Newsletter - First Presbyterian Church

Steve's Scratchings

Good things are happening at our church. I am excited about what is going on, and the possibilities for the future. But significant questions remain as well...

I want to celebrate all that we have accomplished in preparing for our mission:

Significant improvements have been made to our facilities, improving seating and air circulation in the sanctuary, and significantly renovating the lower level for The Bridge (which is still in process);
The move to Sunday morning for The Bridge has gone well, and all aspects of The Bridge continue to improve;
We are preparing to adopt a long-overdue Safe Church Policy, to protect children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and staff (More);
We are starting an Older Adult Ministries Council to better serve our older members (More)
The session is continuing to focus on important, "big picture" issues of mission and ministry, while commissions and elders are responsively carrying out their respective missions.

However, we are by no means done, and I have one big question: Will our members step forward with the time, energy, resources, and prayer to enable us to grow?

Our church has a proud tradition of doing so. Can we carry on this tradition?

As I wrote in my previous column, our members have been wonderful in allowing things to happen. However, now we need a much larger group to help make things happen. In particular, we need members to step into ministries for others '; for children, for the Bridge, for hospitality and outreach.

This newsletter contains many opportunities to help make things happen:

The Bridge needs an infusion of cash to complete room and technical renovations (More);
The Nursery needs additional volunteers immediately (More);
JAM Time needs additional teachers (More);
PYF needs adults to join the "Team" to help Karen Renkiewicz (More);
Outreach Commission needs Sunday morning volunteers to help welcome visitors (More).

Can you give additional time or resources to make things happen?

Some administrative changes:

My personal e-mail has changed to revsbb91@msn.com
The regular weekly worship planning, staff, and The Bridge planning meetings have moved to Tuesday mornings. The pastors are in meetings from 9:00 - 1:00 Tuesdays.
Most often, I will preach at the chapel and sanctuary services, and Kathleen will preach at The Bridge. However, approximately once a month we will reverse this, and occasionally one of us will preach all three services. Generally, The Bridge preacher will not be free to participate in either the chapel or sanctuary services.
I will be working at home most Thursdays to prepare my sermons. Kathleen will be working at home most Wednesdays to prepare The Bridge service and sermon.
I continue to have Friday as my day off, and Kathleen will continue to have Monday.
Because we will no longer be using desk volunteers in the same way we have (see article in This 'n' That column), the main entrance for the church offices will be the door by the chapel.

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Opportunities to Make a Difference

The Outreach Commission Needs You!...We are looking for people to welcome our visitors, introduce them to our pastors, show them how to get around our church, and encourage them to return. Show them what a wonderful church family we really are! This is an opportunity to reach perspective new members on Sunday morning when you are at church anyway. Help us be a welcoming community of faith for Elkhart. You may also call Jane Cherepak at 264-4458. Be part of this Welcome Ministry and watch our church grow!

techs

Calling all Techies...Would you enjoy learning skills in audio (soundboard) and/or video projection technology? We are in great need of additional people to work the tech booth at The Bridge and/or the sound booth at the sanctuary service. If you might be interested, speak to Todd Miller, Mike Stoll, or one of the pastors.

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Backpack Supplies needed...School Supplies are still needed for the backpacks that are put together by the Presbyterian Women. Items needed are: pencils, colored pencils, large erasers, blunt scissors, crayons, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, rulers, spiral bound notebooks, and construction paper. Please bring items to the church as soon as possible. Your donations will make a difference in the life of a child; thank you!

Sunday Morning Prayer Team...Would you be willing to pray for one of our Sunday services as it is happening? We seek to build teams to gather in our new Prayer Chapel to pray during each of our three Sunday services. Would be willing to be a part of this prayer ministry, praying for both leaders and attendees? If so, please sign up or speak to one of the pastors.

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Adult's Ministries & Spiritual Growth

Christian Conversations...Formerly known as Tough Issues, a roundtable discussion of relevant topics with a Christian responsibility focus. We will meet in Room 100 at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday.
Coffee Cup

September 5 - A review of Sermon Topics from August
September 12 & 19 - Building an intergenerational Church led by Rudy Gourdine. Churches are in a perfect position to build the type of interegenerational community that can do some of what extended family used
to do. There are great benefits in helping kids, their parents, and their grandparents. Young folks and old folks find each other and share time together.

Join us each week - the coffeepot is on!

Small groups...Small groups are a wonderful way to grow in your discipleship, and develop deeper relationships with fellow Christians. Several new small groups will be starting this fall. To begin, Kathleen O'Connell will be offering a special group to train future small group leaders. If you are interested in participating in a group this fall, or think you might like to learn more about being a small group leader, please contact Kathleen.

New Horizons Class...The New Horizons class for special needs adults and youth is taught by Cheri Lea, a local special education teacher. New Horizons meets in the newly redecorated room 104. This class is an amazing ministry offered by our church. If you are aware of a family who might have a member who would benefit from this class setting, please consider inviting them!

Men's Prayer Breakfast...Calling all men! If you are interested in the possibility of a Wednesday morning prayer breakfast with Steve Braden, please sign up near the Gathering Place, call the church office, or e-mail Steve (revsbb91@msn.com). Time and place will be determined by the schedules of the men involved.

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Children's Ministries

JAM (Jesus & Me) Time is back! Children's Ministry

For all our Kindergarten through 6 graders, we offer great workshops at the 9:45 am. hour in our Workshop Rotation classrooms. On September 12, we'll kick off an exciting Messiah year.

We welcome interested teachers and helpers and we always need more adults helping in this area. There's something for everyone, so please contact Jennifer Pitcher, Children's Coordinator, Mindy Suhr or Cheryl Ann Miller, C.E. Elders for more information today!

Sonshine Kids are planning some Fun, Friendship and Faith activities for our 3, 4 and young 5's for the year ahead.

3rd Grade Bible Presentation will be held at the 11:00 a.m. service on September 19. Please call the church office by September 12 to confirm the name (or nickname) you'd like printed on the Bible bookplate for your 3rd grader. If you have recently joined our church or have an older child who has not yet received a Bible, please feel free to call the office as well!
We celebrate with our 3rd graders on this special step in their faith journey.

nursery workers

Our nursery is growing busier on Sunday mornings, and we greatly need additional nursery volunteers, especially from 9:30 - 11:00. Can you help with this vital ministry? If so, please speak to Mary Freed, our nursery coordinator, Cheryl Ann Miller, or one of the pastors.

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Older Adult Ministry

More people are living longer today than ever before. We are quickly moving from a youth-oriented society to one where older adults will soon outnumber youth and children. Churches are being called to recognize this "graying of America" and provide programs that address the needs and interests of this segment of the population.

Our church will be forming an Older Adult Ministry by, with, and for the older church member and also in the wider community. It will focus on the needs, talents, and interests specifically for this age group. It will plan, coordinate, and publicize activities based on the desires of the group. Some of the issues can be: Spiritual growth and faith needs; dealing with losses, such as, loss of independence, loss of spouse and friends; and adjusting to changes, such as, retirement and moving to a care facility. Small groups can be formed such as hobby groups, study groups, and field trips groups. This age group is extremely diverse and possesses varied strengths and talents that can be used and shared. This ministry can lead to a closer relationship to God and to one another.

There will be a general informational meeting Tuesday, September 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the Reception Room to give more details and answer questions. All persons over 55 and all those under 55 who have an interest in older adult issues are encouraged to attend. If you cannot attend, and wish to express an interest, contact either Jackie or Mary Ann.

Jackie MacKenzie, Adult Commission 295-5784 Mary Ann Graves, Coordinator 264-9794

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Music Ministry

Chancel Choir Begins. Sing a new song unto the Lord! The Chancel Choir, for post high school ages, sings at the 11:00 am. worship service and practices on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Our first choir practice will be Wednesday, September 8, in the choir room. Come to enjoy singing and fellowship with us!

Children's Choirs begin September 8...There is room for everyone as we share in the joy of singing and other activities on Wednesday afternoons in the choir room. Choir begins on Wednesday, September 8. Melodia Choir (grades 1-3) practices from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.; Junior Chorale (grades 4-6) meet from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Please join us! Celia Weiss, Director of Music

The Handbell Choir will have its first rehearsal in Room 100 on Wednesday evening, September 8 at 6:15 p.m. No experience in playing handbells is necessary, but keeping a steady beat and a sense of humor is helpful. Come join us! For information, contact director Bob Decker .

Dancers wanted!
Children in grades 1-6 are invited to be part of a special worship celebration on World Communion Sunday, October 3. Jennifer (Woolwine) Wolfe will be teaching the children a dance that they will share during The Bridge (9:45) and 11:00 worship services.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Kathleen O'Connell for more information and practice times.

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Safe Church Policy

In this era of heightened awareness of the problem of child abuse, churches are strongly encouraged to adopt policies and procedures to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.

After several years of discussion, we have a Safe Church Policy draft, designed to protect children and vulnerable adults and those who work with them. The policy has been given preliminary approval by the session, pending review and comment by members.

Highlights of the proposed policy:

Everyone who works with children or vulnerable adults, including volunteers, must fill out an application form, a covenant (agreeing to safe practices), and agree to a background check, which will be done. Background checks done for employment (e.g. for schools) will be considered;
Training in Safe Church policies and practices will be provided to staff & volunteers;
The "two-adult rule" will be followed - there should always be two adults with children;
A Safe Church Guidance Team, consisting of the head of staff and representatives of the Personnel and Children's Commissions, will be formed to administer the policy.

Copies of the draft policy are available in the church office. If you are interested, please pick up a copy and give your written or emailed comments to Steve Braden.

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Trustee Tribune

Who Are the Members of the Trustee Board?

Trustee Board Members are elected by the congregation for a three-year term. Each year 1/3 of the members are rotated so there is a consistency on the Trustee Board. The Trustee Members and Committee Assignments are as follows:

Russ Gilpin
Troy Scott
Stephanie Wright
Nathan Sailor
Bob Huber
Doc Atkins
Bill Loftus

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Building
Building
Building

Alex Eraybar
Sean Wall
Vern Pitcher
Todd Miller
Linda Fulkerson
Dick Griffen
Betty Kegerreis

Grounds
Grounds
Office Equipment
Insurance
Personnel
Foundation Rep.
Nomination Rep.

The Bridge needs your help! To complete construction of the new technical booth and purchase new technical equipment, the Bridge needs $8,000 in new donations in addition to special donations already given. Can you help? Please mark checks "The Bridge."

Personnel Note: Mike Stoll, who has been an important part of The Bridge team since its inception, and who has given countless hours of creativity, technical expertise, and work to get The Bridge off the ground, has decided he needs to pull back and limit his time to doing sound at the sanctuary service. The Bridge team is deeply grateful to Mike - we couldn't have done it without him!

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Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

There will be a PYF end-of- summer pool party at the Evan's on Sunday, August 29 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Come and enjoy the evening of fun!

September 5 - Labor Day Weekend - No PYF
September 12 - The first PYF meeting at 5:00 p.m. for parents and youth followed by pizza for all.
September 19 - PYF will resume its regular schedule:

5:00 - 6:00 PYF jr.
6:00 - 6:30 Dinner
6:30 - 7:30 PYF sr.

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Everyone is invited to join the Fall F.E.A.S.T.

What makes a F.E.A.S.T.? not the food ' it can be fancy or plain,
gourmet or mac 'n' cheese!
It's the company! A F.E.A.S.T. is
Friends Enjoying A Shared Table

F.E.A.S.T. groups are a wonderful opportunity to make friends, build relationships and strengthen our shared church community!

Sign up by August 29. You'll be placed in a F.E.A.S.T. group of 7-10 people. Each group will choose their own time to gather for several meals '; meeting three or four times between September and December! Look for the F.E.A.S.T. sign-up table by the Gathering Place on Sunday mornings, or call the church office.

Come to the F.E.A.S.T. and join other Friends Enjoying A Shared Table.

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Brown Bag Book Bunch

The Book Bunch is reading some great books! If you're a reader, come join us!
Our next meeting is September 13, 2004, at 11:00 am.

September	The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown
October	Probable Future, by Alice Hoffman
November	Leap of Faith, by Queen Noor

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Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women as we know it today was formed about 1947 but its legacy spans nearly 164 years of mission work in the church and community. PW is an organization of all women in the church. You do not have to be a church member or a member of a circle or small group.

"Presbyterian Women are those women who choose to participate in or be supportive of
Presbyterian Women in any way." From the Revised Manual for Presbyterian Women 1988.

Are you Presbyterian? Are you a woman?
Then you are a Presbyterian Woman!

Mission Statement

To nurture faith through prayer and bible study
To support mission of the church worldwide
To work for justice and peace
To build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the church and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom.

As the end of summer draws near, we look ahead to the school year and all kinds of events starting again. It's time to mark your calendars for PW events, as well as celebrate the wonderful mission work, Bible study, and fellowship we enjoyed this past year.
Awesome Adventures you won't want to miss:

Sunday September 12 Presbyterian Women Sunday

Wednesday September 15 Fall Tea - Come kick off the year with us as we begin our new Bible study, What She Said.
Kathleen O'Connell will lead us in the first lesson, and Ruth Circle will provide the refreshments. Join us at 1:00 p.m.

Thursday September 23 Fall Gathering - Westminster Church, South Bend. Betty Dodson will be the speaker.
Contact Barb Harman or Jill Stoll if you would like to attend.

Fri-Sun November 12-14 Fall Retreat (for our church) - Quaker Haven.
Sister Nancy Rabouin will lead us in our annual retreat. Contact Marsha Brownewell or Kathleen O'Connell for reservations.

Fri-Sat November 19-20 Fall Retreat (for the Presbytery) - Geneva Center.
This is always a fun and inspiring weekend. This year's theme is: Reflecting our Spiritual Heritage, Developing a Spiritual Legacy.

In 2003-2004, Presbyterian Women focused on mission and Bible study, as stated in the PW purpose. With the congregation's help, we raised over $3,000 for the Blanket, Birthday, and Thank offerings, and sent $2,800 to support the mission work of PC(USA). We also sewed and knitted, filled 200 school bags, and distributed health kits and other items. Our Bible study was The Face is
Familiar, and we are very grateful to Kathleen O'Connell for leading our leaders each month as they prepared the lessons.

One reason this past year was so successful was the great team of women who led us. Thank you to all the members of the Coordinating Team, but especially thank you and congratulations to Mary Seddon. In June, we presented Mary with an honorary life membership pin. For several years, Mary has worked (and shopped) tirelessly for PW, and we are grateful for her gifts and talents and especially for the joy Mary takes in sharing her love of God with all around her. Thank you, Mary!

A new mission project we are beginning this year is a "prayer shawl ministry." Prayer shawls can be given to the elderly, to people who are ill, to young people - to anyone we are willing to hold in prayer. If you enjoy knitting, talk to Jill Stoll for more information about this new ministry.

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Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team

Moderator	Barbara Harman
Vice-Moderator	Jill Stoll
Secretary	Patricia Charles
Treasurer	Marsha Brownewell
Mission/Sewing	Harriet Sloop
Publicity	Alice Morris

Circle Moderators and Representatives

Abigail Circle	Melinda Romanetz
Circle I	Jill Stoll
Ruth Circle	Mary Wagner
New Paths Circle	Carol Steede
Foundation Representative	Mary Seddon
Church Women United Representative	Patricia Charles

Special Program Chairs

Fall Tea: Ruth Circle	Mary Wagner	848-9429
Women's Retreat	Marsha Brownewell	262-1260
Cookie Walk	Suzanne Wyatt	674-6634
Longest Night Service	Harriet Sloop Barbara Harman	875-6451 641-2434
Valentine Party	Diane Evans	206-8411
Spring Luncheon: Circle One	Jill Stoll	848-5322
Cookbook	Mary Seddon	875-1321

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Beardsley Elementary School

Beardsley Elementary, Our Neighborhood Connection School, needs some friendly folks to help in many ways!

Once a week opportunities include:

Lunch Buddy Reading with matched 1st grader;
One-on-One Tutoring 6th graders (times to be arranged);
Lunch Buddy Nutrition Program: * New this year! * Free lunch every week!
3rd or 4th grade group from October to March led by EGH Nutritionists.
Open library for homework help Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2:30-4:00 p.m.;
Pen Pals! You don't even have to leave your home! You can be paired with a class or an individual and write simple messages to teach basic letter writing and communication skills!
Other opportunities include: Room Parents, Bookfair Volunteers and Special Event Volunteers. Whatever your interests, Beardsley has a place to Connect with you!

Contact Bob Blanken 295-1712, Jennifer Pitcher 262-4722 or Deb Weaver at Beardsley 262-5575
to make a difference in these children's lives!

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Church Community Services

Presbyterians have a strong tradition of serving the poor of Elkhart, a tradition that is continuing even as it takes some new forms.

After six years of service, Dave's Place is merging with Church Community Services (see article below). The support our church has given to Dave's Place will be redirected to CCS, and we encourage members who have supported Dave's Place to channel the same support to CCS. If you want your gift to be used specifically for rent/housing aid, mark it "CCS-Dave's Place." We salute Bob Blanken & Dick Bracken (pictured below) for extraordinary service to Dave's Place.
Soup of Success, CCS's ministry of preparing women for employment, will be housing its computer lab in our church this year, using Room 105, one of the former Montessori rooms.
CCS Food Pantry Collections are being newly emphasized. Please bring something every Sunday, per the following schedule:

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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Dave's Place

Dave's Place has been a local mission for six years, helping 1687 persons with $172,304 in 2401 different situations of need. Now, this aid will be given by Church Community Services.

Dave Kauffman was instrumental in working with the Downtown Churches Coalition to help those in need in the downtown Elkhart area. Dave was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash for his efforts, as well as the Vision Award from the City of Elkhart. Dave passed away in September of 1998. Dave's Place was named in his honor.

One of the frustrations of doing ministry for the downtown churches was helping those who showed up at our door with large needs (rent or utility bill for hundreds of dollars). Dave's Place was born in response to this frustration. Dave's Place was created to be the last stop for people with a large need. The role of Dave's Place from the beginning was to help both the person in need and the downtown churches by checking out the validity of the need and eliminating the need for a person to go to each individual church to pick up a check for a portion of the need. Dave's Place has been supported by congregations throughout the community, not just in or near downtown. Cooperation between the area social agencies has led to having each agency focus on a particular need of those asking for aid. Dave's Place became responsible for help with rent and deposits.

Change is a part of life - even the life of an agency. After September 1, supporting churches and individuals will have still have 100% of their contributions go to help with rent and deposits, but the help that Dave's Place had provided will be given through Church Community Services.

The First Presbyterian Church was an early contributor to Dave's Place, and was the first church to commit to a monthly pledge. The Presbyterian Foundation provided funds for the first several years. Recently, a yearly pledge is made part of the mission budget. Bob Blanken has been a counselor and Dick Bracken had been the treasurer since Dave's Place's beginning in January 1999.

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Older Adult Ministry

Safe Church Policy

Trustee Tribune

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship

Presbyterian Women

Mission Statement

Beardsley Elementary School

This 'n' That

Worship Schedule