church kitchen on either Friday September, 10th at 9:00 AM
or Saturday September, 11th at 9:00 AM. We will be making soup both days. We also need assistance
on Sunday, September 12th at 7:00 AM to make the rolls and pack orders for pickup.
Please place your order form in the box in the narthex. Please do not put your order form in the
collection plate. Orders are due by Sunday, September 5th.
For more information about the soup sale, please call Carolyne Ressler at 412-793-9686.
SOUP ORDER FORM
$4.00 a Quart / $1.00 bag of six fresh baked rolls
Orders due September 5th
Pick up on Saturday, September 11th or Sunday September 12th
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________________________________________
Chicken Noodle - # of quarts:
_____________ x $4 =
____________
Vegetable Beef - # of quarts:
_____________ x $4 =
____________
Fresh Baked Rolls (6 per bag) - # of bags: _____________ x $1 =
____________
Total Due
I will pick up my order
September 2010
$
____________
_______ Saturday afternoon 2 pm – 3 pm
_______ Sunday morning after 10 am service
Volume 21, 7
Page 5
The Pittsburgh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
and
The session and congregation of Ken Mawr United Presbyterian Church
cordially invite you to attend the installation of
The Reverend James W. Kirk
as Associate Pastor
to be held on
Sunday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m.
at
Ken Mawr United Presbyterian Church
1760 Pine Hollow Road
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
Reception to Follow!
DIRECTIONS TO KEN MAWR - From the East
From the Parkway East, follow directions to the Ft. Duquesne Bridge
Continue following signs to Route 65 North to the McKees Rocks Bridge
Make a left onto the bridge and turn right at the end bridge onto Island Avenue
At the first light make a sharp left up the hill onto McCoy Road \
Follow McCoy Road to the first light at Pine Hollow Road (Pizza Hut will be on your left)
Make a right onto Pine Hollow
Continue through the next light and the entrance to the church will be on your right
immediately across from Wendy’s
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 6
Day Camp Report 2010
The Day Camp this year was a year of “firsts” since we began back in 2007.
This was our “first” Open House for the Day Camp and more than 75 people turned out to
discover (and some to experience) just what we do with the Campers for the 4 weeks that they are with
us.
This was our first 4-week camp that was hit with many 90+ heat days, but the children were
always given plenty of water to drink and were “misted” often with the hose to keep them cool.
We also had a “heat wave” schedule where the more strenuous outside activities were
completed early in the morning. The less strenuous activities were completed in the afternoon, usually
in a shaded area or a church room with air conditioning.
Another “first” was that we had the least Campers (143) that we have had since the Camp
started. We were only able to pull from 16 zip codes this year and that may be due to some economic
factors.
Camper Scholarships were granted to 10 children for a total of $995.00, donated by the Mission
Committee and several congregational members to which we would like to thank for their generosity!!
The theme for the Bible Study was “A Stronger You!” This theme built on the idea of being
stronger physically, spiritually and emotionally. Another “first” that was really exceptional was that 17
children heard the Gospel and accepted Christ into their hearts as their Lord and Savior. We were
overwhelmed and truly felt that the hand of God was working through the Staff to reach many Campers
in many ways.
Here are just a few of the memos and notes that we received from parents or grandparents of the
Day Camp children:
Our grandson made many friends at camp. He wanted to be the first one to arrive in the
morning and the last one to leave in the afternoon.
Several parents said that ‘camp is well organized and has a very good staff, crafts, and many
activities to keep the children busy throughout the day.’
One parent wrote, ‘Our daughter had a wonderful time and would like to come back next year!
She especially liked mountain boarding! My son liked mountain boarding and the zip line!
I personally would like to thank every one of the staff, friends and the Church for the experience
my son and family had. I see a difference in my son every day when he comes home. Thank
you and God bless!
To the staff: My daughters truly enjoyed the camp. They were able to say their Bible verse for
the day when I picked them up. Train them up in the Lord and they will not depart from it. I trust
that God has done that through your camp. Thank you for having the camp and praying for these
kids. God bless!
My son is so excited to get up and go to camp. He learns so much spiritually and meets so
many new friends. He loves the staff and all the activities.
My girls love coming to the camp. This is my oldest’s 3rd year and my youngest’s first
experience. They are meeting new campers and learning new things and enjoying every bit of it.
Our oldest waits for the camp each year and really cherishes her time there!
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 7
To the many of the “behind the scenes” congregational members ~~ THANKS so much for the
“special goodies” that you made and donated each week, thanks for donating the 9 boxes of Huggies
for the Campers to drink at snack time, and thank you for contributing the pushup Icees, that helped to
refresh us during snack time!! THANKS, too, for recommending Staff when we were having a difficult
time finding Staff ~~ they worked out perfectly and did an excellent job for the Camp! THANKS, too, for
the prayers and concerns that many of the Congregation expressed about the Camp.
Speaking of Staff ~~ we had a truly exceptional crew this year!
Ashleigh Wasson was the Camp Director.
Jeff Wasson, Tori Campbell, Brady Zbikowski and Sarah Byerly were Adventure Staff. Garrett
Marvich was here to instruct Mountain Boarding to the Staff and, as usual, did an excellent job!
The Counselors were Bethany Beale, Katelyn Petras, Karen Alles and Dave Boggess. They ALL did
a superb job in teaching the small group Bible studies, helping the children to learn cooperation,
problem solving and trusting in one another.
The Counselors and Adventure Staff go through 4 days of intensive accreditation and must pass
tests to be accepted to facilitate all of the low ropes elements, the Tower and Zip Line. (And that’s just
the first week of training!!!)
The Counselors in Training were Kayla Mayo, Nick Homer, Sarah Baldwin, Lyndsay Miron and the
Support Staff included Kristen Drew, Lauren Drew, Matt Geib, Tori Caruso, Bria Quarles and Adam
Hearn. Adam “stepped up” this summer and taught Mountain Boarding and took care of all of the
equipment, too.
These people ALL helped to keep the Camp running and to take care of the Campers that
attended. Because of each Staff member each Camper really gets a feeling of self-worth, because
they are so valued by each Staff member!!
Our Nurses, to whom we are so grateful, gave up one whole week of their vacation time to be at the
Camp. They were Lorraine Udanis, Karen Ewing, and Linda Stotler.
Three women who gave of their time, talents AND patience ran our Crafts activities. They were
Lindsay Mueller, Lois Ray and Lynn Wolfe. (Without them, the Crafts would not have been done as
well as they were!!)
I would have to say that even though we had a summer of “firsts”, the Staff and Campers had a
great summer of learning to trust each other, dealing with everyday situations and caring for one
another in a Christian setting.
Sincerely,
Joy Smith, President
Board of Directors
Board of Directors: Pastor Brenda Barnes, Robert Caldwell, Meredith Hedeen, Carolyne and Rich
Ressler, Mary Jo and David Nesbit, Carol and Marty Holmes, Carolyn Nonnenberg, Ed Ray and Ed
Smith
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 8
Mission: Help for Haiti
The Christian Education Committee would like to thank the Sunday School students, their
parents all the members of the congregation and visitors who supported our Mission Sunday
and Help for Haiti. Anyone who was at church last Sunday knows what an interesting morning
it was - just from the weather. But we were able to
get our walk in, see what a storm can do to a lessthan-great shelter, and enjoy a real-meal deal after
church - more for us to be thankful for! The Mission
Committee had graciously offered to support us with
whatever contribution we needed to meet our goal.
But God truly blessed the project - and the total is a
bit more than $1700 - enough for a shelter - and
almost a half!!!! Enough to really demonstrate to a
family in need how much God loves them. Thank
you.
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 9
PRESBYTERIAN SYMBOL
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) met this year to outline many business
decisions of the denomination. I was reminded when I read some of the reports coming out that we are
a complex and very diverse group.
The seal of the PC(USA) is a symbolic statement of the Church’s heritage, identity and mission in
contemporary form. Its power depends on both its simplicity and complexity – just like those who are
members of the denomination.
The basic symbols in the seal are the cross, Scripture, dove, and flames. The dominant structure
and theological element in the design is the cross – the universal and most ecumenical symbol of the
Christian church. The cross represents the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ and his passion and
resurrection and his constant presence in our lives. Because of its association with Presbyterian
history, the Celtic cross was chosen as a model for this contemporary rendering of the ancient symbol.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul described the Church as a body with many members, illustrating the many gifts
which God bestows upon the Church’s individual parts. The seal’s individual parts, when taken
together, form an encompassing visual and symbolic unity, while not exhausting the richness of
possible interpretations. Below is a partial explanation of these parts – note that the seal has many
interpretations, just as individual members of our denomination continue to interpret the future of our
denomination.
Let us all remember that we are individual members of the body known as PC(USA) and collectively,
together, we make it whole and have an obligation to help grow us all closer to the Living Christ.
Amen!
This represents the open book of the Word of
God, highlighting the importance the Reformed
tradition has placed on the role of Scripture as a
means of knowing God through the Lord Jesus
Christ.
The shape of the descending dove in this Celtic cross is the
symbol of the Holy Spirit. It is intimately tied to the representation
of the Bible, affirming the role of the Spirit in both inspiring the
writing of God’s Word but also the interpretation of God’s Word for
the life of the Church. The dove also symbolizes Christ’s baptism.
The body of the dove is actually a fish, the symbol for the early
Christian church as followers of Christ.
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 10
Beneath the image of the dove, stands the pulpit with the
open book. This captures the important role of God’s Word
proclaimed and heard as part of the three-fold signs of a
healthy church. It also represents the importance of
preaching in the history of Presbyterian worship. This part of
the seal also represents the baptismal font – the symbol of
our one baptism into the name of the Triune God. This also
evokes the thought of a communion chalice (cup), thereby
making a full representation of both of the sacraments.
In the lower part of the seal are the flames. The two
flames, with the dove form an implied triangle, a traditional
symbol of the Trinity. The flames hold double meaning as
the symbol of revelation in the Old Testament (God spoke
to Moses in a burning bush) and revelation in the New
Testament (God speaking at Pentecost, charging the
apostles to be messengers of the Good News of Jesus
Christ.
The triangle also suggests the nature of the
Presbyterian government – concern for balance
and order; dividing authority between ministers of
the Word and lay-leaders; and between governing
bodies. This represents the covenant God
establishes with people to affirm God’s enduring
love and to call us to faithful, obedient action to
Jesus Christ.
THE PROJECTING HOPE FILM FESTIVAL is pleased to announce the dates, and a second location for the
2010 event.
Each year over 5000 tickets are distributed for the festival, which features over 30 showings of today's best
faith-based movies -- all on the big-screen, and ALL FOR FREE!
THE
PROJECTING HOPE FILM FESTIVAL
Now with 2 locations in Pittsburgh!
th
Cranberry Cinemas | October 8th - 10
tth
Waterworks Cinemas | October 15th - 17
September 2010
FREE ADMISSION TO ALL MOVIES!
Volume 21, 7
Page 11
SESSION UPDATE
In order to provide better communication to the congregation, the Session voted at our last
meeting to provide bullet point summaries of topics discussed/decisions reached from each
month’s meeting. Below is a list of several of the items discussed from our meetings in June
and July.
1)The Plum Borough EMS asked permission to permit local EMS volunteers from the area,
to park in our lot for the LPGA tournament at the Oakmont Country Club in July. In
return the Plum EMS agreed to provide services during the Day Camp for the week that
a nurse was not available.
2)At a special joint meeting of the Session and Trustees a discussion was held about
forming a Unicameral Board instead of having the two separate boards. A letter will be
sent to the congregation about the proposed details of the change and to receive
feedback from the congregation members.
3)September 12, 2010 was approved for the Vision Kickoff day for Plum Creek Church. The
date has changed and is now September 19, 2010. Lunch will be provided as well.
4)A motion was made to combine the 8th and 9th grade classes into one class this year for
Confirmation. In the past, only the 9th grade class would be part in the Confirmation
class.
5)Christmas Eve Services – a vote was taken to change the time of the earlier service on
Christmas Eve to accommodate families. There will still be two services, but the times
will now be 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Larry Wood
Clerk of Session
September 2010
Volume 21, 7
Page 12