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News of the People Who Are Harmony Evangelical Presbyterian Church August/September/Mid-October 2016

P.O. Box 406, Harrisville, PA Phone: 724-735-2854 Email: harmonyepc@zoominternet.net www.harmonyepc.org

VBS 2016 Cave Quest at Harmony ~ Page 10 July 18-22nd

Register online at www.harmonyepc.org

In This Edition

Pastor’s Message ~ Page 1

Focus on Missions ~ Page 2

Mission Offering dates Seneca Hills ~ Pray for Harmony’s Summer Campers, Register for the Men’s Barbecue

and Labor Day Family Camp Response to the Feast for Fintonia

Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard Report –

Page 3

Stewardship, Staff & Budget Report

Fall Work Day~ Page 2

Nominating Committee – Page 3 Outdoor Worship ~ Page 3 Communion Schedule ~ Page 3

Dates of Board/Committee

Meetings~ Page 3

Reminder of New Office Hours ~ Page 3

Greeters’ Schedule ~ Page 4 News of the People ~ Page 4

VBS Cave Quest Highlights ~ Page 5 Mission Project ~ Hope for Renewal

Expressions of Gratitude ~ Page 6 Community Soup Dinners in the Fall

Women’s Ministries ~ Page 7 BBT Book Club - Baby Quilts for

Missions - Women’s Home Bible Study

Spotlight on Don and Jan Burnett~ Page 8

Favorite Recipes & More Harmony’s Happenings ~ Page 9 & 10

Harmony Evangelical Presbyterian

Church exists to boldly lead others to become followers of Jesus Christ.

Pastor’s Message

A Culture of Death

Proverbs 8:35-36 “For whoever finds me finds life … all who hate me love death.” We have become a culture of death. We despise wisdom. We reject the life God gives. On June 27 a 21-year old college student was found guilty of murder for delivering a baby in her sorority house, putting it in a plastic bag and leaving it outside. Critical in her conviction and sentencing were text messages she sent to the person she believed to be the father: “No more baby” and “Taken care of.” But, while we might shudder at the exposure of her actions and attitude, we tend, at the same time, to yawn at the sight of hundreds of placard waving protesters jumping up and down with delight over the Supreme Courts announcement that Texas abortion regulations are unconstitutional. They are giddy with joy. “No more baby”, taken care of.” Seriously what’s the difference? And let’s not forget the murder of 49 innocent people at a gay night club in Orlando, Florida. If I am not mistaken, Omar Mateen was texting during his orgy of violence. He could have easily (I imagine) texted his worshiped Isis leaders, “No more gays, “Taken care of.” He was proud of his actions. The Supreme Court demonstrators were proud. The young woman who disposed of her baby with callous cruelty was proud – or at least she had no shame. We have become a culture of death. It seems that death is our answer for everything. We solve our problems and those of the world through death. The Supreme Court, the young woman, Omar Mateen all believed they were doing the right thing. Death has become the god we serve. This is not wisdom. This is obviously not life. It is reality because we reject the wisdom of God in Jesus Christ. We reject his death that would bring us life, life in God. Death, that is murder, the unjust taking of innocent human life, is never the answer. Only one death has ever solved anything. Jesus died on the cross that we might be reconciled to God and live. He rose again that we might share his life and be sanctified in sacrificial love. In this confused, chaotic, and cruel world we need to be a counter-culture, a culture of life, of life in Christ. He is our answer.

Soli Deo Gloria ~ Pastor Jeff

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Focus on Missions

2016 Mission Offerings Please use the Mission Offering envelopes inserted in your

giving packets. Your gifts go 100% to meeting our mission goals in our 2016 Missions Budget.

August 14th September 11th October 9th

Thanksgiving Missionary Offering ~ TBA

Christmas Offering ~ December 25th

Stewardship, Staff and Budget Report

2017 Proposed Budget Deadline Set: Committees of Session, and the Trustees are to submit their respective proposed budgets on or before Sunday, October 16th. Budget packets will be distributed early September. If you have any questions, please talk to Elder Ed Arnold, Chairman of the Stewardship, Staff and Budget Committee.

Summer Camp

~&~ Men’s Barbecue ~

Pray for Harmony Campers: Sarah McCandless and Isaac McCandless. Sarah is camping August 7th – 12th, Isaac is camping August 9th-11th. Men’s Barbecue: Friday, August 19th, 6pm-8:30pm. This is a great evening for men with good food and fellowship. Register by calling the camp office (814-432-3026) or the church office on or before 4th. Seneca Hills is a wonderful experience for all ages! Check their website for Labor Day Family Camp, upcoming conferences and retreats. Check it all at www.senecahills.org.

Fall Workday Saturday, October 8th

8:00AM You will want to check out the “Work Day” bulletin

inserts for specific jobs on the “to-do-list” but here are a few of the routine Fall jobs. Work begins at 8 AM. Lunch will be served at noon. If you can’t make it on Work Day but you will do one of the jobs/projects listed, talk to President of Trustees Ralph Oakes. The following is a preliminary list of routine projects for the Fall Work Day; more to come in the bulletins. ___ remove screens ___ wash windows ___ clean and organize storage areas ___ clean and change furnace filters ___ weed killer on limestone parking area ___ service snow blower ___ help with lunch

The Board of Trustees sincerely appreciate the church family’s

support on Work Day.

Response to the Feast for

Fintonia from Rev. Christopher White

of Gateway EPC

Friends,

Thanks again for you work and prayers for the Feast for Fintonia. We accomplished both our goals: 1). We shared the vision and folks heard a compelling mission description from Samual and Scott (thanks, Scott!) 2). we raised over $9300 for the work in Fintonia. Our goal was $6000 for the roof, and we are very grateful for God’s providence through the generosity of the ministry network. Thanks to all who invited folks, helped us set up, and joined us! If you’d like to see the video with Samuel (who visited VBS @ Harmony a few years ago), the link is https://youtu.be/Gx8Ucm0TAMw. For the King and His Kingdom, Chris Editor’s Note: Page 8 ~ Reprnted is a note from a student at the Edunation Hope Academy in Fintonia.

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More on Missions …

Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard

Thank you for the food and monetary contributions that make this vital outreach ministry possible.

STATISTICS FOR JUNE: Families : 188; New: 4; Total Number of Family Members: 499; Adults: 251; Slippery Rock Area: 91; Elderly: 71; Slippery Rock Boro: 70; Children: 177; Harrisville: 27

Items needed: cereal

Thank you for your continuing support. There are collection totes for your donations in the Fellowship Hall, and in the handicap/elevator entrance. Your continued support is needed and greatly appreciated.

Board Meetings

Deacons Meet on the Second Thursday ~ 7:00pm

Session Meets on the Third Monday ~ 7:00pm;

Trustees Meet on the Third Tuesday ~ 8:00pm Watch the bulletin for a time change for Trustees meetings as they go to 7:00pm in the Fall.

Upcoming Committee Meetings: The Christian Education Committee is meeting August 11th at 7pm. The Evangelism Committee meets September 22nd at 7pm.

Watch the bulletin for any changes or additions.

Office Hours Changed in July

The new office hours for Secretary-Administrative Assistant Becky Miller are Thursdays from 8:00am-4:00pm.

Traveling This Fall: Substitute secretary Pamela Jones is covering the office while Becky and Jon are “on the road, again” in September. Their first stop will be in Del Ray Beach, Florida for the wedding of their son Gregg and fiancé Gillian Furnall on September 4th.

Pastor Jeff is in the office Tuesday-Friday, 9:30pm-12:30pm; hours may vary. If you wish to meet with Pastor Jeff at a time outside his regular office hours, or in case of a pastoral emergency, you may call the church (724-735-2854), his home (724-264-4120), or his cell number (724-992-3564).

Communion Schedule for 2016

August 14 October 2 ~ December 4

Home Communion will be taken to those in our church family who are homebound.

Fall Outdoor Worship September 11th

Picture above was taken at the Summer Outdoor Worship on June 12th (More photos in this newsletter).

10:30AM ~ No Sunday School Following Worship there will be a picnic for the

family of Harmony. Bring your favorite casserole, side dish, salad, or dessert to share. The meat, beverage and place settings will be provided.

Pray for the 2016 Nominating

Committee as they begin the process of

seeking leaders to serve the various offices in 2017. The members of the committee are: Chairman Elder Dane Sloan, Co-Chairman Elder Ralph Oakes, Deacon Marge Elmer, and the members of the congregation Carol Burnett, Becky Compton, Alysia McCandless, Melissa Rager and Alternate Harriet Grossman. The Congregational Meeting:Part I for the nomination and election of officers will be held on Sunday, November 20th following worship.

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Greeters Schedule

If you wish to serve as a greeter before and after worship, please call the church office and your name will be added to the schedule. If you are scheduled to greet and you cannot, notify the church office two weeks in advance; please call 724-735-2854 or you may also send an email harmonyepc@zoominternet.net. Thank you!

GreeterGreeterGreeterGreeter ScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule Greeters may stand at any of the sanctuary entrances from 10:45am – 11:00am and at the close of worship. Greeters may be singles, couples, or families.

August 2016

7 Ralph and Maggie Oakes 14 Pastor Jeff, Pam and Family 21 Dane and Carol Sloan 28 Jerry and Harriet Grossman September 2016 4 Veronica Norcross and Diane Hyatt 11 Outdoor Worship Service 18 Joel and Alysia McCandless 25 John and Marge Elmer

October 2016 2 Eric and Teena Mershimer 9 Emeline McCoy and Imogene Sloan 16 Ralph and Maggie Oakes 23 Pastor Jeff, Pam and Family 30 Jon and Becky Miller November 2016 6 Jerry and Harriet Grossman 13 John and Marge Elmer 20 Eric and Teena Mershimer 27 Veronica Norcross and Diane Hyatt

December 2016

4 Emeline McCoy and Imogene Sloan 11 Joel and Alysia McCandless 18 Joe and Patty Ridley 25 Ron and Mary Lou Phipps

News of the People

Happy Birthday to you! August, September and October birthdays of our church family and friends. August Birthdays: 2nd-John Stirling; 4th-Ron Phipps; 5th-Jeanne Merkel; 9th-Marge Elmer & Shirley Hensley; 19th-Harriet Grossman & Cody Sloan; 24th - Alysia McCandless; 26th-Helen Smith; 31st-Bernie Hooper. September Birthdays: 1st-Tammy Cole; 2nd-Ken McKnight & Josh Riggenbach; 6th-Ralph Oakes; 7th-Adaly Gracia; 8th-Mary Lou Phipps; 9th-Patty Ridley; 10th-Mike Flynn; 16th-Aaron Rager; 20th-Joel McCandless; October Birthdays: 6th-Jim Merkel; 11th-Ben Rager; 14th-Jim Grivas; 20th-Melissa Rager24th-Vivian Tribble; 31st-Alyssa Clouse. If you have a birthday one of these months and you want your special day included, please contact the church office (724-735-2854).

Our heartfelt sympathy to: Veva Brandon and family at the recent passing of Dick. For several years, Dick faithfully served at Harmony as the Financial Secretary and a Trustee. He will be missed by his family and his church family. Todd and Debbie

Frampton and family on the passing of Todd’s aunt, Sonja Mace.

Blessing of the Backpacks … Sunday, August 21st ~ Youth bring your backpacks to Worship for the Blessings of the Backpacks! A blessing and a reminder that God is with you at school and you are His ambassadors. There will be an insert in the bulletin listing the names of all our students, teachers and staff. Consider posting the list on your refrigerator or tuck it in your Bibles as a reminder to pray for them.

The family of Harmony Church is invited

to the wedding of Matthew Jones and

Kiana Gonzalez on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 2:00 pm. A reception follows in the Fellowship Hall. You are asked to RSVP by signing the Guest List posted on the library window or the office door.

Community Soup Dinners …. Fridays at 4:30pm on September 30th and October 8th.

Hayride/Bonfire – October 15th for the family of Harmony and your friends. Watch for all the details in the bulletin.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month … Take time to encourage and appreciate Pastor Jeff for all the ways he ministers to us as he serves God at Harmony.

The newsletter deadline for the late-October and November

issue is Sunday, October 9th. News for this column, thank you notes, or articles need submitted in writing. Until then, enjoy these summer days … the cooler days of Fall are coming!

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Highlighting VBS 2016

Cave Quest 2016 was an amazing week at Harmony! 30 children enjoyed the cave adventures at Bible Time, Music, Crafts, Recreation, Exploration Station (Science) and Snack Time!! A special thank you to director Becky Compton, the leaders and staff, and to all of you for your prayer support and for helping to provide daily snacks (a VBS favorite!). Pictured: Top Left: 4 Years Old-2nd Grade Class; Top Right: 3rd Grade-

6th Grade Class; Right Middle: Pastor Jeff leading the Bible Quest Time (daily Bible Story Time); Bottom Left: Children of Cave Quest in the closing program. Bottom Right: Guest Missionary & Church Planter of the EPC,Gary Koerth from Hope for Renewal visited VBS on Friday!

Mission Project: Hope for Renewal ~ 423.00 was given by the children of Cave Quest for the purchase of building supplies for home restoration in the Idora, OH area.

More VBS photos to come in the next issue of

the Harmony Happenings.

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Expressions of

Gratitude

Please Note: Thank you notes are to be submitted, in

writing, to the office or you may send them via email

to harmonyepc@zoominternet.net.

From Missions …

From the City Rescue Mission Dear Harmony Church Family, Thank you so very much for your recent donation to City Rescue Mission Women’s Ministry at Hope Place! We were thrilled to receive such wonderful help to our ministry. Thank you especially to the Youth Group who initiated the project of collecting hygiene items. Thank you also for the comforters and bedding sets and for the coffee. You blessed us in an overwhelming way and our hearts are so grateful.

May God bless you and keep you! Karen Jameson Director of Women’s Ministry From the “Feed My Sheep” Food Cupboard Thank you for your recent donation to the “Feed My Sheep” Food Cupboard. The need for assistance by many families in this area continues. The food and monetary donation we are receiving from individuals, businesses, schools and churches make it possible for us to respond to these needs. Last month 188 families were served including 4 new families. Our volunteer workers appreciate the support you are helping to provide. As you are contributing to the welfare of others, may God’s blessing be with you. Gratefully yours, Shirley Osburn, Secretary

Expressions of Gratitude continued.

Dear Friends & Family of Harmony Church,

We truly appreciate the love and kindness extended to us upon the loss of our beloved father, and grandfather, Dick Brandon. Thanks to Rev.. Jeff for guiding us through the funeral with a powerful and meaningful message that Dad would have liked.

We are also thankful to those who helped prepare the nice funeral luncheon, as well as a special thanks to Marge and Becky for their organizing and serving it. God Bless you all. Love and Prayers, Ron, Jacquie, and Sam Isacco Rick and Patty Brandon

Thank you to all of my church family who came to help me celebrate my 80th birthday. It was an awesome feeling to have so many of you show your love towards me with your attendance, gifts and cards and phone calls.. Praise God for my LOVING church family! In Christ, Jerry Grossman

Members of Harmony Church,

Your kind expression of sympathy and friendship at the passing of Dick will always remain in our memories. Thank you so much for your thoughtful-ness. We really appreciated the dish garden. And are thankful to our church family for the luncheon, and to Pastor Jeff and the elders for their faithfulness in serving home Communion to Dick and I. Praying God’s blessings on all of you.

In His love, Veva Brandon and family

Community Soup Dinners

@ Harmony Coming Fridays This Fall

September 30th & October 28th

4:30pm-6:00pm

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Women’s Ministries

Join the BBT Book Club Books Breakfast Talk

Third Saturday @ 9:00am @ Harmony

Remaining Dates in 2016: August 20, September 17, October 22, November 19

Book-of-the-month for June was The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. This is a “novel of unsentimental charm, humor, and profound insight into the thoughts and feelings we all bury deep within our hearts, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry introduces Rachel Joyce as a wise — and utterly irresistible — storyteller”. The BBT Book Club women gave The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry a 3.5 (4 being the highest), and for the first time they added a “PG13” because of the use of off-color language.

BBT is not meeting in July. Our book-of-the month for August is The Singer by Calvin Miller.

Visit our website at www.harmonyepc.org., click on the Info Center tab and scroll down to Women’s Ministries BBT for Merle’s reviews on the books-of-the month. Copies of the books are in the church library … And ladies you are welcome to join BBT at any time!

Mondays @ 10am-3pm BBBBabyabyabyaby QQQQuiltsuiltsuiltsuilts forforforfor MMMMissionsissionsissionsissions This group meets all year!

Bring your lunch and make it a day!

Wednesday Quilting Circle resumes September 14th at 9AM!

Women’s Bible Study on Tuesdays Changes in meeting dates … the Women’s Bible Study is taking a break until Tuesday, October 11th due to vacations and schedules.

When we restart in October we may continue with

Our Daily Bread devotion booklet, or choose a study

booklet. We have been blessed by our fellowship and in praying for one another ~ we welcome you to join us on Tuesday, October 11th, 2:35pm-4:00pm at the church.

Noah's Ark: Everything I need to know, I

learned from Noah's Ark.

ONE: Don't miss the boat. TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat! THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. SIX: Build your future on high ground. SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs. EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile. TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

The family of Harmony relaxing following the

Outdoor Worship Service on June.

Matthew Jones and Kiana

Gonzalez provide special music

for worship in God’s great

outdoors!

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Funnies …Laughter is good for the soul ~I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time.

~I stayed up all night to see where the sun went, and then it dawned on me.

~This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I'd never met herbivore.

~When chemists die, apparently they barium.

~I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can't put it down.

~I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words. ~I didn't like my beard at first. Then it grew on me.

Spotlight on

Jan and Don Burnett Our Harmony friends Jan and Don Burnett will be moving to Massachusetts on July 7. I recently spent a delightful afternoon sitting on their porch and learning a bit more about these 2. Jan grew up in the Boyers area and Don in the Ridgeville/Wiskerville area. Don was in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska for a period of time. They married in 1952 and have lived in many local towns – Ellwood City, Butler, Fredonia, Pardo, Grove City, Hendersonville, & Bullion to name a few! They are the proud parents of 4 chidren. Jay and Ron live about 15 minutes apart in Massachusetts. Jan and Don will be living with Jay and his family. Their daughter, Kathy, and son, Bobby, both are now deceased. 7 grandchidren and 5 great grandchildren complete the family. Jan and Don built the house they currently live in when Don retired in 1995 taking 2 years to complete the project. Their grandson Chad will be moving in and keeping the house in the family. Jan and Don's new address is: 25 School Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769. The Harmony family is going to miss these dear friends. Keep the Burnett's in your prayers as they make this move.

If you have an idea for a future Spotlight article, let me know. Becky Sopher

Above: A letter from Moriai, a student at the Edunation Hope Academy in Fintonia. Moriai is in Prep 6. He says his favorite subject is English language and his favorite activity is reading. The picture was drawn by Moriai of an aeroplane.

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By Request ~ Dessert Recipes of Two of Your Favorites from the Community Soup Dinners

From the Kitchen of Patty Ridley

Apple Cake 9 x 13 cake

From the Kitchen of Carol Burnett Rosy Red Rhubarb Cake 5-6 cups diced rhubarb; cut small. 1 (3 oz) strawberry jello

2 cups flour ½ cup butter 2½ teaspoons baking powder ¾ cup milk ¼ teaspoon salt 1 beaten egg ¼ cup brown sugar Crumb Topping: 1½ cup sugar 6 tablespoons butter ½ cup flour Mix rhubarb and jello and set aside while making batter. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and brown sugar; cut in butter as for pie crust. Add beaten egg and milk. Mix and spread in bottom and a little up the sides of a slightly greased 13x9 pan. Spread rhubarb mixture gently over batter. Mix crumb topping ingredients together until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over top of rhubarb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.

Cake: Cream Cheese Icing: 3 eggs 1 teaspoon of salt 1-8oz. cream cheese 1-3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon of soda 1 stick butter 2 cups of flour ½ cup walnuts 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup of oil 5 medium apples Mix well; add 3-4 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon of cinnamon Beat together eggs and sugar for 5 minutes; will be fluffy. Add flour, oil, cinnamon, salt and soda, mix well. Add nuts. Pare and cut apples fold into batter. Bake 350 degrees for 50 minutes. After cake is cool dust with powdered sugar or Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (recipe is above).

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Harmony Evangelical Presbyterian Church P O Box 406, 234 North Main St.

Harrisville PA 16038

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Jones, Pastor

Come & Worship With Us!

9:45am - Sunday School 11:00am – Worship

Visit us at www.harmonyepc.org.

Harmony Happenings … Read about these happenings in this issue

The Lord’s Supper, Sunday, August 14th ~ 11AM Worship

Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday, August 21st ~ 11AM Worship.

Outdoor Worship, Sunday, September 11th ~ 10:30AM; no Sunday School

In this issue October Happenings … More information in upcoming bulletins.

Blessing Bags for the Slippery Rock Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard ~ Blessing Bags for the Slippery Rock Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard ~ Blessing Bags for the Slippery Rock Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard ~ Blessing Bags for the Slippery Rock Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard ~ The tradition of

Blessing Bags is a “fall happening” at Harmony. Harmony’s collection of food in our Blessing Bags will be October

16th through October 30th; Blessing Bags will be available Sunday, October 16th. Suggested items: canned fruit,

canned vegetables, canned pumpkin pie mix, cranberry sauce, canned yams, stuffing mix (box), quick bread mixes,

gelatin/pudding, gravy (jar or packets). If you would like to make a financial contribution for the purchase of

turkeys, please make your contribution payable to the “Feed My Sheep” Food Cupboard (designate “turkey” in the

memo), or you may purchase a gift card from Giant Eagle. Gift cards and financial gifts may be given to Harmony’s

food cupboard representative Linda Stirling. What a blessing it is for us to give out of our abundance to those less

fortunate ~ the reason we continue the m ministry of the Blessing Bags.

Bonfire/HayrideBonfire/HayrideBonfire/HayrideBonfire/Hayride @ Harmony @ Harmony @ Harmony @ Harmony is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th. Watch the bulletin for all the details. Next Issue … Spotlight will be on GCC Distinguished Service Award Winner ~ The Reverend Dr. Richard A Morledge ’54.