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The Call ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FEBRUARY 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Worship Schedule

Volunteers Needed! 2

Pastoral Letter 3

Courageous is Contagious 4

The Call 5

Preschool News 6

Birthdays & Anniversaries 7

Calendar 8,9

Children’s Ministry 10

Lenten Study 11

Winter Gathering 12

Mission Report 13

Student Ministry News 14,15

“COURAGEOUS IS CONTAGIOUS!”

Elfinwild Men’s Retreat 2012 by Mike Gaydos

Ever want to know what it feels like to be a professional quarterback?

Ever wonder what a 50,000 calorie snack table looks like?

Continued...Keep Reading on Page 4!!!!......

2 THE CALL


Elfinwild Presbyterian Church

Financial Statement

December 31, 2011

Proposed Budget (YTD) $ 614,000.

$ 601,242. Actual Tithes & Gifts Given

Total Expenses (YTD) $ 560,447.

Favorable (YTD) $ +40,795.

THE CALL NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

FEBRUARY 8TH Please send a copy of your

article to both: Amanda Gaydos

([email protected]) & Lora King

([email protected])

FEBRUARY 2012 WORSHIP

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Communion

―Daniel-Israel in Exile‖

Dr. Lesnett preaching


Scout Sunday (11:10)

―Ezra-Return Home to Jerusalem‖



―For Such A Time As This-Esther‖



―Rebuilding the Walls-Nehemiah‖


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO:

COORDINATE A PICTORIAL DIRECTORY FOR OUR 100TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

COORDINATE THE LENTEN DINNERS

SERVE AS A LIAISON WITH PITTSBURGH PRESBYTERY LEADERSHIP FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES

SERVE AS A LIAISON WITH PITTSBURGH PRESBYTERY FOR DELEGATES TO WORSHIP WITH US JULY 1, 2012

3 THE CALL


Dear Friends,

The Church Year is not always something Protestant Christians have followed or appreciated. We tend to measure time based on rhythms, but less and less is the rhythm of the Church Year something we acknowledge or emphasize. January begins the New Year according to our measurement marked by years, 2012 for instance. We reflect on the previous calendar year and make predictions or resolutions for the upcoming year. The school calendar also determines much of how we live our lives,

take vacations or plan family events. The seasons of weather even dictate how we live and what we do when. As other measurements of time help us organize life so too the Church Year can be very helpful for our life of faith.

This month the season of Lent begins. What is Lent? Lent has traditionally been ―a forty day period of penitence and prayer which begins on Ash Wednesday and prepares for the feast of Easter‖ (Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, p.628). The forty days of recognition are to remind us of the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert, where He was tempted by evil and tested immediately after His baptism and before His public ministry. Prior to the seventh century it seems Lent was only one week long and that ―catechumens‖ used that time to prepare for their baptism, on Easter, and fast and cleanse themselves for the life of faith.

Today, often it is a season of time when people ―give up‖ something for those forty days. I am afraid that the classical spiritual discipline and practice of ―fasting‖ has lost some of the original meaning or intent. What is the purpose of fasting? First of all, let’s be honest and remember that it was abstaining from food, all food, not just chocolate or sweets or another favorite delectable. And the purpose of fasting as we understand from Scripture was the worship of God! There are secondary benefits, spiritually speaking but the primary reason was to set aside that time to worship God and praise Him. John Wesley declared, ―First, let it (fasting) be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on Him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is heaven….‖ Other things surface when we fast, secondary results we might say. David writes in Psalm 69:10, ―I humbled my soul with fasting.‖ ―Fasting reminds us that we are sustained by ―every word that proceeds from the mouth of God‖ (Matthew 4:4) Food does not sustain us, God sustains us.‖(Foster, p. 55)

Ash Wednesday is February 22nd this year. We will begin a study on Lee Strobel’s book The Case for Faith that night in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 pm. There will be a light dinner for anyone who would like to gather from 6-6:30 pm before the study. Beyond that I would like to encourage each of us to consider a spiritual discipline that first and foremost will draw us nearer to God. Refraining from meat on Fridays and Friday Fish Fries can be fun traditions and raise money for congregations, potluck suppers on Wednesdays are good fellowship and invite us to study together, still I am longing for something deeper for me and for you. Let me invite you to consider ―fasting‖ one meal a week or one day a week in the season of Lent for the purpose of drawing closer to God.

Instead of lunch one day each week, spend the hour worshipping God, praying for others, reading the Scripture, doing a work of service for another, or being quiet and meditative for that length of time. Don’t use the time to get something done that needs to be checked off your list. Make it be God’s time, not yours. Instead of giving up a hobby or a ―vice‖ let go of something that is rooted a little bit deeper. Don’t do it for your physical health, practice fasting from it and replace it with a practice that acknowledges your dependency upon God and God’s Word. I would love to help you begin such journey and glad to encourage you about the process.

I look forward to being together with you each Lord’s Day morning for worship. It is good for us to gather for worship and re-member that we are in Christ. God loves you more than you can imagine. His Word is what keeps us and leads us. Praise the Lord!

It is a privilege to walk with you.

4 THE CALL


Ever have the urge to play cards while dreaming about balance sheets and Taco Bell?

Have you seen the men shown below? (If so please contact your local law enforcement agency)

On an immensely heavier note, the 2012 Elfinwild Men’s Retreat found God’s men captivated and sincerely moved by the film ―Courageous‖. This year’s retreat, led by Dr. Lesnett and Reverend Rea, hit hard emotionally for all the men, who could relate to the film when compared to one stage of their lives or another. Few eyes were dry during the soul –searching and sometimes convicting voyage. The film and ensuing conversations transformed hours to minutes. Even if you are not married or a parent, every man needs to see this film. Period.

The Laurelville Retreat Center once again served up ample meals, which fueled the ravenous men on their journey. Christ was given glory by the humble submissions made by the group of 16 men. The group consisted of leaders in the commu-nity, parents, fathers and friends. All of whom realize that while they’ve come far on their walk, there is always room to grow. Dr. Lesnett’s discussions included the Biblical references to ―iron sharpening iron‖ and the command for God’s men to ―love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her‖. Men need men they can trust to lovingly rebuke them when they act like jerks. If we talk the talk we must walk the walk the walk, while remembering that the only way we can make it is through Christ. Married men, the first priority after God in your life is your wife. That’s the hierarchy. Then the kids, extended family, friends, n’at. You’re there to serve them, not the other way around. I am called (and will be forced) to take my own advice as well due to the penning this article. Shucks. Sharpening a man requires friction and heat, which is why many steer clear of these types of discussions. Equip yourself with the word of God and bring the truth of scripture to your friends and ―non-friends‖ (to avoid that scary ―e‖ word) in a loving way. The Bible is not a general guideline for ethical quips and suggestions for living. It is the word of God and it calls us and commands us. Joy is found in obedience to God but only if it is sincere and if a man slides over and lets his creator steer the boat. Let’s stop talking about concepts such as ―my life‖, ―my career‖, ―my kids‖, ―my car‖, wow, this could become a long list. We are nothing without God. Remember, although we are his children, we need him more than he needs us. Let’s stay humble, stay focused, do our job as Godly men, and truly surrender our hearts to the Lord through whom all blessings flow!

―Corageous is Contagious‖ by Mike Gaydos continued from front page……...

5 THE CALL


Dear Friends,

Thanks to all who sent me Christmas cards. Your cheerful greetings brightened my holidays and recalled to me of your friendships.

Marge Bruder

As the first initiative in several years, the Parish Nurse group would like to assist members of the congregation in creating an accurate and meaningful medication list. Often, we don't understand the medications we are taking, how they interact and their importance to maintaining our health. We would like to assist by reviewing them with you and formulating a list that is up to date and legible for you and your health care providers. Two members of our team will meet with you and all information will be kept confidential. Please contact Kim Roderick at 412-487-8223 or [email protected] to schedule a meeting with the Parish Nurse group.

mailto:[email protected]

6 THE CALL


February Call

God’s world is a ―Winter Wonderland‖ this time of year and we have fun experiencing it in many ways. We love to explore the many projects – art, music, storytelling, writing and science during these winter months. How exciting it is to feel the cold snow in the sensory tables, watch it melt, and discover what we can do with it next! – color the water, freeze it, and paint with the frozen cubes!

In Science class we will be learning about shadows (Did the groundhog see his?), staying healthy with our bodies, and looking for patterns in nature.

Gym class will find us exercising and having fun with the riding, climbing, and movement equipment.

We will find lots of rhythm and active songs in Music class with Mrs. Doerge.

Our Bible story will feature John the Baptist, as he leads the people to listen to Jesus; and as he baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River. We will also learn of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding at Cana.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with our exchange of good wishes is fun. Making our pancakes from ―scratch‖ will help us learn how God has provided for us with these natural ingredients.

For information about the weekday preschool, call the office (412-486-2322) or Carolyn Hervey at home (412-487-1302). We are currently accepting applications for the Sept. 2012 – May 2013 school year.

Blessings,

Carolyn Hervey, Director

7 THE CALL


February Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

February 1: Ann Ritter

February 2: Ruth Yankovic, Wade Thomas

Don Duncan, Patrick Bove,

Jules Kaiser

February 3: Elizabeth Thomas

February 4: Patti Zahnhausen, Debra Klosky,

Julia Jashinski

February 5: Sue Siar, Carolyn Hasselman

February 6: David Stormer, John Tiernan

February 7: Lois Roberts, Betty Jane McDonough, Jim Ritter, Bev Friedline,

Joseph Pritchard, Amanda Gaydos

February 8: Helen Mills, Jim Young, Jim Mueller

February 9: Mary Ann Johnson, Robert Whitaker

February 10: John Brandon, Michele Weisensee

February 11: Jean Schrenker, Robert Cerny

February 12: Danielle Bonnett, Caitlin McCarty,

Jenny Dayton, Daniel Bonnett

February 13: Marguerite Patrick

February 14: Peg Holtgraver, Dorothy Lange,

Janice Persic, John Neil

February 15: Brooke Callahan

February 16: Clara Bowen,Cheryl McCaffrey,

Douglas Ifft,Susan Skowron,

Dan Barto, Eddie Skonieczny

February 17: Patricia Sanderson, Kyle Pinta,

Sarah Mathias

February 18: Harry Lee, Walter Van Newkirk, Cindy Wingard, Samantha Waldo

February 20: Mary Anna Orrison, Nellie Phillips,

Robert John Phillips

February 21: Leslie Mueller, Kristin Coco

February 22: Marian Meek, Marna Bodnar

February 23: Frank Morea, Steve Heere

February 24: Thomas Marshall

February 25: Louis Martin, Glenn Waldschmidt,

Van Lesnett, Bonnie Vidt

February 26: Melissa Beck, Marlene Weissert, Jacque DeMatteo, Amy Knight

Ashley Lawrence, Elizabeth Sandrock,

Meghan Harris, Crystal Cooper

February 27: Dave Jenkins, Shaun Peretik,

Andrew Coco, Carter Stack

February 28: Christine Plantania, Eden Lawrence

February 29: Carole Stewart

Anniversaries February 7: Leonard & Marilyn Colaizzi

February 10: Steven & Carlene Ballinger

February 15: David & Pamela Hodoba

February 17: David & Nancy Tiernan

February 20: Douglas & Carollee Ifft

February 28: Anthony & Sheryl Fiorino

8 THE CALL


FEBRUARY 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 6:00 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Rm. 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:15 pm Chancel Choir—CR

2 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:00 am Pre-School 9:15-11:30 am—Women’s Bible Study—YH 1:00-3:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Pam McKern’s house 1:00 pm—Presbytery Mtg.—Pleasant Hills Church 6:00 pm—Girl Scouts—Peach & TR 6:30 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Room 7:00 pm—CLC #3—YH 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

3 7:00 am Pre-School 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall

4 6:00-8:00 am—CLC #4—KL 8:30 am-4:00 pm-Act I—Fr. H & CE 8:00 am - Youth Group’s Day Ski Trip to Seven Springs

5 8:30 & 11:10am Worship Communion Dr. Lesnett preaching Youth Groups Souper Bowl of Caring Collection—8:30 & 11:10 4:45 pm—God & Life—Dr. Lesnett 6:30 pm—God & Church— Dr. Lesnett 6:00 pm—Jr. & Sr. High Club Super Bowl Party—YH

6 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E. 12:30 pm Mary Circle—FH 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30-8:30 pm—CLC #5—YH 7 pm BS—FH

7 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—KL 12:00 Noon—Men’s Luncheon-FH 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:00 pm—God & Me—Cor. Conf. Rm. 6:30 pm TOPS 7:00 pm—Personnel Committee— KL 7:00 pm—Financial Peace—YH 7:00 pm—Bell Choir—CR 7:30 pm—Praise Team—SA

8 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:15 pm Chancel Choir—CR

9 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 9:15-11:30 am—Women’s Bible Study— YH 1:00-3:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Pam McKern’s house 6 pm—Lions Club—Corn. Conf. Rm. 6:00 pm—Girl Scouts—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CLC #3—YH 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

10 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CS—Pack Mtg.—FH

11 6:00-8:00 am—CLC #4—KL 8:30-1:00 pm—Act I—Fr. H. & CE

12 8:30 & 11:10am Worship Scout Sunday Dr. Lesnett preaching 4:30-6:00 pm—Jr. High Club 6:30-8:00 pm—Sr. High Club 7:00 pm— Session Mtg.—Cor. Conf Rm.

13 7:00 am Pre-School-Valentine Parties 6:00 pm—Aliess Robison’s Piano Recital—CR 6:30-8:30 pm—CLC #5—YH 7 pm BS—FH

14 7:00 am Pre-School—Valentine Parties

8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—KL 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:00 pm—God & Me -Cor. Conf. Rm. 6:30pm TOPS 7:00 pm—AARP Meeting—FH 7:00 pm—Trustee’s Mtg.—Cor. Conf. Rm. 7:00 pm—Financial Peace—YH 7:30 pm—Praise Team—SA

15 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 6:00 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Rm. 6:30-8:00 pm—M&m’s Youth Group- FH 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:15 pm Chancel Choir—CR

16 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 9:15-11:30 am—Women’s Bible Study—YH 11:30 am—Sr. Achievers—FH 1:00-3:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Pam McKern’s house 6:00 pm—Girl Scouts—Peach & TR 6:30 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Room 7:00 pm—CLC #3—YH 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

17 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall

18 6:00-8:00 am—CLC #4—KL 8:30 am-4:00 pm-Act I—Fr. H & CE 5:30 pm—Jubilee Conference at Convention Center 6:30 pm—Jubilee Conference Dinner Mission Team supports JASON AWAY

19 8:30 & 11:10 am Worship 2:00-5:30 pm—Winter Gathering North Park—Rose Barn JASON AWAY

20 7:00 am No Pre-School—President’s Day.

6:00-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30-8:30 pm—CLC #5—YH 7 pm BS—FH

21 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—KL 4:00-7:00 pm—Pancake Supper 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:00 pm—God & Me- Cor. Conf. Rm. 6:30 pm TOPS 7 pm—Financial Peace—YH

22 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 6:00-6:30 pm—Lenten Dinner 6:30-7:30 pm—Lenten Study & Children’s Program 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:30 pm Chancel Choir—CR 6:30 pm Elementary and Chime Choir

23 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 9:15-11:30 am—Women’s Bible Study-YH 1:00-3:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Pam McKern’s house 6 pm—Lions Club—Corn. Conf. Rm. 7:00 pm—CLC #3—YH 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

24 7: 00 am Pre-School – C.E. 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall

25 6:00-8:00 am—CLC #4—KL 8:30 am-3:00 pm-Act I—Fr. H & CE

26 8:30 & 11:10 am Worship Communion First Sunday in Lent Moment for Young Disciples Kids of the Kingdom sing 9:45 am—Deacon’s Mtg. Cor.Conf.Rm. 4:30-6:00 pm—Jr. High Club 6:30-8:00 pm—Sr. High Club

27 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E. 6:00-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30-8:30 pm—CLC #5—YH 7:00 pm—BS—FH

28 7:00 am No Pre-School—Staff Workshop

8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—KL 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:00 pm—God & Me-Cor. Conf. Rm. 6:30 pm TOPS 7 pm—Financial Peace—YH 7 pm—AARP Board Meeting 7:30 pm—Praise Team—SA

29 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 6:00-6:30 pm— Lenten Dinner 6:30–7:30 pm -Lenten Study & Children’s Program 6:00 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Rm. 6:30 pm Elementary and Chime Choir 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:30 pm Chancel Choir—CR

9 THE CALL


CCT

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

TEAM

CR

CHOIR ROOM

CE

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

CLC

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

CONCEPTS

Cor. Conf. Rm.

CORNERSTONE CON-

FERENCE ROOM

Cov. Cl.

COVENANT CLASSROOM

FH

FELLOWSHIP HALL

FrH

FRIENDSHIP HALL

KL

KENNEDY LIBRARY

Kit

KITCHEN

PS

PASTOR’S STUDY

SA

SANCTUARY

SM

STUDENT MINISTRY

TR

TODDLER ROOM

YH

YOUTH HOUSE

FEBRUARY 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 6:00 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Rm. 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:15 pm Chancel Choir—CR

2 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:00 am Pre-School 9:15-11:30 am—Women’s Bible Study—YH 1:00-3:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Pam McKern’s house 1:00 pm—Presbytery Mtg.—Pleasant Hills Church 6:00 pm—Girl Scouts—Peach & TR 6:30 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Room 7:00 pm—CLC #3—YH 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

3 7:00 am Pre-School 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall

4 6:00-8:00 am—CLC #4—KL 8:30 am-4:00 pm-Act I—Fr. H & CE 8:00 am - Youth Group’s Day Ski Trip to Seven Springs

5 8:30 & 11:10am Worship Communion Dr. Lesnett preaching Youth Groups Souper Bowl of Caring Collection—8:30 & 11:10 4:45 pm—God & Life—Dr. Lesnett 6:30 pm—God & Church— Dr. Lesnett 6:00 pm—Jr. & Sr. High Club Super Bowl Party—YH

6 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E. 12:30 pm Mary Circle—FH 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30-8:30 pm—CLC #5—YH 7 pm BS—FH

7 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—KL 12:00 Noon—Men’s Luncheon-FH 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:00 pm—God & Me—Cor. Conf. Rm. 6:30 pm TOPS 7:00 pm—Personnel Committee— KL 7:00 pm—Financial Peace—YH 7:00 pm—Bell Choir—CR 7:30 pm—Praise Team—SA

8 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:15 pm Chancel Choir—CR

9 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 9:15-11:30 am—Women’s Bible Study— YH 1:00-3:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Pam McKern’s house 6 pm—Lions Club—Corn. Conf. Rm. 6:00 pm—Girl Scouts—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CLC #3—YH 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

10 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CS—Pack Mtg.—FH

11 6:00-8:00 am—CLC #4—KL 8:30-1:00 pm—Act I—Fr. H. & CE

12 8:30 & 11:10am Worship Scout Sunday Dr. Lesnett preaching 4:30-6:00 pm—Jr. High Club 6:30-8:00 pm—Sr. High Club 7:00 pm— Session Mtg.—Cor. Conf Rm.

13 7:00 am Pre-School-Valentine Parties 6:00 pm—Aliess Robison’s Piano Recital—CR 6:30-8:30 pm—CLC #5—YH 7 pm BS—FH

14 7:00 am Pre-School—Valentine Parties

8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—KL 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:00 pm—God & Me -Cor. Conf. Rm. 6:30pm TOPS 7:00 pm—AARP Meeting—FH 7:00 pm—Trustee’s Mtg.—Cor. Conf. Rm. 7:00 pm—Financial Peace—YH 7:30 pm—Praise Team—SA

15 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 6:00 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Rm. 6:30-8:00 pm—M&m’s Youth Group- FH 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:15 pm Chancel Choir—CR

16 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 9:15-11:30 am—Women’s Bible Study—YH 11:30 am—Sr. Achievers—FH 1:00-3:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Pam McKern’s house 6:00 pm—Girl Scouts—Peach & TR 6:30 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Room 7:00 pm—CLC #3—YH 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

17 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall

18 6:00-8:00 am—CLC #4—KL 8:30 am-4:00 pm-Act I—Fr. H & CE 5:30 pm—Jubilee Conference at Convention Center 6:30 pm—Jubilee Conference Dinner Mission Team supports JASON AWAY

19 8:30 & 11:10 am Worship 2:00-5:30 pm—Winter Gathering North Park—Rose Barn JASON AWAY

20 7:00 am No Pre-School—President’s Day.

6:00-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30-8:30 pm—CLC #5—YH 7 pm BS—FH

21 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—KL 4:00-7:00 pm—Pancake Supper 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:00 pm—God & Me- Cor. Conf. Rm. 6:30 pm TOPS 7 pm—Financial Peace—YH

22 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 6:00-6:30 pm—Lenten Dinner 6:30-7:30 pm—Lenten Study & Children’s Program 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:30 pm Chancel Choir—CR 6:30 pm Elementary and Chime Choir

23 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 9:15-11:30 am—Women’s Bible Study-YH 1:00-3:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Pam McKern’s house 6 pm—Lions Club—Corn. Conf. Rm. 7:00 pm—CLC #3—YH 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

24 7: 00 am Pre-School – C.E. 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall

25 6:00-8:00 am—CLC #4—KL 8:30 am-3:00 pm-Act I—Fr. H & CE

26 8:30 & 11:10 am Worship Communion First Sunday in Lent Moment for Young Disciples Kids of the Kingdom sing 9:45 am—Deacon’s Mtg. Cor.Conf.Rm. 4:30-6:00 pm—Jr. High Club 6:30-8:00 pm—Sr. High Club

27 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E. 6:00-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30-8:30 pm—CLC #5—YH 7:00 pm—BS—FH

28 7:00 am No Pre-School—Staff Workshop

8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—KL 6:00-9:00 pm –Act 1—Fr. H. & C.E. 6:00 pm—God & Me-Cor. Conf. Rm. 6:30 pm TOPS 7 pm—Financial Peace—YH 7 pm—AARP Board Meeting 7:30 pm—Praise Team—SA

29 7:00 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 6:00-6:30 pm— Lenten Dinner 6:30–7:30 pm -Lenten Study & Children’s Program 6:00 pm—Cub Scouts—Green Rm. 6:30 pm Elementary and Chime Choir 7:00 pm—CLC #2—KL 7:30 pm Chancel Choir—CR

10 THE CALL


Lenten Activities for Families

Lent is quickly approaching! It is a time for us to reflect on

how we live and discipline ourselves in spiritual practices such as

reading God’s Word, prayer, service, and sacrifice.

Below are some fun ways that families can demonstrate their love for God

and others throughout the Lenten season.

Give something up (even if it’s just for a day), and read about how Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert

for 40 days to prepare for his ministry (Matthew 4:1-11).

Burn white candles during a meal as a reminder that Jesus is the light of the world. Read Matthew

5:14-16 together.

Spend several minutes praying for friends and family. Allow time for each family member pray out loud.

Make a homemade card or bake something for a shut-in or family in need.

Fill a pot with soil and plant some seeds. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and discuss how Jesus gives us new life.

Pray for persecuted Christians who are afraid to openly celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter.

Read Psalm 67.

Practice sacrificial giving by donating gently used clothes or household items to a specific person or to a

thrift store.

God has blessed us in many ways – especially by giving us life in Jesus Christ. Let us praise God and be a

blessing to others!

In Christ,

Bethany Harbaugh

Children’s Lenten Program

Kids, come travel the world! This Lent, children in Kindergarten – Grade 6 can travel to a different continent every week to explore other cultures and discover more about God’s children around the world. We will play games, read the Bible, do a mission project, and pray for missionaries at home and abroad. Come join our adventure on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 during Lent! For more information, contact Bethany Harbaugh.

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WEDNESDAY LENTEN DINNERS AND STUDY

BEGINS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

AND GOES THROUGH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012

6:00 -6:30 P.M.-DINNER

6:30-7:30 P.M. LENTEN STUDY AND CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

7:30 P.M. CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL

This year’s Lenten study will be

―THE CASE FOR FAITH‖

By

Lee Strobel Lee Strobel holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a Master of Studies in Law from Yale Law School. He was a spiritual skeptic until 1981. He says, ―My road to atheism was paved by science… but, ironically, so was my later journey to God.‖ The topics of this study include: The Challenge of Faith, Dealing with Doubts, Evil and Suffering, Why is Jesus the Only Way to God? and the Power of Faith. Come join us for fellowship over a meal and vibrant conversation and discussion about questions we all ask. You can come to the study even if you are not able to make the dinner!

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13 THE CALL


December 2011

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop

fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in

the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is

my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.”

Hab. 3:17-19

Dear Friends and Family,

These ancient words from Habakkuk have taken on new meaning for me this year as I have

lived with my Malawian friends through the difficult times of scarcity of fuel, of increased

prices and falling availability of market items, of government suppression and civil unrest,

and now with drought and the fear of crop failure and hunger to follow. And yet, the trust of

Habakkuk that God is present in the midst of all of the struggles is the faith of my Malawians

colleagues – yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. While there is con-

cern with these struggles and conversation about them, all of that is undergirded with the

firm confidence that God will provide and that he is to be praised in the midst of all of this.

The testimony of this has been born out in Limbe CCAP in the last few weeks. The Sunday

before Christmas we baptized and confirmed 98 new members, a record for one service at

Limbe. These folks had been preparing all year for this day. On Christmas Day we baptized 19

infants, to celebrate Christ’s birth. These are signs of hope and trust for the future. The youth

of Limbe planned to go on with their annual retreat. They saved money; they raised money

in creative ways (among them a sponsored bike ride of 60 kilometers from Mulanje to Limbe);

they assisted each other. As I write this, 161 youth are in Salima, at the lake, for their retreat.

This is a record number of participants, in lean times. I was with them yesterday as one of the

speakers and their spirits are high and their commitment strong. God provided fuel for all of

this. On New Year’s Eve, the church will gather for a night of prayer, to thank God for the year

past and all that he has done and to pray for his continued protection and provision for

2012. The congregation will praise and pray all night and end with a worship service on

New Year’s Day. While this is happening at Limbe, the same types of programs are happening

in churches all over the Malawi. No one is allowing the economy or politics or the weather to

affect their praise of God for his provision in the past year or their trust in him for the future.

As we approach the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, my hope is that you, too, are

focusing on where God has been at work in the struggles of the year and where you will trust

him for the coming of the New Year. We know there will be struggles, but may our confidence

be the same as Habakkuk’s: The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet

of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

Blessed New Year,

Love,

Kay (Cathie to the family)

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A Note From Jason: The Pancake Supper and Pie Auction are Coming!

Our Student Ministries have been blessed this School year. I am excited to see what God is doing in and through the lives of our students and adult leaders. I am also very excited at all the students who will be going on our summer mission trips to Nicaragua and to Charleston, WV. It is my hope that these trips will be transformational in the lives of the people we serve as well as in the lives of the stu-

dents and adults who participate in them. You see, mission not only serves others but it is a powerful tool to open our eyes to the faith of others around the world and in different cultures. So you could say that these trips are about learning from the ones we serve just as much as they are about serve. It’s always a two way street.

With this in mind I want you to know that you play an important role in these mission experiences! One of the ways you do this is by helping us financially to pay for these trips which can be quite expensive. That brings us to the Pancake Supper (February 21) and the Pie Auction (March 17). These are our two largest mission fundraisers of the year. The funds raised help our students to pay for mission trips and retreats throughout the year. We simply ask you to mark the dates and come out and enjoy some great fellowship and food at both these events and know that in doing so you are supporting life changing trips for our students. Please know that we are grateful for all your support!

February Events:

Feb. 4: Ski Trip to Seven Springs.

We will meet at 8am and travel to Seven Springs and will return home late that night. Contact Jason ASAP if you are interested. Price is to be determined based on group size and whether we can get a group discount. See http://www.7springs.com for info.

February 5: “Souper Bowl of Caring” and Super Bowl Party.

“Souper Bowl of Caring”: we will have students standing at each of the sanctuary doors before and after each service. They will collect canned and boxed foods for the “Bread of Life” food pantry. We will need student volunteers to help collect the food and ask that members please bring food to donate. Super Bowl Party: we will have a combined youth group super bowl party. The Party will officially begin at 6pm at the youth house. Students are welcome to stay for the entire game or can be picked up or leave any time with their parent’s permission. This should be a great time for all and we’ll have some great food, so invite a friend and come hungry! February 21: Pancake Supper, from 4:30-7pm

Suggested Donation: $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

We invite you to mark your calendar for our annual Pancake Supper. It will be a great meal of Pancakes, Sausage and plenty of fixins to top them! All proceeds benefit our students as they go on summer mission trips and other retreats.

Pie Auction: March 17. Please mark the date for our annual Pie Auction. We would also like you to begin thinking about items or services you might auction off that night. We welcome all kinds of creative and great items. Things such as pies and other baked goods, week/weekend stays at vacation homes, specialty services, craft items, and game tickets. Contact Kyle Pinta via email: [email protected] or phone: 412-487-6163 if you have any questions or would like to donate something.

Pollaks Easter Candy Sale is coming

Watch for more information on this sale. The sale will support our students and help them to attend our mission trips and other retreats throughout the year.

February Club: For up to date information on our Sunday Club times check out our Student Ministry Calendar online: http://www.elfinwildchurch.org/message.php?topicID=23205

http://www.7springs.com/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.elfinwildchurch.org/message.php?topicID=23205

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Our Mission Trip Students and leaders.

Below are the students who are attending our two mission trips as of the writing of this article. Why not take some time to pray for them and support them during our fundraising events.

Nicaragua: Scott Hughes, Rachel Boody, Hope Schreiber, Matt Lesnett, Steve Dayton, Jordan Skowron, Henry Uehling, Natalie Grau, Julia Jashinski, Hanna Kalchthaler, Tori Panza, Leah Jans, Jenn Anderson, Emily Hughes, Jake Kalchthaler, Bob Hughes, Jason Rea, Jenny Dayton, Kelley Smith.

Charleston, WV: Alyssa Boody, Kevin Hart, Elinor Lindeman, Zach Hughes, Katie Shideler, Kelly Grau, Carolyn Skow-ron, Matt Dayton, Ryan Dayton, Tim Sutton, Bridget Stack, Mallory Stack, Andy Siar, Sean Bodner, Jared Panza, Jacob Jashinski, John Hart, Jason Rea, Kelley Smith


Non-Profit Org

US POSTAGE

PAID

Glenshaw, PA

Permit No 67

www.ElfinwildChurch.Org

ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3200 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Glenshaw, PA 15116

Phone: 412-486-5400

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