FROM THE PASTOR INSIDE - Amazon S3 › media.cloversites.com › 2d › ... · Easter Tulips Soup...

Newsletter of Lewes Presbyterian Church April, 2017

1

From the Pastor

2

Session Highlights

Treasurer’s Report

Exploring LPC Classes

Upcoming Mission Event

3

Easter Tea & Gathering

Easter Cantata

National Library Week

4

Holy Week Services

325th Anniversary

5

Denise Barnes Presentation

on “Gifts”

6

Easter Offering - LASP

7

Easter Tulips

Soup Fellowship

Monthly Luncheons

Birthdays & Anniversaries

12-Hour Prayer Vigil

8

Calendar

LPC’s Editorial Staff

Dr. Buz Hughes, Pastor Connie Ballato Bob Comeau Nancy Hansen Cathy Heronemus Jewel Levering Ellie Ziegler

INSIDE THIS ISSUE FROM THE PASTOR Spirit is through the gift of prayer; and Paul gives us a model prayer that expresses God’s heart for his people:

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that…you may know…the hope to which he has called you…the riches of his glorious inher-itance among the saints, and…the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, accord-ing to the working of his great power.

We will face many challenges as we seek to fulfill our God-given destiny as members of his church. If in the midst of these challenges we fix our eyes on Jesus rather than our circumstances, we will find hope in the revelation of God’s full provision and power for us who be-lieve. How great is this power?

God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named ….. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body….

We are members of his body, the church, and have full rights to our inheritance as God’s children. So let us live henceforth in the full-ness of his resurrection power!

In Christ

We will never be able to com-pletely comprehend the fullness of what God has done for us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But as we reflect up-on his suffering during Holy Week and celebrate anew his res-urrection in the Easter season, it is worth our effort to ponder what he has accomplished for us, accord-ing to Ephesians 1:11-23:

In Christ we have…obtained an inheritance, having been des-tined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we… might live for the praise of his glory.

We were created to live for the glory of God, and through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, God has provided us with every-thing we need to accomplish our purpose.

In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had be-lieved in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.

The most important thing that we need to accomplish our pur-pose is the indwelling presence of God himself in the person of the Holy Spirit, to guide and empower us to live for the praise of God’s glory as members of God’s own people in the world. One of the most direct ways to access the guidance and power of the Holy

www.lewespresbyterianchurch.org Believing, growing and sharing the love of Christ.

2

TREASURER’S REPORT, Jack Lesher, Treasurer January 1, 2017-February 28, 2017

General Fund 2017 2016

Receipts ............ $ 81,092 $ 80,194 Expenditures ..... 87,255 79,921 Excess Expenses/ Receipts ......... $ (6,163) $ 273

Mission 2017 2016

Carryover .......... $ 3,162 $ 5,918 Receipts ............ 13,686 14,337 Disbursements .. 14,773 9,400 Excess Receipts $ 2,075 $ 10,855

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS, Fred Beaufait, Clerk of Session

Upcoming Mission Event We are happy to announce that the Rev. Dennis Karp from Chosen People Ministries will be here

on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at 7 p.m. to lead us in a Jewish Passover Seder by demonstration and explanation. Rev. Karp has spoken at LPC several times but we have not done a Passover in many years. He is a Messianic Jew, therefore he has ac-cepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and is very instrumental in bringing many more Jews to accept Christ as their Messiah.

As in all biblical holidays, Passover is both a holiday of remembrance and a holiday of prophecy. Passover for the Jewish people is the annual celebration of God delivering Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 12).

Passover is the most important bibli-cal holiday for Christians as it clearly pictures the redemption Jesus provid-ed for our sin. It was the last meal Jesus ate with his disciples that we now remember in our celebration of Communion.

Through a Passover demonstration, Rev. Karp will lead us in the Old and New Testament and how it connects.

The demonstration takes approxi-mately 40 to 45 minutes and then he will remain to answer questions that we might have, including an update on his work with Chosen People Ministries.

Please note the Mission cabinet dis-play and some of the pieces from a Seder, as well as some pictures and books from Israel.

Refreshments will be served.

Exploring LPC

Classes

What are the core beliefs of LPC?

How do we organize the life of our congregation? What opportunities for ministry do we offer? How can I become a Covenant Partner of LPC?

These and other questions will be addressed at a series of two classes on Sunday afternoons on April 23 and April 30 at 2 p.m. in the church library:

• What it means to be a Christian

• Beliefs we share with all Christians

• Core Values of the Presbyterian and Reformed Tradition

• The history, vision, mission, and structure of LPC

• What Covenant Partnership entails, and how to join

All interested persons are invited. If you plan to attend, please call the church office at 302-645-5345 or email us at [email protected].

Special Meeting of Session - February 19, 2017

• Dr. Hughes introduced Eugenia and Joseph Roskos who wish to become covenant partners of Lewes Presbyterian Church. They currently live in the Philadelphia area and enjoy their home here in Lewes on the weekends. They shared their spiritual journey with the members of Session. Having affirmed their covenant with Christ and the Church, Session members voted to receive them into the fellowship of LPC and the hand of friendship, welcoming them into LPC.

Stated Session Meeting - February 28, 2017

• After brief discussion, the Session approved a Nomination Committee Policy that provides guidance to the committee in conducting its business.

• The Endowment Committee presented recommendations to provide support to the following: Lewes After School Program ($2500), Immanuel Shelter ($2500), and the Deacon’ Caring Ministry ($5000). These were approved by voice vote of the Session.

• Dr. Hughes showed a video clip of one of the ECO Gathering speakers on how generational differences impact the outreach of the church.


3

Easter Tea & Gathering

Saturday, April 8, 2017

2:00 - 4:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

Theme: “PROMISES FULFILLED”

Tea, goodies, harp music and a time to explore and share

God’s promises

This is a wonderful opportunity to include friends from your community or neighbors. Remember to bring your teacup and saucers and be prepared to share a story about your teacup.

Joy Slavens, a harpist from the Laurel area and leader of the harp ensemble “Expressions of Joy,” will gift us with background music during our tea time. Sign up in the Welcome Center until April 3.

Program facilitated by Sylvia Gilmore and sponsored by the Congregational Fellowship and Outreach Committee.

Easter Cantata to be presented in the Sanctuary

Sunday, April 2, 9 a.m.

& Sunday, April 9, 11 a.m.

April 9th Starts National Library Week

April 9th is also Palm Sunday. Why not use your LPC Library to look up Easter rituals in the Christian Growth section, or Easter facts and trivia in the Bible Studies section, or Easter prayers in the Prayer and Devotions sections? Maybe even hide some Bible verses in the plastic eggs for your Easter egg hunt.

Easter is really the basis for our Christianity. Celebrate and learn.


4

April 2, 9 a.m. & April 9, 11 a.m.— Easter Cantata

April 9, at 8, 9 & 11 a.m.—Palm Sunday Service

April 13, 7 p.m.—Maundy Thursday Service

April 14—Good Friday:

Bethel Cross Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.

LPC Tenebrae Service, Noon

Kids for Christ Holy Week

Presentation, 6-8:30 p.m.

April 15-16—Prayer Vigil, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

April 16—Easter Sunday:

Easter Sunrise Service, Lewes Beach,

6:30 a.m.

LPC Easter Services at 8, 9 and 11 a.m.

Mark Your Calendars for

October 21 & 22, 2017

Did you know that Lewes Presbyterian Church has been a congregation since 1692? On the weekend of October 21-22, we will be celebrating our 325th birthday with a special look at our rich heritage through song, special services, skits and much more.

For an in-depth look at the history of our church, please go to our website at: www.lewespresbyterianchurch.org/who-we-are/our-history

Please plan to be with us to celebrate the faith of our fathers, both then and now, and for the future.


5

Denise Barnes’ presentation on March 12, - “God has given each one of us gifts . . .”

The essence of the Christian life is in obeying and worshiping God and helping others. God has given each of us important gifts for those purposes. Like the three men in Jesus' Parable of the Talents, our gifts may be great or small. But no matter how great or small our talents, abilities and wealth, we are required to put them to good use.

As a member of the Transition Team; I have attended the last two retreats and have heard many wonderful ideas/visions brought forth for consideration. We will next meet with you, our brothers and sisters in Christ, to discuss what visions God has placed on your hearts and minds. Regardless of whether we enhance what we are currently doing here at LPC or whether we move to do more in the community as outreach, or do both, the most crucial part to success or failure lies with volunteers.

God has given each one of us gifts and talents to be used to further His kingdom. At this time, let us together as a congregation seek the direction of our Lord, seek what He would have us do, who He would have us be to one another and to the community. Let us pray to have a servant’s heart and pray that each one of us would use our gifts and talents to serve Him knowing that He is with us in all that we do.

Whether you are 15 or 115 years old, each one of us is a very important part of God’s team. We are the church--not the building--but each one of us is the church. Together we can reflect Christ, take the word out to neighbors, friends, anyone we encounter in our daily life. We can make a conscious effort to seek opportunities to build relationships with local missions that we support, to the homeless, to be a presence in the community, a beacon of light.

Volunteers are currently needed in many areas:

• There is a need for people to serve as ushers at both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. service. We are seeking assistance with preparation of Communion and serving Communion, specifically at our 11 a.m. service. In ECO, being ordained (a current or past elder or deacon) is no longer a requirement for serving Communion. It is very possible that we may need to offer Communion by intinction in the very near future if no one comes forward.

• The Congregational Fellowship & Outreach Committee welcomes those with the gift of hospitality to assist with dinners, luncheons, set up and clean up.

• Those with a heart for children and the desire to share the love of our Lord with them are welcome to serve in children’s ministries such as Kids for Christ, Vacation Bible School and Youth Group.

• We are currently seeking someone willing to oversee the church library.

• Connie is seeking someone to change out the Advent candles during the Advent season.

• Those with a heart for mission, please think about attending Mission Committee meetings and share ideas of how LPC can reach out locally and globally.

Please contact a Committee Chair, Elder, Deacon or our Pastor with questions on how you can best use your gifts and talents.

In today’s culture, there are many activities that sometimes overwhelm us and take our attention, take our focus and turn our eyes away from Jesus. Let us think of this analogy taken from the study Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman: “Think of a bureau with many drawers. Jesus should be the bureau encompassing all activities but many times we put Jesus in a drawer. We open the drawer on Sunday take Jesus out for the day and then put him back in and close it up until the following Sunday. Jesus should be and wants to be at the center of all that we do.”

May we actively seek Him and go before Him in prayer asking “Lord please show me the plans you have for me and how I may better serve you beginning today.”

From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. (NRSV, Luke 12:48)


6

Easter Offering

This year the Easter Offering will help support the Lewes After School Program

(LASP). The program is an educational mission of Lewes Presbyterian Church

designed to help at-risk children attending Shields Elementary School. We

became involved in starting LASP at the request of the Lewes Police Department

in August 2003. The department saw the need to provide a constructive after

school environment to help guide children in a positive direction. Members of

the church shared that vision and LPC members worked with the police

department and representatives from Shields to plan the initial program.

Over the years there have been changes in the program. However, the

emphasis has remained on providing a caring environment that stresses

academic achievement and character development for future success in life.

The children are selected based on difficulties with reading and/or math, family

or personal issues that are having a negative impact on school performance, or

the danger of being retained at school.

If you stop by the church any school day between 3:15 and 6:00 p.m. you

will see 30 children, four staff members and anywhere from three to six

volunteers completing homework, doing art projects, engaging in reading or

math lessons, character education lessons, or having fun by participating in

games and physical activities. There are also special events held on a weekly

basis. The children work with members of the Ocean Wave Quilt Guild to

make their own quilts as well as quilts that they donate to patients at nursing

homes or Beebe Medical Center. The Jump Bunch activity introduces the

children to a wide range of sports games that promote physical well being.

You might even see children working on their reading fluency with the LEAP

dogs (specially trained dogs and handlers who provide a friendly and non-

critical audience for children who are struggling with reading fluency

problems).

Most of the children come from low income homes and families that could

not afford to pay tuition for this type of program. The church provides space,

overhead, support staff time and leadership. However, most of the operating cost must come from other sources. LASP

receives support from many sources. The Cape Henlopen School District provides transportation and identifies the

children who are in greatest need. Since 2008, we have received grants from the Delaware Department of Education

through the 21st Century Community Learning Center program. In addition, many members of our church family have

served as volunteers and have made donations in support of the program.

For the coming year, a grant from the 21st Century Community Learning Center will provide 50% of the funds needed

for the program. We have received commitments from a number of

sources to help fund the balance. The Cape Henlopen School District,

the LPC Endowment Fund, the Greater Lewes Foundation and the

Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches are providing financial

support. However, in order to operate the program from May 1, 2017

to June 2018, an additional $6,000 is needed.

Your contribution to the Easter Offering will help meet this goal. The

children, parents, volunteers, and staff thank you for your

consideration and your support.

You will find donation envelopes in the pews and attendance registers,

or just drop your check in the offering plate or the mail. Please write

“Easter Offering” in the memo area of your check.


7

Birthdays & Anniversaries

April

Ashling Marshall ............................. 4 Elaine Dewey-Shupe ...................... 5 Troy Hazzard ................................... 5 Herman Rotsch ................................ 5 Hilary Livingston ............................. 6 Bryn DiStefano ................................ 6 Teague Swearingen .......................... 7 Stevie Marstiller ............................. 10 Robert Capers ................................ 11 Lynden Prosser .............................. 11 Jeffrey Stewart ............................... 12 Carolyn Koster ............................... 12 Peg Love ........................................ 13 Meoghan Swain ............................. 13 Alex Miller ..................................... 14 Beth Rendel ................................... 14 John DiStefano ............................... 16 Don Sturtz ...................................... 18 Michael Grafton ............................. 19 Daniel Swain .................................. 20 Bob Comeau .................................. 21 Norma Bame .................................. 22 Charlotte Burns .............................. 25 Jeff Williams .................................. 25 Dave Koster ................................... 26 Rob Marshall ................................. 27 Karen Letonoff ............................... 28 Rosann D. Mears ........................... 28 Kyra Lyn Marshall ......................... 30

Amanda & Matthew Marine will celebrate their third anniversary on April 5

Pam & Alan Waldron will celebrate their 49th anniversary on April 6.

Brenda & Troy Hazzard will celebrate their 16th anniversary on April 7.

Bill & Sue Ellen Radhe will celebrate their 25th anniversary on April 12.

The Male Bag Men’s Luncheon - Lewes Diner

Thursday, April 20, 1:00 p.m.

Reservations: Ron Trupp, 645-8927

Kelly Class Luncheon

Monday, April 10 , 12:30 p.m.

Call for reservations:

Lauren Hapeman (302-945-7618) or Faye Russell (302-299-9337)

Bruce & Leslie Triplett will celebrate their 49th anniversary on April 20.

Ruth Ann & Charles Goarcke will celebrate their 38th anniversary on April 21.

Easter Tulips Remember a

friend or loved one.

Orders taken until April 10. Cost: $10

Contact church office at 645-5345 or fill out form in the Welcome

Center.

Will You Watch With Me One Hour?

The Easter Vigil is another meaning-ful way to celebrate what Jesus did for us on the cross. What is a vigil anyway? According to Mr. Webster, a vigil is “a watch kept on the night before a religious feast, usually with prayer and devotions.”

Traditionally, churches hold prayer vigils between sunset the Saturday before Easter and sunrise, Easter Sunday. LPC's Easter Vigil will be held in the Sanctuary beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 through 6 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 16. Prayer and reflection may also be done at home; pick up materials (if desired).

The vigil is open to all members and friends of the congregation and com-munity. A commitment sheet is available in the Welcome Center. The 12-hour vigil is divided into one hour intervals, with at least two prayer warriors needed for each hour.

Bibles, appropriate Scriptures and reading material will be available in the Welcome Center and Sanctuary. Will YOU watch with me one hour?

(See Matthew 26:40)

Gloria & Bob Campbell will cele-brate their 60th anniversary on April 7.

Mary Ellen & Mel Kreps will cele-brate their 58th anniversary on April 18.

Lorraine & Ron Smith will celebrate their 53rd anniversary on April 4.

The LPC Soup Ministry will be concluding on April 25. There are so many people to thank--all of the wonderful volunteers and, of course, the congregation

that supports this ministry. There have been many individuals who have helped by making desserts (a special mention for David and Elaine Shupe whose desserts have been over the top). Most importantly, I thank God for giving us this wonderful opportunity.

Yours in Christ--Gerry & Carol Brown


8

April Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat.

26

8:00 AM Communion Worship (S)

8:45 AM Nursery

9:00 AM Adult Sunday School (L)

9:00 AM Contemporary Worship (FH)

9:15 AM Children's Sunday School

11:00 AM Traditional Worship (S)

12:30 PM The Bible Project (Music Rm)

6:00 PM Hour of Prayer (S)

6:30 PM Youth Group (7-12)

27

9:00 AM The

Beatitudes (L)

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

7:00 PM Joshua

Bible Study (L)

28

8:00 AM Moms In Prayer (CR)

11:00 AM Soup Fellowship (FH)

12:30 PM Joshua Bible Study (L)


7:00 PM Moms In Prayer (CR)

29

10:00 AM

Intercessory Prayer

(CR)

6:00 PM Chimers (L)

6:00 PM Praise Band

(FH)

7:00 PM Choir (MR)

30

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

7:00 PM

Believe Study

(L)

31

6:00 PM

Heart-to-

Heart (Biele

Home)

1

2


8:45 AM Nursery


9:00 AM Easter Cantata (S)



12:30 PM The Bible Project (Music RM)


7:00 PM Dennis Karp Visit (FH)

3

9:00 AM The

Beatitudes (L)

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

7:00 PM Joshua

Bible Study (L)

4






5

10:00 AM

Intercessory Prayer

(CR)

6:00 PM Chimers (L)

6:00 PM Praise Band

(FH)

7:00 PM Choir (MR)

6

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

7:00 PM

Believe Study

(L)

7

11:00 AM

Congrega-

tional

Fellowship/

Outreach

Mtg (MR)

8

2:00 PM

Ladies'

Afternoon

Tea (FH)

9

Nickels for Hunger Sunday

PALM SUNDAY


8:45 AM Nursery




11:00 AM Easter Cantata (S)




10

9:00 AM The

Beatitudes (L)

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

12:30 PM Kelly

Class

7:00 PM Joshua

Bible Study (L)

11


9:00 AM Finance Committee

(MR)




3:30 PM Mission Committee

(MR)

5:30 PM Crosswalk (L)

6:00 PM LRAC Meeting (FH)


12

10:00 AM

Intercessory Prayer

(CR)

11:00 AM Deacons/

Caring Ministry (MR)

6:00 PM Chimers (L)

6:00 PM Praise Band

(FH)

7:00 PM Choir (MR)

13

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

7:00 PM

Maundy

Thursday

Service (S)

14

12:00 PM

Good

Friday

Service (S)

6:00 PM

Kids For

Christ

15

6:00 PM

Prayer

Vigil until

6:00 AM

Easter

Sunday

(S)

16

EASTER SUNDAY


8:45 AM Nursery







17

Easter Holiday -

OFFICE CLOSED

Newsletter

Deadline

9:00 AM The

Beatitudes (L)

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

7:00 PM Joshua

Bible Study (L)

18


9:30 AM LASP Advisory Meeting

(MR)





7:00 PM Session (MR)

19

10:00 AM

Intercessory Prayer

(CR)

6:00 PM Praise Band

(FH)

7:00 PM Choir (MR)

20

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

1:00 PM Men's

Luncheon

21

12:00 PM

M.A.A.M.

22

23


8:45 AM Nursery





12:30 PM The Bible Project (Music RM)

2:00 PM Exploring LPC Membership (L)



24

9:00 AM The

Beatitudes (L)

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

7:00 PM Joshua

Bible Study (L)

25





5:30 PM Crosswalk (FH)


26

10:00 AM

Intercessory Prayer

(CR)

6:00 PM Praise Band

(FH)

7:00 PM Choir (MR)

27

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

28

6:00 PM

Kids For

Christ

29

30


8:45 AM Nursery






2:00 PM Exploring LPC Membership (L)


1

9:00 AM The

Beatitudes (L)

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

2



3

10:00 AM

Intercessory Prayer

(CR)

6:00 PM Praise Band

(FH)

7:00 PM Choir (MR)

4

NATIONAL

DAY OF

PRAYER

10:30 AM Fit &

Flexible Class

(FH)

5

11:00 AM

Congrega-

tional

Fellowship/

Outreach

Mtg (MR)

6

FROM THE PASTOR INSIDE - Amazon S3 › media.cloversites.com › 2d › ... · Easter Tulips Soup...

Documents

Transcript of FROM THE PASTOR INSIDE - Amazon S3 › media.cloversites.com › 2d › ... · Easter Tulips Soup...