Meeting House Meeting House Meeting House Meeting House News News News News The Reverend Anthony D. Lorenz, Pastor Debby Madden, Director of Educational Ministry The Reverend Jon A. Black, Pastor Emeritus Arthur Thompson, Organist Susan Shuey, Choir Director Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary Michael Stamey, Sexton Administrative Office Hours M, W, F: 9AM—2PM Phone (717) 243-4612 Pastor’s Phone Number (C) (717) 609-3780 Office E-mail [email protected]Pastor’s E-mail [email protected]Educator’s E-Mail [email protected]Website www.firstprescarlisle.org First Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Church On the Square, 2A North Hanover Street On the Square, 2A North Hanover Street On the Square, 2A North Hanover Street On the Square, 2A North Hanover Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013 April April April April—May, 2018 May, 2018 May, 2018 May, 2018
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Meeting HouseMeeting HouseMeeting HouseMeeting House
NewsNewsNewsNews
The Reverend Anthony D. Lorenz, Pastor Debby Madden, Director of Educational Ministry The Reverend Jon A. Black, Pastor Emeritus
Arthur Thompson, Organist Susan Shuey, Choir Director
Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary Michael Stamey, Sexton
First Presbyterian ChurchFirst Presbyterian ChurchFirst Presbyterian ChurchFirst Presbyterian Church
On the Square, 2A North Hanover StreetOn the Square, 2A North Hanover StreetOn the Square, 2A North Hanover StreetOn the Square, 2A North Hanover Street
Pastor’s CornerPastor’s CornerPastor’s CornerPastor’s Corner Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church, As we celebrate Easter I thought it was important to remind us that Easter is not just a day. Easter is actually a season, a season of fifty days that we celebrate and observe from Easter Sunday until the Day of Pentecost. Just as Advent and Lent are seasons of preparation, I think it is important for us to consider Easter as a season of celebration. We rejoice in Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of resurrection life we have in Him.
In John’s Gospel Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abun- dantly” (John 10:10). I’ve always thought of resurrection life as abundant life. But what does Jesus mean by “abundant life?” If we look at the example of Jesus and the disciples then we can begin to see a pattern. Abundant life doesn’t mean an easy life. It doesn’t mean a life filled with fine things, fancy cars and big houses. It doesn’t mean a life free from suffering. Abundant life does mean a life lived in the presence of God, a life filled with the Holy Spirit, a life filled with fellow disciples on the journey of faith. It is a life filled with newness and resurrection.
Abundant life or Resurrection life begins now, it is not some day we wait for in the future by-and-by. Too often we are content to put off living into the promises of resurrection Jesus gives us. We are okay with knowing they will be there for us one day. But Jesus offers us this life now, and we are in a very real sense cheating ourselves when we don’t participate in this gift of new life.
So how do we do all this, you may be asking? One of the most important things you can do is to be an active part of the community of faith. By coming to worship and praying, by reading and studying the Bible, by coming to the Lord’s Table, and by finding fellowship with other believers, we experience God’s gift of abundant life. It’s not always easy. We don’t always feel like praying or understand the Bible or agree with our fellow Christians, but that’s the beauty of it. God calls us into this rag-tag community that is far from perfect and in doing so reminds us just how very much He loves us in Christ.
There are signs of resurrection life all around. It’s not just daffodils and lilies and chicks and bunnies. It often starts small and it may take a while to grow. It takes time and patience to see and nurture this life. Sometimes we even have to get a different perspective. In mid-April I will be travelling to Honduras once again to work with our brothers and sisters there. Every time I go to Honduras I am reminded of the abundant life God gives to us in Jesus Christ. Even though my muscles ache, my spirit is revived by time spent with such faithful people. Taking the time to get a different perspective reminds me just how blessed I am.
So as we celebrate Easter I invite you to take some time to look around and consider the signs of abundance God has given you, the signs of resurrection in your life. Look and be glad, giving thanks that God blesses us in so many different ways.
Yours very truly in the Risen Christ, Pastor Tony Lorenz
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Corner 2 Presbytery Meeting 3 Faith Circle/Bible Study/ 3 Space for God Caregivers Gatherings 3 Special Offerings 3 Summer Camp 3 Worship Notes 3 Budget Update 4 Book Club 4 Prayer Community 4 Rummage Sale 4 Honduras Mission Trip 4 Mother’s Day Tradition 4 Sunday School News 5 Special Guest, Apr. 29 5 Blanket Sunday 5 Children’s Sunday School 5 Organ Project Update 5 April & May Birthdays 6 April & May Worship Assts 6 April Calendar 7 May Calendar 8
Fellowship Hosts Needed!
If you wish to help with this
Ministry of Hospitality,
please sign up in Fellowship Hall.
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THE PRESBYTERY OF CARLISLE IS COMING TO FIRST CHURCH!
HELPERS NEEDED!!!
First Church will host the May 22nd meeting of Carlisle Presbytery! The meal begins at 5:00 PM
and the meeting at 6:00 PM. This is an “all hands on deck” event. We will need lots of helpers
both inside and outside to welcome guests from all over the presbytery. Some of the areas where
you can help are:
• parking
• directing guests to entrances
• greeting (directing people to meals, restrooms, etc.),
• ushering (for worship)
• meal prep to include serving and cleaning-up
• general set-up and clean-up
Please mark Tuesday, May 22 on your calendars. Sign-up sheets will be posted soon in
Fellowship Hall, and someone from the Session or staff will contact you to lend a hand. Thanks!
FAITH CIRCLE Presbyterian Women will
meet at 2 PM, Monday,
April 23rd (4th Monday of
the month).
BIBLE STUDY Bible Study will be held at
6:30 PM, Tuesday, Apr. 10
& 24, continuing a study of
the Book of Romans.
SPACE FOR GOD At the April 9 & 23 meetings, the study of Discipleship by
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, will continue. You are welcome to
join in on these theology-based discussions the 2nd and
4th Mondays of the month (7 PM).
SUMMER CAMP Can it be time to think about our summer plans — camps, vacations? Krislund Camp’s summer schedule is online at www.krislund.org.
The camp offers high adventure activities, fine arts programs, and outdoor experiences grounded in Christ and the traditions that have made an experience at Krislund a memory to last a lifetime.
At Krislund, campers discover God’s love for them, have an adventurous time stretching their hearts and minds (and legs!), and experience hope, peace & love. Who knew you could fit so much fun and excitement into one week?
Sign up now to reserve your spot at the camp of your choice. (Debby will be chaplain July 15-20).
Worship Notes
May 20: Home Communion served (Day of Pentecost)
May 27: Summer Schedule begins (10 AM worship; no Sunday School)
SPECIAL OFFERINGSSPECIAL OFFERINGSSPECIAL OFFERINGSSPECIAL OFFERINGS
The “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering that was received on Palm Sunday (March 25) totaled The “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering that was received on Palm Sunday (March 25) totaled The “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering that was received on Palm Sunday (March 25) totaled The “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering that was received on Palm Sunday (March 25) totaled $1,630$1,630$1,630$1,630. . . . The PW Birthday Offering will be received on The PW Birthday Offering will be received on The PW Birthday Offering will be received on The PW Birthday Offering will be received on April 29April 29April 29April 29, with a “Minute for Mission” planned for April 22., with a “Minute for Mission” planned for April 22., with a “Minute for Mission” planned for April 22., with a “Minute for Mission” planned for April 22.
Caregiver Coffee Break Hospice of Central PA offers
this program in Carlisle:
WHEN: 4th Tues. of month;
TIME, 2:30 PM
PLACE: Cracker Barrel
This group offers networking
and support from other care-
givers; opportunities to learn
about area resources; and a
break from your daily care-
giving role.
P a g e 4 A p r i l — M a y , 2 0 1 8
Feb 2018 Year to Date Gen’l Fund $23,522 $48,615
Invest. Income $ — $ 160
Other $ 521 $ 2,391
Expenses ($21,151) ($50,183)
BOOK CLUB ACTIVITY
The Book Club’s next meeting is April 12 & May 10 at 7 PM. Book Club pamphlets are in the literature rack in Fellowship Hall. Join in!
Debby Madden
PRAYER COMMUNITY
The Prayer Community will meet on
Sunday, April 15 and May 20th, a�er
worship, in the 2nd floor Chapel. You
may send prayer requests at any "me
to any member of the community,
the church office, or staff. Come, join
in this ministry of care & prayer.
WE’RE HAVING A RUMMAGE SALE!!!
The Mission Committee has adopted three local ministries for First Church to support this year —
In support of these three organizations, on Sat., May 12, we are holding a Rummage Sale here at the church. We are asking that you bring us your gen-tly used clothing, household items, small furniture, tools, decorations, and “treasures” during the week of May 7th. Someone will be at the church each day that week, 9 AM to 5 PM, and on Wednesday (May 9), until 8 PM, to receive your items. If storage at your home is a problem, there will be two bins marked “Rummage Sale” in the room behind the sanctuary for your use. Volunteers are needed to help sort, price and work at the sale. Please contact Barb Allen at 717-249-7625 with questions or to volunteer. Thanks!
Mother’s Day Tradition
As has become a tradition at First Church, our youth will lead worship on Mother’s Day, May 13th. Youth will begin preparing in early April. To this end, in order to take part on May 13th, youth must attend at least five of the six planned practice sessions — held during the 9:30 AM education hour. Dates are: April 8, 15, 22; May 6 & 13. (On May 6, youth will also have lunch after worship. NOTE: A 6th session will be held Saturday morning, May 12th, if needed.) Youth are asked to be thinking about what part of the service they would enjoy participating in. We also invite any youth to share their gift of music, or other. Please let Debby Madden know your plans by April 6th.
Honduras Mission Trip
Pastor Tony will be travelling to Honduras on a
mission trip April 9-16 with the Presbytery of
Carlisle. Each year a small group (7-10) from the
Presbytery goes to Honduras to work with the
Presbyterian Church in Honduras, usually helping
to fund and build a new house for a family in
Tegucigalpa. The week-long trip is filled with
laughter, fun, prayer and lots of hard work. It is
a life-changing trip! If you are interested in
experiencing mission and faith in a whole new
way, please talk to Pastor Tony. The next
Honduras trip will be in the spring of 2019.
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INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN MUSICIAN, SPEAKER, AUTHOR On Saturday, April 28 & Sunday, April 29, internationally-known musi-cian, author, speaker, song-writer, workshop-leader David LaMotte will visit the Carlisle Presbytery. He will present a concert at Monaghan Presbyterian (Dillsburg) on Saturday at 7 PM. David will then lead a Sunday school class here at First Church on Sunday, April 29, at 9:30 AM. He has spoken professionally on five continents, from church basements to international conferences. Worldchanging 101, David’s third book, is an inspiring and challenging look at how change happens, and how we often misunderstand our own capacity for influence. Read more about his ministry of peace and education at www.davidlamotte.com .
Sunday School News The final week of Sunday school before beginning our summer schedule is Sunday, May 20. We will hold an inter-generational class. Details will follow. See below for information on the special event you won’t want to miss planned for April 29th.
BLANKET SUNDAY
On Mother’s Day, May 13th, the Deacons will host “Blanket Sunday.” You can visit their table in Fellowship Hall to donate the cost of a blanket in honor or remembrance of an important woman (or person) in your life. Your $10 donation will go to Church World Service (CWS) for their use in purchasing blankets to provide warmth to those in need during times of disaster, both in the U.S. and around the world. Simply fill out a slip of paper indicating who you are honoring or remembering. A bulletin insert listing those names will be included in the following Sunday’s worship bulletin. Thank you for supporting this worthy mission!
* * * * * About Church World Service: CWS was formed in 1947 in response to an emergency—the aftermath of World War II, when they provided more than 11 million pounds of food, clothing and medical supplies to war-torn Europe and Asia. Responding to emergencies remains a
cornerstone of what they do, now 70 years later.
WHAT OUR LITTLE ONES
ARE STUDYING THIS SPRING April 8 What happened Easter morning?
April 15 Jesus returns to Heaven
April 22 The conversion of Paul
April 29 Paul Escapes from Damascus
May 6 The conversion of Lydia
May 13 Paul & Silas are in prisoned
May 20 Inter-generational class
ORGAN PROJECT UPDATE
Major repairs are completed on the organ! Some additional tuning work will be done before the planned dedicatory concert to be performed by Daniel Dorty. Many thanks to Ron Richcreek for his scheduling and oversight of the many, may hours of work performed by organ technician Matt Baldwin and crew of the Susquehanna Organ Company.
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APRIL & MAY WORSHIP HELPERS
Readers April 1: Dick Sommers April 8: Dick Darr April 15: Deb Ryerson April 22: Lou Anne Stamey April 29: Rebert Thompson May 6: Michael Gogoj May 13: Youth May 20: Alice Zimmerman May 27: Bob Read
Ushers April 1: Dennis/Linda Rydberg; Barb Rebert; Ray Thomas April 8: Jim/Barb Crum; Bill/Ann Gottlieb April 15: John/Elizabeth/Jack/Sarah Martin April 22: Bruce/Anita Ashbaugh; Earl/Alice Zimmerman April 29: Dick/Ellen Darr; Dick/Tracy Sommers May 6: Kari Kornish; Rick Line; Bill/Rita Beck May 13: Dan/Bonnie Deardorff; Bob Davis; Terry Shull May 20: Heather Thompson Family; Mary Jane Blosser May 27: Pat Grabey; Dan Gilbert; Peggy McKeehen; Mike Stamey
Counters April 1: Ann Gottlieb; Mike Gogoj; Melissa Sheperd April 8: Dick/Ellen Darr; Lynne Hofferica April 15: Bruce & Kathy Mulvey; Barb Allen April 22: Bob/Judie Read; Peg Owen April 29: John/Elizabeth Martin; Earlene Heckendorn May 6: Joe/Molly Shane; Lynda Mann May 13: Jim/Barb Crum; Tom Sheperd May 20: Earl/Alice Zimmerman; Charlie Thompson May 27: Dick/Tracy Sommers; Anita Ashbaugh
Fellowship Hosts April 1: No fellowship hour April 8: Judie/Bob Read April 15: XX April 22: Jamie Hoffman/David Killian April 29: Connie Husler & Peggy McKeehen May 6: XX May 13: XX May 20: XX May 27: XX Flowers
April: Jean Thompson (chair) & Lois Lloyd May: Joan Line (chair) & Tracy Sommers
Service Recorder Ray Thomas
Communion Preparers (May 20)
Peggy McKeehen; Alice Zimmerman; Terry Shull Communion Servers (May 20)
Deb Ryerson; Nancy Tritt; Ann Gottlieb
If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a replacement and give If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a replacement and give If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a replacement and give If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a replacement and give the name to the church secretary as soon as known. Thank you.the name to the church secretary as soon as known. Thank you.the name to the church secretary as soon as known. Thank you.the name to the church secretary as soon as known. Thank you.
