CHRISTIAN HERALD WASHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Vol. 9, 2012 Num. 711 Rev. Laddie l. Benton Pastor SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTE

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).

From the Pastor's Desk Re~LaddleLBenton

WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

"For you, 0 Lord, are my hope, my trust, 0 Lord, from my youth." (Psalm 71: 5 - New Revised Standard Version)

HOPE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH

The season for summer vacations is now coming to an end. labor Day marks the last official summer holiday. Most people are settling down to the new work year. College students have moved into the once vacant dorms and are preparing for another year of studies to help fulfill their hopes for the future. Children from elementary to high school are once again on their way to the classrooms.

As I sit by my window watching the parade of children and school buses past by our house; I find myself wondering what their dreams, aspirations, goals, and hopes are for their future. Has anyone taught them about the saving grace of Jesus? How can they know if no one has taught them? Do they attend a church on a regular basis? Is there anyone who encourages them to do s01 Soon, some ofthese children will become discouraged, lose hope, and drop out of school. Will there be anyone to stand by them and show them an alternate route to achieve a high school education?

Recently a friend of our grandson was over playing games and enjoying snacks. I spoke, and congratulated him on becoming a senior in high school. He dropped his head and said that he was not going back to high school. He stated that since he had turned eighteen he no longer had to attend school. During our conversation, I knew that he had given up and had lost hope of achieving a high school diploma. later, I was told that he intends to get his GED. Since there is hope within the community of faith; I will assured him that WPC will be happy to assist him in achieving this goal and give him hope for his future with God's help. Who knows? Helping "dropouts" achieve an education may be a new ministry that God is calling WPC to. let's pray over it. "To God Be the Glory!"

Your Brother in Christ, -.~ ~-.:?

Rev. laddie J. Benton, Pastor STAND UP FOR JESUSI STAND UP FOR WPC

SICK, SHUT-INS AND BEREAVED FAMILIES

Harold and Pauline Jackson, Margie Walker, Joan Marshall, Alex Auston, Jordan Johnson, Donald Lewis, Faith Morrison, Nathan and Marquis Phelps, Jean Rudolph, Alfreda Overton, John Fletcher, LaKeshia Green, and family, Demerik Weglinski-Benton, Teondre' Morrison-Cooper, Aaron Randall, Stephen Randall, Ruth Jenkins, (Barbara Davis' mother), Sylvia Winfrey, Joseph Cooper, Claudette Carter (Alberta's daughter), Katrina Boykin (Joan Reppert's niece), John Haynes, Viola Jefferson, Freida Carter, Vivian Key, Barbara Davis, Loretta and Ronald Settle (NC), Amber Carter, "Miss Brenda" (Robert Nelson's friend), Jeff and Jean R ans their family, Sylvia Finn, Lilliam Rivera, Justin Johnson, Kevin Herring, Larry Riden, Melba Stamm (Keith's mother), Bobby Scott (Oliver'S Brother), Lyndoll Walker (Yvonne's friend), Annie Fisher (an Amish friend), Oliver Carter" Valery Phelps Hazel Black Talon Harper, Jocelyn Mann, and Julius Weglinski-Benton

PRAY FOR THE BEREAVED

SCRIPTURES:

September 2 September 9 September 16 September 23 Septem ber 30

STANDING COMMITTEES

Psalm 98: 1-9 Psalm 90:1-2;9-13 Psalm 19:7-14 Psalm 15:1-5 Psalm 67:1-7

Christian Concerns -Sharon Davis Christian Education-Alexis Green Evangelism-Yvonne Lewis Finance-Toni Brooks Property-Stephen Greer Stewardship-Sharon DavisN vonne Lewis Worship Committee-Pauline Johnson/Alexis Green

SESSION Pastor-Rev. Laddie J. Benton Clerk of Session-Oliver Carter Church Treasurer-Toni Brooks Benevolence Treasure -Oliver Carter Club Fund Treasurer-Winnie J Burden

CHOIR REHEARSAL

Song of Solomon 2:8-18 Ezekiel 34:1-10 Ezekiel 34:11-16 Ezekiel 34: 17-24 Isaiah 40:6-11

James 1: 17-27 James 2:1-7;14-17 James 3:1-12 James 3:13-4:10 Hebrew 9:11-15

BmLE STUDY Wednesday 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM

LECTIONARY READINGS Mark 7:1-8 Mark 7:24-37 Mark 8:27-38 Mark 9:30-37 Mark 9:38-50

ORGANIZATION Men's Fellowship-Oliver Carter Pastor's Aid-Toni BrookslWinnie Burden Personnel-Stephen Greer Presbyterian Women-AlexisGreenILaKeshia Green Sunday School-Sharon Davis

Senior Choir Thursday 6:00 P M-Director-Mrs Janet Arms Children Choir Sunday (after Church Service)-Director-William Kinkaid Bible Study Wednesday 9;30 A M and 6:30 P M

REBATEMWLETONENRICHMENTCENTER Activities include: Reading, Comprehension, Computer Skills, Problem Solving, Journalism, Fun, Crafts and Games. THE ENRICHMENT CENTER WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER

WEB PAGE FOR WPC: WPC 1823.0RG

Washington Presbyterian Church Will Accept Donations From Anyone Who Would Like To Help With Our Missions.

September 2012 * Denotes Birthdays 9:30 AM Bible Study Resumes in September

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

September I

,

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Alana Bangura * Brooklyn Whitlock * Bible Study - 9:30 AM Senior Choir Rehearsal Berks Heim Fest Ceani Beaden * Midweek Svc.-12:45 PM 6:30 PM 11:00 AM-4:00 PM Monique Haupt * Bible Study - 6:30 PM

Communion Sunday Service Labor Day

9 10 II 12 13 14 15 Shaka Benton * Alexander Jefferson* Bible Study - 9:30 AM Senior Choir Rehearsal Berks Heim-Family

Yvonne Lewis * Midweek Svc.-12:45 PM 6:30PM Get Together Bible Study - 6:30 PM Sylvia Finn ..

Boundary Training Lehigh Presbytery

i Sunday Service 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 !

Freida Carter * Bible Study - 9:30 AM Senior Choir Rehearsal Gail Scott· ! Midweek Svc.-12:45 PM 6:30 PM

Grandparents' Day Bible Study - 6:30 PM

Sunday Service International Day of Joash Chest Rosh Hashanah Peace First Day of Autumn

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Stephanie Mitchell * Amanda Davis· Bible Study - 9:30 AM Senior Choir Rehearsal

Onya Jones * Midweek Svc.-12:45 PM 6:30PM Bible Study - 6:30 PM

Native American Day Week of Action

Sunday Service Against Gun Violence Yom Kippur 30 31

Evangelism

Sunday Service __ -- -- -- - - - ---- -- - -~ ----- ---- -- ---- -- - - - -----~ ------ ---- - ---'--------- ---- - - -

GET OUT THE VOTE NEED VOLUNTEERS:

TO ASSIST PEOPLE IN OBTAINING PA--ID, CANVASS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION

AND PHONE BANKING

DRIVERS: TAKE PEOPLE TO AND FROM DMV FORPHOTOID

ORGANIZERS: GATHER INFORMATION OF THOSE WHO NEED A RIDE TO VOTING POLLS

AND ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION

DRIVERS: NOVEMBER 6TH TAKING VOTERS .TO AND FROM THEIR VOTING POLLS

DISPATCHERS: TAKING LAST MINUTE CALLS 'FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TRANSPORTATION TO THEIR VOTING POLL AND CONNECTING

THEM WITH A DRIVER IN THAT AREA

CONTACT: JOAN SCHLEY--- 610-823-1597 LYRA TALARICO---610-77S-314S

GET OUT THE VOTE PROJECT

The 2012 Presidential election is upon us and it is important that everyone who wishes to vote has the opportunity to do so. Voting is a fundamental right; a right we should all cherish and all should participate in. Voting gives you a voice in what kind of government you want. Voting is your chance to speak out.

The purpose of this project is to make sure that our citizens are registered to vote and have the proper identification in order to vote. If anyone needs transportation to the OMV in order to obtain a Pennsylvania photo 10 we will offer transportation. We will register you so you can vote and we will offer transportation to and from the voting poll on November 6,2012. We will also make ourselves available to answer any questions on the documents needed to obtain a Pennsylvania ID or what type of identifications is acceptable to vote. We will do our best to making voting as easy and barrier free as possible.

We are seeking volunteers to work with us in planning and setting up the logistics to make this happen in time for the presidential election on November 6th• We would need to reach out within our community, neighborhood, family, friends, social groups and to our co-workers to find out who needs our help, assistance or transportation. Everyone can have an important role in making every vote count.

Time is short and now is the time for action. There is a lot that needs to be done and there is something for everyone to do. Voter registration ends October 9, 2012. The last day to apply for a Civilian Absentee Ballot is October 30, 2012. Anyone who wants to register or needs a photo 10 needs to do so immediately. We will be in need of volunteer drivers in each polling area. Voting is November 6, 2012. We need to work out a schedule and the logistics for all those who need assistance and/or transportation. We need everyone's help to make this happen.

If we work together we can make it easier for those who want to have a voice in this election to vote. We are asking for your help and anyone you know who would want to help get out the vote.

You can contact:

Lyra Talarico: Joan Schley: Robert Jefferson:

. Hilda Letman:

610-775-3145 610:823-1597 610-780-4778 610-678-4135

', '

MEETING GOD

Great God, In public and private, in sanctuary and home,

may my life be steeped in prayer, filled with the spirit of grace and supplication, each prayer perfumed with the incense of atoning blood.

Help me, defend me, until from praying ground I pass to the realm of increasing praise. Urged by my need, Invited by thy promise, Called by thy Spirit,

, .

I enter thy presence, worshiping thee with godly fear, awed by thy majesty, greatness, glory, but encouraged by thy love.

I am all poverty as well as all guilt, Having nothing of my own with which to repay thee,

But I bring Jesus to thee in the arms of faith, pleading his righteousness to offset my iniquities, rejoicing that he will weigh down the scales for me, and satisfy thy justice.

I bless thee that great sin draws out great grace, that, although the lest sin deserves infinite punishment because done against an infinite God, yet there is mercy for me, for where guilt is most terrible, there thy mercy in Christ is most free and deep.

Bless me by revealing to me more of his saving merits, by causing thy goodness to pass before me, by speaking peace to my contrite heart;

Strengthen me to give thee no rest until Christ shall reign supreme within me, in every thought, word, and deed, in a faith that purifies the heart,

overcomes the world, works by love, fastens me to thee, and ever clings to the cross.

D~2;~~::'E!a~ ~~!!E CARE Are you aware that there are services available in your area of Berks County in the form of transportation to medical, social service appointments and grocery shopping for people aged 60 and above? AND did you know that these services are offered free of chorge through Diakon's Volunteer Home Care program? There's got to be a catch, right? Well the catch Is this, we need ...

People to know about our services. Volunteers to help with the driving.

If you are age 60 and above, can get in and out of a car independently, and are having difficulty with transportation to much needed services, please call our office. We may be able to help.

If you are someone who has an hour or so to spare and would like to help a senior in your community, please call our office. We would love to speak with you. (Mileage reimbursement is available.)

Dlakon Volunteer Home care is an interfaith outreach ministry responding to the needs of the community by offering help to Individuals aged 60 and above through the support of caring volunteers.

Call us. We can be reached at 866-844-9091, Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.

Worldng together we mn Impoct the lives of older adults In your community.

WITHOUT TRUE FAITH

Without true faith you're like a ship Tossed in a storm at sea,

Not knowing what may be your colirse, And lost most hopelessly.

True faith will bring you happiness And be your guiding light.

True faith will weather every storm Though dark may be your plight.

It will dispel despair and gloom And help your fears allay.

True faith will bring you strength anew To face each dawning day.

By Harold F. Mohn

-

51 aeST SUMME R DESSERTS

i'LJP I)r .. ,'J't n ' k r -' I...~ () (:~

erves 1

, WI ~ . In the early 195 ()~, ~od.1 romp.lIlies beg.1II m.u·kclillg their product~ .1\ more ,h III I1Icre

rinks. Odd recire~ likc 7UP sal.ld and 7UI' parfait pie have mercifully bCl'lI «)rgottcn, hut 7Ul' pound l'.lkc rL 111 a III \

trcasured [wontc. To bring out some citrus zing and balancc thc tl.lVors of our 7UP Pound ( ake, we ( ut Lu ck 0 11

11: .II1IOUllt of mgar called till' in thc origlll.11 rccipe. Sincc finely grated 7C\t C.1Il be adlkd without .Itfccting tcxture.

Il ' in trodu ccd plcllty o( lel1lon Jnd lillie 7C\t. For extra citrus pUllch, wc ahu introduccd frcsh lemon ,md lilllc JUI CC.

AKE

~Yz cups (17% ounces) granulated

sugar

5 large eggs, room temperature

Yz cup 7UP, room temperature

tablespoon grated lemon zest

plus 2 tablespoons juice

tablespoon grated lime zest

plus 2 tablespoons juice

(2 limes)

Yz teaspoon salt

20 tablespoons (2l-l sticks)

unsalted butter, melted

and slightly cooled

i'.4 cups (13 ounces) cake flour

LAZE

cup (4 ounces) confectioners'

sugar

tablespoon lemon juice

tablespoon lime juice

1. FOR THE CAKE: Adjust ovcn ra ck to 100wJ'- nllddlc pmitlon ,lIld he.1t

ovcn to 3()() degrees . Grease and nom 12- cup non\tlck tube ran . Proces\

sugar, cgg~, 7Up, ICl110n zest and jUlCl" hl1lc zc~t .lIId Jui cc, and salt in food

proccS~(1r until sl11ooth. With proccs~or running, sluwly pour in buttcr .lIId

proce~~ until incorporatcd. Transfer to I.lrgc bowl. Add nour in J .Idditiom.

whi~klllg until combincd.

2. Tr,1I1sti:r battcr to prep,lred p.1I1. Gcntly t.lp pJn on counter to rl'lea ~c

air bubbles. Bake until skcwer inserted ill ccnter COIl1t:S out cle:m , l Y.l to

1 Y2 hours. Let cake cool in pan tor 10 minutcs, thcn turn out onto wire rack

~ct inside rimmed baking sheet to cool completely, Jbout 2 hour~.

3. FOR THE GLAZE: Whisk ~ug,lr, Ie ilion juicc, .1I1d limc juice in bowl. Pour

glaze over cooh:d cake. Let glaze set fl.)r 10 minutcs. Servc.

:> 1' AR l ~HOI'j>ING ,up Curious if other clear sodas could stand in for 7UP. we compared cakes made

with Sprite, Fresca, Mountain Dew, and ginger ale with one made

with 7UP. The 7UP cake was indistinguishable from all but one: the

Fresca cake, which was pale and tough. Blame it on the artificial

sweeteners. and be sure to avoid Diet 7UP for the same reason.

We also tned playing soda jerk by creating our own soda from

seltzer water. lemon, and lime to equal the pH of 7UP. Our home­

made soda worked fine but made for a slightly less sweet cake.

CAKE S ';1

THOUGHTS TO PONDER Verse of the Month

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking. I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

WARNING TO PAY AUENTION Hebrews 2:1-18 1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. z For If the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape If we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. The author called his readers to pay attention to the truth they had heard so that they wouldn't drift away into false teachings. Paying careful attention is hard work. It involves focusing our minds, bodies, and senses. Listening to Christ means not merely hearing, but also obeying (see James 1:22-25. We must listen carefully and be ready to carry out his instructions. Just as Jesus is greater than angels, so Christ's message is more important than theirs. No one will escape

's is e . e s e s lee t '0 ffered b Christ. NIVLASB 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various mirades, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Those who had heard Jesus speak and then had passed on his words also had the truth of their words confirmed by "signs, wonders, and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit." in the book of Acts, miracles and gifts of the Spirit authenticated the gospel wherever it was preached (see Acts 9:31-42; 14: 1-20) Paul who discussed spiritual gifts in Romans 12:, 1 Corinthians 12-14 Ephesians 4, taught that their purpose is to build up the church, making it strong and mature. When we see the gifts of the Spirit in an individual or congregation. we know that God is tr IV present. NIVLASB JESUS MADE UKE HIS BROTHERS 5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of men that you care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor • and put everything under his feet." In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death. so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. God put Jesus in charge of everything, and Jesus revealed himself to us. We do not yet see Jesus reigning on earth, but we can pricture him in his heavenly glory. When you are confused by present events and anxious about the future, remember Jesus' true position and authority. He is Lord of all, and one day he will rule on earth as he does now in heaven. This truth can give stability to your decisions day by day. N V S8 lOIn 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. God's grace to us led Christ to his death. Jesus did not come into the world to gain status of political power, but to suffer and die so that we could have life ("bringing many sons to glory"). If it is difficult for us to identify with Christ's servant attitude, perhaps we need to evaluate our own motives. Are we more i terested in ower r iei ation d . ion r ie . etti or ivin? NIVLASB u Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call "them brothers. 12 He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing you praise." 13 And again. "I will put my trust in him. n And again he says. "Here am I. and the children God has given me. n

We who have been made set apart for God's service, cleansed, and made holy (sanctified) by Jesus now have the same Father he has, so he has made us his brothers and sisters. Various psalms look forward to Christ and his work in the world. Here the writer quotes a portion of Psalm 22, a Messianic psalm. Because God as ado te all b lievers as his '1 ren Jesus them his br ers and sisters N 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil- lSand free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Jesus had to become human ("flesh and blood") so that he could die and rise again, in order to destroy

the devil's power over death (Romans 6:5-11). Only then could Christ deliver those who had lived ' constant fear of death, and free them to live for him. When we belong to God, we need not fear death,

e e' e 'e 'e 1 ori ians 1 • NIV Christ's death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ's victory brings. How can you share this truth with those close to yoy? NIVLASB 16 For surely It Is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants, 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest In service of God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and his people. His job was to regularly offer animal sacrifices according to the law for the people's sins. Jesus Christ is now our high priest. He came to earth as a human being; therefore, he understands our weaknesses and shows mercy to us. He has once and for all paid the penalty for our sins by his own sacrificial death (atonement), and he can be depended on to restore our broken relationship with God. We are released from sin's domination over us when we commit ourselves fully to Christ, trusting completely in what he has done for us. NIVbASB

18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted. he is able to help those who are being tempted. Knowing that Christ suffered pain and faced temptation helps us face our trials. Jesus understands our struggles because he faced them as a human being. We can trust Christ to help us survive suffering and overcome temptation. When you face trials, go to Jesus for strength and patience. He understands your n s d is b e 0 I see • B JESUS THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST Hebrews 5:5-10 5 So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father." sAnd he says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:4) 7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Melchizedekwasa priest of Salem (now called Jerusalem). Melchizedek'sposition is explained in Hebrews 7. Jesus was in great agony as he prepared to face death (Luke 22:41-44). Although Jesus cried out to God, asking to be delivered, he was prepared to suffer humiliation, separation from his Father, and death in order to do God's will. At times we will undergo trials, not because we want to suffer but because we want to obey God. Let Jesus' obedience sustain and encourage you in times of trial. You will be able to face an h' 'f ou kno t esus Christ is w'th . NIVLA B Have you ever felt that God didn't hear your prayers? Be sure you are praying with reverent submission, willin 0 do t 0 wants, G es onds to h' obedient childre. NIVLAs aAithough he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered gand, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus' human life was not a script that he passively followed. It was a life that he chose freely (John 10:17-18). It was a continuous process of making the will of God the Father his own. Jesus chose to obey, even though obedience led to suffering and death. Because Jesus obeyed perfectly, even under great trial, h n el us ob no matter h 'fficult 0 di nce seems to • NIVLA Christ was always morally perfect. By obeying, he demonstrated his perfection to us, not to God or to himself. In the Bible, perfection usually means completeness or maturity. By sharing our experience of suffering, Christ shared our human experience completely. He is now able to offer eternal salvation to those who obe him. ee P iii :5- 1 for Chr"s i ude as he k on hum form. NIVLAS

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus -No turning back, no turning back. Tho no one join me, still I will follow, Tho no one join me, still I will follow, Tho no one join me, still I will follow-No turning back, no turning back. The world behind me, the cross before me, The world behind me, the cross before me The world behind me, the cross before me-No turning back no turning back.