First Presbyterian Church ECO 323 Main Street, Greenville PA · 2020. 9. 9. · First Presbyterian...

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First Presbyterian Church ECO 323 Main Street, Greenville PA September 2020 Bulletin announcements need submitted no later than noon on Wednesdays. Churchmouse deadline the 20th of every month. Web site: www.fpcgreenville.com Church Office email: [email protected] Rev. David Dobi, Senior Pastor email: [email protected] Ben Claypool, Associate Pastor email: [email protected] July 2020 Giving: $24,502 Expenses: $35,353 Short Fall: ($10,851) Birthdays Arch Messer 9/2 Helen Zahniser 9/4 Mary Ann Dawson 9/6 Carol Forbes 9/6 Sharon Nystrom 9/7 Sierra Shipton 9/8 Lyle Anderson 9/12 Terry Cooper 9/13 Carole Thompson 9/13 Sue Hart 9/19 Kyle Pey 9/20 Sco Sankey 9/20 Virginia Sheridan 9/20 Viola Godfrey 9/21 Tom Warrender 9/21 Dillon Groover 9/22 Sandra Manning 9/22 Fred Kiser 9/24 Larry Manning 9/24 Melissa Miller 9/25 Jake Jackson 9/26 Jerry Hodge 9/29 Kim Proper 9/29 Ben Reither 9/29 Youth Journey Blum 9/4 Alexa Straw 9/7 Lucy Glassman 9/7 Julia Crompton 9/15 Aleck Scobbie 9/16 Alyssa Schreiber 9/25 In Loving Memory Marcia A. Dambacher June 2, 1935-August 16, 2020 VIEW FROM THE PULPIT- - Three noteworthy month–of-August events at First Presbyterian Church deserve special mention in this space. 1-Session has concurred with requests from Organist Kathryn Gray and Chancel Choir Director Michael Bray to complete their meritorious service to Christ and the Church in our midst August 31, 2020. Mrs. Gray began her work here in the summer of 2008. Dr. Bray began September 1, 2000. We celebrate with gratitude to God these gifted, faithful saints and wish them well in whatever season nextopportunities might be theirs. Loving thanks Kathryn and Michael! 2-Session acted on recommendation from its Committee on Personnel to com- bine the duties and responsibilities of organist and choir director-creating a new position: Director of Music Ministries-appointing Randall Curtis to this ministry, effective September 1, 2020. It is a seamless transition to a next season of the blessings of music in worship at First Presbyterian Church. Welcome Randy! 3-The Presbytery of Rivers of Life ECO-by way of its Preparation and Ministry Teams-has certified Associate Pastor Ben Claypool as having completed satisfactorily all the Trials for Ordination,making him eligible for Ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as part of A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. What that means is that in the not-too-distant future, we will celebrate together Ordination of a Pastor, an infrequent happening in most congregations. Congratulations Ben! DAD Just a reminder that there is prayer time available before Sunday School each Sunday morning! Come join in for a time of fellowship and prayer located in the church library!

Transcript of First Presbyterian Church ECO 323 Main Street, Greenville PA · 2020. 9. 9. · First Presbyterian...

Page 1: First Presbyterian Church ECO 323 Main Street, Greenville PA · 2020. 9. 9. · First Presbyterian Church ECO 323 Main Street, Greenville PA September 2020 Bulletin announcements

First Presbyterian Church ECO 323 Main Street, Greenville PA

September 2020

Bulletin announcements need submitted no later than noon

on Wednesdays.

Churchmouse deadline the 20th of every month.

Web site: www.fpcgreenville.com

Church Office email: [email protected]

Rev. David Dobi, Senior Pastor email: [email protected]

Ben Claypool, Associate Pastor email: [email protected]

July 2020 Giving: $24,502 Expenses: $35,353

Short Fall: ($10,851)

Birthdays Arch Messer 9/2 Helen Zahniser 9/4 Mary Ann Dawson 9/6 Carol Forbes 9/6 Sharon Nystrom 9/7 Sierra Shipton 9/8 Lyle Anderson 9/12 Terry Cooper 9/13 Carole Thompson 9/13 Sue Hart 9/19 Kyle Petty 9/20 Scott Sankey 9/20 Virginia Sheridan 9/20 Viola Godfrey 9/21 Tom Warrender 9/21 Dillon Groover 9/22 Sandra Manning 9/22 Fred Kiser 9/24 Larry Manning 9/24 Melissa Miller 9/25 Jake Jackson 9/26 Jerry Hodge 9/29 Kim Proper 9/29 Ben Reither 9/29

Youth Journey Blum 9/4 Alexa Straw 9/7 Lucy Glassman 9/7 Julia Crompton 9/15 Aleck Scobbie 9/16 Alyssa Schreiber 9/25

In Loving Memory Marcia A. Dambacher

June 2, 1935-August 16, 2020

VIEW FROM THE PULPIT- - Three noteworthy month–of-August events at First Presbyterian Church deserve special mention in this space. 1-Session has concurred with requests from Organist Kathryn Gray and Chancel Choir Director Michael Bray to complete their meritorious service to Christ and the Church in our midst August 31, 2020. Mrs. Gray began her work here in the summer of 2008. Dr. Bray began September 1, 2000. We celebrate with gratitude to God these gifted, faithful saints and wish them well in whatever ‘season next’ opportunities might be theirs. Loving thanks Kathryn and Michael! 2-Session acted on recommendation from its Committee on Personnel to com-bine the duties and responsibilities of organist and choir director-creating a new position: ‘Director of Music Ministries’-appointing Randall Curtis to this ministry, effective September 1, 2020. It is a seamless transition to a next season of the blessings of music in worship at First Presbyterian Church. Welcome Randy! 3-The Presbytery of Rivers of Life ECO-by way of its Preparation and Ministry Teams-has certified Associate Pastor Ben Claypool as having completed satisfactorily all the ‘Trials for Ordination,’ making him eligible for Ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as part of A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. What that means is that in the not-too-distant future, we will celebrate together Ordination of a Pastor, an infrequent happening in most congregations. Congratulations Ben! DAD

Just a reminder that there is prayer time available before Sunday School each Sunday morning! Come join in for a time of fellowship and prayer located in the church library!

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From the Pen of Ben

To Timothy, my beloved child:

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith

that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

These are the first few lines of Paul’s letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:1-5). How amazing would it be to read these

words as Lois or Eunice? Timothy was mentored by Paul but raised in the faith by his mom and grandma. You are

called to one of these three situations that can be found in this passage. Some of you are called to be parents,

grandparents, and then others are called to be mentors. Paul had no children of his own, but he had Timothy as a

spiritual son. He addressed him as so. We all have had a “Paul” in our life. A “Paul” is someone who comes along-

side you and teaches you about the faith. Sometimes those “Pauls” are your parents. Sometimes that "Paul" is a

relative, a friend of the family, or an adult from the church.

In light of this passage and also Deuteronomy 6, I am excited to be starting a Sunday school class to help parents/

grandparents/mentors to be those "Pauls" in the lives of the younger generations. Come to the Sunday school

class and learn to be stronger in your faith to be a "Paul" for a "Timothy" in your life. I look forward to seeing some

of you on Sunday mornings during the Sunday school hour, beginning September 13.

A Note from our Friends at North Presbyterian Church, Cleveland Greetings and Blessings to Friends at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville! We have been praying for the good health and well-being of all at First Pres-Greenville. It’s amazing how quickly the summer is evaporating. We are disappointed that we cannot host a visit or travel to Pennsylvania this year. We are doing well so far with Sunday services. Thank you for your help with getting tray tables for meals after Church. This has worked really well; we set up chairs and the tray tables outside in front of the church. Folks are enjoying eating outdoors, and it’s better as people have to take their masks off to eat. We miss all of you, and keep you in our prayers. May the God of peace continue to be with you all. Love, Maria, Charlie and Your Friends at North Church

OUR CURRENT HOURS: Come in and enjoy a beverage at our tables. Please plan to wear a mask covering your mouth and nose while travelling in the building. Seated customers are not required to wear masks Hours: Wednesday - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed Sunday-Tuesday)

THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER 10 N. Water St., Greenville ‘The Thrift Store’ 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM – Monday thru Friday M/W/F……………Sales and Drop-Offs T/TH……………….Drop-Offs only ‘The Food Pantry’ 35. S. Water St., Greenville 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM – Monday thru Friday Good Shepherd Food Pantry ‘Items of the Month’ (September) pasta, rice or dry grains Social Concerns Committee

COMMITTEE NEWS

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Meet Your Session Members James Kelso Jones… I’m sure you are thinking WHO? We fondly know him as Kelly! Kelly and his wife have been married for 39 years and have two children; Colin who lives in NYC, and Amanda Maness, who lives in North Carolina. They are blessed to have three grandchildren; Ethan, Evelyn, and Ella. Residing at their home currently are a cat and a horse. Did you know Kelly taught Chemistry in Cleveland for 3 years and then at Greenville for 32? Wow!

Kelly was raised in a Methodist church in Mercer before becoming a member here for 35+ years. He must love com-mittee work because he is on the Finance, Stewardship, and Congregational Life committees. He and his lovely wife have generously offered their home to host many gatherings, including the church picnic and youth retreats. The youth really enjoy those retreats which offer fellowship, God’s word, and of course a great time! They truly love to host events at their family farm. While Jill enjoys traveling to North Carolina to see those grand-babies, Kelly prefers to stay at home. He believes, “There’s no place like home!" While many of us rave about our favorite meal that we like to have when we are in a restau-rant, Kelly prefers his wife’s cooking! She generously cooks for church events so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it too!

Some other interesting facts you may or may not know is that Kelly coached boy’s basketball and track for more than 25 years. He is involved with the Good Shepherd in obtaining and delivering donations from the local stores. Now we also know he enjoys a card game called “Duplicate Bridge”. Any takers? It would certainly be a rousing game!

The Books of History Window ( West window II) The Books of History Window is divided into five sections and includes the Books of Joshua through Ester. The subjects that relate to the whole window are the red ribbon and thorny vine. The red ribbon symbolizes God’s part, rule, and faithfulness of God’s people. The thorny vine symbolizes Satan, idols, and the unfaithfulness of God’s people. The Ark of the Covenant ap-pears periodically until the decay, exile, and destruction of Jerusalem. Section 1 (right side top) Joshua is leading the people across the Jordan River into Canaan. The altar, made of twelve stones from each tribe, extols and praises God for His care and favor. There are also twelve tents representing the twelve tribes. Section 2 (right side middle) After Joshua’s death the people sinned greatly for over 300 years. God chose judges (with trumpets) to deliver and rule the tribes. Some of them are por-trayed; Gideon, Barak, Deborah, Samson, Jephthah, and lastly Samuel. At the bottom of this panel are 13 judge symbols with an idol above each symbol. Below the circle are Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Section 3 After the people rebelled and rejected the judge Samuel appointed and anointed, Saul to be the first King. He grew a great army. Saul falls upon his sword as the witch of Endor marks his sins and follies. Jonathan (the figure below Saul) becomes friends with David. David becomes the next king after the death of Saul. Continuing to the bottom left panel we see David becoming the greatest king. Prophet Nathan is his counselor. The Jesse Tree, with Messianic Hope, crowns, and the sunflower that points to Christ, symbolizes Jesus’ genealogy to David. The 2 women are Abigail and Bathsheba. The temple, which Davis planned but Solomon built, shows his greatness. Sin came in (dark area) and Israel fell into decay. Section 4 Showing the divided Hebrew Kingdom, the Hebrew nation was gone, having been disgraced by sin, idol worship, infidelity, corruption, sensual depravity, and cruelty represented by darkness and idols. The inconspicuous Temple and the 39 crowns show the disregard and the corrupt kings. God’s great prophets are symbolized by the red flaming tongue. Elijah and Elisha are the figures shown trying to call the people back. They continue to fall into ruin, taken to exile by Assyria, indicated by the soldiers. Judah was taken into exile to Babylon (lion head). Section 5 Languishing 70 years in captivity, their pride turned to shame. Young Daniel and Ezekiel revived them with the truth of God’s love, mercy, and the hope of God’s plan to restore them. King Cyrus of Persia, appointed Zerubabel Governor of Judea and gave him people and supplies to return to the homeland. He rebuilt the Temple, their altar, the appointments, and the religious feasts. In the brown half circle are symbols of the 3 prophets of the restoration. Queen Esther gets the king to grant more favors. Ezra returned and restored the Law of Moses (the scroll). The last figure is Nehemiah. With the King’s consent he returned to Judea, rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem, restored Divine Worship, and renewed Jerusalem’s dignity and fortification.

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The Mission Committee would like to thank Ginny Snyder for her many years of service. Ginny, you will be greatly missed! Dave & Carla Campbell, volunteers for Downtown Ministries write "We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of Downtown Ministries and all of the various individual ministries that fall under the DTM umbrella. We have been blessed by the many miracles we have seen God orchestrate at Fresh Grounds and it's ministries. Lives have been changed as people are surrounded by Godly people striving to grow God's kingdom with each seed they plant. The rela-tionships we have witnessed growing daily with God at their core; the peaceful atmosphere we experience upon entering the building; the comfort of knowing God spoken there. All of those things are made possible by all who support our staff by contributing to the general fund, special projects and, most importantly, by the prayers of all. We know God has laid it upon your heart to aid in His work and we are eternally grateful." Rachel & Michael Wellar, mission partners in Ethiopia, are presently living in Norfolk, Va., with their daughter. They report: "Africa is at the beginning point of this pandemic and World Mission will need to interpret the situation and develop the criteria for sending mission staff back. In the meantime, Rachel and I have weekly communication with our Ethiopian colleagues in Gambella. In an unofficial capacity, Rachel has continued to work with the Community Health Evangelism (CHE). She made sure that CHE materials concerning COVID-19 precautions were available to her Nuer and Anyuwaa colleagues. Rachel helped them with their plans to teach in Gambella region communities. I, Michael, have not had much opportunity to work directly with Ethiopia, but have helped the West Gambella Bible School principal to continue the Synod's plan to upgrade their school to a Theological College. US friends have collected about 4,000 books for a library and these will be shipped to Ethiopia after a building to house the books is constructed. This project has been delayed and we do not know if we will even make it for the next scheduled attempt to construct the building in September/October. I am still hoping to be part of that team. Rachel and I appreciate very much the financial support and the encouragement that The Outreach Foundation has provided through the years. Don & Martha Wehmeyer, Antioch Partners in Yucatan, Mexico, write: "Between COVID-19 and tropical storm Columbus, we are not in ordinary times. The seminary stopped classes at the end of March and the country has been on lock-down. This has meant significant disruptions for workers. Many people get paid by the day, so for them to stay home week after week is a real hardship. The church and government have been making care packages, but it is never enough. Our little church of 20 families is helping 30 families. This means that the church savings are getting depleted pretty fast, but the session decided that this was the best thing to do, and I am proud of them. Several church families have stepped up to help, so I get to see first-hand how the Spirit of the Lord works powerfully here. Tropical storm Columbus dumped tons of water on our heads. It started south of us in El Salvador and flooded many parts of that country. Once it got to Mexico, it decided to sit on Campeche, and many people have water up to their waist in their houses. Civil defense is trying to get purified water to folks, but many roads are washed out. The good news is that the Mexican people are quite stoic and respectful of one another in these difficult times." Choon and YenHee Lim, Mission co-workers serving in East Asia, are retiring at the end of this year. They were hoping to return to the US in July, but now must wait till the pandemic settles down. Becky Vogan, from Root International, reports that the Navajo reservation is one of the hot spots for COVID. The church, trailers and storage units were vandalized. One of the thieves was caught, but police had to let him go because they were not able to lock him up. Morale is very low. In Juarez, Mexico, Root is working to take food to the people in the mountains where there is much hunger. Becky says "We of Root International are all so grateful for your support and prayers through-out the years and we continue with our missions as God directs."

COMMITTEE NEWS

QUILTING INTEREST The group that ties quilts for several missions is looking at regathering. Please call the church office if you are interested in being part of this group 724-588-6520.

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COMMITTEE NEWS

News from Christian Ed/Youth Committee Due to the circumstances involving COVID-19, the fall gathering for 939 Prayer Breakfast has been cancelled. However, fall Sunday School classes will begin on September 13, 2020. There will be three adult classes taught by Rev. David Dobi, Tom Brainard and Ben Claypool. Dan Baker plans to resume a high school class also. The Christian Ed committee is currently researching and evaluating how, when and where youth Sunday School classes (Preschool through Eighth Grade) will resume. Stay tuned.

The Communication Committee is asking that anyone who does not have email and wants to be on the prayer chain to contact Sue to be added to a phone tree for just that purpose. We would like to hear from you regarding the continuing availability of the online service viewing. We would love any feedback on this or the church’s website. Thanks.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE NEWS September brings in the Fall. Wow! Where did the time go? This is the time the worship committee starts to think about Christmas preparations. (Oh, my!) As we prepare to bring in the next activities for the upcoming months we are reminded again that our focus is on Jesus! In Ephesians 4:3 we hear “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, through the bond of peace.” As a church community, we are reminded that it is easy to take sides rather than work together. Our prayer should be that we need Jesus to help us deal with any conflict and lead us to unity and peace. We should celebrate all that Fall gives us in nature, church busyness, our nation’s freedom to exercise our rights, and the fellowship of the Covenant Partners. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Fall General Election is Scheduled for November 3rd 2020 The last day you can register to vote is October 19, 2020. The last day you can request a mail-in ballot is October 27, 2020. You can receive additional information at: Mercer County Voter Registration and Election Bureau Thad Hall, Director 5 Mercer County Courthouse Mercer, PA 16137 Office Hours: Monday ~ Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Except Holidays Telephone (724) 662-7542 or (724) 962-5711 FAX (724) 662-1530 E-Mail:[email protected] Or go online at votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx Social Concerns Committee

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First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, PA 16125 -RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED-

Non-Profit Organization

U.S.POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT No. 80 E

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS - Gathered in a regular and scheduled meeting Monday, August 10, 2020, 6:00 PM in Calvin Hall

Heard INFORMATION concerning: -Progress on the west wall stairway project, parking lot sealing, security camera installation, a plan for courtyard pruning and trimming, quote from Hunt Stained Glass Studios, Pittsburgh, for completion of the window project (Property); -Plan for Backpack program school year start-up (Mission); -Service of the The Lord’s Supper-Sunday, August, 30, 10:00 AM (Worship); -Near completion of the outdoor patio at Fresh Grounds, reopening of the Good Shepherd Center Thrift Store (Social Concerns) -Creative contact possibilities with North Church, Cleveland, 200th anniversary of FPC preplanning (Congregational Life/Fellowship); -Sunday School summer and fall arrangements (Christian Education); -Plan for start-up of expanded small group ministry opportunities (Associate Pastor). By MOTION and VOTE -Concurred with requests from Organist Kathryn Gray and Chancel Choir Director Michael Bray to complete their service as FPC Staff members effective August 31, 2020 (Personnel); -Appointed Randall Curtis to the new position of Director of Music Ministries at FPC, beginning September 01, 2020, an annual salary of $22,500. (Personnel).