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May 01, 2008
May Newsletter
Pastor's Pen
“The Constancy of the Faith”
-Pastor Ron
As I write, Faith Church has just yesterday selected its new installed pastor, the Rev. David Horner. With the vote, there can be no doubt we are in a time of transition.
A year ago Stuart Robertson filled the pulpit. The excellence of his ministry with his gentleness, scholarship and meaningful prayers calls us all to thank God for his work. I remember the wedding he and I conducted as a time, which celebrated at the same time his ministry of the past, and mine as Interim in the present.
As time has rolled on, you were exposed to another model of pastoral ministry and leadership. You saw and heard how I preached, did pastoral care and aided in the ongoing work of our session. My task was, even before it began, to interpose myself between new and old to demonstrate how each pastor varies in style and word. Without being continually conscious of the yearlong process you turned from the past to the present.
During this time, I am not only aware of the transition, the ongoing changes, but realize an even more amazing matter, which has occurred. In spite of the transition I am very much aware of the constancy here, which has remained and acted as a ballast and anchor.
For example, we still have focused on the "great ends of the church": the preaching of the gospel, the nurture of the children of God, spiritual fellowship, worship, evangelism and mission. In spite of who is currently the pastor, our work is the same.
Certainly there has remained a constancy in our worship. To help clarify the basic nature of our faith, you gave me the opportunity to review with you 52 Christian core-values. I can't help but think these values were similar to the ones my predecessor related. But, it wasn't just the constancy of my efforts for when I preached, you listened. I am reminded how the Bereans were not like the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and [then] examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was
true (Acts 17.11). You have been like those Bereans! I will always remember your attentiveness to God's Word. Your attention has signaled to me that the telling and receiving of the gospel is an ongoing, stable matter, important not just for this year, but is as enduring as the stars and sky.
Other constancies have continued our momentum. They include our ongoing focus on local and international missions; we have continued to be a positive influence on our community, assisting locally to those whose needs came to our attention, through L.U.M. and in our prison ministry. We have not faltered in these efforts in spite of the transition. Instead they have "breathed a lovely light".
Sadly, many churches no longer offer educational opportunity. In those churches people "catch the show and go" after a short sixty minutes. Yet, our efforts in Christian education have provided grounding and stability: children have been placed in appropriate classes, teachers have volunteered and nursery workers have been hired. Similarly in the area of adult education we have offered a variety of ongoing classes. Currently four such classes are offered each Sunday morning so that about 35+ adults regularly benefit in our classrooms as we continue to offer the chance for dialoguing with other Christians in a small group setting.
Other areas include ongoing work leading worship for five retirement homes. Mark Johnson, Hannis and Stephanie have continued to record and store a record of our morning worship services and have provided technical support as needed. Building and Grounds have month after month made important changes to the appearance and functioning of our facility: with new doors, new carpets, and new paint. All of these were done behind the scene. Kudos also goes to Congregational Life for providing just the right mix for our fellowship needs. Happily, this list could go on and on.
I close now with undoubtedly the most important reasons why we're holding together. While pastors and members have been in transition, Jesus Christ has always been a consistent presence. He changes not. He above all provides stability. Christ's presence as Lord and Savior is a great comfort when we consider our frailty and the inadequacies of our love, the bareness of our service and the small progress we make toward perfection. In him we find refreshment for our soul and are washed of our inadequacies and harshness. We are "accepted in the Beloved", our Redeemer.
What I've tried to say is that while we've been in transition, there has been a constancy to our work here worthy of recognition. How pleased I was yesterday to speak with Pastor Horner and Diane, his wife, about the legacy that is going to be handed to them. Truly it can be said, we have prepared for what lies ahead. What a privilege it has been for me to be here. You have been unforgettable. Please do not let me leave without saying goodbye to each and every one.
Worship Information
Sunday, May 4th Sermon: Series: “Psalms of Comfort”
# 4 “Escape from Betrayal”
Psalm 55
Sunday, May 11th Sermon: “The Imperfect are Empowered at Pentecost”
Acts 2: 1 – 17, 22, 24, 32 – 33, 37 – 41
Communion
Sunday, May 18th Sermon: Series: “Harnessing the Pentecostal”
# 1 “How the Holy Spirit Functions in the hearts of
Believers and Unbelievers”
Acts 2: 37 – 47, I Corinthians 1: 18
II Corinthians 2: 16 and 4: 4
Sunday, May 25th Sermon: Series: “Harnessing the Pentecostal”
# 2 “The Best Counselor You’ll Ever Have”
John 14: 15 – 18, 25: 26
John 16: 12 - 15
Please dress in red
On May 11, we are going to celebrate PENTECOST at Faith Church. Many special activities will be included in our worship including a performance from our children's choir. To help make this a memorable celebration our Worship and Music Committee is asking you to dress with something RED so that our whole congregation will appear a bit like those tongues of fire which accompanied this supernatural event. Plan to join us!
Clerk's Corner
At its meeting on April 8, 2008 the Session has taken the following actions or was informed of a variety of activities:
The Session
Tentatively scheduled a joint meeting with the Board of Deacons for September 2008.
Authorized Pastor Ron Green to renew the existing contract for operation of Boy Scout Troop 338, involving the use of Church facilities.
Learned from Elder McKinnis on progress in the installation of new doors and painting of the Church Library.
Authorized communion to be served during Pentecost Sunday services rather than on May 4, 2008.
Confirmed the visit to Faith Church on June 8, 2008, by Interim General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley, Reverend Ray Fancher. He had been invited to lead the Sunday service, and wishes to meet with the Elders and Deacons at the conclusion of the service.
Learned with concern about the declining participation by the Congregation in the musical offerings of the choir. Several suggestions were advanced to increase choir membership. Those with musical talents in the Congregation are urged to participate in the choir.
Was informed of an anonymous donation for acquisition of a set of hand bells. The Session is currently studying how to engage the Congregation and how best to integrate the use of hand bells in Sunday services.
Was informed that sign up sheets are being posted for rendering assistance in organizing and participating in Summer Vacation Bible School.
Was informed that Elder Hannis Thompson has agreed to serve with Elder Grieke Toebes as a Commissioner to the Presbytery of Wabash Valley
Accepted with gratitude the donation of a defibrillator which is to be installed on the first floor of the Sanctuary. Elder Lois Wark and her son Ron were thanked for their considerable activities in securing this unit. Elder Jane Stewart has consented to be the Interim Coordinator until the Session has names a permanent Coordinator. Training sessions on the use of the unit will be announced later.
Learned from Elder Dennis Dunn about progress on fashioning a new outdoor sign.
At the time of submission of this article it was announced that the candidate for installation as permanent Pastor will conduct the Sunday morning service on April 27, 2008, and that a special Congregational Meeting will be called at 11:15 AM to act on the PNC nomination of this individual. Pastor Ron Green’s official duties will terminate on June 14, 2008.
Jurgen Honig, Clerk of Session
Faith Church Calls New Pastor
This is a very special time in the life of Faith Presbyterian Church. For the fourth time in our history the congregation has called a new Pastor. During a special congregational meeting on April 27, 2008, the congregation of Faith Church voted to call Rev. David L. Horner as out next Pastor.
Late in 2006, our Pastor Stuart Robertson announced that he would retire in April of 2007. After a time of reflection on the great service and friendship that Stuart and Bonnie had given our church and a major retirement party, the session appointed a committee to search for an Interim Pastor. As a result of that search, Rev. Ron Green was called to serve our church as Interim Pastor. Rev. Green served this congregation well for the past year. Rev. Green provided spiritual leadership and transitional guidance for which we are all very thankful. Thank You Rev. Green!
After the completion of an extensive congregational reflection study, the congregation elected a Pastor Nominating Committee in late Nov. 2007. That committee dedicated themselves to the task of searching for a new Pastor. Faith Church thanks this committee for their dedication and hard work that was truly led by God’s will in the search process. Thank You,
Elizabeth Goodrich, Jan Hem, Grieke Toebes, Lois Wark, Glenn Sparks, and Steve Varys.
On April 27, 2008, the Pastor Nomination Committee reported to the congregation that their work was completed and their prayers had been answered, when God called Rev. David Horner to be our next pastor. The congregation concurred with their nomination.
A resume for Rev. David L. Horner will soon be available on the Church’s web page and is available in print through the Church Office.
Rev. David L. Horner has a BA degree in Theology from Berkshire Christian College and a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. After ordination as a Presbyterian Minister of Word and Sacrament, he has served the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Mendenhall, PA for the past 30 years.
He has been very active in his Presbytery serving as moderator and as a commissioner to the General Assembly. He also has served as moderator to other churches on three different occasions. He has led youth groups, taught bible studies and Sunday school classes, and has developed outreach programs. One of his references said it best, “You are getting an excellent preacher, but even a better Pastor.”
Rev. Horner is the son of a retired Presbyterian minister and David and Diane have three children. Mrs. Diane Horner is a nurse and plans to continue in that profession here, as well as being active in the programs of our church.
The Horner’s will be relocating to West Lafayette to assume the Pastor position at Faith Church on June 15, 2008. Please welcome the Horner’s to our congregation.
An official installation ceremony will be planned with the Presbytery later.
Don Gentry, Chair of Pastor Nominating Committee
So Many Thanks....
So many thanks are due to all of you who help make our receptions and dinners complete at Faith Church. Your response to what needs to be done is an overwhelming example of the body of Christ at work in the day-to-day activities of our church life.
So many helped for the reception on April 27 for Rev. David Horner and his wife Dianne. This list is impressive and it is good for us to see what goes into one of these events.
Chief Organizer – Cathy McKinnis
Essential “in the kitchen” help – Jean McCoy, Marcella Verplank, Nancy Dunn, LouAnn Johnston, Shirley and Jim Bosler
“Even so special” clean-up crew – John Miller and Ron Smith
And contributing cakes were - Nancy Moore, Donna Lofgren, Dessa Shinn, Joanne Kovacs, Marcella Verplank, Kris Stith, Carol Christiansen, Dennis Dunn, Deb Johnson, & Amber Latour
And the fruit bowl – Shirley Bosler, Kathy Bowker, Marilyn Hinze, Polly Tyler, Pam Kirby, Jane Mallett, Kathy Trinkle, Lois Wark, Peggy Housley, Becky Chapman, Lonni Kucik, Bobbie Kane, & Deb Fleetham
And finally, a big thank you to Shirley and Jim Bosler for the lovely flower arrangements on the tables and in the sanctuary. All the flowers were from their yard – a refreshing reminder of spring after our long winter weeks.
Jan Hem for the Congregational Life Committee
Ross and Melissa Tanner
For an update on Ross and Melissa go to: www.rossandmel.com
El Salvador – The Ross & Melissa Story
Did You Know????
Apparently spring has sprung, and not a bud too soon. The beauty of our world is revealed to us anew each spring as gardeners everywhere push, poke and prod the soil to see what will come up this year. Is there anything more beautiful than the glorious blooming trees, shrubs and dandelions? Yes, God made them all.
Things you may not know:
• Sawyer Latour sold 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies! Way to go, Sawyer!
• Janis Matouk is moving to Friendship House in early May. Won't it be swell to have her back on this side of town!
• The Easter Brunch was well attended and the fab food was well eaten.
• A wonderful article about Jennifer Sinclair Curtis appears in Vol. 42. No. 1, Winter 2008 of Chemical Engineering Education. This is not only a superb update (and history) of Jennifer's academic achievements but also a well-written, inspiring account of her personal journey. Copies are available in the Narthex.
• Vacation Bible School is gearing up. If you'd like to help – even for one hour of one day – please volunteer. Just like other experiences of this type, you'll learn more than the kids will. And Faith Church has been extremely fortunate to receive a great bunch of kids each year. Join us for an unforgettable experience.
• John Miller (otherwise known as John Miller) was supposed submit a puzzle (no comments, please) for this page but neither he nor the puzzle appeared, so we’ll have to wait until next time.
• Send Amy Dale a card and tell her something silly, or inspirational, or uplifting. See me if you can’t think of any of those things.
• John Goodrich will be graduating from the formidable Krannert M.B.A. program this spring. Give him a handshake and a piece of advice. You know how young people love advice from their seniors!
• If you have news, true or mostly true, let me know.
Your correspondent,
N. Dunn
Vacation Bible School
For boys and girls Entering Kdgn. through 6th grade
Monday – Friday, June 16 – 20, 2008
9:00am – 12:00pm
"Journey with Joseph"
In everything God works for good!
Another Way to Praise
The Faith Presbyterian Hand bell Choir is about to be born. Premium Schulmerich hand bells with beautiful, brilliant sound are headed to Faith to provide a new way to make a joyful noise.
If your heart makes music even when your voice doesn’t, you might love this. Musicians are absolutely welcome, but so is everyone else. We need members who can: 1) count to four (occasionally higher), 2) follow directions, and 3) encourage each other. If you can lift a bell and ring it, you can do this.
Choir Director Nadia Dubikovsky has agreed to help with the planning, and member Tammy Sandel will direct the group.
Several folks have already indicated an interest, but we need more. If you would like to be a ringer, contact Tammy (583-2304), Nadia (497-8923), or Stephanie Cardwell (743-3683 or office@faithpresbyterian.org). We look forward to blessings of music and the sense of unity that comes from creating something together.
Choir Info
Sunday, May 11 will be the last day for adult choir.
There will be summer choir for the month of June and ANYONE that would like to participate is welcome. There will no longer be Wednesday evening choir practice during the summer. Practice will be Sunday’s 8:45am – 9:15am and 11:00am – 11:30am.
Thank You
Thank you all for your prayers, cards, and emails during the past two months. You have helped me so much. I have healed well from surgery. The cancer was caught early enough that the surgery removed it all, before it had a chance to spread outside the colon, so I don't need chemotherapy or radiation - a huge blessing. I give thanks to God for bringing me through this, and give thanks to all of you in my Faith family for your support.
Donna Lofgren
Birthdays
May 1 Marilyn Hinze
May 2 Grace Czerwonky
May 3 Laura Tyler
May 5 Robert Landolt
May 8 Jeremy Powell
May 17 James Bosler
May 20 Jackie Tyler
May 20 Alice Mundell
May 27 Eve Hanson
May 31 Jan Hem
Anniversaries
May 6 David & Lonni Kucik
May 22 Steve & Mary Lou Varys
May 26 Donald & Penny Winship
May 26 Ken & Tammy Sandel
Community Worship
• Sun., May 4 St. Mary’s Healthcare 2:30pm
• Sun., May 11 Tippecanoe Villa 1:30pm
• Sun., May 11 Friendship House 3:00pm
• Sun., May 18 Davis Manor 3:00pm
• Sun., May 25 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 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 or call the church office at 743-3683.
Posted by faithpres at May 1, 2008 08:16 AM