Professional Documents
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Weathervane
(856) 235-1688 www.fpcmoorestown.org Entrusted...Not Entitled
November 2011
Dear Friends,
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Cor. 9:10
Over the years I have loved taking our grandkids to good old McDonalds. I remember one day a few years ago our oldest grandson, Jonathan, went to this fine dining establishment with me and in effort to help my cholesterol I passed on the french fries. Jonny got a Happy Meal and he was very happy. Well, the fries smelled and looked too good, Jonny began to play with the toy he got in the box and as he did I slipped a few French fries onto my plate. Before they were in my mouth I heard, "Pop, they're mine!" He then took the one dangling on my lips out of my mouth and ate it. Now the fact is that Jonny was right ~ they were his. But the other facts were also true: 1) I bought those fries ... 2) I have enough money to buy every fry in the store ... 3) If I wanted to I could forcefully take back my gift. Like my grandson, I assume that everything I have is mine. I say things like "my car, my home, my shirt, my wife, my money, my future." I forget that all we have (Psalm 24:1,2) is a gracious gift from a God who loves us more than we can ever understand (grandparents can understand that the best). We also forget that God has the power to take away our gifts and blessings whenever He chooses. God is sovereign and omnipotent. The stewardship and thanksgiving season are times when we can remember anew that God owns everything and we are simply "trustees" of gifts and responsibilities that God has entrusted to our care. We come together on November 20 ~ `Thanksgiving Sunday' ~ and will dedicate our tithes and offerings to the Lord as we look to 2012. My hope is that we become at a "tithing" congregation ~ meaning that the first tenth of anything/everything I receive goes to the work of the Lord. This biblical guideline from Malachi 3 carries with it a great promise ~ the blessing of God. I know some in this congregation who are seeking to give 20% of their income to the kingdom. I love the man who asked me the question: "Jonathan ~ have you ever wondered how much you and Karin actually need to live on?" Maybe God would like to free up more "French fries" than I know about. I loved the men who were here from Haiti a few weeks ago and the team we are sending in January. I love the confirmation class that goes to Broad Street Ministries in Philly on Wednesdays to help with the needs of the city. I love the Sunday School class that made "getwell-cards" for our sick ~ a small "fry" but a very important one to those that received them. I love having the Hendricks in our Mission House so that they can be renewed prior to their return to their ministry in Africa . I love a men's retreat where 50 men meet Christ is new and renewing ways! This church is blessed with many French fries and we get to feed others with them! We are entrusted, not entitled to use these gifts wisely. I do want to acknowledge one other matter that "stirs the pot" in the Presbyterian family. A gay man was ordained in a Presbyterian Church in Wisconsin a few weeks ago. Some Presbyterians are overjoyed ~ others feel the witness of our church and the larger church has been immensely harmed. We are discussing these matters as a session. The session has recently completed a very helpful retreat with Dr. John Franke and spoken to these matters directly. I ask you to pray ... remember you belong within a "family" called the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head of the Church and will guide us in the days to come. We will be offering further reflection as a session and staff in the new year. See you in church ... invite someone to worship with you and sit next to you on Sunday!
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SUNDAY EVENINGS
5pm New Creation in the Commons
NOVEMBER 6 Live Your Lives in Him Colossians 2:6-7 Wes Allen NOVEMBER 13 Sparingly or Bountifully 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 Jonathan Miller
NOVEMBER 27 Series: The Gift of Christmas The Gift of Anticipation Holy Communion Isaiah 25:6-26:6 Martha Jordan
Stephen Ministry
One of Jobs friends stated that man is born for trouble as the sparks fly upward. That sounds a bit pessimistic but the truth is ~ trouble will come sometimes during our lifetime. And it is during those times that a loving, listening ear can lead us to the pathway of healing. The Stephen Ministry logo that you see above symbolizes that we are all broken people and it is only through the cross of Jesus that we can be made whole. It is the desire of your Stephen Ministers to be ready to walk alongside that one who finds it difficult to cope with unsettling circumstances. If you are interested in more information you may contact Pastor Dick Herman or Jan Amos 234-0942.
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3. Fasting makes us more attentive to Gods hand in any situation. 4. With a fast we declare that what I am praying about is so important that I am willing to set John Piper, A Hunger for God aside my daily routineincluding food or whatever Im fasting fromto focus on praying for it. Fasting nurtures purity of heart and clears out the distractions of our lives. It affirms our utter dependence on God. 5. For many Christians, fasting is a significant part of praying for healing, bringing power, clarity, and focus to our prayers and enabling us to hear to Gods direction for them. 6. In the face of strong messages from our culture that say we should satisfy every desire as soon as we feel it, fasting teaches us something countercultural and deeply significant for our life of faith 7. Fasting helps us experience solidarity with those who dont have enough food or other essentials 8. Fasting can reveal new paths in prayer, particularly in thankfulness, repentance and remembering the needs of the poor and hungry. It can expand our prayer lives by helping us notice what we havent been thankful for (Hummm maybe this is
I dont mean this as a downer a midst our Thanksgiving feasts. Rather, its a word that can make them richer and more meaningful; and also a word of preparation for a meaningful Week of Prayer and Fasting together as a church February 12-19, 2012. Blessings in HIS grace and truth
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PS (in case I havent said this to you lately) it is a blessing to have wonderful colleagues who support and encourage me in my ministry!
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Missions
Kit Contents
Carrying Case - provides dry storage and easy transportation of all kit items. Refill Pack - provides storage and easy transportation for all refill pack contents. Disposable latex gloves - prevents spread of infection within a patients home and between a caregivers patients. Petroleum jelly - the skin of chronically ill patients is often dry and prone to cracking, increasing the chances of infection. Petroleum jelly keeps skin moisturized and protected. Antibacterial soap - helps prevent the spread of infection between patients or within households. Washcloths - for bathing patients. Flashlight - for assistance at night - most patients live in areas with no electricity. Long-lasting batteries - power flashlights making it easier to reach patients at night. Acetaminophen - a basic pain reliever to help patients who struggle with soreness, headaches and other symptoms. Antifungal cream - for treatment of common skin infections. Water purification sachets - provides quick access to clean water. Oral rehydration salts - to treat dangerous dehydration resulting from chronic diarrhea. Cotton balls - to clean patients mouths and any sores. Notebook and pens - to maintain notes on each patients health, keeping them on hand if further medical treatment is needed. Handwritten note of encouragement - our words have the power to offer hope and encouragement to a caregiver letting them know they are not alone, giving them strength to provide care and comfort to the sick.
Who's in need? 33 million people living with HIV and AIDS Where are they? Africa, Asia, and Latin America Who's helping them? World Vision-trained volunteer caregivers What can you do? Build Caregiver Kits and Refill Packs filled
with basic supplies!
1 kit + 4 refill packs = 1 caregiver equipped for an entire year Contact the church office (Mary Ellen Forrest) or email cmcwilliams@fpcmoorestown.org to sponsor a caregiver kit/refill pack @ $30/ea. Checks should be made payable to FPC, memo World Vision Caregiver Kits. Well be sure to have lots of helping hands available on Nov. 30 if you cannot be present to assemble the kit(s) you sponsor.
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Missions
Good Shepherd Hospital Democratic Republic of Congo
Some people walk more than 100 miles to receive care offered at Good Shepherd Hospital. While the hospital is by no means sophisticated by Western standards, it offers treatments not available anywhere else in the region. Dr. John Fletcher, A PC(USA) mission worker we support, teaches and performs surgery there alongside Congolese colleagues. On a daily basis he sees very sick children brought to the hospital by desperate mothers. Some are in critical condition, almost to the point of death, and others are in stable condition but have a congenital or other problem that can only be resolved through complex surgery. Often despite our best efforts in the provision of medical care we can only pray and grieve along with the family at the loss of their love one, John says. Other times, through the grace of God and by Gods healing power, we are able to save these patients. Gwenda is an educator who works with Congolese partners to expand the capacity of church schools. Congolese teachers are paid about $6 per month and often teach in classrooms that lack textbooks and teaching materials. Many work from notes they have kept from their school days and carefully write the lessons on blackboards. Parents struggle to pay the $1 per month student fees. Dr. John and Gwenda Fletcher The Presbyterian Community of Congo (CPC) has developed a strategic plan with goals aimed at improved buildings and equipment, textbooks for students at all grade levels, more teacher training, and increased enrollment and retention of female students. Gwenda writes, It is my privilege to work with the Education Department of the CPC, helping to facilitate their efforts and increase their capacities as they strive to achieve the goals they have established. Gwenda is also involved in Moringa tree food supplementation to combat malnutrition. Moringa Trees are a popular gift item each year in the FPC Alternative Gift Market: Alternative Gift Market
returns in Advent featuring practical gifts for those in need around the world honoring your loved ones, friends and business associates.
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Childrens Ministry
Schedule for November 2011
PLEASE CHECK THE FPC WEBSITE FOR THE VERY LATEST
Youth Ministry
Schedule for November 2011
PLEASE CHECK THE FPC WEBSITE FOR THE VERY LATEST
November 2...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm Crossing Zone at 6:30pm November 6...Sunday School at 9:30am November 9...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm Crossing Zone at 6:30pm November 10...Crossing Zone Bowling from 12:45pm2:45pm November 13...Sunday School at 9:30am November 16...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm, Crossing Zone at 6:30pm November 20...Sunday School at 6:30pm November 23...NO Kingdom Kids, Crossing Zone or Family Dinner November 26...Jesus Birthday Party at 1:30pm Gingerbread House Challenge from 2pm-4pm November 30Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm, Crossing Zone at 6:30pm
November 1...Youth Breakfast ~ Wilkes November 2...FLOCK at 6:30pm November 5...Painting Party for girls side of the 3rd floor November 6...Credo Meeting at 9:30am; Sunday School at 9:30am WAVE at 5pm November 8Youth Breakfast ~ Balchs November 9FLOCK at 6:30pm November 10..Senior High Bible Study at 6:30pm November 13...Sunday School at 9:30am; Credo No Barners Dinner at BSM from 5pm to 8pm WAVE at 5pm November 15..Youth Breakfast ~ Londres November 16...FLOCK at 6:30pm; Mission Info Meeting at 8pm November 18th-20th...Alive Jr. High Retreat departs at 4:00pm November 20...Credo at 9:30am, Sunday School at 9:30am WAVE at 5pm November 22...Youth Breakfast ~ Wilkes November 23...FLOCK at 6:30pm November 27...Credo Meeting from 9:30am-10:30am, WAVE at 5pm November 29...Youth Breakfast ~ Fletchers November 30...FLOCK at 6:30pm
Painting Party
Saturday, November 6th after the 11am Service The 3rd Floor (girls side) will be changing to lavender and green with beige trim!
...ALIVE...
Junior High Retreat November 18-20 Ocean City, Maryland (4pm Fri4pm Sun) $140/person Call the office if interested An excellent opportunity to experience Christian fellowship, meaningful faith and spiritual content, contemporary praise music and lots of fun!
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Stepping Stones
Sharing the News from our Preschool
Friday Nighters
November 4at 6:30pm Come and enjoy a catered dinner along with a presentation entitled:
Cost will be determined by the time you receive your postcard invite.
KNITTING NETWORK
(A service fellowship project of Presbyterian Women)
MENS BREAKFAST
Saturday, November 19 at 8am Andre Taliaferro, father of Adam, will be our speaker. Adam has a history as a gifted athlete from this area but while playing football at Ohio State he suffered a spinal cord injury while making a tackle. The diagnosis was that he would never walk again. Come and hear the inspiring story of Gods grace at work in his long journey back to full health. Call the Church Office (235-1688) to reserve.
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TOYS
TOYS
TOYS
We are again collecting toys for children in Camden. There are so many more families without jobs and we hope to bring some love and joy to them at Christmas. Please open your hearts and help with our drive. So many of you have continued to be so generous over the years. Thank you. Bring your gifts to the church with our name on them or to our home: 329 Springhouse Lane in Moorestown Or we will be happy to pick them up at your home. Our number is: (856) 234-0717 Gifts are most needed for children between 3 and 13 years old. We deliver them December 15th and December 20th. Blessings to all, Annette and Skip Emerson
Presbyterian Women presents the
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 7pm First Presbyterian Church Babysitting Available
The Weathervane
First Presbyterian Church 101 Bridgeboro Road Moorestown, NJ 08057
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Service of Remembrance
Sunday, December 11, 2011 7pm in the Sanctuary A Light in the Darkness The people walking in darkness Have seen a great light; On those living in the land of deep darkness A light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2