Sermons for JULY & august 2017

Sun. July 2: Café Communion

Communion will be shared at each table.

Sun. July 9: Sermon: “One Nation under God”

– Rev. Dr. Gary Hackenberg

Jeremiah 29: 7-12 Galatians 5: 13-25

Matthew10: 24-39

Hymns: “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” (H)

“O God of Love, O God of Peace” (H)

“For the Beauty of the Earth” (H)

“Lead on, O King Eternal” (H)

Sun. July 16: Sermon: “Our Cries & God’s Deep Purposes“

– Rev. Jill Young

Romans 8: 18-28 I Samuel 1: 4-20

Hymns: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (H)

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” (H)

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God” (H)

Sun. July 23: Visiting Preacher – (TBA)

Sun. July 30: Sermon: “Weaving the Future” – Rev. Sally Dries

Genesis 29: 15-28 Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52

Hymns: “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” (H)

“I Am a Promise” (GSB)

“Be Thou My Vision” (H)

Sun. Aug. 6: Sermon: “Wrestling with God” – Rev. Nancy Hardy

Genesis 32: 22-31 Matthew 14: 13-21

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be Celebrated

Ingathering Offerings

Hymns: “Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above” (H)

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (H)

“How Firm a Foundation” (

Sun. Aug. 13: Sermon: “Hang In There” - Rev. Ray Brown

Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28 Matthew 14: 22-33

Hymns: “To God Be the Glory” (H)

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” (H)

“Take My Life” (H)

Sun. Aug. 20: Sermon: “Bold Moves” - Rev. Sally Dries

Genesis 45: 1-15 Matthew 15: 10-28

Hymns: “Surely the Presence of the Lord” (GSB)

“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” (H)

“Help Us Accept Each Other” (H)

Sun. Aug. 27: Sermon: “Be Transformed”– Rev. Sally Dries

Exodus 1: 8-2: 10 Romans 12: 1-8

Hymns: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (H)

“Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” (H)

“I’m Gonna Live So God Cam Use Me” (H)

Sun. Sept. 3: Sermon: “A Prescription for Living” – Rev. Nancy Hardy

Romans 12: 9-21 Matthew 16: 21-28

Hymns: “Blessed Jesus, at Your Word” (H)

“Be Thou My Vision” (H)

“O for a World” (H)

events & reminders - july/august

JULY AUGUST

Sun. – July 2

Café Communion (TBC)

Mon. – July 3

No Softball / Session Recess

Tues. – July 4

Independence Day

No Concert in the Park

Mon. – July 10

Stillwater Christian vs. Grove

@ Mt. Pleasant

Tues. – July 11

Concert – Seasoned Sounds

Sat. – July 15

BSA Troop 39 Chicken BBQ

Fundraiser / Heritage Festival

History of Memorial Park

Sun. – July 16

Montgomery House – Open

House / Hymn Sing

@ Montgomery Park

Mon. – July 17

Bloom Christian vs Grove

@ Bloom Christian

Tues. – July 18

Concert – Clickard

Consortium

Art of Caring Conversation

@ Spiritual Care Ctr.

Thurs. – July 20

Breakfast Group

Mon. – July 24

Grove vs. Ebenezer Faith

@ Mt. Pleasant

Tues. – July 25

Concert – KJ and The

Funshine Band

Mon. – July 31

St. Matthews Lutheran vs.

Grove @ Mt. Pleasant

Tues. – Aug. 1

Concert – Brian Crane

and Fred Krug

Mon. Aug. 7

Committees

Session Elders

Deacons

Grove vs. Glad Tidings

@ Mt. Pleasant

Tues. – Aug. 8

Concert – The Coller Family

Band

Mon. Aug. 14

Grove vs. Community

Alliance/Shiloh UCC

@ Mt. Pleasant

September Spire Articles Due

Tues, – Aug. 15

Concert – The West Branch

Barbershop Chorus

Thurs. – Aug. 17

Breakfast Group

Gate House Golf Tournament

Fundraiser @ Frosty Valley CC

Sun. – Aug. 28

Kindermusik Registrations Due

Sun. – Sept.3

Last 9:30 Service of Worship

Mon. – Sept. 4

Labor Day

Office Closed

Mon. – Sept. 5 & 6

Clare Away

Sun. – Sept. 10

Worship Service at 10:15

Welcome Back!!

9 am Church School

3rd Grade Bible Distribution

Teacher Dedication

Pot-Luck Luncheon

The pastor’s column

As I write my final Spire article as

Grove’s Transitional Pastor, I have mixed

emotions. I am happy for Grove as you get ever

closer to calling a new pastor and begin a new

journey, but I’m sad that our six months together

is coming to an end. It’s been a fantastic time,

and I’m grateful to all of you.

A big thank you goes out to Grove's

wonderful staff: Clare, Kristin, Lynne, Joy,

Brian, Penny, Elise, Sandy, Dave, and Don.

Every church does things a bit differently, and

when I arrived and needed to learn the “Grove

way” as quickly as possible, the staff was

amazingly patient and helpful as they endured

all my questions. They also make a habit of going the extra mile in their service

to the church, and it has been a delight to work with all of them.

Another big thank you goes out to the Session, Deacons, and

committees. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and flexibility. The

work you do is incredibly important, and few are aware of how many hours you

give to improving the life and ministry of Grove. You care for this congregation

deeply and strive to better our community and our world.

And finally, a big thank you goes out to Grove's members and friends.

Through all the different ways we have connected - worship services, fellowship

times, activities, events, and visits - I have cherished our conversations and

encounters.

This is a special church, and I am excited to see where God is leading

you. Fortunately for me, I'll be able to follow your journey closely. Until you

have a new pastor, I will continue to moderate session and congregation

meetings, so, in that capacity as well in my role with the presbytery, I'll be able

to keep in touch.

Once again, thank you. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.

Thank you for your ministry and service to others. Thank you for your faith in

our Lord. And thank you for being a part of the church of Jesus Christ, both now

and in the many years to come.

When I arrived, the session was helpful in explaining how things have been, but

were open to doing things a bit differently and trying new things.

I was so pleased that everyone helped out.

session highlights

May 1, 2017 Session Meeting Highlights Between April and May Session meetings, the elders electronically approved

sanctuary use as a rain location for an Eagle Scout presentation.

Three confirmands were added to our rolls on Sunday, April 9, 2017.

We reviewed our congregational concerns. There were five of them.

Lynne offered her written report as Dir. of Children's Ministry, which included

April's church school statistics and activities, update on TDC (thank you,

Francie for getting our sign out on the lawn), and a report on the success of our

April fire and lock-down drills.

Joy offered her report as Dir. of Music which included summer plans, music

purchasing, upcoming Horn Lake Choir, review of piano dedication service (it

was wonderful), and upcoming schedule of our choirs.

Steve offered his report as Transitional Pastor

o Proposed holding a Stewardship Campaign for the fall and will help the

Finance Committee put it together.

o Announced he would need to miss several days in May due to his travels for

his other position. The elders granted him the time.

Staff Advisory

o They met on April 25th.

o Agreed to ask Elder Jim Smith to assist with the office administration from

the time Steve leaves until the end of Oct. or the arrival of the new pastor.

o Steve will meet with the staff one-on-one as part of a staff review and will

report back to Staff Advisory.

Fellowship

o They are sponsoring a talk on the Syrian Refugee crisis on May 7

o Pot-luck dinner to take place 4 before the Horn Lake 4 concert on May 21.

o A Syrian Refugee fundraising event is planned for June 16 at the Doll home.

o Woman's Appreciation is May 7.

Nurture - no report

Mission

o Camp Victory work day was a success.

o The committee visited the Gatehouse to assess their needs and how Grove

can help.

o Grove will sponsor dinner at Ronald McDonald House on May 7 and June 4.

o Doug Orbaker invited Grove to participate in a work June 25-30.

Youth

o Senior High Sunday School has had great attendance in recent weeks.

o 53 attended the Easter sunrise service led by the youth.

o Weis gift cards are for sale through Donna Brua to raise funds to benefit

Hackey House.

Worship

o The committee reviewed all Holy Week services to prepare for next year.

o The piano dedication service went well.

o The plaque to honor the gifts given for the piano and its location was

discussed.

o Promotion for the Horn Lake Choir concert was discussed.

Finance

o Francie gave a financial overview to the congregation.

o An insurance review took place in April.

Property

o Eli Henning presented a report on a possible scout project.

Old Business

o The welcoming reception for Geisinger residents is planned for June 21.

Volunteers are needed and brochures will need to be updated.

o The work to put up a plague for the gift of the eternal flame is near

completion.

No New Business

June 5, 2017 Session Meeting Highlights The bulk of the meeting was a planning session with the Board of Deacons.

o The calendar for June 2017 through May 2018 was reviewed to identify

activities, projects, conflicts and synergies.

After the planning meeting, session continued to meet.

Congregational Concerns were reviewed. There were four.

Nurture

o Session approved that Sharon Venema be approved as a volunteer at TDC.

Steve presented his written Pastor's Report.

o Requested and session approved baptism ofRussell Perrin Cotner 6/11/17.

o He made a computer request that was approved by session.

o The session reviewed two building requests.

Nurture proposed and session approved an after church intergenerational

/multi-arts program each Sunday in July after worship from 10:45 - 11:30.

Worship

o Worship proposed and session approved that the money the church received

for hosting "Born for This" ($110.00) be donated to the group.

o Session approved that July 2 be a Cafe communion in Fellowship Hall.

Session is following the Danville address change issue to see how this will

impact the church.

Session will not meet in July.

DEDICATION CELEBRATION

What a wonderful celebration we enjoyed on Sunday, April 30, as we dedicated

our beautiful new Yamaha C3X Baby Grand which now graces the sanctuary!

Our Worship Service was followed by a delicious brunch (as always!), from

where we moved back into the sanctuary for a short worship service and recital.

Worship was led by Beth Christian and Cathy Sanders, and included Scripture

readings from the Psalms about living in God’s house and ever singing his praise

(Psalm 84) and the instructions that ANYONE who has breath is to praise God

and make a joyful noise with specific instruments and dancing (Psalm 150). The

congregation sang the very appropriate hymn “When In Our Music God is

Glorified”.

Dave Sanders read “The New Piano”, written by Grove’s Bard in Residence,

Ann Carol Malcom:

The New Piano

The piano stands in grand array Waiting expectantly to say

"Play me".

"My tones descend from high to low Forming the music you love so.

Play them fast or dramatically slow, A staccato quick or a smooth largo.

Play me.

From Bach and Brahms, Vivaldi too, Country jazz, composers new -

Play for wee ones and singers bold In summer's heat and winter's cold.

Play me.

But do remember, if you please, No chocolate fingers on my keys -

No glasses on my glossy finish This shiny surface to diminish -

Just play me.

So let my music fill the air, Speak to listeners everywhere; Soothe, excite, exalt, delight,

Be thankful for this gift to share. And play me."

When planning the dedication, we decided to forego the typical “guest artist”

format in an effort to make our service very much a Grove kind of thing; so we

invited people who have been part of the music program over the years to

showcase the piano by sharing their talents. A lovely and varied program was the

result:

Music of the Piano

Great Is Thy Faithfulness William Runyan (1870-1957)

arr. Virginia Halberg

Elegy for the Victims of the Earthquake

and Tsunami of March 11, 2011 Nobuyu Tsujii (b. 1988)

Joy Christian, Director of Music

He Hideth My Soul William Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)

arr. Brian Dailey

Scott Lawvere, Pianist

Go Down, Moses Traditional Spiritual

Arr. By Larry Shackley

Joy Christian

Climb Every Mountain Richard Rodgers (1902-1979)

Fred Brown, Organist Emeritus

Mt. Nebo Twila Paris (b. 1958)

Stacey Erdman, past Choir Director Jesus Paid It All John Grape (1835-1915)

arr. Brian Dailey

Scott Lawvere

The Old Rugged Cross George Bennard (1873-1958)

arr. Mark Hayes

Gail Garman, Organist, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church

A Blessing of Music Joseph Martin (b. 1959)

Senior Choir

Mel Billingsley offered an Extemporaneous selection at the request of his

mother-in-law, Gladys Magill, and the service ended with singing of Amazing

Grace as a tribute to Jack Magill.

We are grateful for the generosity of those who gifts for the purchase of the

piano:

In Loving Memory of:

John (Jack) Thompson Magill by Gladys Magill

Eleanor A. Lee (Cathy’s mother) by David and Cathy Sanders

Edward Sanders, Jr. (David’s father) by David and Cathy Sanders

Florence C. Zakarian by Adam and Kathy Zakarian

Leona Karwacki (Michelle’ grandmother) by Michelle Mannello

Eleanor A. Lee, Edward Sanders by Amanda and Jeffrey Adler

Tom Stayer (Kessey’s father), a dedicated church musician by Kessey

Kieselhorst

In Loving Honor Of:

Ann Carol Malcolm and Fred Brown by Fred and Suzann Pharr

Grove’s dedicated Musicians by Stephanie-Smith Cooney, Rob Cooney and

Family

Dr. Frederick G. Brown, Organist Emeritus, by Gregory A. Bitler

To the Glory of God:

by Ann Carol and John Malcolm

by Natalie and Doug Kupas

by Dr. Frederick G. Brown, Organist Emeritus

by Marlin and Jane Bradford

by Dr. Frederick L. and Mary Jo Jones

Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!

And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia!

- “When In Our Music God is Glorified” by Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000)

CHURCH ROLLS REGISTER

Cradle Roll Lorelei Christine LaMotte – Born April 26, 2017.

Baptism Russell Perrin Cotner – Date of birth, March 14, 2017 – Date of Baptism

June 11, 2017

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Congratulations to: Alyssa & Christian LaMotte, and proud grandparents Beth Christian & Eric

Deeter, and Mark LaMotte upon the birth of Lorelei Christine LaMotte on

4/26/17.

Condolences to: Sandy Lewis and family upon the death of her sister, Kathy Fryburg 5/1/17.

Doug and Carol Wintersteen and family upon the death of Doug’s mother –

Catherine Wintersteen 5/3/17.

Directory Change: Kathy and Michael Leicht, 1325 Red Lane., Danville PA 17821. 570-275-

7761

Amanda Leicht – Preferred Phone Change: 570-275-7761

thank you

Dear Grove Family:

I wish to express my gratitude to all who sent cards and words of condolences upon the death of my sister Kathy. To Pastor Steve for his kindness, and to the

Prayer Chain for keeping Kathy in their prayers for over two years.

The beautiful flowers I received from the church were a bright spot in very dark

days. To Clare I want to say thank you. Please know I will always remember the Christian love you have given to me. God Bless You – Sandy Lewis

Dear Grove Family: I would like to thank everyone who sent cards, brought flowers and prayed

for me while I was in the hospital and upon my return home. I am still waiting to have my back surgery . It is nice to know that our church family is there to

support both Cindy and myself. Thank you all. - Charles Dark

Dear Grove:

Thank you so much for the beautiful basket for our new arrival Teagan! It is

lovely. She’s had lots of compliments on her bunny hat already! Sincerely –

Jenny & Kevin Shroyer

Dear Grove Presbyterian:

Thank you for your hospitality, delicious meal at the church and OIP, and the

generous love offering. We are so blessed to have such wonderful memories of our time in Danville! - The Members of Voci Novella (Horn Lake Elite Choir)

Dear Grove Church Family: Thank you so much for the baby gift basket, but more importantly thank you

for all of the love and support throughout our pregnancy and now with our sweet

daughter. We are loving being Lorelei’s mom and dad and are soaking up every

moment with her. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful church family!

Love – Christian, Alyssa and Lorelei

Congratulations 2017

graduates

May 21st we honored Grove graduates during this special baccalaureate

service. Congratulations to our High School graduates; (Left to Right in

Photo) Thomas S. Hack, Noah Zakarian, Kara J. Bergerstock, Aidan

Kennedy, and Madison I. Knowles. If you know a graduate that does not

appear in this issue of The Spire – please contact the church office. We don’t

want to miss a single person.

the sacrament of baptism

Baptism of Russell Perrin Cotner – 11 June, 2017

Child of Russell S. Cotner and Allison K. Cotner

Brothers present – Paul D. Cotner, and Henry J. Cotner

Mona S. Cotner, Elder (and nana)

Rev. Steve Cureton, officiant

WORKDAY AT Camp Victory

Volunteers are a vital part of Camp Victory! Each year, over 1,000 wonderful

people volunteer their time and talents in many different ways….. from being a

counselor or painting cabins to baking pies and building shelves….the volunteer

opportunities are many and varied! Volunteering at Camp Victory makes a real

difference in the lives of our special campers! Regularly we hear from

volunteers that “volunteering at Camp Victory changed my life”. Please call

570-458-6530 or 570-204-5565, or email fun@campvictory.org to find out how

you can help! (On April 23rd

– Grove Members Volunteered on Work Day to

prepare the facility for campers.)

Danville heritage festival

DANVILLE HERITAGE FESTIVAL

JULY 14-16, 2017

Our Past is A Treasure, Our Present is Vibrant, and our

future is Bright.

Announcing the Danville Heritage Festival to be held in and

around Danville July 15th, 2017. This will be a unique

celebration of our regions heritage. The event will be

centered around the Hess Field complex in Danville and will

feature living history demonstrations, speakers, and live music throughout the day.

All events will be free and open to all ages. In addition to the events taking place at

the Hess Field complex will be speakers hosted by the Thomas Beaver Library as

well as other locations. To see events that are already confirmed, please visit the

website: www.DanvilleHeritage.com

Here are Some of the Scheduled Events

All Day Events and non-scheduled ongoing events include: Ironmen during the

Civil War – Making Sherman Neck Ties from T-Rail by Van Wagner. Traditional

Woodworking by Liam, Mike, and Lisa McCay / Pa Archarology with Joe Kaher of

PENNDOT / Cappy Mike McWilliams talking PA Canals, Food Vendors & More!!

FRIDAY JULY 14, 2017

7:00 pm - Heritage Festival Parade (E. Market & Mill St)

8:00 pm – Block Party @ Cole’s Hardware Parking Lot

SATURDAY JULY 15, 2017

8:00 am – 5K walk and run – Middle School (8:30 am start)

8:00 am - Quoit Tournament–Hess Rec. Area (register 7-7:45 am)

9:00 am - 4 pm Cast Iron Exhibit at Wee Home Shoppe .

9:00 am – 3 pm Gun Exhibit – 1940’s Gunshop and Antique Equipment.

Exhibit. 2nd

Fl. 279 ½ Mill St. via the rear entrance

10:00 am – Terry Diener - Thomas Beaver Library (topic TBA)

10:00 am – 4 pm Danville Heritage Day’s Garden Tour

10:00 am – Zing Productions – Hess Field Music Stage

10:00 am – Van Wagner Mine BIKE Trail Head at Beaver Place.

Bring Your Bikes!

10:00 am – 18th

& 19th

Century Cannons, w/firing models by Brad Becker –

Hess Field Workshop

11:00 am – 4 pm Montgomery House Museum – Open House

11:00 am & 1 pm - Cook-Out by Members of the Danville

Borough Council – Hess Field Pavilion

11:00 am – John Mazich Historical Photos of Danville Area –

Thomas Beaver Library

11:00 am – Students of The Music Box – Hess Field Music Stage

11:00 am – Gene Shipe – The Franklin Iron Furnace and Cider Press

12:00 pm - Danville Community Band – Hess Field Music Stage

12:00 pm – Robert Martynowych Local History walk Robins Trail –

Meet at Hess Field Skate Park

12:00 pm – 18th

& 19th

Century Cannons, w/firing models by Brad

Becker – Hess Field Workshop

1:00 pm - Megan McGarry – Hess Field Music Stage

1:00 pm – Joseph Parry: Danville’s Most Famous 19th

Century Musician – by

Dulias Rhys at Mahoning Presbyterian Church

2:00 pm – 18th

& 19th

Century Cannons, w/firing models by Brad Becker –

Hess Field Workshop

2:00 pm - Megan McGarry – Hess Field Music Stage

2:00 pm - History of Memorial Park by Bob Andrews – at Grove Church

3:00 pm - Van Wagner – Hess Field Music Stage

SUNDAY JULY 16, 2017

2:00 pm – 4 pm Montgomery House Museum – Open House

6:30 pm - Hymn Sing by the River - Montgomery Park (Water Street)

FOOD BANK DONATIONS NEEDED

Each month we ask members to bring a donation of food to help stock the area

Food Bank. On July 2nd, we will specifically need Tuna and Canned Meat,

and on August 6th, we will specifically need Canned Fruit. Last year you

helped the Food Bank supply 1,425 in the Danville/Riverside area. This could

not happen without the help of volunteers who come each month to sort

donations, fill bags, and help with the giveaway as well as the monetary

donations received. Volunteers are always needed. Contact Sue Pierce 570-

275-2142 for more information or to volunteer. THE SPIRE

Grove Presbyterian Church 330-332 Bloom Street

Danville, Pennsylvania 17821 Editor – Clare I. McCuen

Production/Layout–Clare I. McCuen Printing – The Danville News

Volume XXXIII, No. 5

presbyterian women

No Presbyterian Women's Circle meetings will take place during July and August.

We'll reconvene on September 7 at 9 AM at Muffin Man in Riverside to complete the

book by Cynthia Heald titled Becoming a Woman Whose God is Enough. We'll focus

on chapter 8, God Chooses For You. It's not too late to order your own book if you

wish or just come and enjoy the conversation. We read Bible verses and discuss our

lives as those verses apply to us today. We welcome you to join the discussion!

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Please note that on Sunday, September 10th, Grove will resume the fall

worship schedule with Worship Service held at 10:15 am with a welcome back

pot-luck luncheon immediately following the service.

Articles for The Sept. Spire

are due August

14th

RED CROSS DAT

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

When a home is lost in a fire, flood, or storm, a Red Cross Disaster Action Team

(DAT) is dispatched to interview survivors to insure that they have sufficient

food, clothing, and shelter for the first few days. In addition, if prescription

medicines and/or medical apparatus were lost in the disaster, a Red Cross nurse

is contacted to make these items accessible.

Also, three days after the disaster, another volunteer telephones the client to

determine if additional assistance is needed. Presently, in Montour County, we

are critically short of DAT and nurse volunteers. For more information contact

Jim Moser and go online to redcross.org.

CHURCH SCHOOL START-UP

Mark your calendars now. A special church school start-up is being planned for

the 2017-2018 church school year on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 9am.

Watch for details in bulletins and the September Spire.

YOUNG LIFE THANK YOU

Dear Grove Presbyterian: Thank you for helping Young Life reach young

people in Danville. As our first semester of using the Hackey House comes to a close, I wanted to take some time to highlight some of the ways the space is

being utilized. This semester we had our high school bible study on Tuesday

nights at the Hackey House. This group ranged from 10 – 15 students from all different denominations including many who have never attended church. We

explored what it meant to be a follower of Jesus and how we can be light in

Danville High School. It was a blessing to have a space set apart just for them.

The snacks you all have donated were a big hit as well! Our middle school

team used it for several Friday nights hang out where games were played, snacks were eaten, and friendships were formed. We also opened it up Thursday

after school where anywhere from 5 to 15 middle schoolers came after school. They worked on homework and hung out in a safe, supervised environment. One

of the highlights of our Thursday after school hang-outs were two boys who

started coming because their bus stop was right in front of the Hackey House. These are kids we would have never been able to reach until now! Our prayer is

this is just the beginning of the many ways we will utilize your gift to us. Thank

you all for showing Christ’s love to us. It is a blessing we hope to pass on to the

high school and middle school students of Danville. Sincerely – Mike Hamme

15

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY by Lynne Pabst – Director of Christian Education

FROM THE DIRECTOR In May as your certified Christian educator, I had the opportunity to attend the

Eastern Region of the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators

Conference. A gathering of 45 Christian educators (some ordained pastors) from

PA, NJ, VA, WV, MD, OH, KY focused on the theme “God’s Story, Our Story,

My Story” with the Biblical storyteller Tracy Radosevic. Participants were

challenged to think about how to make the scripture reading come alive through

storytelling. Activities helped develop storytelling skills as each presented a

dramatic story. As a result of this training, more Biblical storytelling will be

incorporated in the children’s sermons offered. Also some of the concepts

discussed are used for the basis of the July 45 at 10:45am gatherings. Everyone

can tell a story, everyone loves a good story and the Bible is full of good stories.

Nine new children’s books were purchased for the church as well as several adult

books. A spirituality center was available for use. The breakout sessions attended

were “More than Words to Tell the Story” and “Telling the Story to Everyone”.

In these, drawing was explored as a way to tell the story and the role of the

“children’s sermon” was discussed. So many churches -- so many people -- so

many different ways of going about sharing the same scripture. I stand in awe of

God’s unifying presence in our lives.

A WORD ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Children’s Choir Directors need to be aware of the fact that children’s vocal

cords, larynx, and lungs are not fully developed. For this reason those working

with children in choirs, choruses, musicals and other singing activities must be

specially trained to work with these developing voices and bodies. Children sing

with a head voice rather than a chest voice. Encouraging a child to sing in a chest

voice before maturity can damage the child’s voice. Also because of their

undeveloped voice boxes, children have a smaller singing range than adults and

youth do. This range is between middle C and A above middle C for the very

young child and B below middle C to F# above middle C for the older child.

Requiring a child to sing out of the appropriate range also will damage the voice.

While children may be interested in imitating the vocalists heard on TV, the range

and style of singing often is not developmentally appropriate for the child. For

this reason music needs to be carefully chosen for the various ages. The voice is

God’s instrumental gift given to each person and should be cared for so it lasts a

lifetime. Grove’s children’s music programming strives to be developmentally

appropriate. The Kindermusik curriculum is based upon sound early childhood

education principles and the children’s choir directors have received training in

this area.

REFORMATION POSTING October 31, 2017 marks the 500

th Anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of the

95 Theses on the Wittenberg door suggesting topics within church practices and

beliefs which he wished to discuss. As we approach this date some are

inaccurately generalizing it as the anniversary of the Reformation itself. The

Reformation was a process extending from around 1400 to 1700 involving many

key people and many church councils rather than a single event with a single

player. But for some reason Luther’s action on October 31, 1517, while merely an

academic one, was a key event in this process. Was it the invention of the printing

press allowing Luther’s work to spread faster? Was it a result of the groundwork

his forerunners had laid? Was it that he is one of the few reformers who was not

martyred and continued to teach after his excommunication? Was he the right

person in the right place at the right time? Was it simply God’s plan? Many have

studied, analyzed and written about the Reformation Movement in an attempt to

answer these questions. Over the next few months there will be opportunities at

Grove to sort through some of this history and how it impacts the practices and

beliefs of Presbyterians and other Christians today. The first opportunity is

Sunday, July 2nd

at 9:30am with the Table Talk Café Communion Service.

HOME ACTIVITIES

This summer as the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses

on the Wittenberg Door approaches your family can commemorate it with a little

16

twist. Luther posted statements which were to be discussion points on church

practices. As a family you might designate a door from which you would exit

your home in order to go to church and using post-its post the things you would

miss if you did not attend church, Sunday school, choir, fellowship, Bible study,

or did not belong to a church. Younger children, of course , can draw pictures

instead of writing. These “Theses” might just start some discussion within your

family.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

Average attendance in April was 16 children and 6 adults. In the month of May it

was 15 children and 7 adults. The year ended on Sunday, May 20th with an all

Sunday school field day in Memorial Park. PreK through senior highs danced to

“Rejoice in the Lord Always”, played parachute games, sang songs, unscrambled

the Books of the Bible, and answered Bible questions. The morning ended with a

thank you to the teaching staff. An offering of $150 was sent to FernCliff Church

Camp in Little Rock, Arkansas to aid in the recovery from storm damage. Sunday

School resumes on Sunday, September 10th with third graders receiving Bible and

Christian Education Staff dedication. This also is the Sunday which starts

Christian Education Week in the life of the Presbyterian Church. As this week

approaches, we can reflect on how we can be involved in the Christian Education

Program at Grove whether it be student, teacher, committee member, support, or

some other aspect. See you in the fall!

THANK YOU To Steve Cureton for his care, support, and wisdom as our transitional pastor

over the last 6 months.

To all who purchased chicken BBQ tickets.

To all who made potato salad and desserts for the chicken BBQ.

To Jen Henning, Beth Christian, and Mona Cotner for working in the kitchen.

To Sue O. for organizing the meal.

To Mark LaMotte for barbequing the chicken.

To Kristin and Clare in the office for printing, organizing, and tracking

tickets.

To all who donated juice boxes and snacks for the Traveling Day Camp.

To Mona Cotner, Maribeth Vernon, Amanda Leicht and Jen Henning for

hosting evening meals for the counselors.

To Penny Andrews, Sharon Venema, Steve Cureton, Bill Fait, and Amanda

Leicht for helping during the week of Traveling Day Camp.

To Amanda Leicht and Scott Lawvere for leading the Table Talk Café

Communion.

CHERUB CHOIR NEWS The children’s choir directors are getting ready for the fall. As part of this

preparation Penny Andrews, Lynne Pabst, and Joy Christian are participating in

an online training program led by Ashley Danyew entitled Directing Children’s

Choirs 101. It is giving us some fresh ideas and time to plan with one another.

Fall goals include: making Wednesday Evening a Family Night with

Kindermusik, a family meal and choirs; a Choir Theme which will connect all

choirs. Child care for children too young to join Cherub Choir is being secured so

parents can join the Senior Choir. Watch the September Spire for more details. In

the meantime mark your calendars with these important dates: Wednesday,

September 7th choir rehearsals resume; Children’s Choirs sing on September 17

th,

October 15th, November 19

th, December 17

th , December 24

th(7:00pm), January

21st, February 18

th, March 25

th(Palm Sunday), April 1

st (Easter), April 15

th, May

20th ; Last Rehearsal Wednesday, May 16

th; No Rehearsal November 22

nd or

December 27th. Plan to come as a family to church on Wednesdays!

KINDERMUSIK NEWS

Enrollment for Fall Kindermusik classes has begun. The Fall semester starts on

Wednesday, September 13th

and runs through Wednesday, December 20th . Class

A meets at 5:00pm for 16month olds to three years with parent participation. Cost

is $70 for members and $85 for non-members. Class B meets at 5:45pm for 3 and

4 year olds. Cost is $50 for members and $65 for non-members. The classes

offer developmentally appropriate experiences with music, sound and movement.

It has been found that children who have an early experience with music are more

focused and successful later in school. Register by completing the form in this

Spire and returning it to the church office by August 27th

. See you in the Fall!

17

WHAT’S NEW IN THE RESOURCE ROOM?

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey by Margaret Ruurs with artwork by

Nizar Ali Badr written in both English and Arabic presents a touching story of a

child’s journey from Syria to a new home. Written for children and illustrated

with stone art by a Syrian artist, this book presents a story of hope. Hope that

strangers from two different worlds can come together to create something new.

Hope that strangers who do not understand one another’s language can become

friends through a smile.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT “Faith teachings, in the early years, is more than anything else a process where

parents and children bless each other with many experiences of trust, love and

mutuality.” (Swick, K.J. “Strengthening Families for the Task,” in Faith

Development in Early Childhood, ed. Doris A Blazer.)

CHILD CARE STAFF

Needed- someone willing to be added to Grove’s paid child care staff. This person

would act as a substitute possibly every other Sunday – some Wednesday

evenings as well. The person would have to complete the clearances and

mandated reporter training process. Please contact Lynne Pabst or Beth Christian

if you are interested.

ARTS CAMP

Unfortunately, Grove is unable to offer Arts Camp this summer. Hopefully, Arts

Camp will return next summer. Thanks to all the faithful families and volunteers

who have made it happen over the past 9 years.

SUMMER SUNDAYS: 45 AT 10:45

Each Sunday in July children and adults alike are invited to stay for 45 minutes of

exploring ways to tell God’s Story. Fact filled fun times to challenge ourselves to

share God’s Story and explore our own way of sharing. The topics are outlined

below: July 2 A New Way to Tell God’s Story with Martin

Luther Accessing the Story

July 9 The New Way Continues with John Calvin Ordering the Story

July 16 Telling God’s Story with Legos Building the Story

July 23 Telling God’s Story with Paper Folding the Story

July 30 Telling God’s Story with Pictures Drawing the Story

REPORT FROM THE REGIONAL MEETING

OF THE SYNOD OF THE TRINITY

The Synod of the Trinity of which the Presbytery of Northumberland in a part

held its regional meeting in 4 areas (Northwest, Southwest, Central and East)

during the month of May. Pastor Cureton attended the Central Region meeting

held at Krislund participating in the Presbyterian Foundation breakout session. It

was learned that there is grant money from the Foundation for churches and

Presbyteries to use in special projects. Lynne Pabst attended the Northwest

Region meeting held at Slippery Rock participating in the Cultivating, Wonder,

and Awe breakout session. In this session, the concept of putting the awe and

wonder into our faith and telling of God’s story was explored. In worship the

entire group discussed how God’s people remember Jesus’ resurrection and then

live as a resurrected people moved to action. The worship started with this quote

from Niebuhr.

“Where common memory is lacking, where [people] do not share in the same

past there can be no real community, and where community is to be formed

common memory must be created…the measure of our unity is the extent of

our common memory.” H. Richard Niebuhr

So as it is brought to Danville, what is Grove’s common memory? How does

Grove pass this memory on to the next generation or others coming into the

church? Is it done with wonder and awe? How does Grove remember Jesus’

resurrection and live as a resurrected people moved to action?

Finally, The Synod of the Trinity celebrates its 300th

Anniversary on September

17, 2017. Check out the Synod website for more history and Inspirational stories. (www.syntrinity.org)

18

HORN LAKE ELITE CHOIR AT GROVE

What a wonderful time of fellowship and great music we enjoyed with the Horn

Lake High School “Voci Novella” Elite Choir on Sunday, May 21. Our

congregation, Youth and Young Life welcomed the choir, shared a meal, then

Voci Novella’s voices soared to the rafters of our sanctuary. Singing a wide

variety of a cappella selections, the Choir members also enjoyed singing with our

organ. We were able to give them a generous love offering, and church members

graciously provided dinner for them at OIPS – a Pennsylvania experience! Thanks

to all who helped make this event happen.

19

THOSE BLASTED PRESBYTERIANS:

Reflections on Independence Day

Those Blasted Presbyterians: Reflections on Independence Day

July 4, 2014 by dwsweeting “We are subject to the men who rule over us, but subject only in the Lord. If they command anything against him, let us not pay the least

regard to it.” Book Four, Calvin’s Institutes

“I fix all the blame of these extraordinary proceedings upon the Presbyterians.”

So one colonist loyal to King George wrote to friends in England.

Around the same time, Horace Walpole spoke from the English House of

Commons to report on these “extraordinary proceedings” in the colonies of the

new world. “There is no good crying about the matter,” he said. “Cousin

America has run off with the Presbyterian parson, and that is the end of it.”

The parson of which he spoke, was John Witherspoon—a Presbyterian minister,

as well as a descendant of John Knox. At the time, Witherspoon was president of

the College of New Jersey (now Princeton). He was also the only clergyman to

sign the Declaration of Independence.

From the English perspective, the American revolution was often perceived as a

“Presbyterian Rebellion.” And its supporters were often disdained as “those

blasted Presbyterians.”

The Presbyterian Revolution

Most American Christians are unaware of the fact that the American Revolution,

as well as the new American state, was greatly shaped by Presbyterians and the

Calvinism that was at its root. Some modern-day Presbyterians have moved light

years away from the convictions of these early colonists.

An estimated three million people lived in the colonies at the time of the

Revolutionary War. Of that number, “900,00 were of Scotch or Scotch-Irish

origin, 600,000 were Puritan English, while over 400,000 were of Dutch, German

Reformed and Huguenot descent. That is to say, two thirds of our Revolutionary

forefathers were trained in the school of Calvin.” (Carlson, p. 19)

As one historian puts it, “When Cornwallis was driven back to ultimate retreat

and surrender at Yorktown, all of the colonels of the Colonial Army but one were

Presbyterian elders. It is estimated that more than one half of all the soldiers and

officers of the American Army during the Revolution were Presbyterian.”

(Carlson, p. 16)

To the man, Presbyterian clergy joined the Colonialist cause. It was said that

20

many of them led the Revolution from the pulpit. In doing so, they paid a heavy

price for their support for independence. Many lost family members or their own

lives. Some had their churches burned to the ground.

The Presbyterian Drive

We forget that many of the early American colonists had left England precisely

because Presbyterian Christianity was rejected. After its brief reign as the

established church through the English Civil War and the work of the

Westminster Assembly, Britain returned to Anglicanism. Thousands of non-

conforming Presbyterian ministers were then ejected from their churches. Some,

such as the Covenanters, were martyred in a period that came to be known as “the

killing times.” Rigid laws of conformity drove many to seek a better life

somewhere else. After 1660, many Presbyterians began to make their way to the

colonies in North America. It was these individuals who brought a new strength

to the colonies as they inched their way forward towards independence.

They had little loyalty, and often outright hostility, to the crown of England.

They were armed with the theology of John Calvin, mediated through John Knox,

and solidified during the English Civil war. It was a theology which devalued the

divine right of human kings, and elevated the worth and dignity of the individual

under God. This theology shaped the early American understanding of civil

liberty.

It shaped our founding fathers. The idea of human equality which influenced John

Locke, who in turn, influenced our founding fathers, was learned from the

Puritans. Locke’s father had been on Cromwell’s side during the English Civil

war.

It also shaped the general population under the influence of the Great Awakening.

The Great Awakening was a massive 18th century religious revival that shook the

colonies. It was promoted by preachers such as Gilbert Tennent and George

Whitfield who travelled up and down the coast calling for a return to a robust

Christian and Biblical faith. Emphasizing the new birth and a Calvinist theology,

the Great Awakening had an immense influence on colonial sentiments in the

generation just preceding the American Revolution.

Consider then, some of what was at work in the American consciousness

preceding the revolution. There was the memory of their horrid experience in

England. There was the worry that Anglicans would establish this same kind of

church in the colonies. There was a persistent fear of the imposition of bishops

who were viewed as “holy monarchs,” (monarchy in any form was considered

bad)! There was a belief in the absolute sovereignty of God. God alone is Lord of

all and the author of liberty. There was a corresponding belief in the absolute

equality of individuals (king and peasant, clergy and laity) under God’s law.

There was the belief that no human should be entrusted with absolute power,

given our radically fallen human nature. There was a belief that there should be a

separation of powers in any new government that is established. And because of

their experience in England, there was the belief that religious freedom and

freedom of conscience should be respected.

In other words, for these Presbyterians, liberty is affirmed, but it is not an absolute

liberty. It is always to be lived out under the sovereign creator God. It was this

theology, a theology rooted, not just in Calvin, but in the Bible, which ultimately

gave the colonialist the will to resist.

The Presbyterian Legacy

So this year, as we celebrate our independence once again, and as we think of

early American courage, and the genius of our founding fathers, let us not forget

those blasted Presbyterians who sought to understand liberty in light of the Bible.

A liberty which conceived of a nation and its entire government under God.

Sources: Our Presbyterian Heritage, Paul Carlson (Elgin: David C. Cook,

1973)Presbyterians: Their History and Beliefs, Walter L. Lingle and John W.

Kuykendall, (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988), The Emergence of Liberty in the

Modern World, Douglas F. Kelly, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing,

1992)

OPPORTUNITIES TO MINISTER – JULY 2017 JULY 2 JULY 9

Rev. Dr. Gary Hackenberg

JULY 16

Rev. Jill Young

JULY 23

(tba)

JULY 30

Rev. Sally Dries

Deacons of the

Month:

Gary Christian, and

Jennifer Henning

Gary Christian, and Jennifer

Henning

Gary Christian, and

Jennifer Henning

Gary Christian, and

Jennifer Henning

Gary Christian, and

Jennifer Henning

Children’s

Story:

Jud Bennett

OPEN

Lynne Pabst

OPEN

OPEN

Greeters: Deacons Deacons Deacons Deacons

Deacons

Worship Leaders:

Grove Youth

Eric B. Deeter W. Todd Gisbon Beth Christian Gregory A. Bitler

Flowers $27.00

Lois Hendricks

Greg Bitler

Kessey Kieselhorst Marlin & Jane

Bradford

Kelly & Matt Baylor

10:30 am

Fellowship

Café Communion

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

Sound System OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN

Communion Elders: Natalie B. Kupas, Beth Christian, David D. Betz, Mona S. Cotner, Francis C. Moyer

OPPORTUNITIES TO MINISTER – AUGUST 2017 AUGUST 6

Rev. Nancy Hardy

AUGUST 13

Rev. Ray Brown

AUGUST 20

Rev. Sally Dries

AUGUST 27

Rev. Sally Dries

Deacons of the

Month:

Eric Deeter and

David Sanders

Eric Deeter and

David Sanders

Eric Deeter and

David Sanders

Eric Deeter and

David Sanders

Children’s

Story:

Jud Bennett

OPEN

Lynne Pabst

OPEN

Greeters: Deacons Deacons Deacons Deacons

Worship Leaders: Grove Youth Kessey Kieselhorst Christian D. LaMotte Merry B. Hackenberg

Flowers $27.00 Jan & Gary Wolfgang Bob and Jan Burns Swanee Marcus OPEN

10:30 am Fellowship OPEN OPEN Alyssa & Christian LaMotte OPEN

Sound System OPEN

OPEN OPEN OPEN

Communion Elders for: William C. Godfrey, William Henning, Bryan L. Holmes, Jim Nemeth, Robert N. Seebold

JULY 2 IS CAFÉ CHURCH!

"The Bible is alive," declared Martin Luther, "it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs

after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me." The Protestant Reformation's most

prominent leader possessed a gift for evocative speech, and he was as articulate

and outspoken in private as he was in public.

His family regularly hosted his loyal followers at table, some of whom wrote

down his sayings and informal speeches in The Table Talk of Martin

Luther. His personality and wisdom is revealed in his comments on life, the

church, and the Bible.

Following the example of Luther Family, our Café Church Service will include

discussion about Scriptures, discipleship, the challenges of living a Christian life.

Communion is shared at each table. Please join us the first Sunday of July (7/2)

in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 for this unique worship and fellowship experience.

Small contributions of light morning snack items (bagels, muffins, fruit,

cheese/crackers) are greatly appreciated.

SESSION RECESS

Reminder: Session will recess in July. The next meeting of Committees, Board

of Deacon, and Session Elders will be held August 7tht, starting at 6:30 PM.

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

Jun. 26th

–6:15 pm Grove vs. New Covenant @ Bloom Christian

July 3rd Independence Day Observed – No Softball

July 10th

– 6:00 pm Stillwater Christian Bible vs. Grove @ Mt Pleasant

July 17th

– 6:00 pm Bloom Christian vs. Grove @ Bloom Christian

July 24th

– 6:15 pm Grove vs. Ebenezer Faith @ Mt. Pleasant

July 31st – 6:00 pm St. Matthews Lutheran vs. Grove @ Mt Pleasant

Aug. 7th

– 6:15 pm Grove vs. Glad Tidings @ Mt. Pleasant

Aug. 14th –6:15 pm Grove vs. Community Alliance/Shiloh @ Mt. Pleasant

a MEMBER SUBMISSION

Stop thinking about what’s been done to you and start thinking about what’s been

done for you. It involves taking a thought captive—Hey, this is what this person has done to me—and replace it with a focus of what Jesus has done for me. The

experience of that kind of grace transforms our closest relationships, either

current ones or from a long time ago. When that light goes on, and we really get

hold of that, we experience supernatural power in our lives.

Kyle Idleman, teaching pastor of Southeast Christian Church in

Louisville, Kentucky

(If you too have something you would like to submit in The Spire – please feel

free to email it to Deskofcmc@aol.com)

23

1st SEMESTER EARLY CHILDHOOD

MUSIC REGISTRATION FORM

DUE AUGUST 27TH

Kindermusik A For children aged 16 months

through 3 years and their families. Registration is

required and a materials fee charged. The group

meets Wednesdays at 5 pm in the preschool room

starting September 13th through December 20

th.

Kindermusik B For children ages 3 years to 4 years. Parent participates

last 10 min. Registration is required and a materials fee charged. The group

meets Wednesdays at 5:45 pm in the preschool room starting September 13th

through December 20th.

CHILDREN MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE!

Child’s Name: Child’s Date of Birth:

Name of Parent(s):

Address:

Phone No: Email:

Kindermusik Class A:

Wednesday, 5:00 – 5:30 PM

Ages 16 months to three years

Parent participates with child

Cost $70.00 Member ($85 non-

member)

Kindermusik Class B:

Wednesday, 5:45 – 6:15 PM

Ages 3 years to 4 years

Parent participates last 10 mins.

Cost$50.00 Member ($65 non-

member)

Emergency Phone No:

Medical or Special Needs of which Teacher should be aware:

Please return to Church Office or place in the offering plate