JULY 2017

CALL The

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

HONORING OUR SEASONED SAINTS! - JUNE 11, 2017

Dear Friends,

Vacation Bible School is in full swing here at Elfinwild Church this week. There are over 130 children from preschool age through 5th grade who are learning about Jesus! What a privilege to share the news of a Savior with these kids and pray that they will know Him and love Him with their whole heart, mind, soul and strength. On top of that there are over 20 teens who are helping and another 20 or so adults who are leading classes, preparing snacks, directing recreation or drama and sharing the love of God in deed as well as word with the families who are represented in these children. I love Vacation Bible School.

Yesterday I visited with two of our senior members who are nearing their Home-going! I was able to pray with them and thank God for the promise of the resurrection through our Lord Jesus Christ, the significance of their lives here on earth, and the Hope of the Kingdom of God and eternal life. Those are holy-moments that I do not take for granted in having the privilege of sharing with individuals and families.

And this week I know that some deacons were able to assist a member with driving them to and from a medical appointment in Oakland so that the member and son could care for their health and well-being.

All these good works mentioned above are examples of God at work in and through the hands and feet of Jesus, the Body of Christ, the Church! So often in our current culture the Church is maligned with accusations of judgement or hypocrisy. Some critics point to history to condemn the Church for being condemning. And, yes, there are realities of the Church not being perfect and even complicit in wrong actions. However, my experience with the Church and my observation of most congregations is that the people of God are busy “doing good works that Christ Jesus has prepared for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) I love the Church!!

Summer has brought with it a different pace. Even worship seems more relaxed. People are “hanging around” a lot longer after worship is over and we all seem to be less “hurried or harried.” I want to encourage you to prioritize worship this summer and ask yourself how important the role of the Church is in God’s plan. I believe that while God works through His Spirit outside the Church and in the world at large, the Church is still the primary means of grace and truth.

I am the Church, YOU are the Church, WE ARE THE CHURCH TOGETHER!!

I am privileged to be the Church with you,

A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR

SEASONED SAINTS LUNCH

A Note From Jason,

It’s hard to believe we are already in the ‘middle’ of summer

but here we are. But for our student ministry, July means Sr.

High mission trip to North Carolina. This will be an exciting

trip for our students and a wonderful opportunity to serve

others in Jesus’s name. We would love for you to partner

with us in prayer as we head out on July 7th and will return

on July 14th. We won’t know exactly what we are doing

until we get there but I am confident that our students and

leaders will be up for the challenge and will grow in faith as

they seek to put other’s needs ahead of their own through

service. Please pray for safety for our trip both in the fun

stuff we are doing (we get to go white water rafting on the

way down!) and while we travel and work. We are very

grateful for all your support leading up to this moment. It is

because of you and your generosity that these trips are

made possible and affordable for our students. Thank you

for continuing to invest in our students lives. We look

forward to sharing our mission experience upon our return.

God Bless,

Jason

Upcoming Events:

During the summer we do not put out a monthly calendar,

however we use our weekly student ministry update emails

to make students and parents aware of what is going on and

all we have planned. If you have a student going into any

grade 6-12 this fall please go to www.elfinwildchurch.org,

find the box that says ‘join a mailing list’, use the drop down

tab to select ‘student ministries updates’ as the list you

would like to join and then enter your email address! Or,

you can simply email Jason at Jason@elfinwildchurch.org

with your information and he can add you to the list. This is

the best way to keep up with the latest student ministries

information.

STUDENT MINISTRIES I wish to thank our Pastor Dirk, the many well wishing

cards, and especially for all the prayers during my recovery

from heart surgery. My sincere thanks goes out to all of

you. God Bless.

Thank you,

Verna Patsko

THANK YOU

Members of our Church regularly give their time, talents

and financial support to the work and ministry of our

Church. Sometimes folks give something tangible, such

as a motor vehicle. Sometimes, the gift is unique, and

comes from the family of members who have passed

on. Our friend, longtime member, and for a time, a

Sexton here at Elfinwild, Chuck Landfried, died last

year. A cemetery plot reserved for him was not needed

and Chuck’s sons graciously gave it to Elfinwild.

Someday our Church may be able to make it available

for a family in need. Thanks Landfried family!

MOMENT FOR STEWARDSHIP

Give what you have. To someone it may be

better than you dare to think.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Pictured at LCCC Staff Commissioning are Elfinwild's very own Jordan Skowron, Drew Hughes and Hanna Kalchthaler. Pray for Elfinwild kids who will attend and the camp's overall ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.

My dear Elfinwild Family,

I cannot thank you enough for the love, kindness and support you have all given me. This past month has been extremely hard for me. I am very sad to be leaving my role. Your support since my sharing the news has made it harder. There will always be a special place in my heart for this community. As I’ve shared with many of you, this is where I finally stopped running from God and accepted the call He placed on my heart. Being here, with all of you, is what allowed me to finally obey what God has been calling me to.

In returning to seminary my sense of call continued to develop. I also gained the courage to embrace the person God is molding me into. It was with that understanding that it became clear I had to continue to allow God to mold me. I don’t want to leave. I love you. Each of you. You are my family. You have allowed me to share in part of your lives and your children’s lives. That is no small thing! I know that I need to continue along this path God has placed me on. I know it is His will and not my own because it is so hard. If it were easy I might think that I were doing this myself. I might forget who is leading.

So, although it is harder than hard I must say goodbye for now. I am not leaving this family merely changing my role in our family. I will be working in another congregation so I may not be around on many Sundays however I will be here when I can. Again, thank you for allowing me to learn and grow here. Thank you for helping God to form me.

In His love,

Emily Cooper

CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

The Mission Team at Elfinwild has more donations to report this month. We prayerfully selected these missions because they are doing God’s work in many different areas.

Northside Common Ministries $2062

NCM’s mission answers the call “to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and receive the stranger,” and the prophet’s call to “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.” Elfinwild is one of 60 churches that prepare and serve dinner at the Pleasant Valley Men’s Homeless Shelter.

Pittsburgh Regional International Student Ministry (P.R.I.S.M) $250

The staff and volunteers engage international students, visiting scholars and their families to grow in their walk with Christ. They hold Open House dinners, Discovery Bible Study and English Conversation Group, Women's Bible and PRISM Connect gathering.

Camp Crestfield $2000

Camp Crestfield is a year-round Christian ministry facility of the Pittsburgh Presbytery that offers retreat facilities, programs, and special events to nurture others in their experience with God, through Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Calvert Church has an after-school program. Eight students were given scholarships to attend the Camp this summer.

East Liberty Family Health Center $5000

The Mission of the East Liberty Family Health Care Center is to witness to God's love, known in Jesus Christ, by empowering our patients through community centered, whole-person quality health care for all, which includes those who are uninsured, underinsured and underserved.

Salam Medical $5000

SALAM Shah Alam Specialist Hospital, an 80-beds private hospital is the Group's first hospital. Established on 31st March 2003, it is an embodiment of the Group's prime objective - the provision of accessible, affordable and acceptable tertiary healthcare for all.

Wee Kirk Conferences $1500

The conferences are held to inspire, equip, motivate and encourage small Presbyterian Churches and to provide rest and refreshment for the Clergy and Lay Leaders.

Wycliffe $3500

Andy and Sue Peck have served almost 30 years with

MISSION REPORT Wycliffe. Sue works at Wycliffe USA's headquarters where she facilitates Wycliffe's funding of translation work in the Eurasia region. Andy works from his home office as the Director of Administration for our work in the Eurasia region. Both roles support the work of Bible translation worldwide by providing the infrastructure by which translation can occur.

Young Life Nicaragua $5000

Young Life is making a difference in the lives of kids around the world. They have time-tested methods for reaching out to middle school, high school and college students in friendship and hope.

Athletes in Action $1500

Jay and Candi Wilson are both full-time staff with Athletes in Action. They have been with Athletes in Action for 30 and 27 years respectively. They minister to college student athletes at Robert Morris University (RMU).

The mission booklets placed in the pews of the sanctuary provide more details on these and other mission workers we support.

Movement &Drama Camp Elfinwild Presbyterian Church

July 31– August 4, 2017, 9—11:00am

Let your light shine before all people, that they may see your

What: Children can develop their movement and acting skills while learning the Bible and sharing a Christian message!

Time: All children attend from 9:00 - 11:00am

Cost: Before July 20: $15/child; After July 20: $20/child

Ages: Movement Camp is for ages 4 through completion of 1st grade

Drama Camp is for children who have completed 2nd through 5th grade

Please Note: Children will share their new skills with the Elfinwild Community on Sunday, August 6th at the 10am worship.

Return the completed form to: Emily Cooper, Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Boulevard, Glenshaw, PA 15116 or emily@elfinwildchurch.org

Registration Form

(one per child, please)

Child’s name________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent’s name_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone #_________________________________________ E-mail _____________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Child’s birth date_______________________________________________ Grade completed in school_______________________

T-shirt size* (circle one): Youth S Youth M Youth L Adult S Adult M Adult L

*can only be guaranteed if registration form is received by July 20

Please state any physical limitations or allergies of which we should be aware:___________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I would like to volunteer during the week of Movement and Drama Camp: yes no

We would like to create photographs and videos for use in church publications and bulletin boards, including candid pictures of children throughout Elfinwild Church. Children’s names, however, will not be published. Please check to indicate your preference.

_____ I give permission for my child’s picture to be used _____ I do not give permission for my child’s picture to be used

Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________

Medical Release Form – July 31– August 4, 2017 I give permission for my child to receive necessary emergency medical care. I authorize Elfinwild Church personnel to take emergency action as might be deemed necessary.

Child’s name_______________________________________Insurance_______________________________

Signature of Parent or Guardian______________________________________________________________

Phone (Home) ___________________________________ (Cell) ____________________________________

Emergency Contact’s Name and Relationship ____________________________________________________

Emergency Contact’s Phone#_________________________________________________________________

Office use only

Reg.________

Pd. _________

_________

Class_______

21st Eliza Meyer

Melissa Obidowski

22nd Jane Naylor

23rd Beth Meyer

25th Teresa Beal

Kim Grayson

Nathanael Kenna

26th Brady Buczkowski

Erich Kaiser

Tammy Murray

Wayne Vidt

27th Kimberly Roderick

Austyn Schlegel

28th Rob Callahan

Leah Horvat

Kara Jans

Colton Schott

29th Pamela Hodoba

Scott Hughes

Karen Powell

Liz Rogers

Penny Young

30th Bella Henzler

31st Amanda Feris

Ryan Peretik

1st Camryn Hervey

Cole Hervey

Jake Potock

Johanna Roth

2nd Timothy Giel

Beth Lacey

Janice Riggs

Chris Schrom

3rd Augie Bernhardy

Skylar Bonnett

Luc Kaiser

Patti Toomey

4th Helen Thompson

Haley Wershbale

5th Kelsey Coyle

Sheryl Fiorino

6th Clint Cable

Kelly Davis

Samantha Gavin

Blynn Shideler II

7th Marilyn Colaizzi

Laura Heere

8th Emelyn Cohn

Brody Junker

Charles Maus

Mandie Radich

9th Lauren Henzler

Jared Panza

Jean Stultz

10th Allyson Leahy

Beverly Park

Bev Weber

11th Ryan Dayton

Betty Jane Lehman

Teri McCort

12th Cameron Park

Patrick Pearson

Stephanie Tegtmeier

13th Kayla Friedline

Peter Long

Michael Naylor

14th Jill Tarallo

15th Kelly McTiche

16th Erin Roth

Adam Zulka

17th Amy Ferree

Natalie Graco

Valerie Zulka

18th Hanna Thompson

19th John Kolodziej

20th Joseph Bernhardy

Leonard Colaizzi

JULY BIRTHDAYS JULY ANNIVERSARIES 3rd Timothy & Audrey Phillips 7th Nicholas & Lindsay Haberman 9th Ron & Patti Bernhardy 11th Ronald & Marjory Tiedeman Jason & Megan Long 14th Bill & Beth Meyer 16th Tracey & Eric Hegerle

Nathan & Amy Ferree 19th Justin & Jessica Krysinski 22nd Leonard & Sarah Lavelle 23rd Mark & Tessa Connelly 25th David & Donna Gottschalk 26th Maggie & Andrew Bovaird

PRESCHOOL NEWS We concluded our 2016-17 school year with a fun time at the End-of-the-Year programs with family and friends. All of our classes shared their favorite songs and rhythmic movements on the stage in Fellowship Hall. There were lots of energetic children (and teachers!) moving to the lively music of Mrs. Doerge, our music teacher, and her guitar.

We, as staff, recall many special and many “just ordinary” times with our classes and individual children. Each child brings joy to our hearts (and many times laughter to our voices) as we reflect back of the activities of the school year. We send our love and prayers with the children who will be entering the “big school” in the fall as well as to those who will be returning to preschool. We have been blessed in getting to know each one – a child of God.

The summer months are still busy times as the administrational team begins to review the previous year and make plans for the coming 2017-18 school year.

For information and enrollment or tours of the preschool, please call the school office at 412-486-2322. We check the phone messages each day and love to share the excitement and the program of being a part of the community of preschool educators. Sharing God’s love with the children of 2, 3, 4, and 5 years of age is a blessing for all of us on staff.

In Christ’s Love,

Carolyn Hervey

PRAYER CORNER

ELFINWILD LANDSCAPING AND FLOWERS

Please pray for those who work so hard to maintain the Elfinwild grounds. Our landscaping has trimmed bushes, freshly cut grass and beautiful flowers. We appreciate how warm and welcoming the outside of the church

always looks. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Genesis 2:15

Elfinwild Presbyterian Church

Financial Statement

May 31, 2017

Actual Tithes & Gifts Given $285,707

Total Expenses (Y.T.D.) $280,039

Favorable (Y.T.D.) $5,668

STEPHEN MINISTRY CORNER

“Pastors are like firefighters, rushing from one crisis to another-no sooner do we put one fire than we’re called to another across town. But people need care long after the fire is out and the firetruck has moved on. That’s where our Stephen Ministers come in. They come along-side and walk with people for as long as needed-to listen, care, pray, and extend God’s hand of mercy and grace.” Dr. Howard Clark, Venture Christian Church, Los Gatos, California. Elfinwild Family! We need YOU! Our Stephen Ministers are commissioned and ready to serve. Please keep this ministry in mind when you know of someone who might benefit from our care!! Ruthie Riethmuller, Stephen Leader 412-487-3421 or mrdd1@comcast.net.

SUMMER WALKS IN THE PARK

Mondays in June, July & August

7:00pm at Hartwood Acres

All are welcome!

(we will NOT meet on July 3rd)

SECOND QUARTER TRUSTEE REPORT

The Trustees oversee the maintenance, repair and improvement of the Church and the campus, including rental properties. During the second quarter, along with our routine tasks of weekly counting and addressing miscellaneous issues, we’ve completed some projects and have been collecting information and bids on several jobs under consideration. Money for these projects come from the operations budget, from the Capital Improvements Fund, or from special donations. Here is a description of some of them along with final costs or bids: During this quarter, the carillon was installed ($11,500), as were second railings in all stairwells in the main build-ing ($3,100), and a new set of concrete steps to the kitchen ($4,200). The youth house got a new front door and screen door ($1,500). Also, a group of Deacons and Trustees did a deep cleaning and some minor repairs in the kitchen, which will also get a fresh coat of paint. The A/C for the Pastors’ offices and the Cradle Roll room is being replaced/updated at a cost of $8,900. This includes replacement of a rooftop unit, installation of an air handler and adding the nursery to the flow. Summer will be busy with 15 window installations in the upper part of the main building ($23,000), parking lot repairs and resurfacing ($8,000), a safety railing outside the CE building to the boiler room ($1,890), tile floor cleaning throughout, repair of outdoor sconces($50 each), and addition of a French drain outside the Peach room to alleviate water damage ($2,100). Repairs are pending for the retaining (driveway) wall at 114 Church Ave and to the heat exchange for the Peach room. Final costs are not available at this time. The big news this quarter was the sewage problem at the Youth House. The existing line needs to be replaced and runs diagonally under the front yard, walk and driveway to the main line at a depth up to 12 feet. We are exploring a re-routing of the line and whether the basement floor will be impacted, before completing the basement remodel. For the time being it is working, but this could be a $30,000 repair for which we need to budget. Along with the office remodel, a kitchen remodel, replacement of 14 remaining windows and potentially, other large expenditures, we will collect bids and make recommendations to Session on priorities and possible funding and fundraising options. These would likely be 2018 projects. If you have questions or comments, please contact me or any of the trustees. A special thank you to those who have provided designated gifts for these and other projects, as well as to those who donate their time and talents. Janell Haygood President of Trustees

Non-Profit Org

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ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3200 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Glenshaw, PA 15116

www.elfinwildchurch.org

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