March Weathervane 2012

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Weathervane

THEFirst Presbyterian Church

101 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown, New Jersey (856) 235-1688 www.fpcmoorestown.or

March 2012

Dear Friends,

We have been blessed by the superb teaching of Steve Byrd and Paul Miller during a renewal weekend in which we examined The

Praying Life. We have concluded a preaching series Sunday mornings on The Lords Prayer. We have experienced a first ever ~ week of

prayer and fasting~ when we stopped all the programs of the church and committed to focus and pray as a congregation 3 times a day.And now we are well into the Lenten Season and many of us are continuing our exploration of prayer using Richard Fosters book, Praye

~ Finding the Hearts True Home. You might wonder if all of this just happened to fall together or if there was a larger plan behind it all.There was a larger plan. Last spring, we pastors felt God directing us this year to the `conversation we all need which we call prayer.

Our economy struggles our families are under many internal pressures our denomination wrangles our ability to bear witness to

Gods faithfulness has its own awkwardness and sensitivities. We really need help we really need to learn how to pray.

There were two things that especially seemed to hit home for me in this time of reflection on prayer. The first was the teaching that re-

minded us that real prayer is not accomplished through exceptional discipline. No, real prayer, is carried out through an exceptional awar

ness of our helplessness. It is in the broken awareness of our lives that God really has a chance to be God. Helplessness, of course, is

one attribute none of us want to show to those around us. Yet prayer means its OK and even necessary to come to God in a state of help

lessness. This is not the Moorestown, Mt. Laurel , Cinnaminson , Delran way is it? Helplessness? This may not be our way, but it certainseems to be the avenue that gets us Gods full attention and care. The second thing that hit home was Paul Millers teaching that the mosimportant aspect ofthePraying Life is asking! He encouraged us to ask and keep asking. He showed us how to utilize a set of prayer

cards that could help us organize our requests as we pray for individuals and circumstances that were of concern to us. Ask about the

little things and the big things. Ask and keep asking.

I wanted to express my thanks to our elders who led by praying in significant ways during this time. Did you know there was a 24 hour

prayer vigil that began our renewal weekend and a second prayer vigil that carried us through the weekend itself? Thanks, too, to Dick

and Martha for their careful preparations for us in this Lenten Season. Additionally, Joel and Neal have done superb work in supporting

the spoken word through the ministry of music.

We are a very blessed congregation. May our lives look more and more like a praying life!

p.s. Elder Randy Bricker and I traveled in January to Orlando -- to participate in and gain more information about The Fellowship of

Presbyterians. We will be taking time through an adult education track to clarify what has happened and where we are in the midst

of much change.

Ask and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock,

and the door will be opened for you. Matthew 7:7


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March 2012 Sermon Schedule

SUNDAY MORNINGS

8am in Fellowship Hall

8:30am in the Sanctuary

11am in the Sanctuary

Series ~ Prayer: Finding the Hearts True Home

MARCH 4

The Prayer of Relinquishment

Not My Will...but Thine

Luke 22:39-44

Jonathan Miller

MARCH 11

The Prayer of RestSabbath Prayer...Be Still and Know

Matthew 11:28-29, Hebrews 4:1-11

Martha Jordan

MARCH 18

The Prayer of the HeartAbba Praying

Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 66:12-13, Ps. 103:13-14

Richard Herman

MARCH 25Praying the Ordinary

The Sanctity of the Ordinary

1 Cor. 10:31, Colossians 3:17, Zechariah 14:20-21

Jonathan Miller

SUNDAY EVENINGS

5pm New Creationin the Commons

Series ~ Prayer:

Finding the Hearts True Home

MARCH 4

Covenant PrayerThe God Intoxicated Life

Joshua 24:14-24

Martha Jordan

MARCH 11

The Prayer of Adoration

The Spontaneous Yearning

Psalm 110, Revelation 5:11-14

Jonathan Miller

MARCH 18

Unceasing PrayerAll the Time Praying

1 Thess. 5:16-18, Colossians 4:2, Luke 18:1ff

Jonathan Miller

MARCH 25Healing PrayerBody and Soul

James 5:13-18, 1 Kings 17:17-24

Richard Herman

Preaching at the New Covenant Presbyterian Church

Many of you are aware of the request of our sister church in Mount Laurel ~ that we at FPC provide a preacher

on Sunday mornings and pastoral care as needed during the week. Their pastor, Rev. Katie Mulligan, concluded

her ministry at the church December 31, 2011. The worshipping congregation of 15-20 meets at 11am Sundaymornings and is located at 240 Creek Road, Mount Laurel. Ms. Ruth Stotsenburg (a member and elder at New

Covenant) lead a Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons. At this time both churches are in a period of

discerning what God is doing in the midst of this in-between time. New covenant has extended a welcome toany from FPC who would like to worship with them or share in the ministry God has given to them. Your prayers

for this community of faith and for those seeking Gods direction at FPC are most appreciated. Wes Allen has

been the primary preacher in January and February ~ with assistance from Rev. Dick Ringenwald.

The preaching schedule for March is the following:

March 4: Dick Herman (Communion) March 11: Wes Allen March 18: Dick Ringewald March 25: Wes Allen


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From Our Executive Pastor

Dear Friends

The Praying LifeRenewal Weekend is now behind us.

The Week of Prayer and Fasting has been completed.

Lent has now begun and small groups are meeting each week to study and share together around Richard Fosters book, Prayer:Finding the Hearts True Home. Id love to have something profound or deep to share with you about all of it but I dont.

The weekend introduced us to something more than saying prayers or getting prayerright. Its about

an ongoing, living relationship with the God who loves us ... and loves us a lot! Its about free and freeing

conversation with Jesus, like we have a free-running and un-constrained conversation with our beloved or

a close friend. The praying life was called the practice of the presence of God in 1666 by the humble

kitchen monk who was affectionately known as Brother Lawrence. I was reminded that The Praying Lifeis

not a set of rules for how to say prayers the right way; instead its the underlying fabric (or matrix) that

holds together all the various experiences and relationships that make up our lives. And, I was not al-lowed to miss the fact that the Praying Lifebegins and ends with my weakness not my strength, with my

helplessness not my sufficiency its to be a child of God who relates to God like a child!

The Week of Prayer and Fasting allowed me to experience Gods grace,

love and peace as intentional prayer in community punctuated each day for me. It didnt mean running

from real life as the deaths of two dear ones rocked our congregational life during those very days.

But, there was just something special about being with even a relatively small group at each pause for

prayerwhen we meditated on the scripture and were led by the Spirit to pray together in praise andconfession, interceding for the church, the world, the nation, one another and more. Those were

holy moments! I hope you were blessedI was. [And thank youto those who told me how they foundthe prayer book helpful its always encouraging to know that something you do makes a difference

to the people I care about.]

Whats next? Hopefully for many of us hopefully for you were each in a small group that can

be a community encouraging us to practice the Praying Lifeas well as pay attention to the daily

rhythms in our lives of regular pauses for prayer when, as the psalmist says, seven times a day Ipraise you (Psa. 119:164).

My prayer for you is that this Lenten season, you and I can both live the freedom to pray as you can, not as you cant and just

start where we are with a life-giving, ongoing relationship with Jesus that includes continual conversation with Him. As always

I am yours in Christs service,

Photos of Places of Prayer, all taken during 2010 Sabbatical Quiet Cornerfrom Iona Abbey, Scotland; House of PrayerAnglicanChurch of St. Mary, Lastingham, Yorkshire, England; Northumbria AltarThe Northumbria Community, Northumbria, England. --rhh


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Christian Education

Couples Retreat

April 2022

The Inn at Cape May

Dr. Stephen Treat along with Karin and Jonathan Miller

will lead. Music by Christopher Wright.

Space is limited Cost: $395/couple

- Pick up a brochure in the church office -

Sunday Morning 9:30 -10:30 am

Bible Option: The Mystery and the Majesty of the Book of Job led by Ken and Joyce Peacock. Fellowship Hall A

2-1 Couples Class Option: Tim Moses and Kathryn Hanson or Ann and Tom McBride will be leading this class. Room 3/4

Elective Option: Fellowship Hall BHeidelberg Catechism through March 25th Seminarian intern Nathan Maddox will teach about the HeidelbergCatechism. The Heidelberg Catechism (1563 Germany) is a confessional document taking the form of a series ofquestions and answers, for use in teaching Reformed Christian doctrine. It was the first Reformed confession toappear in America. Of all the Reformed confessions, the Heidelberg Catechism is the most personal. It is directedto the individual and to the individuals needs.

King James Bible Movie Night

Friday March 9th at 7pm.

RSVP to Elizabeth by March 7th. Acclaimedactor John Rhys-Davies hosts this extraordi-nary story behind the best selling book in theworld - the King James Version of the Bible.The movie is a colorful and historical look at

the origin of the King James Version of the Bible. John Rhys-Daviesvisits landmarks, explains relics and leads us back into a darker timeto discover this fascinating tale of saints and sinners, power and pas-sion, as the greatest translation of Holy Scripture emerges into aworld and culture that would never be quite the same again.

The movie is 94 minutes.

Wanted: Scrabble BoardGames and Mirrors

Each week at New Creationwe encouragemembers to pray at prayer stations. Theseare creative ways to connect with the Lord.If you have mirrors (any size) or Scrabbleboard and tiles, please consider donatingto New Creation.

Trip to Michener Art Museum

to see Offerings of the Angels

Tuesday, June 5th

To reserve a spot in the van contact Elizabeth: 235-1688 x 113

or email: [email protected]


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Music Ministry


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Youth Ministry

SEE THE CHURCH WEBSITE FOR THE VERY LATEST

March 3...Church wide Benefit Spaghetti Dinner and Auction

Dinner seatings from 5pm7:30pm

March 4...WAVE at 5pmMarch 7...FLOCK at 6:30pm

March 11...WAVE at 5pm

March 14...FLOCK at 6:30pm, NO Family Dinner


March 21...FLOCK at 6:30pm


March 28...FLOCK at 6:30pm

Childrens Ministry

SEE THE CHURCH WEBSITE FOR THE VERY LATEST

March 3...Church wide Benefit Spaghetti Dinner and Auction

Dinner seating from 5pm7:30pm

March 7...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm

and Crossing Zone at 6:30pm

March 14NO Kingdom Kids, NO Crossing Zone

and NO Family Dinner

March 21...Kingdom Kids at 4;45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm

And Crossing Zone at 6:30pm

March 28...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm

and Crossing Zone at 6:30pm


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Missions

Denise grew up in Medford, NJ at Faith Presbyterian Church. She joined the ministry of Wy-

cliffe Bible Translators and spent several years in Chad, Africa. Last fall, Denise returnedfrom Chad to begin a new chapter in ministry with Wycliffe through LEAD (Language, Educa-

tion and Development). LEAD is a relatively new initiative that exists to better develop oneaspect of the work that Wycliffe has been doing for years: supporting minority language com-

munities to achieve education and development goals. Literacy, multilingual education and

health awareness are already a significant part of Wycliffe field work because they are recog-

nized to enhance the lasting impact of Bible translation. LEAD provides ways to build God's

kingdom while celebrating the diversity of cultures that he has created. Denises LEAD mis-

sion home will be in the Philippines, where she is currently traveling. On March 25, Denise

will visit all worship services (including New Creation) and during the Church School hour forinformal conversation.

There are multiple ways

your support benefits

the work of the Church:

The Deacons outreach to

needy local children throughsummer camp scholarships,

mission teams preparing for

outreach journeys to Hondur

and Brooklyn and members past Haiti Mission Teams

raising funds to build homes

The Honduras Mission Team

departs on April 7 and is co

prised of 10 youth and adult

Margaret Anthony

Rebecca Balch

Peter Balch

Kathy BurrisCorinne Callahan

Doug Derry

Dave Hess

Katie McGettigan

Pam McGettigan

Carol McWilliams

Were grateful for yoursupport on March 3rd!

Meet Missionary Denise Hoover on March 25th


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Stepping StonesSharing the News from our Preschool

We are looking forward to some fun events this month!

Some of our preschool friends are attending the Burlington

County Footlighters production of Disneys Cinderella Kids

on Saturday, March 10.Please join us for dinner at Chick-Fil-A on Thursday,

March 8 from 5pm-8:30pmat the Centerton location (near

Costco) for ourSpring Fundraiser. Stop by anytime (drive

thru or inside) and mention the Step By Step Fundraiser an

a percentage of what you spend will go to the preschool!

Celebrating Joyce Valore and her 25 years of dedicated

work at our preschool!A special luncheon was held in he

honor on February 24th. Joyce has resigned her position as

PreK teacher. She is one of the most caring, dedicated, andskilled teachers and has devoted her time and energy here

as a PreK teacher for 25 years. Her absence will be deeply

felt by us all. We will miss her so much, but wish all the bes

for her and her family.

Preschool Registration Update...

registration is in full swing for the 2012-

2013 classes. Some classes are full

but we still have some openings in a

2 year old class, 3 year old classand one more spot left in the 4 year old

(PreK) Tu/We/Th afternoon class.

Please continue to spread the word

about our wonderful preschool here

at 1st Pres.!

Contact Amy Agger at 856-235-7105

or email: [email protected]

with any questions or to schedule a tour.

Meet Camden Forward School Students

sponsored by FPC

Partner Day March 20th

Partner Day on March 20th is a time for students, faculty andstaff to show their appreciation for supporting education at theForward School. FPC sponsors 5 children and offers the op-portunity for our members to experience Partner Day with stu-dents because it is a fun experience for everyone, especiallythe children who look forward to shining for sponsors! We meetat the church and carpool to Camden to arrive by 10 am. Theopening program includes music, dance and drama perform-ance followed by lunch (bring a bag lunch) with students in theirclassroom, including individual and group activities.

The program closes after lunch and we return to the church by1:30 pm. If you have wanted to visit UrbanPromise in Camden

this is an opportunity to be considered. Please contact CarolMcWilliams at [email protected] reserve one of the 5 sponsor places on March 20 th!

(Pictured below is a 1st grade class activity during Partner Day)

Hoagie Sale.

March 14 Rummage Sale Day

Begins at noon supports

Honduras Mission Team

Advance orders recommended.


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Presbyterian Women

Our Chairman for the RUMMAGE SALE, Debbie Walker, hasbeen having wonderful luncheon meetings for all those willing topitch in and make this years sale bigger and better than ever. Ittakes may hands for this annual event to raise funds for 13 dif-

ferent local charities. Please join the effort!Collection of all items for the sale will begin 1pm on Sunday,

March 11 and continue until Tuesday afternoon. The doors opento the public on Wednesday March 14th from 6pm to 9pm.On Thursday from 10am to 12noon there will be a bag sale:

$3/small bag $5/large bag

Get all your gently used items ready to bring to the Commons.

Call Debbie Walker to volunteer: 609-744-4630

Knitting Network

Well be meeting twice in March, due to Easter:

Saturdays, March 3 and March 31

10am to 12noon

Room 8New participants are encouraged to attend! We will supplybeautiful yarn, patterns, needles and instruction, if needed.

Join us for this hands on ministry which has provided prayershawls for those in need of comfort, blankets for children understress (The Linus Project) and hats for children in the hospital.

Call Betsy Gildehaus with any questions: 856-234-5414

Mens BreakfastMarch 17

8am9am

Special guest ~ Mr. Andre Taliaferro

We have invited Mr. Taliaferro to offer his reflection on

the family crisis that took place when his son, Adam,

suffered a spinal cord injury during the football game

when Penn State played Ohio State. Come and hear

another story of Gods grace and faithfulness.

Prayer Retreat

May 2225

Led by Stuart Spencer

Pastor of Thompson Presbyterian Church

Cost: $210/person

Brochures containing

registration materials are available

in the Church Office and the Narthex.

ALPHACelebration Dinner on March 21 at 6pm in room 3/4

Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend, neighbor, an acquaintance

or family member. Sample the program and enjoy an eveningwith great people.

Upcoming ALPHA dinners and programs starting at 6pm:

Wednesday, March 21...Intro program:Christianity, Boring,

Untrue and Irrelevant?

March 28...Talk 1: Who is Jesus?

April 4...Talk 2: Why Did Jesus Die?April 11...Talk 3: How Can I be Sure of My Faith?

April 18...Talk 4: Why and How Should I Read the Bible?

April 25...Talk 5: Why and How Do I Pray?

(continues through May 30 ~ more dates listed later)

The Truth ProjectUsing the same dinner and program format we will follow a DVD

based group study designed to equip believers with a compre-

hensive biblical world view in daily life.March 28...What is Truth?

April 4...Philosophy and Ethics: Says Who?

April 11...Anthropology: Who is Man?

April 18...Theology: Who is God?

April 25 and May 2...Science: What is True? (two parts)

(This course also continues through May 30

with more dates listed later)


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March 2012 List of Events


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The Wea t herva ne

101 Bridgeboro Road

Moorestown, NJ 08057

First Presbyterian Church

Do you want to help the church

GO GREEN?

Call the church office to let us knowyou would like to read the Weathervane

online each month.

Give us your email address and we will send

you a reminder to log on each month rather

than receive a paper copy of the newsletter.

To read the Weathervane online:

Go to fpcmoorestown.org/weathervane

Click on Weathervane

Return Receipt Requested

95th Annual

MARCH 1115, 2012

We hope to have a large turnout of volunteers since it takes many hands to prepare/execute/clean-up this event.

We have positions for: Receivers, Schleppers, Un-packers, Sorters, Pricers, Sign Makers, Check-outers, Cashiers and Packer-uppers

Contact Debbie Walker (609) 744-4630 or [email protected]

CLEAN OUT THOSE CLOSETS, ATTICS AND BASEMENTS!

March Weathervane 2012

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