Post on 26-Mar-2021
Pastor
Rev. Dr. Stephen Franklin
pastorsteve@meridianpres.org
Dir. of Youth & Family Min.
Mike Barton
mbarton@meridianpres.org
Secretary
Nicole Vislay
secretary@meridianpres.org
Treasurer
Honey Royer
treasurer@meridianpres.org
Media Director
Laura Franklin
Choir Director
Vicki Georgic
Musician
Debbe Picerno
Custodian
Dave Fox
Nursery Coordinator
Sarah Murtha
“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member
belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5 (NIV)
Continued on page 2...
Meridian Presbyterian Church
4150 HIGHLAND AVENUE
BUTLER, PA 16001
WWW.MERIDIANPRES.ORG
724.482.2630
February 2020 Meridian
The Lens & Mirror
The Light
of
Recently my wife, Laura, had a minor surgery to remove something
from her back. While it was an issue that needed to be resolved, the
doctors led us to believe that it would be a minor inconvenience.
However, after the surgery had ended, they informed Laura that she
was not allowed to lift more than 10 pounds for the next 2 weeks. I
probably do not have to explain to most of you that this just doesn’t
work for our lives at the moment. With 4 young kids, especially
15-month-old twins, it’s hard to have those kinds of limitations.
This is one of the many moments in our 10 years at Meridian when we
have thanked Jesus that we live in the church parking lot. For 2 weeks
I’ve walked back and forth to put the kids down for naps, get them out
of their cribs, into high chairs, and just about everything else. I’ve had
to take on a good portion of the load because that’s what you do for
your family and the person that you love. However, I’m looking forward
to things getting back to normal because the truth is my wife and I
make a great team, we’re better together.
From the Desk of Pastor Steve…
New To Meridian Presbyterian Church Please welcome Dave Fox to Meridian
Presbyterian Church as our new custodian.
Dave comes to Meridian after taking an early
retirement from Medical Social Work after 33
years. Most recently, Dave worked in Skilled
Nursing Social Services at Concordia Lutheran
Ministries for the past 19 years. Dave and his
wife, Becky, have been married for 32 years and
have three beautiful children. Their family has
lived in Meridian for over 20 years. In his spare
time, Dave enjoys family outings and get
togethers, church activities, home projects, and
cars. With his children, he has also done some
acting and has been involved with the stage
crew for local productions. Dave has also been
filling the pulpit at many Presbyterian churches
since 2004 and plans to attend the Allison Park
Church Northeast School of Ministry.
In February we’re going to be working through a sermon series entitled, “Better
Together.” As the church, if just a couple of people are carrying the majority of
the load, we’re not faithfully living out our calling. We are communal beings.
There are no loan rangers in the kingdom of God. In a culture obsessed with the
self, the Christian life is a call to surrender self for the glory of God. We’re better
together. We belong to each other. The church lives out its mission as the body
of Christ when everyone does their part.
In Christ,
Pastor Steve
1 John 4:16
“God is love.
Whoever lives
in love, lives in
God, and God
in him.”
Article Continued...
We live in an individualized culture. We often hear others say that they don’t need the church to be-
lieve or have faith. That’s false. Part of being a Christian is about being in a community with others.
It is part of our hardwiring. You many not need a specific church or building, but you do need com-
munity with other believers. We’re better together.
Services
February Sunday Morning
Better Together
February 2nd
“The Body of Christ”
Focus Passage: Romans 12:3-10
Secondary Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Synopsis: The church is the body of Christ.
Just as there is one body with many parts, there
is one church with many members. Each
member offers something unique to the
kingdom of God and it is the church’s
responsibility to help people discover what that
is. You are a part of the body of Christ. We need
each member to do its job. Are you doing
yours?
February 9th
“Devoted to One Another”
Focus Passage: Acts 2:42-47
Secondary Passage: Leviticus 19:15-18
Synopsis: The fours pillars of the early church
were Scripture, fellowship, communion, and
prayer. When people converted to Christ they
weren't left to figure out this Jesus thing alone.
They were brought into the community to learn,
to share, to worship, and to grow. The
community of the church isn't just about serving
the Lord. We must also care for one another.
When one person suffers, we suffer with them.
When one person rejoices, we rejoice with
them. This is community.
FEB 2ND
FEB 23RD
TO
Pastor’s Pen February 16th
“The Way of Love ”
Focus Passage: 1 Corinthians 13
Secondary Passage: Leviticus 19:34
Synopsis: The Corinthians were a deeply dysfunctional
and divided community. Paul wants to teach them a
different way, a more exceptional way. This is a way of
love. At the root of Christian community is love. It
doesn’t matter what we accomplish as individuals or as
the church if we’re lacking in love, we have failed in our
kingdom's work. May we walk in the way of love.
February 23rd
“Spur One Another On”
Focus Passage: Hebrews 10:19-25
Secondary Passage: Deuteronomy 31:8
Synopsis: As a church we have a responsibility to meet
together. However, this isn’t just about an hour on
Sunday. The call of the gospel is to spur one another
on toward the work in the kingdom of the world. We
should be building each other up, not tearing each other
down. We should be encouraging one another, not
discouraging each other. Do not be afraid, do not be
discouraged, the Lord is with you. May we remind each
other of that daily.
February 26th
Ash Wednesday
“Come, and Follow Me”
Focus Passage: Mark 1:15-20
Synopsis: When Jesus calls his disciples to follow him,
he doesn’t give them a plan. He simply says, “The
Kingdom of God is near.” What do they do? They drop
their nets and follow. Answering that call is not one that
leads us to an easy life. To answer that call is one that
will lead us to sacrifice, and eventually the cross. To
follow Jesus is to walk that difficult road. However it also
means that we will eventually experience his glory!
• The session held its annual retreat in
January. As we look forward into 2020,
we’re planning on launching prayer
groups, Bible reading plans, parents and
technology seminars, and local mission
opportunities.
• Financially, we finished the year in a very
strong position. If you would like a
detailed report of the 2019 financials,
please request one from the office.
• We voted to move forward in negotiating a
rental contract with the Montessori
Preschool of Meridian for the 2020-2021
school year. Copies of the New Database Questionnaire
are still available in the Library. If you have
not turned one in, please fill one out and
place it in Nicole’s mailbox or email it to
secretary@meridianpres.org. We would like
to have one for every member and every
regular attender please! Thank you!
Once again our church and our presbytery
are partnering with Hosanna Industries on a
mission trip from February 29th—March 7th,
2020. We will be traveling to Mexico Beach,
Florida, near Panama City, to aid in the
hurricane recovery. The trip is free for
volunteers. We hope that you will join us!
If you are interested in joining us, please
contact Pastor Steve or signup in the
church Library.
Faith and Fellowship is starting Wednesday,
March 4th! Join us for our annual Lenten
dinners and classes throughout the season.
We gather for an all church meal, provided for
you, and then break off into age specific Bible
studies. All are welcome and there is
something for everyone! Please join us!
Confirmation Class
A Letter From
The Trustees 1 John 4:12
“If we love one
another, God
lives in us
and his love
is made
complete
in us.”
At the annual Congregational meeting the Trustees presented a new
approach to identifying and funding capital improvements projects.
In the past we have relied on allocations from the General Fund, or more
recently loans, to fund these projects. Beginning in 2020, we are asking the
Congregation to consider giving to the Capital Improvement Fund via the
new monthly green envelopes. Monies collected via those envelopes will be
set aside and used exclusively by the Trustees for capital improvements.
The Trustees have attempted to identify what projects are likely to need
funding in the future and hope to plan for those needs by setting money
aside prior to the actual project date.
The most pressing need now is the remolding of
the kitchen at the Manse. The kitchen/dining room
area at the Manse is original to the house and in
serious need of replacement. A complete make
over, including combining those two rooms
together is being planned. Estimates for the cost is
being collected and the projected time frames
would be late spring to early summer.
Contributions via the green envelopes will also
dictate timing.
During a recent appraisal of the church property,
the value was estimated at $500,000 and said to
be in sound condition. In order to maintain that
value, it is imperative we continue to invest in its
upkeep. Therefore, please consider making a
monthly contribution via the green envelope so we
can meet that objective. However, please do not
divert your general offering toward capital. If we
have general reserves, they will be allocated to
these projects. Thank you.
Mentor’s are needed for this year’s confirmation
class. Beginning Wednesday, February 23rd after
church and then continuing every Faith and
Fellowship dinner, you will be asked to meet with a
youth to confirm their baptism and join the church.
All mentor’s will be given discussion starters ahead
of time. This will consist of five meetings between
the mentor and the mentee. If you are interested
please signup in the Library or see Mike Barton for
details.
Our Club 35 program
enjoyed an afternoon of
bowling! We had 13 3rd
- 5th graders join us for
an afternoon of bowling
in January. The top
bowler was Levi!
Everyone did a great job
and the kids enjoyed
trying to beat the
adults! The parents and
Mike are starting to
figure out dates for this
summer’s SUMMER
BLAST day camp!
February 16th, 3:00 PM
IT’S A FUN MONTH! Ladies
will be invited to a SPA
afternoon. The guys will be
having BRO TIME with
grunting and guy time!
Coming in March! Kingdom Kids returns on our Faith
and Fellowship Nights during Lent. Dinner will begin at
5:45 PM and our program will begin around 6:30 PM.
This year’s theme is Elements of Faith! The evening
will be centered around a really cool science
experiment as we focus on the five key things that we
can put our trust and faith in God. Signups will be in
the church library. We are also looking for volunteers
to help out.
The Teens will be focusing on Confirmation Class!
Those that are ready to join the church will participate
in a 5 week confirmation class. Signups are also in
the library. We are looking for some adults who would
like to partner with one of our confirmation students.
Talk to Mike if you are interested and want to hear
more!
Youth Group February Calendar:
Sunday, February 9th, Youth Group
Sunday, February 16th, Community
Lunches Pack at 8:45 AM
and delivered at 11:45 AM
Saturday, February 22nd, Ski Trip
Sunday, February 23rd,
Confirmation Class Meeting
Youth Group Ice Skating!
In January the youth group hit
North Park for some ice skating
and Wendy’s for some lunch.
The youth did a pretty good job
skating around the rink and
enjoyed some time hanging out
in the actual cold weather! We
will look forward to some skiing
in February!
Club 35 Bowling! 13 of us had an awesome afternoon!
02/01 Alicia Palmiero
Laura Jordan
02/02 Steven Monnie
Jim Swidzinski
02/03 Levi McGeeney
02/05 Amy McGeeney
02/08 Cooper Rauschenberger
02/09 Jeff Orsborn
02/11 Robert Martin
02/13 Elizabeth Rishor
02/17 Scott Longdon
02/18 Susan Hilliard
02/19 Michael Barton
02/20 Julie Barton
Amy McCombs
Azara Johns
02/21 Joshua Boettner
02/22 Makayla Meckley
02/23 Jeff Woller
Dale Lyons
02/24 Lori Henderson
02/26 Adam McGeeney
02/28 Mark Jordan
02/05 Robert & Gladys Martin
02/07 Richard & Sue Boettner
02/12 Richard & Carol McClean
02/17 Bob & Jackie Wells
02/25 Jack & Mary Jane
McDowell
If your birthday or anniversary is missing
or incorrect, please call the office
(724-482-2630) or email Nicole at
secretary@meridianpres.org
so it can be corrected.
Thank you!
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
9:45 AM Joan &
Dave’s Group
12 PM Youth Group
Mission Trip
Meeting
3
6:30 PM M.O.M.S
412 Noon-Bible
Study
1 PM Quilting
2 PM Charlotte’s
Group
6:30 PM Deacon’s
& Trustee’s
5
8AM Coffee and
Conversation
10:30 AM
M.O.M.S
6
6 PM Bells
7 PM Choir
7
8
9
9:45 AM Joan &
Dave’s Group
12 PM Youth Group
10
6:30 PM Men’s
Study
11
12 Noon-Bible
Study
1 PM Quilting
2 PM Charlotte’s
Group
6:30 PM Session
Meeting
12
8 AM Coffee and
Conversation
13
6 PM Bells
6:30 PM Mike
Barton’s Group
7 PM Choir
14
Happy
Valentine’s Day
15
16
8:45 AM Community
Lunch Packing
9:45 AM Joan &
Dave’s Group
12 PM Community
Lunch
3 PM Club 35
17
6:30 PM M.O.M.S
18
12 Noon-Bible
Study
1 PM Quilting
2 PM Charlotte’s
Group
19
8AM Coffee and
Conversation
10:30 AM
M.O.M.S
5 PM Community
Dinner
20
6 PM Bells
7 PM Choir
21 22
Meridian Ski Trip
@ Peek’ n Peak
23
9:45 AM Joan &
Dave’s Group
12 PM Confirmation
Class Meeting
24
6:30 PM Men’s
Study
10 AM—2 PM
Sewing Group
25
12 Noon-Bible
Study
1 PM Quilting
2 PM Charlotte’s
Group
26
8 AM Coffee and
Conversation
7 PM Ash
Wednesday
Service
27
6 PM Bells
6:30 PM Mike
Barton’s Group
7 PM Choir
28 29
*WEEKLY
SUNDAY
EVENTS
9:45 AM Sunday
School
11 AM Worship
Meridian Presbyterian Church
4150 Highland Avenue
Butler, PA 16001 Join us for our Ash Wednesday
February 26th
Worship Service
7:00 PM
at