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June 01, 2007
June Newsletter
Pastor's Pen
This last Sunday in some introductory remarks given at a welcoming reception I mentioned that someone wisely compared the church to a train in that while people get on and get off at different stops: the train keeps on going. This month, Reverend Robertson got off after over 21 years of dedicated service. Before him this congregation was favored by another scholar pastor, Reverend Scotti Old. It is true, pastors do come and go. As Pastor Stuart leaves we continue in our prayers for him and his family, but, to be certain, around here-- the train keeps moving on and--Jesus Christ, not the current pastor, remains on board in charge of our direction and operation.
To be clear about what has happened, however, we must recognize that your last two pastors did not just get on the train for r and r and then depart at another stop. No, while under our employ, they labored intensely to make this place a more devoted Christ-honoring church.
Perhaps most of you have heard the phrase "We stand on the shoulders of giants". Not only is it the striking picture of a neophyte entering the new scene only to immediately increase his stature by being vaulted on to the back of a person perhaps even seven feet tall. To be lifted so has some obvious advantages, those of increased perspective and clarity. Yet this image goes on to aid our spiritual understanding as well, reminding us that each pastor does not start his ministry here at ground zero--instead he picks up where others have left off. Perhaps it is not an exaggeration for me to guess that for both of those two, there were times in their ministry that they believed their lives were at stake in the decisions they were faced with. They put their flesh into this effort.
This phrase about "standing on shoulders" has been meaningful to me because I have the advantage of an extensive library. In my study I have 1000's of resources to rely upon as previous generations of scholars have left me a plethora of exegetical and theological analysis of each and every chapter in the Bible. This they did and more. Being thankful for their efforts, I sometimes comment that my best friends are already dead. I say this partly as a joke, but the truth is I am greatly indebted to scholars whose work makes my comments often sound brilliant. Without them I would be mostly speechless.
In the same way you members and friends of Faith Church move on now, standing on the shoulders of your previous pastors. You have the advantage of already being stretched spiritually, moving in the direction they encouraged.
Here's what I'm driving at: while there is sadness that Pastor Stuart has left, we need to appreciate that our work ahead continues on not from a perspective of weakness, but from a position of STRENGTH. We move on for the days ahead standing on the shoulders of the giants.
Often I have admired the words and ministry of Jonathan Edwards. He was born into a family of prominent Congregational ministers in East Windsor in 1703 and is widely acknowledged to be America's most important and original philosophical theologian. Once in his "Resolves" he wrote that he continually endeavored and admonished himself that if there were to be just one person from East Windsor that should be saved eternally, that he would live in such a way that THAT ONE PERSON would be he, himself. Not a bad resolution. Perhaps we can resolve as much--going forth together in strength, standing tall! Pastor Ron
Pastor Green Likes to Visit
Dear Friends,
I want you to know from the outset I hope to visit each one of you in your
homes or out for coffee if a home visit is not a good idea. This means you
will be hearing from me sooner or later. You can help facilitate my visit to
your house by just calling and setting a time. This will help me know when
you are available. It will also be helpful for those who have something in particular on your mind you want to discuss with me.
See you soon! Pastor Ron
Clerk's Corner
The Congregation welcomes The Reverend Ronald M. Green as Interim Pastor to Faith Presbyterian Church. He was previously serving in the same capacity in the Memphis, Tennessee area. He has taken up residence at 214 East Pine Lane, West Lafayette, Tel. 765-409-6619. His startup date was Sunday, May 20, 2007; a reception in his honor was held that evening in Memorial Fellowship Hall. He will start his official duties by presiding at the Pentecost Sunday service. It would be very helpful if all of us would resume the custom of wearing our name tags on Sunday mornings.
Vacation Bible School this year is scheduled for Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 22, 9:00am to noon. Lou Ann Johnston (583-0739) and Kathy Trinkle (463-1107) have volunteered to be in charge. They would appreciate any assistance that members of the Congregation are willing to provide.
We are greatly indebted to Deacons Frances Thompson, Dorothy Bethel, and Ann Freeman for their efforts in baking the bread and for preparing the cups that are used in the Communion services, as well as for cleaning up after Communion.
Pastor Emeritus Robertson will be officially recognized at a meeting of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley at Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, IN, on Saturday, September 22, 2007. The Congregation is invited to be present at this event.
The Congregation is indebted to Pastor and Mrs. Robertson for donating their chalice and communion tray for use at communion during Wednesday morning prayer services.
The photo directory of our Congregation is in the final stages of preparation and should be released shortly.
The Session has not scheduled a meeting in May 2007. The next meeting is to be held on June 12, 2007.
Jurgen Honig
Clerk of Session
Mitford Tea Awaits!
Even if you don’t care for tea, the cookies and sandwiches are great. And the entertainment is top-notch!
If you haven’t signed up for our annual Mitford Tea on June 3, do it no in the narthex. Don’t forget your hat.
Questions? Nancy Dunn 463-1696
Boy Scout Troop 338 Annual Garage Sale
The Boy Scouts will be holding their annual garage sale on Saturday, June 16 from 8:00am – 2:00pm at Faith Church in Memorial Hall. This sale is to raise money for their summer High Adventure Trip. Donation are welcome! Any questions, please contact Sue Lambert at 426-4867
Birthday's
June 1 Barbara Dale
June 1 Rebecca Destefano
June 4 Kathleen Kirsch
June 6 James McIntyre
June 7 Mary Lou Varys
June 11 Christopher Van Tuinen
June 12 Hans-Martin Hess
June 12 Debbie Fleetham
June 15 Grieke Toebes
June 17 Nathaniel Kuhn
June 18 Kathy Dale
June 21 Jordan Sparks
June 23 Cheney Dale
June 24 Aaron Cummings
June 30 Ainslie Donkin
June 30 Rachel Moore
Anniversaries
June 7 David & Ann Landgrebe
June 12 William & Marilyn Hinze
June 28 Andy & Pam Kirby
Community Worship Services
• Sun., June 3 St. Mary’s Healthcare 2:30pm
• Sun., June 10 Tippecanoe Villa 1:30pm
• Sun., June 10 Friendship House 3:00pm
• No Davis Manor
• Sun., June 24 Rosewalk Commons 2:30pm
The Deacons invite you to become a part of
this ministry
Worship With Us
We invite you to join in the worship of God each Sunday morning at 9:30am. We also invite you to participate 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 or call the church office at 743-3683.
Posted by faithpres at June 1, 2007 12:32 PM