Weathervane The First Presbyterian

101 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown, New Jersey (856) 235-

Summer

Children’s Ministry……………....page 8

The Helping Hand……………...page 11

List of Events……………………...insert

Missions…………………………..page 7

Music Ministries………………....page 9

Dear Friends,

Many of the blessings of this church are related to the songs

and hymns of praise we sing Sunday morning, evening ~ and

often in meetings throughout the week. The bishop of Jerusa-

We will be trying something new this summer in the month of

July. I have invited five friends to come on Wednesday evenings

and help us open up the theme: This Is My Story, This Is My

Song. Many of you know this refrain from the great hymn of

Fanny Crosby, Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is MIne. This blind

woman who wrote hundreds of hymns has left the church many

songs and hymns that we still sing today. For at least one per-

son in our congregation ~ this is their favorite hymn. I have

So, I invite you on Wednesdays from 7 - 7:50pm (in July only)

to come to the church. I have asked Joel and Neal to organize

the evening so that we can sing and be led in a meaningful re-

flection on God's faithfulness and the songs that God's faithful-

ness births in our hearts. Some evenings will be traditional in

Coming in July are:

7/1 Rev. Aisha Brooks-Lytle, pastor at Mt. Carmel Church,

7/8 Gospel Quartet called New Spirit--

7/15 Miss Winnie Call -- College Intern and a sophomore

7/22 Elder Bill Walker, son of this church;

7/29 Rev. John King (former colleague of mine),

Have a blessed summer

Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise!

James 5:13

as you sing the joy God

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Sermon Schedule

SUNDAY MORNINGS

8am in Fellowship Hall 10am in the Sanctuary

Summer Sermon Theme:

I am weak but He is strong

July 5th

Mark 6:1-6

Amazed

Dr. Richard Herman

July 12th

2 Samuel 6:1-5; 12b-19 and Mark 6:14-29

Can I Be a Dancing Christian?

Dr. Jonathan Miller

July 19th

2 Samuel 7:1-14a and Mark

6:30-34, 53-56

Compassionate One

Dr. Richard Herman

July 26th

2 Samuel 11:1-15 and John 6:1-21

The Real Encouragement of Scripture

Rev. Dick Ringenwald

August 2nd

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Weaklings, the New Strong

Rev. Scott Bullock

August 9th

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

and John 6:35,41-51

A Blank Check at Baptism

Rev. Jim Miller, Tulsa, OK

August 16th

Genesis 12:1-5 and John 6:51-58

The Abraham Promise

Rev. Darren/Rev. Elizabeth Kennedy

SUNDAY EVENINGS

7pm New Creation in the Commons

Series: FROM THE BOTTOM UP:

Jesus’ Surprising Teaching on Kingdom

Life

July 5th

Matthew 5:9

Making Peace and a Tie to Children

Rev. Scott Bullock

July 12th

Matthew 5:10

Persecuted for the Right Things

Dr. Bruce Main

July 19th

Matthew 5:13-16

Salt and Light

Rev. Mouris Yousef

July 26th

Matthew 5:17-26

Exceeding Righteousness

Dr. Richard Herman

August 2nd

Matthew 5:27-32

Adultery and Divorce

Dr. Jonathan Miller

August 9th

Matthew 5:33-42

Integrity and Strength

Rev. Darren/Rev. Elizabeth Kennedy

August 16th

Matthew 5:43-48

Dealing with the Bully

Neal Stephens

August 23rd

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Special News and Events

A Disciple Course Graduate

We made it!

Neither snow, sleet or rain could stop us.

We walked through the Bible, we listened,

we talked, we shared.

It has been a great spiritual experience!

To be able to meet the weekly assignment

required an intense reading of several

chapters in the Bible. This gave us a

greater understanding of the Holy Word.

We grew spiritually in leaps and bounds!

We are grateful to those who made this

course possible and thankful for our lead-

Summer Praise and Wor-

ship

October 22nd—24th

Cincinnati, Ohio

International and World Mission Staff Speakers, Worship,

Exhibits, International Mission Networks.

THE ALUMNI RUN

Saturday, August 1st, 2009 (rain or shine)

Moorestown High School—at the Track

8:30am—9:15am Registration

9:15am—9:30am 1 Mile Run Cross Country Run

This event will help you to showcase your ministry

and ―mine‖ for the goal of a growing number of volunteers.

Reserve a table by contacting:

Harris Ransom, Coordinator of Volunteers

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Chairmen of Committees, Boards, or Special Events—

Wednesdays

7pm

from July 1st thru July 29th

ANNUAL PROSPECTORS FAIR

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

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From Our Executive Pastor

Dear Friends –

In a place far, far away, a time long, long ago … I remember standing on top of Mount Princeton in the Collegiate

Range of the Rocky Mountains. I was doing a month-long stint as a work crew boss at Frontier Ranch, one of

Young Life’s resorts for teens. As we stood in the sunshine surrounded by Bristle Cone Pine Trees, the air was cool

and crisp – even in the middle of August – on this 16,000-plus foot mountain peak.

But what knocked me over was the view! It was a clear day and it felt like I could see forever: the Rockies all

around with snow-capped peaks and deep valleys, one with the headwaters of the Colorado River running through

it … and the town of Buena Vista, CO down below seemed so small! I just stood there, soaking it all in.

In that kind of place, it was easy to see God and His handiwork. In those kinds of places, whether it’s in the moun-

tains, at the shore, on a boat in the bay or hiking a trail, it doesn’t seem hard to ask and answer the question:

Where is Jesus in all this?

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

your justice like the great deep.

O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

How priceless is your unfailing love!

Both high and low among men

find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

(Psalm 36:5-7)

But summer time isn’t all mountain tops, seashores, sunshine and cool breezes. Even in summer there are thunder-

storms and cloudy days. There’s grass to cut, mosquito bites or sunburn to treat; and we still get up and go to

work most of the time. Nevertheless, the question remains – Where is Jesus in all this?

If He promises (and He does) that He’ll never leave nor forsake us (and He won’t), Jesus is there, too. It’s just that

we usually don’t see Him in the routine and anxiety producing moments, nor in the mundane and irritating, the

common and unspectacular. But he’s there, too; and we’ve got to look for Him there. That’s why the prophets

must remind us to constantly …

Seek the LORD while he may be found;

call on him while he is near. …

Seek the LORD and live, …

Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Look to the LORD and his strength;

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Information Meetings Announced

For Groups that Begin in September

If you make my word your home, you will be my disciples.

– Jesus in John 8:31 (The New Jerusalem Bible)

Information meetings for anyone interested in being part of small groups of the First Presbyterian Church DISCIPLE

Bible Study ministry have been scheduled for 8 PM evenings of Wednesday, July 22 and 29 and Tuesday August

11, as well as at 9 AM on Sunday mornings, August 9 and 16 (during what is usually the Sunday School hour)!

These Information meetings, hosted by Pastor Dick Herman and the DISCIPLE leadership team are for those interested

in discovering more about this great opportunity for spiritual nurture, growth and training.

But what is DISCIPLE?

DISCIPLE is a Bible Study ministry designed to grow stronger, more confident followers of Jesus Christ through the in-

depth study of Scripture. Each participant in a DISCIPLE Bible study small group will have their faith built-up and they

also will find guidance for practical ways to put their Christian convictions into action each day.

When you take part in the DISCIPLE Bible Study, you can expect to become more biblically alert, spiritually encour-

aged, and practically equipped to live effectively at a follower of Jesus Christ each day.

The DISCIPLE ministry assumes the Bible is essential to personal spiritual growth and genuine renewal in the church.

It affirms that God gave the Scripture in order for Him to clearly speak to us. Giving equal time to both the Old and

New Testaments, the study emphasizes the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God while drawing on the work

of Biblical scholars to aid understanding of the Bible. The DISCIPLE program of disciplined Bible study aims to develop

strong Christian disciples who are learners, believers, followers, proclaimers, and servants—and it does so in the fellow-

ship of a small group for study, prayer, preparation, support, and servanthood.

Since this is a small group based ministry, there will be a limited number of openings in order to keep the group(s) to

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REMINDER TO SELF: WRITE ON CALENDAR for FRIDAY NIGHTS in JULY

Fifth Annual Reel-To-Real Life Summer Film Festival!

For the fifth summer, First Presbyterian Church is hosting a film festival where friends, families and neighbors in

the Moorestown area can view feature films with an eye toward discovering what cinema has to say about life

and faith … and what Christian Scripture has to say about how faith, life and truth as portrayed on the silver

screen as we learn to be thinking Christians in a dangerous world.

Beginning at 7 pm on July 10, with animated film, Wall•E the festival will run for four consecutive Friday evenings

in July. Although some of the movies are not appropriate for an entire family (note the ratings below), they

present such significant issues for thoughtful, faithful discussion as humanity and technology, terrorism and the

nature of evil, the heroes we need and salvation, compassion, war and war refuges, poverty and love – themes

worthy of our faithful consideration as followers of Christ living in a pagan world. However, showing of these

films does not constitute the church’s endorsement of subject matter or views expressed. Each Friday eve-

ning we will view and discuss a feature films. Although most of the movies are not fitting for the entire family,

each one does present some significant issues for sound and faithful deliberation in light of Christian truth. Dis-

cussions this summer will be led by either Pastor Dick Herman or our Youth Director, Wes Allen. The films will

Friday, July 10th, 7pm

Wall E

Rated G

Friday, July 24th, 7pm

Charlie Wilson’s War

Rated R

Friday, July 17th, 7pm

The Dark Knight

Rated PG-13

Friday, July 31st, 7pm

Slumdog Millionaire

Rated R

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Missions

Sunday, July 12, we host an annual activity with Urban Promise - a picnic

dinner and evening worship for the summer intern staff. The majority of

these young adults are in college or are recent graduates who have responded to

a mission call: devoting their summer to children in Camden. Summer camps for

as many as 500 children are the interns’ principal activities. Interns hail from

throughout the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland and Africa. Everyone is welcome to

come out on the evening of July 12th to meet some exemplary young leaders. The

picnic begins at 5 pm – the worship service starts at 7 pm in the Commons in con-

junction with New Creation. Dr. Bruce Main will lead the worship meditation and

encourage interns to share testimonies of God’s provision through their service in

Camden.

Are your hands available to help on Saturday morning (July 11?) to prepare for the picnic? or husking corn on

Sunday afternoon? Email Carol McWilliams at carol144@aol.com to

help. All are welcome to join the picnic dinner by RSVP

to the church office by 7/8.

Rev. Darren and Rev. Elisabeth Kennedy from Cairo, Egypt will be at Princeton

Seminary this summer with their young sons, Calvin and Sammy. The Kennedy’s

are PCUSA missionary professors at the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Cairo

and will spend the day in Moorestown to visit with our congregation and lead wor-

ship services on August 16th (including morning, evening and Arabic Fellowship).

We have been continuous supporters of the Kennedy’s from the beginning of their

mission call to Egypt in 1999. Because much of

their available time has been invested in pursuing graduate studies, it has been

some time

since their

last visit

with us. Both have earned PhD degrees from the University of Edinburgh, Scot-

land. We look forward to their visit with great enthusiasm for their work and wit-

ness in preparing and developing pastors and Christian leaders for Egypt and

countries throughout the Middle East.

July..

August...

News from Kourtney in Ensenada, Mexico...

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Youth Ministry

Children’s Ministry

We are grateful to God for a wonderful week at “Camp E.D.G.E.”!

Over 175 children and volunteers learned to Experience and Discover God Everywhere by

participating in daily worship, Bible stories, crafts, recreation and science experiments.

We are also grateful for…

...a daily offering project that will help feed God’s people at home and abroad. We collected

non perishables for the FPC Food Pantry and raised money for the Kenyan Famine.

...great weather!

Are you around

this Summer?

Please sign up to help with

Children’s Worship during the 10am worship hour

Coming this Fall...

Mark your calendars and keep your eyes open for more details!

WAVE—Begins September 13

FLOCK—Moving to a new night—stay tuned!

SR. HIGH RETREAT TO HARVEY CEDARS: September 18-20

Register by July 31st for the $115 early bird rate ($135 full price)

SEE YOU AT THE POLE RALLY—Tuesday, September 22

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE-FRIGHT FEST—Columbus Day, October 12

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Summer Choir 2009

Contact our music director, Joel Krott, if you’re interested in and available for a Summer ’09 Choir that will

offer music in song for select Sunday morning services. With members of regular adult and the Denmark

choirs to anchor a Summer Choir for some select Sundays, those unable to sing the rest of the year are wel-

come to help lead summer worship by singing a few very familiar pieces as a part of the

choir. You can express your interest by getting in touch with the

church office: 235-1688

Summer Choir Dates

July 12th—Rehearse Thursday, July 9th at 8:15pm

The Ministry of Music

Denmark Choir to Sing at Home

Sunday, July 26th at 10am Worship

The forty-four young singers who will be in Europe from August 4th

through August 14th have been working diligently to prepare to sing a

concert in Sweden, six concerts in Denmark, and a worship service in Den-

mark.

Lots of historic sightseeing in these countries as well as Germany plus

some fun times in Tivoli and Legoland are also planned!

Before our departure we will share our music with all who care to hear it.

On Sunday, July 26th, the touring choir will provide the service music at

10am. Right after the service, the rest of the program will be presented

for all who will stay about an hour.

The parents and young people have been diligent in their efforts, raising $28,000 and giv-

ing lots of extra time to rehearse since January.

As before, we expect to share God’s Word through music even to those who will not speak any

English as we are presenting parts of some of our pieces in Danish, Swedish, German, and Latin.

Now with all the justifiable handwriting that goes on over the decadence of youth culture, our

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Summer Sunday School

9am to 9:45am

thru July 26th

We will be watching and discussing the movie ―The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe‖

based on the C.S. Lewis novel.

The Latest News from Presbyterian Women

God’s Creation, God’s Plan—we are each a creation of God with our uniqueness and strengths working together for

good. Just like a flower garden there is much beauty and diversity bringing color, texture, and sense of fragrance.

It’s harmony in each precious piece of creation. Thus we are as Presbyterian Women.

We are part of the body of faith and in particular the body of women created by God doing work in His kingdom.

Thanks be to each one of you for all you are, all you share and all you do. It brings the Lord’s plan to fruition.

We have shared our study this year in Luke’s Gospel for the Poor and learned of salvation and renewal. We have

contributed to many projects nationally, internationally and locally. We have contributed time to our traditions of

the Crismon Tree, Ash Wednesday Soup Supper and the Rummage Sale for starters.

While we thank the support of so many and we also welcome our Coordinating Team for the coming year. We are

a little like a dance so willing to move in our roles. We also welcome new members Donna Leatherman and Carol

Wehn and returning Barbara Lewis. Our Co-moderators will be Annette Emerson and Debbie Heller. We appreciate

Stephen Ministry Commissions

Three New Caregivers

On Sunday June 14 three new Stephen Ministers were commissioned during 11:00 worship. Supported by the pres-

ence of most of First Presbyterian’s active Stephen Ministers, the new caregivers promised to be faithful in extend-

ing Christ-centered care to people both within and outside our congregation. Steve Emerson, John Shaw and Vicki

Terry now join the twenty other current Stephen Ministers who walk with individuals experiencing difficult times.

If you are facing difficult challenges in life, a Stephen Minister is ready to help you for a season--listening, praying,

helping you find resources or clarify issues. Care receivers have been people recovering from divorce, bereavement,

job loss, or a move; they may have a chronic or terminal illness or be themselves caregivers to an ill spouse or aged

parent. Through Stephen Ministry they learn that they need not face these difficulties alone. All aspects of Stephen

Ministry are confidential.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

―Summer time and the living is easy…‖ and we all need a little rest and relaxation. However, if you become bored

and want something to do, why not a little RAK. Particularly if you are in high school or college and possibly

underemployed. Why not improve on those interpersonal skills that can enhance your ability to get a job in the fu-

ture. This could be a dot point on your resume that could just make that difference in getting that interview.

We plan on giving out free bottled water and popsicles at locations around town at the library or at ball fields/

playgrounds. We may also wash windshields in active parking lots in town.

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ROCK MINISTRIES

ROCK Ministries is a FPC program that provides Christ focused career counseling for the unemployed

and those interested in career development. We can help with the following:

Career Counseling:

Assist with resumes

Role play interviews

Assist in networking for job opportunities

Establish a foundation for career/life objectives (i.e., what’s important)

Financial planning

For July and August, we have a gathering every second and fourth Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. in Room 8. Be-

cause some people may not be able to make the Tuesday morning gatherings or want private counseling at least

initially, we offer private appointments which may be scheduled by calling Ann McBride, at the church office.

Rock Ministries also holds a monthly General Meeting on the third Saturday of the month from 9 to 10am These

meetings feature speakers and networking opportunities. A third aspect of the Rock Ministries is series of Work-

Volunteers Needed! Moorestown Visiting Nurses & Hospice is seeking caring and compassionate volunteers to

visit terminally ill patients in their home or care facility. Training is provided and volunteers

can give as little or as much as they wish. Volunteers are also needed for office work,

community outreach, and bereavement.

Please contact Volunteer Manager by calling (856) 552-1300

The Weather-

101 Bridgeboro Road

Moorestown, NJ

First Presbyterian Church