Meeting HouseMeeting HouseMeeting HouseMeeting House

NewsNewsNewsNews

The Reverend Anthony D. Lorenz, Pastor Debby Madden, Director of Educational Ministry The Reverend Jon A. Black, Pastor Emeritus

Arthur Thompson, Organist Susan Shuey, Choir Director

Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary Michael Stamey, Sexton

Administrative Office Hours M, W, F: 9AM—2PM Phone (717) 243-4612 Pastor’s Phone Number (C) (717) 609-3780 Office E-mail fpcarl@pa.net Pastor’s E-mail alorenz.fpcarl@pa.net Educator’s E-Mail dmadden.fpcarl@pa.net Website www.firstprescarlisle.org

First Presbyterian ChurchFirst Presbyterian ChurchFirst Presbyterian ChurchFirst Presbyterian Church

On the Square, 2A North Hanover StreetOn the Square, 2A North Hanover StreetOn the Square, 2A North Hanover StreetOn the Square, 2A North Hanover Street

Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013

JJJJaaaannnnuuuuaaaarrrryyyy 2222000011118888

Page 2 January 2018

Pastor’s CornerPastor’s CornerPastor’s CornerPastor’s Corner Dear Members & Friends of First Presbyterian Church,

For many of us the New Year provides a time to pause, reflect, and take stock of the year that has just passed. This is something we often do in our personal lives and it is something we do in the life of the church. It is helpful to think of all the changes and new things we have experienced over the course of a year. Taking stock means taking a hard look at the moments and events of the past year. This has been a wonderful year for ministry. We have welcomed new members. Sadly, we have also said goodbye to some long-time saints. We have learned and stretched and prayed and had a few meals together too! At the end of the year I feel tremendous joy and gratitude for all that we have accom-plished in 2017. Here are some of the reasons why I feel this way: Your Generosity – I want to say a heartfelt “Thank you” to everyone who has supported the work of First Church in any way this year. You, the members and friends of First Church, share your time, your talent, and your financial resources. You are generous in so many ways! All this generosity means the work of the church continues, grows, and thrives. From local outreach projects to support for our mission co-workers in Honduras and the Middle East, to placing flowers and serving on committees and much more, your generosity is powerful! Your Faithfulness – There are so many different ways to express our faith and I am delighted that so many of you take the time to participate in these activi-ties and enrich your personal faith. I’m inspired by the faithfulness of our Prayer Community. I’m grateful for our Bible Study group and their faithful wrestling with God’s Word and how it enriches our lives. And most importantly, I’m joyful to see you participate in worship, because worship is the most important thing we do here at First Church. Our Work Together – Here’s just one example: In the aftermath of a devas-tating hurricane season I approached the Deacons about a possible fundraiser and mission project. Soon everyone jumped on board! We raised several thou-sand dollars during the month of September to purchase supplies for hygiene kits and clean-up buckets to be distributed by Church World Service. The Deacons and the Mission Committee matched those funds and then a huge number of you stayed after worship on October 22 for a luncheon fundraiser followed by packing kits and buckets. It was a wonderful day and many hands truly made light work! The Church Staff – Finally, I am truly blessed to work with such an outstand-ing church staff. They make my job so much easier and it is a joy to work with such dedicated folks every day. If you haven’t taken the time lately, please let them know how much you appreciate their work. So much of what happens here at First Church happens “behind the scenes” but it is important work and the staff deserve our thanks.

So what about taking stock of your life? How is God working in your world?

Where have you seen God in your life, your faith, our church and community?

I invite you to pause, to reflect and to consider all of God’s rich blessings as we

enter 2018.

Yours very truly in Christ, Pastor Tony

Thank-you to everyone who remembered me with cards, gifts, and goodies at

Christmas. Your kindness and generosity are a true blessing!

Can’t make it to church?

Listen to weekly sermons

and keep abreast of all

church events at:

www.firstprescarlisle.org

EPIPHANY IS:EPIPHANY IS:EPIPHANY IS:EPIPHANY IS:

• a season of worshipa season of worshipa season of worshipa season of worship

• a season of lighta season of lighta season of lighta season of light

• a time for spreading a time for spreading a time for spreading a time for spreading

the light of Christthe light of Christthe light of Christthe light of Christ

Resolve to be a Resolve to be a Resolve to be a Resolve to be a

lightlightlightlight----bearer this year!bearer this year!bearer this year!bearer this year!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pastor’s Corner 2

Church Officers 3

Sunday School Offerings 3

Congregational Meeting 3

Faith Circle 3

Bible Study 3

Space for God 3

Thank-You’s 3

Budget 4

Per Capita 4

Giving Statements 4

Book Club 4

Prayer Community 4

“Saturday Seminar” 4

Re-Decorate the Tree 4

2018 Communion Dates 5

MLK Commemoration 5

Worship Highlights 5

Photos from 2017 5

Soup for SHARE 5

“This Year” 5

Birthdays 6

Worship Helpers 6

Calendar 7

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 P a g e 3

YOUR CHURCH OFFICERS

As we prepare this month to install a new group of Elders and Deacons, we thank the following members for their service as the Class of 2017 (some of whom are returning in the Class of 2020): Elders: Dick Darr; Ann Gottlieb; Ron Richcreek; Deb Ryerson; Mike Stamey Deacons: Anita Ashbaugh; Bob Read; Judie Read; Lou Anne Stamey We welcome the Class of 2020: Elders: Dick Darr; Frank Meehan; Deb Ryerson; Fred Seltzer Deacons: Anita Ashbaugh; Rita Beck; Bob Read; Judie Read

Brief bio’s of our newest officers follow: Frank Meehan was attracted to First Church because of its traditional service and the quality of Rev. Lorenz’s sermons. He retired from the U.S. Army after having served 30 years. He served as Associate Dean at the University of Pittsburgh, and was Deputy Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of PA. Currently, Frank is an adjunct faculty member at Central Pennsylvania College, teaching investments, capital markets, etc. He is married to Susan.

Fred Seltzer was born and raised in Williamsport, PA. He moved to Cumberland County after graduating from Mansfied State College. He was drawn to this area in part because of a positive experience as a high school counselor trainee at Camp Michaux. Fred has been a member of First Church since the 60’s, and has been a choir member since then too. He has been an elder, a deacon, and a helper at Vacation Bible School. He retired from Carlisle Area School District after 38 years of teaching math in the secondary schools. He is an active member of the community, and enjoys travel-ing in the U.S., especially by train. He and his wife Marygrace have three children and five grandchildren. Rita Beck (coming soon�.not available at press time)

THANK YOU to all who worked together for our Advent & Christmas events & celebrations... from decorating the church to preparing & serving

meals...from sharing musical and photography talents to lending creches for children’s sermons... from

buying poinsettias to delivering them to homebound members...from baking cookies for truckers to supporting Movie Night — and SO MUCH MORE!

The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!

Annual Congregational Meeting

February 4th

All Committee Chairs (and

others) are asked to

submit their input to

the Annual Report to the

church secretary by Friday,

January 19th (or sooner)!

Sunday School Offerings (from the start of the new year, Jan 7th

until the Season of Lent, Feb. 11th)

Adults: “Words of Wisdom —

The Book of Proverbs”

Teens: NOOMA DVD Series, by Rob Bell

Pre-Confirmation: “Jesus in the Four Gospels”

Elementary: “Parables of Jesus”

Pre-school & K-garten: “Jesus Grows Up!”

Something

for everyone!

FAITH CIRCLE

Presbyterian Women will meet

at 2 PM, Monday, Jan. 22 (4th

Monday of the month). All

women church are welcome!

BIBLE STUDY

The Bible Study group will

meet on Jan. 9 and 23 at 6:30

PM, to continue a study of the

Book of Romans.

SPACE FOR GOD

At the January 22nd meeting, we begin a study of Dietrich

Bonhoeffer’s book, Discipleship. Please consider joining these

theology-based discussions on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the

month (7 PM). To order a book, see Debby.

P a g e 4 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8

November YTD

Gen’l Fund $19,296 $221,579

Invest. Income $24,000 $ 36,053

Other $ — $ 1,566

Expenses ($19,295) ($261,728)

**********************************

Q: WHAT’S FLAT, BLUE & NEEDS $25.81?

A: WHY, IT’S YOUR 2018 PER CAPITA ENVELOPE!

First Presbyterian Church pledges a Per Capita (per each

member) payment to the Presbytery to support their work,

and that of the General Assembly and Synod. If you have

not yet provided your 2018 Per Capita payment of $25.81,

please do so. If you have, thank you! No blue envelope is

needed. Per Capita payments are distributed by the

Presbytery as follows:

General Assembly $ 7.73

Synod of the Trinity $ 2.30

Presbytery of Carlisle $15.78

$25.81

(This is a $.23 increase in 2018,

going to the General Assembly.)

BOOK CLUB ACTIVITY

The Book Club’s first meeting of 2018 is Jan. 11 (2nd Thursday of the month). Discussed will be O Ye Jigs & Juleps, by Virginia Hudson. This book offers a refreshing look into a little girl’s humorous outlook on life, her Christian perspective, and the customs and social mores of 19th Century America. Looking ahead, begin reading the February selection, P.D. James’ Death Comes to Pemberley.

Debby Madden

PRAYER COMMUNITY

The Prayer Community will meet

on Sunday, Jan. 21st , a�er

worship. You may send prayer

requests to any member of the

community, the church office, or

staff. You are welcome to join in

this ministry of care and prayer.

““““Saturday SeminarSaturday SeminarSaturday SeminarSaturday Seminar””””

This year’s Saturday Seminar will be held This year’s Saturday Seminar will be held This year’s Saturday Seminar will be held This year’s Saturday Seminar will be held Jan. 27thJan. 27thJan. 27thJan. 27th

at the Presbytery Office, Camp Hill, 9 AMat the Presbytery Office, Camp Hill, 9 AMat the Presbytery Office, Camp Hill, 9 AMat the Presbytery Office, Camp Hill, 9 AM————Noon. Noon. Noon. Noon.

It will be beneficial to clerks of session, It will be beneficial to clerks of session, It will be beneficial to clerks of session, It will be beneficial to clerks of session,

elders, church staff, and volunteers elders, church staff, and volunteers elders, church staff, and volunteers elders, church staff, and volunteers

who work with children. who work with children. who work with children. who work with children.

Online registration begins Jan. 1st, Online registration begins Jan. 1st, Online registration begins Jan. 1st, Online registration begins Jan. 1st,

or you may call 737or you may call 737or you may call 737or you may call 737----6821.6821.6821.6821.

2017 GIVING STATEMENTS You can expect to receive your 2017 giving statements

by mail in the coming weeks. Thank you for your generosity in 2017!

Let’s RE-DECORATE the Christmas Tree!

The Christmas tree always looks rather forlorn after the lights and decorations are taken down and put away in January. The tree goes back in the box and up to the attic or out to the curb. But again this year we are leaving the church’s Christmas tree up in Fellowship Hall and inviting you to re-decorate it with new hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, headbands, and earmuffs. We will deliver these items to Carlisle CARES for their distribution to those in our community who are struggling to keep warm and safe during harsh winter weather.

Let’s help warm up our community!

P a g e 5 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8

Soup for S.H.A.R.E. First Church is Project SHARE’s designated “soup church.” In 2017, you donated over 500 cans of soup! GREAT JOB! Let’s meet or exceed that number in 2018. Place cans in container in Fellowship Hall.

Communion Dates—2018

Jan. 14 Feb. 18 Mar. 29 Apr. 1 (Easter) Apr. 29 May 20 Jun 10 Jul 8 Aug 12 Sep 9 Oct. 7 Nov. 4 Dec. 2 Dec. 24

Worship Highlights in January

January 7:

∗ “Baptism of the Lord” ∗ We will renew our baptisms and install new church officers

January 14: ∗ Pastor Tony is away; Rev. Tom McKinnon will preach. ∗ We will observe the Sacrament of Communion.

This Year It is never too late to begin a new habit — or to recovenant our side of the promise with God — or to name anew the responsibilities we have as faithful people. Consider the following ways we can live our faith in the New Year 2018:

∗ Mend a quarrel

∗ Seek out a forgotten friend

∗ Dismiss suspicion & replace it with trust

∗ Give a soft answer

∗ Encourage youth

∗ Keep a promise

∗ Find the time

∗ Forego a grudge

∗ Forgive an enemy

∗ Listen

∗ Apologize if you are wrong

∗ Try to understand

∗ Think first of someone else

∗ Appreciate

∗ Be kind, gentle & humble

∗ Laugh a little

∗ Laugh a little more

∗ Welcome a stranger

∗ Speak your love

∗ Speak it again

∗ Speak it sill again Ruth A. Richie

4th Annual MLK

Commemorative

Luncheon

- Saturday, Jan. 13, 1 PM

- Second Presbyterian Church,

528 Garland Dr.,

- Keynote Speaker,

Taro Landis, Chief of Police

- Master of Ceremonies,

James Crummel, ABC27

A few

High-lights

from the

Life of the

Church,

2017

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 P a g e 6

JANUARY WORSHIP HELPERS

Readers

Jan. 7: Charlie Thompson Jan. 14: Ray Thomas Jan. 21: Deb Ryerson Jan. 28: Joe Shane

Ushers Jan. 7: Ray Thomas; Megan Crum; Bruce & Anita Ashbaugh Jan. 14: Dick & Tracy Sommers; Dennis & Connie Husler Jan. 21: Mike & Lou Anne Stamey; Dennis & Linda Rydberg Jan. 28: Heather, Camryn & Rebert Thompson; Mary Jane Blosser

Counters Jan. 7: Bill & Ann Gottlieb; Melissa Sheperd Jan. 14: Dick & Ellen Darr; Lynne Hofferica Jan. 21: Bruce & Kathy Mulvey; Barb Allen Jan. 28: Bob & Judie Read; Peg Owen

Fellowship Hosts Jan. 7: Peggy McKeehen & Connie Husler Jan. 14: Peggy mcKeehen & Connie Husler Jan. 21: Sue & Frank Meehan Jan. 28: ??

Flowers Mary Reneker (chair) & Alice Zimmerman

Service Recorder Ray Thomas

Communion—Jan. 14 (Served)

Preparers: Peggy McKeehen; Elizabeth Martin; Rita Beck Servers: Barb Allen; Dick Darr; Lynda Mann; Elizabeth Martin; Frank Meehan; Charlie Thompson

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a replacement If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a replacement If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a replacement If you cannot serve as scheduled, please find a replacement and give the name to the church secretary as soon as known. and give the name to the church secretary as soon as known. and give the name to the church secretary as soon as known. and give the name to the church secretary as soon as known.

Thank you for serving!Thank you for serving!Thank you for serving!Thank you for serving!

January BirthdaysJanuary BirthdaysJanuary BirthdaysJanuary Birthdays 1 Heather Metzger

3 Mary Reneker

5 Millard Ilgenfritz

6 Jane Thompson

7 Jennifer Koishal

8 Ruth Ann Shoenfelt

9 Edwin Rice

11 Judy Gottlieb

12 Ray Thomas

Noah Weiser

13 Bruce Mulvey

14 Lou Anne Stamey

15 Tess Naylor

Heather Thompson

16 Gerald Light

18 Steve Elsier

19 Erik Thompson

23 Clairissa Crum

Rick Line

25 Delaney Crim

28 Ann Lynes

31 Sandy Ilgenfritz

Bo Koishal

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS FELLOWSHIP HOSTS FELLOWSHIP HOSTS FELLOWSHIP HOSTS are needed for 2018 . are needed for 2018 . are needed for 2018 . are needed for 2018 . If you can help with this If you can help with this If you can help with this If you can help with this ministry of hospitality, ministry of hospitality, ministry of hospitality, ministry of hospitality, please sign up today.please sign up today.please sign up today.please sign up today.

January 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

31 Dec NO Education Hour 10:45 AM: “Star Gifts” 3-10 PM: “First Night” Hospitality Suite (Fell. Hall)

1 NEW YEARS DAY

2 3 6 PM: Worship Committee 7 PM: Choir

4 5 6

7 9:15 AM: Prayer 9:30: Education Hour 10:45: Worship; Baptism Renewal; Installation of Officers After: Fellowship

8 7 PM: Deacons 7 PM: Fell Hall in use (No Space for God meeting)

9 6:30 PM: Bible Study

10 1:30 PM: Property Committee 7 PM: Choir (Pastor Tony out of the office, thru Sunday, 14th)

11 7 PM: Book Club

12 13

14 9:15 AM: Prayer 9:30: Education Hour 10:45: Worship, with Communion After: Fellowship

15

16 7 PM: Session

17 7 PM: Choir

18 7:30 AM: Men’s Breakfast

19

ANNUAL REPORTS DUE TO OFFICE

20

21 9:15 AM: Prayer 9:30: Education Hour 10:45: Worship; After: Fellowship After: Prayer Community

22 2 PM: Faith Circle 7 PM: Space for God

23 6:30 PM: Bible Study

24 7 PM: Choir

25

26

27 9 AM–Noon: Saturday Seminar, Presbytery Office, Camp Hill

28 9:15: Prayer 9:30: Education Hour 10:45: Worship After: Fellowship

29

30

31 7 PM: Choir

~ ~ COMING IN FEBRUARY ~ ~ 4th — Congregational Meeting

14th — Ash Wednesday