The Call ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

March 2010

Dear Friends,

Today is Ash Wednesday. Lent begins!

What is Lent? And why do we celebrate this season in the life of the Church? These are good and right questions to ask.

Lent is a forty day period of penitence and prayer that prepares us for the feast of Easter. It became a forty day retreat in the seventh century to coincide with the forty days spent by Christ in the desert. Prior to that, Lent was one week.

Traditionally every Friday during Lent is a day of abstinence. That is why you have people giving up meat on Fridays or even stretching the theme of abstinence for the entire forty days. Have you ever heard anyone ask, “What are you giving up for Lent?”

Why abstain from meat or give up chocolate for forty days? What is the meaning? Is it symbolic or does it really accomplish something? The answer is probably different for different people. The intent of abstinence is to recognize our dependence is upon God more than it is upon the things of this world. Whenever you refrain from something, it is not to demean that which you are doing without, but to lift up something else that is even more important. To give up or “fast” from something that is a regular part of your life is only part of the spiritual discipline.

The other part of the discipline is to engage in prayer or meditation or even acts of service that will draw you closer to God and allow you to know God’s presence in a deeper manner. The real significance of any spiritual discipline or season of retreat is to seek a positive change of heart toward God. Transformation is what the life of the Christian is all about. We are a work in process and spiritual growth is always our desire. Lent gives us a time of preparation before Easter so that we can remember and celebrate the love of God that we know through the Cross and Resurrection with more enthusiasm and greater appreciation.

Acknowledging our sin through confession allows us to understand the depth of our need for a Savior. Being still and listening to God through meditation helps us be aware of God’s voice in our lives. Actively engaging in the service of others assists us in realizing that we are a small part of a larger plan that God has for all of His creation.

(Continued on page 3)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Worship Schedule-- 2

Elfinwild Preschool News— Pastoral Letter (cont.) 3

Doris Hersh Educational Project 4

Birthdays—Anniversaries 5

Men’s Retreat 6

Chili Cook-Off Winners and Recipes 7

Calendar 8,9

Prayer Service— Elfinwild Memories 10

Pastor’s Retreat 11

Children’s Sunday 12

VBS 13

Lenten Study—Pie Auction 14

APNC-Advent– M&m’s 15

2 THE CALL

Elfinwild Presbyterian Church

Financial Statement

January 31, 2010

Proposed Budget (YTD) $ 41,819.

$ 46,939.

Total Expenses (YTD) $ 53,228.

Unfavorable (YTD) $ - 6,289.

Actual Tithes & Gifts Given

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

REMEMBER

IT IS DUE: March 8TH Please send a copy of your

article to both:

Amanda Gaydos (amandaga@consolidated.net)

& Lora King (lora@elfinwildchurch.org)

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

March 2010

Sunday, March 7, 2010

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

“The Good News of Resurrection”

Dr. Lesnett preaching

Sunday, March 14, 2010

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

“The Last Enemy”

Dr. Lesnett preaching

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Week of the Young Child celebration

Luke 10:38-42

“Two Sisters From the Same Family, Two Different Ways of Serving God”

Dr. Lesnett preaching

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Palm Sunday

Luke 19:28-44

“The Triumphal Entry”

Dr. Lesnett preaching

Don’t forget to Spring Ahead!!!

MARCH 14, 2010

3 THE CALL

ELFINWILD PRESCHOOL Excitement is everywhere in the month of March at Preschool! Many unique, interest-ing and awesome activities await us each day. We thank God we have the opportunity to experience these special events.

Our science lessons are about What Sinks? What Floats? We have lots of fun at the water table becoming scientists ourselves. We will also be finding out all about “Things that Go”- using our imaginations. This will be interesting! The third lesson this month will find us planting seeds and watching them grow. God truly provides our world with the plants, both as food and as beauty.

Our Bible stories include the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding-changing the water into grape juice. We also will learn about the different colors and varieties of grapes.

Then we will learn of Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the Easter story.

Our parents will be joining us in the classrooms as we create a design for our own T-shirts. Each child ends the day with a special shirt to wear on our Reading Adventure Day in May as well as having spent a meaningful time with Mom or Dad.

Foot Painting Day at Preschool is a busy, fun and amazing time. Yes, we make beautiful pictures with our feet and toes! We like to save these creations for our Moms on Mother’s Day!

On Sunday, March 21, the Weekday Preschool Families join with the Elfinwild congregation to celebrate the Week of the Young Child. A special service at 11:10, presented by the children of the church and preschool, brings our love of serving the Lord to our families and friends. The service is followed by a luncheon in Fellowship Hall. Reservations are requested. Forms are included in the Church Bulle-tin, the Preschool Newsletter or by calling the church office (412-486-5400) or the Preschool (412-486-2322). Come and join us and share in the joy of praising God in this special way.

For information about the Weekday Preschool for 2,3,4 and 5 year olds, please call the school (412-486-2322) or Carolyn Hervey at home (412-487-1302). Registrations are currently being accepted for the 2010-11 school year.

I invite you to participate in the season of Lent in whatever manner is best for you. Certainly regular worship with the community of faith is essential. However, study and prayer are also important to our spiritual growth. Please take advantage of the Wednesday evening study and please come to the Service of Prayer for Wholeness that we will hold in the Sanctuary on Thursday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m.

God is alive and at work among us. As we humble ourselves and have open hearts and minds He will continue to allow us the privilege of being His instruments of grace and truth! I know that I am privileged to be …..

Your Pastor,

Pastor’s Message (Continued from page 1)

4 THE CALL

5 THE CALL

February Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

March 2: Jim Giel III March 3: Joseph Marx March 4: Isabel G. Cleary, Natasha Harms March 5: Christian Bonicky, Keri Buczkowski, Jacob Kunc March 7: Oliver Ferguson March 8: John Scott, Gary Ilgenfritz, Cheryl Siar, Kim Szymoniak, Jay Ritter, Gracie Riek, Maddie Riek March 9: Lois J. Dickey, Pat Graham, Mark Meyer March 10: Ted Listek Jr., Debra Buczkowski, Clayton Couts, Kelly Grau March 12: Marie Hoffman, Jean Tuttle, Sarah Shaffer, Christa Huston March 13: Glenna Schaaf, Nancy Fisher, Barbara Ritenbaugh, Jeffrey Mulkern, Anna Meyer March 14: Charlotte Steele, William Steinhauser, Daniel Steinhauser, Josh Sutton, Samantha Arrigo March 15: Todd Rosignoli, Scott Muszynski, Kristin Long, Zachary Lynch March 16: Dottie Frazier, David Giel, Holly Schreiber March 17: Nicole Milligan, Alyssa Fiori March 18: Debbie Keenan, Lisa Nist March 19: Jack Phillips, Rachel Thompson, Gavin McTighe March 20: Richard Klosky, Bonnie Jacquel, Joseph Herc, Elicia Sutton Nathan Winek March 21: Verna Patsko, Phil Petraglia, Mike Gaydos March 22: Jim Schoenian March 23: Roy John, Janet Snodgrass, Donna Gottschalk, Ian Wohlfarth March 24: Susan Brown, John Buczkowski, Haley Dengler

Birthdays (cont.) March 25: Haley Rieg, Riley Nist, March 26: Donald Kretschmaier, Judith Hicks, Wendy Boody, Molly Interthal March 27: Sharon Lindquist, William Martin , Pat Cook, Cathy Rogers, Sherri Phillips, Justin Grau March 28: Todd Hervey, James McKay, Ashley Tegtmeier March 29: Harriett Hargus, William Anderson, Rob Robinson, Robert Cooper IV, Donald Grau, Michael Rogers, Bailey Richert, Karyn Kelly March 30: Daniel Braddock, Julie Panza, Ian Morse, Jessica Herc, Krystin Marx Alan Zulka March 31: Edith Klebacha, Bev Feris

Anniversaries March 1: Al and Peg Holtgraver March 3: Ray and Eula Roth March 6: Paul and Michelle Weisensee March 11:Todd and Christine Rosignoli March 20:Ted and Linda Listek March 26:Jim and Karen Eichmiller March 30:Bill and Jennifer Sandrock

6 THE CALL

IT WAS MEN ONLY It was the men of Elfinwild only who arrived at the Laurelville conference center on January 22 for a weekend of bonding in Christian fellowship. We were greeted by a large array of snacks and beverages that did not for some reason disappear or shrink the entire weekend. The ice was broken with a game hosted by Steve Coco which revealed many trivial facts of the 32 men of the Church. Some of those facts not to embarrass anyone was that one guy had a lead-ing role in Oklahoma when he was in high school, an-other was a paid extra in a motion picture filmed in Pittsburgh and one guy even admitted that he had to wear huskies when he was a kid, not to mention what he wears now. Our evening then proceeded with many different board games and card games going on at once with great conversations and lots of food.

Saturday started off with a great breakfast made by the staff at the camp and was followed by a meeting led by our very own Pastor Dirk who did a fantastic job filling in for our guest speaker (unable to attend at the last minute due to illness). The men of our very first C.L.C. group then gave testimonies on what Christian Leadership Concepts has done in our lives as fathers, husbands and friends. We then ate some more as we waited for lunch to be served at the mess hall. After lunch, some daring hikers like Henry Tomer led a group of us into the woods and up a cliff to view God’s beauty. Others went out to act out their dreams of being an NFL star as they played football, and others just hung out and got to know each other better. We then ate some more as we waited for the call to dinner which again we enjoyed in the fine mess hall. After dinner we again adjourned to the lodge to settle down to a fire in the fireplace and had more food, fellowship and games to pass the time before we went out for a bonfire with s’mores and hotdogs of course. Movies were then shown and games continued long into the night.

Sunday kicked off with a great breakfast served by the staff and we then had a service led by Pastor Dirk and music led by the superb musician Mike Dolan. (Thanks Mike). As we prepared to de-part, we hugged and said our goodbyes and headed

home to start dieting I’m sure as I had to do. As Aus-tin Marshall put it “ Why did you feed us so much food, my stomach hurts”. Sorry Austin, but you did great keeping up with us. If nothing else, the weekend has started some friendships that will come to be strong in Christ and will bear witness to men to come.

Thanks guys for the making of some fond memories and time well spent.

7 THE CALL

CHILI COOK-OFF

And the winner is... The following recipes took first and second place respec-tively, at Elfinwild's Chili Cook Off last January 31st. A great afternoon was had by all, ice skating, sledding, chatting, and eating!

BILL DOWN'S CHILI

made by Jim Pinta

3 pounds chuck cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/4 cup oil

2 cups coarsely chopped onions

4 cloves minced garlic or their powdered equivalent

1 Tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 (6oz.) can tomato paste

1 teaspoon pepper

1 quart beef stock or water (I use beef stock)

1 six quart Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan

Heat oil; brown beef (this step usually produces some wa-ter); toss in onions and garlic and cook until clear; add spices and stir to coat meat with spices; pour in beef stock and add tomato paste; simmer until the meat is tender (approximately 5 to 6 hours)

If this needs to be thickened use a corn meal slurry.

Serve over beans and or rice.

Serves one for sure! This recipe fills 1/2 of a small crock pot.

KATIE’S CHILL CHASIN’ CHILI

by Katie Shideler

2 lb. ground beef

½ red or yellow onion, chopped

1 (15.5 oz.) can dark red kidney beans

½ (15.5 oz.) can navy beans – all beans drained and rinsed

½ (15.5 oz.) can chick peas

¾ cup mild or medium salsa (Katie used medium)

1 (12 oz.) bottle Heinz chili sauce

1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes in juice

1 Tbsp. Williams-Sonoma® Potlatch seasoning

½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

1. Brown ground beef in large frying pan or Dutch oven. Drain if necessary.

2. Add all other ingredients except cilantro; bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer 45 mins; stir often.

4. Add cilantro and simmer another 5 mins. Serve with hearty bread or cornbread

8 THE CALL

Sun Mon Tue Wed

1 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E.-Class Pictures? 9:00-11:00 am—Pre-School Mom’s Bible Study—YH 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—CR 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—C.E. & Fr. H. 7:00 pm Boy Scouts—FH

2 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E -Class Pictures? 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 12 pm—Men’s Luncheon 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30pm TOPS 6:30 pm—Girl Scouts—C.E. 7 pm—Men’s Bowling 7 pm—Handbells 7 pm—Personnel Mtg.—KL

3 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E-Class Pictures? 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 6:00-6:30 pm—Potluck Supper 6:30-7:30 pm—Lenten Study

7 8:30 & 11:10am Worship Communion 9:00 am Handchimes—CR 12:10 pm Trustees Meeting—Cor. Conf Rm. 12:30 pm Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group Lunch followed by attend- ing Shaler Area Musical 7:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study— Peach Rm.

8 CALL DEADLINE 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E. 11:00 am—Staff Meeting—CR 1:00 pm Esther Circle—Peach Room 5:00-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 7 pm—Boy Scouts—FH 7 pm—Family Ministry Team and Octogenarian Lunch Com.—KL

9 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 9:00 am—Naomi Circle—Peach Room 1:00 pm—Caring Hands—FH 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30 pm TOPS 6:30 pm—Girl Scouts—C.E. 7 pm—Men’s Bowling 7 pm—Handbells 7:30 pm—AARP Meeting—FH

10 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E Noon—Ministerium Luncheon—FH 6:00-6:30 pm—Potluck Supper 6:30-7:30 pm—Lenten Study

14 8:30 & 11:10am Worship Daylight Saving Time Begins 9:00 am Handchimes—CR 10:00 am Choir Help Session 4:30-6:00 pm—Jr. High Club 6:30-8:00 pm—Sr. High Club 7:00 pm—Session Meeting—Cor. Conf. Rm.

15 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E. 11:00 am—Staff Meeting-CR 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 7 pm—Boy Scouts—FH

16 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 5:00-6:00 pm—Elementary Choir 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30 pm TOPS 6:30 pm—Girl Scouts—C.E. 7 pm—Men’s Bowling 7 pm—Personnel Mtg.—KL 7 pm—Handbells 7:30 pm—Praise Team—SA

17 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 6:00-6:30 pm—Potluck Supper 6:30-7:30 pm—Lenten Study 6:30—M&m’s Youth Group 7:30 pm Chancel Choir—CR

21 8:30 & 11:10am Worship Week of the Young Child Sunday 9:00 am Handchimes—CR 10:00 am Choir Help Session-CR 12:30 pm—Luncheon—FH for Pre-School families and congregation 7:00 pm—Women’s Bible Study—Peach Rm.

22 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E. Parent Participation Day at School (T-shirt Day) 11:00 am—Staff Meeting-CR 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 7 pm—Boy Scouts—FH

23 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E Parent Participation Day at School (T-shirt Day) 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 1:00 pm—Caring Hands 5:00-6:00 pm—Elementary Choir 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30pm TOPS 6:30 pm—Girl Scouts—C.E. 7 pm—Men’s Bowling 7 pm—AARP Board Meeting 7 pm—Handbells—CR 7:30 pm—Praise Team—SA

24 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E Parent Participation Day at School (T-shirt Day) 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & TR 6:00-6:30 pm—Potluck Supper 6:30-7:30 pm—Lenten Study 7:30 pm Chancel Choir—CR

28 8:30 & 11:10am Worship 9:00 am Handchimes—CR 10:00 am Choir Help Session 4:30-6:00 pm—Jr. High Club 6:30-8:00 pm—Sr. High Club

29 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E. 11:00 am—Staff Meeting 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 7 pm—Boy Scouts—FH

30 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E 5:00-6:00 pm—Elementary Choir 5:30-9:00 pm—Act 1—Fr. H & C.E. 6:30pm TOPS 6:30 pm—Girl Scouts—C.E. 7 pm—Men’s Bowling 7 pm—Personnel Mtg.—KL 7 pm—Handbells

31 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E 7:15 pm Chancel Choir—CR

MARCH

9 THE CALL

Thu Fri Sat

4 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study 7:30 am Pre-School –C.E.-Class Pictures? 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 9:00 am—Building Committee—KL 9:15-11:00 am—Women’s Bible Study—YH 7 pm—APNC—KL 7 :15 pm—Youth Choir—CR

5 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E.-Class Pictures? 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 7:00 pm—CS— Fr. H. 7:00 pm—Couples Bible Study—YH

6 9:00 am—3:00 pm—Act 1—C.E. & Fr. H

11 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:30 am No Pre-School—Parent Teacher Conferences 9:15-11:00 am—Women’s Bible Study—YH 6 pm—Lions Club—Corn. Conf. Rm. 7 pm—APNC—KL

12 7:30 am No Pre-School—Parent Teacher Conferences 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall

13 9:00 am—3:00 pm—Act 1—C.E. & Fr.H 7:00-9:30 pm—Sr. High Movie Night—YH

18 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:30 am Pre-School—C.E 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 9:00 am—Building Committee—KL 9:15-11:00 am—Women’s Bible Study—YH 11:30 am—Sr. Achievers—FH 7:00 pm—Prayer Service for Wholeness-SA 7 pm—APNC—KL

19 7:30 am - No Pre-School—Staff Workshop 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall 7:00 pm—Couples Bible Study—YH

20 9:00 am—3:00 pm—Act 1—C.E. & Fr. H. 7:00-9:30 pm—Jr. High Movie Night—YH

25 7 am Men’s Bible Study—KL 7:30 am Pre-School—Parent Participation Day at School (T-shirt Day) 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R 9:15-11:00 am—Women’s Bible Study—YH 6 pm—Lions Club—Corn. Conf. Rm. 7 pm—APNC—KL

26 7:30 am—Pre-School— C.E. Parent Participation Day at School (T-shirt Day) 8:00 am—Mom & Me—Peach & T.R. 7:00 pm—CS—Fr. Hall

27 9am-3pm—Act I—Fr. Hall & C.E.

FH -= Fellowship Hall CE -= Christian Ed CS = Cub Scouts FrH = Friendship Hall PS = Pastor’s Study Kit = Kitchen CR = Choir Room KL = Kennedy Library Pres = Preschool YR = Youth Room SM = Student Ministry TR = Toddler Room SA. = Sanctuary BS = Boy Scouts CCT = Cap. Camp Team YC = Youth Center Cov. Cl.=Covenant Classroom Cor. Conf. Rm.—Cornerstone Conference Room

CCT

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TEAM

CR

CHOIR ROOM

CE

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

CLC

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONCEPTS

Cor. Conf. Rm.

CORNERSTONE CON-FERENCE ROOM

Cov. Cl.

COVENANT CLASSROOM

FH

FELLOWSHIP HALL

FrH

FRIENDSHIP HALL

KL

KENNEDY LIBRARY

Kit

KITCHEN

PS

PASTOR’S STUDY

SA

SANCTUARY

SM

STUDENT MINISTRY

TR

TODDLER ROOM

YH

YOUTH HOUSE

2010

10 THE CALL

MARCH 18th PRAYER SERVICE

James 5:13-15 states, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed any

sins, he will be forgiven.” If God inspired James to encourage us to bring those who are sick to the elders, then it must be important and beneficial to us.

Therefore, on March 18th, from 7pm – 8pm in the Sanctuary, we will be holding a Wholeness prayer service just for that. Elders will be there to pray over those who come who are in need of healing. Prayer will be offered for not only physical healing, but also mind, soul, and spirit - i.e. the whole person. This is not just for Elfinwild members, so bring your neighbors, relatives, or friends who need prayer. We look forward to seeing you on March 18th at 7pm as we lift your concerns to the Lord.

Share Your Elfinwild Memories

In August 2012, Elfinwild Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. Plans are being developed by a committee of members to plan a year long celebration of our church and its ministry over these past 100 years.

One of the projects planned is the publication of a church history, providing members a glimpse of what was going on at Elfinwild during each decade since 1912, biographical sketches of our pastors, listing of church officers and members, and pictures. We also want to provide church family members – new and long-standing - an opportunity to share their Memories of Elfinwild. These memories include such things as: What it was like to be at Elfinwild during the 1930’s/ 1940’s/1950’s, etc.; Memories of youth groups, work camps, Sunday school classes and outings; church ministry teams; worship services that had a deep meaning; church dinners; church fund-raisers to name a few.

Whatever you want to write about and contribute to Memories of Elfinwild will be appreciated. Short or long, the more information and stories we gather, the more we will all be able to under-stand the great history and legacy of Elfinwild that could be lost if we don’t collect them now. For families, we encourage you to sit, talk and write down those stories that you have heard from those still living, or have passed on, but were a part of Elfinwild’s past and present.

Please write your and your families memories down and send them to: Jim Giel, Jr. at the church office or e-mail them to Jim Giel at gielwest@verizon.net.

Everyone has a story of Elfinwild and we want to hear it!

11 THE CALL

Dear Friends at Beulah and Elfinwild,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus. I pray that this New Year has begun well for you and has provided blessing already.

I am writing to thank you for being New Year’s blessings to the pastors of Blantyre Synod. Because of your generous support to the Pastors’ programming for continuing education, we were able to hold our first Pastors’ Retreat in five year. What this means is that for the first time in five years the pastors have had the opportunity to come away from their heavy responsibilities for a time of discussion, of spiritual renewing and of fellow-ship. This has been a great blessing to them and to their minis-tries. Thank you! You made this possible.

About 175 of the pastors, nearly perfect attendance, gathered this past Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Chilema Train-ing Center, a beautiful retreat center here in southern Malawi. Almost a third of those who attended are relatively new to the ministry and this was their first such retreat. This was a time of continuing training, as we had instructions in the proper cele-bration of communion and baptism, as we discussed Synod structure and proper procedures for administration in the pres-byteries and the congregations. We worshiped together and we were challenged by preaching and teaching on pastoral life and maintaining spiritual health in the midst of busy schedules. We prayed together and laughed together. We had great fellowship over meals. We wrestled with difficult issues, like how to ad-dress the practice of witchcraft in our communities, a real prob-lem here in Malawi. We had a special time for prayer for the draught here in southern Malawi. We were refreshed in many ways. Thank you. This came at just the right time, as a new year begins and the demands of ministry increase. We are better equipped to face the opportunities and challenges of ministry because of this time away, because of your gift to us. You have partnered with us in a most significant way. Thank you.

I have included a few photos of the gathering, so you might feel our presence as we felt yours with us.

On behalf of the pastors of Blantyre Synod, thank you again. May you be blessed as you have blessed us.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Kay

Rev. Catherine DayRev. Catherine DayRev. Catherine DayRev. Catherine Day

PC(USA) Mission CoPC(USA) Mission CoPC(USA) Mission CoPC(USA) Mission Co----WorkerWorkerWorkerWorker

Training Chaplain, Blantyre SynodTraining Chaplain, Blantyre SynodTraining Chaplain, Blantyre SynodTraining Chaplain, Blantyre Synod

Rev. Dr. Silas Ncozana, making a point during one of the discussions

Informal discussions on the lawn, between sessions, young and old together

12 THE CALL

Children’s Sunday/Young Child Sunday Children’s Sunday/Young Child Sunday Children’s Sunday/Young Child Sunday Children’s Sunday/Young Child Sunday

March 21, 2010March 21, 2010March 21, 2010March 21, 2010

Dear Parents,

Sunday, March 21st is Children’s Sunday. This is an opportunity for the children of Elfinwild to grow in their faith and love of God by leading the con-gregation in joyful worship during the 11:10 service. Preschool -6th grade will participate through prayer, singing, drama, music and artwork.

Sunday school attendance will be very important so that the children can learn the songs, illustrate the bulletins, practice their play parts, and learn more the joy of worshiping God.

The Elfinwild Preschool recognizes Young Child Sunday by inviting the families of our weekday preschool program to join us for worship followed by a luncheon. (Reservation forms will be available in the bulletin) Elfinwild fami-lies are invited and encouraged to attend and greet the visiting families.

Thank you for your support,

The Elfinwild Church Children’s Ministry Team

13 THE CALL

Elfinwild Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School

SonQuest Rainforest

June 21-25, 2010 - 9:00am-11:45am Follow Jesus on a Life Changing Adventure!

This summer, come to SonQuest Rainforest VBS – an experience of discovery you will never forget! Best of all, SonQuest Rain-forest will take you beyond what you can explore with your senses to discover a living spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

So mark your calendars! Grab your binoculars! Bring your kids and yourselves to SonQuest Rainforest!

All teenagers and adults who would like to help with the SonQuest Rainforest ministry are welcomed! There are many places to be involved, such as; helping to decorate classrooms, teaching, babysitting, assisting in a classroom, helping to create scenery for the play or praying for all God will do in the lives of those who attend.

Fill out the following form and return it to the church or preschool office. Call Nancy Tiernan or Kristin Coco with any questions 412-486-5400.

Hope you will join us for this exciting adventure into faith and fellowship!

Name ___________________________________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________________e-mail_______________________________________

Yes! I am interested in helping with VBS 2010. I would like to help in the following areas:

______Toddlers (babysitting) ______2nd & 3rd grade ______Decorate rooms _______ snacks

______Preschool ______4th & 5th grade ______Music

______Kindergarten _______Drama _______Recreation

_______1st grade _______Art _______Pray

This year we are looking for a creative person who would like to lead the Arts & Crafts for SonQuest. Call Nancy if you are interested.

14 THE CALL

STUDENT MINISTRIES PIE STUDENT MINISTRIES PIE STUDENT MINISTRIES PIE STUDENT MINISTRIES PIE AUCTIONAUCTIONAUCTIONAUCTION

March 20: 6March 20: 6March 20: 6March 20: 6----8PM8PM8PM8PM The youth are in need donations of pies, other baked goods, baskets of goodies like tea, note cards, choco-late or some type of theme, services like a complete heating check or car detailing. Students will be donating services such as help setting up a teacher's classroom, Christmas decoration set up, pencil sketches of your choice of buildings. A partial list of items to be auctioned will be appearing in the church bulletin and possibly on the web site as items are donated.

The Lenten StudyThe Lenten StudyThe Lenten StudyThe Lenten Study

Wrestling With AngelsWrestling With AngelsWrestling With AngelsWrestling With Angels Featuring Tony Campolo, Philip Yancey, Richard Foster, Lewis Smedes, Madeleine L’Engle, Keith

Miller

Wednesdays in Fellowship Hall

February 17th – March 24th

6:00-6:30 – Dinner

6:30-7:30 – Study

Dr. Dirk Lesnett will be leading a Lenten study based on Wrestling With Angels; An Intimate Look at the Tough Questions of Life. This study is an honest look at life’s deep-est struggles and what God has for us when we face these tough issues and situations. Through compelling conversation and the study of God’s Word we will be pointed toward a new process rather than more easy answers. A Pot-Luck supper will be served at 6:00.The study will follow at 6:30.

It warms the heart and body to break bread and study the Word of God together as we travel through the Lenten season. Consider sharing a favorite recipe and great conversa-tion. Sign-up for a week or two and let us know what you would like to bring:

_____Hearty soup, chili or casserole

_____Salad

_____Dessert

_____I would like to help with set up at 5:15

On Wednesday, February ____17th,___24th,

March ____3rd, ____10th, ____17th, ____24th

Name______________________________________

Phone#_____________________________________

Babysitting will be provided

* Cancellations due to weather will be posted on the website: www.elfinwildchurch.org or call the office 412-486-5400 or Nancy Tiernan with any questions 412-780-7634.

15 THE CALL

M&m’s YOUTH GROUPM&m’s YOUTH GROUPM&m’s YOUTH GROUPM&m’s YOUTH GROUP

M & ms: All 4th through 6th graders are invited to join this youth group for great fellowship and fun! We usually meet the third Wednesday of each month in Fellowship Hall from 6:30 - 8:00. Get all of the details and deviations below: March 11th: Since the February Bowling Night at Funfest in Harmar had to be cancelled due to the weather, we will meet at the lanes at 6:30, enjoy bowling, pizza and soda until 8:30. The cost of the evening is $10 and includes shoe rental. (Please note, this is the 2nd Thursday of the month) April 21st: Regular time & place

May 19: Regular time & place.

2010 ADVENT 2010 ADVENT 2010 ADVENT 2010 ADVENT GUIDE GUIDE GUIDE GUIDE ———— YOUR YOUR YOUR YOUR REFLECTIONS ARE REFLECTIONS ARE REFLECTIONS ARE REFLECTIONS ARE WANTEDWANTEDWANTEDWANTED What?! you say . . . think about Christmas 11 months in advance? Actually, we'd like you to think

about the Christmas that just passed. In these quieter win-ter months, thoughts of this past Christmas enter in. Was life too hectic? Did you experience something new with your family? Do you have insight into what NOT to do next year and what should stay the same? It's a good time to reflect. Perhaps when you do this, a special moment will come back to you—a moment when God spoke to you or your family. If this happens, please put your thoughts on paper and send them to Nancy Tiernan (nancy@elfinwildchurch.org), who will be coordinating an advent guide for 2010. Your memories are fresh and we'd like to capture them now. Thank You!

THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEENOMINATING COMMITTEENOMINATING COMMITTEENOMINATING COMMITTEE The APNC (Associate Pastor Nominating Committee) has been meeting weekly to review the many resumes re-ceived thus far from men and women from across the country. Telephone interviews began in late-January, and six candidates have been interviewed thus far. The team has been excited with the caliber of the candidates and continues in the process with follow-up interviews and per-sonal meetings to be scheduled. The Prayer Team con-tinues to provide daily prayer for the needs of the APNC. Committee members Dave Frazier, Mike Gaydos, Donna Gottschalk, Margaret Hartley, Steve Heere, Doug-las Reithmuller, Patty Robinson, Lauren Shideler, and Dale Weisenstein thank the congregation for their prayers, and ask for continued prayer for discernment, wisdom, and guidance as the process continues.

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PAID

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Permit No 67

WWW.ELFINWILDCHURCH.ORG

ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3200 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Glenshaw, PA 15116

Phone: 412-486-5400

"Hosanna

to th

e So

n of David!"

"Blessed is he who

com

es in

the name

of th

e Lo

rd!"

"H

osanna in

the highest!"