June 23, 2015
The purpose of Moorpark Presbyterian Church is to glorify God and to help people become fullycommitted, joyful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Ministry Staff:
To reach the staff, call the
church office at 805-529-8422
NEW! Office Hours are M-Th,
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Head Pastor:
Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith
Associate Pastor:
Rev. Janet Loughry
Parish Associate:
Rev. Dr. Daryl
Fisher-Ogden
Interim Worship Dir.
Kim Harmon
Youth Minister:
Dave Hubbard
Youth Assistant:
Michelle Petersen
Children’s Ministries
Director:
Paige McIlraith
Small Grp Coordinator:
Dan Crane
Sunday Morning:
Worship: 9:30 a.m.
Visit our website:
www.mppres.org
You can:
- view sermons
- see the MPC calendar
- read/search an on-line
NIV and KJ Bible
- Read the weekly
newsletter
- find out about all our
group activities
- see bios on our staff,
elders, and deacons
From Pastor Mark’s office:
I absolutely love summertime, and now that we’ve stepped into summer here at
MPC, we have so much to be excited about. This past Sunday, we kicked off our summer
sermon series, The Good, the Bad, and the Bible: People God Dares to Use and welcomed
in a fresh new group of elders and deacons God dares to use in our new church season.
Look at the list below: you’ll see we have a stellar lineup.
There’s even more summer fun. We’re now in our single-service-Sundays mode
meeting at 9:30 Sunday mornings where we’re experiencing the fantastic energy and joy of
worshipping together as one large group. Kim Harmon, our new Interim Worship Director,
will be with us in worship this next Sunday, so be sure to come and meet her. Children’s
Ministries is gearing up for a new VBS adventure this summer with “Everest” and already
have over forty leaders lined up to help kids learn about Christ through interactive fun,
games, and Bible stories. Our Youth Ministry has a packed calendar of programs, trips,
and events, so it’ll be impossible for our teens to be bored this summer. We’ve started our
new American Sign Language class on Monday evenings with Donnie Sheppard and
Deanne Bray – two gifted (and entertaining) teachers who keep students laughing while
learning together. Also, be sure to sign up for the Family Camping Trip to be held on
August 7-9. And there’s much more going on!
Please let us know how you would like to get involved with the MPC action this
summer. The staff and I are eager to serve you and serve alongside you as we serve
Christ together. Join us as we glorify and enjoy God this summer!
In Christ’s care,
Pastor Mark McIlraith
NEW ELDERS
Class of 2018
Marty Rouse
Jack DeBiasio
Jim Petersen
Brad Fredrickson
Mike Wesner
Jim Harrington
Robert Babcock
Class of 2016
Greg Gillis-Smith
Mickey Stueck
NEW DEACONS
Class of 2018
Kris Thomas
Dan Crane
Melba Johnson
Linda Mattson
Pam Jankowski
Denise Piehn
Kami Fair
Coleen Rollins
Jane Rouse
Tim Leonhardi
Class of 2017
Beth Gillis-Smith
MOORPARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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w w w. m p p r e s. o r g, , ( 8 0 5 ) 5 2 9 – 8 4 2 2, F A X ( 8 0 5 ) 5 2 9 – 2 7 9 0
June 16, 2015
Dear Moorpark Pres,
As Pastor Mark said in his letter, my name is Kim Harmon, and I am truly eager
and excited to be joining your congregation. I have already felt so welcomed and
accepted into this church by MPC’s Worship Team and am even more excited to
meet all of you, the people who make up Moorpark Presbyterian Church.
Just to give a little background about me, I am originally from Ohio and have had
the blessing to grow up in a family that seeks to honor and love God with all our
heart, soul, and mind. I am the oldest of 4 children, with 3 younger brothers. I
started playing piano at age 5, and somehow in a family of 6, managed to be the
only musician amongst engineers and scientists. After graduating from Miami
University with a Rhetoric and Music major, I moved out west with the goal of composing scores for film and
avoiding the harsh winters of Ohio. While I succeed in the later of those goals, God had other plans for my
career aspirations. I eventually realized Film Scoring wasn't the best match for my skills and gifts, and God
began leading me into His church to use the gifts He had given me to glorify Him. It has been a crazy but truly
amazing ride as I continue learning to trust and step out in faith to follow my Abba Father.
One of my go-to verses this past year has been Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; You will
fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." And my prayer, as I step into this
role at MPC, is that we as a church will be filled with God's abundant joy as we invite and allow for His
presence to inhabit our lives, not just on a Sunday, but every day.
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity. I am hopeful and excited to see what God has in store for us!
Sincerely,
Kim Harmon
Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith, Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Daryl Fisher-Ogden, Parish Associate
Kim Harmon, Interim Worship Director
Dan Crane, Small Group Coordinator
Rev. Janet Loughry, Associate Pastor
Dave Hubbard, Youth Minister
Paige McIlraith, Children’s Ministries Director
News and Notes
Information and activities for the whole congregation
Coming Sunday, July 5:
NEW! On Sunday, July 5, we have the opportunity to hear
from Fuller Seminary’s Presidential Assistant, Len Tang, who
will be bringing us the sermon that morning. I encourage you
all to attend and hear this thoughtful pastor, church growth
coach, and deep scholar. No doubt, we will be enriched! Here
is a little information about Pastor Len:
Len Tang is married to Amy and they have three boys. He
grew up in Pasadena, became a Christian as a freshman at
Cal Berkeley, and began attending the First Presbyterian
Church of Berkeley, where he met Pastor Mark’s family. He
worked briefly in software before attending Fuller
Seminary. Then while doing a year of youth ministry in
Berkeley, he and Amy lived with Pastor Mark’s parents in
Lafayette! He served as a New Church Development Coach in
the Presbyterian Church (USA) and chaired the New Church
Development Team of the Cascades Presbytery. He also
served as an associate pastor in Bellingham, Washington, and
planted a church outside Portland, Oregon until 2014. He now
works at Fuller Seminary as Assistant to the President and
works with church planters.
Don’t miss worshiping with us July 5th at 9:30 to hear Pastor
Len Tang!
Emmaus Walk Info Meeting
NEW! Luke 24:3, “And their eyes were opened and they
knew him.” Is Jesus calling you to experience Him in a closer
way? The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal weekend,
meant to bring you closer to Christ. Join Launa Thompson for
information and a short video In Room 11 following the 9:30
a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 28. Questions?
Contact Launa Thompson or call the church office.
June 23, 2015
Summer Small Group Study
NEW! Looking for a Summer Small
Group Study? We have one! If you
are a sinful man or woman, or an
inconsistent and unsteady disciple, or
a bit wobbly and weak- kneed and are
aware you don’t have it all together,
this study is for you! Beginning
Wednesday July 8 and continuing for 10 weeks, we will study
Brennen Manning’s “Ragamuffin Gospel” each Wednesday
evening at 7pm. E-mail Small Group Coordinator Dan Crane
at [email protected] or contact the church office for information
or to sign up. You will also have an opportunity to sign up after
worship services on Sunday, June 28 and Sunday, July 5.
Up-coming Fellowship Events
Your Fellowship Ministry team is always busy planning fun
things to do together as a church family. Here’s what they’ve
planned for all of us!
SAVE THE DATES:
Dinner for 8: July 25, 6:00 p.m. Sign-ups begin this Sunday,
June 28, for a great evening of food and fellowship – no
program, just an evening to spend time with your church
friends.
Family Camping Trip: August 7-9. Sign-ups have begun!
Enjoy camping fun at the Ventura KOA in Santa Paula! Pool,
hikes, rock wall, zip line, hayrides and hanging out with your
brothers and sisters in Christ. And Sunday morning, there is a
worship service for campers. Tent and RV spots have been
reserved – email [email protected] today or sign up
on Sunday to claim your spot! Not a camper? Come out for the
day on Saturday, August 8, and join us for a fun day of
fellowshipping.
Hollywood Bowl Concert: September 12, 8:00 p.m.- It’s the
B-52's and the Psychedelic Furs! Advance ticket sales are
going on now through July 26. Tickets including a round trip
bus ride from a remote parking lot are $47.00 each. Sign up
during coffee hour at the Fellowship table
Staff Out of Office
NEW! Pastor Janet Loughry will be out of the office June 24 –
July 13, and Pastor Mark will be out of the office June 30 –
July 3. For pastoral concerns during this time please call
Parish Associate Daryl Fisher-Ogden.
nights at 7:16 p.m. in the Music Room. For more
information, contact Joslyn Tillar or call the church office (805529-8422).
Men’s Ministries
For information call: Tom Flitsch
Women’s Ministries
Coordinator Janet Stark and Tracy Flitsch
Thanks to Kami Fair, Women’s Ministry has a
Facebook page with updated information and signups for our events. In FB, go to Groups, click on
Moorpark Presbyterian Church Women’s Ministries and you’ll
be at the FB page.
Upcoming Events:
Women’s Ministries planning meeting, on September 13, in
the office Copy Room.
The Avocado Diva will join us for a fun evening, October 15,
6:30 p.m. in Wilkinson Hall. Stay tuned for details!
Christmas Breakfast on December 5th
Women’s Retreat in Pismo Beach from January 29-31, 2016
MPC’s Handbell Choir
NEW! MPC’s Handbell Choir is recruiting new members! Can
you read music? Then we want you!! We meet on Monday
On July 4th, the MPC Men’s Ministries team is signed up to do
the post-fireworks clean-up at Arroyo Vista Park. Arroyo
Vista Park will pay us for our time which will go toward cost
reduction for the Men’s Recharge weekend in October. It’s an
easy 90 minute clean-up event if we get about 20 people to
participate. You also get quite a bit of exercise walking and
picking up stuff. It’s also a great opportunity for middle school
and high school kids to earn community service hours for High
School Graduation or college merit. For more information,
contact Tom Flitsch or call the church office (805-529-8422).
Please note; October 23-25 Recharge deposits (or full
payment) are being collected. $225 for the weekend, including
meals. (Deposit of $100 holds your spot) See Tom Flitsch,
Marty Rouse, or Bob Eubank for more information.
The Men’s Ministry team will have its next monthly planning
meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 8. All
men are welcome! . For more information, contact Tom
Flitsch or call the church office (805-529-8422).
Just Between Us……
The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places.
Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms
Whether the world breaks us, or we break ourselves, we always have a choice: to stay in our misery or move
towards health and healing. Things that are painful for the moment, or for a long time, offer the opportunity to
uncover and correct self-defeating patterns of thought and behavior that keep us stuck in a negative cycle. Do
you feel stuck or discouraged? Then, my friend, you are perfectly positioned to take 5 steps to help you not only
overcome your trials but become stronger: 1) admit you’re stuck - or miserable - or frustrated 2) turn your
will and life over to God’s care 3) seek out healthy social and emotional support 4) enter into a process to
gain understanding and insight 5) learn life-affirming ways of thinking and acting. Job (23:10) says “When he
has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” You are never too young, too old, or too broken to become strong at
the broken places. It’s just a choice.
Blessings, Barbra
Barbra Winter is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with City Impact in partnership with
Emmanuel Church & Moorpark Presbyterian Church. You can reach her at 805 983-3636, x 157
All Church Camping Trip
August 7-9
KOA Ventura in Santa Paula
Pool!
Zip Line!
Rock Wall!
Hayrides!
Tent & RV spots reserved.
Sign up on the patio on Sunday or e-mail Michelle Colvin at [email protected]
Can you smile??
Shake hands??
Make someone
feel welcome??
The First Impressions Team
Needs You!!!
The Ushers, Greeters, Facilities elders, and Worship
elders have formed the
First Impressions Team
Teams will greet, chat with, and welcome
EVERY person
who arrives on Sunday morning.
Serve 1 month- twice a year. That’s it!!
What a great way to spend time with MPC
friends and family.
Contact Mark Van Dam for additional details.
Dementia Caregiver
Support Group
1st and 3rd Mondays, here at MPC
Next meeting is July 6, 6:45 pm
in the Sanctuary
Contact Pastor Janet Loughry for more information
“ And their eyes were opened and they knew him…” Luke 24: 31
The Walk to Emmaus
Spiritual Renewal Weekend
Is Jesus calling you to come closer?
Join Launa Thompson for information and a short video.
Sunday, June 28
Room 11 following 9:30 worship
Questions ? Contact Launa Thompson
Register now for
Vacation Bible School
July 20 – 24, 9 am – noon
Get your form at the Children’s Ministries
office (Room 10 of the Christian Ed building)
Forms also available in the Church Office,
or on-line at groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/mppc
More MPC Activities:
Tuesdays:
4:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 6:45 a.m.
Thursdays:
9:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
29 (Mon)
JUNE
4:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
4 (Sat)
JULY
6 (Mon)
6:45 p.m.
7 (Tue)
4:30 p.m.
12 (Sun)
11:00 a.m.
13 (Mon)
7:00 p.m.
14 (Tue)
4:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
16 (Thu)
18 (Sat)
7:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
19 (Sun)
11:00 a.m.
20 (Mon)
11:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
5:45 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Prayer Meeting in Pastor Janet Loughry’s office. On summer break.
“Renew” Junior and Senior High Youth Group. Contact person is Youth Minister Dave Hubbard
([email protected], 805-529-8422, x3).
Men’s Small Group Wednesday Bible Study. Contact persons are Mark Parker or Dean May. The
group meets at The Grinder restaurant in Moorpark.
City Impact Counseling Services. Contact Barbra Winter, M.S. at 805-983-3636, x157, for appointments
from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Worship Band Practice. Contact person is Worship Director Kim Harmon ([email protected], 805-5298422, x4).
VBS Station Leader Meeting. Contact person is Children’s Ministries Director Paige McIlraith
([email protected]. 805-529-8422). (Room 10)
American Sign Language (ALS) Class. (Room 11) Contact person is Joan Johnson
([email protected])
Post Fireworks Clean-up – Men’s Ministries community service project
(Arroyo Vista Park). Contact person is Tom Flitsch
Dementia Caregivers Support Group. Contact person is Pastor Janet
Loughry (805-529-8422, x2 or [email protected])
VBS Band Rehearsal. Contact person is Children’s Ministries Director
Paige McIlraith, ([email protected], 805-529-8422).
VBS Music Rehearsal (Leaders). Contact person is Children’s Ministries
Director Paige McIlraith, ([email protected]. 805-529-8422).
American Sign Language (ALS) Class. (Room 11) Contact person is Joan
Johnson ([email protected])
VBS Band Rehearsal. Contact person is Children’s Ministries Director Paige McIlraith
([email protected]. 805-529-8422). (Rm 10)
Session Meeting (Rm 11). Contact person is Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith ([email protected], 805-529-8422,
x1).
Prayer Shawl Ministry. Contact person is Sue Wesner
VBS Rehearsal. Contact person is Children’s Ministries Director Paige McIlraith, ([email protected],
805-529-8422).
Marketplace Walkthrough. Contact person is Children’s Ministries Director Paige McIlraith
([email protected]. 805-529-8422).
VBS Music Rehearsal (Leaders)
“Everest” VBS. Contact person is Children’s Ministries Director Paige McIlraith ([email protected], 805529-8422).
Dementia Caregivers Support Group. Contact person is Pastor Janet Loughry (805-529-8422, x2 or
[email protected])
American Sign Language (ALS) Class. (Room 11) Contact person is Joan Johnson
([email protected])
Military Families Support Group. Contact person is Gary Belie
Children’s Ministries News
June, 2015
Paige McIlraith, Children’s Ministries Director
Kara Ayers, Children’s Ministries Assistant
Look for the sign-up table this Sunday! There’s
still more room for both children and volunteers!
Vacation
Bible School
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Join us for children’s church!
July 20 – 24, 9 am – noon
Forms also available in the Church Office, or online at groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/mppc
Come to Room 11 when children are
dismissed from the 9:30 a.m. worship
service!
Things to come in Children’s Ministries:
MPC Kid’s Chorale, starting up in August or September
Sunday School, begins September 13
Children’s Christmas Presentation, in December
Children’s Communion Class, (with Paige and Pastor Janet), Spring 2016
And more fun programs in the works! Stay tuned for details!