February 2015
A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR
It was my distinct pleasure to Meet Rev. Hawkins this week. I found him to be a humble man interested in leading the Presbytery into the future. His love of Christ and a compassion for the local church is self-evident. We will have an opportunity to hear him preach on Feb. 22nd and to fellowship with him (and possibly his family) during the Congregational Luncheon.
Ruth Duck’s words from her hymn, “As a Fire Is Meant for Burning,” remind us of what it means to be the Church, the Body of Christ.
“As a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame,
so the church is meant for mission, giving glory to God’s
name.
Not to reach our creeds or customs, but to build a bridge of care,
We join hands across the nations, finding neighbors everywhere.
“We are learners; we are teachers; we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers; we are givers; we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening Spirit we would live to God’s delight.”
Your Pastor and Friend,
Dr. Dan
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WORSHIP THEMES FOR FEBRUARY, 2015
Feb. 1st Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Deuteronomy 18:15-2 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28
“What Do You Want With Us, Jesus?”
Feb. 8th Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-30
Feb. 15th Transfiguration of the Lord
2 Kings 2:1-1 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9
“Whom Do We Proclaim?”
Feb. 18th ASH WEDNESDAY
Holy Communion 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. or 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. This is a service of quiet reflection where you are free to come when you want to and leave when you must. Dr. Dan will be present to administer the elements. Remind your family, friends, and neighbors that they are all welcome to participate.
Feb. 22nd FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
Rev. Dr. Ralph Hawkins, Executive Presbyter/State Clerk of
Shenango Presbytery preaching. The Worship service will be followed by our Annual Congregation Luncheon and meeting where we review the past and look to the future.
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PRE-LENTEN AND LENTEN DINNERS
We will be having our Pre-Lenten and Lenten dinners again this year beginning at 6 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, February 17: The Worship Committee will be preparing a Shrove Fat Tuesday pancake meal.
- Wednesday, February 25: The Christian Education Committee will be preparing a ham meal.
- Wednesday, March 4: The Congregational Life and Mission Committees will be preparing a pasta meal.
- Wednesday, March 11: The Building and Grounds and Finance Committees will be preparing a pizza meal.
- Wednesday, March 25: Pot Luck Meal
Plan now to attend.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
The monthly breakfast will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 1. We will also be celebrating February birthdays and anniversaries. After breakfast – why not try out a Sunday School class?
FOOD PANTRY
Our collection for the Ellwood City Ministerium Food Bank will be on Sunday, February 1. Donations of food and paper products are greatly appreciated. Donations can be left in the narthex.
HUMANITARIAN FUND
Our monthly collection for the humanitarian fund will be held on Sunday, February 1. All loose monies in the offering are given to this fund, which is used by the pastor to help those in need. The balance is currently a little of $500.
COMMITTEES AND SESSION
The next committee meetings will be held on Sunday, February 8 following the worship service. A lunch is provided. Session members will gather at 1 p.m.
COOKIE TIME
It’s soldier cookie collection time again. The soldiers enjoy receiving homemade cookies from home. We will be wrapping cookies on Sunday, February 8 following the worship service. A lunch is provided. Help from ALL ages is greatly appreciated.
VALENTINE PASTA DINNER
The Christian Education Committee is sponsoring a Valentine pasta dinner on Sunday, February 15 beginning at 5 p.m. A free will offering will be received to help support our summer campers. Come share the love!
LUNCHEON & CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
A congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, February 22. A luncheon following the worship service will proceed the meeting. Purpose of the meeting is to hear reports of the session, the board of deacons and other organizations of the church and to have a time of visioning for our church. Plan to stay this day and give your input!
DANCE
Cold? Bored? Like to Dance? Let us warm you up, entertain you, and make you smile. The music will be provided by Sanctuary Jazz Band on Saturday, February 28th from 7-9 p.m. The cost is free, however we would love to provide the Ellwood City Ministerial Food Bank with non-perishable items - please share if you have extra.
INDOOR YARD SALE
The church will be having an indoor yard sale on Saturday March 7 from 9am—1pm. Come shop all of the treasures people will be selling, or perhaps set up a table to sell some of the treasures you have collected. Food will also be available to purchase, so come for lunch!
QUILT FOR SALE
Our quilter’s have been busy! They have pieced and quilted a log cabin design quilt. The quilt is 7’8” by 68” and is on display in the narthex. They are selling the quilt for $225 with the proceeds to be given to the roof fund. Please see Helen Blinn or call the church office for more information.
CHURCH WOODEN WALL HANGINGS
We are still selling wooden church replicas at the low cost of $7 each or 3 for $21. A display is in the narthex. Please see Cindy Rosaci (724-758-6785) to make a purchase. All proceeds benefit the roof project.
COMFORTING THE BEREAVED SERVICE
It can be difficult when you lose a loved one. Your church family is here to support you in many ways.
A few years ago we began a time of “comforting the bereaved service”. We as a church family come together at your first visitation time at the funeral home and offer a time of support through scripture and prayer. A grapevine cross is also presented to the family.
How can you receive this? Call Clerk of Session Cindy Rosaci (724-758-6785) and let her know that you would like us to come to the funeral home and she will make the arrangements with the board of elders and deacons. We are also trying to pass the arrangements through the prayer chain to involve all church members. Please let Cindy know if you would her to call you also.
LITURGISTS AND USHERS WANTED
Anyone interested in being a liturgist or usher please let Linda Scott or Sue Marshall know and they will add you to the list.
FINANCIAL REPORT
(Through December)
Year to date received $139,354.15
Year to date expenses $141,600.47 (-$2,246.32)
1. Great news – all mission pledges and per capita assessments for 2014 have been paid! Thank you for your generous support!
2. We continue to make monthly roof loan payments to the Presbytery office. We have received donations of $13,432.96 through January 11. Thank you for your faithful support!
3. The 2015 Per Capita apportionment breakdown is as follows:
Presbytery of Shenango $28.06
Synod of the Trinity 2.20
General Assembly 7.07
Total Apportionment $37.33
The total amount due for our congregation is $4,852.90.
HARDTACK UPDATE
A big thank you to everyone who helped make and/or bought hardtack this year. Profits of $237.10 have been given toward the roof fund. Almost 46# of candy was made during the two evenings. Again – thank you for everyone’s help and support!
WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK
The church has had a Facebook account for some time. Are you a friend? Check it out at Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church.
We recently began a website. It is still a work in progress but check it out at www.wurtemburgpresbyterianchurch.com