MESSENGER
The
First Presbyterian Church-New Castle, PA
Wile E. Coyote or
the Roadrunner
The classic Warner Brothers Looney Tunes - Roadrunner cartoon
is always set somewhere in the American Southwest. - The
Coyote, in one scene, paints a picture of a tunnel on the side
of a mountain and snickers as the Roadrunner approaches at
top speed, ready to smash into the rock. Instead the
Roadrunner gives his “Beep–Beep” and runs through the tunnel.
While the puzzled Coyote stands and studies his painting of
the tunnel, a huge truck roars out of it and flattens him!
So in which of those characters do you see yourself? The
audience’s sympathy is always with the Coyote of course,
because he never gets the Roadrunner, no matter what scheme he dreams up.
Yes, to the Coyote’s credit, he is persistent and keeps trying in the face of adversity. But
the Roadrunner is always thinking ‘outside the box’ while the Coyote is locked into
‘cause and effect linear thinking’.
I think the Coyote is somewhat like the Pharisees, who paint all those ‘law’ pictures
and then Jesus cruises right through them at top speed. The Coyote-Pharisees end up
being furious with Jesus because he is breaking all their laws and they can’t catch him
no matter what they do. So they finally figure out a way to shut him up in a tomb and
paint a rock in front of it. But then on Easter - it’s ‘beep-beep, I am risen!’
In this confusing, changing world sometimes a ‘logical, orderly, Coyote church’ with
nicely painted rocks looks pretty safe and sound. Until Easter comes and the trumpets
sound and we sing Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! And then we hear that ‘beep-beep’
and must follow our Lord full speed through the painted tunnels ahead.
Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!
April
2017
Volume XXIV:
Issue 4
724-652-7706
“Beep-beep”....See you in church
,
Rick Vogeley
Pastor Vogeley’s weekly office hours are Tuesdays 1-4 PM.
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Share the Joy
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Carolyn Moody
Of our Shepherd’s care, described in fascinating details by W. Phillip Keller for A Child’s Look at the TwentyThird Psalm. (The adult edition is also available in our library.)
Of Christ’s salvation, voiced in The 3:16 Promise, a reminder of the heart of the Gospel from Max Lucado.
With just a smile, which travels far in Karen K. Orloff’s delightful picture book, Miles of Smiles.
With simple insights found in the endearing Eat Your Peas Faithfully by Cheryl Karpen.
Of encouraging friendship, discovered by 12-year-old immigrant Sarah, The Girl in the Torch, related by
Robert Sharenow.
With loving persuasion, as in the Brenda Coulter’s inspirational romance novel, Finding Hope.
Each of these is readily available at the bookrack in Galbreath Hall. Visiting the library in room 116, you will also find
many additional titles of Max Lucado, cheerful picture books, Christian romances, or thoughtful juvenile fiction. Try
us—lift your spirits!!
MAke A Difference on Palm Sunday-One Great Hour of Sharing
In Isaiah 58: 6-7, God calls is to “loose the bonds of injustice…share your bread with the hungry, and bring the
homeless poor into your house.”
Responding to disasters, feeding the hungry, and helping people build up their own livelihoods are all ways that our
gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing will change lives, communities, and the world in response to God’s call.
You can provide food and water through the Presbyterian Hunger Program; disaster relief by way of the
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance; and self-development resources for those striving to better their lives by means
of Self-Development of People. Each of these impact programs receives approximately 1/3 of our offering.
One Great Hour of Sharing is a unique way to join fellow Presbyterians everywhere in sharing Christ’s love. Our
offering will be taken on Palm Sunday, April 9, or may be submitted to the church office no later than April 13.
Make a difference!!
Moving Toward Our Future
Your Session is working diligently on addressing the needs of First Presby.
Personnel and Worship Comittees are working towards filling the Director of
Music position. Thank you to everyone who filled out a Music Survey earlier
this year. This information will be considered as they continue through this
process.
Session will soon begin gathering opinions, ideas, and information from the
congregation that will assist them as they develop the Church Information
Form (CIF) that is instrumental in the search for our next pastor. The CIF
contains the information that potential applicants review to weigh their
interest in the position and this church.
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Please remember Rick Jolley and his family in your prayers. Rick
recently moved to Golden Hills. You may send him a card there.
Golden Hills, 502 Friendship Street, New Castle, PA 16101.
Thank you, Don Rodgers for playing
the organ on Sunday mornings. We
appreciate that you’re sharing your
time and talent with FPC.
Thank you to John & Sharon Hodge &
Janet & Ed Krisuk for sharing their
photos and stories about their
travels to Russia during the March
26th luncheon following worship. It
was entertaining and informative.
April
Fun for Kids of ALL Ages
Our Eggscellent Easter Eggstravaganza will be held on Saturday April 8 from
9:00-11:00 A.M. There will be a pancake breakfast, crafts and an Easter Egg
hunt, and there will be a few new surprises! Come and bring your children,
your neighbor’s children, and grandchildren for the fun. Adults are
welcome with their children. Please RSVP by calling the church office (724652-7706) by April 5 for reservations and bring 1 dozen covered candy filled
plastic eggs for each child. Don’t forget their basket to fill with eggs!
Seniors -Save money on
Auto Insurance
The Recreation Center offers Seniors for Safe Driving for ages 55+ several
times a year. The next refresher course for those who have taken a senior
driving course before is Wednesday, April 19, 9 AM until 1 PM in The Recreation Center. A “first-timers” course will be on Wednesday and Friday, May
10 & 12, at 9 AM until 1 PM, you must attend both days. The insurance
discount is 5%, which is good for 3 years. To register, call the Seniors for
Safe Driving office at 1-800-559-4880. Leave a message with your phone
number and they will call you back. Cost of courses is $16 per person. Walkins are accepted if room allows. Questions, see Rec Center director Lisa
Rodgers, 724-652-8690.
Celebrate 100 Years
"If you walk in My ways, and
keep My commandments ...
then I will lengthen your days."
-I Kings 3: 14
Easter Sunday will be an extra
special day for First Presbyterian
this year as we also celebrate Martha
Shannon’s 100th BIRTHDAY! (Her
birthday is Good Friday, but we will
celebrate with her on Easter.)
How many people do you know that
reach this milestone? How many are
still active and serving in their
church? Martha participates in the
Recreation Center and attends Glory
Grille regularly assisting with the
clothes closet and providing iles to
all our guests.
We hope you will offer her a birthday greeting, bring her a birthday
card, or maybe even present her
with 100 of something that she will
enjoy...go ahead, be creative.
(Please don’t tell Martha you saw
this here. We want to surprise her.)
Lenten Services &
Activities
The following services/ events are
scheduled during April.
Eggscellent Easter Eggstravaganza
April 8 at 9 AM
See above for details
Communion on Palm Sunday-April 9
Maundy Thursday- April 13 at 7 PM
at Shenango Presbyterian
Good Friday- April 14 at Noon
at FPC
Easter- April 16
He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
Nursery Assistance
Needed
We need volunteers to work in the
church nursery on Sunday mornings.
If you are willing to serve or would
like more information, please call the
church office (724-652-7706). PLAYING WITH KIDS IS FUN!
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Harry Earl
Linda Barletto
Marcia McKee
Wendy Hutchison
Jada Hines
Martha Shannon
Kelly Bailey Sample
Darlene Cubellis
Bill Selby
James Kunselman
Eric Tinstman
Cindy Bailey
Krista Berkley
Amy Howells
Karlyn Gunther
Rolf Berner
LAST Community
Lenten Luncheon
of 2017
This year Shenango Presbyterian is
hosting Soup and Scripture on
Wednesdays at 12:15 during Lent.
Make plans and attend the final
lunch on April 5th to enjoy Pastor
Rick Vogeley’s message.
Game Night
Fun
Be sure to join us for Game Night,
Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 PM. Put it
on your calendar. It’s a BLAST!!
Coming April 23rd
We hope you will join us for a Soup &
Sandwich Lunch following worship
on April 23. You are asked to bring a
pot of soup or a salad to share.
Dessert will be provided.
(A sign up sheet will be in Galbreath
Hall soon. We want to be sure there
are a variety of soups for all.)
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His Light in the City
First Presbyterian Church
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
NEW CASTLE, PA
PERMIT 21
125 North Jefferson Street
New Castle, PA 16101
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
www.firstpresby-newcastle.org
APRIL 2017
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