A Christ-centered congregation in the reformed tradition
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A Christ-centered congregation in the reformed tradition
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Highlights and Articles from the June 2008 Newsletter Pastor’s ColumnAs the year-long quest to answer a few more Quodlibet questions continues, there are a couple of good ones for the month of June. Consider this first one: How did Satan fall from grace? Did sin exist before him, leading him to this and his future evil? It seems likely most of us have asked these questions, or ones very similar to them. They push our thinking back to the ultimate beginnings of creation. Thankfully, they are not the unanswerable question! Let’s begin with consideration of when and in what condition the angels were created, since Satan is an angelic being. We don’t know exactly when the angels were created, though Scripture teaches they were created before the seventh day since “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.” [Genesis 2:1 emphasis added] Some folk posit that angels were created on the first day. The reasoning is that in Genesis 1:1 it is stated that God created the heavens and the earth. In Genesis 1:2, however, we read, “The earth was formless and void.” Nothing is mentioned about the heavens, the implication being that the heavens were not void or formless. Similarly, when God declares in Job 38:7 that the “morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy” while He created the world, if the proper understanding is that morning stars and sons of God refer to the angels, then the angels were present to watch most of God’s activity during Creation Week. But all that is mere speculation; we can only say for certain all the angels were created by the end of day six. All angels were created good, for in Genesis 1:31 we are told that upon surveying all His creation, “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” [emphasis added] At that point there were no fallen angels. Here are some attributes Scripture ascribes to them: created [i.e. not eternal], moral [i.e. able to do wrong or right], immortal [i.e. not subject to death], spiritual [i.e. not fleshly], non-reproducing [i.e. not marrying or having children, after all, they don’t die], and very powerful beings. God made all of them all at once, and He made them in great number for Scripture speaks of “myriads of angels” [Hebrews 12:22] and “the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands.” [Revelation 5:11] Thus, at the outset there was no sin. All God created was very good. So, how did Satan and the other angels who joined him become evil? We don’t know for sure, but there are some hints in the Bible. Probably the biggest hint is found in Isaiah 14:12ff. where the star of the morning is described as falling from heaven and as weakening the nations. Though Isaiah is describing the political/military demise of the king of Babylon, the images he uses, in fact the very words, are quoted by Jesus in Luke 10:18 when He describes the spiritual victories won by His disciples; such also is the case in Revelation 8:10 and 9:1. In this case, as is not unusual in Scripture, the human events are historical, but presented in language that parallels spiritual events, thus giving insight on several levels. The teaching that has come down through the millennia is that Satan chose to displace God as ruler of creation, calling for the angelic hosts to join him. Some did; now we call them fallen angels and demonic spirits and devils. To be moral beings, as were the angels, is to have the ability to obey or disobey. Traditionally it has been taught that about a third of the angels joined in the rebellion. The rest persevered in honoring God. Here’s the amazing thing we humans need to hear and appreciate: God confirmed for eternity the choice made by each of the angels at that time. Thus, there are no redeemed angels, only good angels or fallen angels. It is only mankind that has the hope of a Redeemer! Satan and the demons will forever be under the judgment of God; they have no hope at all. So, here are the answers: Satan [and those angels who followed him] fell from grace by “not keeping their own domain” [Jude 6], but sought to overthrow the rule of God and to raise Satan’s throne “above the stars of God.” [Isaiah 14:13] Then, he introduced sin into the world by tempting Adam and Eve with the same offer: namely, to be like God, to know [i.e. to determine for themselves what is] good and evil. [Genesis 3:1-7] The devil is the one who introduced sin into the world, since from the beginning of his interference in the affairs of God, especially in the realm of mankind, he has been a liar and a murderer and a thief. [John 8:44; 1 John 3:8] Satan made a choice and God confirmed him in it. Believe it or not, this leads us to our second question: Jeremiah 23:32 – Who are the false teachers? How does that relate to today? The answer to the first part is found in Jeremiah 23:14 where God, speaking through Jeremiah, says, “Also among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: the committing of adultery and walking in falsehood; and the strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one has turned back from his wickedness.” [emphasis added] The false prophets are the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s day. The second part is also easily answered. It is professing Christians today [especially pastors, teachers, elders, and leaders] who do wicked deeds such as adultery and who walk in ways that are contrary to God’s Word. In addition, they strengthen the hands–i.e. encourage to continue in such behavior–of folk engaged in similarly wicked behavior. This is a familiar lament in the prophets, just look at Isaiah 5:18-23 and Ezekiel 13:8,9,22,23. A succinct summary is found in Proverbs 17:15, “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.” [emphasis added] Those verses, to our sorrow and distress, describe the teaching and practice of most mainline denominations in our day. One can also find such teaching in some of the emerging churches and in some evangelical circles. According to the Scriptures, such folk are today’s parallel to the false teachers of Jeremiah’s day. Of course, much of what is taught in schools, enacted in legislative bodies across our land, decreed by judges, and glorified by the media is blatant false teaching of the very same category. We are awash in it. What’s happening is the same thing that mankind has fallen for since the Garden of Eden: believing lies instead of believing God’s Word. We live in a moral world with standards and truths that are just as fixed and certain as the physical laws of nature. Yet we fall for the line that we can know, that is, determine for ourselves, what is good and evil. We need to affirm the truth of Jeremiah 6:16a and reject the option described in Jeremiah 6:16b. [I won’t print it here; I want you to look it up, read it for yourself, and then reflect on it–especially in light of Jesus quoting from that verse in Matthew 11:29.] Glory be to God that unlike the angels, we are not unredeemable, we are not confirmed in our error. Jesus came to redeem sinners! May He give us grace to be meek and humble in spirit so that we can learn of Him and find rest for our souls. In the Joy of the Lord, John H.C. Niederhaus
June Pulpit ScheduleJune 1st – Debt: Not a Good Thing – 2 Kings 4:1-7; Job 14:1-6; Acts 2:22-42Are we ready for déjà vu all over again? Just as was the case with Elijah, so now Elisha meets up with a widow who is in desperate straits. She has children for whom she must provide, but she also has debts for which her creditor threatens to collect payment by taking her children as slaves! As she knows all too well, debt is not a good thing. Elisha, a type of Christ, has the solution for her problem. She must believe Elisha and do as he says. The widow, of course, is a picture of us. We have a debt we cannot pay. We find ourselves in slavery–not a good thing! June 8th – An Uncommon Trait – 2 Kings 4:8-10; Luke 8:1-3; Hebrews 13:2One of the more common traits of contemporary society is the absence of neighborliness. Some would suggest we suffer from a paucity of hospitality. In this week’s primary text Elisha meets a Shunammite woman who exemplifies the opposite characteristics. She is thoughtful, hospitable, inviting, generous, and willing to go out of her way to make Elisha comfortable. And it is all unrequested on his part. Along with our other texts, this will afford us the opportunity to consider if we have this uncommon trait, whether as individuals or as families or as a church. June 15th – God Intends to Bless – 2 Kings 4:11-17; Genesis 18:1-15; Ephesians 3:14-21God desires to bless His people. That’s the meaning of Jesus’ incarnation. Our two OT texts display this fact in God’s dealings with the Shunammite woman and in the great patriarch Abraham. Each was content with their circumstances; they had grown accustomed to their life situations and were ready for the status quo to continue on into the future. But God, on the other hand, intended something better for them. They were not wishing for wealth or lands or possessions, but each had deep, unfulfilled desire. God, in His mercy, blesses unexpectedly. June 22nd – But I Thought¼ – 2 Kings 4:18-37; Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 12:1-13There is a presumption that pervades the character of man: my life should go according to my preferred pattern, according to my expectations, according to what I determine is necessary and best. When, for whatever reason, God changes things up on us, our response tends to be, “But I thought¼” As we’ll see in our texts, such alterations to our expectations can be painful and frightening, indeed, even tragic. What happens then? Do we become disillusioned and abandon belief in God and His goodness? Which raises the question, “Why do we love God?” June 29th – A Matter of Taste? – 2 Kings 4:38-41; Mark 7:14-23; Ephesians 2:1-10Tastes are telling. We identify foods by their taste. We even can identify cultures and nations by the tastes they prefer. How much curry you would like with your rice may well depend on your relation to Indian culture. How about jalapeña peppers? Usually we identify them with Mexican food or those who like Mexican food. Tastes also refer to more matters than food. One can have tastes in movies, music, clothing, and much else. As our texts will indicate, a most important attribute of taste is identifying that which is poisonous. Or, we need an antidote.
From the Youth PastorLet’s fire up the grill! Memorial day marks the commencement of summer! It’s time to have some fun in the sun and enjoy good food with good friends! What would summer be without grilling hot dogs and burgers I ask? I mean ‘grillin’ is as American as baseball and apple pie! There is nothing like the smell of meat sizzling on the grill (typically the neighbors grill when your famished). As an Aussie I have a deep appreciation for ‘grillin’. You may have heard the saying “throw another shrimp on the barbie?” This heritage involves the fine art of the bringing to greats together, that of flames and meat! I don’t like cooking that much, but I love to grill! This summer t may I suggest we all take time for some serious grilling! Because of summers relaxed feel, we can tend to take a relaxed approach to all the areas of our lives. Teenagers especially tend to tune out of their regular responsibilities during the summer. Great is the temptation for many young people to go on vacation from their faith. Is the gas bottle full? Does the igniter work? Are the burgers thawed out? Time to grill! 1 Peter 1:6-7 says: In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. The Lord our God is a refiner! Through experiences that come our way we will have the flames turned up on us by God. To keep running with the illustration, we are like meat ready for the grill but not yet ready for the dinner table! God wants us to go through a process of cooking out the rawness and impurities (sinfulness) that can be evident in our lives from time to time (often the summer). We all need the ongoing holy fire of God to refine us and sanctify us. This process is very uncomfortable because it involves heat, smoke and burning (I like my steak well done!). But the end result after the refiners fire has grilled us, is that we are left with a proven and tested faith which is more valuable than gold! The outcome of this faith is the salvation of our souls! Glory and praise to God for the grill! May the refiners fire grill you this summer to the benefit of your faith! So then, lets throw another shrimp on the barbie! In Christ, Pastor Andrew Edmonds
VBSAugust is closer than you think! Register your child(ren) now for this year’s VBS, Amazon Expedition, where God’s truth is discovered. The dates are August 4-8, 9 am to noon. Volunteers are needed in all areas. Sign up and volunteer sheets may be found on the Christian Ed table in the narthex.
Congratulations to Graduates!During each service of worship on June 8th, Leidy’s Church will recognize and honor her graduates. Not surprisingly, 2008 has produced a bumper crop of graduates, with some from high school, some from college, and some from graduate school. Here’s a recounting of those from whom we’ve received some info: High School Graduates Alex Hager, oldest son of Bob and Val Hager, takes his leave from Faith Christian Academy in Sellersville and will head north to the Lehigh Carbon Community College to major in Business. Troy Radcliff, from the household of Brian and Wendy Radcliff, will leave the line-up of Souderton Area High School [SAHS] and take the field at Montgomery County Community College [MCCC] as he continues his baseball playing and planning to be a PE/Health teacher in due time. Lauren Finley is the only daughter of Ron and Barb Finley and has designed her exit from SAHS with a diploma and plans for a Graphic Arts/Web Design degree through the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Josh Rowe moved with his parents Toby and Pam Rowe to Loveland, CO, where he is graduating from Loveland High School and looking into business possibilities while undertaking course work at the Front Range Community College. Ethan Shoemaker, son of Rod and Yvonne Shoemaker, leaves the comfortable confines of SAHS but will stay within the Souderton Area School District as a member of the custodial staff. Hannah Ott will receive her diploma from Plumstead Christian School, much to the delight of her parents, Bob and Jill Ott. She will begin nursing studies at Gwynedd-Mercy College in the fall. Luke Damiani is another SAHS graduate in 2008. The middle son of Andy and Gwen Damiani, he will start at MCCC this fall and is very interested in music production. Ben Schatz will be making the transition from Pennridge High School to the main campus of Penn State. His parents, Jeff and Deb Schatz, are certain he’ll become a fine engineer. Kristine Godshall is the oldest daughter of Leonard and Brenda Godshall. She is another one who upon graduation from SAHS will head for MCCC. It is her intention to major in Elementary Education while earning a minor in Photography. Japheth Rittenhouse has worked his way through Christopher Dock High School and now plans to work at turning Rittenhouse Builder into Rittenhouse & Son Builders. His dad, Scott, and his mom, Sherise, are taking it under consideration. Leah Kimenhour, daughter of Doug and Lani Kimenhour, leaves Pennridge High School to head in a southerly direction as she will attend High Point University in North Carolina majoring in Business and Spanish. Abe Hughes, our only graduate from Central Bucks West, is the youngest son of Dave and Flor Hughes. Like many younger sons, he is heading far from home, in his case that means matriculating at Hawaii Pacific University to major in Marine Biology. Adrienne Kroesser is leaving North Penn High School to curl her way through Lansdale Beauty School working for a degree in Cosmetology. Her parents are John and Lorraine Kroesser. Christopher Tawney is a home school student benefitting from the instruction and leadership of his parents Andy and Joan Tawney and earning a diploma from Grace Academy. He is heading for Liberty University in Virginia to major in Youth Ministry. Blaike Snyder is another SAHS grad and the granddaughter of Jade and Joan Snyder. At the moment, she is delighting in God’s abundance and listening for the voice of His leading, which means she does not know what tomorrow may bring, but does know who holds it. College Graduates Susan Leidy graduated from Gwynedd-Mercy College with a degree in Elementary Education. The mother of Phil, Tim, Rachel, and Ben, she is hoping to find a teaching job nearby. She also has had a name change, becoming Mrs. Lorne Slack on May 24th. Josh Wilwert is graduating from Williamson Trade School following three years of training in carpentry and other skills. He has a job and some big plans, the biggest of which involve listening for wedding bells in the near future. He is the son of Tony and Kelly Wilwert. Susan Ott is the youngest of Stan and Judy Ott’s girls, but she too now is a college graduate having completed her degree in Business Management from Roberts Wesleyan College. Having already obtained a position, soon she will be applying all she’s learned. David Chuereng, one of the young men from Sudan sponsored by Leidy’s Church, is graduating from DeVry University with a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Management Networking. Not only has he come a long way, but we anticipate he will go far as well. Maxine Niederhaus graduates with a degree in Math from Penn State University. The youngest daughter of John and Pat Niederhaus, she plans to teach Math in one of the High Schools of lower Bucks County, but only after she changes her name to Mrs. David Parfitt. Graduate School Graduates Ashley Lehman, daughter of Kevin and Holly Lehman, receives her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. She will continue at Jeff teaching undergraduates while working to become a Nurse Practitioner. Already, however, her stethoscope is picking up October wedding bells! Phillip Akol is graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Procedure. He is another of the young men sponsored by Leidy’s Church who has made amazing progress since coming from Sudan not quite eight years ago. Though still looking for a permanent job, he already is involved in improving opportunities for those still in Sudan. Angela Kinney, the wife of Jim Kinney, the daughter of Mary Beth Weiss, the granddaughter of Norm and Donna Weiss, the great granddaughter of Olin and Anna Leidy, and¼well, she has connections!, is getting a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Social Research from Bryn Mawr College. She is looking for a position in a school guidance program.
Summer Help NeededWant to get to know the children of our congregation? Volunteer to teach at least one Sunday this summer in a Sunday School class. This gives our regular teachers a much-needed rest and will give you the opportunity to find out how blessed our teachers are each week. No special skills needed–curriculum and materials provided–you just need to love God’s Word and want to share God’s truth! Sign-up coming soon for teaching starting June 15th for the Toddler through 6th Grade classes at the Christian Ed table in the narthex.
Strawberry Festival the 14th!An annual event undertaken by the Special Services Committee and supported by many volunteers – and there’s always a need for MORE VOLUNTEERS! – is the much-anticipated Leidy’s Church Strawberry Festival. It is a great day of visibility for Leidy’s Church as individuals and families from throughout the area come by for good food and pleasant activities. Be certain to invite a few of your friends and neighbors. Here are the details for 2008: Date: Saturday, June 14th Time: from 4 to 8 p.m. Format: eat-inside, or dine under the tent, or get a carry-out Cost: Most reasonable! Menu items: barbeque, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, sauerkraut What you’re really looking for: fresh strawberries, ice cream, cakes Volunteer forms will be in the bulletin. Please be certain you fill one out and help in this endeavor. We need folk to help make the potato salad, lots of strawberry cleaners and cutters, cashiers, ice cream dippers, servers, runners or bus boys, kitchen help, folk to help set up, and lots of folk to help clean up when it’s over. The funds generated by this gracious donation of volunteer time and goods always go to a benevolent cause. In 2008 the Love Cradle Mission will be the beneficiary as proceeds from the Strawberry Festival will help underwrite the August mission trip to Ukraine where work will be done among orphans through the agency of local Ukrainian churches.
The Belgic Confession[We continue with articles from this 1561 confession that has become one of the Three Forms of Unity subscribed to by many Reformed Congregations. This month’s articles deal with Scripture.] Article 4 We believe that the Holy Scriptures are contained in two books, namely, the Old and New Testaments, which are canonical, against which nothing can be alleged. These books are thus named in the church of God. [Then follows a listing of the 66 books that comprise the OT and NT.] Article 5 We receive all these books, and these only, as holy and canonical, for the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith; believing without any doubt all things contained in them, not so much because the church receives and approves them as such, but more especially because the Holy Spirit witnesses in our hearts that they are from God, whereof they carry the evidence in themselves. For the very blind are able to perceive that the things foretold in them are fulfilling. Article 6 We distinguish those sacred books from the apocryphal [then follows a listing those books]. All of which the church may read and take instruction from so far as they agree with the canonical books; but they are far from having such power and efficacy as that we may from their testimony confirm any point of faith or of the Christian religion; much less detract from the authority of the other sacred books. Article 7 We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe to salvation is sufficiently taught therein. For, since the whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in them at large, it is unlawful for anyone, though an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures; no, though it were an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul says. For, since it is forbidden to add to or take away anything from the Word of God, it does thereby evidently appear that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects. Neither do we consider of equal value any writing of men, however holy these men may have been, with those divine Scriptures, nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees, or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, for the truth is above all; for all men are of themselves liars and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore we reject with all our hearts whatsoever does not agree with this infallible rule which the apostles have taught us, saying, “Try the spirits whether they are of God.” Likewise, “If any come to you and bring not this doctrine, do not receive him into your house.”
Bargers on the MoveAmong the first folk from Leidy’s Church to answer the call for service on the mission field, was the Barger family. Dennis and Sue Barger spent a number of years in Egypt working among the poorest of the poor. Eventually they returned to the US and Denny completed his pastoral studies and has served for the past decade and a half as pastor of a Calvary Chapel congregation at the Jersey shore. Now they’re on the move again. On the 15th of June, Denny and Sue will be at Leidy’s Church to give a full explanation of what it is the Lord is calling them to at this time. It is mission work. It does involve the Middle East. It will not require their relocation to the Middle East. But we don’t want to tell you about it; we want you to come out on Sunday morning, June 15th, and hear it from them. Denny and Sue will have the entire Sunday School Hour to explain what’s happening with them as they lead the Issues and Answers class. All other classes and interested persons are welcome and encouraged to attend as well. During each service of worship they will make a brief presentation, but you need to be at Sunday School to get the full account. If you haven’t been a member of Leidy’s Church for more than 15 years, you probably don’t know Denny and Sue, though you may have heard of them. This will be an opportune time to catch up on a little of old Leidy’s Church history with the ever-youthful Bargers!
Consistory NotesThe Consistory of Leidy’s Church met on Wednesday evening, May 7th. Below are listed some of the highlights of that meeting: v Using the theme of “remembering,” which fits in with the Memoral Day celebration that is part of the month of May, Elder Joe Sciacca talked of many personal reminiscences in the special light of Jesus’ command to “do this in remembrance of me.” He spoke of remembering all the ways God has worked in one’s life, of developing patterns of thought that help one remember the Lord in the daily affairs of life, of remembering special people with whom God has allowed one to have interaction, and as one does so to reflect how all those things have been used by God to shape one’s life. Of course, the ultimate remembrance is that of Jesus on the cross to save His people from their sins. v The Building Committee provided an update on activities. Final site plans are to be submitted to Franconia Township in June. It is estimated that another five to seven months will be required for all the administrative and procedural steps to be taken prior to beginning actual building. That means by late 2008 everything should be in place to begin the project if we have received sufficient funds. We need to raise another two million dollars or so before construction can begin. v Authorized the sending of MOPs representative to this year’s national meeting. Provisions for three persons will be made, though ordinarily the number has been two. It is anticipated that in subsequent years the number will revert back to two persons attending the national meeting. v Nominations were finalized for Consistorymen to serve the 2009–2011 term. Spiritual Council will nominate Ron Moyer and Dana Gehman to serve as Elders, while the Consistory will nominate Brian Shoemaker and Jeremy Smith to serve as Deacons. If elected, this will be the final consecutive term for which Ron, Dana, and Brian are eligible; they would have to take off the calendar year 2012 before being eligible for another term on Consistory. However, it is Jeremy’s first nomination for a term. v Pastor Myers and others were thanked for many labors connected with the SLMT Auction at the end of April. A thank you note was received from Len Walter for the gift card sent to him and his wife in appreciation for his work as auctioneer. v Authorized the installation of new carpeting in the downstairs bedroom and study of the Mission House. The Mission Committee has repainted the entire Mission House now, though repairs to the upstairs bathroom still need to be done. The floors of the kitchen, dining room, and living room are slated to be part of capital expenses for the 2009 budget. v The Care Committee is in full swing getting photo sessions scheduled for the new Photo Directory. The Consistory expressed its thanks for the Committee’s efforts. v A thank you note was received from a 13 year old student for our efforts in sponsoring the Creation Controversy Conference. The student and her family live in the Royersford area and attended three of the sessions. v Adjustments were made to the communion preparation schedule for May 18th. Following a time of intercessory prayer, the meeting ended at 9:58 pm by the unison praying of the Lord’s Prayer.
Volunteers Needed for the EE Clinic this FallPlans are underway to host another EE Clinic this fall. Looking back on the years we have hosted EE Clinics, we realized that nearly 200 clinicians have been equipped at Leidy’s Church. Seriously, now is the time to check your calendar to see if you would be able to accommodate a guest from Monday evening, September 29th through Friday morning, October 3rd. Since most of you are not vacationing then, we urge any of you with an empty bed to be a host. You will still be able to keep up your regular evening activities since the clinicians are at church from 7:30 am until 10 pm. With lots of memorizing to do in their little time at your home, they do not need to be entertained. We provide the clinicians transportation as well as all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at the church. Before summer begins, we need many people to pray for the Lord’s work in the lives of clinicians who will register for our clinic. Church leaders on the east coast are wondering whether to attend this suburban Philly clinic at a church of which they’ve never heard. Join us in praying that they will respond to God’s leading and not give in to Satan’s attempts to derail the power of the gospel. You don’t need to be a spiritual giant to pray for someone; you just need to be available. You will sit with your assigned clinician at the Monday Banquet at 6:30 pm. After a delicious free meal prepared by Kelly Wilwert, special music presentations, and an inspirational message by Rev. William Krewson, you will have a special opportunity to pray together. Since most of our registrants are men, we always need more male prayer partners. We will assign those who cannot attend the Banquet and extra women to pray for our own EE trainers who will lead visitation. While we have had good responses to several needs in the food area, we still have no one to help Kelly Wilwert prepare breakfasts from 6:30 am to 8 am and no one to help set up the Fellowship Hall at various times. We also need 10-15 more women “smilers” on any of Tuesday through Thursday evenings from 5:45 pm until 10 pm. First, we treat you to one of Allison Walbrandt’s delicious dinners so you can get acquainted with the rest of your team (a trainer from our church and a clinician). Then, you accompany your team on visitation where you are simply a friendly face as your trainer shares the gospel. You may even witness someone receive Christ! We also need lots more waiters/waitresses for all evening meals as well as people to help Allison prepare the suppers. Drivers are needed to pick up a guest at 4 pm at church and drive them to their host home or bring them back to church by 6 pm. A guest may also need a ride home at 9:15 pm after the report-back session to which the congregation is invited. To volunteer, see the details on the canary colored “EE Clinic Opportunity” sheet in your mailbox or on the narthex desk. Return completed forms to the narthex desk.
SLMT ’08 VBS TrainingThe SLMT VBS training session for 2008 will take place on Tuesday evening, June 10th, beginning at 7 pm. Utilizing the ample space of the Fellowship Hall, Justine Smith will walk workers through the entire SLMT curriculum. There will be opportunity to learn about the crafts, the Gospel center, the recreation/game time, the Bible story element, and the pre-school plans. Justine has been working at a steady pace for a couple of months. As the Curriculum Coordinator for our SLMT endeavors, Justine–with some consulting help from Sherise Rittenhouse–determines what the VBS theme will be for any given year, prepares the curriculum, selects the necessary supplies and teaching materials, and designs and conducts the training session for all SLMT VBS workers. All members of the Pikangikum and North Spirit Lake teams should plan to be present for that meeting on June 10th. In addition to the VBS training, those also will finalize plans regarding menu for the week, who brings what, and other essential details. Please be certain you’re present if you’re on either of those teams.
A License for LifeMany folk are not aware of it, but in PA a person can order Pro-Life license plates. For just over a year this option has been out there, though few (including most us, we assume!) know about it. Here are the details:
How can this be? Well, PA ChooseLife is organized to raise funds for Crisis Pregnancy Centers and Maternity Homes. Individuals who choose to become a member of their organization are eligible to get the license plates mentioned. The $20 that goes to PA ChooseLife is the membership fee. It is renewed annually. So, while the $44 is a one-time fee, there is a requested $20 annual donation to keep one’s membership current. This program is designed to provide significant funding for alternatives to abortion in PA just as has been done in other states.
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