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April 01, 2008
April Newsletter
Pastor's Pen
“All Pilgrims Go through this Valley”
by Pastor Ron Green
During his time on earth, Jesus went through the valley of the shadow of death. That's never something to relish. But it’s comforting to know Jesus walked that same lonesome valley. I like what the apostle who wrote the Book of Hebrews commented: "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering." (2:10) Whatever valley you are going through, Jesus suffered more. He paid the price to be the Captain of our salvation.
Though Jesus traveled this valley floor with such finesse, the real question considered here is how well will you and I will face that same valley. In answer of this question, I've provided this exciting account, which John Bunyan gives in Pilgrim's Progress describing the traveling of the main character, "Christian,” through this dreaded valley. If you read on you'll find a great description of what he experiences and learn from him several pointers on traveling this desolate, forsaken valley.
As Christian approaches the shadow of death, he comes upon two men retreating because they found the dangers too great to face. Christian asks them what they saw. They reply "Hobgoblins, Satyrs and Dragons of the pit. We also heard in the valley a continual howling and yelling as of people under unutterable misery sitting there in affliction and irons. Over that valley hangs the discouraging clouds of confusion, and death also spreads his wings over it. In a word, it's completely dreadful, being utterly without order."
Then Christians said, '"In site of what you've said, I still see this as my path to the desired refuge.'
So they departed and Christian went on his way with sword drawn.
Writes Bunyan, "I saw then in my dream that a very deep ditch lay on the right hand for the full length of the valley. It is the ditch into which the blind have led the blind throughout the ages and where both have miserably perished. Also, on the left hand was a very dangerous quagmire into which, if a good man falls, he finds no bottom for his foot to stand on. This is the quagmire into which King David once fell and in which he would have been smothered if He who is able had not pulled him out. "
The pathway was also extremely narrow here. Good Christian therefore, was seriously challenged, for when he sought in the dark to avoid the ditch on one hand, he was close to tripping over into the mire on the other. Also, when he sought to escape the mire, without great care he would be ready to fall into the ditch. He went on like this, and I heard him sigh bitterly for beside the dangers mentioned above, the pathway was so dark here that often, when he lifted up his foot to go forward. He did not know where or upon what he would set it down next.
Christian said, "I perceived the Mouth of Hell to be about in the middle of this valley, and it also stood close to the side of the Path."
'"Now," thought Christian, "What shall I do?"
Again and again the flame and smoke would come out of it in such abundance and with sparks and hideous noises--things not able to be moved by Christian's Sword...that he was forced to put up his Sword and resort to take up another weapon called All-Prayer
I hear Christian cry out, "O Lord, save me!"
He went on like this for a great while, but the flames were still reaching toward him. He heard threatening voices and rushing about, so that sometimes he thought he would be torn in pieces or trodden down like mud in the roads. For several miles altogether he saw these frightening sights and heard these dreadful noises; and coming to a place where he thought he heard a gang of fiends coming toward him, he stopped and began to consider what would be the best thing to do. Sometimes he had half a mind to go back; then he thought again that he might be halfway through the valley. Also, he remembered how he had already vanquished many a danger and that the risk of going back might be much more than going forwards. So he resolved to go on, yet the fiends seemed to come nearer and nearer.
When they almost reached him, Christian cried out with a most earnest voice, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God." So they backed off and came no farther.
[Says Bunyan,] One thing I would not forget to tell: I took notice that how poor Christian was so confounded that he did not know his own voice, and this is how I observed it: Just when he had come close to the mouth of the burning pit, one of the Wicked Ones got beyond him, stepping up softly to him and whispering suggestions of deplorable blasphemies to him. He actually thought these had originated in his own mind. To think that he should now blaspheme the one he loved so much before challenged Christian more than anything he had met with. Yet, if he could have helped it, he would not have done it; but he did not have the freedom to either stop his ears or to know where the blasphemies came from.
After Christian had traveled in this sad condition for a considerable time, he thought he heard the voice of a man as if he were going before him, saying "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."
Then he was glad, and these are the reasons: First--because he gathered by it that others who feared God were in this valley as well as himself. Secondly--he perceived God was with them even in that dark and dismal condition. "And why wouldn't he be with me?" he thought, "Even though I can't feel it because of the hindrances associated with this place." Thirdly--if he could catch up with them he hoped to eventually have fellowship with them.
In time the Day broke, much to Christian's relief.
Worship Information
Sunday, April 6th Sermon: Series: “Psalms of Comfort”
# 1 “Escape from Trouble”
Psalm 34
Sunday, April 13th Sermon: Series: “Psalms of Comfort”
# 2 “Escape from Loneliness”
Psalm 42
Sunday, April 20th Sermon: Series: “Psalms of Comfort”
# 3 “Escape from Vulnerability”
Psalm 46
Sunday, April 27th Sermon: Series: “Psalms of Comfort”
# 4 “Escape from Betrayal”
Psalm 55
Sunday, May 4th Sermon: Series: “Psalms of Comfort”
# 5 “Escape from Frailty”
Psalm 91
Sunday, May 11th Sermon: Series: “Psalms of Comfort”
# 6 “Escape from Offensive Behavior”
Psalm 139
Clerk's Corner
I wish to thank Elder Jane Stewart for taking over my duties while I relaxed in the Florida sunshine; it was 86 degrees in the Keys shortly before Josephine and I returned to the frigidities of the West Lafayette climate.
At its February 5, 2008 meeting the Session was informed about the pending replacement of the front doors, the operation of the Kids’ Club, and the reestablishment of the Communications Committee. Margaret Rogler asked to be relieved of her duties of counting the loose change in the collection plates after each worship service. A note of appreciation for her many years of devotion to this task was sent by the Session. Elder Dennis Dunn will take over the counting operation.
The wedding of Kathleen Li and Roger Taulman took place on March 6, 2008. By invitation Reverend Stuart Robertson assisted Reverend Ronald Green in officiating at this service.
At its March 11, 2008 meeting Elder Don Gentry, in his capacity as Chairman, reported on the activities of the Pastoral Nominating Committee; details are provided elsewhere in this Newsletter. The Session voted to extend the contract of Pastor Green for a second year, to take effect on May 20, 2008. A clause is attached that permits termination of the contract with a sixty-day notice if a permanent pastor is called to Faith Church before the expiration of the contract extension. Elders David McKinnis, Hannis Thompson, and Grieke Toebes will represent the Session of Faith Church at Presbytery meetings. It was agreed to continue Sunday school operations over the summer months.
Vicky Kennell has kindly consented to assume the duties of Church Librarian to enable Barbara Knox to concentrate her efforts on other church activities.
Elder Steve Varys and Lou Ann Johnston were nominated to serve as Session representatives on the standing 2008 Nominating Committee; a representative from the Board of Deacons is yet to be chosen.
Jurgen Honig, Clerk of Session
Did You Know???
This makes it two columns in a row which means either it's a harmless addition to the newsletter or no one's noticed it yet. Either way, there are some things you no doubt do not know.
• You've probably seen the announcements in the Sunday bulletin about the Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Study. We're studying Esther; we're meeting at the church at 9:30 am on Tuesday (somewhat redundantly) and you're welcome to join us. We're working desperately to start and finish (at 10:30) on time, just so you know.
• Charlie Short has been appointed 25C district governor of Lion's International. (Charles is rather clever so don't try any puns on him.)
• If you haven't already seen them, take a look at the paintings in Pastor Ron's and Stephanie's offices. All but one have been created by Jo Honig and they're quite stunning. The exception is the one on what Stephanie and I think is the east wall of her office — that is also a beautiful painting from Ed Kirsch.
• Another artist in our midst is Becky Chapman, and we hope to have one of her watercolors hanging up soon.
• Good Friday services will be held at St. John's Episcopal church at 12:10 pm on March 22.
• Let's keep Donna Lofgren (surgery), Janis Matouk (chemotherapy) and Amy Dale (Parkinson's) in our thoughts and prayers this month.
• Two writers among us have published new books. Bert Chapman's is entitled Space Warfare and Defense: A Historical Encyclopedia and Research Guide, published by ABC-Clio. More information at: www.abc-clio.com/
Michael Bergmann also has a new tome: Justification without Awareness: A Defense of Epistemic Externalism (Oxford University Press, 2006). Your correspondent asked Mike to write a few lines about his topic, and this is (some of, thanks Mike!) what he wrote:
“A question interesting to many Christians is whether their religious beliefs are rational or (as many atheistic objectors would say) irrational. A common assumption is that religious beliefs are rational only if religious believers can produce sufficiently strong reasons or evidence or arguments for belief in God or the Bible. If they can, the beliefs are rational; otherwise not. But is that common assumption right? Is it true that religious beliefs can be rational only if religious believers can provide that sort of evidence to satisfy the objectors? One way to address these questions about that assumption is to take a step back and ask more general questions such as: What makes any belief rational? Is there any belief that can be rational if the person holding it can't produce evidence or arguments to convince those who doubt it? My book is focused not on the religious questions but on these more general questions.”
I’m sure you’ll have questions for both of these young men, so be sure to ask them directly. Your correspondent hasn’t finished reading either one of the books as yet.
Your correspondent,
N. Dunn
Summer Sunday School
The school year is rapidly approaching an end and with it comes the end of traditional Sunday School for our children. Their teachers will be taking a well-deserved break. Our adult classes are going well and some will continue through the summer. So that our parents may attend Sunday School, we would like to have a multi-age Sunday School for the summer months. A simple program of stories, songs, and fun will be the order of the day. Sign up for adult leaders will be posted in
the fellowship hall.
Vacation Bible School
Don't forget Bible school. We need many hands to have a successful program. We need many skills including teachers, helpers, crafters, organizers, cookie ladies, and prayers. Please see Lou Ann Johnston if you can help in this important outreach to our children and community.
Pastor Nominating Committee
The Pastor Nominating Committee, PNC, has been busy reviewing resumes, talking to prospective Pastor candidates, and reviewing materials and sermons from a select number of candidates. We have met almost once per week since we were elected. To date the committee has reviewed 32 candidates; 22 referrals from the PCUSA network, 5 who were nominated from members in our congregation, and 5 self-referral candidates. Due to the time that all materials are received from a specific candidate, the committee is further along in reviewing a few candidates then others. At this point, the committee has a short list of candidates that they expect to continue to review in the prescribed procedure of the Presbytery. All candidates that are on the short list will be reviewed and/or interviewed by the Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery before the committee can arrange to hear the person preach. The committee expects to hold interviews and listen to a sermon in a neutral church in the next few weeks for two or three final candidates.
The process is extensive but the committee feels they are making great progress and would expect to have a final candidate for nomination to the congregation in the near future. I want to thank all of the committee members; it is a dedicated and hard working group, and the congregation for your support and prayers for a successful process to call a new Pastor for Faith Church.
Don Gentry, Chair of the PNC
Thank You
I want to thank the people at Faith for the wonderful support Helen and I received at the time of my surgery and recovery. Your visits, flowers, food, cards, telephone calls, and above all, your prayers made this experience a very special one, and showed me again that you were truly God’s heart, hands, and feet to us.
Grieke
Morning Prayers at Faith Church Book
This book is available at Faith Church for $5.
We are indebted to Dennis Dunn for making this possible. Thanks much!
Birthdays
April 1 Ian Wark
April 5 David Stith
April 7 Katie Dale
April 7 Tristan Lynn
April 9 David Sparks
April 12 David Landgrebe
April 13 Robert Dale
April 13 Donna Lofgren
April 18 Travis Dale
April 23 Brandon Bosler
April 29 Liz Evers
April 30 Camille Townsend
April 30 Oliver Janovitz
Anniversaries
April 3 Ward & Camille Hanson
April 17 James & Marti McIntyre
April 23 Thomas & Peggy Housley
Community Worship Services
• Sun., April 6 St. Mary’s Healthcare 2:30pm
• Sun., April 13 Tippecanoe Villa 1:30pm
• Sun., April 13 Friendship House 3:00pm
No Davis Manor
• Sun., April 27 Rosewalk Commons 2:30pm
The Deacons invite you to become a part of this ministry
Schedule Information
For those wishing to visit with Pastor Green his office hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 10:15am – 2:30 pm (lunch 12:30pm – 1:00pm), Wednesday 8:30am – 1:00pm, and Friday 10:15am – 1:00pm or by appointment.
Worship With Us
We invite you to join in the worship of God each Sunday morning at 9:30am and each Wednesday morning at 7:00am. 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, Pastor Green or call the church office at 743-3683.
Posted by faithpres at April 1, 2008 10:58 AM