eDove   

 

MARCH

2014

   

  

 Poolesville Presbyterian Church 

 

      PO Box 68, 17800 Elgin Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837   Phone:301.972.7452

                                       www.poolpres.com

                           http://thesermonrepository.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

Upcoming Dates

          MARCH

 

March 8th             

Lord's Table

 

March 22           9am-2pm

Rummage Sale

 

PASTOR'S CORNER

 

Pastor's Corner 

 

Observing Lent has been a pretty straightforward discipline over the last decade or so.  Ash Wednesday would come, and I'd look at the beer bottles that sat in the recycling bin, and know that there wouldn't be any new ones added to that bin until Easter.  It meant, generally, that I'd lose a pound or three over the course of Lent, which wasn't a bad thing.

 

Then again, I would occasionally wonder whether or not eagerly popping open a frosty beverage on Easter evening was quite the best way to celebrate the resurrection.  This year, I'm already attending to both diet and the intake of delicious hoppy beverages--both of which have been moderated to the point where there's pretty much nothing to give up.

 

Instead, I've decided to add a few things into the mix. One of those has been to be much more intentional about my prayer disciplines.  I do have a regular pattern of prayer, one that I've maintained for years. I wake in the morning, and I pray the Lord's Prayer. Same thing at night.  That's my bulwark, my go-to, my everyday prayer.  It was intended as personal prayer, after all, as used as we are to assuming that it's something we reflexively mumble together in worship.

 

I've left that in place, but am doubling down on it.  I'm praying whenever and whereever.  I'm making a point of praying the Lord's Prayer on and off during the day. I'm singing it into the inside of my helmet as I ride along, to a little tune I made up years ago.

 

This isn't because I think it's particularly magical, at least not in the sense that I expect to bend the world to my will in the praying of it.  It's also not because I imagine myself to be a "spiritual athlete," radiantly holy and wonderful because of my super special prayer-powers.  

 

Instead, it's because I know from past experience that when I pray more, it's a discipline that changes me.  I find myself more patient, slower to anger, and more willing to show grace.  I find myself seeing God's hand in more things, even hard things.  And while some folks argue that it’s just a distraction, or irrelevant, I've found that those times where I'm particularly attentive to maintaining a more vigorous prayer life are the times when I'm more creative and more engaged in acts of service.   

 

So I'll continue on, in this particular Lenten practice, but who knows?  It might stick around beyond the 40 days. And that might be a good thing.

 

Peace of Christ, and Blessings,

 

David

 

SESSION ACTIONS

Session Meeting Summary

February 19, 2014

- Rev. David Williams opened the meeting with prayer at 7:03 p.m.

- Clerk of Session Suzanne Stevens noted that Kathy Koeser will email revised copies of contracts for David, Lara and Monica to Suzanne and David.  

- Worship and Arts Elder Stephanie Kasner notified Session that there will be an Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.

- The Session discussed whether or not guidelines should be established on children bringing electronic devices to Second Hour.  The subject will be discussed more at the next Session meeting.

- Buildings and Grounds Elder Dick Hanna was unable to be present, but provided an emailed report.  Dick reported that the spring church clean-up day will be either April 12 or May 3.  He also indicated that some PPC neighbors have concerns about run off in their yards caused by the melting snow from the PPC parking lot.  We will monitor the situation

-Budget and Stewardship Elder Kathy Koeser reported that Bob and Catherine Beliveau will donate a laptop to be used by the receiving secretary (Catherine) and will purchase Windows to be paid from the PPC budget.  The 2013 Financial Audit will be conducted in March 2014.

 - Fellowship and Congregational Care Elder Pam Mattes reported that she getting used to her new Elder position.  She recently sent out information about the Care Calendar for the Roberts family.

- Mission Elder Krista Beyer reported that Catherine Beliveau would like to hold the annual rummage sale in Speer Hall on March 22, 2014.  The Session approved as long as there are no other building use conflicts.

- The community garden committee is getting ready for plantings in spring and will put in ten more raised beds.  The community garden committee has updated its guidelines and David will email the guidelines to the Session for review.  Some changes to the guidelines included modification of liability language and the requirement to insure that gardeners help with the general maintenance of the community garden.  Master gardeners on the community garden committee will have events on gardening hosted by PPC.

- Following this conversation, it was suggested that now would be a good time to review standing PPC insurance coverage, especially in relation to the community garden.  Kathy will check with Nancy about PPC's current coverage.

- David reported that classes are going well and that he is leading the adult class in a study of the letters of Paul.

- Rev. David Williams informed session that Kim Murphy has taken new member classes with David and is ready to become a member of Poolesville Presbyterian Church.  She can meet with the Session for examination this Sunday at 1:30 p.m.  Kim has been baptized and will join by affirmation of faith.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.  Kathy Koeser closed the meeting with prayer.   

 

WORSHIP & ARTS

Elder Stephanie Kasner, 301.349.2134,  foreverlookingup@verizon.net


 Easter Schedule

April 13th:
Palm Sunday Service at 10:30am

April 17th:
Maundy Thursday Service at 7pm

April 18th:
Good Friday Service at 7pm

April 20th: 
Sunrise Service on Sugarloaf Mountain at 6am
Easter Breakfast (pot-luck) starting at 9am
Easter Service at 10:30am

Easter Flowers
We have decided again this year to have memorial donations made to the church (you decide the amount) in lieu of individual plants/flowers. The proceeds will be used for sprucing up the church grounds. Look for a sign-up sheet coming soon in Speer Hall.

 

 

 

MISSION

Elder Krita Beyer, 301.349., trainphee@aol.com

 

It's a true honor to be starting as Mission Elder at PPC. Since this is my first time being elder of anything (and I'm still relatively new to PPC, and to Christianity, in general) I welcome advice and feedback from those with greater wisdom and experience.

 

I confess I had to turn to Wikipedia to figure out exactly what Christian missions are. My psychologist perspective is concluding that missions are a big part of a church's social persona. That is, the form of ourselves that we offer for relationship with the rest of the world. If we're genuine, then hopefully our pubic face and "hands" (actions) have a clear line to our hearts in Christ.

 

It's to be expected that the form of missions vary from church to church. Some churches might be most interested in saving souls through conversion. Others may focus on demonstrating the "Doctrine of Love" through benevolent care of people in need.  PPC has its established missions which help to convey the heart of our church. We want to keep the breath of Spirit flowing through these, as well as through new ideas and conversations that help us to be a dynamic link between Christ and the rest of the world.

 

At this month's LIFE meeting (held on March 1st) we brought this into discussion by asking the group, "What is our job as Christians?"  Are we supposed to energetically spread the Gospel, as per Jesus' Great Commission and the example of the biblical Church? Does it matter that we're living in a very different world compared to those early Christians? Where most of our neighbors already know (or think they know) about Jesus, and unrequested evangelism may be considered disrespectful.  How about the fact that our surrounding culture is Christian-based, with plenty of other people and groups providing inspirational examples of Christ-like benevolence. And do we have a responsibility to speak up when a loud minority uses Christ's name to justify unloving acts and beliefs?

It was an engaging discussion with many thought-provoking viewpoints. We ended with the agreement that each of us would use prayer and reflection to seek God's personal direction for us.  If you missed the meeting, please feel free to join us in this spiritual awakening. We hope to incorporate a follow-up into the next LIFE discussion, which is rumored to be hosted by Carolyn McFall in April.

 

Christian rejuvenation is a goal at the national level, too. I recently had the opportunity to attend the Ecclesia Network's "Bringing the Word to Life" conference in DC. Check out that organization at ecclesianet.org. They're a self-described "relational network of churches, leaders and movements that seek to equip, partner and multiply missional churches and movements." Basically an energetic, innovative group seeking to stretch beyond the literal interpretations and rigidity of traditional church culture. Conference topics included new ways of understanding difficult biblical texts (e.g. regarding war, women), as well as how to communicate the Bible and conduct ministry in the modern age.

 

Finally, there's an immediate opportunity to join with the Spirit in spreading love to those in need. This month's Lord's Table Soup Kitchen is on Saturday (March 8th). Please contact Krista Beyer trainphee@aol.com if you are able to join us.

 

 

FELLOWSHIP & CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Elder Pam Mattes, 301.349., writedoc2003@yahoo.com

 

Greetings Friends,

PPC has discovered a great way to support our members and friends in a timely and efficient fashion: the PPC care calendar!

For nearly 2 months the Care Calendar has proven its worth by coordinating the efforts of folks in the church who together have graciously provided 3 suppers per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) to Bill and Lisa Roberts.

The calendar is easy to use, so please check it out!  You can introduce the Roberts to any of your favorite dishes. Questions? Give me a call at 240 723 9131 or email me at writedoc2003@yahoo.com

 

Additionally, if you know of another family in need that we could help in this way, or in any way, please let me know.

 

Thanks all, and God bless,

Pam Mattes

 

 

 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Elder Chris Hofmann, 301.349.2839, chrishofmann@gmail.com

  

Here's my update:

 

Please join us on Sundays at 9:15am in the Connection Café as Pastor David walks us through the letters of Paul. Each week we have a short reading from one of the letters that will be discussed in depth. You can find the next week's reading in the bulletin insert each week or feel free to email David or Chris if you miss the Sunday service or lose the bulletin. We look forward to seeing you!

 

EVANGELISM 

Elder Carolyn McFall, 240.672.2236, carolynmcfall.is@gmail.com

 

 

The next LIFE (Living In Faith Every day) dinner and discussion is Saturday, March 1st at Krista and Bill Beyer's home (17716 Doctor Walling Rd, Poolesville). All are invited (bring your friends!) to this potluck dinner and discussion group. Time TBA. Please RSVP to Krista at trainphee@aol.com saying how many are coming and what side dish or dessert you can bring. 

Even if you haven't attended any of the LIFE meetings before, you are always welcome to attend any dates you can make. This group is perfect for faith introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between. It supports exploration, and skips confrontation. If you breathe, there is a comfortable place for you in this group.

  

Many, many thanks to those who baked countless Christmas cookies for the 2013 Christmas Eve party and worship service we threw for the women at the Buckeystown Detention Center. 

Never is it made more clear to me how important one on one personal presence and acceptance is, than when we spend our time with those ladies who are trying to find their way back to a sane and healthy life. Mentoring, even if brief, is crucial in helping them rebuild lives for themselves and their children/families. 

Hope is a precious commodity and so easily given. Thank you for being a part of that effort in rebuilding people's lives and curbing recidivism!

If you would like to learn more about volunteering at the detention center, please contact me or Ann Niblock.

  

Church Women United's next celebration is World Day of Prayer at 9am Friday, March 7th at Homewood at Crumland Farms in Frederick (7404 Willow Rd, Frederick, MD 21702). This year's WDP was written by a group in Egypt. It's theme, Streams In The Desert, is based on the scripture from Isaiah, "I am making a way in the wilderness, and streams in the desert."  If you'd like more information, or would like to carpool with Ann Niblock or myself, please speak to Ann at church or pop me an email at  carolynmcfall.is@gmail.com  

  

No doubt you've noticed our church parking lot and sanctuary pews have been crowded Sunday mornings with all of us attending the same worship service. I can't help but feel excited for our church every time I experience this. 

Because we are all together, I want to share a few little things I've been trying to remind myself to do. 

Firstly, leave parking spaces near the sidewalks for our older members and visitors, this is especially important during less than ideal weather conditions. 

Secondly, slide over and share a pew. With my older children in college and my youngest now old enough to sit in the balcony with his peers, my family does not fill up a whole pew anymore and so it makes sense that I open it up for others. Having open seats near the isle helps folks old and new feel there is a place for them in our church. 

Thirdly and lastly, our recent adult Sunday School book discussion on The Welcoming Church reminded me of the importance of every member of our congregation being a part of our church's welcoming face and handshake. We've all attended a church for the very first time. Some of us have had the misfortune of attending a church where we were ignored and felt lost or unimportant, or, overwhelmed and looking for a quick escape. How we treat them makes all the difference.

  

If a visitor sits near you, 

  • please take the opportunity to introduce yourself and welcome them; 
  • see that they have a bulletin and visitor's welcoming insert; 
  • invite them to coffee hour after service where they can casually meet some people, no pressure; 
  • assist them during the service if they seem lost; 
  • ask them if they would like to leave some contact information with us. 
  • ask if they'd like to receive our church's newsletter via email
    • if yes to either of these last two, have them write their names and preferred email address in the small, red leather journal in the back pew with the bulletins. 
  • seek out, introduce yourself to visitors at coffee hour, and be a good listener 

Our goal is to create an environment where they can feel relaxed and have a good experience worshiping with God. They came to church; they are looking for a church community to belong to. Let us help them find one.   

You are in my prayers,

Carolyn

 

 

BUDGET & STEWARTSHIP 

Elder Kathy Koeser, 301  

Have you ever forgotten to bring your offering? Is the only check you write the one to the church? Are you looking to ensure you meet your stewardship pledge? If you said "yes" to any of these questions, we have an answer for you: Vanco electronic giving. After filling out a simple form that includes an amount, timing, and bank information, the church will receive your offerings through direct deposit from your checking account. The form is on the church website or available in the copy room in the manse. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Kathy Koeser.

 

BUILDING & GROUNDS 

Elder Dick Hanna, 301.349.5221         hannaelectric@verizon.net

 

Building & Grounds & Snow Removal

March 2014

 

I want to give everyone permission to shovel snow, anytime. Please feel free.

We had a problem (2) with the heat pump in Speer Hall. It is fixed

We are going to take the trim and gutters down from the Manse. (Soon)

We have a quote that is within our budget so it will be looking good.

Our spring cleanup day is 12 April. Plenty of good things to do. See you there!