Good News April 2009 Recently, I realized that the seasons of Lent, Easter and Eastertide have become, for me, a spiritual “wake up call”. Lent, with its liturgies of confession, repentance, penance and absolution; its Sunday services of worship together with Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; its disciplines of prayer, study and contemplation; altogether the solemnity of Lent is for me, and I hope for you, a spiritual “wakeup call” to change what can be changed if we are to continue to deepen our relationship with the One who died for us that we might live for him. On Easter and during Eastertide, solemnity becomes celebration. No one has captured that more than my favorite poet, Ann Weems. Enjoy and learn while reading this selection from Reaching for Rainbows, pp. 49-50: continued on page 2 From the Pastor’s Study “I think on Easter morning we should throw confetti in church! No? What about a little fanfare? A deafening drum roll? A three-minute standing ovation? What? Have we had the drums beaten out of us That we in the celebrative community can’t really Get excited About God’s aliveness? About God’s love given to us unconditionally? Have we given Easter to the lily bearers, the bunny rabbits, the Patent leather shoes? Let’s face it: We live as though we don’t believe in Easter … We can rock a Baby We can weep for a Dead Man: But what can we do for a 33-year-old who won’t let the story end? Easter scares us Because we’re the people who can’t believe That God gives us abundant life; We think we have to earn it. In our pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps society It’s hard to remember that God doesn’t buy the self- made man. So we in the church spend our lives showing God What good people we are, What achievers we are, How much we deserve God’s love We want to pay our own way, But Easter says it’s already been paid! Easter says, no matter how prodigal, We can go home again! So come to the Easter party! Let’s celebrate that amazing grace That in Christ’s resurrection We are still loved even at our most outrageous. The Lord has given us the music; All we need to do it dance it! Come to the Easter party.”
Transcript
Good News April 2009
Recently, I realized that the seasons of Lent, Easter and Eastertide have become, for me, a spiritual “wake up call”. Lent, with its liturgies of confession, repentance, penance and absolution; its Sunday services of worship together with Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; its disciplines of prayer, study and contemplation; altogether the solemnity of Lent is for me, and I hope for you, a spiritual “wakeup call” to change what can be changed if we are to continue to deepen our relationship with the One who died for us that we might live for him. On Easter and during Eastertide, solemnity becomes celebration. No one has captured that more than my favorite poet, Ann Weems. Enjoy and learn while reading this selection from Reaching for Rainbows, pp. 49-50:
continued on page 2
From the Pastor’s Study
“I think on Easter morning we should throw confetti in church! No? What about a little fanfare? A deafening drum roll? A three-minute standing ovation? What? Have we had the drums beaten out of us That we in the celebrative community can’t really Get excited About God’s aliveness? About God’s love given to us unconditionally? Have we given Easter to the lily bearers, the bunny rabbits, the Patent leather shoes? Let’s face it: We live as though we don’t believe in Easter … We can rock a Baby We can weep for a Dead Man: But what can we do for a 33-year-old who won’t let the story end? Easter scares us Because we’re the people who can’t believe
That God gives us abundant life; We think we have to earn it. In our pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps society It’s hard to remember that God doesn’t buy the self-made man. So we in the church spend our lives showing God What good people we are, What achievers we are, How much we deserve God’s love We want to pay our own way, But Easter says it’s already been paid! Easter says, no matter how prodigal, We can go home again! So come to the Easter party! Let’s celebrate that amazing grace That in Christ’s resurrection We are still loved even at our most outrageous. The Lord has given us the music; All we need to do it dance it! Come to the Easter party.”
April 2009 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News Page 2
I look forward to worshipping with you during this holy season. Why not bring someone with you who is looking for a church home and a life-giving faith? Please continue to uphold Providence Presbyterian Church in your prayer and affection.
Grace and Peace, Roger
continued from page 1
Session met Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 7:30 pm and discussed the following:
>The Finance Committee reported on the current state of the church budget. As of the end of February, $117,310.19 or 17.53% of pledges had been received and $152,437.79 or 17.75% of total revenues have been re-ceived. Actual expenditures are $111,213.12 or 12.95% of the budgeted amount.
>The Capital Campaign reported that total expenditures as of the end of February were $6,405,818.355 with a loan balance of $3,864,436. Revenues through the end of February are $2,651,879.35.
>The Pastor Nominating Committee selected six candidates for phone interviews and reference checks. The top three candi-dates will be invited for face-to-face inter-views. The first face-to-face interview has
been completed and the remaining two have been scheduled. Applications continue to be received and reviewed for additional candi-dates.
>The WSF committee recommended that the summer worship schedule start May 24 and continue until Rally Day. A traditional service and a contemporary service will be at 10 am with a social hour after the services.
>Fred Krebs, Clint Siemens and Hank Schlenker were appointed as church trustees.
>Session expressed thanks to Ed Burke, Jim Durbin, and Todd Withington for a very successful Upward Basketball program this winter. There were 130 participants.
Session will meet next on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 7:30 pm.
Tommie Curtis, Clerk of Session
SESSION
From the Pastor’s Study
Ongoing Concern of the Church
Members of the Pastor Nominating Committee: Doris Bates Harvey Doerksen David Ranowsky Chris Becker Nancy Jones Paula Rogers Leigh Burke David Kepley Maralee Syers Rose Clark Rob Moss Robert Porter (Presby. Liaison)
Our Confirmation Class went on a Pilgrimage to the National Cathedral last month. We walked in silence through the gardens, into the knave and down to the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage where we had 45 minutes or so of quiet solitary time and centering prayer. We left all electronics in the car, so it was three hours without text messages, phone calls, or music pumped through headphones. Three hours of hearing only footsteps, breathing, distant traffic, muted conversations from afar, and silence.
Silence is not dead space, it is alive space. It’s not the absence of noise, but the presence of possibility. As Mark Yaconelli writes in his book Downtime: Helping Teenagers Pray:
The work in ministering with young people is to recover and redeem silence. Not the shame-ful, shunning silence, but the silence from which God created and sustained the world. Silence is food for the soul. Silence is how we learn to listen and discern the voice of God. Silence is how we hear suffering. Silence is how we learn to befriend others. Silence, as Mother Teresa stated, is not only the beginning of prayer, it is the way to peace.
We need to recover some silence in our lives. With our ears on vacation, just think what we might see, feel, smell, or taste! Imagine how much more we might notice in this world if we remove some distractions! So your challenge in the weeks ahead is to turn off the radio when you’re in the car, turn of the TV, take in the presence of other people in your life and see what you notice. Then, share your experience with someone, your kids, your parents, your small group, your friends. Add another question to the ones you ask your family. In addition to “How was your day?” and “What homework do you have?” you might add “Where did you notice silence today?” and see how often silence appears — and we never noticed it before! Note the words of Mother Teresa: “Silence leads to prayer. Prayer leads to faith. Faith leads to service. Service leads to peace.” May you find peace in your hectic life and may God give you opportunities to share it.
Upcoming Youth Events:
April 3 from 6-9 pm, Understanding your Teenager, with Mark DeVries April 3, 11:45 pm, Broomball, meet at Fairfax Ice Arena April 5-10, Hosanna Spring Break Mission Trip April 25, from 9-12, Pennies for Peace Fundraising Carwash (note the date change!) April 26, PYF!!! In silence,
Mary Ellen
CORNER
Pennies for Peace Carwash Fundraiser!!!
Saturday, April 25, 9-12 (Providence Lower Parking Lot)
In support of the Youth Pennies for Peace Team
Let us make your car sparkly clean!
Page 3 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News April 2009
KidsQuest
Lent We hope you and your children continue to enjoy daily Lenten Devotions based on Jesus’ parables and the family activities found in your Children’s Devotionals as you walk through Jesus’ teachings, His death and His victory in the Resurrection of our Lord. We serve a living Lord.
Also part of this season is the One Great Hour of Sharing. Sharing fish banks and a daily sharing guide are also available next to the Lenten Devotionals.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 Vacation Bible Camp Scheduled for July 27-31. A week filled with KidsQuest fun activities including crafts, recreation and action packed music for grades Preschool - 6. This is a community outreach event welcoming all to Providence. We need people to lead and help with:
Teaching Arts & Crafts Recreation Snack Decorations Music Friday Night Program
Contact Holly Marcario at the church, 703-978-3934, ext. 17, or [email protected] to see how you might be able to help. Or talk to John Caldwell, Helen Burvis, or Monica Cameron.
April 2009 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News Page 4
Providence Presbyterian Church invites your family and friends
to attend our annual
EGGSTRAVAGANZA!
Saturday, April 11th Rain or Shine (indoor event)
10 am to noon
All families are welcome to enjoy free food, pretzel making, moonbounce, egg hunts,
games and crafts!
Come celebrate the Good News! He has Risen!
Page 5 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News April 2009
WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE? One Great Hour of Sharing
The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be taken on Palm and Easter Sundays. This is our opportunity to reach out beyond our own walls and serve not only close-by neighbors, but those far away.
Recognizing that our treasures are those things that lead us to a life of gratitude to God and of openness to the needs of others, our treasures could be almost anything: the beautiful ripe peppers in a community garden; the bucket of clean well water that allows children to go to school instead of hauling water from miles away; the resources to help others rebuild their community. Because they allow us to participate more fully and gratefully with all of God’s creation, we can celebrate these achievements as treasures.
Presbyterians have been part of this Easter-time offering for sixty years. We work together with many other Christian denominations to create the resources that fulfill this offering; each denomination decides how the gifts will be used. Presbyterians divide the offering roughly into thirds.
Many from Providence have been able to see the dollars at work up close when our teams head to the Gulf to help in rebuilding. They stay in space provided by the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and work on projects identified by PDA.
Hunger is not a new problem, but of recent times, the needs have grown both here and abroad. The Presbyterian Hunger Program is working to bring hope and food to those in need.
The third part of the offering is dedicated to the Self-Development of People, which provides tools and education that allow people to help themselves.
Special offering envelopes will be available for your gifts. Look for the envelopes during worship services, or mark your check in the memo line:
One Great Hour of Sharing or Easter Offering.
REBUILDING TOGETHER Christmas in April
Could you spend a day painting, helping repair a wall, cleaning up a yard or garden? Saturday, April 25 is the day of this annual event. All helpers are welcome! Providence will partner with others to help a local elderly or disabled person get needed home repairs completed. Call Mary Lee Di Spirito to let her know of your interest in this event.
“HONEY DEW” LIST
The Property Committee has identified the jobs below that need to be completed this Spring and Summer. If you would like to volunteer (or get a group to volunteer), please contact Bertha McClintock.
New lists will be published as needs arise.
Job completed
Repaired fence Began reorganizing basement Replaced burnt out lights on primary church sign Added walkway pad near handicap parking Cleaned office carpets Paint outside railing – Williamson Hall Jobs needing volunteers
Paint window frames Fix cross walks in back parking lot Move/build new bridge to picnic area at corner Replace exterior screen at both ends of Admin. Wing with interior screen (to keep bats out!) Build separation wall in main closet/ Install sliding door Power wash church sign Replace light fixtures as needed throughout the church Replace copper tubing with flexible tubing on coffee pot Clean windows throughout church Acid-etch tiles on front porch (to roughen up surface) Clean blinds throughout church Paint Secretary’s office Paint Parlor Repair all ceilings in Admin. Wing, one at a time
April 2009 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News Page 6
CHURCH CLEAN-UP DAY—APRIL 4
A church clean up day is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th from 8:30am to noon. If you could spare just a few hours sometime during this time frame, it will go a long way to sprucing up the church.
Two major tasks include washing the Sanctuary windows, inside and out, and enlarging and cleaning up the picnic area behind Williamson Hall.
If you plan to work in the picnic area, please bring your rakes, cutters, gloves and wear appropriate clothes to protect yourself from prickers and poison ivy.
If you have any questions, please contact Bertha McClintock.
SEEKING NEW MEMBERS
The Property Committee is looking for a few good women and men. Do you have an interest in helping to maintain Providence Presbyterian Church? Do you have skills in electricity, plumbing, painting, construction, yard work, or just a keen interest in helping to maintain our beautiful building and grounds? If so, consider becoming a member of the Providence Property Committee. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.
If interested, please give John Miller a call , or come to our next meeting on March 31st.
PROPERTY COMMITTEE IN ACTION
Jobs agreed to by volunteers
Repair fence Repair posts for temporary sign Continue reorganizing basement Make repairs to Fellowship Hall stage Replace window lights to Sanctuary stained glass window Replace electrical outlets Clean cloth chair seats
Page 7 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News April 2009
ONE YEAR / ONE MILLION PENNIES FOR PEACE!
Game On!
The Pennies for Peace PPC Youth Challenge!!
February Tally: Youth — $715.85 (!) Children + Congregation — $182.88 Men of the Church — $97.66
GRAND TOTAL TO DATE SINCE RALLY DAY:$5,774.96
Please bring in your donations every week and help us raise 1 million pennies in 1 year!!
We’re more than half way there … 422,504 pennies to go!
ALL money raised supports Pennies for Peace, a service learning program of the Central Asia Institute which provides community- based education and literacy programs for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
A penny in the U.S. is virtually worthless, but in Pakistan and Afghanistan a penny buys a pencil and can transform a life!
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
ACCA FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP
Throughout Fairfax County, requests for food assistance have risen to 128% of this time last year. The ACCA Food Pantry reflects this same increase. Volunteers are needed to go to the Pantry, shop for a family, and deliver the food. And, because of the great increase in requests for help, more drivers are needed. Training is provided before you make your first delivery.
Many families do not have transportation to pick up their own food; ACCA continues to be one of the only food assistance programs to deliver to needy families. Can you help? Call Ann Roman or Mary Lee Di Spirito for more information.
Dear Providence Presbyterian members:
Thank you for inviting me to speak about NOVACO Housing & Services recently. It was great meeting all of you. Your enthusiasm to help support our families is very much appreciated. I look forward to many of you volunteer-ing to help our families. Please check our website at www.novaco.org.
Thanks, Victoria Neeley Executive Director, NOVACO, Inc. (Northern Virginia Coalition)
April 2009 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News Page 8
CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Monday, April 20, 2009, 7:30 - 9:00 pm, the Parlor
This is a drop-in group composed of different people each month. Give it a try!
A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE SHAWL MINISTRY
On Monday, March 16th, we enjoyed a luncheon celebrating our first year as Providence’s Comfort Shawl Ministry. During this time we have made 93 shawls, 25 baby blankets, and 70 scarves. We have delivered 47 shawls to members of our congregation and to local nursing homes, and 13 baby blankets have been presented to parents for their little ones.
Finally, 70 scarves were taken by Mary Lee Di Spirito, a member of the Mission Committee, to hypothermia units and to the participants of Meals On Wheels, presented during their Christmas dinner.
Soon we’ll be placing baskets with 4 or 5 shawls at the back of the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall for members to use for extra warmth during the worship service.
If you know anyone who would appreciate a shawl, baby blanket, or scarf made with “love and prayers,” please let us know. We want to thank the ministers and the Pastoral Care Committee for supporting us this past year.
Kathy Moss and Nancy Jones.
ACOUSTIC PANELS Not bulletin boards! As part of the church’s recent renovations, the Fellowship Hall was outfitted with acoustic panels on both sides along the walls, to improve the sound quality in that big room. They sure do look like bulletin boards, don’t they? But they aren’t! Please do not attach anything to them, by any method, especially tacks and staples.
Page 9 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News April 2009
“RICHMOND WRAP-UP”
Co-sponsored by Social Action Linking Together (SALT) Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH) Virginia Interfaith Center (NOVA-VIC) Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO) Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errant-VA (C.U.R.E.)
Sunday, April 19, 2008, 2:30 – 4:30 pm at
PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH “Where Life and Faith Connect”
9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, Virginia (703) 978-3934
Hear from our state legislators what business was transacted during the 2009 General Assembly. Legislators will be present to answer questions.
Bring your questions! Invite your legislators! All are welcome!
(Contact: John Horejsi at [email protected]; or visit www.S-A-L-T.ORG)
John Horejsi, SALT Coordinator, 9610 Counsellor Dr., Vienna, VA 22181-3248, www.S-A-L-T.org
HEARYE HEARYE ... We are fortunate to have sophisticated and flexible AV systems in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. A big THANK YOU to the following members who have taken training and who volunteer to operate the systems for our Worship Services and occasionally other events:
Charlie Brewer Alison Carney
Michael Carney Rose Clark
Nathan Curtis Jim Durbin Rob Faber
Helen Fitzkee
Toby Fitzkee Chris Hagner Stacy Hayes
Kathy Hermann Derek Knorr
Mary Ellen Moss Joe Moss
April 2009 Providence Presbyterian Church Good News Page 10
LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE ... … Men, Women & Children to “Adopt a Spot” The first impression visitors have of our church is the grounds. Have you taken a good look at the PPC grounds lately? There are many areas that need to be cared for and enhanced, as well as mulched and weeded. There is a map located in the Commons Area showing the areas still available for adoption. Currently, eight areas are being cared for by a few members of our congregation. Please look over the remaining areas to see if you, your family, your small group or a group of friends would take on this responsibility. Your job will be to maintain your adopted space at your own pace on a time schedule that fits you. Please email Bertha McClintock at [email protected] with the area you would like to adopt.
GOOD NEWS DEADLINE SCHEDULE
Please note these remaining deadlines for submitting Good News articles and notices for 2009. You can send your submissions to Kathy Knorr at [email protected]. THANKS! * earlier deadline due to short turnaround time for Editor ** earlier deadline due to holiday
This schedule is subject to change.
Issue Deadline Mailing date May April 13* April 23 June May 15 May 28 July June 15 June 25 August July 15 July 30 September August 15 August 27 October September 14* September 24 November October 14 October 29 December November 9** November 19 January, 2010 December 7** December 17
Providence Presbyterian Church 9019 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA 22031 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Merrifield, VA Permit No. 6284
April 2009
Providence Presbyterian Church 9019 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, VA 22031 703-978-3934 Office
703-978-4306 Fax www.providencechurch.org
STAFF
Interim Pastor: Roger Shoup Associate Pastor: Mary E. Rodgers
Director of Youth Ministries: Mary Ellen Moss Children’s Ministry Coordinator:
Holly Marcario Director of Music: Terry Stoneberg
Organist: Jane Kaye Music Leader & Technology Coordinator:
Rick Thiele Providence Singers: Gene Kaye
Business Administrator: Joe Moss Executive Secretary: Kathy Knorr
Sexton: Richard Mudd Good News Editor: Kathy Knorr
“Che
rry B
losso
ms”,
by L
ily X
u
Sundays
Traditional Worship, 8:45 am & 11:15 am Contemporary Service, 11:15 am
Christian Education for All Ages, 10:00 am Communion: April 5
Holy Week Maundy Thursday, 7:30 pm
at Fairfax Presbyterian Church Good Friday, 7:30 pm
at Providence Easter EGGStravaganza
Saturday, 10 - noon Easter Sunday Special Music
at Traditional & Contemporary services Contemplative Prayer
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