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8000 MIAMI AVE CINCINNATI, OH 45243
www.madeirachurch.org
Church Office 513.791.4470
Prayer Requests 513.665.6747
DIAL-A-PRAYER 513.791.2345
Spring 2017
S PIRITUAL D IS CIPLINES
Pastor Tom is preaching through The Sermon on the Mount during Lent. One of my favorite sections is where Jesus teaches on Acts of Righteousness(Matthew 6:1-17). Jesus mentions three Acts—giving alms, fasting and prayer. These “Acts of Righteousness” were the common religious practices which a good orthodox Jew followed to be faithful to God.
As the Second Sunday Fellowship met at Cheryl Weiss’ house in March, we explored these “Acts.” Throughout church history they have been expanded upon in the development of spiritual disciplines.
What are spiritual disciplines? Spiritual disciplines are patterns of thought and behavior, which draw us away from an improper focus on our-selves and the world, to a proper focus on God and his Word.
We can learn, through repeated practice of spiritual disciplines to replace our ungodly patterns of thought and behavior with godly ones. These disciplines that train us in godliness include prayer, study and meditation, silence and solitude, worship, service, fasting, confession and submission.
There is a long history of the use of spiritual disciplines in the church. Sometimes they have been overused and abused, sometimes they have
fallen into disuse, and sometimes, when properly cultivated, they have been a source of power and godliness.
Fasting We could do a biblical study of any spiritual discipline, but let's focus on fasting. Fasting is an abstaining from food, partially or completely, for the purpose of seeking God.
In the season of Lent, the church tends to focus on the spiritual discipline of fasting. This discipline, while not my favorite discipline, occupies a signifi-cant role in the Scriptures.
Sometimes fasting was used as an emergency measure when things looked desperate. David fasted when he sought God for the life of his dying child of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16). When Judah was under attack by an overwhelming invading army, king Jehoshaphat called a national fast (2 Chronicles 20:3).
Sometimes fasting was used as a means of repentance such as when the exiled Jewish nation returned to the promised land under Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemi-ah 9: 1). The exiles realized, as the Law was read by Ezra, how far they had departed from the ways of God. Fasting was their repentant response.
Other times fasting was used as a means of dedication and preparation. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness
fasting prior to the beginning of his ministry (Mark 1:12). So did Paul and Barnabus prior to their being called forth on their missionary journeys (Acts 13:1).
Fasting was one of the last spiritual disciplines I got around to, as I like to eat and frankly wasn't interested in fasting. Because of weight problems, I have had to diet periodically and that was more than enough restraint for my liking. But years ago, while meditating on the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus taught about fasting, I realized that this too was for me.
Like no other discipline, fasting involves all of me, body and soul, in the pursuit of God. When my body is hungry my appetites work overtime and as my will wavers, I am reminded that I have chosen God above all my other desires. I have even found that hunger in a fast becomes my friend. Every time I feel a hunger pang it reminds me to lift of my requests to God.
Sometimes when I fast from coffee. Other times I choose to skip a meal in the name of the Lord. Some peo-ple fast from TV or chocolate!
If you haven’t started some kind of fast for Lent, it’s not too late. What might you choose to fast from in order pursue God and prepare for the cele-bration of Easter? Listen to the Holy Spirit as it speaks to your heart; you will know what’s right for you.
—by Rev. Stephen Eyre
Page 2 Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church
Bring your kids and join in on the fun or just come for fel-lowship as we celebrate our risen and living Savior.
The fun begins with an egg hunt for kids 10 and under. There will be tons of eggs, candy, and lots of fun. The egg hunt will be outside (weather permitting; otherwise in fel-lowship hall and lower level classrooms). The kids will get to hear the Easter story from Pastor Tom while they munch some candy.
Older children and adults are invited to enjoy free pastries, juice or coffee and conversation while the kids play!
Family Ministries invites you to join us at 10am on Easter Sunday in Fellowship Hall for Easter activities and fellowship for everyone!
E CHO THE C AL L
One of the most amazing passages in Scripture is the calling of Simon and Andrew. This is how Matthew recalls that event:
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed
him. (Matthew 4:18-20)
Here are two men at the daily grind, fishing for a living on the Sea of Galilee. They were not rich men. They worked hard, pulling in the nets in a blazing sun or trying to get back to shore as a storm blows over the ridge above the lake. It was dangerous work. Simon and his brother Andrew heard the call of Jesus, paused for just a moment to consider, and right away the left their nets and became disciples of Jesus.
There are three things I want you to consider during this Year of Invitation.
First, when you think about inviting people into the kingdom think about the life they will be called from, and the life they will be called to. These men were called from an ordinary life into a super-natural calling. Only God can call us out of our ordinary life to the ex-citing and adventurous life that will change the world. When we invite people into faith we are opening the door to the greatest adventure in life.
Second, did you notice that they were free to say, “No!” They could have ignored Jesus and his calling. They could have continued in their current occupation. Every time we invite someone into the kingdom they can reject our invitation. We know we are offering them life. Every time Jesus called someone he was taking a risk, they might not heed his call. You know many people who desire an invitation to enter the Kingdom God. Go ahead; ask them, and see what God might do.
Finally, be ready! It says that “at once,” they left their nets and fol-lowed Jesus. Expect your invitation to be accepted. People are looking for uncompromising truth. They are looking for true community. They are looking for genuine rela-tionships. They are looking for God.
When you invite someone into the Kingdom you are inviting them go from the everyday, ordinary life to the blessings of God. Yes, Simon Peter traded in his life as a fisher-man, but instead he became a fish-er of men, being the rock upon which the church was built. He traded the regular and convention-al life he inherited for the amazing and remarkable life that he found after accepting the calling of Jesus Christ. In this Holy Season let us echo the calling of Christ to those we encounter day by day.
—Pastor Tom
Spring 2017 Page 3
WORSHIP ARTS
Special Musical Presentation
Palm Sunday, April 9 10:30 am
Orchestra & Choir Love is word that gets bantered about in our world. It is easy to ex-press our love for someone or some-thing, but expressions mean little if there are no actions to support them. Jesus said in so many ways, to the people with whom He associated on a daily basis that He loved them and He had come to save. This was never in doubt for those who truly knew Him. His actions underscored His words as He redeemed, taught, healed and encouraged those whose lives He touched.
Ultimately, Jesus sacrificed His life as a final act of love. In His own words, He provided a glimpse of what was to come “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
The message of this presentation leads us along a rugged path to the cross, a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and love. Then it makes its way to an empty tomb, a symbol of God’s power and triumph!
The power of God’s love that raised Jesus from the dead radically changed His closest followers and all who ex-perience that love through these first century witnesses. That incomparable loves continues to reverberate and change lives today centuries after Christ walked this earth.
We ask that in the spirit of “the year of invitation” you extend a personal invitation to your neighbors, family and friends to join us on Palm Sunday; for both the brunch (served from 9-10:15am) and worship with musical which begins at 10:30am.
Pray with us that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts and lives of those present so that they gain a deeper understanding of God’s great love through Jesus.
On the night before His Crucifixion, Jesus was thinking of all believers as He prayed,
“I am not praying for these alone [His disciples], but also for the future believers who will come to Me because of their testimony.” (John 17:20)
Getting to Know…. Aleksander Liszka and MinHwa Kim officially joined MSPC’s mem-bership in December 2013. Their
daughter Ada Kim Liszka, now 3 years old was baptized at MSPC on September 29, 2013.
Alek and MinHwa are active violinists who have played in the orchestras for our major Easter and Christmas musi-cal programs. On occasion, Alek has played solo pieces during worship as well as accompanying the chancel choir with pianist, ShingMing Liao for various special Sunday anthems.
Alek recently performed the violin concerto “Scottish Fantasy” in E-flat major, Op. 46 with the Seven Hills
Sinfonietta. The event was held at Walnut Hills High School.
Alek earned a D.M.A. and M.M. at the University Of Cincinnati College Conservatory Of Music. Dr. Liszka, a native of Poland, currently holds the adjunct violin and viola position at Mount St. Joseph University. His wife MinHwa has also earned a D.M.A at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.
Susan and Brian Deyo have been very involved in Worship Arts minis-try before becoming official members of MSPC in 2015.
Susan, our drama team director, recruited more than ten volunteers to participate in the dramas which have enriched our Sunday worship services during Lent. Each Sunday the team has present-
ed a music selection from “Godspell” along with a dialog featuring one of the parables. We appreciate Susan’s passion for the worship drama ministry.
In addition to the drama team, Susan is involved in several Worship Arts music groups —women’s ensemble, praise team and chancel choir.
Brian plays electric and acoustical guitar for our praise band, Chapter 28 and has participated in many special services at MSPC for more than 15 years. During our major musical pro-grams, Brian has played clarinet in
Susan Deyo & Mike
Drama Team in worship on March 19, 2017
Page 4 Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church
Y OU TH M INIS TRY I N A S NAPSHOT !
Tubing . . . February is always a fun time in youth group! We typically find a cold day and head over to Perfect North slopes for some tubing and hot chocolate. This year we were met with 64 degree temps and hardly any snow on the
ground! But that didn’t prevent us from having fun. The afternoon was filled with tubing, food, and hanging out to-gether. This year our goal is to pro-vide more oppor-tunities for the middle school and high school students to part-
ner in events such as our annual su-per bowl party, tubing, and Spring re-treat and many more. We want our students to love one another and build a community of trust and ser-vice. We have many more events and opportunities coming up and if you would like information on how your child can join us, or if you would like to volunteer, please email me and we will get you all of the details!
Study . . . In high school we are currently studying through profiles of wom-en in the bible using “Through His Eyes” by author and Professor Jer-ram Barrs. Few biblical teachings have been as misunderstood and muddled by those inside and out-side the church as its instruction concerning women. Through His Eyes answers the question "What does God think about women, and how does he treat them?" by walk-ing readers through several biblical case studies. Through His Eyes be-gins with Eve and a series of Old Testament examples that demon-strate the respect God gives to women and their significant place in salvation history. In the New Testament we see how God blessed Mary by calling her to be the mother of our Savior and how beautifully Jesus treated women. We want our students to see the beauty of God’s gracious story as it unfolds in a variety of ways, and through a variety of people.
Our middle school students are studying through the covenants of
the Bible with Cassy Emery, and how God’s promises in his covenant are as real, enduring, and beautiful for us today as they were when they were given to God’s people. Working through scripture, critical thinking questions, and journaling their thoughts, the middle school students are learning how God’s sto-ry for this world is ever unfolding and yet complete in its work.
Spring Retreat This year our annual Spring retreat is a joint middle school and high school event. We will be going to camp Lebanon retreat center March 31- April 2.
Our retreat theme is Recovering Redemption.” We will going deep into Scripture and deep inside our-selves, to discover that the heart of all our problems is truly a problem of our hearts. Because of what God has done, and because of what God can do, the most confident, con-tented person we know could actu-ally be you―redeemed through Jesus Christ.
CHURCH APP - “Madeira Church” Have you downloaded our free, mobile app to your smart phone or
tablet? The app provides easy and fast access to giving on line, listening to
sermons or checking events. Our logo makes the app easy to locate on your
screen. Contact the church office if you have any questions or need assistance.
Spring 2017 Page 5
The idea of family worship is both attractive and intimidating. Believers may hear encouraging testimonies of the benefits of family worship from others, but the thought of beginning a new pattern of worship in the home can be overwhelming for those just beginning. The guide addresses some of the most basic questions concerning family worship to help you feel more emboldened and more equipped to lead your family in worship.
What does the Bible say about family worship? Family worship as we know it is not explicitly commanded in the Bible, but the importance of the home in disci-pleship is prominent throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, fa-thers are commanded to teach their children throughout the day, even if that training is informal: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deut. 6:6-7). But more formal instruction is evident in passages such as Psalm 78:5-7: “He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”
When we turn to the New Testament, fathers are given the command to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Timothy, a disciple of Paul, was dis-cipled first by his mother, Eunice,
and his grandmother, Lois (2 Tim. 1:5). Their impact went beyond mere ex-ample. Paul encouraged Timothy to continue in the faith found in the Scriptures. These Scriptures, Paul said, Timothy had learned from child-birth (2 Tim. 3:15).
In summary, family worship in the Bible is rooted in the idea of responsi-bility. Parents, especially fathers, are primarily responsible for the spiritual instruction and vitality of their families. The task is great and weighty, but God’s grace is greater and the eternal rewards are beyond anything this world can offer.
What are the benefits of
family worship? Isn’t it enough to take my family to worship on Sundays? How can I do something in my home that exceeds what takes place on the Lord’s Day? Quite simply, we can’t replace what we do on Sundays. Indeed, that is not the point. Framing the question in this way obscures the many benefits of family worship that enhance (not re-place) the value of what believers do on the Lord’s Day. Among these bene-fits are the following:
Family worship brings glory to God. Family worship produces joy in
the home. Family worship effects change in
the world; as we disciple our families they go make disciples.
What should we do during family worship?
The consistent refrain of those who have made a habit of family worship is this: keep it simple. Many believers are intimated at the prospects of conducting a worship service in their home. But keeping family worship simple can relieve some of these anxieties. Consider including the fol-lowing simple elements in your home
worship.
Read: Read a portion of the Word together, either chapter-by-chapter or a selection provided in a devotional. Allowing children to read can be of benefit to them. Of course, you’ll want to explain difficult words and concepts. Work through a simple process of ex-amining what has been read. First, what did the passage say to the original readers? Second, what does the pas-sage mean for all time? Third, how does this passage apply to us as indi-viduals, as a family, and as a church?
Pray: There is no set prescription for prayer in family worship. If you have a guide that encourages specific areas of prayer, you may follow that. You may pray through the acronym ACTS, voicing prayers of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (prayer for needs). In any event, try to include everyone as you pray, even if this is on a rotating basis. You may want to maintain a prayer journal that enables you to keep track of prayer requests and God’s answers to those requests.
Memorize: Whether a verse (or verses) is suggested or selected by a family member, work on it together. The beginning of the week may be spent both understanding and memo-rizing the verse. By the end of the week, allow everyone to repeat the verse. Review of verses may be car-ried out over the course of the year.
Sing: This is often the hardest to do. Most people feel awkward trying to sing without a group of people to hide behind. But singing, especially hymns, can reinforce many theological concepts
Page 6 Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church
MISSIONS MINISTRY My Mission Experience to Guatemala —by Catherine Heffner
Last April I went to a Caring Partners International dinner with MSPC members, Jack and Karen Reuter. During the dinner, I mentioned that I have always wanted to go on a mission trip. Karen asked if I’d like to go to Gua-temala in December. Very quickly I said “Yes!” Then re-ality set in and I thought, “What have you done now?” I was excited and intimidated at the same time. I wasn’t sure how someone like me would fit in with a medical mission as I have no medical training and am not a mis-sionary by any means. I was feeling unworthy. How was this going to work?
When we arrived in Guatemala, I felt blessed for all the things we here in the states take for granted. I was amazed at the beauty of the countryside—volcanos and lush fields. Then there were homes with high concrete walls and barbed wire around the top; store fronts with metal bars and armed guards. In some areas, homes had fallen and the ruble was used to make another home; staked on top of each other. People were everywhere.
We stayed in Guatemala City the first night and were told NOT to leave the hotel at night. I started to think I may have made a mistake. I don’t know of any place in the United States where you are locked into the hotel at night by the staff for your safety.
Sunday we went to church. From the minute we walked in you could feel the presence of the LORD! Families came up to us, hugged us and truly cared we were there. Voices raised in Spanish and English combined to make joyful music. It was the truest and most sincere worship I’ve ever witnessed. It was complete adoration. Even songs sung all in Spanish (I don’t speak a stich of Spanish) I understood spiritually and it was fantastic!!!
We left for Guatemala City and traveled to Retalhuleu that afternoon; out of the big city and into the countryside. Each morning we traveled about 45 minutes to the Ele-mentary school compound to provide medical services
and share the Word of God. The first day was slow, but once the message spread about free medical services many people were standing in line as we arrived the next few days. They waited for hours in line in the heat and sun, no chairs or fancy waiting rooms with TVs. While many had multiple ailments, our resources and time only permitted targeting the most primary con-cerns. Approximately 967 people were served in four days.
I worked in the eye clinic helping to get the right glasses for each person and then adjusting them to fit. The glasses were usually used glasses so we had to make repairs and adjustments. I meet the most amazing people. One lady about
30 years old had -13 vision in one eye and -8 in the other. She literally could not see more than about 12 inches from her face for most of her adult life. Only one pair of glasses would work for her. On our last day she came back and brought her 9 year old daughter with her. They had so little, yet
she had made cheese for us as a thank you. When they were leaving her daughter hugged me and said, “Thank you for helping my mom-my to see me.” Imagine going through years of never really being able to your child’s face clearly.
I can’t stop talking about the things that hap-pened on the trip. I never dreamed God would use me in this way, for who am I? It was the most wonderful experience. There was not one minute during the trip I felt afraid, scared or lost. It was God’s hands at work and I will defi-nitely do it again.
All I can say is God places you where He needs you most and uses you in ways you have never dreamed. If you have a chance or a desire to go on a mission trip, there are so many ways you can serve.
Take the chance and be filled!!!
Spring 2017 Page 7
2017 Church Officers
Elders of Session
Class of 2017 Larry Boroff, Catherine Heffner, Leo Hutton, Russ Kennedy, Nancy Sterrett
Class of 2018 Larry Lewis, Sam Robinson, John Teller, Ken Wegenhart, Cheryl Weiss
Class of 2019 Michael Braunlin, Donna Higdon, Bill Keene, Lisa Love, Eydie Stouder Alternate: Nancy Kendrick
Board of Deacons
Class of 2017 Karen Bader, Bev Busemeyer, Cindy Curey, Crystal Dahlmeier, Jenny Reed, Cathie Teller, Connie Wilson, Billie Yeomans Alternate: Kumi Perry
Class of 2018 Diane Cordell, Bill Haas, Connie Kappes, Andrea Lewis, Christy Lowe, Sarah Miller, Haven Miller, Dan Moore Alternates: Diana Fowls, Lynn Geyer
Class of 2019 Dale Clever, Stephanie Samuel-Curtis, Karen Donahue, Elaine Goetz, Bryan Graves, Brady Irvin, Bradley Strauchen, Sandy Thompson Alternates: Madeline Clever, Melanie Frew
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Check it out inside . . .
Children’s Ministry Page 2
Family Worship Page 5
Missions Ministry Page 6
Pastor’s Message Page 2
Spiritual Disciplines Page 1
Worship Arts Ministries Page 3
Youth Ministries Page 4
MAUNDY THURSDAY April 13 7pm Worship
& Communion
GOOD FRIDAY April 14 12pm Community Service
@ Indian Hill Episcopal
Presbyterian Church
9am Worship 10am Egg Hunt & Fellowship for Everyone 11am Worship
Stay Connected . . . . 513.791.4470 [email protected]
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