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January 01, 2009
January Newsletter
Pastor's Pen
Psalm 16:1 reads: “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.”
Maybe that should be our memory verse as we face the year 2009. If ever there was a year that has been faced with as much dread as 2009, it must have been during the Great Depression, the early years of World War II, or the American Civil War. Dire predictions have been forecast about the economy for 2009. Jobs in the Automobile industry and related industries are in the depths of doubt. It seems obvious that during 2009 many people will loose their jobs and possibly their homes. Most of us are in stable jobs and financial positions, but some of the folks in our families and neighborhoods may be affected.
As we enter 2009 we need to pray for guidance for those who will be making decisions regarding the economy and who will be determining which folks will be helped by government programs. But we need to remember that the Scriptures warn us against depending on our rulers for our security. We need to trust in God: not only that He will keep us safe from financial disaster, but that He will guide us to help others whose well-being and security are in danger.
In treacherous times there is always the danger of acquiring a “bunker mentality” where we don’t want to risk our fragile security by helping others. In the difficult times which may lie ahead, we need to continue to reach out to and help those who are in need, even as their numbers may increase.
I think that as members of Faith Church, we can look forward to increased opportunities to help others in 2009. Difficult times sometimes provide wonderful opportunities for the Church and the People of God to reach out in His name and to help people come to know God and his Son Jesus.
As the Pastor of Faith Church, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges we will face in 2009. We have a vibrant core of committed Christians here who care about each other and are looking for opportunities to help Faith Church grow and minister to those in and outside of our fellowship. And most of all, there is in many of us a desire to help others come to faith in Jesus.
We can be confident that God will do some wonderful things for us and with us in the year ahead if we place our confidence in God and depend on Him for our refuge.
Diane and I wish all of you a happy and faith-filled and Faith-Church-filled 2009.
Your Pastor,
Dave Horner
Worship Information
Sunday, January 4th Sermon: “Facing a New Year”
John 1: 10 - 13
Sunday, January 11th Sermon: “The Baptism of Jesus: Why?”
Matthew 3: 13 - 17
Sunday, January 18th Sermon: “God chooses from all nations”
Acts 9: 9 – 23 & 34 - 35
Sunday, January 25th Sermon: “John finished, Jesus begins”
Mark 1: 14 - 20
Thank You
Here’s big Thank You for those who helped with the Greening of the Church the Friday after Thanksgiving: Elizabeth Goodrich, Adam Fassel, Jan Hem, Stan Hem, Dan Trinkle, Grieke Toebes, Cathy McKinnis, Dave McKinnis, Dennis Dunn, Ann Freeman, Diane Horner, David Horner, Jackie Stewart, and Steve Varys. We may not have saved any electricity with this type of “Greening”, but we certainly generated a lot of “positive energy” for the holidays. Jane Stewart, Congregational Life '
Clerk's Corner
At its December 9, 2008 meeting the Session:
• Thanked outgoing Elders Lou Ann Johnston and Lonni Kucik for their diligent service as members of Session, and welcomed Elders Nancy Dunn and Jerry Matthews as members of Session in the class of 2011.
• Approved the budgetary report submitted by Elder Carol Gentry; while 2008 receipts were roughly $9,000 below pledges, the 2009 budget is fully balanced by anticipated income
• agreed that future ‘greening of the church’ operations will be sponsored jointly by the Worship and Music Committee and by the Congregational Life Committee
• Noted that a recent offer of the Youth Services position was turned down; the search for such an individual continues
• Took note of the planned Christmas Carol Sing and Chili supper on December 21, 2008
• Agreed to the placement of an advertisement in the Journal and Courier that lists the activities centered on the Christmas Season
• Passed a motion directing Pastor Horner and Elder Toebes to draft a letter to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Wabash Valley; this letter to express dismay at the proposed establishment of a $2 million fund as part of the missionary fun, for use in settling court cases that deal with churches wishing to separate from the Denomination
• Nominated and approved the following church officers for the calendar year 2009: Carol Gentry as Treasurer; John Miller as Auditor; Jurgen Honig as Clerk of Session; Nancy Dunn, David McKinnis, and Grieke Toebes as Commissioners
• Will encourage the use of cards for stating joys and concerns at Sunday morning worship; these cards will then be publicly read by the Pastor at the appropriate moment. An explanatory letter is to be drafted by the Pastor Elder Toebes that relates to the Joys and Concerns format.
The Session on two occasions also warmly welcomed and received the following individuals into membership of Faith Presbyterian Church: Richard and Helen Day on December 9, 2008; Kirk and Kelly Cerny, Diane Horner, and Janet Smalley on December 14, 2008.
A hearty welcome to our newest members!
Submitted by
Jurgen M. Honig
Clerk of Session
Jubilee Christmas
Jubilee Christmas was celebrated on December 13. So many people in the congregation helped to make it a true celebration - you contributed in so many ways. Thank you, everyone!
Toy shoppers got busy and came up with a wonderful variety of toys. Kathy Bowker bought hats and mittens to keep all the children warm this winter. Peggy Housley found household gifts for the parents. Many bakers warmed up their ovens, and produced dozens of cookies and breakfast goodies.
Then came the celebration of Jubilee Day. Lou Ann Johnston did a wonderful job pairing our guests with hosts, and welcomed our guests at the door. Kris and Dave Stith and their helpers started us off with a delicious breakfast, and later kept us well-filled with cookies and punch. Pastor Horner told everyone the basis of Jubilee Christmas, and led the singing of Christmas carols. Santa Glenn Sparks ably filled in for vacationing Santa Tom Housley, and kept the whole process flowing smoothly. Grieke Toebes kept us humming by playing Christmas music on the piano.
Along with the toys and family gifts, each family took home a ham, a bucket of cookies (thanks to all the bakers), bags full of household items like detergent and paper products, a blanket, and grocery gift certificates. Teenagers also received gift certificates. Several parents took home Bibles, for themselves or for their children.
A big "Thank You" goes to all hosts. You are the main contact that our guests have with Faith Church. You make them feel welcome and set the tone for the day. All volunteers on Jubilee Day have a part in making our guests feel welcome, and all of our guests said that they were "very much" welcomed in a warm and friendly way. Here are some comments from our guests, on what Jubilee Christmas means to them: "It means knowing that there's people out there that actually care and share with you to help your family." It means "the ability for me to give to my children what I can't always give to them. The chance to see a huge smile on their faces on Christmas day." "It means a chance to have a Christmas for our children." And under suggestions for improvement was this comment: "I can not think of anything that would have possibly made my experience any more enjoyable. The church was inviting and warm and the people went way beyond anyone's expectations." Thanks to all who volunteered your time to be a part of this. Many, many thanks also to Lou Ann Johnston for all of her help.
A special "Thank You" goes to the Purdue Wrestling Team! Coach Scott Hinkel brought his assistant coach and ten wrestlers on Jubilee Day. They helped host, helped parents shop for toys, and helped wrap presents. We appreciate their help very much!
Thanks to everyone in the congregation - you made Jubilee Christmas a wonderful and joyous day!
Donna Lofgren
Did You Know???
Dear Readers, remember that Christmas comes but once a year.
We said goodbye to Thom McKay in December. Our prayers and good wishes go out to Eleanor and family.
There are more folks on the ailing list than we would like. Maxine Jones has been among the missing as she was walking unsteadily and indulging in rehab. The doctor has dismissed her. She isn't sure why, but we hope to see more of her in the new year.
Ed Hemmer has been ailing also, and is also taking some new treatments. Please keep him and Phyllis and their family in your prayers.
John Rogler was in the hospital with pneumonia, then moved on to University Place for rehab, and now is back home. Some prayers for his continued good health would not go amiss.
Margaret List fell and broke her pelvis, which was quite painful. She is recovering and, we're told, is feeling better.
Leonard, Dewi and Celene Sidharta welcomed baby girl Caryn into the world on December 13. Congratulations to the family who are all doing well.
Jubilee Christmas was celebrated on December 13. Donna Lofgren and Lou Ann Johnston did a great job -- a big job – with 18 families attending. (See article elsewhere in this newsletter).
Faith Women's Fellowship observed soup night on December 8. The weather wasn't so hot, but the soup was … a good time was had by all.
Various Bible Studies are temporarily suspended until after the first of the year. Make sure you know if yours is meeting before you get in the car. Otherwise, plan to attend one next year for sure.
Worship services during Advent have been so beautiful with the bell! The wonderful bell! And the choir and congregation singing together. We are all enriched by Pastor Horner's sermons. Thank you, David!
Say «hello» to someone you don't know during coffee time in Fellowship Hall.
We thank God for our blessings especially during this blessed time of year. May we be renewed with the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ; may the Holy Spirit dwell with us; and may peace and love rule the world.
Feliz Navidad!
Your correspondent,
N. Dunn
Birthdays
January 2 Kenneth Wark
January 3 Lydia Frazier
January 8 Mark Varys
January 12 Mike Lockwood
January 12 Austin Sandel
January 14 Isaac Old
January 16 Alyssa Kirby
January 16 Dan Trinkle
January 17 Corinne Janovitz
January 21 Jessica Hem
January 24 John Miller
January 25 Norbert Miller
January 26 Penny Winship
January 27 Dale Housley
January 31 Samuel Trinkle
Anniversaries
January 21 Norbert & Barbara Muller
Community Worship Services
• Sun., Jan. 4 St. Mary’s Healthcare 2:30pm
• Sun., Jan. 11 Tippecanoe Villa 1:30pm
• Sun., Jan. 11 Friendship House 3:00pm
• Sun., Jan. 18 Davis Manor 3:00pm
• Sun., Jan. 25 Rosewalk Commons 2:30pm
The Deacons invite you to become a part of this ministry
Schedule Information
You can contact Pastor Horner by calling the office, 743-3683, on Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pastor Horner's day off is Friday. Outside of office hours please feel free to call Pastor Horner at home at 807-7000.
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 Horner or call the church office at 743-3683.
Posted by faithpres at January 1, 2009 12:06 PM