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August 01, 2005
August Newsletter
Pastor’s Pen
Greetings from “sunny” south Florida, as it is sometimes called. We had no idea when we planned this annual pilgrimage to see aging mothers and get a little time by ourselves in an idyllic setting of sun, surf, and seafood that we were entering the lair of Hurricane Dennis. Very dark skies and torrential rains welcomed us as we neared Ft. Myers. The car got a good rinsing. Such driving conditions tend to slow the progress a tad. Word on the radio told us about our final destination about to get clobbered.
I thought of the words from the Book of Esther, “Who knows but you came to the kingdom for such a time as this.” Mordecai says this to his cousin/niece as she is a candidate for queen of Persia. A mortal enemy of the Jews was in the process of planning a holocaust. She won the contest and the Lord used her to spare His people.
I could just see us scrambling amidst wreckage, pulling out folk, rescuing their little dogs and cats (sorry about the goldfish), and Bonnie with her nursing skills saving some peoples’ lives. Hopefully it will turn out a bit less dramatically. Last night’s high winds and massive rains wimped out on us. Nature’s firework’s show here was actually a bit of rain and a good breeze.
August will offer a new wrinkle for me. I’ve always been very spry and active and will be forced to cope with an interlude as my knees learn to work with bionic apparatus installed. Gone are the days of blithely walking through the airport security sensor once my belt and shoes were off. “Sorry to set off your alarm, folks, but inside the zipper on my knees is the reason.” I’m told they don’t believe such nonsense, and instantly place folk who set off the alarm in a holding area and bring the CIA and FBI in to apprehend these white-haired, limping, antiquated would-be terrorists with their canes that they just know are hiding bazookas!
August is like January as far as the church year is concerned. Schools are about to resume and there is a general surge of life in town. I look forward to the new year at Faith. Being away I think many things. Attending other churches gives me a new perspective on Faith Church—which hasn’t nearly the severity of kinds of problems that are routine in many places. In a land where we have it so good, why do folk insist on being miserable?
I’m reading a marvelous book by an Eastern Orthodox theologian, but when I think about the church I think very “untheological,” simplistic things like, “Why don’t those who say ‘Jesus is Lord’ just treat each other as though they’re sitting around with Him under a tree, listening to Him?” They’d hear Jesus say at the end of a day of walking between Cana and Jotapata nothing theological about the operations of Divine grace, or how the Divine decrees anticipated everything that would happen in history, or how justification works in light of eternity, or just how the Holy Spirit is going to come on them after He ascends to the Father, or whether He liked it better, looking down the road, if Presbyterians would do things decently and in order or if they got a bit untidy at times. Jesus had overheard all the conversation the disciples were whispering, including the grumpy things this or that one was saying.
Probably what Jesus talked about was more like this: ‘Guys, shape up a bit. You know why you couldn’t heal that man’s child? You prayed and all that, but my goodness, you’re too grumpy. How can God answer prayers from grumpy people? Grumps annoy God. Love each other as I have loved you these past three years. Peter, let up on your criticizing Thomas over there. He’s more reserved than you are. And you, John, be patient with Thaddeus when he forgets things. And you, Bartholomew, why are you so irritable when James snores at night? And, for goodness sake, Andrew, quit being so picky about the importance of a carefully planned schedule. For the sake of goodness you’ve all got to let up a bit! Get a life, man’ Hey, wasn’t that a great dinner we had at Mary and Martha’s last Passover season? Mary is actually pretty good in the kitchen, isn’t she, and I think Martha is starting to notice.”
And thus Jesus nipped in the bud the human wranglings that could have made of His band of twelve a nasty little society. After all Church history depended on their getting along. Else there would be no Church. After all, no sure place to stay at night; no promise of a good dinner at the end of the day. Jesus must have got a bit annoying in His planning ahead when, as they were all hungry as bears, He reminded them how God feeds the birds and provides a place to sleep for foxes, and how beautifully He clothes the lilies of the field. “Get practical, Jesus,” they must have wanted to scream from time to time.
Happy New Year. Blessings from “sunny” Florida. Ugh!
Pastor Stuart D. Robertson
Worship Information
August 7: “One Word that Divided the Church”
II Kings 2: 5 - 11
John 20: 19 - 23
August 14: “How do we “worship & glorify” God?”
Psalm 34: 1 - 3
John 15: 1 - 8
August 21: Mission Sunday
August 28: “The Holy Spirit & the Prophets of Old”
Jeremiah 14: 11 - 16
II Peter 1: 16 -21
Clerk’s Corner
The Congregation is greatly indebted to the many individuals who collaborated in the planting of 100 Norwegian spruce trees along the West and Northwest edges of the Church property: Hannis and Fran Thompson, John Baker, Dorothy and Graham Bethel, Bob and Amy Dale, Carol Graefnitz, Carolyn Kessler, Mickey Latour, Jerry Matthews, and Don Winship. For many years to come we will all benefit from this beautification project. Thanks are also due to Fran Thompson and Dorothy Bethel who faithfully attend to the needs of the Sunday communion services, by providing the bread, filling the cups with wine or grape juice, and, with the help of volunteers, undertaking the extensive cleanup operations. A series of Bible-based money management seminars, led by Melissa Archer, is scheduled for Wednesday evenings August 10, 17, 24 in Memorial Fellowship Hall at 6 PM. A light supper will be provided for participants; childcare is also available at no cost. More information is presented in an article in the current Newsletter and in a letter sent out previously by Pastor Robertson. Please inform Stephanie Cardwell at 743-3683 if you are planning to attend. Pastor Robertson is scheduled to undergo knee surgery on an outpatient basis on July 21. He anticipates a recuperation period of approximately two weeks at his home and tentatively plans to resume officiating at Sunday morning worship services on August 7. Prayers for a successful operation and for his rapid recovery would be greatly appreciated. The next Session meeting is scheduled for August 2 at 7:00 PM in the Church Library. Sunday school for the fall semester resumes August 14. Three classes offered for children will be taught by Lou Ann Johnston, Amber Latour, SueAnne Bergmann, Mike Lockwood, and Jane Stewart. Two adult Bible study classes will be led by Glenn Sparks and Mark Johnson. A new beginners' class in Greek minus 101, New Testament Greek, will be offered by Jurgen Honig for anyone interested in learning to read the New Testament in its original formulation. J.M. Honig, Clerk of Session
The Theological College of Central Africa (TCCA)
The Theological College of Central Africa, established by the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia in 1982, is a training centre for those wanting to enter full-time Christian service. TCCA is fully accredited with the Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), and is recognized by Zambia's Ministry of Education for Teacher Training in Religious Education. Both a three-year Diploma of Theology and a four-year Bachelor of Theology degree are offered with majors in Pastoral Ministry, Education and Missions. Eighty percent of TCCA's 164 living graduates are currently in full-time ministry in both urban and rural settings. Another ten percent are either homemakers or pursuing further studies.
Our ties to TCCA have been strengthened in many ways. We support TCCA faculty members Rich and Kathy Stuebing who have long standing friendships with members in our congregation and Pastor Robertson. We support TCCA through a lecturer's fund to support visiting lecturers and a discressionary fund used by Principal Joe Simfukwe to assist TCCA students who are in need.
In recent years, the congregation made it possible for Pastor Robertson to teach at TCCA one summer. On multiple occasions, we have been blessed to hear the Steubings and Joe Simfukwe speak in our worship service.
There are several concerns that merit your prayer and consideration.
* In recent months, inflation (in terms of dollars, not just local currency) has become a challenge due to both a weak dollar and high oil prices.
* In May, Kathy Steubing's mother passed away after a period of declining health. Rich and Kathy were blessed to be able to be with Kathy's mother in her final hours, holding hands and singing favorite hymns with her.
* Rich has been asked by TCCA to prepare for re-accreditation in 2006. Pray for energy, strength, as well as success as he adds this to his existing duties.
* Rich and Kathy have no immediate plans to retire, but this will depend upon health, ongoing support, and the well being of family members in the U.S. Mark Johnson
Mission Update
Greg and Faith Hurst are missionaries with SIM, working in La Paz, Bolivia. They have their three daughters with them -- Kayla, Hannah and Mariah.
One of their primary projects is The Highlands International School, a Christian, English-speaking school with over 60 children enrolled. It provides a quality education for the children of missionaries who come to La Paz to work. The lack of a good school was a major obstacle in attracting missionaries. The school is also raising Bolivians to act as missionaries in Bolivia and elsewhere in the world.
In addition to the school, Greg and Faith are involved with an economic development ministry in La Paz. They try to build up small industries that pay the Bolivian laborers fair wages, produce quality products for export and provide profits that go back into supporting the ministries.
One such project is working to export locally produced sweaters to the United States. Another project is to help an existing coffee business called Cafe Yungas (www.cafeyungas.org) to establish and grow an export market in the US.
In addition to the major projects, the Hurst family produced a short video specifically for us to use during our Vacation Bible School this summer. It was a big hit with the kids and helped show them how even young children like themselves can help spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
However, recent political turmoil in Bolivia has made it difficult for the Hursts to carry on their work. Strikes and blockades have limited the availability of fuel, made travel within the country difficult and forced the early closure of the Highlands International School for the summer. It also threatened to interfere with a planned family trip back to the US. After some delays they were fortunate enough to get a flight back.
Please remember the entire Hurst family as they do Gods work in Bolivia. Dan Trinkle
Sunday Evening Bible Study
The Sunday Evening Bible Study will begin its fall session on August 21, 6:30PM at the Moore’s. We will study Isaiah 40-55. All are welcome.
We begin with light refreshments and a time of sharing and prayer, then Bible study. The purpose of the study is old-fashioned: to read the text carefully and discuss what it means. We end promptly at 8PM. For more information or directions, please contact Nancy Moore, 583-4583.
Wabash River Cycle Club Century & Family Ride
The Wabash River Cycle Club invites you to join in the FUN of their Annual Century and Family Ride on Saturday, August 27, 2005. This event has something for everyone. Families and youth groups will enjoy a 10 or 10+ mile bicycle route with a rest/food stop mid-way, called a SAG stop. After the ride they will enjoy carnival games, popcorn, snow cones and more back at Harrison High School. Family Ride will start at noon from Harrison High School. Other riders may ride one or more of several routes to total 30, 60 or 100 miles; riding 100 miles is called a Century! Each of these routes will have rural scenery, country roads, and SAG stops; and upon return to the home base at Harrison High School riders may join in snacks and entertainment. The longer route riders should plan to depart between 7:00am and noon. Registration Fees: $15 individual ($20 after 8/7/05) 7:00am – noon at Harrison High School. T-shirts are $12 when pre-registering ($15 day of event.) For more information contact Lonni Kucik at 497-5696 or email ariel1@insightbb.com or www.wrcc-in.org.
Mission Fair
The annual Church Mission Fair will be celebrated on Sunday, August 21. Representatives from missions supported by the church will be attending with exhibits. They will be delighted to talk with you and answer any questions.
Following the mission fair will be our…
1st PERHAPS ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL PITCH-IN
Please join us for lunch after the Mission Fair. We encourage you to bring an International/Ethnic dish or a familiar family favorite dish to share. (Peanut butter sandwiches anyone?) Put a small note on your dish to tell us the origin of the delectable item. (Bora Bora or Pennsylvania). You could also share the recipe if you care to. Table service and beverage will be provided. Jan Hem
Women's Bible Study
Women's Bible Study will meet again on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM beginning September 6.
Please feel welcome to join us. Children can come too! Contact Deb Johnson for more information at 477-6569.
Inquirer’s Classes
The next Inquirer’s Classes (a two-week series) will be offered at 7pm on Sunday Sept 11 and on Sunday Sept 18. These classes are for anyone interested in learning about the ministry and teachings of Faith Presbyterian Church. This includes those who want to become members as well as those who aren’t sure they want to become members but who would like to find out more about our church. Please contact Michael Bergmann, Glenn Sparks, or the church office if you’re interested.
FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School classes for all ages will be starting up again on August 14. The teachers are:
Lou Ann Johnston and Amber Latour: pre-K through 1st grade
SueAnne Bergmann: 2nd grade through 5th grade
Mike Lockwood and Jane Stewart: 6th grade through 12th grade
There will be two adult classes studying the Bible, one taught by Glenn Sparks and the other taught by Mark Johnson. Jurgen Honig will be teaching New Testament Greek again; he is going to be starting at the beginning so newcomers to Greek should feel free to join his group.
Fabulous VBS Week
It was a wonderful week with 51 children and 66 super volunteers. We gathered together each morning to celebrate that “He’s got the Whole World in His Hands” and wants us to tell everyone the good news about Jesus.
Some highlights include: painting footprints on a 24 ft. sail and photos with the “Good News” sailboat; making salvation bracelets; learning great songs and Bible stories; eating Paul and Silas jail cupcakes; playing fun games; and excitedly reciting scripture verses. We also had a meaningful closing program with each class sharing.
God used VBS to plant seeds of spiritual truth in the lives of children and volunteers. Thank you for your prayers, your time, your suggestions, your children and their friends, your food, and your financial resources. We give thanks to God for a fabulous week!
Deb Johnson and Alice Landolt
Bible-Based Money Management
By now you should have received two mailings regarding an upcoming seminar on money management. The seminar will be held at the church on three consecutive Wednesday nights beginning August 10th. The start time will be 6:00pm, and will include dinner. The cost of the seminar is $39.95 per workbook. Sharing a workbook with your significant other is perfectly fine. The seminar covers a wide array of topics. It is designed to help you raise questions about various aspects of your financial planning, and explain the impact of significant financial tools on most people's finances. Topics covered range from college planning for your brand new infant, to estate planning for those who may already be retired. I am sure that all who attend will gain insight to at least one more aspect of their finances that they can focus on to improve their overall plan. Don't let the fee be a hindrance to your attending. The church's goal is to impart information, not make money. If you have friends or relatives who would benefit from attending, please share this information with them. Please call Stephanie at the church (743-3684) to make reservations, or call Jim (463-0145) regarding any questions you may have. The committee looks forward to sponsoring this seminar, and prays that all our membership and extended families gain valuable tools from attending this program. Jim Powell, Evangelism Committee
Coming soon to a Pew near You
In August, Faith Church will introduce two new items to its worship service. The first is the supplemental songbook. For years, we have sung hymns, some traditional and others praise songs that have been printed in the church bulletin. Thanks to Grieke Toebes and her Worship and Music subcommittee, those favorites have been compiled into two supplemental songbooks. The first featured Christmas music and was introduced during the past Advent season. The second is about ready and will soon appear in the pews along with our regular hymnbook.
The fall hymn sings are scheduled for August 14, 21, and 28 and will feature songs from these new songbooks. You will have the opportunity to select one of your favorites to sing during our Sunday morning worship. On those three mornings, we invite you to come to Faith at 9:20 to raise your voices to the Lord in song. We will conclude the hymn sings at 9:30 in order to begin the regular worship service on time.
For the youngsters among us, there will soon be special “Kiddie Bags” available during the worship services. Kathleen Kirsch has once again been at work at her sewing machine and has made beautiful bags for our children to use. Each bag will contain a clipboard, crayons, a pencil, Bible storybooks, and some worksheets to complete. Once Pastor Robertson returns to the pulpit, he will guide our “young folk” on how they might illustrate his sermons. Parents, we hope this will be of help to you and your children. If you have any other suggestions of what to include in these “Kiddie Bags,” please see Carol Goodrich. Worship and Music Committee
Thank You
Many thanks to the following people who ushered and helped with the collections during June and July:
Mark, Deb, Everett & Anna Johnson, Donna Lofgren, Pat Short, Lonni & Dave Kucik, Martha & Bruce Hall, Kris & David Stith, David Landgrebe, Tom Van Horn, Don & Carol Gentry, Jim & Dorothy Bethel, Terry & Jane Stewart, Jackie Stewart, Jerry & Emily Matthews, Yancy & Laura Wilcoxson, Charley & Jan Mather, Barbara Wiggs, Carolyn Kessler, Ken & Lois Wark, Dennis & Nancy Dunn, Andrei & Svetlana Kirilenko, and Amy & Leah Sameh.
Community Worship Services
• Sun., Aug. 7 St. Mary Healthcare 2:30pm • Sun., Aug. 14 Tippecanoe Villa 1:30pm • Sun., Aug. 21 No Davis Manor 3:00pm • Sun., Aug. 28 Friendship House 3:00pm The Deacons invite you to become a part of this ministry
Schedule Information
You can contact Pastor Robertson by calling the office, 743-3683, on Wednesday mornings 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pastor Robertson's day off is Monday. Outside of office hours please feel free to call Pastor Robertson at home at 497-2162.
Worship With Us
We invite you to join in the wor-ship of God each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. We also invite you to partici-pate in the prayers, fellowship, work and activities of this church.
For more information about this opportunity to be involved at Faith Presbyterian Church, please call or talk to any member of Session, Pastor Robertson or call the church office,
743-3683.
Birthdays
Anniversaries
August 1 Tegan Hunter August 3 Stan & Jan Hem
August 6 John Mason August 6 Bob & Necia Ketterman
August 9 Donald Winship August 12 Jurgen & Jo Honig
August 10 Everett Johnson August 12 Hannis & Fran Thompson
August 10 Anna Johnson
August 11 Julia Berends
August 13 Josephine Grace Parker
August 15 Miranda Bosler
August 17 Alexander Cartwright
August 17 Ann Freeman
August 18 Cressida Hanson
August 18 William Meriwether
August 18 Mayim Stith
August 21 Glenn Sparks
August 23 Andy Kirby
August 25 Luke Jacobus
August 29 Alyssa Bingle
Ten guidelines for dealing with people
1. Learn to remember names. A person’s name is very important to him or her.
2. Be a comfortable person so there is no strain in being around you.
3. Learn to be easygoing so things won’t bother you.
4. Don’t be egotistical; don’t give the impression that you know it all.
5. Learn to be interesting so people will want to be with you and get something stimulating from you.
6. Get the “scratchy” elements out of your personality.
7. Drain off your grievances. Honestly try to heal every misunderstanding you have.
8. Work at liking people until you learn to do so naturally. Sure, everyone has faults; overlook them.
9. Never miss a chance to say “congratulations” or to give support at a difficult time.
10. Develop spiritual depth in yourself so you have something to pass on to the people you know. Learn how to share this strength with others.
Norman Vincent Peale
Faith Presbyterian Church, 3318 State Road 26 West, West Lafayette, IN 47906 (765) 743-3683
An answering machine is available. Email: office@faithpresbyterian.org Home Page: www.faithpresbyterian.org
Stuart D. Robertson, Pastor Ralph Smith, Parish Associate Stephanie Cardwell, Admin. Asst.
Ordinarily submit articles to the church office by noon on the last Friday before the last Monday of every month except when deadlines are announced.
You are welcome to worship with us at 9:30 am each Sunday and 7:00 am each Wednesday.
Posted by faithpres at August 1, 2005 11:39 AM