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A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE PAGE �1
theInvitationPROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2015
Ash Wednesday Service February 18, 7:30pm
Lenten Focus The Easter Experience
Sundays, February 22 - April 5
Lenten Soup & Rolls begins Wednesday,
February 25, 6:00pm
Lent is a time that the Church reflects on Christ’s Passion and Death in an intensely focused way. After Jesus was nailed to the cross, He spoke 7 short expressions, now commonly referred to as the “The Seven Last Words”. These words are recounted in Scripture and are found throughout the Gospels. Our journey through Lent begins on Ash Wednesday in worship as we hear the first phrase from Luke 23:34- “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” Then, on the next 5 Soup and Roll dinners, we’ll consider the next five phrases, each meditation presented by a member of the congregation. Finally, on Maundy Thursday in worship, we’ll focus our thoughts on the last phrase: “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Christ’s Passion and Death, remembered through these seven short expressions of Christ, will help prepare our hearts this Lenten season and prepare us for a glorious resurrection Sunday. From February 22 through April 5 (Easter Sunday), our adult and middle/high Sunday School classes will begin a special lenten study called The Easter Experience. On the most basic level, The Easter Experience is a six-episode, DVD-driven small group Bible study, centered on the passion and resurrection of Christ. Our Christian Education team and session are very excited about the way that this study will ask participants to think about what the events of Lent and Easter mean to us today. We’ll be focused on what our lives would be like without the gift of grace that we receive because of Christ’s sacrifice and the gift of Easter morning. It seems impossible that we’d complete this study and ever again imagine that Easter is only about candy, eggs and bunnies. Sermons during Lent will focus on the same topic that our Sunday School classes are covering. Those who attend Sunday morning classes will be provided with a Participant’s Guide for use during the study. For those who aren’t able to attend Sunday morning classes, guides may be purchased at the church for $7. Electronic versions of the same guide can be purchased from Amazon for $6. Additionally, an Easter Experience Lenten devotional may be purchased at the church for $3. NOTE: Two of the six video lessons include very realistic depictions of Christ’s persecution, suffering and crucifixion. Parents of middle/high students and anyone else who has a question about the nature of these videos are invited and encouraged to join Pastor Billy in The Parlor at 12:30pm on Sunday, February 8 for a preview and discussion. Elementary-aged and younger children will be studying the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus using age-appropriate material from The Jesus Storybook Bible and Buck Denver’s What’s in the Bible during the same time period. What if what happened then, changes everything now? The Easter Experience will surely change the way that we think about Easter! Please join us during Lent for this important study.
A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE PAGE �2
The Session met on Monday, January 12, 2015 and conducted the following business: - Approved funding for the establishment of a Stained Glass Workshop Fellowship to be located in Room 205 upstairs, - Authorized reduction in building-use fee for VB Photography Club, as they are a non-profit organization, - Lenten curriculum was approved for Sunday School classes - "The Easter Experience" for adults and middle/high school, and "The Jesus Storybook Bible" for children younger than middle school.
SESSION NOTES
From My Open Door Jeffrey S. Bell, Pastor
I came across a copy of a poem the other day. Don’t know where I got it, why I got it, or who I got it from. And I don’t know why I kept it, or how it got tucked in a folder of military award letters. Maybe someone in the 204th Engineer Battalion gave it to me. Who knows? It would never be considered a great work of literature, but it does remind me of some basic Christian principles. The poem entitled, “No Regrets” is by that prolific author Anonymous.
“Isn’t it good at the end of the day To look up at God and be able to say ‘Dear Lord, I helped someone today.’ But isn’t it sad if instead you must say ‘Dear Lord, I hurt someone today. I drove the nails a little bit deeper And forgot that I am my brother’s keeper.’ Isn’t it better when the day is done To know that you’ve injured no one. From the time of your waking, Til you lie down to sleep, Remember the promises that we should keep, To love one another as He loves us, too, And you’ll never regret any good that you do.”
Sometimes we who claim allegiance to Jesus lose sight of the basics. It’s easy to break that Great Commandment and sin against God and our neighbors. When we hear criticism and gossip, when we’re tempted to look the other way, when we might say something harmful or hateful rather than meet the Biblical standard of using helpful and loving words. I’ll try to remember that simple poem every few days. Let it remind me of my responsibility to love. To follow healthcare workers first rule for living; “Do no harm.” To remember the sobering words of Jesus, telling us that we are accountable for every word we speak. And when I’m tempted to think careless thoughts or utter hurtful words, I pray I’ll remember Jesus, and that by doing so I may honor God with consecrated language and heaven bound living. See you in Church, Jeff
MOE NEWSThe Mission, Outreach, and Evangelism Committee is always busy reaching out! - Members of Providence provided Christmas baskets to 11 families and gifts for the 26 children in those families plus four foster children during the holidays. - Using funds from the Pentecost Offering, MOE donated sheets and blankets for troubled teens at the Seton House, for mothers and children at risk at the Samaritan House, and for families in crisis at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center. - Providence also participated in the Faith Works Coalition, which helped 173 families in 2014. - Your Sunday School Offerings during the first quarter of 2015 will benefit St. Columba Ecumenical Ministries in Norfolk. - Plans are underway for the annual “Providence Moves Into the Community” event, tentatively scheduled for May 2. A director is needed for this event. Contact Sandra Rushton if you are interested in serving. - Pat Ferguson has volunteered to be the liason for Providence volunteers serving in our partnership with the St. Mark’s Food Pantry.
A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE PAGE �3
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Ron Murphy’s Birthday Melissa Yurasko’s Birthday 8:45am Merry Bells Rehearsal 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship with Communion 1:00pm Mission Matters Youth
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Katie Dixon’s Birthday 7:00pm Committee Chairs 7:00pm Boy Scouts 7:30pm Committee Night
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Larry Walter’s Birthday
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 6:00pm Kirk Night 6:30pm Kirkmusik 7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Floyd Gilbert’s Birthday Tracy Gilbert’s Birthday Ana Louise White’s Birthday
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Ed Easton’s Birthday Brandy Fry’s Birthday
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Hilda Dayrit’s Birthday Edith Lytle’s Birthday Karen Cagni’s Birthday Elizabeth Harker’s Birthday Lucy Fitzgerald’s Birthday
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Baptism of the Lord Lee Anderson’s Birthday 8:45am Merry Bells Rehearsal 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship 12:15pm Chili Cook-Off 12:30pm Preview of The Easter Experience 6:00pm Ruth Circle
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Sally Parsons’ Birthday Ray Maxwell’s Birthday 7:00pm Session New Members Received 7:00pm Boy Scouts
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 John Briggs’ Birthday 10:00am Dorcas Circle 7:30pm Bells of Providence Rehearsal
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 9:45am Mary and Martha Circle
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Carsten Ashcraft’s Birthday 7:00pm Women’s Bible Study
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 4:00pm Parents’ Small Group 6:30pm Valentine Dinner
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Transfiguration of the Lord Newsletter Submission Deadline Sue Passarella’s Birthday 8:45am Merry Bells Rehearsal 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Church Office Closed Rachel Schroeder’s Birthday 7:00pm Boy Scouts
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Marjorie Hill’s Birthday Jamie Sipka’s Birthday 4:30pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 7:30pm Bells of Providence Rehearsal
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Louann Bielmann’s Birthday 6:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Ash Wednesday Service
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Carolyn Knowles’ Birthday Bill Grover’s Birthday 7:00pm Care Team
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Serving Meal at Judeo-Christian Outreach Center; bring food to church 9am - 2pm
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Linda Baker’s Birthday 9:00am Courtyard Graces
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 First Sunday in Lent Bring ODU Meal Items Katie Snell’s Birthday 8:45am Merry Bells Rehearsal 9:15am Called Session Meeting 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship Installation of Elders 12:15pm PW Coordinating Team 1:00pm Youth Fellowship Blankets for the Homeless
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 7:00pm Boy Scouts
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Meredith Hill’s Birthday 7:30pm Bells of Providence Rehearsal
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 6:00pm Lenten Soup and Rolls 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Sean Grady’s Birthday
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Gary Parson’s Birthday
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Sue Shepard’s Birthday Jane Everton’s Birthday
THIS MONTH AT PROVIDENCE
CHILI COOK-OFF Sunday, February 8 following worship
✩ ✩ ✩ Spice things up
in your church life! Join us for some spicy chili
with all the fixings and some friendly competition
in the fellowship hall!
A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE PAGE �4
YOUTH MISSION IN FEBRUARYLast month, we shared that in addition to a $250
contribution to Work Camp, The Mission Matters Youth Group purchased a garden well to provide clean water for drinking, bathing, washing and irrigation to an entire community at a cost of $1,250. They helped change the lives of countless people by giving them a reliable and convenient source of clean water.
In 2015, the group expects to continue to answer Christ’s call to reach out and make a difference in this world where so much help is needed. On February 1, middle and high school students will gather in the Parlor from 1:00 until 3:00pm to talk about homelessness.
On February 15, the group will gather again to share a meal and get to know Mariah Smith, founder of Blankets for the Homeless. The expectation is that our group will find ways that they can partner with and support Mariah and her organization throughout 2015. Contact Pastor Billy ([email protected]) if you’d like to be a part of this important mission.
The Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center is centered around an historic hotel just outside of Harrisonburg, VA. For decades the grounds of Massanetta Springs have been a place of worship, reflection, learning, and recreation for Presbyterians of all ages. One of the most exciting events held each summer is the Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference. Each of 4 sessions finds 300 middle schoolers learning about their faith in fantastic and exciting ways through worship, workshops, recreation, prayer, and the interpreted word of God. The entire conference is high energy.
This year’s theme is “Wear Love!” Clothes. We think about them, talk about them, and stress about them. Clothes consume our time and money in huge ways and are something we cannot live without. Sales and splurges, celebrities and seasons, fashion and finances are all driving forces that affect the clothes we wear. So, what’s the intersect with the Middle School conference? Colossians 3:12-14 and the call to “clothe ourselves with compassion, humility, and above all love.” This is so relevant to youth and adults alike.
So grab your shorts and tees, sandals, and hoodies, and join us for the 2015 middle school conference where we will learn all about suiting up and stepping out to “Wear Love.”
For more information ask Gary Reese, Robin Birdwell, or Emily Pursel.
MASSANETTA SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE
Pastor Billy was waiting in the dentist office a few months ago and picked up a copy of Coastal Virginia magazine to pass the time. He ran across an article on a mission organization called “Blankets for the Homeless.” The more he read, the more interested he became in meeting the folks from this organization and seeing if there was a way that the younger members of our church family could help them in their amazing mission.
Blankets for the Homeless was founded by 20 year-old, Mariah Smith, who saw a man who needed help while she was eating at a Sonic three years ago. Since its inception, Blankets for the Homeless has given out over 80,000 blankets. Their mission has expanded to include coats, hoodies, jeans, hats, gloves, shoes, back packs, tents, tarps, toiletries, sleeping bags, rain ponchos, sun screen, baby clothes, lunches (including a PBJ, chips, fruit, cookies & water), and much, much more.
Mariah will be speaking to our youth group (plus young adults and anyone else who’s interested) on Sunday, February 22 in the Parlor from 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon. During this time, we’ll share a meal, hear Mariah’s story and determine ways that the PPC family can partner with her organization. For more information, visit their Facebook page or web page (www.blanketsforthehomeless.org).
BLANKETS FOR THE HOMELESS
MEAL FOR THE HOMELESS Providence is serving a meal at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center on Friday, February 20. The menu is set: goulash, corn, rolls, applesauce, and desserts. We need several people to make goulash. Please see the signup board to volunteer. Also, take a moment to read a thank you letter from the Shelter for our recent coat drive, heartwarming articles on two of our homeless Veterans receiving housing, and the story of one man, a stroke victim homeless for twenty years, coming to the JCOC and receiving help and housing.
A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE PAGE �5
PARENTS’ SMALL GROUP
On February 14, a new small group for parents (of kids of all ages), begins to meet on the second Saturday of every month (through May). This first gathering will take place from 4:00 - 5:00pm in the Parlor. If you’re a single or married parent, plan to set aside some time for discussion, study, sharing and a deep breath in the new year. As always, we strongly advise parents to turn this small group event into an opportunity for a deep breath afterwards. If you need childcare for your elementary-aged (or younger) child during the gathering and for 90 minutes afterwards, please contact Pastor Billy Ricketts at [email protected] or 420-6159.
The Providence Men's Fellowship invites all to celebrate Christian love for one another at our Valentine Dinner, Saturday, February 14, at 6:30 in the evening. Please sign up on the Presbyterian Men's bulletin board to attend this much-anticipated annual event. The menu includes: appetizers, punch, prime rib of beef, baked potatoes, green beans, rolls, and a selection of desserts. Our evening will include wonderful music and warm fellowship. The price for this great evening is only $7.50 per person.
VALENTINE DINNER
The Presbyterian Women have the following opportunities for service and fellowship on the calendar. Mission Project Day - A group of 25 women met to work on mission projects on January 17. In one day, 47 health kits, 10 baby kits, 24 dresses, and 40 greeting cards were completed! In addition, 15 health kits, 8 baby kits, and 13 dresses were started. New Bible Study - Our monthly Thursday evening women’s Bible study group begins a new series on February 12 at 7:00pm: “Getting the Most from your Quiet Time”. Now is the perfect time to join this monthly study open to all women of Providence. Come prepared to learn ways to make your quiet time alone with God productive! Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 17, 4:30-7:30pm - Cost is only $6 per person or $15 per family in the same household. Volunteers needed to help cook and serve; please sign-up on the PW board. ODU Campus Ministry Meal - We will supply a meal to the students meeting for Bible study in February. Sign up and pick up a recipe from the PW bulletin board. Bring your food to the OLD kitchen
on Sunday, February 22 in a disposable container clearly marked for ODU. Questions? Email [email protected].
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
PARTNER IN EDUCATION Kroger shoppers have an opportunity to donate to Fairfield Elementary School through the Kroger Plus Card for Education Program. Use your Kroger Plus shopping card and scan a bar code identifying Fairfield Elementary as your school of choice when ringing up your order. The bar code only has to be scanned one time for this school year. Kroger will in turn award points to Fairfield to be redeemed for educational materials or equipment. Stop in the church office, school office, or see Debbie Hensly to receive your copy of the bar code. Alternatively, go to the Kroger Customer Service desk and tell them you want your Plus Card linked to the code “81156”. Fairfield will automatically receive the points from your shopping.
SNUGGLE UP AND READ
One Job: Read to a book to a classroom of pajama- clad children One Day: Thursday, February 19 One Time: Pick your time between 8:30 and 11:30 One Place: Fairfield Elementary School One Purpose: Participate in our Partnership in Education with Fairfield Elementary One Reward: The joy of volunteering/serving
One Contact: If you are able to read a book to one or more classes on February 19 let Dianne Stockmeier (547-0091) know the time you are available no later than February 1.
Providence Presbyterian Church 5497 Providence Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
757-420-6159 ・ www.provpres.org ・[email protected]
Church Staff Pastor Rev. Jeffrey S. Bell Parish Associate Rev. Tom Chadwick Pastor of Family Life Ministries Pastor Billy Ricketts Director of Music Valetta Fellenbaum Organist John Dixon Administrative Assistant Karen Cagni Kitchen Coordinator Terrie Wichrowski Nursery Supervisor Michelle Wofford Treasurer Carolyn Knowles Financial Secretary Ted Salter Sextons Gus and Mary Ann Villies
PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH5497 Providence Road Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-420-6159 ・ www.provpres.org ・ [email protected]
The Session Moderator: Rev. Jeffrey S. Bell・Clerk of Session: Jonathan HyslopAdministration *Glynn Rogers, Gary Parson Christian Education *Robin Birdwell, Gary Reese Congregational Care *Anita Matteson, Don Singletary Fellowship *Rich Lindgren, Carol Hickman
Mission/Outreach/Evangelism *Sandra Rushton, Rose Farr Property *George Fitzgerald, Riley Hensly Worship *Tom Barrow, Susan Ayers
*committee chair
Newsletter items should be submitted no later than the 15th of each month
for the following month’s edition. Please e-mail newsletter items to:
NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
PROVIDENCE LIBRARYOur church libarry has an abundance of
resources! Enjoy Christian fiction? Try books by Lynn Austin. Prefer non-fiction? Winter is a good time to dig deeper into God's Word with your choice of reference books. Take a minute and stop in the library to explore the possibilities for the young and not so young.
The Library is ALWAYS OPEN – just open the door and turn on the light. Make your selection, sign and date the checkout card and place it in the tray on the table next to the door.
