Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Tri-annual journal of Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church.
Citation preview
Life TogetherSeptember - December 2009
Kevin Womack Pastor [email protected]
Brian Reed Associate Pastor [email protected]
Kim Dawsey-Richardson Dir. of Children & Family Min. [email protected]
Daniel Ambler Director of Student Ministries [email protected]
Jeremy Dawsey-Richardson Worship Team & Media Director [email protected]
Michael Ruhl Chancel Choir Director [email protected]
Robin Watson Preschool Director [email protected]
Cindy Muehleman Church Administrator [email protected]
Laurie Norton Bookkeeper [email protected]
Sandy Zeilinger Receptionist [email protected]
Deacons:Kit BassettKathy BrennerBob DorrenHazel EvansShawn HansonKaren Nichols HossDick JolliffeJulie JolliffeCharlie KurtzJinny KurtzChuck LaneJune LongJean NelsonLarry NelsonAnna ReedJim ShieldsNancy SpringVicki TakahashiSonny TuckerKitty TuckerDebbie WilliamsRichard WilliamsMerideth WillseyBrenda Wilson
1
Elders:Dick Bassett
Bob BattenIieldJohn Blair
Shelly BuonoChris Davis Ryan Dixon
Daniel DuganLinda Dye
Rick EdgingtonKevin EnrightNancy HowellEllen MackayKim Moran
Russ ShubertMarion Spence
Staff
3 5 7 9
10
1 1
13 14 15
Table of Contents
Gather
Grow
Go
Faith Formation
Faith in Culture
In Review
Trunk-or-Treat
Events
Calendar
Fall is a busy season in the life of our community of faith!
In September we gather for our annual Congregational Dinner which celebrates the blessing that each of us has in this community of believers (more information can be found on p.13). In October we gather as a church family in Pine Valley for the Fall Retreat, which is shaping up to be a great experience this year (see pp. 6 & 9). October also features or annual Trunk Or Treat outreach to the community held on Halloween in our own church parking lot (see p.13). November brings our annual Mission Fair and combined worship experience (see p.14). And, of course, December brings the beautiful celebration of Advent and the birth of our Savior (see p.14). Add all of these special events to our regular rhythm of Sunday worship gatherings and Small Group involvement and you can see that we have a lot to look forward to this fall at FHPC!
I encourage you to take a special look at our “ministry spreads” in this issue of Life Together. They proIile the GATHER in Worship, GROW in Faith, and GO in Mission commitment that we’ve made in our life together here at FHPC. It’s a great time to grow together in our faith. I can’t wait to see what God will do among us!
^
Welcome!
455 Church Way, El Cajon, 92020 | www.fhpc.org | 619.463.6631
F l e t c h e r H i l l s P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h
VOICES... An Interview with Laurel Vozely
Q: What is your faith story? May of 2008 marked my Iirst discovery of God’s love. Since that time, it has been a journey; through curiosity, heavy discussion, doubt, Iinding the right church after an ongoing search, awe‐inspiring fellowship, prioritizing, and now Iinding a rhythm with God, I have surrendered my life to Jesus and am living life with quality, joy, and purpose. What a difference a year makes!
Q: Which FHPC ministries have you been a part of? My Iirst connection with FHPC was through Kaleo Sr. High. An incredible friend extended an invitation and after much hesitation, I accepted and made one of the best decisions I ever have. After just a week, I volunteered at the Youth Auction and became further plugged in to the community. I have been attending the church’s college group and most recently headed up the Recreation at VBS this summer.
Q: When did you @irst know that FHPC would be your faith family, and when did you get plugged in? Upon my Iirst visit to FHPC in 2008, I felt a very warm and relaxed environment. Though, it was not until my Iirst visit to Kaleo Sr. High in May of 2009, when I met Daniel Ambler and the other students that I knew I had found my home here. I instantly felt that this was where God had chosen for me to grow.
Q: Why did you decide recently to be baptized? My desire to be baptized came from the commitment I have already made in my heart to live a life in the name of Jesus Christ. I wanted to make this commitment ofIicial and witnessed by the congregation for accountability and support. Baptism is such a beautiful symbol of my cleansing and the refreshment of beginning this new life with God, family, & friends. It was the perfect time.
An Interview with Fred and Maryanne Powell
Q: What is your faith story? After our marriage, we came to San Diego, attended First Presbyterian Church downtown as young marrieds, and joined the Mariners. Soon after, we moved to Hawaii for some work Fred was hired to do as an Architect, had our Iirst daughter, went to International Baptist Church, rededicated our lives to the Lord, and were baptized in Queen Liliuokalani Gardens. Later we came back to S.D. and ended up at Scott Memorial Baptist Church during the Tim LaHaye days. Maryann was involved in teaching S.S. as well as teaching Pioneer Girls. Together we taught Junior Church; Fred was on the Mission Board, a Deacon and did the remodel drawings for the front platform/stage/choir loft of the Church. During our girls’ teen years Maryann obtained a B.S. at SDSU in Child Development and was hired at Horizon Christian Preschool. We went to Horizon Christian Fellowship for about 10 years, then went to Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist to help Maryann’s Mom, a recent believer and widower, to grow in the Lord. Now we are excited about being a part of FHPC!
Q: Which FHPC ministries have you been a part of? Since we have been coming to FHPC for the last six years, we have joined the Windjammers, Maryann joined the Monday AM Women’s Bible study, and we both have been going to the Saturday AM Men/Women Bible Fellowship meetings. Last year and this year we served the Lord at VBS.
Q: When did you @irst know that FHPC would be your faith family, and when did you get plugged in? We moved to Hosmer St. seven years ago this August (one blk. from FHPC) from Bay Park near Mission Bay. We looked out & up from our front porch, saw the steeple & cross, heard the chimes and proceeded to Iind out what church it was. After Iinding it to be a Presbyterian Church we felt led by the Lord to try it. We loved Pastor Kevin, Pastor Brian and learned that teaching, preaching & spreading the Gospel were high priorities, plus meeting the very friendly people, with Chuck & Julie Bras being the Iirst, all got us ‘hooked and locked’ in to FHPC.
Q: You have a special passion for VBS: why do you @ind it to be such a blessing to be part of serving at VBS? Maryann’s pre‐school teaching background and love of children is infectious and Fred caught the bug too. We both love kids and desire to see the light of Jesus shine through each one. We have six grandchildren from two daughters with all of them asking Jesus into their hearts (a great blessing!). This explains why we love and want to be a part of helping other young hearts and minds to Iind God and His Son Jesus Christ and live the abundant life that only He can provide. So VBS was and is a perfect outlet for us to serve our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ. It has been an awesome blessing!
2
Upcoming Sermon Series
SEPTEMBER
13* Parable: A Strong Foundation Matthew 7:242920* Parable: A Fruitful People Matthew 13:12327* Parable: A Loving Shepherd Matthew 18:1014
OCTOBER
4* Parable: A Merciful God Matthew 18:2135 11* Parable: A Generous God Matthew 20:116 18* Parable: A Terrible Promise Matthew 21:3346 25* Parable: A Wedding Banquet Matthew 22:114
NOVEMBER – Mission Month
1* Parable: A Wise Investment Matthew 25:1430 8 GATHER in Worship Psalm 122:19 15 GROW in Faith Colossians 2:68 22 GO in Mission Matthew 9:3538 29 Advent – The Father’s Gift of Hope Isaiah 9:27
DECEMBER
6 Advent – The Father’s Gift of Assurance Matthew 1:1824 13 Advent – The Father’s Gift of Joy Luke 2:17 20 Advent – The Father’s Gift of Love John 1:114 24 Christmas Eve – The Father’s Gift of Peace Romans 5:18 27 Search Me and Know Me Psalm 139
* Denotes the weeks Small Groups are meeting3
Gather In WorshipGATHER IN
Church is not a building. Church is not a worship service. Church is the people of God. During the week God’s Church is spread throughout the entire community. Yet, there are special times each Sunday morning when we, as the local church, gather in worship. We gather to offer our collective praise and worship to the God who has saved us. However, we often receive as much as we give. God meets us in this worship and ministers to us through those around us. These are life‐giving times that we simply cannot miss as believers.
I’ll see you this Sunday in worship!
^Banner Theology
The Theological Declaration of Barmen was penned in Hitler’s Germany in 1934. This was the Confession of the Church in Germany that refused to bow to Hitler. Many of them paid for their convictions with their lives. Of all the beautiful banners that decorate the walls of our Sanctuary, this one receives the most comments. Its dramatic crossing out of the Nazi Swastika and the Ilames at the foot of the Cross picture well the passionate message this document declares. Out from the Ilames the Cross of our Lord Jesus not only survives but Ilourishes. The Church has radically grown long after Hitler’s reign of terror was destroyed. The six declarations of this document all revolve around the supreme Lordship of Jesus over the entirety of our lives. The German government
sought to take over every area and institution of s o c i e t y . T h e B a r m e n C o n ‐fession declared that our Lord Jesus is the one saving revelation of God, and is declared to us by the Bible. They afIirmed that just as individual Christians belong only to God, so also the Church belongs only to God.
A Voice From the Choir Written by Rick Edgington
Oh how I love to hum, whistle and sing. My voice is not bad, but I know I’m no Michael Ruhl. Oh
how I love to belong to a close knit group. For the rougher days, it sure helps to have some buddies out there offering their support and friendship. Oh how I love to sing praises to our Lord. Singing prayers that have been put to music is such a natural expression of the love that I have for God. Oh how I love using my gifts to serve the Family that God has called me to. It is a joy to help the congregation focus on the Glory of our Lord.
^
WORSHIP
Try It Out...If you’re interested in going deeper in your Sunday morning worship experience, try starting on Saturday night. Too often Saturday nights are times of mindless TV or late night social events which can leave us empty and exhausted come Sunday morning. A hectic Sunday morning routine only adds to the stress and can bring us to the Sunday morning worship experience in a less‐than‐ready state of mind and heart.
Pick a Saturday in the next month and decide that when the sun goes down you will begin your preparation for Sunday morning worship. Only watch or read something if it will better prepare you for Sunday worship. Choose your clothes and lay them out before you go to sleep so you don’t have to worry about doing so in the morning. Go to sleep in enough time to get a full night’s rest. Rise with enough time to spare to enjoy a few quiet moments with God before heading to FHPC. Give this a try, and see if it doesn’t deepen and enrich your Sunday morning worship experience.
^ 4
A New Way To Give
Did y
ou know th
at you can
now give
toward F
HPC’s G
eneral F
und and
Building P
reservatio
n Fund o
nline? In
fact, you c
an even se
t up an on
going gift
to the chu
rch that w
ill be auto
matically
and secu
rely rece
ived fro
m your
checking d
ebit or cr
edit card.
If you’re
interested
in takin
g advanta
ge of thi
s
option, ple
ase visit o
ur websit
e, open th
e
Resources
menu at
the top, a
nd select
Online Giv
ing to get s
tarted.
A Voice From the Band... Written by Rod Geilenfeldt
It was my beautiful wife that started the process of me joining the worship team. She told me, “you have to go talk to Jeremy… they are looking for
another bass player for the band”. I was fairly new to FHPC, didn’t know many people, and I was a bit nervous. But what I found was an environment that was so open and encouraging that has enriched my life and brought me closer to Jesus then I ever could have imagined… Time spent playing on Sundays brings a connection to Christ and to our church family unlike anything I have ever experienced. My bass playing used to be just for my own pleasure, and it has since changed to playing for Him and for the connective experience with the team and all of you. Playing on Sundays takes me away from the daily stressors and challenges of life and reminds me that I need to give it all to Jesus.
FamJam Coming September 27th!
Hallo, good to see, nice to meet! My name is da Fam Jam Sam and I is da one dat helpa the kids and parents and the littlest tiniest babies learn about God and his promises! Last year was so fun, so great, every body haves good time! We learn about fruits of sprit and how to lives dem at home, both moms and dads and kiddos. This year we learn about the armor of God and how his strength can protect us. We have funs games and skits and music, maybes evens dancing! What is real best is we learn about God and his love, a love that goes home with you. We even give box with cools stuff so family can talk about God and their lives. I hope to see you there. I da one with silly hat and suspinders!
FAMJAM IS BACK! SEPTEMBER 27th @ 9am: FAMJAM kick‐off for the year!FAMJAM is a family worship opportunity for families and friends of infants through 5th grade! The program starts at 9am but parents welcome to enjoy fellowship, coffee and bagels @ 8:30 while their kids enjoy supervised play. We can’t wait to explore the Armor of God with you and your children.
“Let the Lord make you strong. Depend on his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor.” Ephesians 6:10‐13
Fall FAMJAM Dates:September 27th October 25th November 22nd before ThanksgivingDecember 20th before Christmas
^
Landscaping and Discipleship
This spring I embarked on a great adventure, landscaping our backyard. I was tired of Iighting weeds and looking at dirt, it was time to do something. Along the ways I've seen some
parallels to our Christian lives and our call to grow as disciples. 1. It's a process: I had a vision for our yard, but it's nothing that could happen in a weekend. We had to clear everything, get the ground ready, dig the holes for planting, sprinkler systems, lay sod, and the list goes on. Not only has it been a process, but it's been hard work; and we aren't anywhere near Iinished. Our
Christian lives are the same way. Growing in Christ is a process that we, as believers, are in the midst of. We all have things we need to clear from our lives and things we need to work on as we strive to be more Christ‐like. Nowhere in the Bible does it say the Christian life is easy. We all need to work at it everyday if we are to grow.
2. I Can't Do it Alone: I wouldn't have gotten very far in this project if I had tried to
do by myself. My wife has pulled weeds and moved rocks, my dad has helped getting the ground ready, and my kids have helped plant the trees and shrubs. It's truly been a family affair. Our spiritual lives were not meant to be lived alone either. We see many examples in the book of Acts of the early church coming together to worship, learn, and pray for each other. Jesus calls us to the same, we are meant to be active parts of our faith community: Growing, struggling, celebrating, crying, laughing, and praying together. It's our hope and prayer as the CE committee that we give you opportunities to work on your faith and grow, that's why we have Sunday School Classes, Mid‐week Bible Studies, Small Groups or our Fall Retreat. But most important is that you have a safe community of other believers that are also in the process right along with you to help you grow and mature in your faith.
Grow In Faith Written by Chris Davis
Small Group Testimony Written by Cam McClin
I am always i n a w e o f h o w G o d continual ly t rans forms us regardless of where we are in our faith. I was g o i n g through the motions, but
not focused and not trusting enough in God. Through prayer, and God speaking to me through many meaningful sermons, I saw I was stuck in my faith. When Small Groups began, Cheryl and I joined for two reasons: it seemed like a good thing to do and we wanted to support Kevin and the Church. It very shortly became so much more: in terms of my desire to learn more and become closer to God, I feel like the emergency brake has been released and the Ilood gates to Heaven opened; my prayer life has improved and I feel God drawing me closer to Him; we came together as a group not knowing everyone, and have become more of a family; we have fun and eat well!! And lastly, anyone can ask any question, or give their opinion, and no one will feel embarrassed. I feel the overwhelming presence of God in my life, and give Him all the praise and thanks for what our small group means to me.
“I saw that I was stuck in my faith.”
GROW IN
Small Group Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for our Winter Series of sermon-based Small Groups will open for 3 weeks in early January. If you’re already involved in one of our Small Groups, be sure to indicate to your leader whether or not you’ll be continuing in your current group. If you’re new to Small Group involvement, be sure to stop by our Open
Enrollment table in the breezeway or visit our Small Group page on the website. For more information about our Small Group ministry, contact Brian Reed: [email protected].
5
6
FAITHKaleoMidweek GatheringsKaleo Tuesdays for junior high students. and Kaleo Wednesdays for senior high students are our main weekly gatherings. Our purpose is to create an inviting space for students to encounter God, regardless of their life place. Our midweek gatherings are a delicate and beautiful balance of students who long ago committed to following Jesus and others who are exploring faith for the very Iirst time. Aside from all the fun and crazy activities you would normally expect to Iind when a bunch of youth and weird leaders gather, these meetings also utilize creative teaching methods and engaging music to direct attention toward God and His truth we Iind in Scripture.
Small GroupsHebrews 10:25 tells us to continue meeting with one another to encourage each other in faith. This is what our student Small Groups are all about. It is not easy being a teenager in any generation, and this generation is no different, with uniques challenges and obstacles to faith, creating space to be honest and open about our struggles and triumphs along the way. We base our discussion on the Scripture passage taught the previous Tuesday or Wednesday and focus on accountability and encouragement in living out the truth we Iind in Scripture.
^
Meet Your Retreat Speaker
Michele served in full‐time vocational ministry for seven years before transitioning to work in higher education. A recognized leader and gifted communicator, Michele also has her own coaching and consulting business, The Moxy Project, where she analyzes lessons learned through change and helps people apply them to their daily lives in powerful ways. Michele holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California at Davis and an M.A. in Adult Development from Azusa PaciIic University. She shares her love for Christ and spiritual formation issues through leading young adults in her role as Director of First Year Experience and Special Programs at Westmont College, and serving as adjunct teaching faculty for Antioch University Santa Barbara. Michele is married to Chris and they have two boys, Jesse (8) and Sam (almost 5). Besides Jesus and her family, Michele is passionate about books and candy.
Try It Out... Each Sunday we have the opportunity to gather with God’s people to worship and honor Him, but this is not the Iinal landing place for our faith. It is actually our launching pad. Faith in Jesus is about committing yourself to learning what it means to follow Him. At FHPC we believe Iirmly that we grow in faith as we meet to study scripture and share our lives with one another, and that this happens best within one of our Small Groups.
The church we see in Acts experienced an explosive growth in faith as they met frequently and considered what it meant to devote themselves to one another. For them, growth was a product of fervent prayer and commitment in the daily lives and struggles of one another. How might we experience the same type of growth in faith as we passionately pour ourselves out for our brothers and sisters at FHPC? Do you know the needs of the people in your small group or in our faith family? If not, Iind out and commit yourself to fervent prayer for them. Allow their burdens to impact you and then consider how God might use you as a solution to their need.
^
Ou r c u l t u r e sees truth as merely relative. God wants to r e n e w o u r minds (Romans 12:2) so that we will view truth a s w h a t
corresponds to reality. Jesus is the truth, and He teaches truth. How does this inform our view of life? Come to The Truth Project: a 13 week video curriculum produced by Focus on the Family, presented on Wednesday evenings 6 :30‐8 :00 , beg inning September 23. For further information see www.thetruthproject.org or ask Sonny Tucker.
The Truth Project
Being a Follower of Christ in Mission Written by Shelly Buono
“If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). These words from Luke’s gospel speak to what missional work is all about. It is listening attentively to those around us who need our help, looking
for ways to come alongside them in prayer and action as we “do life together.” It means leaving the church building to go where the needs are and sharing God’s love in our community. It means inviting the community to our space to be our guests in worship and at an event like Trunk or Treat, so we can love them unconditionally and share God’s joy together. In September, our congregational dinner will have a mission focus to help us learn about God’s work in the local church. On the morning of Saturday, September 26th we’ll host FHPC Neighborhood Lend a Hand where we’ll work to clean up parts of our local neighborhood and invite folks to worship with us and/or come to Trunk or Treat. Take these opportunities to join us as we “follow Christ” in missional work. God’s work requires only one small step to begin.
Go In Mission
Missional Life: Student Reflection-Homeless Ministry Written by Jamie Morriss
When Saturday mornings roll around, most of us just want to sleep in and have a relaxing, quiet afternoon. That is no longer the norm for the few who decide to spend the
afternoon with the downcast of San Diego. Every Saturday a carload of students travel downtown to bring food and water to the homeless. With the support of FHPC, and also First Presbyterian Church (downtown), the car is loaded with so many different items, from bananas (which the homeless love) to specially donated chocolates. When they get treats like that, their faces light up. It’s really beautiful.
On one recent Saturday Sara Brenner was passing out food when she noticed a woman who was shoeless. Recognizing that there was a need that should be met, she took off her own sandals and handed them to the woman. They were the right size (isn’t it funny how God works?).
This is the type of sacriIicial living we are all called to as participants in God’s kingdom. May we all recognize the call of God and be faithful to it.
GO IN
7
Local Mission Written by Robin Watson
Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool has been a part of the church and community since 1961. Proudly serving as a mission of Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church, the preschool is a natural connecting point for families in the
community to the church. Because of this, we consider our Preschool a local mission outreach of FHPC. The art projects brought home may be breathtaking, the stories from the playground may bring joy to the parents’ hearts as they are retold over the dinner table, but the true connections made at Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool are the roots for a life of knowing Jesus, not just for the preschoolers, but for the families as well. Since the vast majority of our preschool families are not active members of any church, the best gift we can give our families is our love and support by providing an educational environment that includes prayer, spiritual formation for the children, and walking alongside families on the journey of parenting. This is why we exist. The mission of Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool is to be a caring and learning community for children, families, and staff as we pray, learn, and grow together. And as we do these three things—pray, learn, and grow—we come to see Jesus in more than just the stories told during Circle Time or in puppet shows. We create an atmosphere for children and families to incorporate their faith into their daily lives. Contact Robin Watson today: [email protected] or call the preschool at: 619.466.3326 if you have interest in getting involved in this local mission opportunity!
Written by Paul Knowles
In March a call was put out to participate in a Senior Panel at Patrick Henry High School. Our Panel had six students whose work we r e v i e w e d a s a m a n d a t o r y requirement for graduation. They were extremely wel l spoken, prepared, and at ease... with one
exception. A young man, from a single parent home, came without portfolio. We advocated for the student and worked with PHHS to give him a second chance to be interviewed at a later date. They agreed and he came through with Ilying colors. It was an emotional experience for me, as I could put myself in his place many years ago.
Local Mission
Trunk-or-TreatJoin us for Trunk‐or‐Treat‐‐our biggest community outreach! Last year, we had over 500 people attend. This event provides our church, preschool, and neighborhood an opportunity to enjoy a safe Halloween together over candy, hotdogs, cake walks, mazes, and
games! Consider hosting a trunk, serving at a station, or just
mingling as a person of hospitality. See page 13 for more
details...
MISSION International Mission Every 15 seconds a child dies from a water‐borne illness. Providing clean water to people ‐ especially children ‐ around the world is a cost‐efIicient and viable way to preserve life and share the love of Jesus to those in need. These children in Markapur (Andhra Pradesh, India) are thanking God for a well which our Mission Partner Hopegivers provided their orphanage through gifts from our Men’s Fellowship. In this town people would go several days without water since the region is so dry and the ground is solid bedrock. As water brings physical life, this Hopegivers Orphanage brings life with God as the children learn the Good News of salvation through Jesus our Lord.
^
Regional Mission
As a parent, I want my children to understand that they are blessed to be a blessing. They may be young, but it is important they realize that just as they are served by so many (parents, teachers, Sunday School leaders, faith family), they too can help serve and contribute to our faith family and community beyond. As our church becomes more active in local and international mission, what place
do our children h a v e i n t h i s ? Would you join me i n t h i s b i g g e r d i a l o g u e a n d question? This fall, families will be invited to support service o p p o r t u n i t i e s , especially giving to t h e S an D i e go
Rescue Mission’s Christmas for Christmas. I invite you to involve your children in the collection and organization of goods. We will be focusing on the Women and Children’s Shelter for the holidays whose needs include: hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, hair product, etc.), clinic items (Tylenol, Motrin, thermometers, etc.), gift cards (Wal‐Mart, Target, Jamba Juice, Rite Aid, etc.), and children’s items (board games, books, action Iigures, Play‐doh, anything with Sponge Bob, Dora, Elmo, etc.). We will be sending the items in early December. Stay tuned for more details and opportunities to tour the San Diego Rescue Mission and meet some of the families there!
^
Try It Out...
Here are some great opportunities to live out the Mission in the coming months...
September 26 – Lend a Hand FHPC Neighborhood: spend a couple of hours on this Saturday morning walking around the neighborhood of our church to clean up trash and meet some of our neighbors October 4, 11, 18 and 25 – bring canned food for the Presbyterian Urban Ministries food drive October 31 – Join the fun and welcome our neighbors to Trunk or Treat November 15 – Meet our Mission Partners at the Mission Fair November 29 – Bring a wrapped toy for a child in one of the Baja Presbyterian Mission’s churches
Beyond these service‐oriented events, we are called every day to live in our own neighborhoods and work places as those who've been redeemed.
^ 8
God never intended us to live our faith privately. Regular corporate worship, fellowship, study, and prayer are only some of the ways we may experience Christian life. Even personal spiritual disciplines beneIit from the support, clariIication, correction, and encouragement of our faith family. We need one another – our service, prayers, and shared lives – for healthy, balanced faith. Perhaps the most difIicult aspect of my Christian journey is making space for rest and retreat. Although we see myriad private, restorative encounters between humans and God throughout Scripture, I can’t help but consider God’s plan for His people to rest in Him and acknowledge Him together. The fourth commandment – “observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you” (Deut. 5:12) – comes immediately and deliberately after the Iirst three commandments devoted to our basic concepts about God. God spends more time describing the details and importance of this commandment than any of the others. This command was to be lived out in a way that impacted and
joined the entire community of faith. The word Sabbath comes f rom the Hebrew word , Shabbat, meaning “to cease.”
True rest and retreat in God is not inactivity; it is ceasing our control and work to fully rely on God’s work and activity (Hebrews 4:9‐12). God displayed the rhythm of rest during the creation narrative. Certainly God does not grow tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28), so while restoration is a key component of Sabbath rest for His followers, there is more to it than this. In submitting to the Sabbath, we intentionally devote time to embrace and respond to the creative good, reality, rest, and love of the everlasting One. Sabbath rest is life‐giving, as all of God’s commands are, and provides us the opportunity to break from everyday labor and activity; to return to God and Iind rest in Him. There is no substitute for the silence and solitude of retreat. If Jesus pursued silence and solitude, both alone and in the company of friends, we must also. It is difIicult to value Sabbath rest and retreat in a society that does not. Purposed rest is countercultural to our efIiciency‐driven culture. Do you Iind yourse l f chron ica l ly busy and exhausted? Or perhaps lazily unable to engage in life‐giving activity after busyness? By practicing rest we not only obey God, we engage in worship and life at its core. I know when I do make space for this kind of rest, I am
not only Iilled with an insatiable desire for more of the God who Iills me up, but I am changed. I become more peaceful, mo re c omm i t t e d t o a l i f e o f reconciliation, and more inclined to draw from the abundance of His well than my own. Although Sabbath rest restores us personally from the inside out, perhaps it is time we regard the very communal way in which Sabbath rest was Iirst commanded to God’s people. How can we help each other slow down so we may Iind ourselves inextricably caught up in God’s story? How will we discover that our individual stories are woven together in the fabric of God’s ultimate story? As you consider the implications of allowing and inviting God’s rest in your life, I want to challenge you to retreat together also. We have the perfect opportunity to return and rest at our multi‐generational Fall Retreat where we will share a whole weekend of leisurely reIlection, fellowship, and dialogue with God. How will you answer to the restorative invitation and soul‐care of Jesus (Matt. 11:28) in your life personally and in the context of community?
^
FAITHFORMATIONeveryd
ay
The endless cycle of idea and action, Endless invention, endless experiment, Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness;Knowledge of speech, but not of silence; Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word...
Where is the Life we have lost in living?Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?
....What life have you, if you have not life together?There is not life that is not in community, And no community not lived in praise of GOD.
‐From T.S.Eliot’s Choruses from The Rock
RETREAT TOGETHEREmbracing God’s communal call as a people.
9
Up: Animated and Substantive?
“We \ind by losing. We hold fast by letting go. We become something new by ceasing to be something old…”
Frederick Buechner is one of my favorite writers. His words speak to me in a profound way and I am often struck by the scope of their reach. I Iind them speaking to me in unexpected places, offering comfort or challenging my perspective. But one place I did not expect to Iind his words so beautifully personiIied was in a “children’s” movie, much less one that’s animated. So, alright, let’s just start with Iirst things Iirst: Yes, the movie Up is animated; yes, I once held Iirm to the notion that Iilms of this variety were more‐or‐less the cinematic equivalent to cotton candy: sweet, basically full of Iluff, and most enjoyable for children. And, yes – now I hope you’re paying attention because this does not happen often – I was wrong. Up tells the story of Karl, a curmudgeon of a man who becomes determined, in his golden years, to keep an old promise and embark on a very unique journey. Despite his objections, Karl is soon joined by two faithful, though unwelcome, individuals: an over‐zealous and inquisitive 8 year old named Russell, and a hopelessly devoted dog named Dug. These companions ultimately force Karl to take a closer look at what really matters, and to Iind out whether or not he is strong enough to let go. He also must face the struggle of choosing to abandon a path he has chosen for himself in order to follow one he knows to be right. This Iilm challenges us to examine the idea of letting go, in order to Iirmly grasp something far
greater; of ending a selIish journey, in order to begin a selIless one; of losing, in order to gain. So if you, like me, have maintained that all animated Iilms are the cotton candy of cinema, I challenge you to see this movie, so that you, too, can have the good fortune of being proven… wrong.
Written by Jenna Dawsey
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne begins with the simple story of Shane’s conversion living as a young boy in Tennessee. For Claiborne, being a Christian seemed to be about fun, safety, and comfort but in high school he began to question if there was more to faith than just believing. In searching the scriptures he determined it wasn’t enough just to believe. He became convinced that Christians need to pick up the cross and move from just believing in Jesus to becoming followers of Jesus. Joining a more “radical”, charismatic congregation, Shane became, in his words, a “Jesus freak” with the intensity and zeal of his newfound evangelical faith. With the Holy Spirit inIluencing the missional longings of his heart, and something amiss in his
faith, he went off to a Christian college in Philadelphia against his mother’s wishes. There he began a series of life‐altering experiences, including internships with Willow Creek and Mother Teresa, which helped to shape his passionate pursuit of ministering to and generally loving all in a world that is hurting, crying and longing for something it cannot have. It takes more than courage to cross the line from being a comfortable Christian to become, in his words, “an ordinary radical.” However, as you read further along in his book, you will see ways that all of us can become a little “radical” in our own faith. Shane’s passion, love and desire to walk in the way of Jesus is so inspiring and at the same time humbling as we journey with him on peace trips to Iraq, witness his ministry with lepers in India, and are exposed to his community living family called the “Simple Way” in the inner city of Philadelphia. I encourage anyone to read this book. Better yet, ask me‐‐I’ve got an extra copy to loan you.
Written by Richard Williams
FAITHINCULTURE
Hear It... U2: A Joyous Noise U2’s 12th studio album, No Line on the Horizon, provides both secular and religious pictures for our world. As many in society face a horizon‐less journey, U2 provides passages to the Spirit within their music. The album’s second track, “MagniIicent”, has Bono singing: I was born to sing for you… But to lift you up and sing whatever song you wanted me… It was a joyful noise... Justi\ied until we die, You and I will magnify. Bono portrays a man struggling with his circumstances on “Moment of Surrender”: My body's now a begging bowl… Begging to get back to my heart… To be released from control. Bono continues, "God is love, and love is evolution's very best day," on "Stand Up Comedy." "I've found
grace inside a sound, I found grace, it's all that I found," he sings on "Breathe." Following an emotional reference to a dying soldier’s Iinal moments in Afghanistan on “White as Snow,” to the tune of “O Come O Come, Emmanuel”: Once I knew there was a love divine… forgiveness where forgiveness is not, only the lamb as white as snow. U2 is a rock band. But even with a rock band one can ask for eyes to see and ears to hear a joyous noise as they walk the same path toward Iinding God.
Written by Russ Shubert
See It...
Read It...
10
I N R E V I E W...
Forest HomeSummer Camp
11
Church Picnic
Indian Hills
Filled with Gratitude
Thank you for an amazing, Christ-centered, adventure-packed VBS with 186 children! God used your diverse contributions, service, and prayer powerfully. We enjoyed countless tender moments with the children from our church and community from chariot races to deep conversations about salvation. Praise God!
VBS 2009: ROMEPAUL AND THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH
12
E V E
13 For more information, check out our website: www.fhpc.org
N T S
14There’s more...
Annual Mission Fair
The FHPC annual MISSION FAIR will be on November 15, 2009 this year, following a 10:00 combined worship service. Representatives from our Mission Partners will be here to share about what God has been doing in their ministries. This is our best opportunity to encourage them and learn how the prayers and giving of our church have been put to work. There will be children’s activities, crafts to purchase, and (of course) food to enjoy!
Congregational Dinner
Please plan to join your church family on Saturday, September 12 for FHPC’s annual Congregational Dinner. This fun‐Iilled gathering will occur from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Salads, main dishes, and desserts are needed so sign up to bring your special recipe to share. More information can be found on the FHPC website, or you can e‐mail Ryan Dixon at [email protected]. Hope to see you there!
Diamond Brunch
About 80 FHPC members and friends who are 75 or better are invited twice a year by our Dea con s t o a t t end t h e Diamond Brunch held in their honor. This festive and creative celebration features a I i n e m e a l o n a t h eme d e c o r a t e d t a b l e , e n t e r t a i nm e n t , c a s u a l interaction with friends, and the opportunity to receive Communion. Recognize the couples pictured here from this year’s Spring event? The Fall Diamond Brunch is on October 24th.
Advent Gatherings for the Whole FamilyWednesdays evenings in December: 2nd, 9th, and 16th
Our multigenerational Advent experiences will feature worship, hands‐on activities, prayer, reIlection, fellowship, and celebration! Come... prepare for Christmas with us!
Advent means coming or arrival, literally referring to the coming of something or someone made present among us. Advent is a season of anticipation, reIlection, and celebration as we remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. We excitedly invite you to our annual, multi‐generational Advent Gatherings with special options for children and students. These three Wednesdays will provide hands‐on learning and worship opportunities.
15
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
9.12 Congregational DinnerJoin us in Fellowship Hall at 6pm for this annual event!
10.9‐10.11 Fall RetreatThis year’s Fall Retreat features a guest speaker you won’t want to miss!
11.15 Combined ServiceOn mission fair Sunday, we will worship together in a combined service that features a contemporary worship style.
Advent Gatherings
12.2 Wednesday even‐
12.9 ings from 6:30‐ 7:30.
12.16 See you there!
9.13 Small Groups BeginSmall Groups begin 8‐week session. Make sure to take advantage of this l i fe‐changing opportunity!
10.11 Combined ServiceJoin us at 10am for a combined service which will feature a traditional style of worship.
11.15 Mission FairImmediately after the 10:00am service in Fellowship Hall. Come see what Jesus is doing!
12.13 Christmas ProgramJoin us at 6:30pm for FHPC’s annual Christmas program.
9.15 Presbytery MeetingFHPC is hosting the monthly P r e s b y t e r y m e e t i n g . Worship begins at 5:00pm.
10.31 Trunk‐or‐TreatAn annual event that is one of the highlight’s of the year! Don’t miss out! (5:30‐7:30pm)
11.25 Thanksgiving Eve Service We will come together as a community of faith to give thanks to our great God.
12.24 Christmas EveWe will gather together to celebrate the birth of the Savior at 7pm in our Sanctuary.
