Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
PASTOR: Rev. Rebecca Mallozzi Online Column: revmallozzi.blogspot.com
PASTOR EMERITUS: Rev. Dr. Charles E. Colson
ORGANIST/DIR. SENIOR CHOIR & ADULT BELL CHOIR: Brian Snyder
ADMIN. ASSISTANT: Lynda Scheirer
CUSTODIAN: Scott MacKenzie
DEACON GREETER: Deb Ferguson
WORSHIP ASSISTANT: Mark Ingram AUDIO:
USHER CAPTAIN: John Baittinger VIDEO:
USHERS: Joe Seem, Suzanne Seem, Wendell Harford, Donna Call
FELLOWSHIP:
ELDERS:
Class of 2019 2020 2021 Linda Kennington Jack Decker John Gill
Tim Melnick Bruce Luff Andy Ingram Chuck Waters Erik Walker Ann Lowell, Clerk
Cathy Wiese Dave Wilson
DEACONS:
Class of 2019 2020 2021 Deb Ferguson, Co-Mod. Carolyn Baittinger Donna Call
Peter Ferguson Eleanor DePhillips Maggie Haley Melanie Shimer Liz Kenny Andrea Mauro
Elaine Smits Beth Kunkle, Co-Mod. Beth Walker
Worship sheets & activity bags for children are available from the ushers.
Assistive listening devices are available for those with hearing difficulties.
Large print worship materials and hymnals are available. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Joys and Concerns
Please keep these people in your prayers.
Becky Shreck—prayers needed for her ongoing issues with her autoimmune illness.
Betty Dennis—ongoing health issues. Marie Heffner—ongoing health issues. Peter Ferguson’s brother, Tom —ongoing health issues.
Military Service
Please keep these people in your prayers.
Jack Melnick, USMC.
Major Bethany Kauffman, USMC, niece of Penny & Jim Pantano.
Hillary N. Waterman, granddaughter of Ellen and Bill Bender,
Doland J. Miller II and Jeremy Miller, nephews of Joe Smits.
Faith Church Prayer Chain
Please send prayer requests to [email protected], or use the link from the Faith Church website.
( www.faithchurchemmaus.org )
Did You Know?
You can continue to support the mission and ministry of our
church by donating online at https://faithchurchemmaus.org/donate/ You can also download the free app, Give Plus, and
donate to Faith Presbyterian Church anytime, anywhere. You can even look up your history of giving for your records. You
can even scan the QR code, which will take you directly to the donate page on our website. We deeply appreciate your
generosity and are so thankful for each of you!
Contact Information—Pastoral Care Needs
For medical emergencies or death, contact Rebecca at
[email protected] or call 484-523-0240. Or contact the Moderator of Deacons, Deb Ferguson: 908-421-3817.
SO THAT THOSE PRESENT MAY EXPERIENCE GOD WITHOUT DISTRACTION, WE ASK THAT CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES BE
TURNED OFF PRIOR TO THE START OF WORSHIP. THANK YOU.
Order of Worship
January 12, 2020
Faith Presbyterian Church of Emmaus 3002 N. Second Street, PO Box 507
Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049 610.967.5600
[email protected] www.faithchurchemmaus.org
The Baptism of Christ Jorge Cocco
THE ORDER OF WORSHIP BAPTISM OF THE LORD
10:00 AM JANUARY 12, 2020
THE FIRST NOTE OF THE PRELUDE begins our worship.
Please use the prelude time to turn your attention to God’s presence and help. Nurturing our relationships and friendships
in fellowship is essential to our life as a congregation, so please continue to do so following our time of worship.
Those who are able are invited to stand.
FOCUSING UPON GOD’S PRESENCE AND VOICE
PRELUDE “Prelude in E Major” EVERETT TITCOMB
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: In the beginning, at creation,
the Spirit hovered over the waters of the deep.
People: In the waters of the flood,
God cleansed the earth and humankind.
Leader: God caused the waters to part so that Israel could cross
from slavery to liberation.
People: God formed Jesus in the waters of Mary’s womb.
Leader: Jesus taught us how to live by
washing his disciples’ feet in water.
People: Drinking water from a well, Jesus met a Samaritan woman,
the first person to recognize that he was Christ.
Leader: Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, the Christ.
People: God mean for Jesus to be the first born in a large family.
Praise be!
OPENING PRAYER HYMN #482 “Baptized in Water” BUNESSAN
HYMN #733 “We All Are One in Mission” ES FLOG EIN KLEINS WALDVÖGELEIN SHARING JOYS & CONCERNS
INTERCESSIONS AND PETITIONS
THE LORD’S PRAYER GLORY TO GOD HYMNAL – PG. 35 (Please use “debts & debtors”.)
INSTALLATION AND ORDINATION OF NEW OFFICERS
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD
OFFERTORY “To Jordan When Our Lord Had Gone” J. S. BACH
DEDICATION HYMN #606 DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him, above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
HYMN #822 “When We Are Living” SOMOS DEL SEÑOR
CHARGE & BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “Recessional” EVERETT TITCOMB
*Children’s Time & Sunday School
Following Children’s Time in worship, children from grades K through 5 will be dismissed to Sunday School. On the first Sunday of each month, Sunday School is not held so all may participate in communion. The same applies to holiday weekends, when Sunday School is not scheduled.
For younger children, care is provided in the nursery during the remainder of our worship time. A single youth volunteer may be needed. Please ask the adult nursery personnel if a youth is necessary.
LITANY OF AFFIRMATION L: Let us be bold and confess our sins, for God is gracious and
always ready to forgive.
P: God, you show no partiality, yet we are not always as
tolerant and accepting. Forgive our intolerance, and help us
to see as you see, that we may be found acceptable in your
sight through Jesus our Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
SHARING THE PEACE
L: Since God has forgiven us, let us also forgive one another.
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
P: And also with you.
L: Let us share our forgiven joy with one another.
HYMN OF ASSURANCE #581 GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
MINUTE FOR STEWARDSHIP: Sally Heimbach
THE WORD OF GOD TO THE CHURCH
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON ISAIAH 42:1-9 CHILDREN’S TIME*
ANTHEM “A Star Shone Bright” JOYCE EILERS
Senior Choir
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON PSALM 29
THIRD SCRIPTURE LESSON MATTHEW 3:13-17
SERMON “When We Baptize Jesus” REV.REBECCA MALLOZZI
Faith Life SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2020
SCRIP ORDERS DUE TODAY! Today is the day to place your first order for scrip cards in 2020. It
would be wonderful to keep up the trend of adding new scrip users, as we did last year. It’s easy, and you aren’t forced to spend anything additional for things you are already shopping for...groceries, pharmacies, pit stops for Starbucks coffee, things like that. It only takes a little bit of advance planning.
BLUE PER CAPITA ENVELOPE, WHERE ARE YOU?
If you are wondering where the blue per capita envelope is, it is being replaced with a white one. See the picture below to see what you’re looking for.
The per capita payment has portions sent to the Lehigh Presbytery, the Synod of the Trinity and the General Assembly to help pay for the operation expenses of those organizations.
While the payment of the per capita is included in the operating budget, last year, Session asked the congregation to prayerfully consider paying their per capita to assist with the budget. The response was wonderful. Please prayerfully consider doing this in 2020.
The apportionment for 2020 is $39.10 per member.
NEWS FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE The Fall Stewardship campaign is now complete and the numbers
are tabulated. Faith Church is blessed to have received 74 pledges totaling $226,722 to support the work of the 2020 church budget. Thank you to everyone who pledges and contributes in so many important ways. We are certainly grateful for your faithful generosity.
FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF EMMAUS 3002 N. Second Street - PO Box 507 - Emmaus, PA 18049
610-967-5600—[email protected] Visit us on the web! www.faithchurchemmaus.org
ARE YOU NEW TO FAITH CHURCH? If this is your first time in worship with us here at Faith Church,
welcome! We want to get to know you, so be sure to sign the friendship registry, which can be found at one end of the pew.
A NOTE OF THANKS The Mission Committee thought by partnering with East Penn
Diner, and offering a complimentary breakfast, would be a way for Faith Church to show “Simple Grace” to our community. The owner and servers have wrapped themselves around this idea with enthusiasm and have seen big smiles and positive attitudes as a result. We are making a difference by this simple act! Following is a note we received.
“We were the recipients of a gift card from your congregation at East Penn Diner. What a smile you put on our faces that morning when our breakfast was paid for. It certainly started the day with sunshine.
You moved us to “pay it forward.” We went to Ross and purchased toys for the Emmaus Library’s Toys for Tots container, then purchased a gift card for another at East Penn Diner. May these small but substantial well wishes be passed on so others recognize the good and blessings given through God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Thank you for the inspiration.—Al & Sandy
PASTOR’S ONLINE COLUMN Pastor Becki has an online column which can be accessed at
revmallozzi.blogspot.com/. An easily clickable link is included in the online copy of the bulletin, as well as in the weekly email blast. If you would like to be added to that list, please email the church office.
PHOTOS NEEDED Do you have a smart phone? Then, you are a designated church
photographer! You are encouraged to take photos of church members/friends at our events and activities! Right after snapping pictures, you can send them right to Lynda in the church office by email to ([email protected]), where she will store them for use in publications or just store them for church history! We are always looking to document our church activity. Thank you!
PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS Messages to be shared via the Prayer Chain may be emailed directly
to [email protected]. Messages can also be sent through a form on the Prayer Requests page of the church website. If you wish to be included in our Prayer Chain distribution list (or if you don’t think you are receiving messages), please contact the church office.
In Jesus, the beloved Son of God, we are all children of the Most High. Welcome to worship! We hope you’ll join us following worship for
beverages, snacks, and fellowship.
THIS WEEK
Sunday, January 12 SCRIP Orders Due 9:15 AM— Sunday School: Middle School & Senior High 10:00 AM— Worship Service 10:20 AM— Sunday School: Kindergarten to Grade 5 11:15 AM— J.A.M. Singers Rehearsal (MR) 11:15 AM— Adult Class: When God Works Through Ordinary Means 5:00 PM— Middle School Youth Group 6:30 PM— Senior High Youth Group Monday, January 13 6:00 PM— Adult Handbell Choir (MR) Tuesday, January 14 7:00 PM— Session Wednesday, January 15 Noon— Word on Wednesday (P) 6:00 PM— Brownie Troop (4) 6:00 PM— Consign for Good (P) 7:00 PM— Vision Team (P) 7:00 PM— Senior Choir (S) Thursday, January 16 Church Office Closed 8:30 AM— Disciples of Christ (P) 9:30 AM— Women’s Discipleship Fellowship 9:30 AM— Chair Yoga (FH) 7:00 PM— Narcotics Anonymous (FH) Friday, January 17 Church Office Closed 8:30 AM— Ski Fellowship: Bear Creek Saturday, January 18 9:00 AM— Zumba (FH) 10:00 PM— Narcotics Anonymous (FH)
Feb. 2 .............. Souper Bowl of Caring Annual Congregational Meeting
Feb. 16 ............ Spring Flyer Deadline Feb. 26 ............ Ash Wednesday
Mar. 1 .............. Lent begins Apr. 5 Palm Sunday: One Great Hour of Sharing
(No Sunday School) Apr. 9 .............. Maundy Thursday
Apr. 10 ............ Good Friday Apr. 12 ............ Easter (No Sunday School)
Apr. 13 ............ Church Office closed May 5-7 ........... Picture Directory Photo Shoot May 25 ............ Memorial Day: Church Office closed
LOOKING AHEAD...
TWO WEEKS OF FAITH This calendar is prepared a few days prior to distribution. Please see the church website for the most up-to-date information. Room Numbers, indicating where meetings will be held (when known), are shown in parentheses following the listing.
Key BR Brick Room FH Fellowship Hall
MR Music Room
O Office
P Parlor
S Sanctuary
NEXT WEEK
Sunday, January 19 NO Sunday School 9:00 AM— J.A.M. Singers Rehearsal (MR) 10:00 AM— Worship Service 5:00 PM— Youth Groups & Board Game Group combined gathering Monday, January 20 MLK Birthday: Church Office closed 6:00 PM— Adult Handbell Choir (MR) 7:00 PM— Mission Committee (P) Tuesday, January 21 Wednesday, January 22 Noon— Word on Wednesday (P) 7:00 PM— Reading Group 7:00 PM— Senior Choir (S) Thursday, January 23 9:30 AM— Women’s Discipleship Fellowship 9:30 AM— Chair Yoga (FH) 7:00 PM— Narcotics Anonymous (FH) Friday, January 24 Church Office Closed Saturday, January 25 9:00 AM— Zumba (FH) 10:00 PM— Narcotics Anonymous (FH)
1/12 Marissa Decker
Ella Wiese
1/13 Lynn Ingram
1/14 Jim Pantano
1/16 Lynda Scheirer
Science Class vs Religious Answers Jan. 26, 2020
1
Will Ohio Bill Permit Students to Be Wrong in Science Class
for Religious Reasons? The Wired Word for the Week of November 24, 2019
In the News
Does a bill passed by the Ohio House of Representatives on November 13 permit students to give wrong answers on tests and assignments without penalty if those answers are based on religion?
That's a question some observers have raised regarding the "Ohio Student Religious Liberties Act of 2019" (HB 164) after it cleared the Ohio House on 61-31 vote.
Reportedly, if it becomes law, the bill would establish additional protections for religious expression in educational settings, including classroom and homework assignments, student artwork and time for private prayer.
A reading of the bill indicates that it would:
• Allow students to engage in religious expression in the completion of homework, artwork or other assignments.
• Prohibit public schools from rewarding or penalizing a student based on the religious content of a student's homework, artwork or other assignments.
• Require districts to ensure religious groups have the same access to facilities as do secular groups.
• Bar school districts from limiting students' religious expression to non-instructional times.
• Allow districts to provide a moment of silence each school day for prayer, reflection or meditation but bars them from requiring that students or employees participate.
Some critics are concerned that the bill could affect the grading of tests and other assignments where scientific theory might conflict with religious doctrine. In other words, does the bill allow students to be wrong in science class as long as their reasoning is based on religion?
For the bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Tim Ginter, the answer appears to be that students are still responsible to learn the assigned material. He said that under the bill, "a Christian or Jewish student would not be able to say my religious texts teach me that the world is 6,000 years old, so I don't have to answer this question. They're still going to be tested in the class and they cannot ignore the class material."
Or, as Charles C. Haynes, founding director of the Religious Freedom Center at the Freedom Forum Institute, put it, students are "not let off the hook from learning what is being taught. They don't have to believe it, they don't have to accept it, but they have to know it."
But Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, said the measure does in fact allow students to answer homework questions and other assignments incorrectly, based on religious belief rather than science -- and not be marked wrong. "Under HB
Science Class vs Religious Answers Jan. 26, 2020
2
164, the answer is 'no,' as this legislation clearly states the instructor 'shall not penalize or reward a student based on the religious content of a student's work.' "
The debate about how the bill might affect student expression perhaps can be focused on what a student is allowed to add to an answer. For example, if a science class lesson is about evolution or climate change, Ginter's interpretation would seem to suggest that students would need to answer questions according to, say, current biological evolution theory as taught in class, but could add that they hold a different view because of religious belief and not be penalized for that addition.
Even if that is the intention of the bill, however, its critics are also concerned about how it would play out in practice. Daniels, who spoke against the bill to lawmakers, said he was concerned the legislation would tie teachers' hands if students ignored an assignment's instructions and instead stated their religious beliefs. Given the bill's vague language, Daniels said many teachers would let students' actions slide.
The fact-checking site Snopes took a look at the claim that "A bill before the Ohio Legislature would allow students to give wrong answers because of their religious beliefs," and declared the claim "Unproven." According to Snopes' rating system, Unproven "indicates that insufficient evidence exists to establish the given claim as true, but the claim cannot be definitively proved false. This rating typically involves claims for which there is little or no affirmative evidence, but for which declaring them to be false would require the difficult (if not impossible) task of our being able to prove a negative or accurately discern someone else's thoughts and motivations."
Snopes also noted that "Critics have proclaimed that however the bill is applied, it unnecessarily duplicates constitutional and state freedom of speech and religion protections and would place teachers and school administrators in the position of having to interpret and judge students' religious convictions and beliefs."
It's not known whether the Ohio bill will become law. For that to happen, it has to be passed by the Ohio Senate and signed by the state's governor.
More on this story can be found at these links:
Ohio House Passes Bill to Protect Students' Religious Expression in School. The Washington Times Does the Bill Just Passed by the Ohio House Allow Students to be Wrong in Science Class Without Penalty If They Cite Religious Reasons? The Washington Post Does Ohio Bill Let Students Give Wrong Answers Based on Religion? Snopes
The Big Questions Here are some of the questions we will discuss in class:
1. What is the biblical perspective on general education? How are learning and faith linked?
2. What is the case for thoroughly learning and understanding scientific and other standard educational material even if some of it is at odds with your religious beliefs? What is the case for avoiding such learning because it is at odds with your religious beliefs?
Science Class vs Religious Answers Jan. 26, 2020
3
3. What methods do you use for evaluating claims that seem in conflict with your religious beliefs? What role should critical thinking have regarding religious faith?
4. What is the difference between fact, opinion, speculatory conclusion, overvalued idea, delusion? Where would you put faith in this list?
5. Should all students have the opportunity in public school classrooms to argue on religious grounds their conclusions regarding taught subjects? Why or why not? Should they have the opportunity there to argue that the conclusions presented in class as factual are in reality unscientific or religious in nature? Why or why not?
Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope We will look at selected verses from these Scripture texts. You may wish to read these in advance for background:
Acts 7:17-34 Daniel 1:1-17 John 8:31-36 Hebrews 11:1-3
In class, we will talk about these passages and look for some insight into the big questions. Please join us.
710 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18104 www.lehighpresbytery.org E-mail address: [email protected] Phone number: 610-391-9020
LEHIGH PRESBYTERYJanuary 3, 2020
Happy New Year!
In recent weeks, I’ve read and heard many stories recapping the decade of 2010-2019. The years have flown by and the world has changed, in small ways and with some significant shifts. How can your congregation respond to cultural changes while holding on to Christian values and honoring long-time members?
For example, we’ve become an angrier and more polarized culture and social media have given us widely used platforms through which anger and hate can be expressed. How can your church address people’s feelings of alienation by providing a healthier culture of dignity, trust, and humility?
Likewise, our society is full of anxiety, depression, and stress due, in large part, to a constant barrage of communication online and through our phones. There’s too much to process! How can your congregation be a non-anxious presence that helps people re-prioritize, let go of what’s not important (or real!) and focus on what matters most?
Our communities have become much more complex over the last ten years. The church’s neighborhood may no longer reflect the congregation. There is now much less homogeneity in terms of age, race, language, tradition, and world view. How can your congregation embrace these differences and welcome neighbors who are “other?”
Smart phones, high-speed internet and access to WIFI have made everyone more mobile, allowing people to travel and connect virtually. Has your church kept up by offering podcasts or live streaming worship services? What about Zoom access to committee meetings, allowing more people to participate in church leadership?
In the coming months we will be reading the book Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, by Tod Bolsinger, together as a presbytery. This book offers valuable information about “adaptive change” that can help your church address the questions posed above. Please plan to attend, in person or via Zoom, the January 24 presbytery assembly at First Bethlehem, where you’ll hear Tod’s introduction to this important (and necessary) concept. Call me if you have any questions!
Grace and peace,
Rev. Rhonda Kruse Transitional Presbytery Leader
WHERE DID THE 2010’S GO AND WHAT WILL 2020 BRING?
For such a time as this, the congregations and leadership of Lehigh Presbytery
will partner to challenge and resource each other, so that we may boldly risk
our comfort for the sake of the Gospel of Christ.
Page 2
1.3.2020 - Lehigh Presbytery News
All are invited to attend. We encourage all commissioners, members, and church sessions to join us to explore this important topic. Please call (610-391-9020) or email the Presbytery office with your RSVP.
A limited supply of Tod Bolsinger’s book, Canoeing the Mountains, is available in the Presbytery office at a discounted price of $12.00. Call and reserve your book today.
Page 3 Lehigh Presbytery News – 1.3.2020
Boundary Training will be offered three times in 2020
through the Lehigh Presbytery.
This training is open to all persons in Lehigh Presbytery,
and especially those for whom Lehigh Presbytery has
oversight according to the Sexual Misconduct Policy
adopted January 2011; such as all
Ministers of Word and Sacrament including those
who have been honorably retired,
Commissioned Ruling Elders holding membership in
or engaged in work within the bounds of Lehigh
Presbytery,
Inquirers and Candidates under the care of Lehigh
Presbytery,
Presbytery staff, members of Presbytery
committees, and Presbytery volunteers.
Church volunteers, especially those in ministry with
children, are also encouraged to attend.
Please note that boundary training is required every
five years for ALL Ministers of Word and Sacrament
who are members of Lehigh Presbytery, including the
honorably retired.
This year the training is being led by David Olsen who has served as Executive Director of Samaritan Counseling Center in the Albany, NY, area since its inception in 1985. He holds an M.S. in counseling from Oneonta State University, an M.S.W. from the University at Albany, and an M.Phil and a Ph.D. in psychology and religion from Drew University. Dr. Olsen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and has authored or co-authored six books, including Saying No to Say Yes: Everyday Boundaries and Pastoral Excellence. He presents workshops nationally on topics involving
families and couples, and provides consultations to
congregations, family businesses, and other
organizations. He is highly sought after in many areas,
including boundary training.
BOUNDARY TRAINING
WHEN?
March 12, 2020 – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church
55 Smith Street
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
+ Registration Deadline February 27, 2020 +
OR….
May 21, 2020 – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
2344 Center Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017
+ Registration Deadline May 7, 2020 +
OR….
October 14, 2020 – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Schwarzwald Lutheran Church
250 Church Lane Road
Reading, PA 19606
+ Registration Deadline September 30, 2020 +
RESERVATIONS ARE NEEDED by the
registration deadlines listed for each event.
Please RSVP to Lehigh Presbytery at 610-391-
9020 or [email protected]
COST:
$30.00 per person for PC(USA) members;
$40.00 per person for non-PC(USA)
participants.
Page 4
1.3.2020 - Lehigh Presbytery News
Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed;
save me and I will be saved,
for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14
We ask for prayers for….
The Rev. J. Raymond Brubaker, honorably retired member of Lehigh Presbytery, who is recovering from a surgical procedure. Also prayers for his wife Sue in her care for him.
Ken Kunsman, son of the Rev. Sue Bennetch, who is undergoing medical treatments.
Matt Hess, son of the Rev. Bill Hess, for continued healing and strength.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,
says the Spirit. They will rest from their labors,
and their deeds follow them. Revelation 14:13
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of
Laurie Glaser, mother of Julie Krezel (Clerk of Session of the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church in Brodheadsville), on December 11, 2019. We ask for prayers for her family and friends.
Better Than Average Training Event (An Event for Children & Youth Ministry Volunteers & Staff)
January 16, 2020 from 2:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 414 Grant Street, Sewickley, PA 15143
Last year, the Next Generation Ministry Team in Pittsburgh Presbytery decided to pilot a training event (“Better Than Average Training”) for staff and volunteers who work with children and youth.
Many congregations lack the resources to send their “teams” (which often consists of a couple volunteers) to any of the big national training events, and it was the presbytery’s theory that by using a couple friends and local resources, it could put together an event that was at the very least “Better Than Average.” Pittsburgh Presbytery did, and to its surprise 80-plus registered, coming from as far away as State College, PA, for the evening.
This year “Better Than Average Training” is a bit longer, with workshops for volunteers, staff and even a special one for solo/senior pastors. The speaking lineup has been mixed up a bit, with a keynote speaker from Idaho and two presenters from Shenango Presbytery in addition to the Pittsburgh-based folk. And already, there’s a congregation from the Baltimore area registered. The other goal was to keep this event affordable for anyone, no matter what type of size congregation they came from and so there’s customized pricing plans.
All of the details are available on their website at https://pghpresnextgen.org/ Be sure to check it out! For more information, contact Brian Wallace at Pittsburgh Presbytery by email ([email protected]) or phone/text (412) 323-1402.
Page 5 Lehigh Presbytery News – 1.3.2020
TODAY IN THE MISSION YEARBOOK
January 3, 2020 –Manna: The Biblical Symbol of ‘enough’– How do we trust God will provide? (click the link to read the article https://www.presbyterianmission.org/yearbook/January-3-2020/)
Let us pray: Lord, give us the manna we need today and help us gather it joyfully. It will be enough. We will have enough time. We will have enough to eat. We will have enough to drink. We will have enough everything and we thank you for that. Forgive us for being like Israelites and complaining incessantly about things we cannot change or do not have. We lay our worries, our fears and our faults at your feet. Instead of complaining, help us do something about the problems in our world. You are faithful, and your justice be done. Amen.
Page 6
1.3.2020 - Lehigh Presbytery News
JANUARY EVENTS & MEETINGS
IN LEHIGH PRESBYTERY
Sunday, January 5, 2020 – Ordination of Christopher Palmer at the First Presbyterian Church, 3231 W. Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA at 3:00 p.m.
Monday, January 6, 2020 – 4:30 p.m. CRE Meeting
Tuesday, January 7, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. Committee on Shared Gifts Meeting Committee on Preparation for Ministry Meeting
will not meet today. 7:00 p.m. Committee on Ministry Meeting
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 – 5:30 p.m. Administrative Board Meeting
Monday, January 13, 2020 – 9:15 a.m. Helping Hands Care Team Meeting
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 – 9:30 a.m. Worldwide Ministries Care Team
Meeting 1:00 p.m. Collaborative Inquiry Group Meeting
Sunday, January 19, 2020 – Installation of the Rev. Taylor S. Hall as Associate Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, 3231 W. Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA at 4:00 p.m.
Monday, January 20, 2020 – HOLIDAY Presbytery office closed
Friday, January 24, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. Lehigh Presbytery Assembly at the First
Presbyterian Church, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, January 5, 2020 – Ordination of Christopher Palmer at the First Presbyterian Church, 3231 W. Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA at 3:00 p.m.
Monday, January 6, 2020 – 4:30 p.m. CRE Meeting
Tuesday, January 7, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. Committee on Shared Gifts Meeting 3:30 p.m. Committee on Preparation for Ministry Meeting 7:00 p.m. Committee on Ministry Meeting
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 – 5:30 p.m. Administrative Board Meeting
Monday, January 13, 2020 – 9:15 a.m. Helping Hands Care Team Meeting
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 – 9:30 a.m. Worldwide Ministries Care Team Meeting 1:00 p.m. Collaborative Inquiry Group Meeting
Sunday, January 19, 2020 – Installation of the Rev. Taylor S. Hall as Associate Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, 3231 W. Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA at 4:00 p.m.
Monday, January 20, 2020 – HOLIDAY Presbytery office closed
Friday, January 24, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. Lehigh Presbytery Assembly at the First
Neighborhood Meeting on
Suicide Prevention
Thursday January 23, 2020
(snow date February 6, 2020)
WE ARE NOT ALONE
WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND
WHERE TO GET HELP
Resource tables available 5 – 6:30 pm
Presentation 6:30 – 8 pm
At the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church
150 Pilgrim Way, Brodheadsville, PA 18322
(next to West End Library)
Please RSVP with number of attendees
to 570-992-0158
2019-2021 Book of Order
We have a small supply of the new Book of Order available in the Presbytery office for the discounted price of $8.50 each.
Call or email the Presbytery if you would like a copy.
CHOIR ROBES
The Faith Presbyterian Church of Emmaus has 27 dark red Choir Robes with ivory colored stoles in very good condition, available (free) to any church that can use them. Please contact Andy Ingram at 484-951-6254 for more information or to arrange pick up of the robes.
REIMAGINING SPIRIT by Rev. Grace Ji-Sun Kim (member of Lehigh Presbytery)
The Spirit presents itself to many as an enigma. Its existence is mysterious and complex, generating misunderstandings and unawareness of its true purpose. The Spirit’s ambiguous nature opens the opportunity for study to unearth the exciting truths that it holds. The Spirit is present in our world in various forms. This book aims to examine the Spirit as experienced in light, wind, breath, and vibration to help us uncover some of its aspects that invite us to work for climate justice, racial justice, and gender justice. The Holy Spirit has always been a mover and shaker of ideas and action. The Spirit’s presence moves, stirs, and changes us to become aware of the social ills in our world.
Available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1532689241/
