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Features & News
June 19 - July 24, 2005
Worship Schedule
8:00 a.m. Chapel Service
9:15 The Bridge Service
10:30 a.m. Sanctuary Service
Two Weeks at a Glance Monday, June 20
8:00 a.m. - PBJ/ Room 100
Tuesday, June 21
9:00 a.m. - Worship Team & Staff
11:30 a.m. - The Bridge Worship Team/ Office
7:00 p.m.- Session/ Reception Room
Wednesday, June 22
8:00 a.m. - Men's Prayer Breakfast/ Perkin's
10:45 a.m.- Wednesday's Table/ Room 101
7:00 p.m.- Bridge Band Rehearsal/ Lower Level
Thursday, June 23
1:00 p.m.- Small Group/ Room 101
Friday, June 24
7:00 p.m.- PW Retreat/ Geneva Center
Sunday, June 26 Jazz Sunday (Note time change)
9:00 a.m.- Tsunami Class
10:00 a.m.- One Service of Worship/ Sanctuary
5:30 p.m.- PYF
6:00 p.m.- Vacation Bible School Kick-Off
| Monday, June 27
8:00 a.m. - PBJ/Room 100
6:00 p.m.- Vacation Bible School
Tuesday, June 28
9:00 a.m.- Worship Team & Staff/ Office
11:30 a.m. - The Bridge Worship Team/ Office
6:00 p.m.- Vacation Bible School
7:00 p.m.- Deacons/ Room 101
Wednesday, June 29
8:00 a.m. - Men's Prayer Breakfast/ Perkin's
10:45 a.m.- Wednesday's Table/ Room 101
12:00 p.m - Staff lunch
6:00 p.m.- Vacation Bible School
7:00 p.m.- Bridge Band Rehearsal/ Lower Level
Thursday, June 30
6:00 p.m.- Vacation Bible School
Sunday, July 3 Communion
8:0.0 a.m.- Worship/ Chapel
9:15 a.m.- The Bridge Worship/ Lower Level
10:30 a.m. - Worship/ Sanctuary
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Jazz Sunday
June 26
10:00 a.m.
 The popular Reformation Band with the Opperman Brothers will return to our Jazz Sunday worship at 10:00 am. on June 26.From its first performance over 35 years ago at a Saginaw church, the seven- piece traditional jazz band has made a joyful noise at national jazz festivals, with various symphony orchestras, on cruise ships, at colleges and universities, and with hundreds of congregations. Invite your friends to this unique and inspiring worship service! The 10:00 Jazz Service will be the only service that day.
 With our friends (new and old!)
from St. Paul's United Methodist Church,
we offer VBS 2005:
Peace! The Time is NOW!!
On July 17, you are invited to car-pool down to Geneva Center (our Presbyterian camp near Rochester) for an outdoor worship service at 10:00 a.m., followed by a picnic lunch and opportunities for swimming or hiking. There will be a single worship service in the church at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary for those who can't make it to Geneva Center. This replaces our worship in the park. Sign up or call the church office if you need, or can provide, rides.
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Steve's Scratchings Good things are happening, and I want to highlight a few of them.
- Dream Gathering: At our first Dream Gathering, on Sunday, June 12, people of all ages gathered from all three of our services to share dreams and hopes for our congregation. These included more classes for adults, a variety of craft-making and craft-sharing ideas, building a gym, outreach-oriented music programs, child care programs, Spanish classes for English speakers and/or English classes for Spanish speakers, outdoor services for the neighborhood, and others. Because June 12 was a busy day, many could not make it, and other dreams are coming in. There will be other Dream Gathering sessions in coming months, but if you have a dream you'd like to share, forms are available by the Gathering Place or in the church office.
- New Members: We will be receiving our second group of new members this year at The Bridge on June 19. Watch for details in the next newsletter on new members.
- The Bridge: The Bridge is becoming increasingly important in the life our church. On June 6, The Bridge service included both confirmation and the recognition of our graduating high school seniors. Why at The Bridge? Because that is the primary worship service for both sets of youth. Many, though not all, of our new members are coming in through The Bridge. The Bridge's move to Sunday morning seems to be working, but we may need to change our Sunday morning Christian education schedule to better serve Bridge attendees.
- Christian Education: We will greatly miss Jennifer Pitcher as Coordinator of Children's Ministries. However, because we now have three Sunday services, the Youth and Families Commission is reassessing our Sunday School program, and may recommend moving toward a different schedule that will better serve our young families.
- Jeff Patton Return Visit: During his brief return visit, consultant Jeff Patton helped the Session think through possible reorganization to streamline our administration, and pushed us to think of more activities outside of our building - activities of both of service and outreach (e.g. activities designed to connect to the spiritual lives of people.) Our Dream Gatherings help us accomplish both: they help us think "outside the box/building."
- Advertising & Invitation: Our new church sign is under construction. A new movie theater ad will soon be starting at the Encore Cinema. But the key to attracting new people is still by personal invitation. Whom can you invite to church?
- HVAC & Capital Campaign: Can a failed boiler be good news? The problem with our heating system is old news, but the current failure forces us to face this problem squarely. I am hopeful that we can find a workable solution, and that if it causes us to do a capital campaign in the near further, that campaign will enable us to expand our outreach and ministries.
God is working here, showing us new ways to know, grow, and share Christ's love. Keep praying that we may muster the will, resources, and people to carry out the mission God has for us.
| Children's Ministry News Staff Resignations & Openings
Jennifer Pitcher has resigned as our Coordinator of Children's Ministries, effective at the end of June. Jennifer began on an interim basis, and never intended to stay as long as she did. We have been fortunate to have her wonderful gifts and dedication for five years, and we will miss her greatly. A search committee from the Children's and Personnel Commissions will begin soon. Jennifer will be recognized in worship on July 3. Gifts for Jennifer may be brought to the church office or given at that time.
Susan Kendell, who has worked with Mary Freed as an excellent nursery caregiver, has resigned to take another position. We will be hiring college students to fill the nursery position this summer, but will be seeking to replace Susan for the fall.
Christian Education Survey
The Children's Commission is taking this opportunity to evaluate our Christian Education program. This is timely, now that we have nine months' experience with three Sunday services. Some of the questions being raised are:
• Should we offer children's classes (workshop rotation and/or toddler's class) after The Bridge (i.e. during the Sanctuary service)?
• If so, should we offer these classes twice on Sunday mornings - during The Bridge and again during the Sanctuary service?
• Can we muster enough teachers to offer classes twice?
• Should we offer youth Sunday School classes during the Sanctuary service?
• If we offer children's and/or youth classes during the Sanctuary service, should we expand our adult class and small-group offerings during that time?
• How can we expand our adult education offerings during The Bridge service?
Survey forms are available and will be distributed to parents of children and youth. Please give us your feedback!
Coming Soon: The Best Children's Christian Computer Lab in Town
The Children's Commission is very grateful for the many heartfelt and thoughtful memorials for Christian Education which were given in memory of Carolyn Best this past winter and spring. Once the electricity and power surge issues are resolved, the plan is to double the size of the Workshop Rotation computer lab on the second floor. This may include four new computers, countertops and stools, and safe-internet access. The hope will be to have open lab hours for families and adult groups, such as PBJ and PoGO. Yes, additional monetary donations are still being accepted. Thanks for your support and keep an eye on The Best Lab in Town!
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Vacation Bible School 2005: Peace! The Time is Now! Together with our friends (new and old!) from St. Paul’s United Methodist Church we present VBS 2005:
Peace! The Time is NOW!!
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 200 E Beardsley
When: Sunday, June 26 through Thursday, June 30, 2005 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Approximate times:
| 5:45 p.m. | Registration/Gathering Begins | stairwell outside The Bridge | | 6:00-6:30 p.m. | Light Supper
| lower level at The Bridge | | 6:30-6:45 p.m. | Opening with Music
| lower level in The Bridge | 6:45 -7:45 p.m.
| Classes | 2nd floor and outside (tie-dying, games, etc.) | 7:45- 8:00 p.m.
| Closing words and music | in the Chapel |
Cost: $10 includes t-shirt (w/logo, to be tie-dyed one night) and five nights of light supper.
Parents/grandparents who volunteer may bring their children at no cost. Scholarships are available. Additional meal donations always accepted.
Mission project: Each night VBS’ers can bring items from the lists for Hope Kits for Kids through Church World Services or coins/bills. The remaining items for kits will be purchased.
Registration forms are available now! Call the church office or sign up after church at the table by the Gathering Place. Questions or to volunteer, please call Jennifer Pitcher, Children’s Coordinator 262-4722 or Mindy Suhr, Christian Education Elder, 293-4133.
Camps and Fellowship Geneva Center, our presbytery camp near Rochester, IN (about 75 mm. south), has some wonderful summer  camp opportunities for children & youth. Call the camp for abrochure (574) 223-6915, or check out their website at Geneva Center Website: www.genevacenter.org, Application forms are available in the church office or at the welcome desk. Scholarship help for up to half the cost of camping is available from the church. To request scholarship help, talk to Steve Braden.
Synod School... The 2005 Synod School, with the theme "Fearless Factor," will be held July 10-15 at Hanover College, Hanover IN. Presented in connection with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, this will be a wonderful week of family activities and spiritual growth. Call the church office or visit their website: http://www.lincolntrails.org/school_2005.asp
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.
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:
July- The Runaway by Alice Munro
August- Bury Me Standing, The Gypsies and Their Journey by Isabel Fonseca
Join us on Tuesday, July 5 in the Reception Room.
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| Trustee Tribune
Is your pledge up to date? Giving has been lagging, and our finances are dragging. If you happen to be behind in your pledge, we would greatly appreciate your catching up. If you need to know where you stand, call Cinda Olinger in the church office.
HVAC Decision Needed...Our large boiler is defunct and cannot be repaired. We have been informed that, to avoid the ongoing series of costly leaks we have faced in recent years, we need to replace all the piping and valves in our hot water system. The ballpark estimate on the cost of doing this would be $700-900,000. The trustees have requested quotes from several heating firms on alternative systems, but (as of June 15) have not received any yet. A decision will need to be made this summer, in order to have heat this winter.
Possible Capital Campaign...The Trustees and Session have been talking about a possible capital campaign for a couple of years. The HVAC situation may trigger the need for such a campaign in the very near future. Stay tuned...
Drywell Replacement...The failed drywell under the Memorial Garden has been filled, and two new drywells have been dug under the front parking lot. These drywells take the run-off from our roof. Thank you to all who gave generously to make this possible, and to Mary Ann Graves, Alex Eraybar, and Doc Atkins for helping tremendously in getting the work done.
New Sign...The Session has authorized a handsome new lighted sign with movable letters, which is now being fabricated by U.S. Signcrafters of Goshen. The sign will be on a pedestal in the southwest corner of our front parking lot. We have the option of adding masonry and a custom top if future funding should become available. See the display in eh hallway outside the sanctuary.
Our Presbytery in Action
Wabash Valley Presbytery is undertaking a bold new step: it is starting a new church in the fast-growing area of South Lafayette. At the presbytery assembly at Geneva Center on June 10, the presbytery called a pastor for this new church development, Dr. Nancy Mockros. Currently called "Life- Path," the new church will begin without land, and will feature "emerging worship" on the same model as The Bridge. Please pray for Nancy and this new church - this is the first time the presbytery has tried to start a new church since the failed attempt in Elkhart County in the early '90's.
To support this and other new ventures in congregational redevelopment and new church development, the presbytery will be undertaking a major financial campaign in the next year or so.
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| This 'n' That
Thank you for the Caring Card, flower, and all your prayers and concerns. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated! Thanks again,
Sue Webber
Dear Presbyterian Church:
Thank you on behalf of the three Elkhart Chapters of PEO for being so accommodating to us last Monday, May 9. We always enjoy being in your beautiful church and I also want to mention the helpfulness and caring that we received from your gentleman on duty by the name of "Steve." He was not only courteous but he helped us to our cars and watched to see that we left safely. Please pass this on to him how much we appreciated his kindness. Sincerely,
Jean Heminger, BG Chapter, PEO
The Caring Card we received last Sunday, when we celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary, meant so much to us. It doesn't seem possible that it was fifty years ago when we said our vows in the old church on Second Street. Thank you!
Gordon & Jackie MacKenzie
Refreshments for Sunday morning
Each Sunday morning participants of all three services enjoy the refreshments provided for Fellowship Hour. During the summer months, weather permitting, Fellowship Hour will be held under the covered walkway leading to the chapel.
As we look to meeting the needs of First Presbyterian Church's attendees in the future, you will note a few changes in the provision of refreshments. Regular refreshments provided by the Fellowship Commission will include doughnut holes and cubed cheese. A basket for voluntary donations will be placed on the table each Sunday to help cover expenses.
The Fellowship Commission extends a note of thanks to the Strauss family for the delightful assortment of baked goods provided through Strauss Bakery over the past months
| The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Barbara Adcock on the death of her father, Robert Stoner, who died on May 31,
and to Steve Eldridge on the death of his mother, Mary Eldridge, who died on June 15.
Baptized on June 12
Jacob Ryan Windy, son of Matt and Jill Windy
Selma Kathleen Fisher, daughter of Angie and Rhett Fisher.
Missing Coat...Have you accidentally taken the wrong coat home? It was a tan trench coat with the name Max Gerber on the inside. A women's coat size 12 was left instead. Please check your closets, the coat that was left doesn't quite fit Max! Call the church office if you've found it!
Wagon Wheel Musical
" Singing in the Rain"...Join us for a fun day at the Wagon Wheel Playhouse, July 31.
A bus will load at 10:45 a.m. in the East Parking lot and depart promptly at 11:00. Dinner, with a choice of entrees, will be served at 12:00 noon at the restaurant there on the grounds. The performance will begin at 2:00 p.m. We should be back in Elkhart by 6:00. $42 per person includes your ticket, dinner, and the bus fare. What a deal!
July 31 seems a long time away, but it will be here sooner than we think. Wagon Wheel and the Cardinal Bus Company need to be paid by the end of this month. We are asking paid reservations be made by June 26. Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and send to Mary Ann Graves, 2100 E. Bristol St. K142, Elkhart, IN 46514.
| 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
Newsletter Deadline
The next newsletter will be inserted in the bulletin on July 24, and mailed the following week to those who are not in worship. Please submit articles for that newslatter by July 15.
| 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 |
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Worship Schedule
| June 26
Jazz Sunday
| July 3
| July 10 | July 17
| Preacher
(8:00 & 10:30)
| Steve Braden | Steve Braden | Steve Braden | Steve Braden
(Geneva Center)-10:00
Kathleen O'Connell
(Sanctuary)-10:30 | Bridge Preacher
(9:15)
| One service of worship
At 10:00 am
| Steve Braden | Walt Davis
| No Bridge Service;
join us at Geneva Center
| Liturgist
| Sam Thompson
| Jan Horner
| Mary Seddon
| Harriet Sloop (10:30)
| Special
| Jazz Sunday
| Communion
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| Geneva Center
Worship at 10:00 a.m.
| Greeters
| Starr Robinson
Barb Hodgson
| Linda Schrock
Bill Rice
| Jane Cherepak
Connie Minzey |
| 8:00 am Ushers
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| Dottie Arnold
Susie Lehman
| Ruth & Jack Linton |
| | 9:15 am Ushers |
| Kelli Davis
Heather Freed
| Deb Wright-Hughes
Katie Wright
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| | 10:30 am Ushers | Norma & Mac Boyer
Jenny & Sean Wall
Susie & Wen Wu
(10:00 a.m. only)
| Barb & Bob Hodgson
Janet & Dick Scholtes
| Mary Ann Graves
Sydney Rieckhoff
Suzanne & Art Wyatt
| Norma & Mac Boyer
| 10:30 a.m.
Music
| Summer Choir
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| Rachel Sirinek, flute
(8:00 & 10:30)
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| Hospitality Host
| Julaine Yoder
| Pam Duncan
| Janet Scholtes
| Nonec
| Counters
| Doc Atkins
Norma Boyer
Stephanie Wright
| Terry Bishop
Bill Loftus
Nathan Sailor
| Terry Bishop
Bill Loftus
Nathan Sailor
| Terry Bishop
Bill Loftus
Nathan Sailor
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Updated June 22, 2005
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