OCTOBER 2016

CALL The

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Elfinwild Church is excited to announce tickets will be

available starting October 2nd

*Due to limited seating advanced tickets are required.

Shows will be: Saturday, October 15th at 7:00 P.M.

and

Sunday, October 16th at 2:00 P.M. There is no cost for the tickets however donations are appreciated to offset the production expenses.

SAVE THE DATE!!

All Church Retreat

January 20-22

More Details to Follow

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY is a 9 week biblically based course teaching us God’s ways in managing our financial affairs. No matter what you know about finances, you don’t know enough! This course, created and conducted by nationally syndicated radio host (WJAS 1320 AM, 6-9 PM, M-F) and best selling author Dave Ramsey, has helped over 2 million families! Subjects include: how to save, dumping debt, budgeting, real estate, mortgages, the role of insurance, college planning, retirement and much more. The course will help you set goals that you can achieve. You will be challenged and motivat-ed to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever! Classes will meet on 9 Tuesdays, beginning Oct 25 from 7 to 9 P.M. in the Youth House. Go to www.daveramsey.com for a further program details. Please call Henry Tomer with any questions: 412-487-4437.

COFFEE, TREATS & FELLOWSHIP

We gather after the 8:30 a.m. Worship Service and before Sunday School Classes start.

Volunteers prepare and serve coffee, juice and treats. Would you like to volunteer?

Contact: Tessa Connelly connthree07@gmail.com (724) 939-7665

Dear Friends,

With World Communion Sunday being October 2, 2016 I am reflective about the partnerships and relationships we

have with Christians around the world. Elfinwild supports missionaries in India, Pakistan, Egypt, Tunisia, Niger,

Nicaragua, Honduras and other nations around the globe. This last year we have had the joy of hosting many of these

friends here at Elfinwild Church. Each time I encounter a brother or sister from another land I am very aware of what I

have to learn from them and how I benefit from their walk with Christ. What a privilege to share life with these friends!

Just last week, on one morning, I had spoken with Dr. Clement from India and exchanged emails with Dr. Freddy Elbiady

in Egypt. The same week I received a prayer update from the Ludwigs in Niger, our friends in Tunisia and Danny Sharpe

in Nicaragua. I was humbled that God would allow me such joy of being friends with these brave and courageous men

and women who have pursued God’s call, and not without cost to their own well being or their families’ experience.

While the mission field sounds romantic, it is not usually so. The daily demands of faithfulness in a cultural context that

is not Christian, and in some cases hostile to Christianity, requires fortitude and spiritual discipline. It is our privilege to

be called on to pray with and for these fellow followers of Christ.

On World Communion Sunday we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper using breads from around the world in the hope that

we will be able to have some tangible awareness of how others may be celebrating the same Lord but through a

different culture through different types of bread. I do ask that you will think of our friends who are serving the Lord in

places that are not always welcoming to Christ followers, and some places where there is a growing pressure not to

share one’s faith with others. Oh, how we are fortunate to be in a nation where we can freely worship as we wish

without persecution or pressure. May it always be so!

I have included a few pictures for you to know our friends who are serving Christ in other places around the world.

Dr. Emanuel Nasir works with the Asian Christian Ministries. While he lives in New Jersey, he is a native of Pakistan.

Elfinwild has been in parntership with ACM for over 15 years. I was the graduation speaker at their seminary’s

graduation a few years ago. When Doris Hersh died she left some money to Elfinwild Church. The Session decided to

tithe that bequest to Mission. With $10,000 sent by our Mission Team to ACM Dr. Nasir started the Doris Hersh school

for women in Pakistan. It is a large project and very important to this country because women are not encouraged to

go to school or be educated. Since this small beginning more schools have been founded through our mission giving.

A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR

Dr. Kuchipudi Clement and his wife, Sathya, have been friends of mine and Van’s for over 20 years. Clement is a very

gifted teacher and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. He trains pastors in India through his mission Schram Aschram.

With a $5,000 gift from Elfinwild Church Clement has been able to televise his training to reach pastors who cannot

afford to travel to him. This outreach has made a big difference for the Church in India. Clement is a scholar and a

winsome evangelist. He is personable and a lover of God and God’s people.

These are just two of the missions that we support here at Elfinwild Church. Your prayers and financial gifts are

impacting the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for being a “world Christian.” I would love to encourage you to pray for these friends. If you have any

desire to be involved in world mission more please let me know. You don’t have to go to these places to make a

difference, but you can go if you feel God is leading you to do so.

A Note From Jason,

As we enter the autumn season we have many wonderful

opportunities for students in our student

ministries. Our annual retreats to Laurelville are right

around the corner. These retreats are always a great time

of fellowship but also a wonderful opportunity for

students to grow in their faith. Middle School will be going

to Laurelville November 4-6 and Sr. High will be attending

the weekend of November 18-20. More information about

these retreats and how to sign up is below.

In our club times this fall we are talking about a series on

‘Finding Hope’. While at times the world we live in may

seem hopeless with all that goes on in the news and the

tragic things that happen daily, we believe in a God of

hope. We began this series talking about the

foundation of our hope being rooted in Jesus and what he

has done for us. With that strong foundation in place we

will look outward to see how our hope can actually engage

the world around us and make a difference in our own

personal lives. Hope is important to the Christian faith, as

1 Corinthians reminds us “And now these three remain:

faith, hope and love.” And while the greatest is Love

(because it never ends) hope has always been a pillar of

our Christian faith. Christians can be a hopeful people

even in the midst of distress because we are confident in

what God has done in Christ. So I hope that all students

will come out on Sunday nights and join us for this series

on ‘finding Hope’. God Bless,

Jason

STUDENT MINISTRIES

QUESTION AND ANSWER

“You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving.” -Amy Carmichael (1867-1951), missionary to India

Q: What is the Pastor’s Fund and how is it dispersed?

A: The Pastor’s Fund is a special discretionary fund established to receive monetary gifts from church members and friends to be used to provide church and community assistance. Disbursement of monies from the fund is at the discretion of the Pastor. This fund is not part of the budget or estimates of giving unless designated by the donors. Monies received for the budget or estimates of giving are not used for this fund.

Over the past three years monies from the Pastor’s Fund have been used to meet a variety of needs, including but not limited to: gift certificates for food given to those who have need, especially during the holidays; twice used to help pay for funeral expenses for families that could not afford the expense; utility payment assistance; partial scholarships for students who want to go to camp but cannot afford the total cost; partial scholarships for families to attend the All Church retreat; rent or mortgage payments while someone may be laid off, in the midst of a family trial or separated; community people who clearly have a need but do not qualify for North Hills Community Outreach or other programs; “drop-ins” who need gas or food; twice used for a few nights lodging for families in transition; and a few times the fund has been used for unbudgeted items that the Pastor deemed important for the ministry of Elfinwild Church.

Monies are dispersed from the fund by our Business Administrator, Karen Dorsey, at the request of the pastor. All disbursements are confidential. Great care is taken to be certain that we are assisting in the right manner. However I must confess that I am sure there has been a few times where we have erred on the side of grace in helping people we have not known as well, but felt, at the time, the need was real for consideration. Do you have any questions that you and others might enjoy hearing the answer to? Please submit the questions to the church office.

Upcoming Events:

Sunday Night Clubs: Jr. High 4:30-6pm and Sr. High 6:30-

8pm Our clubs are a time for fun, fellowship, food and

learning what it means to follow Jesus in our everyday

lives. We hope you will join us each week, and hey, feel

free to bring a friend along with you!

Laurelville Weekends: Jr. High November 4-6; Sr. High

November 18-20 These are both wonderful retreats for

students. Students are welcome to invite friends to come

along as well. They take place at Laurelville Camp and

Conference Center outside of Mount Pleasant, PA and

are run by the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation. Cost for each

retreat is $120 per student. To register for Laurelville

students must turn in a $25 nonrefundable deposit (this

deposit can come by check or by their fundraising

account) and a Laurelville registration waiver form. All

checks should be made out to Elfinwild Presbyterian

Church with the student’s name and ‘Laurelville’ in the

memo line. The registration/waiver form can be picked

up at club or downloaded from our website. Spots for

the retreats are limited and thus will be filled on a first

come first served basis—so get your deposit and

registration form into Jason soon!

ELFINWILD MINISTERS

Praise God for our devoted and caring ministers who teach with insight and humility. Pray for them as they daily encourage the congregation to seek God and His

will. May we, the congregation, be a source of encourage-ment and strength for them as well. “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partner-ship in the gospel from the first day until now, being con-fident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:4-6

PRAYER CORNER

YOUTH GROUP KICK-OFF

Elfinwild Presbyterian Church

Financial Statement

August 31, 2016

Actual Tithes & Gifts Given $423,678

Total Expense (Y.T.D.) $452,879

Unfavorable (Y.T.D.) - $29,201

CALLING ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS

Back in August, we had several talented people from the congregation join in leading worship with their instruments. As Dirk read Psalm 150, there were trumpets, a guitar, piano, flute, violin, tambourine an cymbals praising God. We followed that by all playing hymn number 482 “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty.” If you were in worship that day, I hope you felt the spirit move in you through the music, I know I did!

That got me thinking more about an idea I’ve had in the back of my brain for a few months now. There is so much talent in our congregation and I’d like to give you the opportunity to use your gifts to the glory of God on a regular basis. Beginning in October, we will have the “Elfinwild Orchestra” playing once a month in worship. This group will help to lead the hymns and perhaps have an extra song or two. If you would like to be a part of this group, please let me know and I will get the music out to you several weeks before we play. Rehearsals will be held before worship in the sanctuary.

The dates and times we will be playing are:

October 30 11:10 (rehearsal at 10:15am)

November 27 10:00 (rehearsal at 9am)

December 18 8:30 (rehearsal at 7:45am)

January 8 11:10 (rehearsal at 10:15am)

February 26 8:30 (rehearsal at 7:45am)

March 19 11:10 (rehearsal at 10:15am)

April 23 8:30 (rehearsal at 7:45am)

May 14 11:10 (rehearsal at 10:15am)

June 4 10:00 (rehearsal at 9am)

CHRISTMAS CANTATA REHEARSALS

Rehearsals for the Christmas cantata will begin on October 23. All rehearsals will be held on Sunday afternoons from 1pm until 2:30pm. If you would like to be a part of the “Elfinwild Ensemble”, all you have to do is show up to the first rehearsal or let me know and I’ll make sure you get all of the information you need. The cantata will be offered during worship at 11:10 on Sunday, December 18. All singers will receive a rehearsal cd to work on your part away from the church. There are just 6 rehearsals you will be asked to attend and the rehearsal schedule is as follows:

Sunday October 23 ALL SINGERS

Sunday October 30 Sopranos and Altos

Sunday November 6 Tenors and Basses

MUSIC MINISTRIES

Sunday November 13 Sopranos and Altos

Sunday November 20 Tenors and Basses

Sunday December 4 ALL SINGERS

Sunday December 11 ALL SINGERS

Wednesday December 14 ALL SINGERS

“Why do you want to sing in a choir? Because it lifts you out of your world into an experience filled with joy and vitality. You become part of an extended choir family, and the music you make lifts the spirits of audiences and congregations. Singing in a choir enhances your life and lives of many others with several layers of significance.” – Michael Kemp

Ron Bernhardy,

Director of Music Ministries

October Overview

As the story of Joseph in the land of Egypt closes at the end of chapter 3, chapters 4 and 5 begin the story

of Moses. God hears the cry of his people in bondage in Egypt and calls forth a leader for them and God acts in

mighty ways to bring them to freedom. As always, however, with freedom comes new responsibilities and

challenges. As the community of freed slaves forms into a people in the desert God provides them rules for living in

right relationship with Him and with each other. Although the people time and time again fail to fully live into the pat-

terns of righteousness God establishes for them, God remains in covenant with them,

promising He will be with them and that through them He will show forth His wonders in the world.

There is a place we occasionally find ourselves in that is between where we were and where God is calling

us to go. It’s the land between Egypt and the promised land. It’s the painful place between the

shackled-by-sin you and the you that God created you to be. When we are in that land in between we need to ask

the question: what is the risk of not taking that risk? When God asks us to dream big dreams and take risks for His

glory and our good, what is at stake if we chose to play it safe? When 10 of the 12 scouts told people that they were

like grasshoppers in the land, they wanted to play it safe. As a result they spent the rest of their life wandering. But

like Caleb and Joshua, the two faithful scouts, had predicted in chapter 7, God did give them the land. We know that

we will enter into the land flowing with milk and honey, not because our own efforts or righteousness, but by His

grace.

In chapter 8 we see the continuing contrast between God’s faithfulness and Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Throughout the next couple of chapters we see Israel vacillating between reliance on God and reliance on them-

selves. We also see the importance leaders play in God’s plan. Each of us is a leader in some sense, even if we

don’t realize it. In what areas of your life is God asking you to carry out His plan?

Questions for the Month:

1. Have there been seasons in your life when it has been hard to wait on God? What sustained you in those

times?

2. God called his people to take a big risk when he called them to take the land. They felt like

grasshoppers amoung the people of that land. What challenging opportunities might God be placing before

you, your family, or our community?

3. Not all of us are institutional leaders with titles and people reporting to us. But all of us have the ability to

exercise leadership in some area of our life. In what areas of your life are you a leader?

TNT (Thursday Nights Together) Thursday, October 6 - Thursday, November10, 2016

5:45 - 6:30 pm dinner in Fellowship Hall

(light meal provided, donations accepted)

6:30-7:30 pm classes for all ages

Adult Electives include:

“How to Raise a Christian Child in a Post Christian World” in Fellowship Hall facilitated by Mark and Tessa Connelly Bible study on “Law and Grace in Galatians” in the Cornerstone Room led by Rev. Bill Meyer

“Honoring Your Aging Parents” in the Chapel led by Dr. Dirk Lesnett

“Grieving With Hope” in the Library led by Rev. Bethany and Dr. Matt Harbaugh Children’s activities:

6:30-7:30-ages 3 through Kindergarten in Friendship Hall with Mrs. Emily Cooper for interactive Bible stories

6:30-7:30-grades 1-5 in the Choir Room with Mr. Ron Bernhardy and volunteers for music and Bible trivia

Nursery Care in the Toddler Room for our youngest children

6:30-7:30-junior and senior high in the Youth House with Rev. Jason Rea

18th Bea Magill

19th David Rieg

David Roth

20th Tom Bielski

Karen Cooper

Karen Eichmiller

21st Brooks Brady

Jacob Engh

Richard Klosky

Colin McKern

Jack Wiemann

22nd Peg Kennedy

23rd Jeff Horvat

Nancy Kriek

Lilly Muczinski

Jim Pinta

24th Albert Jones

25th Sheila Martin

26th Lynne Rackley

27th Carollee Ifft

Benjamin Waldo

Dale Weisenstein

28th George Alexander

Shawn Thompson

Bob Weissert

Sterling Ziegler

29th Jacob Cable

Ryan Griffin

Josh Piel

John Rezzetano

Patty Robinson

30th Vail Jackson

Nate Park

31st Cheryl Harry

Sharon Peretik

1st Adam Hartley

Elaine Jans

Luke Kutzer

Darryl Long

Brody Patrick

Tricia Stormer

2nd Doug Boody

Matthew Lesnett

Michael Radich

3rd Sharon Griffin

Elijah Haberman

Debbie Piel

Christine Rosignoli

4th Barbara Harms

Dave Levasseur

Haley Thompson

5th Bob Weinheimer

6th Chris Hartman

Mike Lupey

7th David Tiernan

8th Laureen Baird

Garnet Schulz

Cathy Wiltrout

9th Katie Shideler

Linda Wahl

10th April Hartley

11th Allison Coco

Sebastian Hundertmark

12th Tessa Connelly

Nathan Ferree

13th Jennifer Harger

Melinda Kushner

Gary Schnelle

14th Jeanine Arrigo

Brian Booker

Joyce Lupey

15th Rodney Engh

Faye Junker

Lora King

Michael Pearson

William Quinlan

Ron Tiedman

Trish Wisneiewski

16th Peggy Hodil

Alaina Martinac

Keith Schreiber

Ken Volle

17th Sean Griffin

Cale Hartman

Al Holtgraver

Melissa Kutzer

Diana McKay

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

1st Thomas & Jean Marshall 2nd Harold & Cheryl McCaffrey Walter & Erica Baer 4th Greg Smith & Denise Bogaty-Smith Michael & Teresa Beal 5th Scott & Jennifer Waldo 6th Ronald & Beverly Park Martin & Susan Maroni Darrin & Elizabeth Stack 7th Tim & Debbie Keenan Bob & Cheryl Siar 8th Mike & Sharon Griffin Jim & Cheryl Saraceno Donald & Andrea Grau Darryl & Sharon Long 10th Kevin & Mimi Huston Frank & Debra Buczkowski Donald & Valerie Zulka 11th Ben & Diana Williams 14th Timothy & Donna Giel Mario & Jill Tarallo Michael & Melissa Kutzer Jim & Michelle Schoenian 15th Jason & Kimberly Josephs 17th Mike & Lori Jashinski Calvin & Jeanne Goss 18th Wayne & Bonnie Vidt 19th Ken & Ruth Volle

John & Susan Skowron 20th Steven & Jo Ellen Wershbale Steve & Kristin Coco 23rd Skip & Penny Young 25th James & Annette Schulties Todd & Pamela Hervey Brennan & Lauren Miloser 26th Wayne & Barbara Harms

Craig & Janice Goss 29th Daniel & Christen Damico

HOSPITALITY MEAL MINISTRY

Did you know that members of your Elfinwild Family will provide a meal for you and your family if you are in

need? For example, perhaps you or a family member are recovering from surgery, just had a baby or are too ill to

prepare dinner for a few days. We sign up and deliver meals to you. Do you need a meal?

Would you like to prepare and deliver a meal? Contact: Tessa Connelly, connthree07@gmail.com

(724) 939-7665

THANK YOU Dear Elfinwild Church Family,

Your outpouring of love and support during our father’s recent illness and passing was truly uplifting and sustaining.

Gifts of visits, flowers, cards and prayers—all touched us deeply. We love our church family!!

-Blynn and Kris Shideler and family

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Our Open House on September 1st was exciting, interesting and greatly attended! Thanks to all of the Elfinwild Church people who so caringly and graciously welcomed all of the visitors. In addition to all the church members, our guests were also greeted by the Elfinwild Fire Truck with Dan Clayton and his team. The children had a delightful time climbing up the big steps of the truck and hearing the special sounds. We also thank Shaler Police Officer Frank Spiker who introduced the police car to the eager listeners. Wayne Lucas provided great information from the Shaler EMS. It was wonderful to have Jim Woods and his Mission Mahi food truck here. We thank Matt Schlegel from Pasqualle’s Pizza for donating the delicious pizza for us. Thanks, too, to all the Ministries of Elfinwild Church for providing information about the various ministries and programs that are so caringly provided by their wonderful volunteers. Attention Elfinwild Preschool Alumni – please stop in the school lobby and sign your name on our Alumni board. You might even see a former classmate! School has now started and many eager children are coming through the doors each day. We are blessed in getting to know each one and their families. We know that each student is a Child of God and it is our privilege to learn and grow in God’s love with every child. Our Bible stories this month tell of two very important men from the Old Testament – Noah and Moses. We will learn of Noah obeying God’s directions to build the ark. We will then later learn of Moses and how God gave him the Ten Best Ways to Live. Our Science lessons will continue with the five senses that God gave us. This month we will have lessons about hearing, tasting, and smelling. Later in the month we will learn about spiders, pumpkins and autumn. There will be lots of activity in the Gym as we ride, climb, run, jump and have a good time! Our Music class will be led by Mrs. Marie Doerge with lots of movement and singing. We are looking forward to the special events of the fall season. During the last full week we will get to select a real pumpkin from our “Pumpkin Patch” on the porch. Then on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday our classes will have a time to dress in costume (if they wish) and have a parent, grandparent, or adult come and help decorate their pumpkins.

Emily Cooper, Director of

Children & Family Ministries

CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRIES Looking back to Rally Day it was amazing to see members of all parts of our Elfinwild Family enjoying time together. It was a day where people from all generations sat together, enjoyed some amazing food (thanks to Tessa Connolly and the Children’s and Family ministries team), and learn a little bit about God’s story. My hope is the small taste of The Story will leave everyone hungry for more and bring everyone back each week.

It is very exciting to see our Sunday School classes filled. We needed to get extra chairs in more than one class which is a huge blessing! I hope that the excitement generated over the last few weeks continues to grow. Many parents have commented that they are excited their children are learning the same things they are each week. It is amazing to get to share church with your family on an age appropriate level. Each student (toddlers through 5th grade) will be sent home with a parent page. This paper has some great conversation starters and ways to continue the discussion at home. Sometimes it isn’t easy to talk about God with your children. Let us help you!

Upcoming events!

M & m’s is youth group for children in 3rd through 5th grade. It is a fun time of learning about prayer and how God is part of our daily lives and playing lots of games. Drop off is 6:30pm and pick up is 8:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Meeting dates for the rest of the year are: 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 12/7 and 12/21

Thursday Nights Together will have opportunities for children too! Younger children will experience stories from the Bible brought to life in fun studies each week. Older children will spend some time with Mr. Ron playing bells and other fun musical activities then have time for some Bible Trivia games.

Haphazardly Ever After the Musical will be presented by the very talented actors and actresses in Elfinwild Church on October 14th, 15th and 16th. This hilarious musical is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a family evening out.

Save the date! Our Advent Event will be November 27th. There will be an opportunity to make gingerbread houses, advent wreaths, and many other fun events. Make sure to mark your calendars!

We thank the congregation for your prayers and interest in the Preschool. It is a privilege to spend time with each child. There are still some openings in the 2016-17 school year. In addition, we will be accepting applications for the 2017-18 school year. For infor-mation, please call the school office at 412-486-2322. In Christ’s Love, Carolyn Hervey

Non-Profit Org

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