The Trumpet - April 2012

7/30/2019 The Trumpet - April 2012

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April 2012Page

April 2012 Volume 29 Issue

Firelands Presbyterian

Church

2626 East Harbor RoadPort Clinton, Ohio 43452

419-734-6211

Fax 419-734-5411

www.firelandschurch.org

Reverend Jeanne Gay, Pastor

Dr. Jay Mann, Music Director

Margaret Mann, Organist

William Umlauf, Treasurer

Dave Moore, Clerk of Session

Karen Crownover,

Preschool Director

Janine Dress,

Administrative Assistant

Mark Owen, Custodian

Table Of Contents

MAS Concert Announcement......................................... 2

Preschool Fundraiser ........... 2

Firelands Family News ......... 2

WCWA Event ........................ 2

One Great Hour of Sharing .. 3

Church Growth Article ......... 3

The Year of the Bible Challenge......................................... 4

Committee Reports .............. 4

Holy Week & April LectionaryTexts ................................ 5

Special requests .................. 5

Session Highlights ....... 6 & 12

Preschool Tidbits ................. 7

Pastors Page ................ 8 & 9

Birthdays, Anniversaries ... 10

Calendar ............................ 10

Ministry Schedule .............. 11

Mission Committee Article &

landscape committee request....................................... 12

The Trumpet

Passion Sunday: April 1

In worship we will experience the drama of

Jesus final week in Jerusalem, beginning with

the triumphal entry into the city ... ending with

the crucifixion on Golgotha. Multiple readers

will help make the scriptural story real.

Maundy Thursday

Christian Seder Dinner

In the synoptic gospels, the Last Supper that Jesus ate with his disciples was

Passover dinner, a time to celebrate Gods freeing of the Hebrews from slavery Egypt. Jews throughout the world still celebrate Passover, usually in a family mea

called a Seder (SAY-der). Come participate in this Christian version of the Seder

a meal that combines tradition and innovation, appealing to all of our senses an

involving all of us in telling the story of God in history. This years Seder will b

built around a meal, so come hungry and ready to participate!

Thursday, April 5 at 6:00 p.m. Sign up on the Opportunity Table or by calling th

office by Wednesday, April 4.

Ecumenical Good Friday Services, April 6 at noon

The churches of Port Clinton will gather at Trinity United Methodist Church for a

ecumenical service using a chancel drama called Trinity (with Pastor Jeanne a

Mary Magdalene).

Danbury/Marblehead churches will gather at First United Church of Christ in Dan

bury for a service themed Water Marks.

Firelands Good Friday Service:Protestant Stations of the Cross

On Friday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m., we will gather for a service that uses events i

the last hours of Jesus life as a structure for prayer and meditation. Participan

will help carry the cross in this moving liturgy of candles, scripture, prayers an

meditative readings.

Holy Week at Firelands

Easter at FirelandsAlleluia! Christ is Risen! Come join us at 10:30

Easter morning (April 8) for a glorious celebra-

tion of the joy of the resurrection.

The choir will sing Worthy Is the Lamb and

River in Judea, and the sermon title is Of Res

urrections and Rivers.


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Our Firelands Family NewsMarilyn Umlauf has completed the training to be a vol-

unteer for Stein Hospice. What a special calling!

The PCHS Boys' Bowling Team did us proud by finishing

11th in the Ohio state tournament. Congratulations toCoach Bob Black and Sean Black (who earned Honor-

able Mention All State honors) for a great season. (Be

sure to check out the t-shirt and article on our gathering

area bulletin board.)

Nic Stouffer: I am loving this nice warm weather and

have been outside riding my rip stick and my bike with

my friends in our neighborhood. We live really close to

Osborne Park in Huron and can ride over there where

they have a "Children's Forest" that has a climbing wall, a

tree house, a tire swing and all kinds of fun things for a

bunch of boys to do. I know I have to get out and play as

much as possible now because soon baseball practice will

start and I'll be busy again. At school I just wrapped up

my big independent study project that this year I chose

to do it on Catawba Island Club. I knew a little bit about

the subject, but I learned so much more. It just makes

me appreciate how hard my Dad works and that I would

someday like to work there as well.

Lily Stouffer: This is my very favorite time of year be-

cause we are travelling and competing with dance. I love

to dance and especially love to be on stage. Our first

competition was great and we scored the best we ever

have at the first one. It's really our first time dancing onstage and getting all the nerves out. My favorite dance

that I'm in is our large group of tap. It's to the song "Too

Many Fish in the Sea" and we wear turquoise and black

costumes. I'll keep you all posted on my dances and hope

that you might like to come and watch some time.

At school I also presented my independent study project,

the "Make a Wish Foundation. I learned how wonderful it

is to give happiness to children who are very sick and

may not have a lot of joy in their lives.

Merissa Jagucki: I am practicing for my April 29 piano

recital at the church with teacher Susan Larcey at 2:00

p.m. I am also getting ready for my dance recital in May.

I take ballet, tap, and jazz lessons at the Ballet School in

Port Clinton.

Merissas Grandma says: Merissa was inducted into the

National Middle School Honor Society last month. Stu-

dents needed to have earned at least a 3.6 grade point

average to qualify, as well as completing an activity

questionnaire. She also has had a great gymnastic sea-

son, which ended last weekend. She has earned scores to

qualify her for competing in national competition in Wis-

consin this summer.

Church DirectoryA current printed church directory is available in th

gathering area. It is on white paper. If there are any co

rections or additions, please let Janine know in the churc

office. Thank You.

Preschool FundraiserFirelands Preschool will be selling Elder Beerman coupo

books for $5.00 starting April 1. Profit for the prescho

is the entire $5.00! The booklets will be sitting on th

cabinet outside the sanctuary doors. Please help out!

WCWA EventsOn Wednesday, April 18, 6:00 PM, the Womens Clu

Without an Agenda (WCWA) will meet at OIsabels, 31Harrison St ., Suite B, Port Clinton. Owner Jackie Dav

does natural and organic skin treatments. She has a

incredible knowledge of the harmful items that might b

lurking in the beauty products we use everyday. So mee

at 6:00 at OIsabels and bring a small snack to share an

a beauty product you use every day to see if it has hid

den potentially harmful ingredients. We will visit, have

presentation and then time for prayer. As always, fe

free to bring a friend.

On Wednesday, May 9, WCWA will meet at Lori Mad

sons house 6:30. Well be jumping off from an idea o

Anne OMalleys to help with Emmas wedding. So .bring old maps, brown paper grocery sacks and you

creative genius, as well as any vintage looking small con

tainers (Like an old fun coffee can or candy jar with

vintage feel) that you never want to see again, to b

used for potted plants. And of course your prayers, con

cerns, a guest and a small snack.

Musical Arts Series Concert:John Hines

On Friday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m

the Musical Arts Series at Fireland

will host theJohn Hinesa cele

brated and stunning bass baritone

The event is sponsored by Mille

Boat Line, and MAS. Tickets can b

purchased at the door for $15.0

($12.00 for Firelands member

free for Students).


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One Great Hour ofSharing Offerings:

April 1 and 8It has been two years since the

January 2010 earthquake devas-

tated Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemi-

sphere. Your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS),

which provides funding for the Presbyterian Hunger Pro-

gram (PHP), Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and

the Self-Development of People (SDOP) program, have

made it possible for the Presbyterian Church (USA) to

participate in the rescue and rebuilding of Haiti. One of

the rebuilding projects weve helped fund is providing in-

digenous, reproducible seeds, which have allowed for con-

tinual food production in Haiti (the seeds have been re-

planted as many as three times).

Through OGHS, we sent funds to PC(USA) partner farm-

ers organizations in Haiti to buy over 150 tons of these

indigenous corn, bean, peanut, rice and vegetable seeds.

Ten thousand families each received 30 pounds of seeds

to plant. When farmers returned seeds from their harvest

to the program, they enabled other families to increase

their production. Through this partnership, Haitians can

now feed Haitians, such that they are no longer vulner-

able to world food price increases.

While these efforts are helping to ensure sustainable food

sources for thousands of Haitians, on the other side of the

island of Hispaniola Presbyterians have made clean water

available for the Haitians living in the bateyes (sugar

workers towns) of the Dominican Republic. And the PC

(USA) Self-Development of People program is partnering

with the Movement of Dominican and Haitian Women to

work for basic human rights and services for the people

living in the bateyes, and with the Batey Relief Alliance to

improve the health of people living in communities fraught

with illness and disease.

Please give generously to One Great Hour of Sharing so

that you can share in the work and the joy of these life-

giving ministries. We will be accepting this offering on

Palm Sunday (April 1) and Easter Sunday (April 8).

For I was hungry and you gave me food,

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

I was naked and you gave me clothing.

I was sick and you took care of me.

(Matthew 25:35-36)

Joyce JaguckiMission Committee Chair

Spring A Time of Excitemen

This is an exciting time to be a part of the Firelands Fam

ily. We have new members joining, guests visiting an

snowbirds returning. All are events to celebrate! We havent been idle during the winter, and weve had wonderf

worships together, but the church really comes alive

the spring.

To make the most of belonging to Firelands, we need t

get to know each other and get involved. Wear you

nametags, please, and continue to make all guests fe

welcome. We do not work at being welcoming: we real

are. Most of us have been the new person in the room, s

we know how special it is to have folks reach out to eac

of us.

Another really important way to contribute to the fami

to is get involved. This church is a busy one. Weve a

ways tackled projects that were too big for us (like th

Vineyard and the Wide World Shop and the Lente

Lunches and the Summer Lunch Program), but those pro

jects are still going strong. Our church experience will b

better if we participate, so please think about volunteerin

to be on a committee that interests you. We have neve

been a church where just a few people do all the work

and we are not going to start now.

Here are your opportunities and the committee chairs t

contact for information:

30th Anniversary Celebration Joyce Jagucki

Christian Nurture Bob Black

Church Growth Karen Coffin

Landscaping Karen Coffin

Mission Joyce Jagucki

Personnel John Madison

Preschool Kaye Elliot

Property Management John McIntosh

Quilters Maxine Wilson

Seasonal Singers Jay Mann

WCWA Lori Madison

Worship & Music Connie Brand

There are more meaningful things happening all the time

so keep checking the bulletins and see where you migh

find your niche. God has you here for a reason. Look fo

it!

Karen CoffiChurch Growth Committe


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30th Anniversary!There is a very enthusiastic and dedicated team of mem-

bers of our churchErnie McCullough, Connie Brand,

Marilyn Umlauf, Bob Reynolds, Karen Coffin, Lori Madison,

Joyce Jagucki, and Pastor Jeanne) who are planning a

week of celebration as we mark Firelands Presbyterian

Churchs 30th year of existence. We hope all of you read-

ing this Trumpet will be in attendance for worship on May

27 and will participate in this full week of celebration.

We have many activities planned for the week of May 20

through 27. The preschool children and their families will

be in attendance on the 20th; the children will sing for us,

and following the worship we will gather for fellowship and

refreshments with them. Throughout the week we will

offer a week of directed prayer under the direction of BobButcher and Diana Mitchell. Other activities are planned

as well, followed by our worship service on the 27 th, when

many of our former pastors will be in attendance, as well

as representatives from Maumee Presbytery. We want to

honor our dedicated charter members and all of our lead-

ers over the past 30 years.

How Can You Help?

Do you have old photographs of church activities? We

have found some photographs in the church but are hop-

ing that many of you have your own personal photos of

activities and precious moments that happened in ou

church. If you do have some photos, could we pleas

borrow them to have them digitalized for our celebra

tion? Please mark the backs with your name and, if poss

bly, dates and names of people shown, and give to anyone on the committee. We will return them to you.

How We Came To Be

On April 30, 1980, a small group of people with the

desire to establish a Presbyterian congregation in the

Port Clinton area, met with representatives of Mau-

mee Valley Presbytery. The first service was held on

September 21, 1980, under the leadership of Rev.

Alfred Murschel, a retired pastor. We worshipped in

the fellowship hall of Catawba Union Chapel on Porter

Road, Catawba, until October of 1982. The Rev. Ellen

McGormley served as state supply pastor from July1981 August 1982.

The Holy Spirits presence and Christs love was al-

ways evident among us, and with the Lords leading,

we were chartered as Firelands Presbyterian Church

on Pentecost, May 30, 1982.

Please mark your calendars to be with us in church o

May 27 for a wonderful celebration in worship, followed o

course in the Presbyterian tradition with a pot luck.

Joyce Jaguck

The Year of the Bible:The ChallengeIs Coming!

So ... how much do you know about the Bible? When is the last time youread it from cover to cover?

This book is basic to our faith. It is special: it is Gods Word to men and

women. Yet many people say that they do not know the Bible very well. We

hope to change that during the next year!

The Christian Nurture Committee has adopted a program called The Year of

the Bible, the centerpiece of which is a challenge to everyone in the congre-

gation to read the entire Bible OR read the New Testament in one year! We

will be providing help and guidance as the year progresses.

Look for more details in May. This is a challenge and it will require commit-

ment, but you will find the effort well worth your time. If you cant wait for

more information, or if you would like to help in planning for the program,

talk to Pastor Jeanne or me (419-262-2228).

Bob Black

Christian Nurture Chair


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Sunday, April 1:

Passion/Palm Sunday

Liturgy of the Palms

Mark 11:1-11 or John 12: 12-16

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Liturgy of the Passion

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 31:9-16

Philippians 2:5-11

Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-

39(40-47)

Monday, April 2

Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 36:5-11

Hebrews 9:11-15

John 12:1-11

Tuesday, April 3

Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 71:1-14

I Corinthians 1:18-31

John 12:20-36

Wednesday, April 4

Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 70:1-5

Hebrews 12:1-3

John 13:21-32

Thursday, April 5:

Maundy Thursday

Exodus 12:1-4(5-10) 11-14

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Friday, April 6: Good Friday

Isaiah 52:1353:12

Psalm 22:1-31

Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews

4:14-16, 5:7-9

John 18:119:42

Saturday, April 7: Easter Vigil

Genesis 1:12:4a;Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18;

9:8-13Psalm 46:1-11

Genesis 22:1-18

Psalm 16:1-11

Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21

Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18

Isaiah 55:1-11;

Isaiah 12:2-6

Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6

Psalm 19:1-14 Ezekiel 36:24-28

Psalm: 42:1-11; 43:1-5

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Psalm 143:1-12

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Psalm 98:1-9

Romans 6:3-11

Psalm 114:1-8

Mark 16:1-8

Sunday , April 8: Easter

Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 26:6-9

Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24

I Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts

10:34-43

John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8

Sunday , April 15 (Easter 2)

Acts 4:32-35

Psalm 133 I John 1:12:2

John 20:19-31


Acts 3:12-19

Psalm 4

I John 3:1-7

Luke 24: 36b-48


Acts 4:12-19

Psalm 23 I john 3:16-24

John 10:11-18

Holy Week and April Lectionary Readings

If youre interested in daily lectionary readings, go to http://www.pcusa.org/devotions/. You can read the texts online, subscribe to

an email list to receive them daily, print out a reading list, or listen to them read out loud.

Communion Angels NeededHave you ever wondered how the bread and cup happen

to end up on the communion table each week? Thats the

work of the communion stewardswonderful angels who

come in on Saturday or early Sunday morning to prepare

the elements for the Lords Table each week.

And now we need a few more angels. If you think you

might be interested, please contact Pastor Jeanne or Sally

Wahlers ([email protected] or 419-734-9680).

Thank you for your willingness to help!

Port Clinton Egg Hunt

Seeks CandyPort Clintons Annual Easter Egg Hunt is slated for Satu

day, April 7 on the Ottawa County Court House lawn. Th

city provides the eggs but seeks donations of candy to f

them. Theyre looking for bags of individually wrappe

pieces of candy (mini bars, kisses, starbursts, etc.) o

cash for purchasing bags of candy.

City Hall workers will begin stuffing the eggs Monday o

Tuesday, April 2 or 3. Donated items can be dropped o

at City Hall or at Mike Snyders office (129 Maple Stree

9:00-5:00).


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Devotions: John Madison, Mathew 5:44-45 with com-mentary by C.S. Lewis

Report of the Clerk (Dave Moore): We have received anumber of requests to be deleted from our rolls.

Transfer to First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor:

Stephanie Kroll

Transfer to Friends of Firelands status: Phyllis Fitz-

gerald; Brennan and Emma Madison; Elliott and AlexMoore; Yolanda, Scott, Jeff, and Katelyn Nemecek

Remove from roll: Ryan and Sarah Hamilton; Joyce

Murphy

Session approved these transfers and deletions.

Treasurers Report (Bill Umlauf)

Bill points out that the overall financial picture of the

church budget right now is a positive one, but madeartificially so by two recent financial gifts to thechurch.

The churchs collection of Ben Richmond prints has

been given an arbitrary value of $1/print so that theymay be recognized in the churchs balance sheet as anasset.

Old Business:

By-Laws and Manual of Operations. Jeanne provided

session members with a corrected copy of the By-Laws and Manual of Operations. The vote to acceptthem is tabled until next months meeting.

Session Calling Wrap-Up. By all accounts this has

gone well. We will compile all comments for our nextsession meeting. We will then look over the resultsclosely to see what we can learn.

30th Anniversary. We discussed changing the date to

keep our celebration away from Memorial Day andreferred the discussion to the Anniversary Committeefor a final decision.

Committee Reports

Church Growth (Karen Coffin, Chair)

The focus this month has been on creating increased

communication with the Vineyard community.

We are trying to actively use the church sign to draw

attention to Firelands Church and nudge people tothink about God as they are driving by. We will con-tinue to advertise for the Musical Arts Series one weekbefore each concert.

Property/Landscape Management (John McIntosh, Chair)

Property Management continues to focus on cost sav-

ings; several options were considered for minimizinglawn care costs. The committee proposes that thecontract with HG Landscaping be modified so that they

continue to mow the large areas of the church prop-

erty but that trimming, blowing the parking lot/sidewalks afterward, etc., become the responsibility othe congregation (see Finance Committee below).Our committee plans to purchase a gas trimmer and

blower for lawn care by volunteers.

Worship and Music (Connie Brand, Chair)

We have assembled a committee to define and begin

the search for the replacement(s) for Jay and Marga-ret Mann.

Sally Wahlers reminds us that Communion Stewards

are needed.

Mission (Joyce Jagucki, Chair)

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is to promoted

through Lent, with the offering collected on Palm andEaster Sundays.

United Way Gas Cards: Through our CommunityNeeds account we are supplying $10 gas cards toUnited Way for them to give, when necessary, to cli-ents to assist in traveling to doctor appointments or

job interviews. This need has become more intense.We are monitoring and assessing our ability to re-spond to this need.

Living Water project: We will show the video we have

of this program at the Spring potluck on March 25during the meal.

Combined Mission Committee and Board of Deacons

will meet in the near future (hopefully when some of

our snowbirds have returned).Christian Nurture: Bob Black, Chair

This committee held their first meeting in February.

Nursery assignments have been made for Sundays.Connie is planning Womens Day. Pastor Butcher andDiana Mitchell will do Directed Prayer Monday througFriday, week of May 21-25.

Year of the Bible. The Christian Nurture Committee

proposes that we use this challenge as a centerpiecefor an entire years emphasis on the Bible for our Congregation, not only to provide a group effort in healinthe church, but as a year-long celebration of our 30th

anniversary. Were planning to use a program byJames E. Davison called The Year of the Bible. Ourhope is that reading the Bible will permeate the entirlife of our congregation and will have a strong effecton our vitality, commitment, and growth. There will btwo options: one to read the entire Bible and the otheto read just the New Testament.

Financial Stewardship (Alison Falls, Chair)

The Committee reviewed the March 2012 Treasurers

Report to Session. YTD February 2012, the GeneralFund shows net income/surplus of $7,663. This posi-tive result is due to a generous gift designated forpayment of custodial expenses. In addition, a few

(Continued on page 1

STATED SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS for March 13


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Preschool Tidbits

Welcome Spring, or is it Summer!? We celebrated Dr, Seuss , St. Patricks Day, Leprechauns and Windy

Spring Weather. The last week of this month we will be working on more Spring and Easter When day light

savings time began we had Pajama day.

Ida Rupp library sends us story tellers twice a month and they are just fantastic. They bring brand new

books, sing songs, puppets, and new activities that go with the story. WHAT A BLESSING !!!

We will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

We have a guest student from Germany.

Our student assessments are almost complete and will be having parent conferences after Easter break.

Our attendance has been beyond my hopes , with between 14 and 18 students every day.

The ElderBeerman coupon books will be available to you on Sunday, April 2nd. There will be an envelope

for the five dollar donation and the coupon books on the counter by the sanctuary. Please help us out, IT

IS A GOOD DEAL FOR EVERYONE!!

Karen Crownover

Ms. Rachel with our guest from Germany

Remembering Dr. Seuss


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April 2012Page

PASTORS PAGE: BIRTHDAY THANKS, AND PC(USA) DOINS

What a wonderful birthday I had on Sunday! Thank youall of youfor your cards and best wishes

and for the cake and the candle! I felt really blessed, and happy to be your pastor. And then to

know that many of you are praying for me this week as part of our Silent [Prayer] Treatment. WowYou are quite a church familyyou really are.

You told Session and me that youd like more communication about issues and movements within the Presbyteria

Church (USA). I invite you to subscribe to email announcements at http://www.pcusa.org/newsupdates/, if youre inte

ested, but in the meantime, we will publish a periodical summary of some of whats happening, here in The Trumpe

This one is in reverse chronological order of when the news came out. Please let us know if this is helpful to you!

Blessing

Jeann

General Assembly NewsThe churchs 220th General Assembly (GA) will meet June

30 July 7 in Pittsburgh. I (Jeanne) have been elected to

be one of four delegates from Maumee Valley Presbytery.

Non-delegates can also attend. If you think you might be

interested, check out http://www.pcusa.org/

events/5929/220th-general-assembly/ .

As of March 27, several reports from GA special commit-

tees are available online. These include the following:

Special Committee on the Heidelberg Catechism. This

group is bringing a comprehensive re-translation of

the Heidelberg Catechism, along with updated scrip-tural references to each relevant section of the cate-

chism. (These references were published with the

original catechism in 1563 but apparently have been

lost along the way.)

Because this would be a change to the Book of Con-

fessions, it will need to be approved by two-thirds of

the presbyteries and the 2014 GA.

General Assembly Commission on Mid Councils

(formerly Middle Governing Bodies). This group is rec-

ommending that synods (currently judicial and legisla-

tive bodies over presbyteries) be transitioned tomulti-presbytery missional partnerships. This is to

flatten hierarchy and reinvigorate presbyteries.

(Note from Jeanne: Im guessing this one may be a

Big Deal at GA.)

Special Committee on the Nature of the Church in the

21st Century. This group is making ten recommenda-

tions to GA, touching on areas such as discerning new

ministries, new immigrant communities, Christian vo-

cation, and living out our faith publicly.

(Note from Jeanne: Their report includes the text of a

new hymn, the last verse of which is Give us sight t

catch your vision of a world transformed by grace.Let us bear your hope and justice into every time an

place. / Lead us, God, into a new day; may we bold

heed your call. / Send us out again in mission, servin

you by loving all. Isnt that lovely?)

Special Committee to Review Biennial Assemblie

This groups recommendations concerning future Gen

eral Assemblies include structuring GA dockets to con

tain plenary sessions focused on prayer, Bible study

and community building; and requiring overtures fro

presbyteries or synods to have concurrences from a

least ten percent of the presbyteries (or synods, re

spectively).

(Note from Jeanne: It looks to me like theyre tryin

to eliminate some of the trivia that goes on and re

focus on what it means to be the Body of Christ rathe

than a governmental body.)

To learn more about any of these committees and their re-

ports, go to http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/3/27/reports

numerous-ga-special-committees-220th-ga-ar/.

March 8: NEXT Church

The NEXT Church movement, with two conferences unde

its belt, seeks to build the future of the PC(USA). A thir

conference will be held next March 4-5 in Charlotte, NC

and leaders have announced plans to incorporate as a no

-profit corporation and to hire a coordinator/director t

help facilitate upcoming national and regional conference

as well as the Web site.

Tom Are, pastor of the Village Church in Prairie Village

Kan., says, NEXT is a conversation. We are not a struc

ture, an institution, but rather an expression of hope

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April 2012Page

the power of relationships. He added that NEXT wishes

to be a conduit through which innovative, creative and

emerging ministry can be shared, encouraged, explored.

At the conference, pastors from San Francisco and Louis-ville, KY, both gave witness of successful efforts within

their respective presbyteries that have helped members

to overcome long-held distrust and inertia by an open

process of brainstorming creative ideas for building rela-

tionships, reviving hope and initiating new mission.

While resisting the temptation to pass judgment, speakers

at the conference did allude to the drama of division play-

ing out among conservatives in the PC(USA). We have

heard those folks who have said that the PC(USA) could

die and that its death would not matter to God, said

Shannon Kershner, pastor of Black Mountain Church in

western North Carolina. We do not believe that, she re-torted. God has poured too much love into this church to

be apathetic about its future.

Taken from http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/3/8/next-

leaders-map-out-next-steps/

March 3: Board of Pensions

Responding to a request from the 2010 General Assembly,

and following many months of study, the Board of Pen-

sionswill offer spousal and child benefits to same-gender

domestic partners of members enrolled for coverage in

the PC(USA) Benefits Plan, almost all of whom are or-dained pastors in the church. This move is in response to

the presbyteries vote to allow gays and lesbians to serve

in ordained positions. Applicants will need to verify that

they have a civil license or certificate or certificate evi-

dencing a civil marriage, civil union, or domestic partner-

ship. This change, which will begin January 1, 2013, will

be in effect only in states that allow domestic partner-

ships, civil unions or same-sex marriages.

The Board of Pensions will formally present its decision

later this year to the 220th General Assembly (June 30-

July 7 in Pittsburgh). No further action is needed; the di-

rectors vote is binding. There will be no increase in dues

to cover this change.

About the Board of Pensions

The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

is the corporate body that administers the Church pension

and benefits program. It is legally required to administer

these programs for the exclusive benefit of its participants

and members. The Board of Pensions is governed by an

independent, 31-member Board of Directors, nominated

by the General Assembly Nominating Committee and

elected by the General Assembly of the PC(USA).

Taken from http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/3/3/same-

gender-partner-benefits-approved-benefits-pla/

Fellowship of Presbyterians/Evangelical

Covenant Order of Presbyterians

At a January meeting of churches and individuals inteested in the Fellowship of Presbyterians, a new Presbyte

rian denomination, called the Evangelical Covenant Orde

of Presbyterians (ECO), was formed. The new denomina

tion has published both theology and polity papersit as

pires to be more conservative theologically and more con

gregational when it comes to church government.

About 20 percent of people attending the January confe

ence said they intend to leave the PC(USA) to join th

Evangelical Covenant Order, according to John Crosb

(pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, MN) in

January 19 interview, and about seven percent want som

kind of union relationship with both the PC(USA) and thnew denomination. About fifteen percent want to join th

Fellowship while remaining in the PC(USA). Others ma

take time to decide what to do.

Crosby described the Fellowship as a big umbrella, wit

many congregations and individuals staying in the P

(USA) but with a sliver outside in the Evangelical Cove

nant Order.

Crosby also stressed that in creating a new denomination

the idea is not to get the pure folks away from the im

pure folks or to act out of anger. When organization

are started by angry people, they remain angry, he said

For more information about ECO, check out a variety o

articles from the Presbyterian Outlook (a magazine tha

strives to take a middle road between feuding Presbyter

ans) at www.pres-outlook.com .

Healthy Congregations ConferencBoth Pastor Jeanne and Janine Dress will be attending

conference on Healthy Congregationsusing family sys

tems theory in churchesApril 16-18 at the MontreaCenter in North Carolina. Neither of them will be in th

office Monday, April 16 through Thursday, April 19.

If youre curious to know more about family systems the

ory and how it can be used in congregations, see Jeann

or Janine!

Bob Butcher to Preach

Rev. Bob Butcher will preach at Firelands on Sunday, Ap

15, while Pastor Jeanne is in North Carolina.

(Continued from page 8)


10/12

April 2012Page

April Birthdays April Anniversaries

April 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sa

19:30 Sunday School

10:30 Worship

2 3 4 56 Maundy Thursday

Seder Meal andPrayer

6Preschool Closed

Noon Ecu. GoodFriday Service

7:30 Stations of theCross

7

8 Easter10:30 Worship

9Preschool Closed

109 Quilting

9 MAS Com.

7 Session

11 12 13 14

159:30 Sunday School

10:30 Worship

6:15 30th Anniversary

Committee

16Office Closed

17Office Closed

18Office Closed

19Office Closed

20 21


10:30 Worship

23 249 Quilting

25 26 27Office Closed

28


10:30 Worship

1-4 Piano Recital withSusan Larcey

30

If there are additions or corrections to the Birthday

and Anniversary pages, please contact the church

office. Thanks.

Eleanor Eddings 21

Kristin Williams 21

Margaret Black 21

Grace Williams 22

Don Williams 23

Nila McCullough 25

Tom Gahris 3

Jeanne Black 7

Chris Alexander 12

Logan Langhals 12

Bill Koster 18

Margaret Mann 21

Irene Wilson 29

Ernie and Nila McCullough 3

Wayne and Sally Walter 4

Dean and Maxine Myers 20

Tom and Caroline Notestine 24


11/12

April 2012Page

Dont Forget Your Time to Serve!DATE MINISTRY NAMES

All Month Deacon of the Month April 1 & 8 Shirley Stary; April 15, 22 & 29 Dave & Sally Wahlers

Communion Steward

April. 1 Greeter(s) Sally & Wayne Walter

Refreshments McCulloughs

Reader Ernie McCullough

Acolyte Merissa Jagucki

Communion Assistant Bob Black

Servers Nila McCullough, Marilyn Umlauf, Joyce Jagucki, Lori Madison

Nursery Volunteer Connie Brand

April. 8 Greeter(s) Shirley Stary and Bill Rodwancy

Refreshments

Reader Nila McCullough

Acolyte Merissa Jagucki

Communion Assistant Ernie McCullough

Servers Marilyn Umlauf, Marilyn Cromer, Dick Coffin, Karen Coffin

Nursery Volunteer Sarah Hartley

April. 15 Greeter(s)

Refreshments

Reader Lori Madison

Acolyte Merissa JaguckiCommunion Assistant Joyce Jagucki

Servers Dan Barlow, Deb Barlow, Nila McCullough, John Madison

Nursery Volunteer Lily Stouffer


Refreshments

Reader Karen Coffin

Acolyte Lily Stouffer

Communion Assistant Dan Barlow

Servers Jay Viery, Sally Walter, Dave Moore, Dick Coffin

Nursery Volunteer Lori Madison


Refreshments

Reader John Madison

Acolyte Nic Stouffer

Communion Assistant Lori Madison

Servers Bob Black, Connie Brand, Susan Rogers, Bob Reynolds

Nursery Volunteer Heather Stouffer


12/12

April 2012Page

If you were in attendance for worship

and the spring pot luck on March 25,you saw a video regarding water pu-

rification systems. This is a project

that we are exploring for a possible

mission emphasis in our congrega-

tion.

Fresh, clean water may be a given

for most in the United States, but not

so for nearly a billion people in the

world. Water for them can mean the

difference between life and death.

Thats why Living Waters for the

World (LWW), a mission of the Pres-byterian Church (USA) Synod of Liv-

ing Waters, works to bring fresh wa-

ter systems to communities through

the developing world and some areas

of Appalachia in the United States.

Through LWW, teams from churches

and other organizations travel to

places that need clean water, install

a water purification system with the

help of local people, and teach

healthy water habits to a community

that has never had the luxury of wa-

ter that doesnt cause diarrhea, dys-

entery, and more.

If we decide to participate in a LWW

project, we will first send three or

more people to the training center in

Oxford, MS, where they will go

through a train-the-trainer program,

learning how to provide education,

build clean water systems and carefor the spiritual needs of the commu-

nities they will serve. These people

will then be the team leaders for our

water-focused mission trips.

All system parts, curriculum and re-

lated materials necessary for suc-

cessful completion of these trips are

available through LWWs Fulfillmen

Center.

Because the 2012 training progra

deadlines have passed, we are look

ing at 2013 for training and missio

trip. In the meantime, if we choos

to do this, we will want to start rais

ing moneythe training alone cos

$550 per person.

If you are interested in exploring th

mission experience, either as a fund

raiser or a participant (or both!

please contact Pastor Jeanne or me.

We live in a beautiful part of th

country where we enjoy the wate

of Lake Erie. What a wonderful thin

it would be if we could bring water t

others!

Joyce Jaguck

Got Plants?As you work in your own gardens and yards this

spring, please think about donating any extra plantsthat have outgrown their space to Firelands. If you

divide or remove healthy shrubs or plants, and want

to share them, we will give them a new home here.

Additionally, if you have ordered Easter flowers for

the Sanctuary and really dont want to take them

home, we will plant them here. Just leave all dona-

tions in the fountain area (outside the front doors),

and we will take it from there. Many thanks!

We are excited to begin year #2 of revitalizing our

landscape to show off the beauty of our church. Last

year our Adopt A Garden volunteers worked hard ontheir projects, making an immediate impact. The

Pavilion will take on an entirely different look as the

small garden planted last fall begins to bloom.

The long awaited windbreak may yet get planted, if

the ground ever dries out. Please know that all work

and landscaping materials have been lovingly do-

nated and nothing has come out of our budget. It is

truly a labor of love for Firelands Presbyterian

Church.

Karen Coffin

members have made contributions under their 2012 pledge

early in the year to help the churchs cash flow situation. Asnoted in last months Financial Stewardship Update, ourbudgeted revenue for 2012 Pledges of $113,500 assumeswe will receive approximately $24,000 in revenues frommembers who have not pledged, but who we are assumingwill maintain their prior level of giving. Bill Umlauf also notethe decline in weekly attendance as follows: 2009: 101;2010: 86; 2011: 63. For 2012 the trend appears to be con-

tinuing and a best guess is that average weekly attendancewill likely be around 55.

The Committee discussed a proposal by the Property Man-

agement Committee to revise the 2012 Budget and contracwith HG Landscaping (at a substantially reduced expenseand level of service) for seasonal mowing for $1,215.00.This expense is an alternative to the plans underlying the2012 Budget whereby the church would purchase a lawnmower and seek volunteers to do the weekly the mainte-nance. This proposal was unanimously passed.

Please note that under this agreement, church members wineed to help with lawn care (trimming, blowing, etc.)

New Business

It was suggested that, if there is interest, we could send a

couple of carloads of people to Pittsburgh to the General Assembly Opening Worship.

Dave Moore, Clerk of Sessio

Session Highlights (Continued from page 6)

Mission Committee: Living Waters for the World5,000 children die each day as a result of diarrhea, equaling an average of 1 child dying every 20 seconds.

The Trumpet - April 2012

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Transcript of The Trumpet - April 2012