"Newsletter First Presbyterian Church

Steve's Scratchings

A very polite, articulate seminarian from Andrews University recently interviewed me. Raised and educated in the Adventist tradition, he knew almost nothing about Presbyterians, so he asked me, "What is unique about the Presbyterian tradition?" It's a very good question.

As I blathered on about John Calvin, ordained elders, Presbyterian government, commitment to education, active engagement with the world, and predestination (which, it turns out, seems to have been predestined to disappear from the collective consciousness of American Presbyterians), I kept thinking of a variation of Jeff Patton's question to us. Jeff asked us "What is it about your experience of Jesus Christ that the world cannot live without?" I kept asking myself:

"What is it about the Presbyterian witness to Jesus Christ that the world cannot live without? "
Fifty years ago, that question would not have been raised. Presbyterians and other "mainline" Protestant denominations were ascendant: their preachers made magazine covers, their pronouncements were influential in the halls of power, and community leaders concentrated in their pews. But this is no longer true. And the ascendant, politically powerful religions tradition seems to be "born-again evangelicals," who function politically as the "religious right." But I believe the Presbyterian witness to Christ remains vital, and I want to mention one of the reasons why.

Although there are a number of individual Presbyterians, and some Presbyterian congregations, who would classify themselves as part of the evangelical "religious right," that's not where we are as a denomination. And it's not where this congregation is. We are, rather, members of the once-proud middle way" tradition.

"What is it about the Presbyterian witness to Jesus Christ that the world cannot live without?" The "middle way" is a tradition that seeks to combine the best of both the "evangelical" and the "liberal" wings of Christianity " people with a strong personal faith who also have, and act on, a strong social conscience. I think Presbyterians have done a poor job " and I confess that I have done a poor job as a pastor " of articulating the strengths of our "middle way" understanding of the faith.

In the recent presidential election, the terms "morals" and "values" were often identified with the pet issues of the religious right " homosexuality and abortion. To my disappointment, they were seldom articulated about broader issues of national importance, such as war, taxes, and care of the poor. Such issues cry out for moral and religious reflection. For an example of the kind of discernment that is needed, let me quote a recent inter-denominational statement about the federal budget:

As communities of faith, we are grounded in a shared tradition of justice and compassion, and we are called upon to hold ourselves and our communities accountable to the moral standard of our Biblical tradition. We speak out now because we are concerned about our national priorities. The federal budget serves as a fundamental statement of who we are as a nation. The decisions we make about how we generate revenue and spend resources test our commitment to these values. Thus, we hold that the federal budget should be viewed and evaluated through a moral lens: does it uphold values that will strengthen our life together as a nation and as part of the global community?

The prose is hardly stirring (ecumenical pronouncements seldom are), but such religious reflection on important public issues is an important part of our Presbyterian understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Copies of the full statement are available in the chapel and sanctuary. What is your understanding of the unique witness to Christ that we Presbyterians, and this congregation, provide? I invite us to begin exploring this together….

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Emily Laudeman at the Bridge

On Sunday, February 27, The Bridge will welcome special guest artist, Emily Laudeman. Emily, a native of South Bend, is only 16, but is already a veteran performer and worship leader! With the 2002 release of her first album, Drop a Spark , Emily has received some wide spread attention, establishing herself in the Christian music world. The music is a mix of upbeat pop-rock songs, several ballads and even a jazz-influenced song. All of the music conveys an awareness of God's inescapable love and a call for complete trust in Him. You may have heard Emily's music on the radio or seen her in local television broadcasts. She has been the featured performer on the nationally televised program, "Live at Studio B," and her song "Do it Over Again," has often been played on WFRN radio.

Emily wants listeners to be entertained by her music, but she hopes the lyrics move them as well. "I want people to enjoy my music, but my songs have something to say, especially to teenagers. When people listen I hope these messages reach them," she said.

If you want to know more about Emily, you can visit her own personal internet site at www.emilylaudeman.com, which features photos and other information including samples of her music, her performance schedule and her ministry. Join us at 9:45 downstairs on February 27 for a special Bridge worship!

Summer Camp at Geneva Center

The Geneva Center summer camp brochures are available at the welcome desk and in the church office. Scholarship help for campers is available for up to half the cost. Ask the church office for information. Some camps fill up early, so make your reservations!

What does the "Shrove" in Shrove Tuesday mean?

This question was raised at our Shrove Tuesday dinner. Here is more than you ever wanted to know. To "shrive" is to hear confession, allot penance, and give absolution. Our term "short shrift" comes from "shrive" " it originally meant a penance shorter and less onerous than usual.

Confession and shriving was not reserved for Lent. In the "Ecclesiastical Institutes," ca 1000 AD, the author writes: "In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him."

How did we get from penance to pancakes? Lent traditionally was to be a time of abstinence from meat, fat, eggs, dairy products, and sweets. Shrove Tuesday was designated as the time to clean the cupboards and use up all of those items that could not be eaten in Lent. What better use than pancakes?

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New Opportunities for Growth in February

Finding God in Life's Transitions

Finding difficult disruptions and transitions?
So did the Hebrew people.

Join us for a Lenten study of the book of Exodus
with the Rev. Sue Cluts
(a Presbyterian minister now worshiping with us)

February 13" March 20
Sunday mornings, 9:45 a.m Room 101

The Men's Breakfast Club

Meets every Wednesday morning
8:00-9:00 a.m. at Alley Oop's
on Co.Rd. 17
(SW corner of E. Jackson)

Join us for conversation, prayer,
study, and fun.
(look for the private dining room)

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POGo-Presbyterians on the Go

Nearly forty Presbyterians on the Go met February 3rd for a brunch and an informational program about the Council on Aging. The speaker was the agency's director, Robert Lewis. We were surprised at the scope of services offered by this organization. There are three programs offered to older adults: In-Home Support; Personal Support; and Transportation. Staff members assist clients with homemaking tasks, respite care, and handy-chore services.

Volunteers help with services outside the home, such as: the food pantry, grocery shopping, money management, and questions PoGO

involving Medicare and health insurance. Van service and escort service is provided to those unable to drive. This would be a great opportunity to be a volunteer in sharing your time and talents in the community.

A delicious brunch was served by Mary Ann Graves, Alice Duncan, Kay South, and Jane Cherepak. Bob Charles was the lucky winner of the floral centerpiece.

Plans for a fellowship GAME DAY were announced for March 10th. All are invited to bring in games they played in their younger days or still play, such as Monopoly, Pit, Scrabble, Chinese Checkers, etc. We draw the line on Twister for obvious reasons! We will meet at 1:00 p.m. in Room 100. bring a friend! Future events being considered are trips to Fernwood, a train ride through Potawatomi Zoo, canoeing down the St. Joe, a ball game at Coveleski, and a play at Wagon Wheel.

Survey taking is continuing. Please welcome your volunteer member.

Jackie MacKenzie

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Presbyterian "Per Capita"

As Presbyterians, we celebrate being a "connectional church," in which congregations share in mission and ministry at the regional (presbytery), multi-state (synod), and national (General Assembly) levels. We support this mission and ministry in two ways: through the "per capita apportionment" (which funds the operations at each level required by our constitution) and "shared mission" (which funds other programs and staff). The per capita apportionment is set each year by the presbytery, synod, and general assembly. The Stewardship and Finance Commission asks that you give prayerful thought to making an additional contribution this year to cover your own per capita apportionment

We are grateful for the many of you that have contributed to your per capita in past years.

For 2005, the per capita amount is $27.50 per active member. . As an example, if you are part of a 2-parent, 2-child household, and both of your children are members (i.e., they have been confirmed), your total per capita allocation would then be $110.00.

Please consider making your per capita apportionment today. Make your check to the church, marked per capita."

Vacation Bible School is closer than you think!

Peace begins with us.

This year we are excited to have joining us St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Watch for future articles and details in upcoming newsletters!

Recycling Needed!
For JAM Time's workshop on March 13, we need assorted supplies (see list below). The students will be creating a miniature golf game using the symbols of Holy Week, which church members of all ages can enjoy at various times on Palm Sunday and Easter! If anyone would like to help them create this, please contact Jennifer Pitcher, Children's Coordinator, A.S.A.P., at home 262-4722 or by email: Jennifer@presby.net.

Please bring any of the following in bags labeled for JAM Time to the church by March 12;

Cardboard of assorted sizes (need at least 9 which are 3' x 3';we have plenty of 5x7)
Assorted boxes and carton (ie: cereal boxes; oatmeal cartons)
Old artificial vines and greenery
Paper towel, wrapping paper and toilet paper tubes
Cardboard egg cartons
Styrofoam or foam rubber to make Golgotha(!)

After this date, please resume recycling and we thank you for your recyclable contributions! Fore!

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Trustee Tribune

The Trustee Board is excited about the new members that were elected by the congregation. The new members are:

Nico Valentijn Kathryn Shanholt Dave Rice Norma Boyer Terry Bishop

The Trustees continue to work on new projects, including projects submitted by the congregation. Projects Completed in January 2005

New "Exit" signs and spotlights have been installed in the church. The new signs are visible in each hallway.
The exterior double door in the lower level has been repaired. The door exits to the stairway that goes into the rear parking lot. The idea was to use this as an alternative entrance for The Bridge service. The bar holding the doors has been removed and the new hydraulic cylinders now work to close the doors.
The final touches have been installed on the new computers and software. The church now has the latest version of Microsoft.

Projects that have been started in January 2005

Several of the spotlights in the sanctuary have been out of commission for many months. Under Bob Decker's guidance,Terry Bishop will replace light fixtures.
The exterior lights on the sanctuary window are out of commission due to a problem with underground wiring, and apparently this cannot be fixed until the ground thaws.

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Presbyterian Women thank the congregation for their support of the annual Blanket Offering. The Blanket Offering helps to provide Tools of Hope to impoverished people and countries around the world through the coordination of Church World Service.

PW will again be selling cookbooks between services. The cost is $18.00 each. Checks or exact change are appreciated.

New Paths Circle has scheduled the following Mission Sewing Dates:

Saturday, March 12 9:00 a.m. noon
Tuesday, March 22 6:00 p.m.

All are welcome to participate in this wonderful mission project.

Just a Reminder: PW has an on-going project of collecting Health Kit items. The following items are needed for these kits:

Women: Comb or Hairbrush, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Emery Boards, Deodorant-Lotions, Tampons, Hand towels.
Men: Comb or Hairbrush, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Nail Clippers, Shaving Cream, Razors or Blades, Deodorant, Hand Towels.

Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for the annual Presbyterian Women's Spring Luncheon on Saturday, May 14.
Circle 1 is coordinating the event.

Presbytery Level PW Events (mark your calendars!):
March 18 & 19 Let's Learn Together: Connecting the Pieces, Building Community, One Woman at a Time led by Jinny Miller
April 29 Spring Gathering at Michigan City First Presbyterian Church
Bring a can of soup for the Soup Kitchen!

Church Women United:The Lenten Coffees will be held this year at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1133 Kilbourn Street at 9:00 a.m. each Monday as follows:

February 28 Kathleen O'Connell
March 7 World Day of Prayer Celebration
March 14 To be announced
March 21 Andrea Delaney

For more information, call Pat Charles 264-6407.

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Annual Meeting & Reports

At the annual meeting of the congregation on February 8, new officers were elected, the annual reports were reviewed, changes in pastoral terms of call were approved, and the 2005 budget was affirmed. Copies of the annual report and other documents are available by calling the church office. New officers are:

Session: Jan Horner, Dottie Arnold, John Holdeman, Betty Rice, Sydney Rieckhoff, Carol Steede, Rachel Sirinek.
Deacons: Paul Randall, Elizabeth Davis, Betty Markel, and Michele Disch.
Trustees: Nico Valentijn, Norma Boyer, Terry Bishop, Kathryn Shanholt, and Dave Rice.
Foundation: Janet Scholtes and Sydney Rieckhoff.
Nominating Committee: 2005: Mary Rasp, Dian Holdeman, Jeanne Van Putten, Jennifer Pitcher, and Todd Miller

This 'n' That

Worship Schedule