FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHfpcspringfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/uts2013MAY.pdf · FIRST...

UNDER THE STEEPLE MAY 2013 PAGE 1

. . . to show and share Christ’s love.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 356 Summit Road, Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064

610-543-5110, fpcspringfield.org

…to show and share Christ’s love.

Dear Church, Great things are happening at our church! I am so excited about our new hymnals. They will be a tremendous and updated resource for our worship together, and also a terrific opportunity for members of the church to show honor and respect. Folks can contribute to the purchase of the hymnals in a number of ways. “Buy” one for yourself and each member of your family (and leave them in the pew, of course!) “Buy” a number of hymnals in memory or in honor of a loved one. “Buy” one of the old hymnals to take home. Or just donate to the cause! This is a great opportunity for us to invest in our church and its worship. Next September, when the hymnals arrive, we’ll have a big celebration Sunday, crack the spines, and break bread together. I can’t wait.

Also, I am super excited about our new Sunday School class JAM (Joy and Music). It is so fun to watch our Pre-K through 4th Graders singing and dancing and having a blast. Those kids will sing in church on Mother’s Day – May 12 – so go ahead and mark your calendars!

As spring turns into summer, I challenge all of us to consider how we can pitch in and serve. There are lots of opportunities around the church. There are lots of opportunities in our individual lives. What might God be calling you to do?

See you in church, Jeff

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

6:00-7:45 p.m. for children Preschool (ages 4 & 5) 6:00-8:30 p.m. for children that have completed up

through grade 5.

Then all families are welcome to celebrate with us at the BLOCK PARTY on July 12 at 6 p.m.

(Don’t miss a special performance by the awesome children of VBS showing off the cool songs and great dance moves!)

(registration forms on our web site – fpcspringfield.org)

A TWEEN RETREAT IS ON THE WAY! (Johnsonburg Camp, NJ)

All current 4th and 5th graders are invited to join us for a Tween Retreat taking place Friday, May 31 through Saturday, June 1. Flyers with all the details are available in the Narthex and the church office. If you have further questions, please contact Noha Khoury ([email protected]).

DO YOU ENJOY PLAYING GAMES, HAVING FUN, AND ENGAGING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY? Then have we got an opportunity for you! We are looking for a team to take on the responsibility of coordinating our Vacation Bible School Block Party! If you think you might be interested or if you have questions about what this entails, please contact Noha Khoury @ [email protected]. Thanks in advance!

MAY 2013 Volume 48-Number 9

2013 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JULY 7 – JULY 11



THANK YOU!

To my First Presbyterian Family, Thank you so much for your continued outpouring of love, support, hugs and prayers since Steve’s passing. I am so grateful for all of you! It is such a blessing to know that in addition to my own wonderful family, I have an amazing First Presbyterian Family!!

Jane Arimoto

The Presbyterian Hunger Program would like to thank our congregation for ordering Eco-Palms for Palm Sunday 2013. They deeply appreciate our commitment to sustainably harvested palm fronds that provide tangible economic benefits to harvesters and their communities. “I would like to thank the churches and people that participate in the Eco-Palm program because you help us construct a better future in our community, for my daughter and all the other children.” - Joel Cabrera Rodas, Eco-Palms harvester, Mexico Altogether 984 PC (USA) congregations ordered Eco-Palms this year. Lastly we want to thank you for any support your church provides for the One Great Hour of Sharing. This Offering supports our work and makes ministries such as Eco-Palms possible. To receive email updates about Eco-Palms and related ministries throughout the year, subscribe to the Enough for Everyone e-newsletter. Learn more about the Presbyterian Hunger Program and subscribe to its newsletter at www.pcusa.org/hunger. On behalf of Eco-Palms harvesters in Guatemala and Mexico, thank you again for your support. In gratitude and hope,

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Anita DiRenzo – 513 Eagle Point, Glen Mills, PA 19342 – telephone number: 610-558-1603.

Dolores Desiderio – Drexelbrook Apartments – 84-11 Ferne Boulevard, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.

Email–Don Hollinshead – [email protected]

SUNDAY

9:15 a.m. Sunday School for All 9:15 a.m. JAM (Joy and Music) (Preschoolers through 4th grade - up to May 12th)

10:30 a.m. Worship Service (Nursery care is provided throughout the morning)

Beginning June 9

10:00 a.m. Worship Service

WOW (Worship Our Way) Kindergarten through Fourth Grades

(Children leave the worship service)

7:00 p.m. Tower Youth

OUR CHURCH STAFF

Jeffrey E. Bryan, Teaching Elder Megan Prescott-Ezickson, Music Director

Noha T. Khoury, Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries Janet Fonash, Office Manager

Anne Branton, Office Assistant Bruce Esbensen, Custodian

Darla McNulty, Director of Rabbit Hill Nursery School Katherine E. Doyle, Clerk of Session

Jim Orlando, Financial Secretary Nancy Hartrum, Treasurer

FROM THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

SIGNING IN ON SUNDAY To maintain accurate records regarding your church attendance, please sign the blue pew pad each Sunday that you attend Worship. Thank you.

FROM THE OFFICE

OFFICE HOURS 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. – Monday through Thursday.

(closed on Friday)



OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO COUNT SUNDAY’S OFFERING. (No experience necessary!) We are in need of more volunteers to count Sunday’s offering. The counting need not be done during the Worship service; it can be done after Worship or on Monday morning or evening - whenever you would be available. If you have some time to spare, please contact Kathy Wike at 610-544-2955/[email protected] to let her know of your availability. (Training will be provided!)

WHAT A GREAT TURNOUT WE HAD FOR THE EASTER EGG HUNT!

There were so many smiling faces with baskets of candy.

Many thanks to those who filled eggs and special thanks to those without whose help this event wouldn’t be possible:

Mark and Cathy Agan, Emma Baldino, Molly Baldino, Anne Branton, Kim Bryan, Kara Collins, Stephanie Crill, Kathy Doyle, Sam Hendrzak, Abby Hendrzak, Noha Khoury, Bonnie McAnally, Darla McNulty, Makin’ Music (Denise Santella, Kim Fink), Kim Paulina, Cindy Reed, Christa Reynolds, Jeanne Richards, Christina Smith (best Easter bunny), and Rebecca Stanley.

Again, thank you ALL for your time and generosity.

by Chris Palmer

Your contributions to the Deacon’s fund are vital to helping us fulfill our mission of assisting members and neighbors in need. If you donate electronically, please remember to designate the Deacon’s fund. “Letters of Concern and Praise” are located in the Narthex each Sunday. Please take a moment to read and sign them as they bring so much prayerful joy to recipients.

The Deacons are looking for a few volunteers who would be able to drive members to a doctor’s appointment. This will be on an as needed, occasional basis, and if we get a few people who are able to help, you might be called on once or twice a year. If you are interested, please contact Nanci Petroski at 610-517-5441. Hope you will be able to help us. Thank you! The Deacons thank the anonymous donor of a gift card to Giant. It went to a very worthy cause. Care Meals are available to all! Please contact your Deacon or Helen Neff (610.322.6106) if you or a loved one is in need of a meal. To volunteer or request transportation to church on Sunday, contact your Deacon or the church office. � � � � � � �

OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is extended to: Anne Branton on the death of her sister, Helen Prox, on March 27, 2013. The Muir family on the death of Bill Muir on March 29, 2013. � � � � � � �



PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES MONTHLY BABYSITTING SHARE! Friday, May 10, 5-8 p.m. (Mrs McNulty's classroom)

Any children over 2 - Cost: $10 for each child All families from the church and community are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity to get an evening out. Drop off your children (over 2 years old) at the church nursery for some pizza and fun! Children will be cared for by 2 nursery-care workers and an experienced babysitter. The children will be making a craft to bring home. Cheese pizza will be included, but please send your child with a drink of their own. Drop your kiddos off any time after 5 and pick them up by 8 p.m. Space is limited. Church families can pre-register anytime, and registration will be open to the rest of the community after May 1st. RSVP to Kim West Bryan [email protected].

UPCOMING DINNERS

APPRECIATION DINNER FOR TEACHERS/HELPERS/AIDES

May 8 – 6-8 p.m. - Lambert Hall

NEW MEMBER’S DINNER May 14 – 6:30 p.m. - Fellowship Hall

WOMEN'S ANNUAL PICNIC

Wednesday, June 5 6 p.m. - Fellowship Hall

It's time to gather with your gal pals and share some

delicious dishes!

ALL WOMEN are welcome! You don't have to be in a Circle to join us! Whip up a covered dish and come!

The more the merrier!

For information contact Darla McNulty 610-543-9315 or Nanci Petroski 610-517-5441.

MAY BIRTHDAYS

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: May 10 [email protected]



FROM HOUSE AND GROUNDS–Bill Winans

Well here it is, May, as some people call it the "Merry month of May". I never could figure that one out. All the months are merry, especially when you have your health, family, home, job. But there is one thing more important than all that, it's putting God in your life. He will make everything merry around you. Just believe. Now you will see the flowers, the greenery and all the beautiful art work that God has provided for our pleasure. Speaking of that we still need some volunteers to weed, plant flowers and mulch. House and Grounds will take any and all that can help. Also, if anyone would like to donate some flowers, that would be just great. Just contact any House and Grounds rep and we'll be glad to show you what needs to be done. I know we had some hot days a few days ago and we'll get plenty more. I hope that everyone will enjoy the air conditioning in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Now we can come to church and get A/C and not have to go to the mall or the movies. As far as the window units throughout the building, I want to remind everyone to turn off the window units when you leave the area. They do use a fair amount of electricity.

Until next month, God Bless.

MISSION OF THE MONTH I would have to say that this year’s trip title needs to be "Dashing Through the Snow!" We were notified before we left Philadelphia that Frankfurt was under a heavy snow storm and it seems that snow followed me to Belarus. It snowed from the time I arrived until the day before I left to return home. They said it was the largest snow fall in fifty years for their country. In one period of time, from Thursday night until Saturday morning, we had three feet of snow fall. Getting around can always be interesting in the U.S. but in Belarus you just hook the horse to a sleigh instead of a wagon. Easy enough! Even with the weather conditions, I was able to get to just about every hosted child's home and the facilities we help support. The village club was excited to receive some arts and craft supplies for the children and adults who enjoy activities there. The Vysokoye Village Clinic and Rogachev Hospital were also visited and medical supplies were dispensed to them. Then it was off to see some potential new children for our summer medical recuperation program. A six to eight week stay out of their contaminated

region, with healthy foods and fresh air helps them enjoy much healthier days once they return home. All of our children come from the southeastern region of Belarus which is in the most contaminated area of the country. The families peer out their windows in hopes I will make a stop at their home to offer their child an opportunity to come to the U.S. during the summer. Unfortunately we cannot bring everyone in a given year but the children we leave behind keep their fingers crossed that we will have enough funding for the following summer. While the children enjoy their stay with the host families, they also are seen by medical, eye and dental professionals who donate their services pro bono to us. Hand in Hand cannot thank First Presbyterian Church enough for all of your support to our program over the years. You have been awesome! Your donations have supported new children coming for a recuperation, allowed us to purchase much needed medical equipment for the clinic and hospital and material donations have gone to the various facilities. We appreciate everything you have done for us.

Debbie Miller - Executive Director

WISH LIST Tylenol - Adult and Chewable Advil - Adult and Children's Vitamins - Adult and Children's Toothpaste Toothbrushes Band Aids Antibiotic Ointment Cough Medication Cold Medication Small size bottles of dish detergent

HAND IN HAND FOR CHILDREN OF CHERNOBYL is in need of some wonderful, loving host families for our children this summer. The first year children are between the ages of 8 and 10 and most of the children on the list are little girls. They will be traveling with the returning children, from Belarus to Pennsylvania, at the end of June and will stay for a period of 6 to 7 weeks. If you or anyone you know would like to become involved in hosting, please notify Debbie Miller at 610-626-6006.



CREPE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER! SUNDAY, MAY 5

On Sunday, May 5, you are invited to join us in Fellowship Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for breakfast with your church family! The menu will consist of crepes (thin pancakes with your choice of stuffing), scrambled eggs, breakfast meats and your choice of beverage! The children and youth of our congregation will be cooking and serving the meals! The cost for the meals are: Crepe Breakfast: $5 for children 12 and under,

$10 for adults. Continental Breakfast w/yogurt bar: $2.50 for

children 12 and under, $5 for adults. All money raised will go towards this Summer's Vacation Bible School Program Kingdom Rock! Please join us and bring your friends and family! Walk-ins are welcome the day of the fundraiser but will be charged an extra $.50 per order! To make your reservation, fill out the below and place in the offering plate. You can pay in advance or the day of the fundraiser, just make sure your reservation form and money stay together! If you are writing a check, please write VBS fundraiser in the memo line! *Please note: we will not be serving breakfast between 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. during the Worship service so that all volunteers may attend worship.

��

RESERVATION (due by April 28) Name:____________________________________

Time of Arrival for Breakfast ___________

# of Crepe Breakfasts:

Adult __________Children __________

# of Continental Breakfasts:

_______Adult ______Children

SESSION SUMMARY – by Kathy Doyle

Happy Spring!! Easter was superb, the flowers are blooming and we are looking forward to Pentecost Sunday. Christ is risen indeed. At the March Session meeting the following was noted: A Narthex Renovation Commission has been established to review plans submitted by at least three design professionals. The Commission is made up of Jane Arimoto, Donna DeRose and Colleen Sullivan-Newnam. We want to make our Narthex a welcoming, inviting and informational space. A new computer will be purchased for the Sunday School office. The old one is not working. Dave Hartrum and Darren DeSantis are in charge of this purchase.

Sunday collection counters continues to be a concern. Several people have been doing it for years and they would like to be able to attend the Sunday service. A decision was made that the collection does not have to be counted on Sunday morning. It can be counted after church, or on Monday. We are in need of several more people who would like to volunteer a short period of time to do the counting. Jim Orlando is streamlining the procedures.

The baptism of Jack Matthew Salerno, son of Frank and Theresa Salerno was approved. Date set for April 21st.

The new hymnal committee met with the worship committee to discuss the details of purchasing the hymnals and donation of the grey hymnals. More information is to follow. The congregation will have the opportunity to donate $15 to have a hymnal dedicated in memory/honor of someone, donate “just because” or purchase to take home one of the old hymnals. By ordering before June 1st we receive a significantly discounted price.

Easter services were discussed and the making of the “prayer” flowers has gone very well.

The next meeting of Session is on April 24th which is after the deadline for the newsletter. If you would like any further information about Session, contact a Session member, Jeff Bryan or Kathy Doyle.



MAY 2013

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

*Nursery care

provided throughout

the morning

1 7 pm Circle #2

(LO)

7:30 pm Del.

Valley Chorus

(FH)

2 National Day of

Prayer-11:30 am Rose

Tree Park

6:30 pm AA (LH)

6:30 pm Handbells

7:30 pm Chancel Choir

3 9:15 am Mom 2

Mom (LO)

6:30 pm Al Anon

(LH)

4

*5 8 am-12 pm VBS

Brunch Fundraiser

(FH)

9:15 am SS for All

9:15 am JAM (FH)

10:30 am Communion

Worship Service

7 pm Tower Youth

6 7 pm

Membership

Committee (LO)

7 9:30 am Circle #1 –

Harrington’s

12 pm Circle #3 (LH)

8 6:00 pm

Teacher

Appreciation

Dinner (LH)

7 pm Finance

Committee (CR)

7:30 pm Del.

Valley Chorus

(FH)

9 Ascension of the

Lord

5:15 pm Girl Scouts

(FH)

6:30 pm AA (LH)

6:30 pm Handbells

7 pm Mission

Committee (LO)

7:30 pm Chancel

Choir

10 NL Deadline

6:30 pm Al Anon

(LH)

11 4 pm City

Team

Ministries

*12 Mother’s Day

9:15 am SS for All

9:15 am JAM (FH)

10:30 am Worship

Service

13 14 12 pm Staff

Meeting (CR)

6:30 pm New

Members Dinner (FH)

7 pm Administrative

Committee (CR)

15 7 pm Board of

Deacons (LH)

7:30 pm Del.

Valley Chorus

(FH)

16 6:30 pm AA (LH)

6:30 pm Handbells

7:30 pm Chancel

Choir

17 6:30 pm Al

Anon (LH)

18

*19 Pentecost

9:15 am SS for All

10:30 am Worship

Service (Confirmation

Sunday)

7 pm Tower Youth

20 21 7 pm House and

Grounds (LO)

22 7 pm Session

(LH)

7:30 pm Del.

Valley Chorus

(FH)

23 5:15 pm Girl

Scouts (FH)

6:30 pm AA (LH)

6:30 pm Handbells

7:30 pm Chancel

Choir

24 6:30 pm Al

Anon (LH)

25

*26 Trinity Sunday

(Jeff Out)

9:15 am SS for All

10:30 am Worship

Service

7 pm Tower Youth

27 Memorial Day

Observed – Office

Closed

28

Regional Presbytery

Meeting

29 7:30 pm Del.

Valley Chorus

(FH)

30 6:30 pm AA (LH)

6:30 pm Handbells

7:30 pm Chancel

Choir

31 6:30 pm Al

Anon (LH)

Children’s Sunday, June 9th(not the 2nd ) Worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. (No SS) – Church Picnic after Worship. Wednesday, June 5th – Women’s Annual Picnic

Room Assignment Key, Floor

CO – Church Office, 2nd – Fassitt Hall LO – Lounge, 2nd SN – Sunday School Noah Room, 3rd CR – Conference Room, 2nd –Fassitt Hall MR – Music Room, 2nd Rear SS – Sunday School Office, 2nd – Fassitt Hall CS – Church Sanctuary, 2nd PO – Pastor’s Office, 2nd – Fassitt Hall ST – Sunday School Tent Room, 3rd FH – Fellowship Hall, 1st Lower Rear RN – Rabbit Hill/Nursery, 1st YD – Youth Director’s Office, 2nd – Fassitt Hall LH – Lambert Hall, 1st RW – Rabbit Hill West Room, 2nd YT – Youth Tower Room, 3rd LI – Library, 2nd SM – Sunday School Moses Room – 3rd

May 28 through June 13 – “Camp Cottontail” Tues., Wed., Thurs. – 9 am to noon)

Tween retreat – 5/31-6/1 – Johnsonburg Camp, NJ

Jeff out the 19th through the 27th



THOSE SERVING FOR THE MONTH OF MAY Date Liturgist Ushers Greeters 5/5 Colleen Sullivan Dave Hartrum, Jane Arimoto, Guy Richards, Rich West Anne McCabe 5/12 Ed Clapper Dave Hartrum, Jane Arimoto, Guy Richards, Rich West Harry Yeager 5/19 Darla McNulty Debbie Miller, Ted Hidell, Anne Branton, John Gibson Sue Kerr 5/26 Dick Hartzell Youth Team Gussie Logue

Pictured above with Elsie Flaherty is her great grandchild, Narissa and Bob Simons and then Elsie with son-in-law, our famous Sexton, Bruce. First Presbyterian adults fed approximately 55 single homeless adults as part of the Connect-By-Night program on Palm Sunday night March 24th at Riverview Presbyterian Church in Drexel Hill. Connect-By-Night is a shelter church-based, overnight, mobile emergency shelter for single homeless adults in Delaware County. We plan to have similar outreach opportunities in the future.

WOW WORKERS

May 5 ? and Christa Reynolds May 12 Noha Khoury, John Reed May 19 Noha Khoury, Violette DeSantis May 26 No WOW

Oops! This was submitted by Jane Arimoto for our EasterTide Devotional and was erroneously omitted. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 4-9

When tragedy struck our family this past year, it left us all reeling and in shock – looking for answers, hoping for something solid to cling to, and wondering about the future. At first, for me, trying to imagine “what next?” felt as though I was staring at blank, empty, nothingness.

But thankfully, I knew what I needed to do: turn to God and pray. I knew that He has a plan, that His timing is perfect, and that He wants us to rely on Him. So I prayed constantly, and turned to Scripture for guidance.

I found strength in Philippians 4:13. Comfort and peace in Matthew 11:25-30. Reassurance from my worries in Matthew 6:25-34 and hope in Psalm 51:10-12. Most importantly, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminded me to never stop trusting the Lord. And my prayers kept me grounded, and connected with God’s love and grace.

.

Left to right: Arijana Kelly, Darlene Long, Anne Branton, Lynne Romesburg, Mike Kelly, Debbie Rhodes, John Reed (missing, Nanci Petroski)



The next two letters (ON PAGES 9 - 11) by Jeff were e-mailed and mailed on April 2. We want to ensure that we are communicating to all, thus they are included in this newsletter just in case someone was omitted from those listings. Thank you! Dear Church,

I have wonderful news! We are getting new hymnals! Here’s the story. Our denomination—the Presbyterian Church (USA)—has gone through a very long process. This includes: several nation-wide surveys, years of research and collaboration, and an extremely thorough review of music in worship. The big result: a new hymnal for all congregations in the PC(USA). The new hymnal is not mandatory, but with such a wonderful product, why turn it down?

Our Worship Committee took a good, long look at the new Presbyterian hymnal, and considered it a “no-brainer.” They made a motion to the elders of our church, who heartily agreed. It’s happening! A special commission of our church members is now working to help us transition from our grey hymnals to the new Presbyterian hymnal. This is the process:

First, the commission is researching charities or churches that may benefit from our grey hymnals.

Second, we want to make sure everyone receives the respect and care they deserve in this transition, therefore the commission is reaching out to any and everyone who was involved or emotionally affected by the last hymnal change.

Third, the commission is reaching out to the congregation with news, announcements, information, and an appeal to help. That’s why you’re getting this letter!

Fourth—and this is the fun part—the commission is planning a special Sunday morning celebration, in September, to celebrate the grey hymnals and welcome the new hymnals. There will be food! And lots of singing!

Chances are, you have lots of questions. We have provided a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet to this letter, in hopes of anticipating some of those questions. Still, this is a really cool thing, so all questions are welcome!

You will be hearing more about the new hymnal in church, in emails, etc. You can look forward to more information coming your way. Please consider being a part of this project. God is doing great things in our church. Let’s all join together and make this a super experience for everyone.

See you in church, Jeff

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why? a. The current, grey hymnal is 27 years old. Our Worship Committee and elders think it is time for an update. Also,

having a Presbyterian hymnal will connect us to other churches in our tradition. Also, a new hymnal can create excitement and invigorate our already-wonderful music ministry. Also, the new hymnal will have every hymn we currently sing plus many new, modern additions. Together with the September celebration, this could be a really positive and fun experience for our church.

2. How much do the hymnals cost? a. If we place our order before June 1, we get a discount. $15 a piece. Not bad!

3. When do the hymnals arrive? a. September. We’ll find out the exact Sunday (hopefully) when we place the order.



4. Who is paying for the hymnals? a. We are. There are several options and ideas.

i. Church members can “buy” one of the old grey hymnals to take home. The money would go toward the new hymnals.

ii. Church members can “buy” a new hymnal for themselves and their family members. Of course, the hymnals would stay in the sanctuary, but (for example) a family of three could buy three hymnals - $45, not bad!

iii. Church members can “buy” hymnals in honor or in loving memory of family members. We can have special “Given to the glory of God, and in honor of XYZ” stickers made, then placed in the books.

iv. Shhhhhh! One church member has already volunteered to purchase ALL of the new hymnals. But we’re not telling anyone, because we want the whole congregation to “buy-in” to the idea and really feel ownership of our congregation’s music and worship. So there’s no money stress at all!

5. What is the first hymn in the new hymnal? a. The new hymnal will be organized according to the history of salvation, beginning with creation and finishing with

The Church’s hope for the Lord’s return. “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord, God Almighty” will be the first hymn. 6. Will my favorite hymn be in the new hymnal?

a. Yes. You can see the entire contents of the new hymnal on the internet. Here’s the link: http://www.presbyterianhymnal.org/sneakpeek.html

7. What else will be in the new hymnal? a. The new hymnal is VERY THOROUGH. Exhaustive even! On top of 820 hymns, thirty pages of liturgy will be

printed in the front of the book. The orders follow traditional Reformed worship practices. A complete Service for the Lord’s Day (including the Lord’s Supper), a service of Baptism, and services for Daily Prayer (Morning, Evening, and Prayer at the Close of Day) will be included. These services will be coordinated with the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship and the Directory for Worship.

8. What songs in the new hymnal will be guitar-friendly? a. Guitar chords will be printed over many unison-melody songs to aid worship leaders. Some songs included were

specifically written to be sung with guitar and other instruments. “Shine, Jesus, Shine”, “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”, and “Step By Step” are among those often led on guitar. The Worship Committee and elders of our church are very excited about the possibility of new songs and a renewed energy toward music in our worship.

9. What color is the new hymnal, and what is the official title? a. Red or purple, church’s choice. We’ve already decided to go with purple. The official title is “Glory to God,” and

each congregation can choose between two subtitles, “The Presbyterian Hymnal” (with a PC(U.S.A.) seal on the spine) or “Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs.” They’re going to look sharp!

10. Where can I find out more? a. The PC(USA) has done a tremendous job with this new hymnal. There are so many websites, blogs, news, and

archives for us to see. Please check out the following website. It will teach you everything you need to know: http://www.presbyterianhymnal.org/

11. How can I give to this effort? a. There will be special, self-explanatory envelopes in the church bulletins. Fill them out, put in your check, and lay

them in the plates. b. Get a check to the church office with a special note.

12. Who do I contact if I have more questions? a. Director of Music Ministry - Megan Prescott Ezickson b. Worship Committee

i. Kara Collins, Cathy Jenkins, Gretchen Miller, Marie Mohr, Jeanne Richards, Kim West Bryan c. Session (Board of Elders)

i. Jim DeRose, Violette DeSantis, Kathy Doyle, Nancy Hartrum, Lori Hendrzak, Meg Mayo-Lucas, Susan Naylor, Kim Paulina, John Reed, Bill Winans, Jeff Bryan



Dear Church,

Last month, our church hosted two opportunities for parents to have their voices heard about Christian Education, Sunday School, and “things in general.” We held a town hall meeting and we sent out an internet survey. Our Christian Education Committee would like to share a simplified report of our findings.

We had fifteen people attend the town hall meeting, and seventeen responses to the internet survey. Looking at these in terms of households, we had a great response. Thirty-two families represented!

Some of what we discovered was no surprise at all. Our parents are very committed to the church, their own families, and raising their children in the faith. Obviously! We have great Christian parents in this church. They also love our program staff: Noha and Megan. People love the weekly email Office Manager Janet sends out. That’s where our parents most often get their information. The Worship Our Way program gets rave reviews. Overwhelmingly, parents found our church through “word of mouth advertising,” friends and family who suggested us. We are a very hospitable and welcoming church, and people love that!

Regarding Sunday School attendance and the Sunday schedule, answers were across the board. The same amount of people said they were unhappy with the schedule as were perfectly happy. 9:15 AM is great for some folks. Some others want Sunday School later, during worship, at night, or even on a different day. Many felt guilty that they couldn’t be more involved because of work schedules and other commitments. Overall, looking at all the responses (including the strongly worded ones), there is no clear consensus. Again, there is no clear consensus.

What is clear is our parents want more fun for the kids. Fun, fun, fun. And fellowship. And singing. There was a clear call for a music program for kids. Basically, parents want a space where the children feel welcome and safe. It is also clear how our parents are trying to balance education and fellowship. We want fun, b u t we a l so wa n t th e

children to get something out of being in the building.

So what now? A music program for children has already been proposed, and a trial run will begin on the first Sunday in April. The program will last all the way through Mother’s Day. It is called JAM (Joy and Music), for Pre-K through 4th Grade, inclusive. This program was invented by First Pres for First Pres, and we are very excited about it. A few more terrific ideas have come about, and we are still figuring out how to implement them. With regard to the wide range of responses we received, the Christian Education Committee is continuing to think and talk and evaluate.

As for me, I think the town hall meeting and the survey were very helpful and positive experiences. To all who participated – thank you so much.

In an effort to be completely transparent, we have notes from the Town Hall meeting and the results of the survey available. This is a lot of raw data, so we didn’t attach it to this email. If you would like to see the notes and results, please simply reply to this email. We can send it to you. All the names and identifiers have been removed to make things anonymous.

Yours truly, Jeff



EASTER MORNING BREAKFAST AND WORSHIP

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHfpcspringfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/uts2013MAY.pdf · FIRST...

Documents

Transcript of FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHfpcspringfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/uts2013MAY.pdf · FIRST...