12
The Tattler……….. Her note sits on my dresser to this day. Written over thirty years ago, I have cherished it ever since it arrived in my seminary mailbox. Call it a relic of the past, when people usually sent hand-written messages by “snail” mail. To me, it remains a tangible expression of God’s grace and a source of ongoing encouragement when the doubts and disappointments of ministry dog my trail. This particular precious piece of correspondence came from Frances Shoemaker in response to the first sermon I preached as a field education student at Wallingford Presbyterian Church in Wallingford, PA. I still marvel that Frances took the time and effort to convey her appreciation for my message along with her desire to hear me preach again! Inspired by her simple kindness, and as a way of “paying it forward,” I encourage you to join me in a self-proclaimed campaign I’m calling “Letters for Lent.” The gist of this campaign is quite simple. Devote some time each day or at least once a week to sending a personal expression of encouragement or appreciation to another member of the congregation, your family, or anyone else whose name God places on your heart. And make it a “sacrificial offering” of your heart. Sure, you could send a text or tweet, an e-mail or Facebook post, but in this age of instant, effortless, and impersonal communication, why not go “the extra mile” (or however many it takes for the mail carrier to deliver it) and hand write a letter, note, or at the very least a post card, to someone who needs to know you care enough to put pen to paper, address an envelope, buy a stamp, and walk or drive to the mailbox. In order to assist you in this Lenten offering, blank note cards will be available in the Narthex along with a list of the names and addresses of some of our church members who have been absent of late and those who can no longer attend church on a regular basis. Don’t worry about being profound or polished. It’s enough, no more than enough to be personal and sincere. And ALL of us can do this, regardless of our age! Even children can create a message by means of a bit of artwork. Should you doubt the impact of such a simple gesture, consider how impoverished we would be without the letters of Paul, who went to great lengths to communicate to the young churches he planted, even when he was imprisoned. So, mindful of his gracious example, I pray with him that, “the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. I have good reason to think this way about all of you because I keep you in my heart (Philippians 1:6-7).” Faithfully yours, ----Pastor George March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church Connected in Christ to God, one another, & the world. John 15:5 Lectionary: March 1 Genesis 17:17, 1516 Psalm 22:2331 Romans 4:1325 Mark 8:3138 March 8 Exodus 20:117 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:1825 John 2:1322 March 15 Numbers 21:49 Psalm 107:13, 1722 Ephesians 2:110 John 3:1421 March 22 Jeremiah 31:3134 Psalm 51:112 or Psalm 119:916 Hebrews 5:510 John 12:2033 March 29 Palms: Mark 11:1- 11 or John 12:12- 16 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

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Page 1: March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church · March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church Connected in Christ to God, one another, & the world. John

The Tattler………..

Her note sits on my dresser to this day. Written over thirty years

ago, I have cherished it ever since it arrived in my seminary mailbox.

Call it a relic of the past, when people usually sent hand-written messages by “snail”

mail. To me, it remains a tangible expression of God’s grace and a source of ongoing

encouragement when the doubts and disappointments of ministry dog my trail.

This particular precious piece of correspondence came from Frances Shoemaker in

response to the first sermon I preached as a field education student at Wallingford

Presbyterian Church in Wallingford, PA. I still marvel that Frances took the time and

effort to convey her appreciation for my message along with her desire to hear me preach

again!

Inspired by her simple kindness, and as a way of “paying it forward,” I encourage you

to join me in a self-proclaimed campaign I’m calling “Letters for Lent.” The gist of this

campaign is quite simple. Devote some time each day or at least once a week to sending

a personal expression of encouragement or appreciation to another member of the

congregation, your family, or anyone else whose name God places on your heart. And

make it a “sacrificial offering” of your heart. Sure, you could send a text or tweet,

an e-mail or Facebook post, but in this age of instant, effortless, and impersonal

communication, why not go “the extra mile” (or however many it takes for the mail

carrier to deliver it) and hand write a letter, note, or at the very least a post card, to

someone who needs to know you care enough to put pen to paper, address an envelope,

buy a stamp, and walk or drive to the mailbox.

In order to assist you in this Lenten offering, blank note cards will be available in the

Narthex along with a list of the names and addresses of some of our church members

who have been absent of late and those who can no longer attend church on a regular

basis. Don’t worry about being profound or polished. It’s enough, no more than enough

to be personal and sincere. And ALL of us can do this, regardless of our age! Even

children can create a message by means of a bit of artwork.

Should you doubt the impact of such a simple gesture, consider how impoverished we

would be without the letters of Paul, who went to great lengths to communicate to the

young churches he planted, even when he was imprisoned. So, mindful of his gracious

example, I pray with him that, “the one who started a good work in you will stay with

you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. I have good reason to think this way

about all of you because I keep you in my heart (Philippians 1:6-7).”

Faithfully yours,

----Pastor George

March 2015 THE ROCK

News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church

Connected in Christ to God, one another, & the world. John 15:5

Lectionary: March 1 Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16 Psalm 22:23–31 Romans 4:13–25 Mark 8:31–38 March 8 Exodus 20:1–17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 John 2:13–22 March 15 Numbers 21:4–9 Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22 Ephesians 2:1–10 John 3:14–21 March 22 Jeremiah 31:31–34 Psalm 51:1–12 or Psalm 119:9–16 Hebrews 5:5–10 John 12:20–33 March 29 Palms: Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Page 2: March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church · March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church Connected in Christ to God, one another, & the world. John

“The Rock” is a newsletter for and about the Rockledge Presbyterian Church

Deadline for articles is the 20th

of each month. It is preferred that you submit your articles via email in

Microsoft Word format. An alternative method is to submit an article that is typed or clearly hand-

written and placed in the Church Office newsletter box. Articles may possibly be accepted after the 20th

but will be published only as space or time permits. To assure that your article gets in the newsletter

please have them submitted by the 20th.

Kim Trujillo = 639-7826, [email protected]

RPC e-mail address: [email protected]

Our new website is up and running! Go to http://www.rockledgepres.org/

Deacons Session Elders Trustees Cindy Mercer Patti Hyland Linda Britton Paul Moseley

Jane Rowe Della Rose Cathy Cady Richard Waters

Carole McKinley Betty Richards Dick Buttner Bruce Gilmore

Pete Aude’ Nancy Nickerson Pat Baggott Glenn Disch

Susy Rush Marcia Wilcox Terrie Kroger Dane Bradford

Bonnie Smith Linda Rose R.P. Higgins Paul Wood

Carol Rives Bob Trujillo Doug Rives

Mary Ellen Weissinger David Ward

Julie McCarl Sue Mann

RPC School Cindy Mercer, Director, phone: 632-3343

The sympathy and support of the congregation surround the following families on the death of their loved ones: The Roth family on the passing of Joyce on Saturday, February 14, 2015. A service was held at RPC on Monday, February 23.

The Marzluff family on the passing of Alice on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. A service was held at RPC on February 22. Bob Anderson and family on the death of his brother, Bill Anderson, in West Virginia. Ralph Trenger and family on the death of his youngest sister, Lois Wilt on February 13th ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Congratulations to Christina Davis and James Jordan who were united in marriage on Saturday, February 21.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to the following people who contributed to this month’s ROCK newsletter:

Phil Rose (Lectionary), Dottie Branson (Presbyterian Women), Debbie Corbin (Calendar),

Linda Britton ( Lenten Studies), BJ Smith (Crop Walk, Christmas mission market),

Bob Trujillo (Session Notes and Per Capita), Pat Baggott (Evangelism).

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Presbyterian Women

Calendar of Events

Schedule of Circle Meetings: March 16th Abigail Circle will meet in the Parlor at 7:00 p.m. March 17th Ruth Circle will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Susan Rush, 3212 Buckingham Lane, Cocoa March 18th Esther Circle will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Barbara Shontz, 1550 Lago Mar Drive, Viera

March 20th Mary Martha Circle will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor.

We welcome all women to a circle. Please come to the one most convenient for you.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

This annual celebration, sponsored by Church Women United, will be held March 6th at Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church, 234 Stone Street, Cocoa. Anyone wishing to carpool should meet at the church parking lot at 9:00 a.m. as the coffee hour is at 9:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at 10:00 a.m. We hope for a good representation from RPC. The ladies at Mount Moriah always welcome their guests with a wonderful continental breakfast. For further information regarding the event, please call Catherine Shelton, 631-7275.

We will be walking this year on March 15 at 2:00pm at Larry Schultz Park, Fiske Blvd, Rockledge. Parking will be available at Hope United Church of Christ with a crossing guard for getting across the street. We are looking for walkers as well as sponsors. Come see us at our Table in the south hallway. It is a fun event with plenty of fellowship, food and a good chance to exercise. Mark your calendars now. The park is pet friendly, so bring your pet with you. Make it a family affair.

CHRISTMAS MISSION MARKET - As you know we did not have the market this

past year. The thinking was that maybe it had gotten stale. We would like to have some feedback from the congregation. Did you miss it? Would you like it to return? Can we do something different? Suggestion for time (Oct, Nov, Dec) We welcome any and all comments you would like to offer. We would like to have something that the congregation would like and support. Please call or talk to BJ Smith or Debbie Lugar. We want to hear your ideas

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YOUR LENTEN JOURNEY

Lent, 2015

As you prepare to journey through Lent you are invited to choose a companion for these days. Your Christian Education Committee, with a little help from friends, has prepared a list of websites, periodicals, and books intended to accompany us in our journey of faith formation. Pastor George welcomes inquires from anyone who has interest in a particular spiritual discipline or topic. He can offer a host of “custom-fit” recommendations for Lenten study and reflection. Books are available through Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com in hard or soft covers usually and some as e-books. Linda Britton orders books frequently and can help with ordering or answering questions about ordering. Just give her a call at 631-1740.

Websites:

www.vibrantfaithathome.org A vast array of family friendly faith resources available on the web.

www.cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation, an educational center grounded in the Christian mystical tradition. Daily, weekly, or monthly meditations delivered to your inbox.

www.bible.com Opportunities and structure to read the Bible. Winnie Crawford uses and recommends this website to “keep one’s head in the Bible,” she says!

Periodicals:

Weavings, a quarterly journal of articles and poems. This quarter the theme is “Presence.” Weavings.org

Oneing, A journal of the Center for Action and Contemplation. Current theme is “Evidence.” Cac.org

Daily devotional guides for all ages published by and available through http://www.upperroom.org/.

“Bread for the World” Prayers for Lent. Bread for the World campaigns to raise public awareness about world hunger. See Pastor George!

Page 5: March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church · March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church Connected in Christ to God, one another, & the world. John

Lenten Studies continued……

Books: Hard to Dance with the Devil on Your Back by Ray Buckley. A Lenten study for adults. Lenten study for

individuals as well as groups. Each lesson includes Scripture, brief reflection and questions and prayer. Available through Central Florida Presbytery Resource Center. See Linda Britton for more information.

A Wondrous Love, the writings of Henri J.M. Nouwen and C.S Lewis in a daily format for Lenten. Each day includes Scripture, reflection and a prayer. Copies available are the church provided by the Christian Education committee.

Led by Christ: Action Begins in the Heart, Family devotions for each day of Lent by Kathy Finley. “Lent is the ideal time to consider with others where the decision we are making are headed.” (Available on Amazon Kindle and Nook). Limited number of copies also available at the church.

Wondrous Encounters, Scripture for Lent by Richard Rohr. “These daily meditations for Lent are his

gift to us for our transformation into our original ‘image and likeness.’”

Nearer to the Heart of God: Daily Readings with the Christian Mystics compiled and edited by Bernard Bagley. Collection of brief devotional reads which reflect the wisdom and grace gleaned from many spiritual mentors.

Jesus, The Greatest Therapist Who Ever Lived by Mark W. Baker, PH.D. The author writes, “I am fascinated with the question of why [Jesus’] teachings were so powerful.”

Recommended by Linda Rose

Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer. Seeking clarity about your true vocation in life? Palmer offers gentle guidance and encouragement for you who want to align what one does with who one is.

A Christian Primer by Albert Winn. A language-friendly introductory study of the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments.

The Jesus Way: A Conversation on the Ways That Jesus Is The Way by Eugene Peterson. Based on Jesus’ declaration in John 14:6, this book gently but firmly challenges the American church to be concerned with the way it declares and lives out the Gospel.

Talk that Matters: 30 Days to Better Relationships by Ben Campbell Johnson and Susan Lee Lind. Join

a book study using this book March 1, 8, 15, 22 at the church Sunday mornings 9:30-10:30 a.m. To

order a book ($10) or join the class, talk to Linda Britton. Team leaders: Corey Ahern and Pastor Wilcox.

A book chat will be announced for all who want to share their Lenten reading with us.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 SHARING CENTER SUNDAY

8:30 AM Early Worship (Chapel)

9:30 AM Adult & Youth Faith

Formation Classes

10:30 AM Fellowship- Coffee (C)

11:00 AM Children's Faith

Formation

11:00 AM Worship (S)

2 5:30 PM Cub Pack 304

(C)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts (C)

7:00 PM IPN (K)

3 5:30 PM Girl Scouts

#54 (C)

6:00 PM Corp.

Admin. (Rm 3)

6:00 PM

Evangelism

Committee (Rm 5)

7:00 PM AA (K)

7:00 PM CE

Committee (L)

4 1:00 PM

Bereavement

Group (P)

6:30 PM

Fellowship

Committee (P)

7:30 PM Choir

Rehearsal (K)

5 9:30 AM

Preschool Chapel

(S)

6:00 PM Girl

Scout (Team) (Rm

5)

7:00 PM NA (K)

6

9:00 AM CWU

Meeting at Mt. Moriah

AME Church, Cocoa-

meet to carpool

7:00 PM AA (K)

7 Presbytery

Meeting at MI

Presbyterian

9:30 am –

3:00 pm

8 SPRING FORWARD 8:30 AM Early Worship (Chapel)

9:30 AM Adult & Youth Faith

Formation Classes

10:30 AM Fellowship- Coffee (C)

11:00 AM Children's Faith

Formation

11:00 AM Worship (S)

12:00 PM Youth Lunch & Activity

(C)

12:30 PM Doorway to

Membership class (C &

Chapel(?))

9 5:30 PM Cub Pack 304

(C)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts (C)

7:00 PM IPN (K)

7:00 PM RPS Board (L)

10 6:30 PM Session

(C)

7:00 PM AA (K)

11 9:30 AM Preschool

Chapel (S)

7:30 PM Choir

Rehearsal (K)

12 4:30 PM Mission

Committee (C)

7:00 PM NA (K)

13 7:00 PM AA (K)

14

15 8:30 AM Early Worship (Chapel)

9:30 AM Adult & Youth Faith

Formation Classes

10:30 AM Fellowship- Coffee (C)

11:00 AM Children's Faith

Formation

11:00 AM Worship (S)

12:00 PM Youth Lunch & CROP

Walk

12:30 PM Doorway to

Membership class (Chapel)

12:30 PM Fellowship Lunch &

Movie Event

2:00 PM CROP Walk at Larry

Shultz Park

16 5:30 PM Cub Pack 304

(C)

7:00 PM Abigail Circle

(P)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts (C)

7:00 PM IPN (K)

17 5:30 PM Girl Scouts

#54 (C)

5:30 PM Ruth Circle

(H)

7:00 PM AA (K)

18 10:00 AM Esther

Circle (H)

1:00 PM

Bereavement

Group (P)

6:00 PM Lego

Club (C)

7:30 PM Choir

Rehearsal (K)

19 9:30 AM

Preschool Chapel

(S)

6:00 PM Girl

Scout (large) (C)

7:00 PM NA (K)

20 10:30 AM Mary

Martha Circle (P)

6:00 PM Audubon

Society (C)

7:00 PM AA (K)

21

22 8:30 AM Early Worship (Chapel)

9:30 AM Adult & Youth Faith

Formation Classes

10:30 AM Fellowship- Coffee (C)

11:00 AM Children's Faith

Formation

11:00 AM Worship (S)

12:00 PM S.A.L.T.

12:30 PM Doorway to

Membership class (C)

23

SPRING BREAK

5:30 PM Cub Pack 304

(C)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts (C)

7:00 PM IPN (K)

24 SPRING BREAK

9:30 AM PW

Coord. Team (P)

5:30 PM Girl Scouts

#54 (C)

7:00 PM AA (K)

7:00 PM Deacons

Mtg (P)

7:00 PM Worship

Committee (L)

25 SPRING BREAK

7:30 PM Choir

Rehearsal (K)

26 SPRING BREAK

6:30 PM Trustees

(L)

7:00 PM NA (K)

27 SPRING BREAK

7:00 PM AA (K)

28

29 PALM SUNDAY 8:30 AM Early Worship (Chapel)

9:30 AM Adult & Youth Faith

Formation Classes

10:30 AM Fellowship- Coffee (C)

11:00 AM Children's Faith

Formation

11:00 AM Worship (S)

30 5:30 PM Cub Pack 304

(C)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts (C)

7:00 PM IPN (K)

31 5:30 PM Girl Scouts

#54 (C)

7:00 PM AA (K)

Calendar current at the time of printing: go to

http://rockledgepresfl.view-events.com for updated calendar

Page 7: March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church · March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church Connected in Christ to God, one another, & the world. John

Some dates during……

Sundays in March 9:30-10:30 a.m. You are invited to join the book study: Talk that Matters: 30 Days to Better Relationships

Do you want to build meaningful relationships through thoughtful conversation? Kid’s Time/Childcare available on request. Cost for the book is $10. Contact Corey Ahern (321-750-4765) or the church office (321-636-0811) to

get a book and sign up for the study. March 6: Church Women United World Day of Prayer gathering at Mt. Moriah AME Church in Cocoa. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in our parking lot to carpool. March 29: Palm Sunday - regular morning schedule April 2: Maundy Thursday Communion Service * 7:00 p.m. April 3: Ecumenical Good Friday Service * noon * at Christ the King Church (on US 1, north of Pineda Causeway)

PAINT DAY SCHEDULED:

Saturday, February 28

beginning at 8:30 a.m. If you would like to help,

please join us for this work project.

“The season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and self-examination in preparation for the

celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter. It is a period of 40 days. (The Sundays in

Lent are not counted in this reckoning of the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter, as every Lord’s Day is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.) In the early church, Lent

was a time of preparation for the celebration of baptism at the Easter Vigil.”

Source: www.presbyterianmission.org

Please note:

The price of a Columbarium is

going up as of March 1, 2015.

The new cost will be $275.00.

MEALS ON WHEELS needs

your help. Sue Mann can always

use another volunteer to assist

with the route. Please give her a

call for details if you are

interested in this ministry-

321-452-4552.

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SESSION NOTES…..

The Session of Rockledge Presbyterian Church met on February 10, 2015 in Calvin Hall

for its stated monthly meeting.

Call to Order and opening prayer by Moderator Pastor George Wilcox.at 6:30 p.m.

Quorum declared by Clerk Bob Trujillo

Examination of new Elders and Deacons to be ordained and/or installed: - Session met in the Church Parlor for the examination and then moved to Calvin Hall for the

Session Meeting

- Present for the examination were Elder-elect Dick Buttner and Deacons-elect Carol Rives and

Patti Hyland.

- Motion to approve the examination of Elder-elect Dick Buttner and Deacons-elect Carol Rives

and Patti Hyland. - Approved m/s/c

Treasurer’s Report: - Steve Mercer was absent but provided a written January Treasurer’s Report. – Approved m/s/c

Session Action Items:

- Motion by Elder R.P Higgins to designate March 1st as RPC Per Capita promotion Sunday. Elder

R.P. Higgins will provide a Per Capita Minute for Mission presentation. - Approved m/s/c

- Motion by Elder Bob Trujillo to approve paying our RPC per capita commitment based on the

formula of $16.00 per member times our “official” membership count of 341 for a total cost =

$5,456.00 - Approved m/s/c

Trustees’ Report: - Sue Mann was absent but provided a report presented by Elder Linda Britton. Motion by Elder Linda

Britton (per recommendation by Trustees) to increase the cost of a Columbarium niche to $275.00 -

Approved m/s/c

2015 One Great Hour Offering: - Mission Committee Chair R.P Higgins announced a mission target goal of $2,035.

Clerk’s Report by Elder Bob Trujillo:

- Election of Elder Commissioner to Central Florida Presbytery Stated Meeting on March 7,

2015, @ 7:30 a.m. Merritt Island Presbyterian Church and will be co-hosted by RPC.

o Motion by Elder R.P. Higgins to elect Elder Beth Strickland as RPC Elder

Commissioner - Approved m/s/c

o Fellowship Committee Chair Julie McCarl will coordinate the breakfast supplies and

volunteers provided by RPC for the Presbytery meeting.

- Correspondence:

Received a thank you card from Laura Parsons for her Bonefish Grill gift card.

Completed and mailed Certificates of Transfer for the following members:

o Sue and Larry Mouch

o Michele VanHove

o Kathy Kenny

Received letter from Mark and Sandy Albright requesting that RPC remove their names from

the church rolls and to also be removed from all church correspondence and Deacons list.

Next Stated Session Meeting will be held on March 10, 2015 @ 6:30 p.m.

Motion to adjourn the meeting. Approved - m/s/c

Pastor George Wilcox closed the meeting with prayer at 9:10 p.m.

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Open the Doorway to Membership at RPC The Doorway to Membership, hosted by the Evangelism Committee, is a special

event intended to provide information for regularly attending non-members of

Rockledge Presbyterian Church who might be considering membership. The event is

also designed for anyone who simply wants to learn more about the church and

opportunities to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ through worship and service. Led by

Pastor George, this three-session orientation will briefly overview RPC history and

what it means to be Presbyterian, explain the meaning of church membership and

stewardship, motivate the group to identify their gifts for ministry within/outside the

church, and answer any questions about membership. To profit fully from the event,

attendees must be present at every session. If you choose not to formally join at

this time, these sessions will help to suggest ways you can still be an active participant in the church.

The Doorway to Membership will be held on Sunday, March 8th

; Sunday, March 15th

; and Sunday

March 22nd from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Before each session, participants are invited to attend a light lunch in

Calvin Hall at 12:30 p.m. following morning worship. On April 14th

, those who decide to join will be

introduced at the monthly Session meeting, and once received by Session members, new members will be

officially commissioned during worship on Sunday, April 26th

. If you would like to attend, please contact

the church office at 321-632-0811 by Wednesday, March 4th

. If you need church nursery care for the

event, notify the office by that date as well.

FELLOWSHIP NEWS:

Our Congregational Lunch on January 25th

was attended by 80 people. We had

barbequed chicken (cooked on our new grill), rolls, baked beans, salad and desserts.

It was a time of great food and great fellowship after our Annual Congregational

Meeting.

On Ash Wednesday, 40 people gathered for a Soup and Salad dinner in Calvin Hall. After dinner,

Pastor George led us in worship. The service included scripture, distribution of ashes, music and the

serving of Communion around the tables.

Many thanks to those who prepared the delicious soups and desserts to share, and to those who helped

with the set up and tear down of the tables and chairs. All of your efforts were appreciated!

The 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning Fellowship time in Calvin Hall has resumed.

Please gather for refreshments between Sunday School and the 11:00 a.m. Worship

Service.

SAVE THE DATE!! The Fellowship Committee is planning a lunch and the

movie “Heaven is for Real” after the March 15th

11:00a.m. Worship Service. More

information will be coming in Sunday bulletins and by email.

The next meeting of the Fellowship Committee will be on Wednesday, March 4th

at 6:30 pm at the church.

Please join us!

Page 10: March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church · March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church Connected in Christ to God, one another, & the world. John

What is Per Capita?

Per capita funding is how Presbyterians mutually share the costs of coming together to discern

the Spirit’s leading for the future.

It is how Presbyterians are trained to become better elders and ministers.

It is how Presbyterians discern God’s call in their lives.

It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the wider church by serving on GA committees

and commissions.

It is how Presbyterians participate in the life of the Church universal as we commit ourselves to

work and live in fellowship with “all persons in every nation” (Book of Order, G-4.0101)

Why is per capita important?

Per capita brings Presbyterians together — literally!

Presbyterians are connected in many ways, including our church government. We believe we

discern best what God is calling us to do when we gather as mid councils, “seek[ing] together to

find and represent the will of Christ” (Book of Order F-3.0204). Per capita dollars pay for the

costs of holding a General Assembly — including paying for the travel, room and board of

commissioners and advisory delegates, several of whom would not be able to afford these

expenses on their own.

Per capita makes it possible for Presbyterians to govern ourselves the way we do.

Presbyterians have a form of government built upon shared power and mutual accountability as

we seek together to find and represent the will of Christ. By providing the primary means

through which commissioners and advisory delegates can gather to do their work, per capita

dollars help to undergird our governance system.

Our Constitution provides a moral and theological compass that builds community and calls us to

Christian faithfulness in gratitude to God.

Per capita makes possible our effort for visible unity of the church of Jesus Christ.

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What is RPC’s share (apportionment) of the Per Capita?

The share (apportionment) of Rockledge Presbyterian Church for ecclesiastical expenses for the fiscal year

2015 is based upon the membership of RPC as reported to the last General Assembly.

RPC reported membership = 341. Here is the RPC Per Capita Share (Apportionment) for fiscal year 2015:

Per Member RPC Overall

General Assembly = $7.07 $2,410.87

Synod = $1.50 $511.50

Presbytery = $6.93 $2,363.13

*FLAPDAN = $.50 $170.50

Total to pay = $16.00 $5,456.00

*Central Florida Presbytery is asking for an additional contribution of $.50 per member to increase our mission

giving to FLAPDAN (Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network) and to restore reductions made to

committee budgets.

The total RPC 2015 Per Capita Assessment = $16.00 per member.

NOTE TO RPC Members: Please remember to write your Per Capita check to “RPC” with the words “Per

Capita” in the memo part of your check and with the amount on the check equal to $16 times the number of

members in your family. Turn in your Per Capita on March 1st. THANK YOU.

LOVE BRINGS HOPE

Volunteers in blue T-shirts offer their time and talent to rebuild communities impacted

by disaster. Churches respond to the problem of hunger in their communities. The blind

person's eyes are opened to new possibilities

What do these stories have in common?

HOPE - because God's LOVE is demonstrated through generous gifts to One Great Hour

of Sharing. Your gift allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities

around the world affected by natural and human made disasters.

Your gift helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other

partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally.

Your gift makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm dignity to all -

enabling persons to develop their potential and become contributing citizens.

As a result of your gifts, One Great Hour of Sharing will continue to be a reminder that

through the simple act of sharing, we are sharing HOPE that is a witness to God's LOVE

for all creation.

Our One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on Palm Sunday.

Envelopes are in the pew rack if you desire to give early.

Our goal this year is $2,035.

Page 12: March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church · March 2015 THE ROCK News from Rockledge Presbyterian Church Connected in Christ to God, one another, & the world. John

THE ROCK In this issue …… RPC News Lenten Study Opportunities

March 2015 Presbyterian Women

Per Capita Information

Church Staff:

Rev. George Wilcox, Pastor

Debbie Corbin, Office Manager

Jim Bishop, Choir Director

Glenn Arnold, Interim Accompanist/Organist

Steve Mercer, Treasurer

B.J. Smith, Financial Secretary

Catherine Shelton, Moderator, Presbyterian Women

Cindy Mercer, Director, RPC School

TBA, Technical Director

Rockledge Presbyterian Church

921 Rockledge Drive

Rockledge, Florida 32955

(321) 636-0811 FAX (321) 636-5821

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

Web Site: http://rockledgepres.org/

_________________________________

Return Service Requested

Worship in the Chapel: 8:30 a.m.

Faith Formation/Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Coffee/Fellowship: 10:30 a.m.

Worship in the Sanctuary: 11:00 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School: 11:00 a.m.