A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR

 

Some of my students have difficulty figuring out what I mean when I state that “Religion is personal, but never private.” It takes them awhile, sometimes a semester or more, before they begin to understand that all three Monotheistic Religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) are corporate in nature. In other words, they are all based on a sense of community, of belonging to something larger than oneself. For Judaism it is being part of the Covenant of Abraham; For Christians it is belonging to the Kingdom of God in Christ; and for the Muslim, it is the umma, the worldwide community of believers.

 

The story of the Day of Pentecost reminds us that “they were all gathered together in one place” (Acts 2:1) when the Spirit of God came upon them, blowing like a mighty wind. And through that powerful moment of God’s action, the church, as we now know it, came into being. The church is not so much defined by the individual members as it is by the sense of being bound together into one community that is guided by the Holy Spirit. Our unique, individual gifts and talents are not meant to be used for personal gain but for the good of the whole. Thus, Pentecost reminds us most clearly that we are “One in the Spirit, We are one in the Lord, and they’ll know we are Christians by our Love.”

 

Be sure to join us in worship on Pentecost Sunday, May 24^th, as we “Celebrate our Membership in Christ.”

 

Your Pastor and Friend in Christ,

Dr. Dan

 

WORSHIP THEMES FOR MAY 2015

 

MAY 3^RD         FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

             “Fifty Years and Still Connected”

             Acts 8:26-40             1 John 4:7-21   John 15:1-12

 

MAY 10^TH       SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

“Principles of Parenting”

Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6 John 14:15-21

 

MAY 17^TH SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

“Jesus’ Prayer for Us”

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19

 

MAY 24^TH DAY OF PENTECOST

RECEPTION OF MEMBERS

“Celebrating our Membership in Christ”

Acts 2:1-21  Romans 8:22-27   John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

 

MAY 31^ST TRINITY SUNDAY

“Heirs of God”

Isaiah 6:1-8 Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17

 

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

The monthly continental breakfast will be Sunday, May 3 at 9:15 a.m.  We will be celebrating April and May birthdays.

 

FOOD PANTRY

Our collection for the Ellwood City Ministerium Food Bank will be on Sunday, May 3.  Donations of food and paper products are greatly appreciated.  Donations can be left in the narthex.  Please see Dr. Dan is 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, May 3.  All loose monies in the offering are given to this fund, which is used by the pastor to help those in need.

 

AUGUSTINE PIZZA FUNDRAISER

The next roof project fundraiser is Augustine Pizza’s 7” cheese pizza ($4), pepperoni and cheese calzone ($5) and spinach and cheese calzone ($5).  See Sherri McCarty or Cindy Rosaci for an order form or to place an order.  Orders and prepayment are due by Sunday, May 3 with the delivery of the frozen items on Wednesday, May 13 at 3:30 p.m.  Thanks in advance for your assistance!

 

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.

 

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BANQUET

The annual mother and daughter banquet will be on Sunday, May 3 at 5 p.m.  Reservations for the chicken meal are due to Donna Cook.  The entertainment for the event will include a fashion show.  Invite your female relatives and friends and come to a fun night.

 

COMMITTEES AND SESSION

The next committee meetings will be held on Sunday, May 17 (a week later than normal) following the worship service.  A lunch is provided.  Session members will gather at 1 p.m.

 

GRADUATE SUNDAY

Those graduating from our church family will be honored during the Sunday, May 17^th worship service and then a luncheon following in their honor.  Plan to stay this special day.

 

SANCTUARY JAZZ BAND CONCERT

The Sanctuary Jazz Band will be presenting an outside concert at the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 17 beginning at 6 p.m.  Bring a lawn chair to come listen to a variety of songs.  The event will be held inside in case of rain.

 

CARPENTER’S PROJECT

     The Carpenter’s Project is now accepting requests from homeowners. Those requesting assistance are eligible if they own the home they want repaired and are living in it. Those requesting assistance must live in the Ellwood City or Riverside School District. Projects include painting, small cement repair jobs, power washing, shrub trimming, wheelchair ramp building, small exterior maintenance/repair/carpentry jobs, some window repair, etc. Priority is given to those who have never received assistance in previous years. There are no financial requirements. Donations are not required, but donations help us to help additional people. Homeowners may call Marsha Timblin (724-651-8776) or Steven Miller (724-201-0295).

     Have you thought about volunteering with The Carpenter’s Project during the July 13-17 work week? Information is available from Cindy Rosaci.

 

 

Financial Report

(Through March)

Year to date received                   $21,568.91

Year to date expenses                  $23,546.02  (-1,977.11)

 

1.  We have paid $600 toward our $4,852.90 per capita apportionment.  Recently $35 was rolled and deposited from the loose change collection jar in the narthex.

      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’ $351 was sent to the Presbytery for our One Great Hour of Sharing offering.  Thank you for your generous giving.

3’ Our congregation continues to make monthly payments to the Presbytery office toward our $35,000 loan.  We have raised $15,363.86 through April 12^th.