June 2015
A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR
Summer is a time when many folks “take off for parts unknown.” Travel, visits with family, ocean-side vacations or campground settings; for many, summer is the best season of the year. And there is not a thing wrong with that. I am one who believes that God intends for us to use and appreciate the good creation with which we have been blessed.
As a pastor I would love to see the sanctuary filled every season of the year, summer included. However, many a person has experienced the presence of God in various locations other than the sanctuary. My concern is not that people “miss church” during the summer as much as it is a concern that people miss God’s presence in the summer. By that I mean that vacation time is recreation time (Re-Creation) time -a time to renew our wonder and appreciation for God’s world. Summer is an opportunity to explore the natural world, to deepen relationships with family and friends, a time to intentionally allow God’s spirit to continue to renew and re-create us into God’s image. Use the summer wisely, meditate daily, pray often, and worship wherever you may be. When we worship in a different sanctuary than the one we are used to, it is important for us to remember that the same God in Christ is present in our midst. It is God that we worship, whether we be indoors or outdoors. Blessings for a refreshing, re-creating summer.
In Christ, your pastor and friend,
Dr. Dan
WORSHIP THEMES FOR JUNE, 2015
JUNE 7TH SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST “It’s The Wrong Question”
1Samuel 8:4-20, 11-14 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Mark 3:20-35
JUNE 14TH THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
“Faith: Quality or Quantity?”
Psalm 20 2 Corinthians 5:6-13 Mark 4:26-34
JUNE 21ST FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Rev. William White, guest preacher
JUNE 28TH FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
“Balancing an Abundant Life”
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43
SANCTUARY JAZZ BAND SCHEDULE
The Sanctuary Jazz Band will be playing at the first Ellwood City Farmer’s Market on Saturday, June 6 from 9 to 11 .m. Bring a lawn chair to come listen to a variety of songs.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
The monthly continental breakfast will be Sunday, June 7 at 9:15 a.m. We will be celebrating June birthdays.
FOOD PANTRY
Our collection for the Ellwood City Ministerium Food Bank will be on Sunday, June 7. Donations of food and paper products are greatly appreciated. Donations can be left in the narthex. Please see Dr. Dan if you would be willing to take a turn delivering the donations to the food bank.
HUMANITARIAN FUND
Our monthly collection for the humanitarian fund will be held on Sunday, June 7. All loose monies in the offering are given to this fund, which is used by the pastor to help those in need.
CAMPER RECOGNITION
Summer campers from our church family will be honored during the Sunday, June 7th worship service. (Summer will be here before we know it!)
FATHER AND SON BANQUET
The annual father and son banquet will be on Sunday, June 7 at 5 p.m. Reservations for the meal are due to Donna Cook. The meal will be followed by entertainment and prizes. Invite your male relatives and friends and come to a fun night.
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.
PRESBYTERIAN COFFEE PROJECT
There are still some coffee, tea, and cocoa items available to purchase. If you wish to purchase an item that isn’t currently in stock, it can be ordered. See Scott McCarty for more information.
FINANCIAL REPORT
(Through April)
Year to date received $32,783.64
Year to date expenses $33,576.88 (-793.24)
1) 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
2) $453 was sent to the Presbytery from our special offering for those suffering in Nepal. Thank you for your generous giving.
3) Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in the building. Thank you to the building and grounds members.
4) Our congregation continues to make monthly payments to the Presbytery office toward our $35,000 roof loan. We raised $518 from the Augustine Pizza fundraiser to help with the repayment.
5) Members of the finance committee and board of session will be meeting soon to discuss ongoing financial concerns. Please keep these committees in your prayers.
CARPENTER’S PROJECT
Have you thought about volunteering with The Carpenter’s Project during the July 13-17 work week? Volunteers to paint, serve as gofers and to help with breakfast or lunch are needed – even for one day! Information is available from Cindy Rosaci. You will be blessed!
Our congregation will be helping with the first evening meal – to be served in our pavilion. Please see Cindy if you would be willing to make a dessert (anything you want) or donate 4 cases of water.
RUMMAGE SALE PROFIT
The Deacons’ Rummage sale earned $1,202.27. Thank you to everyone who donated and shopped.