Humble Faith Offers Forgiveness!

Romans 8:28

May 2012

St. Peter’s Reformed Church

314-320 E. Grandview Avenue

Zelienople, PA 16063

(724) 452-8120

stpzelie.org

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And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Dear Friends in Christ,

I recently got into a conversation with some people about the topic of forgiveness. One person asked, “Why is it so difficult to forgive someone when they have caused an offense against you?” It’s a good question isn’t it? And many of us have probably asked that question many times in our lifetime. I’m continually reminded that Jesus said, “You are not to forgive seven times, but seven times seventy.” And the reality is that none of us are immune from needing to receive forgiveness or offer forgiveness. It means that we all need to put our pride aside and in humility do what is right. So with that in mind, I quickly did some research on biblical forgiveness.

Forgiveness is unconditional. We don’t earn it; we don’t deserve it; we can’t bargain for it. Forgiveness is not based on a promise to never do it again. We offer forgiveness to somebody, whether that person asks for it or not. When somebody says, “I will forgive you if…,” that’s not forgiveness; that’s bargaining. When Jesus stretched out his hands on the cross and said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), he took the initiative, not waiting for us to first clean up our lives.

Forgiveness doesn’t minimize the offense. It actually cheapens forgiveness when somebody comes and asks for your forgiveness and you say, “It’s no big deal. It really didn’t hurt. It’s okay. It didn’t really bother me.” If it wasn’t a big deal, you wouldn’t need forgiveness, and you wouldn’t need to offer it. If it really requires forgiveness then you should not minimize it when somebody asks you for forgiveness.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean the relationship resumes without change. The Bible teaches three things that are essential to resume a relationship that has been broken: repentance, restitution, and rebuilding trust. You have to be genuinely repentant and truly saddened about what you did. That’s not just saying a quick, “I’m sorry.” It means heart-fully and meaningfully saying, “I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

May’s

Theme

Is

Humility!

Sometimes forgiveness should be accompanied with some sort of physical, material or even character restitution. If something is ruined (property or integrity), it wouldn’t be enough for me to go, “Oops! I’m sorry.” I’d need to assume that restitution is restored. It’s the right thing to do. Perhaps replacement of the physical property or retraction of damaging words in necessary.

When it comes to rebuilding trust, it may take a long, long time. Forgiveness is instant, but trust is something that’s only rebuilt over a period of time. It must be re-earned.

Forgiveness isn’t forgetting what’s happened. You’ve heard this phrase over and over: “forgive and forget.” There’s only one problem with it – it’s really difficult to forget a hurt that’s been in your life. It’s like when you go on a diet; you think about food all the time. You think about it more than when you’re not on a diet. The only way you can forget something is to actually refocus on something else.

And that is focusing on how God takes the bad and works it out “for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose …” (Romans 8:28, NLT).

Forgiveness isn’t easy … but Jesus commands that we offer it when it is needed and to accept it when it is offered with a genuine heart of repentance. Some of you may be struggling with this right now. Why not be the bigger person, step out of the ‘grudge’ box that you find yourself sitting in and offer the right hand of fellowship and love. Your life, your attitude, and your relationships will all benefit from this simple act of forgiveness!

Praying that ALL can live in harmony,

Pastor Jim

Please join us on Sunday May 27 as we celebrate

the First Communion of our 2012 Confirmands.

EmilyBird Alex Cunningham

Olivia Double Gabby Sybert

Jake Sybert

Summer Camp 2012

Inside Out

Romans 12:2 Come experience God’s Love, camping, Bible study and fun this summer at an accredited Christian camp. Seneca Hills is for you, especially the youth —to lead you to a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The dates for various ages are from June 10 until August 11.

Camp with Me

Ages 5—8 ~ Mom, Dad, Grandparents can join you for 3 days.

June 10—12, June 12—14, June 14—16, July 1—3, July 5 –7

Primary Camp Junior High Camp

Ages 6—8 ~ 2 nights experience Ages 12 –14 ~ 1 week

July 1—3, July 5—7 June 17—23, July 15—21, July 29—August 4

Junior Camp Senior High Camp

Ages 9—11 ~ 1 week Ages 15—18

June 10—16, July 8—14, July 22 –28, August 5—11 June 24—30

Family Camp

Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends

Prepare yourself for an incredible week with a new and exciting experience.

For more information or cost contact the church school office or Flo Gross at 724-452-8729. Early registration discount is available until April 1, 2012.

Seneca Hills is located near Franklin, PA.

Summer Sunday School

This summer we are trying something different. We are pulling all the Sunday School classes that don’t usually meet in the summer together and having a big group

Sunday School. All we need is volunteers to lead just one Sunday. We have fun activities including music, Bible Olympics, scavenger hunts, book review and we are always open to new ideas if you have any. There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board; we really need everyone’s help if we are going to make this work for

the kids.

Reminder of Congregational Meeting

May 6, 2012 A congregational meeting has been called for May 6, 2012 immediately following the 10:15 a.m. service to vote on the proposed Constitution and By-law change.

The National Day of Prayer Community Prayer Breakfast

The H/Z Ministerium cordially invites our community’s churches to come

together in Jesus’ name and pray.

This Year’s Theme:

"Blessed Is The Nation Whose God Is The Lord”

Grace Church of Harmony Thursday, May 3, 2012

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tracy Vitale Educational Advocate

Contact: Grace Church of Harmony (724-452-7270)

A freewill offering will be taken

St. Peter’s sanctuary will be open to the public for prayer 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

The communion offering on May 27, 2012

will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project’s purpose is :

To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.

To help injured service members aid and assist each other.

To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members

Celebrating May Birthdays:

Jane Gilchrist ~ May 5 ~ 85 years young

Betty Nesbitt ~ May 11 ~ 87 years young

Jack Frankenstein ~ May 17 ~ 87 years young

Lois Frazier ~ May 18 ~ 90 years young

Janet Rogan ~ May 24 ~ 80 years young

Ernie McWithey ~ May 29 ~ 88 years young

Harvey and Donna Rice ~ May 14 ~ 59 years

Summer Mission Trip 2012

Joplin Missouri

As many of you are aware … the mid-west was hit hard with tornadoes during the spring of 2011. In an effort to bring forth relief, St. Peter’s will be taking a group of workers to “Lend-a-hand”.

If you are interested in joining the group on this life-changing adventure, please sign up in the Breezeway (bulletin board). Adults and Youth (Grade 7 & up) are encouraged to go! Our goal is to bring hope and restoration to an area that is in need.

The dates for the trip are July 22—29, 2012. We will be hosted by Abundant Life Christian Center, Joplin, MO and working with Rebuild Joplin. If interested in helping to plan, please talk to Tina Geis.

Consistory Personnel for 2012:Consistory Personnel for 2012:Consistory Personnel for 2012:

Rev. James R. Bertoti Rev. James R. Bertoti Rev. James R. Bertoti --- Senior PastorSenior PastorSenior Pastor

Elders:Elders:Elders:

Scott Fisher, President Scott Fisher, President Scott Fisher, President Committee Chair People:Committee Chair People:Committee Chair People:

Jim Rogan, Vice PresidentJim Rogan, Vice PresidentJim Rogan, Vice President Audit Committee Audit Committee Audit Committee --- Ralph Geis / Betty SoltisRalph Geis / Betty SoltisRalph Geis / Betty Soltis

Eric KennedyEric KennedyEric Kennedy Cemetery Board Cemetery Board Cemetery Board --- Ken WilliamsKen WilliamsKen Williams

Ed KnauffEd KnauffEd Knauff Christian Education Christian Education Christian Education --- Ralph Gross/Flo GrossRalph Gross/Flo GrossRalph Gross/Flo Gross

Bob MarshallBob MarshallBob Marshall Personnel Personnel Personnel --- Keith WeymanKeith WeymanKeith Weyman

Ralph GrossRalph GrossRalph Gross Nominations Nominations Nominations --- Bob MarshallBob MarshallBob Marshall

Food Bank Food Bank Food Bank --- Becky KaelinBecky KaelinBecky Kaelin

Deacons:Deacons:Deacons: Funeral Lunches Funeral Lunches Funeral Lunches --- Sandy NolteSandy NolteSandy Nolte

Ralph Geis, ChairpersonRalph Geis, ChairpersonRalph Geis, Chairperson Investments Investments Investments --- Harold HerrHarold HerrHarold Herr

Betty SoltisBetty SoltisBetty Soltis Mission / Outreach Mission / Outreach Mission / Outreach --- Jim RoganJim RoganJim Rogan

Harold HerrHarold HerrHarold Herr We Care We Care We Care --- Cindy HartCindy HartCindy Hart

Debbie SullivanDebbie SullivanDebbie Sullivan Ministry / Worship Ministry / Worship Ministry / Worship --- Dayne StaufferDayne StaufferDayne Stauffer

Consistory Liaison Consistory Liaison Consistory Liaison --- Scott FisherScott FisherScott Fisher

Trustees:Trustees:Trustees: Web Site Committee Web Site Committee Web Site Committee --- John Schulte/Eric Kennedy John Schulte/Eric Kennedy John Schulte/Eric Kennedy

John Schulte John Schulte John Schulte --- ChairpersonChairpersonChairperson Women’s Ministry Women’s Ministry Women’s Ministry --- Bea BarnaBea BarnaBea Barna

Rick WeaverRick WeaverRick Weaver Communion Communion Communion --- Bob Marshall/Ed KnauffBob Marshall/Ed KnauffBob Marshall/Ed Knauff

Bob GoehringBob GoehringBob Goehring

Matt JacobsMatt JacobsMatt Jacobs

For any questions or concerns contact Scott Fisher:: 724For any questions or concerns contact Scott Fisher:: 724For any questions or concerns contact Scott Fisher:: 724---462462462---8137 or by email at: 8137 or by email at: 8137 or by email at: s9211@zoominternet.nets9211@zoominternet.nets9211@zoominternet.net

“Then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my “Then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my “Then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.” household we will serve the Lord.” household we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15

Consistory Highlights – April 2012

Pastor Jim reported on the wonderful trip to Israel that eighteen took. They were taken to places that were very meaningful to our Christian beliefs. Everyone felt completely safe at all times. On May 6th, there will be a Powerpoint presentation involving all who went and hoping to interest others to go in two or three years.

We had a good Passion week and Easter. Both Easter services were will attended.

Eric Kennedy and Neal Lutz will fill in for Pastor Jim on April 22nd as he will be going back east for his father-in-law’s memorial service which he will be leading. On April 29th, he will be going to Lancaster for the youth retreat with eighteen others. Dick Williams and Bob Steinke, a retired pastor for the 4C’s, will be covering that service. Denise will give the children’s sermons.

On May 8th, the confirmands will be interviewed and questioned by the Elders prior to their confirmation.

Denise said that everything was going smoothly. She presented her written report on what they’ve been and will be doing. They had some money left over from the monthly budget, however, it may be needed for half the cost of bowling on April 20th. Sunday School curriculum samples were given to Flo and Ruth Gross. Sara Jacobs and Tina Geis have planned the VBS but volunteers are needed.

We have received positive feedback on the monthly elder moments. The June theme will be Evangelism with a presentation at the end by Jim Rogan. Bob Marshall will cover May’s theme.

We agreed that Dayne Stauffer did a great job presenting the message on March 25th.

We are slightly under budget. However, considering the first two Sundays in April, we are about $4,500 over budget. Attendance for March was also slightly down.

New window installation has begun in the parish house and Sunday school. Blinds will have to be rehung and curtain rods taken down as the curtains won’t be put back up. Some windows in the parish house were overlooked so John will be getting a price from Window World for them and hopes to have all the windows done at once if we have the funds. We will soon have the automatic door openers, and work has begun for the sound system.

The church audit has been completed and everything was good.

The possible change to the bylaws which would allow the consistory to allocate end of the year budget surplus to any of the four budget categories was discussed. Consistory approved the bylaw change so that it can now move to the congregation for a vote. A letter will go out next week to the congregation, detailing the proposed change.

Please join us Sunday, May 6, 2012 during our 10:15 a.m. worship service as we share our journey to the Holy Land with you. Our prayer is by sharing our experiences with you, we will be able to continue to discover God’s blessings together!

Pastor Jim and Kendra Bertoti Bridgette Bertoti Bea Barna

Marlene and Emily Bird Pam North Ginni Smoke

Gene and Sandy Lee Debbie Sullivan Carol Kos

Lori and Cory Smith Dick and Jane Williams Catherine Thornberry and Ed Barth

Dear Pastor Jim and all your parishioners,

We are so grateful for the kind thoughtfulness represented by the floral arrangement with the cross that you sent to honor our Dad! It certainly reminded us of the resurrection which is now his blessing and joy!!

Thank you, too, for your support of Tina, Trent and their children during their sad and difficult loss—you bless us all by your support!

Gratefully,

The Plumb Family

St Peter’s Family,

Thank you so much for all the love and prayers that were showered on our family during my father’s illness and passing. The flower arrangement was beautiful and a wonderful celebration of his new life with our Savior.

Thank you,

Tina, Trent, Kelly, Chase and Madison Geis

Dear St. Peter’s,

We wish to thank everyone for their cards, gifts, plants, and funeral luncheon given after Pete’s death. Their expressions of sympathy were greatly appreciated and will be remembered by us.

Betty Nesbitt and Family

Dear St. Peters,

Sincere thanks to all for the cards, food, condolences and phone calls when Pete died.

Also wanted to thank the We Care Program for the Easter basket with all the wonderful goodies ~ it was very nice. Thank you to Harold Herr and Gary Knauff for bringing the basket and the lovely visit.

God Bless You All,

John and Mary Lou Burkett

Dear St. Peter’s Family,

Thank you for my Easter basket filled with all kind of goodies, that was very thoughtful of you. My sister Louise enjoyed her’s as well. Thank you for thinking of us!

Dorothy Knauf

All Generations Luncheon Tea Saturday, May 12, 2012

11:00 a.m.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.

Followed by a concert presented by

Sue Garten, a handbell soloist.

Mothers, Daughters, Daughters-in-law, Granddaughters, and

Great Granddaughters ~ come share in the fellowship!

Tickets are available from: Lynn Myers, Ginni Smoke,

Janet Zeigler, Dottie Schulte, Judy Double or Bea Barna

Future Event:

Retreat scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 7 & 8, 2012 at the Kearns Spirituality Center in North Hills. Our guest speaker will be Ellen Bullock from DuBois,

PA. More details to follow.

We would like to hear from you with any suggestions or ideas you have for any future

events. We are here for all of you!

Love in Christ,

Women’s Ministry Board

Hello All,

Here is the list for May. Thanks for your ongoing support!

Blessings and Peace,

Katie Tomo, MSW

Director,

Southwest Butler County Food Cupboard

557 Perry Highway

Harmony PA 16037

Food Cupboard Needs for May

Peanut Butter Jelly

Brownie/Cookie/Muffin Mix Icing

Fruit Cereal

Syrup Pancake Mix

Jell-O/Pudding Boxed Potatoes

Applesauce Rice

Rice and Pasta Sides Ready to Eat Pasta

Egg Noodles Baked Beans

Canned Peas Canned Potatoes

Helper Meals

SOUTHWEST BUTLER COUNTY FOOD CUPBOARD

557 Perry Highway

Harmony, PA 16037

Phone: 724.453.4184

Website: www.swbcfc.org

A Reminder … if you need to use the Fellowship Room

for any reason, please be sure to clear it with the

church office (Jeannie). Our church is a busy place,

we Want to Be Careful of double-booking!

Hands Helping Hearts

Please note the Community Dinner for May will be the 3rd Friday in May, not the 2nd. The dinner will be on FRIDAY, MAY 18th from 5-7 pm.

(This change is for the month of May ONLY.)

Following are thank you notes we have received from beneficiaries of our monthly dinners:

I’d like to thank you all, on behalf of my son and the rest of my family, for the very generous donation to Tom’s benefit fund. This last year since Tom’s accident has been enormously difficult for our family as we tried to find our way through this incredibly life-changing event. We still struggle at times, but with Tom’s remarkable strength and determination and with the help of people and organizations like yourselves, we are managing to stay positive and move forward.

Thank you all so very much for your extraordinary kindness, support and generosity.

Sincerely,

Sue Antolic and family

(Tom is a young man that was hurt in a snowboarding accident.)

We are grateful for your kindness during this difficult time. Your continuing thoughts and prayers are so important to us. Thank you and may God bless you.

Love,

Doug & Alexis

www.caringbridge.org/visit/dougvitale

(Doug is a young man that was hurt during his deployment.)

Once again this year we will be holding a change drive to help with the costs of Vacation

Bible School. This year we are traveling to “Babylon” to meet Daniel and learn about his

adventures and friends!

Each person will be able to experience what it would have been like to live in Babylon;

meeting the citizens, shopping at the marketplace and visiting the palace.

Some of the Youth will be stationed throughout the church to collect the “gold coins” to help

create our marketplace and palace.

Thank you in advance for your help with this endeavor!

Collection Dates:

Sunday, May 13th

Sunday, May 20th

Vacation Bible School

July 9-13th, 2010

6:15-8:30pm

4 Years Old-5th Grade (Completed)

A Registration form is on the following page, one per child needed.

We are always looking for new helpers too! If you have completed 6th Grade and are

interested in helping us out you can find forms in the Meet and Greet area of the church.

Please note that there will be an option of two training secessions held on June 3rd (1-3pm) and

June 9th (9-11am) at the church for all helpers. The training is extremely important this year as

the we will be measuring for costumes.

VBS Director,

Sara Jacobs

mandsjacobs@zoominternet.net

VBS 2012

May 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Sunday School

9:00 am

Worship

10:15 am

Head Usher

for

May

John Schulte

May’s

Theme

“Humility”

Ephesians 4:2

Sanctuary use

each Saturday:

Sharyn McMaster

9:30am-1:30pm

1

2 9:00am=Prayer

7:00PM=Choir

7:00pm= Small

Group @ Cathy R.

3 9:00am=Dorcas

Circle

11:30am=H-Z

Ministerium

Fellowship Hall

4 Church

Office Closed

5

6

6:00-8:00pm=

Youth Group

7 5:45pm=Phase II

Confirmation

7:00pm=Womens

Ministry Board

Meeting

8

6:00pm=Elders

meet with

Confirmands

7:00pm=

Consistory

9

9:00 am =Prayer

7:00 pm=Choir

7:00 pm= Small

Group @ Cathy R.

10

11 Church

Office Closed

12

9:00-

3:00pm=

Women’s

Tea

Fellowship

13 MOTHERS DAY

11:30 am=

Treblemakers

14

15

16

9:00 am =Prayer

6:30pm=Project

Hope

7:00 pm=Choir

7:00pm=Small

Group@Cathy R.

17 WIC HERE

9:00am=Dorcas

Circle

18 Church

Office Closed

5-7:00pm=

Community

Fellowship

Dinner

19

Noon-5:00pm=

Fellowship Hall

in use

20 11:30am=

Treblemakers

11:30am=Soup/Salad

Luncheon

6:00-8:00pm=

Youth Group

21

22

23 9:00 am =Prayer

7:00 pm=Choir

7:00pm=Small

Group@Cathy R.

24 25 Church

Office Closed

26 Hamilton-

McGinnes

Wedding

YG-Mall

Madness 2:00-8:00 pm

27

CONFIRMATION

11:30am=

Treblemakers

28

MEMORIAL DAY

OBSERVED

CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

29

30

31