The Presbyterian Church of Llanerch

211211211211 Lansdowne RoadLansdowne RoadLansdowne RoadLansdowne Road, Havertown, PA 19083, Havertown, PA 19083, Havertown, PA 19083, Havertown, PA 19083

610610610610----789789789789----1639; www.llanerchpres.org1639; www.llanerchpres.org1639; www.llanerchpres.org1639; www.llanerchpres.org

JUNE 2014 News and Notes

Brothers and Sisters,

This month, we celebrate Pentecost. No, it isn’t the penultimate “cost.” No, it’s not a secret code for 5 or 50

times as much “cost.” No, it’s not some kind of trick observance of strange symbols. Pentecost is a Greek word that

refers to the “fiftieth day,” and it’s also the Greek title given to the ancient, pre-Christian, Hebrew observance Festival of

Weeks. This Hebrew festival was a celebration of the gift of the Law at Mt. Sinai. That festival—“Pentecost” in Greek—

happens 50 days after Passover, which gives its reference point post-Easter in our liturgical calendar. So today, 50 days

after Easter, the Church observes Pentecost.

Pentecost. But it’s not about an ancient Hebrew holiday for us! No. Pentecost is about another gift—the gift of

the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who is with us as Jesus is no longer with us in the flesh. Pentecost is the unwavering

reminder that God is loosed in the world, and loosed in and through all of us. Our Pentecost story is built around the gift

of the Holy Spirit that comes upon the disciples and believers in Jerusalem in that famous story about tongues of fire

resting on believers’ heads and the disciples speaking in many different languages that they didn’t know. Pentecost is

the arrival of the Holy Spirit that has ever since been associated with “strange things” and strange forms of worship and

devotion. And as such, we Presbyterians are hardly known for being Pentecost-y!

The Directory for Worship in our Book of Order declares that the language we use in worship builds “ardor and

order.” But truth be told, we Presbyterians are known far more for our ORDER than our ARDOR. “Ardor” is a word I

often associate with the Holy Spirit; it’s synonymous with words like: passion, love, enthusiasm, zeal, fervor, eagerness,

devotion, dedication. And while we often covet these feelings, we Presbyterians more often “keep a lid on them”—and

the Spirit. For example, when was the last time you attended a Presbyterian worship service where there was speaking

in tongues? Or, a service where raised hands and dancing in the aisles was ordinary? We don’t often grant room for the

Holy Spirit to disrupt the ORDER we give to our gatherings and worship services. And it’s too bad!

Yet without the Holy Spirit’s ardor, how much love can we really give to God, or how much worshipful devotion

to Jesus Christ? Minus the Holy Spirit, we’re rather bland and ordinary folks, who sit neatly in our rows of pews facing

the same direction, stuck for an hour waiting for the end of the service when we can get on with our weekend’s

activities. Without the Spirit, it’s hard to imagine getting fired up about social justice or hope for God’s reign. Without

the companionship of the unpredictable Holy Spirit, how can God declare a new thing and we perceive it?

Pentecost isn’t about what happened to some other people 50 days after the first Easter. No. Pentecost is the

reminder that what happened to them is also what’s happened to us. We, too, are infused with the Holy Spirit. We,

too, are granted the companionship of the Advocate who teaches us and keeps us in everything that Jesus commands us

to do and be. Pentecost is both promise and fulfillment. And it’s supposed to set our hair on fire—perhaps not so much

literally as figuratively.

Pentecost is about what happens to us when we are caught up in a moment of faith-filled joy. Maybe it’s a

hymn that brings tears to your eyes or puts a spring in your step; a piece of music that makes your heart sing, or a

favorite verse that moves you to ministry; or a line in a sermon that compels you to change your ways and act. It

doesn’t have to be a flaming tongue of fire dancing on your head—but it probably makes you want to dance with such a

thing anyway!

So come into the life of our congregation where the Spirit sets your hair on fire—or at least makes you feel like it!

Worship & Music News

Worship in JUNE

June is a 5-Sunday month. We’ll begin—still in the season of Easter; then

we’ll celebrate two liturgical observances and begin the season “after

Pentecost.” Quickly, here are the highlights. June 1st, last Sunday of Easter,

remembering Jesus’ instructions and gifts to believers. June 8th, Pentecost,

special service—away from church—at Merry Place Park; we’ll feel the “wind”

in our faces in the out-of-doors, remembering that the “wind” is an apt

metaphor for the Holy Spirit. June 15th is Trinity Sunday and Father’s Day.

June 22nd and 29th are the first Sundays noted by “after Pentecost.” Mark

your calendar—especially for June 8th for the special worship TIME and

PLACE—and be sure and don’t miss the good stuff!

DATE: CELEBRATION: FIRST READING: GOSPEL:

June 1st 7th Sunday of Easter Acts 1: 6-14 Luke 24: 44-53

June 8th

PENTECOST (Communion)

At Merry Place Park in

Havertown

Acts 2: 1-21 John 7: 37-39

June 15th TRINITY SUNDAY Genesis 1:1-2:4a Matthew 28: 16-20

June 22nd 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 21: 8-21 Matthew 10: 24-39

June 29th 3rd Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 22: 1-14 Matthew 10: 40-42

Church News & Events

Update on One Great Hour of Sharing:

Our One Great Hour of Sharing appeal concluded on Eastern Sunday with the dedication of offering envelopes

and "fish". The ecumenical OGHS appeal supports three separate aspects of mission: disaster assistance,

hunger relief, and community development both in the U.S. and around the world. During our "hour of

sharing" we raised $1407 for the appeal. Thanks to all for their generosity.

JUNE’S Regularly Scheduled Events

EVENT DAY/DATE LOCATION

The Abigail Circle

The Lydia Circle

Thursday, June 12th

Time - TBD

Tuesday, June 10th

12 noon

TBD

at Audrey Mahler's home

HELPING AND GETTING HELP

Do you need a ride to

church or know someone

who does?

If you need a ride to church,

the Deacons are happy to

help! Or, if you or someone

you know needs a meal, a

well-wishing card, or a visit,

please contact our Deacons.

Please see or call Joan

Sheppard (610.449.7325) or

Vicki Murphy (610.446.0637)

or any member of the

Deacons.

Monthly Care Closet

Offering:

Will be received this month

on Sunday, June 1st.

If you know someone in

need, please speak with Rev.

Stipp-Bethune or Vicki

Murphy

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS FOR MAY:

SERVICE DATE ASSIGNMENT

Communion Preparation June 8th Phyllis Gibson

Lay Leaders

June 1st:

June 8th:

June 15th:

June 22nd:

No one is signed up yet!

No one is signed up yet!

No one is signed up yet!

No one is signed up yet!

June 29th:

No one is signed up yet!

Ushers

June 1st:

June 8th:

June 15th:

June 22nd:

June 29th:

No one is signed up yet!

No one is signed up yet!

No one is signed up yet!

No one is signed up yet!

No one is signed up yet!

Mission Calling for Donations for Chester Eastside! You may have noticed that the church calendar notes when the

offerings for Chester Eastside Ministries are received on the third Sunday of the month, but you may not have

understood what is involved. Chester Eastside is a ministry and social service outreach agency in Chester and

Llanerch Presbyterian has been a supporter for many years with donations of money and of donations of

household goods and food. Chester Eastside recently moved to a smaller space and has discontinued their

collection and distribution of clothing and household goods for the time being, but they would very much

appreciate donations of food for their food bank. The food bank offers assistance to more than 350 families,

and can use donations of groceries in cans, boxes, and unbreakable jars. If you can add one item to your list

each shopping trip and include it in our offering, it will make a difference in the lives of vulnerable families and

children.

Boy Scout News

The Boy Scouts of Troop 434 had a great month of spring weather and enjoyed working on their outdoor skills.

Starting out at the church during a regular meeting, a group of boys worked on knife and ax skills in the side

yard under the watchful eye of leader Rick Miller. Many of the younger scouts are busy mastering basic

physical fitness, first aid and knot-tying, but everyone was on their game as they participated in in the District

Camporee at Ridley Creek State Park. Six troops camped together and competed in traditional scout events

like lashing and fire-building. The troop did well in the competition and also enjoyed working on cooking

outdoors. We are also looking forward to summer camping season. A group of more than 30 boys will be on

their way to summer camp this summer, and a pair of Troop 434 new Eagle Scouts will be attending the

Philmont Scout Reservation. At the end of the month (on Sunday June 1), everyone can greet the scouts and

patronize their wares as they set up their funnel cake booth at the Karakung Heritage Festival. We look

forward to seeing you at this event along Karakung drive from 11 to 4.

Generosity

Live Forward, Give Forward

Winston Churchill once asked: "What is the use of living, if it not be to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?" This forward-living attitude is at the heart of our faith and practice.

Live Forward, Give Forward is the new wills program from the Presbyterian Foundation, designed to help Presbyterians and their congregations build legacies of faithfulness for future generations. Learn

more at www.liveforwardgiveforward.com.

Living Richly - A Story of Generosity

March 20, 2014

Inky Inscoe and his wife Harriet were very involved with their church community at the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. After his wife’s passing, Inky continued his commitment at the church of Morganton until his death last summer.

“At Inky’s funeral we recalled his wonderful sense of humor, his positive attitude and sense of adventure, his service to his country as a WWII pilot, and his dedication to good works in our community,” shared Morganton’s pastor, Michael Bailey.

For Inky and Harriet, the church was their life, pure and simple.

“They did everything here, held every position at this church – and even sang in the choir together,” remembered Bailey. Dedication to their faith and to their church was a hallmark of the lives of both Inky and Harriet.

The Inscoes were not necessarily thought of as ‘rich people’ during their lives, but after Inky’s passing last summer, the richness of their lives was made manifest.

After his death, the church’s Clerk of Session received a letter – along with a check, for $92,000.

And, on that same day another letter was received, at Converse College, and another check, for $5,500. The same thing happened at Salem College, and Union Presbyterian Seminary, and at the Grandfather Home for Children, Habitat for Humanity, and the Burke County Hospice and Palliative Care.

“We might not have thought of the Inscoes as rich people, but as we look back and reflect, it becomes all too apparent just how richly they lived,” shared Bailey.

Theirs were lives of generosity and dedication, sharing and good works.

An emphasis on planned giving is a regular part of the worship life at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton. Every three-five years a

‘major emphasis’ is made on planned giving. The possibility and importance of planned giving is also communicated from the pulpit two-

three times per year. When gifts such as the Inscoe’s are received, they are celebrated in the worship life of the congregation. In this

way Pastor Michael Bailey hopes to allow the gifts themselves to continue to generate more momentum for giving.

- See more at: http://www.presbyterianfoundation.org

A Prayer in Response to Gun Violence God, our souls ache as another shooting is lifted into our view. We know You weep with us in times of

sadness, despair and anger, so we join our spirits with Yours and come to you in prayer.

As difficult as it might be, God, grant us the faith to pray for

the shooter, the killer, our enemy

may we not repay evil with evil

As political as it may seem, God, grant us the patience to pray for

the politicians, the lobbyist, the system

may wisdom beyond our imagination prevail

As much as it hurts our hearts to remember, grant us the strength to pray for

the dead, their families, their friends and their community

may we hear their wailing in heart, body and soul

As distant as it may feel, God give us the perspective to pray for

the shootings that do not grab headlines

individuals who suffer, grieve and mourn in silence

communities where gun violence is always a possibility

may we be the Body of Christ for all your children

God, be with each of us as You see fit, giving us the the space

to know grief that is real,

to express anger that is righteous

and to embody hope that we trust is in the midst of it all.

In Your healing and hopeful name we pray.

Amen.

--by Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Teaching Elder and Moderator of the 218th General Assembly