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Features & News
April 18 - May 21, 2005
Worship Schedule 8:30 a.m. Worship in the Chapel
9:45 The Bridge in the Lower Level
11:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary
Newsletters Two Weeks at a Glance Monday, April 18
8:00 a.m. - PBJ/Room 100
11:30 a.m. - Nifty 60's/ Christiana Creek
Tuesday, April 19
9:00 a.m. - Worship Team & Staff
11:30 a.m. - The Bridge Worship Team/ Office
7:00 p.m.- Session / Reception Room
Wednesday, April 20
8:00 a.m. - Men's Prayer Breakfast/ Perkin's
9:30 a.m. - Ruth Circle/ Room 100
10:45 a.m.- Wednesday's Table/ Room 101
5:00 p.m.- Youth Choir’s Dress Rehearsal/ Choir Room
David & Goliath
6:15 p.m.- Handbell Choir Rehearsal/ Room 100
6:30 p.m.- Westminster Girls Choir/ Choir Room
6:30 p.m. - Generous Orthodoxy/ Reception Room
7:00 p.m.- Bridge Band Rehearsal/ Lower Level
7:30 p.m.- Chancel Choir Rehearsal/ Choir Room
Thursday, April 21
10:00 a.m. - Ending Well/ Room 100
7:00 p.m.- Quilters
Friday, April 22
7:00 p.m.- PW Retreat/ Geneva Center
Sunday, April 24
8:30 a.m. -Worship/ Chapel
9:45 a.m.- The Bridge Worship/ Lower Level
- Church School & Chancel Choir Rehearsal
10:00 a.m.- Youth Choirs Rehearsal
11:00 a.m.- Worship/ Sanctuary
5:00 p.m.- PYF
| Monday, April 25
8:00 a.m. - PBJ/Room 100
Tuesday, April 26
9:00 a.m.- Presbytery/ Logansport
9:00 a.m.- Worship Team & Staff
11:30 a.m. - The Bridge Worship Team/ Office
6:00 p.m.- PW Sewing Night/ Room 100
7:00 p.m.- Deacons/ Lower Level
7:00 p.m.- New Paths Circle/ Reception Room
Wednesday, April 27
8:00 a.m. - Men's Prayer Breakfast/ Perkin's
10:45 a.m.- Wednesday's Table/ Room 101
5:00 p.m.- Melodia Choir/ Choir Room
5:30 p.m.- Jr Chorale/ Choir Room
6:15 p.m.- Handbell Choir/ Room 10
6:30 p.m. - Westminster Girls Choir/ Choir Room
6:30 p.m. - Generous Orthodoxy/ Reception Room
6:30 p.m. - Caring Cards/ Art Room
7:00 p.m.- Bridge Band Rehearsal/ Lower Level
7:30 p.m.- Chancel Choir Rehearsal/ Choir Room
Thursday, April 28 Maundy
10:00 a.m. - Ending Well/ Room 100
1:00 p.m.- Small Group/Room 101
7:00 p.m.- Trustee Sign Meeting/ Gathering Place
Friday, April 29
PW Spring Gathering/Michigan City
Sunday, May 1 Communion
8:30 a.m.- Worship/ Chapel
9:45 a.m.- The Bridge Worship/ Lower Level
- Church School & Chancel Choir Rehearsal
11:00 a.m. - Worship/ Sanctuary
4:00 p.m. – PYF visit Nursing Homes
6:30 p.m. – Small Group/Terry & Paula Woods’
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Inviting all to know Christ...
Inside you will find pictures and brief information on our most recent group of new members. Please welcome them to our church family, and continue inviting friends and acquaintances to experience Christ’s love in our worship and groups.
To grow in Christ...
Inside you will find information on new and ongoing classes, and groups for various ages. We invite you to nurture your faith by participating in some of our spiritual growth offerings.
To share Christ's Love...
Inside you will find opportunities to share Christ’s love in concrete ways, by helping the W.O.W. Club, Soup of Success, a variety of Presbyterian charitable organizations, and our own members. We encourage you to find ways to serve the community and the world in Christ’s name.
Consultant to return…Jeff Patton, the church consultant who worked with us a year ago, is returning May 5-7. You are invited to an all-church dinner and meeting with Jeff on Friday, May 6. Watch for further details…..
The summer worship schedule will start Sunday, June 5. Because we now have three Sunday morning services, the schedule will be a bit different this year:
8:00 a.m. Chapel Service
9:15 a.m. Bridge Service
10:30 a.m. Sanctuary Service
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Steve's Scratchings Our consultant, Jeff Patton, is returning the first weekend in May for a brief visit (part of our original contract). Originally scheduled for early January, Jeff’s visit has been rescheduled once by us and once by Jeff. In anticipation, I want to reflect briefly on how we’re doing.
If you recall, Jeff did thorough review of our church through the Complete Ministry Audit, spent three days with us, and then wrote an extensive report. Some of his recommendations were very specific; others had to do more with gaining a new clarity and focus on our mission and values. After study and prayer, we adopted the essence of Jeff’s recommendations – setting forth a fairly ambitious agenda for our church. In the months since, we’ve accomplished some of what we planned, and have yet to do other things.
After much prayer and discussion, the Session adopted a new mission statement: Inviting all to know Christ, grow in Christ, and share Christ’s love. We’ve been working to have this mission statement guide and focus our activities.
Inviting All to Know Christ
We have:
• taken steps to make our building more inviting and welcoming (more visitor parking spaces, new welcome center, more space between pews in sanctuary, better interior signage, etc.);
• moved The Bridge to Sunday mornings to be more attractive to young adults;
• upgraded the stage, tech booth, and equipment downstairs for The Bridge recruited and trained people to watch out for and welcome visitors;
• strengthened our visitor tracking and follow-up process;
• begun a new “connecting team” to help assimilate new members into the life of our church.
We have yet to do several important things, including a survey of our neighborhood, serious study of our demographics, and planning new outreach-oriented ministries.
Growing in Christ
We have:
• recruited and trained a number of small group leaders, in order to multiply the number of small group opportunities;
• challenged our members and friends to grow in their stewardship through the Grow-One campaign (the response to which was wonderfully positive); and
begun serious exploration of the person and call of Jesus Christ through the study of McLaren’s A Generous Orthodoxy.
Sharing Christ’s Love
In this area we have done the fewest new things, and I believe we need to focus on our loving outreach in the months ahead.
The essence of Jeff’s challenge to us is to move from maintenance to mission. As I’ve said before, a church can’t move from maintenance to mission overnight; it is a process that takes several years to bear fruit. It is a significant change in focus — from inward to outward. Moving in this direction involves some “wilderness wandering” as we seek to discern just what our particular call to Christ’s mission looks like. Such “wilderness wandering” is frustrating. But I believe that we are on the right track, and God will guide us into a bright future
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Welcome New Members
Miriam & Josphat Mwaniki
Natives of Kenya, the Mwanikis
have become affiliate members, retaining
membership in the Presbyterian
Church of East Africa. They
attend the 8:30 service.
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Mike & Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer (Woolwine) grew up in
our church and she and Mike
were married here last summer.
They live in Mishawaka, where
Mike owns the Blue Lantern
Restaurant. They attend the
11:00 service or The Bridge.
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Nella & Jerry Putman
Nella & Jerry are very active
in The Bridge, where Nella
is a vocalist, and Jerry is
part of the Tech Team.
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Paul Romanetz
Husband of Melinda (Minzey)
Romanetz and father of Ben,
Ted, and Leo, Paul has a long
acquaintance with our church,
and has now joined. He usually
attends The Bridge.
(Not pictured)
Rhett & Angie Fisher
Parents of Selma, Rhett is an
accountant with Crowe Chizek
and Angie is a lawyer. They
have generally attended The
Bridge or the 11:00 worship
service.
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Wezzie Munthali
A native of Malawi, Wezzie is studying nursing. She usually attends either The Bridge or 11:00 service  Mary FreedMary is our nursery care coordinator, working with Susan Kendell. She is married to Jeff and mother to Heather (active in PYF and Westminster Girls Choir) and Heath. |  Nom & Smiley (Pien-not pictured) Thammavongsa
The Thommavongsas have
become affiliate members,
retaining membership in the
Wabash Pre sb y t e r ia n
Church, which sponsored
their immigration from Laos.
They attend The Bridge or
11:00 service. Nom & Pien
are Smiley’s parents; Smiley
has four children: Asia,
Angela, Smiley, and Kahn.
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PoGO-Presbyterians on the Go THEATRE PARTY Come join PoGO for the performance of the comedy, Opal’s Baby, by the award-winning Elkhart Civic Theatre on Sunday afternoon, May 1. We have reserved a block of tickets with a definite number due by April 18. Tickets are $11 for seniors and students; $13 for all others, to be paid at time of reservation. If transportation is needed, carpools will be formed. A signup sheet will be at the table in the hallway near the Gathering Place. Reserve early to secure your place. Questions??? Call Jackie MacKenzie at 295-5784.
PLANS FOR OTHER COMING EVENTS June - An intergenerational Canoe Trip down the St. Joe River to Bristol by paddlers of all ages. Non-paddlers will await the arrival of the POGO FLEET and be entertained by a variety of lawn games. A carry-in picnic will climax the afternoon of fun and fellowship.
July - A bus trip to Wagon Wheel Playhouse in Warsaw to see the musical Singing in the Rain. This will probably be a Thursday or Sunday matinee with lunch prior to the play. More information will be available soon.
Sydney Bontrager Mary Ann Graves Jackie MacKenzie
296-8160 264-9794 295-5784
Children and families Events Children/Youth Musical: David & Goliath
The Melodia, Jr. Chorale, and Westminster Choir will present a minimusical, David and Goliath, on Sunday morning, April 24 at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. This favorite Old Testament story, complete with western garb and props, evokes the folk ballads and the excitement of the old western frontier. Come join the youth choirs as they share their talents and their faith with us through music and drama!
Help Make Caring Cards…
• Do you want to raise fellow members spirits?
• Do a little in Church Mission work?
• Are you creative or desire to be crafty?
Then stop by on Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (in the Art Room on the 2nd floor) or April 30 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. We will be creating and stamping Caring Cards for future use. No experience is needed — just a helping heart and time is all you need! If interested please contact Paula Wood at 206-1657. If you have stamps, please bring, but not necessary. Childcare will be provided. 
 Over 100 kids of all ages enjoyed “Putt-putt through Holy Week!”
A huge thank you to the Groovin’ JAM Time kids: Andy, and Mason Braden, Ted Romanetz, and Ashley, and Allison Valentijn, who created the ten recycled materials-inspired holes of “golf” that over one hundred friends and family enjoyed on Palm Sunday and Easter. Lots of fun! Extra thanks goes to Mindy Suhr, Kathy Wall, and the pyf’ers: Kelly Davis, Heather Freed, Lauren Pitcher, Julia Robinson, and Katie Wright, for floor taping and wonderful creative assistance. It took over eight hours to create, but less than one to take down! Thank you all!
Growing in ChristGeneva Center
Mid-High Retreat
May 14-15, 2005
Sign up by April 29
Retreat registration forms are available on the website: www.genevacenter.org or Email for more information.
Geneva Center’s phone number is (574) 223-6915. Retreats begin Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and end on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Geneva Center Time.
Be sure to sign up for summer camps soon…Some camps fill up fast. Scholarship help for Geneva Center retreats or summer camps is available through the Presbyterian Foundation. Check with the church office. Registrations forms can also be found at the Geneva Center Website.
A Generous Orthodoxy
 | Steve Braden is leading a study of this accessible and challenging perspective on Christian faith by Brian McLaren on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 in the Reception Room. If you have ordered a book but have not received it, contact the church office.
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Ending Well… These classes exploring end of life issues are being offered again on Thursday mornings from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. starting April 21. The schedule (subject to change):
April 21 Illness & Incapacity: Living wills, powers of attorney, medical directives
April 28 Taking Stock: Understanding assets, ownership, insurance, and other property-related ssues
May 5 Parting Gifts: Wills, trusts, and other ways to transfer assets; federal & state death taxation
May 12 Final Plans: Funerals, cremation, obituaries, etc.
May 19 Faith, Hope & Love: Spiritual issues; honoring values and faith
Exploring Baptism….We are scheduling a class exploring baptism for families who would like to have a child baptized. If you would like to participate, please call
Steve Braden or email him..
| Men’s Breakfast…What is the connection between our faith and our work?
What difference does our faith make in the real world of the workplace? The Men’s Breakfast begins exploring this topic this week. Join Steve Braden Wednesday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at Perkins at North Pointe Plaza (Cassopolis Street) for good food, good discussion, and prayer. |
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Trustee Tribune
Projects to maintain and update the church building and facilities continue every month. The projects for March-April were as follows:
- Three double-pane windows in the Chapel have been replaced. The old windows had lost the seal and condensation developed between the windowpanes.
- New financial software continues to improve the efficiency of the reporting and check-writing.
- The underground wiring to the back parking lot lights on the sanctuary window has been repaired, so the window is lit again at night.
- The new high-efficiency spotlights for the chancel in the sanctuary have all been installed.
- A contract has been signed to fill in the clogged drywell under the memorial garden and to dig two new drywells under the Beardsley St. parking lot. This is in accord with the requirement that surface run-off not be drained into the city’s storm sewer system. The work should be completed early in May.
- It was discovered this spring that the older of our two boilers is no longer working. The trustees have commissioned a thorough review of our HVAC system.
- The trustees are investigating the immediate and long-range facility needs of the church.
- No spring clean-up day is scheduled because the grounds appear to be in good shape.
Please take the time to look at the projects. If there is anything that you notice that needs attention in the Church please send a note to Cinda Olinger in the Church office and she will forward it to the Trustee Board.
As Troy Scott replaces Russ Gilpin as moderator, we thank our other outgoing trustees: Linda Fulkerson, Dick Griffin, and Betty Kegerreis.
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Sharing Christ's Love |
The Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering is being received on May 8.
Begun in 1922, the offering celebrates Presbyterian Women’s heritage of mission giving. This year’s recipients are:
 - Camp Luminaria, Santa Fe, New Mexico, which provides a safe, structured learning and counseling environment for youth ages 11-15 who are non-violent, first offenders.
- The Institute for Theological Education of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil, an ecumenical seminary, to enable the purchase, remodeling and equipping of a building to meet accreditation requirements.
- Mobile Health Screening, Louisville, Kentucky, to purchase a fully equipped medical van to provide preventive and early detection health screening.
- Children’s Cross Connection USA, Atlanta, Georgia, a program that brings children from around the world to the United States for medical treatment not available to them in their own countries.
- Presbyterian Senior Services Grandparent Family Apartments, Bronx, New York, for the construction of a 50-unit family apartment building.
Please plan to join us for the annual Presbyterian Women's Spring Luncheon on Saturday, May 14. Circle 1 is coordinating the event.
The Presbytery level Spring Gathering at Michigan City First Presbyterian Church is April 29. Bring a can of soup for the Soup Kitchen!
Parents of Young Children A new small group
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging activities any of us tackle. We can all use support and encouragement—especially when we wish to raise our children as faithful followers of Christ. If you are looking for an opportunity for study and fellowship with other parents, this new group is for you.
What is a “young child”?
The group is for parents whose children are not old enough for Elementary School.
What if we’re “expecting”, do we wait until the baby is born?
Now is a great time to get involved!
Is this for couples only?
No, single parents and individual members of a couple are welcome and wanted.
When and Where?
An introductory meeting will be held on Sunday, May 1 at 6:30 at the home of Paula and Terry Wood (1535 Erwin St.).
Child care will be provided. Please RSVP to Paula (206-1657).
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Tea with Ruth & FriendsA Benefit for Soup of Success Job & Life Skills Program,
part of Church Community Services.
Saturday, May 7, 2005
One o’clock until four o’clock
At Living Faith Fellowship
2601 Benham Avenue Elkhart, IN 46517
A Children’s Tea will be held for smaller ladies and gentlemen.
Suggested donation: $5.00 and a nonperishable food pantry item
Tea with Ruth & Friends
621 Liberty Street Elkhart, IN 46514
(574)293-1383
www.teawithruthandfriends.com
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| This 'n' That
 Betty MarkelMay 12, 1923 - March 19, 2005
| The sympathy of the congregation is extended to:
Mike O’Neill on the death of his father William O’Neill, on April 5, 2005.
Ann Wieringa, whose mother Margaret Pflugfelder died the end of March.
Steve Kolderup, former Associate Pastor, on the death of his father on April 12.
| Thank Yous…
My pretty Easter Lily said to me: I was in the chancel of the First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart. I heard the hymns, the wonderful organ, and horns, drum, and choir. Also the prayers and sermon about He is Risen. I answered, “I was there too! It was all exciting and meaningful.”
Avia Baker
We thank you for the weekly tapes and bulletins. It keeps us in touch with daily worship. Jim is some better. He has had quite a tough time. Thank you for you prayers and the Caring Card!
Delores & Jim Peterson
Thank you to many gracious members who planned, prepared and delivered wonderful
foods as well as uplifting spirits.
With appreciation, Nancy & David Stetz
| Congratulations to:
Juliane & Tom Yoder on the birth of their first great grandchild, Rayna Nicole Yoder, born to Brandon & Amy Yoder.
Matthew & Catherine Barb on the birth of their daughter, Aubrey Grace born on April 5. Proud grandparents are Stu &Paula Barb.
Tim Bontrager, our former youth pastor, on the publication of his new novel about the Palm Sunday tornados. We hope to have some of his books available to purchase.
| WOW needs your help
W.O.W. (Way Out Wednesdays) After School Club sponsored by Central Christian Church needs volunteers to serve and clean-up after the meal for W.O.W. club once a month, weekly, etc. They do not need cooking help, just serving and clean-up on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. September through May (the school year - school holidays off). Call Joann Frederick to volunteer at 206-0663 or for more information.
| Presbyterian Foundation…The Presbyterian Foundation invests and manages the endowment gifts that many of our members have made over the years. The Foundation Committee meets Monday, May 2, at 5:00 p.m. Funding requests should be turned in to the church office by Wednesday, April 27. Forms are available from the church office.
| Church Member to Conduct Municipal Band
Gerald Knipfel will be conducting the April 24
Concert of the Elkhart Municipal Band at the Elco Theater.
Church members, Betty Kegerreis, and Jill Stoll are also long-time participants with the band. The concert is free.
| In Honor of... Please talk to Jennifer Pitcher, Children’s 
Coordinator, if you’d like to honor someone (birthday, special occasion, memorial) by purchasing a children’s book for the Fountain View Library.
We have a “Wish List” of new Christian books and this would be a great way to add to our wonderful selection and honor
someone special at the same time!
| The Brown Bag Book Bunch meets once a month, on the first Monday of each month, at 11:00 a.m. to discuss the current book. The upcoming selections are:
May- My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
June- Mammoth Cheese by Sheri Holman
July- The Runaway by Alice Munro
August- Bury Me Standing, The Gypsies and Their Journey by Isabel Fonseca
Join us on May 2 in the Reception Room. | Food Collection: To help the ongoing food shortage at the Church Community Services Food Pantry, please bring something each Sunday:
First Sunday- Fish (canned tuna & salmon)
Second Sunday- Spaghetti & Spam (sauce & canned meat)
Third Sunday- Teeth & Toiletries (toothpaste, personal care items)
Fourth Sunday- Canned Fruit
Fifth Sunday- Cleaning Supplies for Faith Mission | Newsletter Deadline
The next newsletter will be inserted in the bulletin on May 22, and mailed the following week to those who are not in worship.
| Do you have a prayer concern?
Do you know of someone in the hospital, recovering from illness, etc.? Let us know, so we can hold you or your friend in prayer. Contact Pat Van Dyke or Bea Pyle to be placed on the prayer chain, or send information to prayer@presby.net
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Worship Schedule
| April 24 | May 1
| May 8 | May 15
| Preacher
| Steve Braden | Steve Braden
| Steve Braden | Steve Braden
| Bridge Preacher
| Steve Braden | Kathleen O'Connell | Kathleen O'Connell
| Kathleen O'Connell
| Liturgist
| Sue Cluts
| Rachel Sirinek
| Judy McDowell
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| Special
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| PW Birthday Offering
| Pentecost
| Greeters
| Jim Snyder
Paula Barb
| John Van Dyke
Stu Barb
| Mindy Suhr
David Rice
| Suzanne Wyatt
Bruce Klonowski
| 8:30 am Ushers
| Pat & John Van Dyke
| Terry & Andy
McCaskey
| Norma & Mac Boyer
| Patty & Jim
Brotherson
| | 9:45 am Ushers | Ruth Kinyua
Vern Pitcher
| Anita Gorden
Marsha Brownewell
| Kashten McCray
Teanna McCray
| Teanna McCray
Peggy Zimmerman
| | 11:00 am Ushers | Sandy Haimbach
Kathy, Alan, & Rachel
Sirinek
| Rhett Fisher
Deb & Jeff Kaufmann
Phyllis Warrick
| Jane & Doc Atkins
Mary Jane & Rob
Blanken
| Rhett Fisher
Mary & Walt Wagner
Phyllis Warrick
| 11:00 a.m.
Music
| David & Goliath, a short
musical by the Melodia, Jr.
Chorale, and
Westminster Girls Choirs
| Chancel Choir
| Chancel Choir
| Chancel Choir
| Hospitality Host
| Alice Cooper
| New Paths Circle
| Angie David
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| Counters
| Bob Huber
Sean Wall
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| FISH
| Vicki Kronemeyer
Cheryl Ann Miller
| Mary Seddon
Cathy Pearson
| Betty Rice
| Julaine Yoder
Kisha Baxter
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Updated April 19, 2005
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