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Presbyterian ‘Connection’ March 2014 Volume 21 Issue 3
FORGIVENESS
After telling us in Colossians 3:12 to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience, in verse 13 Paul says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you”. Let’s take a good look at the
word forgiveness. It encompasses many feelings, attitudes, and actions. For someone who has been
convicted of a crime, to be pardoned is a much desired action on the part of the governor or president.
It wipes away the penalty for what one has done. When we forgive like the Lord, we free the offender
of guilt for how that person has treated us. What have we given in order to forgive someone who has
offended, abused, or hurt us? Remember singing the hymn “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but
the blood of Jesus.” He gave his all to forgive our sins. To forgive like Jesus means to absolve others
of their actions that have frustrated and angered us. It means that we think no more of it. We bury the
hatchet as the old saying goes. Paul emphasizes forgiveness in this passage of scripture by using three different Greek words that
express facets of forgiveness whereas we use one. When we reflect on the Christian characteristics
above, we see that they fit right into the spirit of forgiveness. The first one he used has the thrust of
enduring patiently. It urges bearing with one another, even suffering in the sense of tolerating. The
other word translated forgiveness embodies the attitude of being graceful. It is rooted in the word that
we translate as charisma. We might push it a bit and say that Paul is urging us to be charismatic. Some
Christian groups use “charismatic” as being filled with the Holy Spirit. When it comes to being
forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us, we need to be filled with the Spirit of Christ. The third word he
used is derived from the same root as charisma, “be graceful.”
The challenge for us is to reflect the character, the Spirit of Christ in our relationships with one another.
We strive not to make an adversary of a brother or sister in Christ. We are challenged not to be mean-
spirited. We are challenged to leave behind us the old attitude “I don’t just get even. I get back.”
Remember to FORGIVE, FORGIVE, FORGIVE!!! FORGIVE AS THE LORD HAS FORGIVEN
YOU.”
God Bless! Fred
Lord, fill us with your Spirit of Grace and Love.
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To Our Family in Christ
Thank you so much - For your prayers for Mama, “Marilyn Jane Anderson,” for her healing &
comfort. Thank you for all the lovely cards and wonderful visits to cheer her & make our days
bearable! She is thriving on your love! Me too!
Love in Christ,
Amy Johnson
Coffee & Fellowship
Be sure to drop in for coffee, maybe a
Danish or cookies and wonderful fellowship on
Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in Memorial
Hall!
January Income - $4,355.56
January Expenses - $5,843.34
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WORSHIP IN MARCH
MARCH 2nd Transfiguration of the Lord
Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2
2 Peter 1:16-21 & Matthew 17:1-9
COMMUNION —————
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5th
Ash Wednesday Service at 6:00 p.m. ————-
MARCH 9th 1st Sunday in Lent
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 & Matthew 4:1-11
POTLUCK ————-
MARCH 16th 2nd Sunday in Lent
Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 & John 3:1-17
BLESSING OF THE FOOD PANTRY ————-
MARCH 23rd 3rd Sunday in Lent
Exodus 17:1-7: Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11 & John 4:5-42 ————-
MARCH 30th 4th Sunday in Lent
1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14 & John 9:1-41
MINUTE FOR MISSION
“Fifth Sunday Sing” at 6:00 p.m.
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CHURCH USHERS/GREETERS COMMUNION SERVERS
March 2 - Steve Broskovak & Ken Hobart Ed & Peni Lloyd
March 9 - Linda Allensworth & Irene Bere
March 16 - Bill & Mary Kerr
March 23 - Amy Johnson & Sandy Erickson
March 30 - Faye Brackett & Sandy Erickson
PRAYER LIST FOR CONGREGATIONS, PRESBYTERY OF AR.- 2014
March 2 - Woodlands, Hot Springs Village Holiday Island Church
March 9 - Second, Little Rock First, Yellville
March 16 - Walnut Grove, Farmington First, Mena
March 23 - First United, Fayetteville West Fork Church, West Fork
March 30 - First, Harrison First, North Little Rock
PLEASE NOTIFY PAT ERLEWINE IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO SHOULD BE ON OUR PRAYER LIST.
BIRTHDAYS March April March 3 - Dick Sass April 6 - Mary Ann Smith March 10 - Allen Althof April 10 - Betty Craig March 20 - Betty Perrin April 11 - Darcy Burghard March 22 - Pat Erlewine April 18 - Vivian Meyers March 28 - Betty Aaron April 19 - Garrett Carpenter March 30 - Jini Sass April 22 - Don Miller
ANNIVERSARIES
March 12 - Bob & Arabella Richardson
March 18 - Dr. Roger & Meg Simons
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LIBRARY LINES MARCH 2014
A children’s book entitled AUDREY BUNNY was donated to the library in memory of Virginia Hoefer by her granddaughter, Breezy Brookshire, who is also the illustrator for the book.. The book is written by Angie Smith. Take
some time and enjoy this lovely book that is not just for children.
Two other fiction books have been donated to the library which will appeal to our male readers as well as our ladies. The first book is entitled TRINITY by Ronie Kendig. The following is a short synopsis: “Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured and the geological survey team she’s covertly embedded with is killed while secretly tracking the Taliban in the beautiful but brutal Hindu Kush. It’s clear only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. And only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the
greatest--and most dangerous--mission of their lives.”
The second book is entitled THE DEFECTOR by Daniel Silva and a short
synopsis follows:
“Grigori Bulganov once saved Gabriel Allon's life in Moscow-and Allon always repays his debts. So when the former Russian intelligence officer vanishes, Allon gathers his team of operatives to go after those responsible. But, in a running battle that rages across the globe, Allon soon realizes that his enemy may already hold the key to victory. And that if he continues, it will cost him
more than he can bear…”
We also have the following new fiction books:
LOVE’S SWEET BEGINNING by Ann Shorey, MINDING MOLLY, by Leslie Gould, THE KISSING BRIDGE by Tricia Goyer, FRONTIER BRIDES by Colleen Reece, KANSAS BRIDES by Denise Hunter, MIRIAM’S QUILT by Jennifer Beckstrand.
Thanks to all who donate to the library. All donations are very much
appreciated. Enjoy the books.
Faye Brackett, Librarian
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MISSION MINUTE
MARCH-2014
“We stood staring silently into an abyss of trash. The hillside slid steeply downward; mountains of garbage sat piled below. Dozens of black buzzards circled overhead, searching for anything salvageable. Looking farther we saw people everywhere, scavenging just like the birds. For them, the garbage was a different type of lifeline: salvaged items are cleaned, repaired, and resold to provide income for their families. Often, it’s all they receive.
This is the Guatemala City dump--one of the largest in Central America and a place that over 1,000 people call home. I was there with a group of university students who had come for a week of learning and immersion, but even after spending six months here as a Young Adult Volunteer, I felt as though my eyes were being opened anew. Staring into the dump, I realized that I had become accustomed and blind to many of the injustices like this that are woven into daily realities in Guatemala. By his grace, God let me see with new eyes how his people are suffering and how this is unacceptable.
In our lectionary readings, we see God’s heart for justice in his commandments in Leviticus 19 and in the radical new system of justice and love that Jesus calls us to in Matthew 5. Psalm 119 celebrates the beauty of God’s word and commandments, and 1 Corinthians 3 speaks of how we are all temples of the Holy Spirit. Temples should no be found living among trash, invisible. We are loved and dignified children of God and should not live oblivious to our brothers and sisters.”
-Annie Aeschbacher, Young Adult Volunteer, Guatemala, 2012-13
Submitted by the Mission Committee
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“TILL WE SPEAK AGAIN”
Question: It is wrong to think of other things during the church
service?
Answer: And it’s not a good idea to sleep through it either! Wouldn’t that
be like going to a fancy restaurant and getting fast food in paper take-out
wrappers? You need to relax, pay attention and enjoy the experience if you
expect to glean any meaningful knowledge out of it. Unless you are there only
to take up pew space, see who else is there, and to hear what is going on.
To become a mature Christian takes time and effort. You must listen to the
minister, read God’s written word, and speak to God in prayer often. You only
get out of any experience what you are willing to put into it... this is no
different. There is no instant gratification or quick fixes. You also must gather
together and work together with other church members for the good of the
church as a whole, despite your own preferences. Be willing to compromise,
that’s the key!
Children and teens always prefer fast food restaurants because they want
instant gratification and are not willing to wait for a more pleasant dining
experience with a better quality of food. So too, must we savor our time in
worship with the Lord, and not make it something to be rushed through. Is
one hour a week too much time to devote to God?
I do hope this has answered your question!
Luv, Millie aka-Meg
Thought for the day: For a change, ask what you can do for
God instead of what God can do for you!
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MARCH PUZZLE
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
This morning as I was walking down our driveway to get the morning paper, the little blue
birds were making their soft good morning chirps, and the beautiful cardinals were also
making their loud whistles. The trees are starting to bud and the daffodils are peeking up
out of the ground. That’s a sure sign that God is busy getting everything ready for a
beautiful Spring after a very cold winter. The first day of Spring is Thursday, March 20th.
Oh - let’s not forget that day light savings time is also Sunday, March 9th… Spring
forward!
With that being said, it’s time we start our first meeting of this year for the Presbyterian
Women. We will meet Monday, March 3rd at 9:30 a.m. at the Village Wheel. All Ladies are
welcome and please bring some new ideas with you.
The officers for 2014 are;
Mary Kerr - Moderator & Treasurer
Amy Johnson - Vice-Moderator & Secretary
Vicky Bair - Publicity
Ada Jeffrey - In charge of our box-top program
Betty Aaron - Will help with Missions.
As we close for now, I wish you all a very “Happy Spring”, and hope to you on Monday,
March 3rd.
God Bless,
Mary Kerr - Moderator
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RECIPES
Oven-Fried Chicken Chimichangas
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins Yield: 6 Chimichangas
About This Recipe "A fast and healthier way to serve Chimichangas than the traditional deep fried. These are very good, and you may dress them up to you own preference. I like to serve with green chile sauce sometimes instead of the picante sauce."
Ingredients 2/3 cup picante sauce or 2/3 cup your favorite salsa 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 green onions, chopped with some tops ( about 1/4 cup) 6 (8 inch) flour tortillas 2 tablespoons margarine, melted shredded cheddar cheese, for serving chopped green onion, for serving picante sauce, for serving sliced avocado for serving
Directions 1. Mix chicken, picante sauce or salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese and onions. 2. Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. 3. Fold opposite sides over filling. 4. Roll up from bottom and place seam-side down on a baking sheet. 5. Brush with melted margarine. 6. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until golden. Garnish with additional cheese, sliced avacodo and green onion and serve salsa on the side.
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THIS WE BELIEVE for MARCH
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.“
“Colossians 3:13”
~MISSION STATEMENT~
“We will be scripture-based to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and spiritually led to guide all people to be active doers of the Word”
Approved by Session on November 16, 2007
CHURCH STAFF
Clerk of Session: Vicky Bair, Church Treasurer: Ken Hobart, Secretary: Christi Partee
Financial Secretary: Dick Sass, Asst. Financial Secretary: Elaine Miller
DEACONS
Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016
Dot Pitts Pam Hobart Sandy Erickson
Amy Johnson Dick Sass Pat Erlewine
ELDERS
Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016
Meg Simons Ken Hobart Vicky Bair
Peni Lloyd Steve Broskovak Jini Sass
Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals
P.O. Box 305
Bull Shoals, AR. 72619