April Ushers Preaching Schedule Sunday, April 5 Easter Sunday 8:45 Service Del Everett - Team Leader Stephen Chee-Wah, Yvonne Ferris, Bill Fisher and Jim VanDeGrift. 11:15 Service Dave Ernst - Team Leader Daniel Anson, Robert Anson, Jim Baumann, Dave Brandt, Stephen Chee-Wah, Adam Cranmer, Jamie Carr, Tommy Crago, Jim Garrett, Ken Klann, David Lupberger, Mitch Preston, Matt Pritchard and Mason Wright. Sunday, April 19 Who Moved My Jesus? Luke 24:1-7 Guest Preacher Brandon Neike Area Director, Young Life Sunday, April 12 Sunday, April 26 Guest Preacher Marek Fajfr Pastor from the Czech Republic Waiting for the Gift Acts 1:1-5 Chronicle Lebanon Presbyterian Church April 2015 The Day Death Died Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 Which brings us to Easter. On Good Friday, it looked like death had claimed another victim. For three days, the lifeless body of Jesus lay in the tomb. Larry King is a radio and television broadcaster known to millions. He is also an atheist. In a recent interview, King discussed his views about religion. “I respect religion,” said King, “but I don’t buy it. I think the only reason for religion is death. If you didn’t die, there would be no religion. I think (death) is the biggest fear people have. I’m not religious, so when you die you die and that’s it. I don’t believe I’m going anywhere.” When he dies, King said that he’d like to have his body frozen in the hope of being revived in the future. “I like living, and so I want one more little chance,” said King. “If I’m frozen and then they find a cure for whatever I died of and they could cure me, that is better than laying in the ground. It’s the one way to grab at eternity to live. I don’t want to not exist.” Larry King is right about one thing: our greatest fear is death. At every moment of life, death casts its shadow. No matter how hard we try to avoid or deny it, death is never far from us, threatening to obliterate all that we love. Recently, I visited a friend who was being treated for cancer. In room after room, I saw dozens of people hooked up to chemotherapy machines. Young and old, rich and poor, all of them were fighting for life. But on the third day, the scriptures tell us Jesus rose from death to life. By his resurrection, Jesus defeated death and conquered the grave. If you want to know the meaning of Easter, it is simply this: Easter is the day death died. Because of Easter, death has lost its sting. Because of Easter, we don’t have to be afraid of death anymore. Because of Easter, we have a certain hope of eternal life. Why? Because Jesus promised it. Because Jesus proved it. And because Jesus purchased it. At the cost of his own blood, Jesus paid the price to pardon our sins and give us eternal life. Are you afraid of death? You don’t have to be. Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26). That is a promise, and Jesus will never break his word! All we need to do is trust in his promise. I hope you join us Easter Sunday as we celebrate the day death died! Your servant in Christ, Peter Like us on facebook! www.lebanonpresbyterian.org We are on the web! Senior Pastor Associate Pastor The Rev. Peter Larson The Rev. Chuck Testas 5:30 p.m. 8:45 a.m. 10 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Saturday Evening Worship Traditional Worship Christian Education Contemporary Worship Worship Services & Sunday School 123 N. East St. Lebanon, OH 45036 513-932-2751 513-934-0339 fax Lebanon Presbyterian Church Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Permit No. 94 Lebanon, Ohio 45036 Adult Ministry News from Pastor Chuck Inquirer’s Class Starting on April 12! Starting April 12, LPC plans to offer another Inquirer’s Class. This five week class provides information not only about our core beliefs as believers in Christ; but it also talks about Reformed history, our Presbyterian distinctives, and some of the values distinct to LPC that set us apart from other churches. We will meet during the Sunday School hour up in Room 311. This course is the first step involved in becoming members of our church. Do you know of anyone who may be interested in finding out just a bit more about LPC or may be ready to join our fellowship? If so, please be sure to let them know about this upcoming opportunity. iPray If you’re not praying, you’re playing. - Anonymous $250,000 Please pray for the following needs and concerns of the church in the coming month: Saturday, May 2, the men’s group would like to host the mothers and daughters of our church with a breakfast. The menu will include all the regular breakfast items: juice, bacon, eggs, pancakes and coffee, but we will also focus on the ways in which mothers reflect to us the heart of God. The breakfast will be from 9-10 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room. All mothers of the church, please join us! Jan-Feb Inc Jan-Feb Exp For our worship on Easter Sunday, that many hearts will be drawn to faith in Jesus Christ and experience the hope of the resurrection. $200,000 For our Vacation Bible School planning team, that they will mobilize our congregation to invite children who may not know Jesus Christ. $150,000 For our sister church in Ilmamen, Kenya as they make plans to build a school, church and dormitory on 10 acres of land purchased with funds provided by LPC. Pray that the church in Ilmamen would grow and flourish. LPC’s 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Breakfast! $300,000 $100,000 $50,000 For John and Jennifer Keller, missionaries who are funded by our church. $0 For the spiritual renewal of our church, community and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, that the Holy Spirit would deepen our love for Jesus Christ. 2014 2015 Coming to LPC, Fall of 2015 Small groups are an important part of many churches. They have been for many years at LPC, but the time has come for us to reimagine/ revitalize this important area of ministry. Small groups provide opportunity for relationships to be formed and for folks to follow the Lord Jesus in a way that just being involved with the fellowship on Sundays cannot. But, what should be the purpose of a small group ministry? The same as the church—to make and develop disciples of Christ by reflecting Luke 10:27: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” The two greatest commandments highlight three areas that make a strong foundation to any church, small group, or individual Christian: spiritual growth, learning, and serving. Small groups are a perfect way for all of those things to happen. Easter Is Right Around the Corner, Pastor Chuck Session Report The Session of LPC took the following actions at our regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 16: Received a report from the Adult Education Ministry Team, presented by Nina Dorsch, Holly Mueller, Steve Newby, Ken Klann, Debbie Snider and Pastor Chuck Testas. Elected commissioners to represent LPC at the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, to be held June 23-27 in Orlando, Florida. Our ruling elder commissioners are: Mike McIntosh, Inga Kimple, Debbie Snider, Rachael Earley, Lee Bollow and Carolyn Lucke. Approved a proposal from the Worship and Music Team to host a concert with Christian recording artist Matt Maher, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 19. LPC Book Club The LPC Book Club will meet on April 9, 2015 at 7 p.m. in Room 304 the Library. We will be reading “The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café” by Mary Simes. In addition to sounding yummy, it is a warm and delicious novel about the power of a simpler life. For questions call Becky Adams at 932-3372. Thank You Dear Friends, Thank you for your generous gift of $300 to reduce hunger through agricultural solutions and appropriate technologies. Your impact multiplies as ECHO staff, partners and trainees care for the land and its inhabitants. Our conferences and workshops help create opportunities for additional livelihood for small-scale farmers within networks that care about their holistic development. Your compassion is changing lives for the better. Thank you! Gratefully, Ali Diaz, Donor Services Manager, ECHO LPC Friends, One of my spiritual hero's, Dr. Dolphus Weary called it “Living the Body Life” and we were blessed to experience it few weeks ago. We needed construction help at home. The call went out and you responded. I want to thank Peter for sending out the request and for those who came to help. Also thanks to those who brought food for the workers and came to visit with Betty (Helen’s mom for those few who haven’t met her yet), and for everyone who has asked how it all went. This flock’s concern for each other and willingness to celebrate together and suffer together and share one another’s burdens was lived out at our home and I will be forever humbled and grateful because of it. Thank you LPC! Rick McNeely and Helen Vickers and family LPC Spring Rummage Sale It’s time to clean out your closets, attics, basements and garages for the LPC Spring Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 11. We take about anything that is still useful and use the proceeds for mission trips and other mission projects. We will take items on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 in the Multipurpose Room. Pick-ups are possible, if needed. LPC now has an automated external defibrillator (AED) available at the Information Center. An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy. The AED is designed to be used without any formal training. Step by step instructions are presented via a video screen on the unit immediately after pressing the green “On” button. Dawn Ridgley by Ellen Albright This month we honor the following men and women for their loving service to Jesus Christ and the church: Gloria Hendrickson, for using her gifts and love for children to enhance our Children’s Ministry at LPC. The Terrell Family, for all the work they have done to build an incredible outreach through Family Movie Nights at LPC. Scott Hobbs for doing emergency roof repair on a Saturday! Nina Dorsch, Lynn Steinkirchner, Mary Deerhake, Jan and Mike Watsell for organizing the reception and all who provided food for Mary Whitacre’s family Cheryl Bogen and the team of drivers who provided transportation for Bruce Bingham and Jerry Creech for appointments at Bethesda North: Jerry Anson, Mark and Cheryl Bogen, Terry Browning, Dean Deerhake, Mike Faulkner, Ginny Kuntz, Peter Larson, Ernie McCauley, Joe McKenzie, Don and Sue Mowry, Blair Robbins and Jim VanDeGrift. Chad Flaig, Lee Bollow and Jared Looper for teaching classes on Wednesday nights during the winter semester. Cathy Riggin for coordinating the dinner, hospitality and transportation for the Capital University Chordsmen who performed at LPC on March 15. All of our kitchen crew who provide meals on Wednesday nights including Kate Murphy, Linda Hilgeman, Meg Gleason, Mery Deerhake, Ruth Miller, Pat Neely, Rose Plunkett and Ken Klann. Don Lycan for providing hospitality for our mission partners, Solomon and Alice Gacece, during their recent visit to Lebanon. Nina Dorsch, for her wonderful leadership as an Elder and the Adult Education team. Ken Klann, for his heart for serving on the Adult Education team, his involvement with the LPC Men’s Ministry, and his work with the Wednesday Nights Together ministry. For those of you who don’t already know her, I want to introduce Dawn Ridgley. Dawn and her husband, Gregg, moved to this area when Gregg was transferred to a new job at Cincinnati Electronics (now called L3) in Mason. They were church shopping and began to come to LPC because they were made to feel welcome and were comfortable and they enjoyed the preaching. In December,1989 they joined LPC. They have three sons, all of who grew up at LPC. Dawn has two children from a previous marriage and is blessed with four grandchildren. I asked Dawn why she volunteers and she replied, “There is so much that needs to be done.” Like most of our LPC volunteers, she experiences joy in helping people. For me that’s the essence of Dawn Ridgley, she loves, gives, and she cares. Thanks Dawn for all you do ! Dawn graduated from Lafayette, Indiana High School and from Miami University with a degree in Nursing. In 1993 she began working at Children’s Hospital in Oncology. As a working Mom, she said she would work awhile and then stay home for awhile. During her working years, she was at Tri Health Maternity Services and Help Me Grow here in Lebanon. Deacons When I was planning this article, I was thinking about Dawn and her cheerful, friendly personality. She is one of those “Yes, we can get it done,” kind of volunteers. As we reviewed her times of service, she remembered carrying pies to Applefest, helping with VBS when the children were young, teaching Sunday School to first graders and then fifth and sixth graders. Now she helps with the Monday Night Feeding Ministry by providing desserts, and volunteers at Playschool. Dawn works part-time at the Day Care Preschool. In the past, Dawn and Gregg have enjoyed leading a small group Bible study in their home. They are looking forward to doing that again when LPC launches some new small groups this Fall. Small groups are a great way to develop deep relationships and to grow in your faith. For me, the best thing about Dawn is that she is serving for the third time as a Deacon. Last year she began leading the Frequent Meals Team and uses a web site Sign Up Genius to schedule the meals for people who are recovering from an illness or who have a new baby. It is very popular with the donors because of the information it provides and the accessibility to the schedule. Many thanks to Dawn and the meal providers. In Christ Ellen Albright Freida Juris Turns 100! Long time member of LPC, Freida Juris, will be 100 years old on April 7, 2015. Let’s shower her with a card party! Her address is: Franklin Ridge Health Care Center Freida Juris 421 Mission Lane Franklin, OH 45005 The Deacons are very busy. A new program has been organized for the college students and our men and women in the military. Each Deacon has taken names of three to four people and will communicate with them at least once a month. The goal is to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers even though they may be away from home or at least if they are commuting from home, we want to encourage them in this new phase of their lives. What this also means is that parents may receive a telephone call from a Deacon asking to update their child’s college address. The Hands On Ministry Team Has reorganized and is led by Mike Schneider and can now provide external and internal home chores for congregational members who need some physical assistance at their residence. The Hands On Team is partnering with the Encounter Youth group who will provide the labor support for these routine and minor home chores. If you need assistance for home chores or are aware of someone who needs help, please contact Mike Schneider by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 513-259-6205. Prime Timers Upcoming events will be a play in May or Clifton Opera in early June and lunch at the Carillon Park German Restaurant in Dayton in July. Of course the annual picnic will be in August. Please watch the Chronicle and worship guides for further details. What’s Happening in Worship by Rick McNeely Kuyper and Chordsmen Perform at LPC Kyle Deeter Joins CRU Staff at OU (Note: Kyle Deeter grew up attending LPC. In November he joined the staff of CRU (Campus Crusade) at Ohio University, where he is engaged in ministry to college students. Recently, Kyle helped train students to share their faith on the Florida beaches during Spring Break. Kyle is partly funded by LPC and individuals in our congregation). Both the Kuyper College worship tour and the Capital University Chordsman events were outstanding! Last month, we introduced a new column called “Whatwhy” in which we began a journey exploring the various elements of worship and why we do them. Last month we looked at the Call to Worship. This month… Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon This is an excerpt taken from The Worship Sourcebook… Our God longs for honesty and holiness within the promise-based relationship God has established with us in Christ. In a culture that avoids talk of sin and culpability, regular prayers of confession foster honesty and openness in our relationship with God. Just as a marriage cannot flourish without honest confession, so our marriagelike relationship with God cannot flourish unless we freely and honestly express all facets of our life: hopes, fears, sins, desires, thanksgiving, and praise. Blessed by God’s providence, we don’t offer our prayers of confession in a spiritual vacuum with a remote hope that some god or higher power will listen and forgive. We confess sin in the context of the covenant Lord’s love shown to us through Jesus Christ. We offer our confession as part of a covenantal relationship. For this reason, the confession and assurance part of a worship service is often the most explicitly dialogic, alternating between God’s words to us and our words to God. We confess sin when prompted by God’s gracious invitation. Then we hear the strong declaration of God’s forgiveness in Christ. And we respond in joyful gratitude with praise and dedication. The confession part of the service is like a picture of our relationship with God. Participating in this alternating pattern of God’s words and our response each week shapes our faith over time to highlight the tenacity and graciousness of God’s covenantal love. Special thanks to Kat Holland, Mary Paulman and the worship team for their help with the Kuyper group; and to Cathy Riggin and her crew for their work in bringing the Chordsman to LPC. Here’s a few pictures from these very worshipful gatherings. When college students think of Spring Break, a few things come to mind: sun, sand and waves. But for those involved with CRU (Campus Crusade), this week is associated with our annual Big Break conference in Panama City Beach, Florida. Like most of our conferences, students come to experience great community, hear from world-class Bible teachers, and grow closer to God. What distinguishes Big Break, however, is the emphasis on training students how to share their faith and letting them put it into action out on the beach. Matt, a sophomore at OU, has just started to get involved with CRU this year. I have seen his eagerness to learn and grow in his faith, which is why I was so glad to hear that he was coming to Big Break. Matt had never shared his faith before but thanks to the excellent teachers at the conference and by observing some of the older students do it, he quickly began to feel comfortable initiating spiritual conversations. Our last day, matt and his sharing partners approached a group of people relaxing in the sun. He began talking to a guy named Kyle and asked if he wanted to do Perspective Cards, which is a tool we use to start conversations. Through the cards, Matt learned that Kyle identified himself as a Christian; he had grown up in the church but since entering college had not been actively pursuing his relationships with God. Using a CRU booklet, “Knowing God Personally,” Matt began to explain the Gospel to Kyle, how Jesus came to earth so that we could have a relationship with God. Instead of reaching up to God, God came to us in Jesus Christ. Although Kyle had grown up in the church, seeing it represented visually made a huge impact. At the end of their conversation, he prayed with Matt to rededicate his life to Christ! Big Break was a huge success! Throughout the week, student had 1,008 spiritual conversations, shared the Gospel 366 times, and saw 24 people put their faith in Christ. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. In Christ, Kyle Deeter What’s Happening in the EPC? Dear Friends, The old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” comes to mind as I reflect on all that has happened in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in the past year. God has indeed been faithful, unchangeable, faithful and good to us! Last June we enjoyed a wonderful meeting at our General Assembly at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Vibrant worship and preaching, the commissioning of new World Outreach missionaries, the distinctive “gear” of the EPC church revitalization team are among the special memories I carry with me from that meeting. We added 50 churches in 2014, bringing our total to 550 at the end of the year. As we transition from “transfer growth” to “transformational growth,” we believe our Lord is doing something special and unique in the EPC! He has called us to be the part of His church that is carrying out His Great commission as Presbyterian, Reformed, Evangelical and Missional congregations. We’re convinced that this is what He wants us to do: “To the glory of God, the EPC family aspires to be a global movement of congregations engaged together in God’s mission through transformation, multiplication, and effective Biblical leadership, embodying Jesus’ love to our neighbors near and far.” These significant events and plans could not happen without the blessing and provision of our great God. He is the rock who is unshakeable; the Head who guides us wisely and provides for us abundantly as we follow Him. I want you to know how much I appreciate your support for our national office, missionaries and benevolences in 2014. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity! God bless you, and remember He is risen! Yours in Christ, Jeffrey Jeremiah, EPC Stated Clerk student ministries Rummage Sale Saturday April 11 8 a.m to 2 p.m. Ever look at all of our wonderful students and wonder “How can I help them grow in the Lord?” Did you know it’s as easy as cleaning your house? This Spring Cleaning season bring your gently used and no longer needed items to the church April 9 and 10 (Thurs-Fri). Then on Saturday come, peruse, and buy some new to you items. Proceeds go toward missions and the youth mission trip. Check out your weekly worship guide for more information Do You Need Some Work Done? We have many students who would like to earn money for the mission trip by completing projects that you have around your house. Clean out your garage! Mulch your flowerbed! Edge your sidewalks! Paint your gazebo . . . . again! They are willing to earn their way - help support them as they travel to Rehobeth, New Mexico by train! Contact Andrew Johnson at [email protected] to schedule your next project! Students to Minister to the Lonely Do you have a homebound or shut-in neighbor or friend? The high school students of LPC are interested in bringing hope and friendship to the lonely. Please contact Mike Schneider at (937) 885-5442 or [email protected] with the contact information and specific details. Scholarships for College LPC is a giving congregation and we wish to bless and affirm the determined faith, spiritual gifts and life direction of our graduating high school seniors. LPC offers three scholarship that can be awarded to qualified applicants by the scholarship committee. Applications are due April 15 and can be downloaded at lebanonpresbyterian.org/graduates. Please contact Andrew Johnson, [email protected] if you have questions about applying or about giving a donation to LPC’s scholarship funds. May 17 is Graduation Sunday Will you be graduating high school or college this Spring? Are you the parent of a soon-to-be graduate? LPC would love to affirm and celebrate your accomplishments with you! We will be recognizing all graduates during both services on Sunday, May 17 and between services there will be a breakfast reception for high school graduates and their families. High school and college graduates need to fill out the graduate information form located at lebanonpresbyterian.org/ graduates.php to be recognized. Graduating high school students need to also reserve seats for them and their families for the breakfast. If you are a high school graduate please send a baby picture and a graduation picture to Brenda Bingham, [email protected]. If you are a college graduate, please send just a college graduation photo to Brenda. Junior High April Calendar High School April Calendar Wed. Apr. 1 - No Evolve Spring Break Wed. Apr. 8 - Evolve 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wed. Apr. 15 - Evolve 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wed. Apr. 22 - Evolve 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wed. Apr. 29 - Evolve 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sun. Apr. 5 - No Encounter Easter Thurs Apr. 9 - Rummage Sale Setup Work 3:30 - 7 p.m. Fri. Apr. 10 - Rummage Sale Setup Work 3:30 - 7 p.m. Sat. Apr. 11 - Rummage Sale Work 8 - 5 p.m. Sun. Apr. 12 - Encounter 7 - 8:30 p.m. Sun. Apr. 19 - Encounter 7 - 8:30 p.m. Sun. Apr. 26 - Encounter 7 - 8:30 p.m. Opportunity Abounds at Vacation Bible School by Heather Forster What would summer be without Vacation Bible School? Most of my summer childhood memories involve a week of VBS making crafts, spending time with friends, old and new, playing silly games, singing songs, and learning about God's love. My parents were both an integral part of my VBS experience - I had the cool cotton candy making Dad, and my mom was anywhere needed...looking back, I realize just how wonderful it was to have them present in that way. I didn't understand back then what an army of volunteers it takes to pull off a successful VBS, but having seen this from behind the scenes last year, I know these truths: There are so many needs and it wouldn't be the success it's been in the past without the dedication of countless volunteers! The needs are many for VBS- but LPC is many, and God's love is huge! We are trusting Christ for 100 volunteers. We have both front line and support teams. We need you! Please contact Sara Gilson, 513-932-2751 with any questions or when you are ready to volunteer! You can also contact Kim Calvert at 513-850-0768 or [email protected] or Rachael Earley at 513-265 1205 or [email protected]. VBS dates and time: June 15-19, 6 - 8:30 p.m. Bonus: We will be feeding the volunteer crew and their children each evening before VBS starts so you don't need to cook dinner all week! Thanking all of you who have helped in the past and to those who will help this year! VBS Planning Committee, Heather Forster, Courtney Williams, Kim Calvert, Rachael Earley and Sara Gilson Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt April 4 8:30 a.m. for Breakfast 10 a.m. for Egg Hunt Please join us for a morning of socializing, rejoicing, good food, and fun on Saturday, April 4. Our egg hunt is for children up to 9 years old. The Easter Bunny has promised to show up before the egg hunt, so bring your cameras! Also, don't forget to bring baskets for collecting the eggs. Reservation/volunteer forms are in the Sunday worship guides and on the counter in the Narthex. If you would like to donate wrapped candy for egg stuffing, there is also a tub on the counter. The forms and donations must be turned in by Sunday, March 29. Details are on the forms or you may call Lynn Steinkirchner at 513-899-9729. What’s Happening at LPC! Pictures: Women’s Retreat painting their labyrinth Sound booth crew Presbytery hosting an intense training session at LPC. Good Friday, April 3 Easter Cantata The Risen Christ 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary 8 and 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary 11:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship in the Multipurpose Room Top picture: Daycare - St. Patrick’s Day Middle picture: Kairos Cookie Bake Bottom picture: Solomon and Alice Gacece
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