From the Pastor

The Newsletter of

First Presbyterian Church

of Waynesburg

October 2011

“The purpose of the First Presbyterian Church is to glorify Almighty God

as we bring people to Jesus Christ, welcome them into our Christian

family, nurture one another to Christ-like maturity, and equip members

for their ministry and mission in the world.”

The Spire firstpreswbg.com

Not too long ago, with the remote firmly in hand, I was watching a

football game, and during a commercial, did what I always do –

changed channels. I happened to come across a rugby match broad-

cast from the United Kingdom. I was mesmerized by their play, though

I had no idea of the rules or terminology – props and scrums, mauls

and rucks were beyond me. The game itself was incredibly physical-

with no protective gear, the players tackled one another as fiercely as

American football.

Thoughts of that game came to mind when I ran across this news story

about Euan Murray (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/

15016776.stm?print=true):

―The Glasgow-born prop, 31, has chosen to prioritize his faith this

weekend, meaning he will miss Scotland's Pool B clash with Argentina

on Sunday. ‗I don't see why there have to be games on Sundays,‘ said

Murray. ‗I hope things will change in future.‘"

―Murray will hope that he has done enough in previous matches to get

his place in the team back for next week's match against England,

which takes place on a Saturday. Back in 2008, Murray did play on a

Sunday when Scotland took on France in the Six Nations. But, after his

faith deepened, he announced a year later that he would no longer be

available for selection on Sundays. At the time he said:

„It's basically all or nothing, following Jesus. I don't be-

lieve in pick 'n' mix Christianity. I believe the Bible is the

word of God, so who am I to ignore something from it?

I might as well tear out that page then keep tear-

ing out pages as and when it suits me. If I

started out like that there would soon be noth-

ing left. I want to live my life believing and doing the

things (God) wants and the Sabbath day is a full

day. It's not a case of a couple of hours in church

then playing rugby or going down the pub, it's the

full day.‟"

What struck me was more than his not playing on

(continued on next page)

First Presbyterian Church

169 W. College Street

P.O. Box 446

Waynesburg, PA 15370

Phone: 724-627-6006

Fax: 724-852-2502

firstpreswbg.com

9:15 a.m. G.R.O.W.

10:30 a.m. Worship

Bill Sukolsky, Pastor

David L. Barrett

Pastor Emeritus

Becky Juliano, Director of

Discipleship and Ministry

Josh Sumpter

Director of Youth Ministry

Tome Custer

Director of Music Ministry,

Director of Children‘s Ministry

Nelson Fox, Organist

Sara Christner,

Accompanist

Janice Scott

Church Secretary

Mark McCullough,

Custodian

Ben R. McCracken,

Treasurer

Patrecia Baily

Financial Secretary

(continued from previous page)

the Sabbath; within the Christian

community there is a broad range of

understanding about what it means to

keep the fourth commandment.

Rather, it was his recognition that fol-

lowing Jesus entails every area of life – in his

words, ―it‘s basically all or nothing… there is no

pick ‗n‘ mix Christianity‖. It was his desire ―to

live my life believing and doing the things (God)

wants‖, regardless of what it might cost him

professionally or personally.

Euan Murray‘s attitude and action captures the

significance of what I have been describing on

Sunday mornings as Christ‘s call for us to ―live

as citizens of God‘s kingdom‖. It is a citizenship

granted us as we trust in Jesus the Savior… it

entails all aspects of our life, from our words to

our money to our families to our enemies… it

reflects a growing awareness that trusting

Christ is the end for which we are created… that

our joy is found in him as we learn to obey him.

Murray‘s words capture the blessings

and cost of discipleship, modeled for

us in life and teaching of Jesus,

made possible through His death

and resurrection on our behalf.

Through the month of October, I will continue to

preach on the parables of Jesus – each of

which illustrate for us the kind of life Jesus

promises and commands as we live under his

authority and rule – lives of ―all or nothing‖ de-

votion as we respond to God‘s unmerited favor.

Our mid-week life groups will continue to meet

as well, providing the roughly 65 people partici-

pating with a space and place to help one an-

other ―believe and do the things God wants‖ in

our families, neighborhoods, and vocations.

I hope you will be joining us in morning worship

through the coming month, as together we

learn what it means to ―bring hope to life in

Jesus‘ name.‖

Blessings- Bill

October Dates to Remember:

2nd Communion

7th- 9th Big One Retreat at Pine Springs Camp

9th University Lunch following worship

12th 3:15-5:30 p.m. Discovery Club begins

13th 7:00 p.m. 20th Century Club Meeting

15th 8:00-10:00 a.m. Shepherds Meeting at

Waynesburg University

6:15 p.m. Dinner Theatre

16th Congregational Meeting

18th 5:00 p.m. Sr. Citizens Volunteer Dinner

23rd All Church Lunch following worship

25th 7:00 p.m. Crossroads Parents Meeting

28th 5:00-6:00 p.m. Good Neighbor Supper

30th Reformation Sunday

October Helpers

Worship Assistants:

2nd & 9th David Baily

16th, 23rd & 30th Josh Sumpter

Deacon of the Month: Lois Riggs

Ushers: Dick Bortz, Matt Blair, Craig Cerra,

Charlie Huffman, Ben T. McCracken,

Drew Huffman, Riley Biddle

Children‘s Message:

2nd Mindy Tedrow

9th Susan Biddle

16th Dave Calvario

23rd Tom Ribar;

30th Janice Baily

Infant Nursery:

2nd Julia Camps

9th Maddy Cerra

16th Lauren Fox

25th Erin Kline

30th Drew McConville

9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 a.m. Worship

Turning missed opportunities

to blessings...

Each of us gives in different ways and in

different amounts. We give not according

to our ability but according to our under-

standing of the needs. When a person dis-

covers gratitude as a motive for giving,

then heart and mind work together to de-

velop good stewardship habits. Just as we

learn how to pray by praying, so we learn

how to give by giving.

What if we were taught and believed that

stewardship is what a person does every

single day of life? What if we could be

taught what a grateful per-

son does with their

money so that they

could experience

the deep and pro-

found joy of giving?

Stewardship Report

Faith Promise Actual

2011

Goal

2011

United World Missions - Telford $1,400 $2,400

Christian Missions - Crow 1,400 2,400

Interserve - Nicky Stock 1,500 2,400

Interserve - Paul & Pat Stock 1,600 2,400

Mission Haiti - Kenson Beaubru 800 2,400

Krasnodar, Russia Church 250 3,000

Christian Bible Ministeries CBM 1,750 3,000

CBM - Judy Virgili 1,400 2,400

CCO - Emily Jenson 800 2,400

Habitat for Humanity - Greene 1,500 3,000

Waynesburg Christian Outreach 1,600 2,400

GWCO - Cathie Carpenter 1,200 1,800

Crisis Pregnancy Center 1,495 2,400

Pine Springs Camp 1,500 3,000

Resurrection Power 649 1,000

Missions - other

Jubilee

Total Expense $18,844 $36,400

Pledged Giving 23,016

Balance 12-31-2010 1,099

Total Income $24,115

Surplus (Shortfall) $ 5,271

What if, honestly and forthrightly, we discov-

ered the biblical truth: We brought nothing

into the world, so we can take nothing out of

it (1 Timothy 5:7). What if we could see the

truth: we cannot take anything material out of

this world, but we do take a record of how we

have lived our life and what we have done

with what God has permitted us to have and

use as long as we live? (Stewardship 6/06)

Financial update… Your prayers and support in meeting the fi-

nancial needs of our church are making a dif-

ference.

Ben McCracken, Stewardship Commission

Actual

8/31/11

Budget

2011

Staff $142,780 $233,683

Property 31,625 45,500

Christian Ed 8,383 16,600

Evangelism 284 2,300

Fellowship 923 2,950

W & S 1,322 3,800

Office 12,850 21,034

Purpose & Planning 118 2,500

Deacons 1,000 2,000

Stewardship 2,000

Total Expense $199,285 $332,367

Giving 170,356 259,603

Investments 44,752 72,130

Other 817 1,050

Total Income $215,925 $332,783

(Shortfall) Surplus $ 16,640 $ 416

Each week at Crossroads, we are diving into

Scripture striving to learn more about God and

more about who God desires us to be. Over and

over, the writers of Scripture utilize “tree” im-

agery. The metaphors of roots, fruit,

branches, and leaves are spread out

through both the Old Testament, and the

New Testament. Our prayer for the teens

that gather together each week will begin

to learn more about who God is calling

them to be: like a tree planted by streams

of water! Why? Deep roots. A huge foun-

dation. Nutrients being soaked up. Abun-

dant fruit. Our prayer is that teens will

have deep roots that are grounded in

Christ, that their lives will reflect Christ-

like fruit, and oh, when tough times hit, their faith

does not wither away. Check out the words of the

Psalmist in the very first chapter:

Blessed is the man who does not walk

in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf

does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

(Psalm 1:1-3) by josh sumpter

youth ministry ~ grades 6—12

Crossroads Calendar

Oct. 7-9: Pine Springs Big One Retreat (Weekend)

Oct. 9: Crossroads Combined 7-9 PM

Oct. 16, 23, 30: Crossroads

Nov. 4-6: Pittsburgh Project (High School)

Cross-Training (Grades 6-12)

Wednesdays 7-8:30 PM starts Oct. 5th @ The Sumpter‘s House

Grow 4 Life

Classes:

101 Class & 301 Class

On Sunday, November 6th we will

be offering both the 101 – Commit-

ment to Membership Class and the

301 – Commitment to Ministry Class.

Both classes will begin promptly at 9

AM, break for worship, include a light

lunch, and finish by 1:30 PM.

The 101 Class is the first class in the

Grow 4 Life series. The content focuses

on the purpose, process, and plan of

our congregation, as well as the call to

commitment to membership, maturity,

ministry, and mission as we serve

Christ together. The class is designed

for anyone who is interested in becom-

ing a member of the First Presbyterian

Church family.

The 301 Class is the third class in the

Grow 4 Life series. The content focuses

on discovering and using your spiritual

gifts. It is intended to help you discover

where you may be best suited to

serve and minister in the

context of our church family.

Fall G.R.O.W. Classes

Our current Sunday morning

G.R.O.W. classes will continue

through the month of October.

It is not too late to join! Please con-

sider coming to one of these great

learning and community-building op-

portunities. These classes take place

on Sunday mornings from 9:15 AM to

10:15 AM. Coffee and snacks are

available before classes start. Here are

the classes we are offering now and

will run through October 30th:

Genesis: The Covenant Comes to Life

Taught by Becky Juliano

This study of Genesis looks at the origi-

nal meaning, bridging contexts, and

contemporary significance of the text,

and provides a better understanding and

relevant application of the biblical material to our

daily lives.

Disney, Hollywood and the Bible: Whose Story Will You

Believe?

Taught by Tom Ribar and Mike Juliano

This class explores how Christians can live faithfully at

the crossroads of Scripture and postmodern culture. It

explores the basics of the Christian worldview and lays

out a brief summary of the biblical story and the most

fundamental beliefs of Scripture.

Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table

Taught by Theresa Viarengo

This class explores the relationship between the way we

eat and the way we live. Scripture, prayer and stories

from the local and global community are used to explore

five key aspects of our relationship with food: the health

of our bodies; the challenge of hunger; the health of the

earth that provides our food; the ways we use food to

extend hospitality and enrich relationships; the opportu-

nities for action, renewal and transformation in our eat-

ing practices-as individuals and as faith communities.

Erasing Hell

Taught by Evan Kephart

This class is for university students. The curricu-

lum is based on Francis Chan‘s book, Erasing

Hell, which is a response to Rob Bell‘s controver-

sial book, Love Wins. Chan‘s book tackles the

reality of hell, and the way we view the areas of

God's Word and actions that we might not agree with.

All-Church Soup & Salad Lunch

On October 23rd there will be another all-church lunch.

October‘s lunch will be sponsored by Crossroads Youth

Ministry and will feature a wide variety of homemade

soups, salad, and bread. All donations received for the

lunch will be used for scholarships for students to go on

youth retreats and service projects. If you are interested

in contributing a soup for the lunch, please contact Josh

Sumpter. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a warm

bowl of soup and time with others in the congregation!

Discipleship & Ministry

Becky Juliano, Director

Growing in

Relationship to

Others and the

Word

Congregational News Please pray for the following service personnel:

Casey Parsons, Jason Cowart, Edward Wagner,

Charles Boyle, Jake Wilson, Dan Everly, Josh Kabay,

Patrick Kabay

In Nursing Homes: Ruth Fuller, Grace Thyreen, Mary Stoy,

Bob Cowell, Jean Zackal, June Anderson

The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Norma and

Linda Bell on the death of Robert W. Bell on September 1, 2011.

The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Peggy Mur-

dock on the death of her sister, Catherine P. Simmers, on

September 7, 2011.

Parents of College Students—please contact the church office

with your child‘s address at school so we can keep in touch.

Lost and Found—Can‘t find your coat? We have a large selec-

tion of coats and jackets in the narthex and stairwell off the

assembly room.

The Dr. Gordon Jones Scholarship has been awarded to Lexi

Ribar, Abbe Huffman, Drew Huffman and Tim Noftzger for the

2011-2012 school year. Each year up to four scholarships are

awarded to members of the First Presbyterian Church who

are attending a post-high school educational institution. This

scholarship is a further commitment of the church to support

our young members.

Calling All Musicians at First Pres!! If you sing or play an in-

strument, there are a number of opportunities to share your

talents!

Praise Team: Participates in each Sunday

morning service, leading the congre-

gation in worship.

Handbell Choir: Performs one

Sunday a month and partici-

pates in Christmas/Easter

services.

Chancel Choir: Partici-

pates in Christmas/

Easter services, and per-

forms one Sunday in fall

and spring.

If you are interested in par-

ticipating, please contact

Tome Custer or the church

office.

October

1 Asa Winters

Miatta Toothman

3 Nathaniel Baily

4 Taylor Johnson

6 Grace Kalsey

7 Richard Bortz III

8 Fred Owens

Susan Biddle

10 Betty Ray

Ione Coburn

11 Linda Pollock

Cherylen St. John

12 Bill Sukolsky

Sara Christner

Mackenzie Robinson

13 Jim Hook

14 Thelma Scott

Alaina Camps

15 Robert Baily

Ethan Haiduc-Dale

17 Robin McGill

Nicole Stephenson

Jesse Kisner

18 Amy Mackor

19 Beth Hellems

Jennifer Robinson

23 Lindsey McGrath

Mary Toothman

24 Skip Noftzger

Rick Ellis

25 Loren Dukate

27 Patty Baily

Amy Sibert

28 Garrett Toothman

29 Shirley Baily

30 Gregory Klinefelter

Alex Teagarden

Julie Marshall

Early November

1 Steve King

Susan Stoy

3 Bob Graham

4 Ryan Schwarz

Daniel Schwarz

Riley Biddle

Check it out!

Mark your calendars —

Discovery Club will begin Octo-

ber 12. There will be games,

songs, food, Bible lessons,

crafts and mission projects for

children 1st through 5th grade

every Wednesday from 3:15

until 5:30 p.m. Our theme this

fall is “Paul‟s Race,

God‟s Grace.”

Ha

pp

y B

irth

da

y t

o Y

ou

!

Fall has arrived and it's time to mark October 15

on your calendars for this years "dinner

theatre". The First Presbyterian

drama team will be

presenting "Capernaum

P.D." - a spoof of the old Dragnet TV

series. The dynamic duo of Joe Friday

and Frank Cannon, detectives

extraordinaire, has been assigned the case

once again. They are investigating several

miraculous, and by the Pharisees'

perceptions, blasphemous occurrences in

Galilee in the two years prior to the

crucifixion of

Jesus.

The transgressions include all the miracles Jesus

performed, from the wine at the wedding to the

feeding of the five thousand.

The investigation takes some hilarious turns as the

duo tries to determine what the truth is, but it

culminates in a poignant conclusion.

Reserve this date on your calendar and come join us for

fine food, friendly fellowship and falling-out-of-your-

chair laughter. Tickets will be on sale soon at $25.00

each. Line up some friends and fill a table of four. All

proceeds benefit First Presbyterian Mission

Experiences. We appreciate your support!

—The Mission team

Capernaum P.D.

Non-Profit Organization

U. S. Postage

PAID

Waynesburg, PA

Permit No. 68

First Presbyterian

Church

169 West College St.

P.O. Box 446

Waynesburg, PA 15370

RETURN SERVICE

REQUESTED

Pakistan Floods in Pakistan – again * Some of you

may know that southern Pakistan has once

again been hit by flooding. It is not of the

same scale as last year, however, our

hometown of Mirpurkhas and the surrounding

areas have been hard hit this time. 25 people

were reported killed in the Mirpurkhas

area. The flooding was caused by prolonged

heavy rains. Many villages have been flooded

and houses destroyed. The AV Center would

like to help get food to 500 families. They have

applied to Tear Fund. Pray for those affected

by the floods and pray for wisdom for our

AV Center workers as to what God would

have us do this time. Pray for God’s

provision.

France

Even France is getting excited and

involved in "small groups"

In September we will have a push to

get even more people into small

groups for study and fellowship. All

the groups will be encouraged to read

and study Peter Maiden’s book on

“Discipleship” which came out in

French recently. This aims at

strengthening unity of vision and

commitment in the church as a

whole.

from Colin Crow,

Missionary in France

Mission

Co

rn

er

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the

word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:8

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship & Communion

3 4 9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Craft & Pray 6:00 Stewardship 6:45 Property 7:30 Session

5 7:45 Healing Choices 1:00 Circle 7:00 Youth Cross-Training

6 6:00 Handbells

7 8

9 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship 12:00 University Lunch 7:00-9:00 Cross-roads Combined

10 6:30 Strategy

11 9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Craft & Pray

12 7:45 Healing Choices 3:15 Discovery Club 7:00 Youth Cross-Training

13 6:00 Handbells 7:00 20th Century Club 8:30 Praise Team

14 15 8:00 Shepherds Meeting 6:15 Dinner Theatre

16 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship & Congregational Meeting 6:00 Middle Sch. 7:00 High Sch.

17 9:00 Christian Ed. 7:00 Worship

18 9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Craft & Pray 5:00 Sr. Citizens Volunteer Dinner 6:30 Deacons 7:00 Sunday Sch.

19 7:45 Healing Choices 3:15 Discovery Club 7:00 Youth Cross-Training

20 6:00 Handbells 7:15 Chancel 8:30 Praise Team

21 22

23 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship 11:45 All-Church Lunch 6:00 Middle Sch. 7:00 High Sch.

24 25 9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Craft & Pray 7:00 Parents Meeting 7:00 Missions

26 7:45 Healing Choices 3:15 Discovery Club 7:00 Youth Cross-Training

27 6:00 Handbells 7:15 Chancel 8:30 Praise Team

28 5:00 Good Neighbor Supper

29

30 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship

Reformation Sunday

6:00 Middle Sch. 7:00 High Sch.

31

Halloween

October 2011

Big One Retreat at

Pine Springs Camp