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Kairos—“God’s Time”
Newtown Presbyterian Church
Vol. 40, No. 5, May 2015
Pastor’s Page
Inside this issue:
Dear fellow disciples,
It has been said that one can't fully understand where one is going
until one has taken full account of where one has been. Another
way of phrasing this nugget of wisdom might include the phrase,
"Before looking forward in hope, look back in gratitude."
And so we do. We look back. With grateful hearts, we remember
and reflect.
I invite you to join me in looking back gratefully at the seasons that
came and went. Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of the 40day journey during which God's Spirit led us to the foot of the cross.
While it's true that the Lenten journey is far from easy, it's equally true
that we are rewarded in ways we couldn't have imagined.
The grief and confusion of Good Friday succumbed to the joy and
beauty of Easter Sunday morning. The sacred liturgy was spoken
and heard: "Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!" Jesus, raised from the
dead, instructs disciples to go looking for him, and so we do.
Now, as Eastertide people, we look ahead--to the future God is
preparing yet, in a very real sense, has already prepared. We
welcome the words that the raised, Eastertide Jesus speaks: "Go forth
and make disciples...teach others to obey everything I have
commanded you." And so the journey continues--well beyond the
discovery of the empty tomb. We follow where Jesus leads.
As daunting as the responsibility of following in Jesus' footsteps may
occasionally seem, we find peace and strength daily in the words
that serve as kind of benediction: "And remember--I am with you
always.
Even
to
the
end
of
the
age!"
For this blessed Eastertide season, thanks be to God. For the privilege
of ministry, thanks be to God!
Pastor Sam
Covenant of Closure,
Thank You—(Pancake
Breakfast and
Deacon’s Moderator)
2
Session Notes,
Important Dates
3
Sr. Mission Trip,
VBS, CE News,
Jr. Mission Trip
4
Strawberry Festival
5
Opportunities For All
Women
6
Opportunities For All
Women (continued),
CHOP’s Chari-tea
7
Financial Highlights
8
Flying Solo, Lectionary
Readings, Bereaved,
Offering Envelopes
9
May Birthdays ,
Ushers Schedule
10
May Calendar
11
Summer
(includes June, July and)
(August information)
Newsletter Deadline
May 13, 2015
www.newtownpres.org
Page 2
Covenant of Closure
Rev. Jim Poinsett’s final Sunday at Newtown
Presbyterian Church was April 5, 2015. He and
this congregation are obligated to follow the
guidelines of Presbytery of Philadelphia’s Covenant of Closure. This is a formal agreement
stating that the outgoing pastor shall not
worship with, give opinions, accept invitations,
or intervene in any way with the congregation’s
life together. That means Pastor Jim must
decline pastoral duties such as weddings, baptisms, funerals, hospital visitation or counseling
(except on special invitation of the Session).
However, Covenant of Closure does not prohibit the ties of friendship and gratitude. It isn’t
inappropriate to drop Pastor Jim an email,
make a phone call, or even get together for
lunch once in a while – and, of course, hold him
your prayers.
May 2015
Easter Celebration Pancake Breakfast
The Deacons wish to thank
you, the NPC family, for
your support of the Easter
Celebration
Pancake
Breakfast to benefit the
Mary Nell Britton Fund.
Because of your generosity, this fund will continue
to provide Easter Meals for families from our
church community that are in need. A special
thank you goes out to Mike Bishop and Paul
Salvatore for their services and to the Deacons
and all other volunteers that helped to make
our event so successful.
Martha Taylor
“Once a Deacon, always a Deacon”
I would like to show my appreciation and thank
my church family for allowing me to serve on
the board of Deacons for nine years. I have
served in various positions, each in their own
way were very rewarding.
Whether visiting
home-bound residents, cooking and delivering
meals, collecting and distributing bags of food,
or delivering flowers, it was a joy to serve my
church and community, and it was very
rewarding to see their big smiles.
PASTORAL STAFF
The Rev. Sam Massengill—Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Robert Canon—Pastor Emeritus
The Rev. Karin Nelson McAnlis—Minister of Visitation
Laura Ferguson—Ministry Associate
25 N. Chancellor St., Newtown, PA 18940
Office Hours—9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Telephone—215-968-3861, Fax—215-968-9055
E-mail—[email protected]
Website: www.newtownpres.org
Newsletter Editors—Jean Torongo, Bettilyn Bogia
and Diana Bowen
Layout and Design—Eileen Honea
Email newsletter articles to [email protected]
I encourage everyone to consider volunteering
as a Deacon, or contacting the church office
if you would like to help with one of our ministries. Since I will be relocating when I retire this
summer, I know in my new home I will find a
church home and volunteer to be a Deacon.
As we say “Once a Deacon, always a
Deacon”.
Thank you for all of your support,
Kathryn Moncado
Page 3
Session Notes from April Meeting

Session approved the Pre-School Committee’s request to raise the 2016-2017 tuition to a rate not
to exceed 10% of the 2015-2016 rates.

Session approved the Historic Church Committee’s request to hold the Wreaths Across America
Service on December 12, 2015.

Session approved the request from Presbyterian Women to hold a luncheon in Ettenger Hall on
June 14, 2015.

Session approved a request to continue the Yoga classes in Ettenger Hall on Wednesday nights
from 7-8 PM for the months of April and May.

Session discussed ways to better communicate with the congregation and Ruling Elder Polly
Breithaupt volunteered to work on updating the church’s webpage.

Session discussed the favorable response to the new Grief Share program and noted that
approximately 10 individuals are attending on a regular basis. It is a wonderful outreach to those
dealing with loss.

The Annual Joint Meeting of the Session, Deacons and Board of Trustees will be held on May 5,
2015 at 6 PM.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Last Day of Sunday School/6th Grade Bible Sunday
May 17 @ 9:00 a.m. Worship Service
Rev. Sam Massengill’s Installation Service
May 24 @ 3:00 p.m.
Laura Ferguson’s Ordination Service
at Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church
May 31 @ 5:00 p.m.
Strawberry Festival
June 6 from 11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
1st Worship Service at Historic Church
Officer Ordination/Installation Service
June 7 @ 9:00 a.m. Worship Service
Confirmation Sunday at Historic Church
June 14 @ 9:00 a.m. Worship Service
Page 4
www.newtownpres.org
Senior High Mission Trip—June 28-July 5
We are still looking for senior high students to fill
our bus! Our trip to Cumberland, Maryland will
be a great experience to provide help to the
elderly, disabled and families in need. We will
be working with the organization NAILS. Lots of
hard work, Christian fellowship and FUN events
are planned that include white water rafting on
July 1 and enjoying a Fourth of July BBQ at
Rocky Gap State Park. We will continue
our favorite traditions of the "crazy" talent show,
vespers/music, senior recognition, and the fickle
finger of authority as well as a night out for dinner. It's a great time!! Please sign up ASAP—
we’d love to have you!!!
****Several fundraising opportunities are
planned to help you pay for your trip!
They will all be posted on the Facebook page,
at church, and online. Additional assistance is
also available through scholarships if needed.
Questions or concerns can be directed
to Janet Eshleman
([email protected])
or Laura Ferguson
([email protected])
Vacation Bible School
Our theme this year is Nazareth: Where Jesus
Was a Kid. This program is new to us and is a
very exciting program to present to the kids. We
are looking for adult and teen volunteers.
Please consider being a part of our team. It is
rewarding and a ton of fun. The dates are June
22 – June 26 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Any
questions, contact Ann Morton at [email protected] or call 267-210-3936.
May 2015
Christian Education Committee News
We are so happy and honored to welcome
Laura Ferguson as our new Ministry Associate.
She comes to us from Summit, NJ where she
was director of Christian
Education for children and youth. She brings extensive experience and knowledge to our programs. Please
join us in welcoming her!!!
Sunday School ...... our final rotation this year will
include worship. Each class will sit with their
Shepherd for the worship service so they can
hear Pastor Sam preach. It's an exciting time for
our congregation and the perfect chance for
our children to worship and share the word of
God.
The Sunday School has added new Biblical
maps and lovely wooden crosses to the classrooms thanks to a donation from the Brennan
family. The maps are the perfect addition to
help our lessons. THANK YOU!
Janet Eshleman
Laura will be ordained on Sunday, May 31, 2015
at 5:00 p.m. at her home church, Lawrenceville
Presbyterian Church. All are invited to attend.
ATTENTION ALL 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders!!!
Our Summer mission trip will be Sunday, July
19th - Friday, July 24th and we hope you can
signup ASAP! We'll have a great time helping
others and enjoying the amazing Massanetta
Springs Camp & Conference Center in the
beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia! Registration forms and additional information is available on the church website as well as in the
youth mailbox by the church office. Sign up
soon for this exciting week!
Please contact Laura Ferguson
[email protected]
or Janet Eshleman
[email protected]
with any questions.
Page 5
Help Needed
Strawberry Festival
June 6 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes these days to make sure that this year’s Strawberry
Festival is another big success! Many new things were added last year and this year we are planning to add even more!
The Strawberry Festival is an event that requires a lot of effort from many people. Please look over
the list of needs and see how you might be able to help.
Raffle prizes:
Solicitors are needed to canvas local businesses. We also need any items or
services you might be able to donate.
Tent Canopies:
Do you have any you can loan for that day? They are needed to cover the
children’s games.
Volunteers:
Please check the sign-up sheets posted on the bulletin board across from the reception room. There are lots of ways you can help!
Children’s books:
Gently used children’s books are needed for the book sale. Please drop off
donations in the hallway outside Ettenger Hall.
Any Questions? e-mail: [email protected] or call 215-493-0984.
Note: Please remember that this important fund raising event is held by the Historic Church Committee to raise money for the maintenance and beautification of the Historic Church and the grounds.
Your help and participation in all of their fund raisers is solicited and appreciated.
BIGGER and BETTER STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
CHILDREN’S GAMES
PHILLIE PHANATIC
WATER ICE
(We hope!)
BALLOON MAGIC MAN
FACE PAINTING
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
CHILDREN’S USED
TOYS
GREAT MUSIC
STRAWBERY
SHORTCAKE
HOT DOGS
& BIRCH BEER
LANCASTER
COUNTY
STRAWBERRY JAMS
BREADS & SWEETS
CHEESE
BIG RAFFLE OF MANY GREAT ITEMS
Page 6
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
TO STUDY AND SERVE
There are so many ways to
participate in study and
service. Find something that appeals to
you and jump in! Your sisters in Christ are
waiting for you!
May Events Calendar
CWS will be ready to help families around
the world recover from disasters and displacement, and build viable, sustainable
lives and communities. Church World Service Blankets hug, comfort and provide
warmth and security to those in the wake
of disaster. You will find envelopes in the
pews for this worthwhile mission which is
supported by the members of Newtown
Presbyterian Church. Make checks payable to: Church World Service Blankets. You
can find more information at: cwsglobal.org.

Sundays at 10:15 a.m. Weekly –
Women’s Bible Study in Room 211

Tuesday 5/5 at 9:45 a.m. —
Women’s Daytime Bible Study
PW Board Meeting in Room 210
Tuesday, May 19 at 10:15 a.m.


Tuesday 5/19 10:15 a.m. –
Women’s Daytime Bible Study
“Walk Through the Gospels”
Wednesday 5/27 7:00 p.m. –
Women’s Evening Bible Study
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha
World
Update on Opportunities for Women
Every Sunday, Bible Study at 10:15 a.m. in
Room 211. New group formed in this time
slot that appears to be more convenient for
many women. Whether you are new to Bible study or have been at it your whole life,
you are invited to attend and learn from
both the Book and each other. Each session is self-contained so please stop in when
you can. All are welcome.
Blanket Sunday
Honor your Mother and/or the special women in your life this Mother’s Day by donating
to Church World Service to purchase blankets. Contributions to CWS blankets mean
You are my friends if......John 15:14
It has been said that there are fairweather friends and all-weather friends.
Actually the all-weather friends are the only
true friends. We thank God for true
friends, for the touch of their hands, the
radiance of their faces, and the cheer of
their words.
Come join the PW Bible Study on
May 19, 2015, at 10:15 a.m. in room 211. A
group of all-weather friends will be gathered to study Jesus and his Judean ministry.
We are not experts on the Bible, but under
the leadership of Ruth Barcafer we come
to a better understanding of the scriptures.
This group of women do more than study,
we share our joys, sorrows, and expectations for the future. Bring your Bible and a
sandwich for an informal lunch. Something
sweet and a beverage will be supplied.
A PW board meeting will be held
May 5, 2015, at 9:45 a.m. in room 210. You
are welcome to join us and share ideas
and expectations for our Presbyterian
Women.
Naomi Stranix
Page 7
Women’s Evening Bible Study (WEBS)
Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Continuing study of Having a Mary Heart in
a Martha World.
Each session is selfcontained so please attend even if you
haven’t before.
Alice Hughes
This is an event that will charge your spiritual
life and change you forever. Experience
the joy of meeting with other women just
like you from all over the world. Meet Millie
the Moose and visit the Mall of America
(largest in USA)
The Gathering will be held June 18–21, 2015
in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The theme of
the Gathering is “One Body, One Spirit,”
based on 1 Corinthians 12:12–27. As always,
workshops, plenary sessions, worship,
mission opportunities and all Gathering
programming will explore the theme in the
context of a diverse, faithful sisterhood. Full
registration for the event is just $395 (less
than in 2012!), plus lodging and transportation.
Learn
more
at
:
www.pcusa.org/.../2015-pw-churchwide
Doylestown Presbyterian Women will host a
Women’s Day Service at 4:00 p.m. on May
3rd. The Executive Presbyter, Ruth Faith
Santana-Grace will be preaching. They will
have a time for fellowship following the
service so mark your calendars and spread
the word.
Please join us at the
6th Annual CHOP Chari-tea
Saturday, May 16, 2015
11:30 –2:00 p.m.
Ettenger Hall
Newtown Presbyterian Church
25 N. Chancellor Street
Newtown, PA 18940
Enjoy tea, coffee, tea sandwiches, and
treats while helping us raise money for
the Child Life Program at
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Suggested donation: $25/adult $15/child
To purchase tickets in advance, send a
request to [email protected]
Page 8
Page 9
A Flying Solo Moment
Lectionary Readings for May
Recently the representatives from a
Woman’s Place were invited to speak about
emotional abuse. A number of people who
have attended Flying Solo described patterns
of behavior they have endured from significant others. Many new members ask WHY,
especially those in abusive relationships. Why
didn’t I see this in him/her earlier, why wasn’t I
a better husband/wife, why didn’t I do what
he/she wanted? Kay Olsen told us that WHY is
a question reserved for science. It is a question
asked often in circumstances that have no
answer, yet we repeat it in our thoughts endlessly. Group members try to help these sufferers calm that voice and come to terms with
not knowing why.
May 3
There is some science in all of this. Many
emotional abusers have personality disorders.
These disorders are not ones which can be
medicated away. They are deeply ingrained
patterns of behavior from early experiences in
life and can be treated in therapy. Unfortunately people with personality disorders see
their problems as stemming from others. They
do not believe there is anything wrong with
them. Their beliefs and behavior feel right to
them. They frequently do not seek help. The
most problematic personality disorders (put
very simply) are narcissistic; – feeling they are
always right; borderline – constantly fearing
abandonment; and antisocial – lacking a
conscience.
May 31
Boundaries are very important. Without
boundaries one is easier to manipulate. This is
another job of the Flying Solo group members.
Establishing boundaries and maintaining them
takes a lot of courage. Group members are
there to reinforce the conviction that it takes. It
is easier when you know you have understanding people behind you when facing your
abuser. Victims of abuse are used to someone
else telling them what to do, think and believe.
They have been criticized, blamed, insulted
and called crazy. We help people to develop
their own identities.
If you or someone important to you
needs support due to separation or divorce,
Flying Solo meets Wednesdays from 7:30 – 9:00
in room 211. Please join us.
Adele Minton, Flying Solo Facilitator
Acts 8:26-40; Ps. 22:25-31; 1 John 4:721; John 15:1-8
May 10
Acts 10:44-48; Ps. 98; 1 John :1-6; John
15:9-17
May 14
Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11: Ps. 47 or Ps. 93; Eph. 1:1523: Luke 24:44-53
May 17
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Ps. 1; 1 John 5:9-13;
John 17:6-19
May 24
Acts 2:1-21 or Ezek. 37:1-14; Ps. 104:2434, 35b: Rom. 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21:
John 15:26-27: 16:4b-15
Isa. 6:1-8; Ps. 29; Rom. 8:12-17; John
3:1-17
Bereaved
Dick Hartman and family on the death of his
wife, Janet Hartman, 3/12/2015.
Marcia Scull and family on the death of her
mother, 3/20/2015.
Robert and Susan Christian on the death of
their daughter, Erin Christian, 3/21/2015.
Barbara Lombardi and family on the death
of her father, John C. Van Fossen,
3/21/2015.
Arlene Dunphey and family on the death of
her brother, Paul Piret, 4/9/2015.
2015 Offering Envelopes
There are still many boxes
of 2015 offering envelopes
on the table in the Memorial Room. Please take a
look to see if yours are one
of them. If you would like
to have 2015 offering envelopes, please contact Eileen at the
church office (215-968-3861) .
Page 10
www.newtownpres.org
May Birthdays
May 2015
22
Nikolai Derek, Greg Koch, Christopher
Lewis and Daniel Thomas
23
James Aiello, Susanna Bauman, John
Hoffman, Gayle Miller and Grace Porter
24
J.D. Graham and Peggy White
25
Katherine Craig, Marcia Foor, Mitchell
Jenkins and Timothy Wert
26
Matthew Reilly and Karis Sneed
1
Katherine DeWitt and Jerry Kerrane
2
Brandon Alleborn and Justin Rimel
27
3
Susan Cohen, Thomas Dengler, Alison
Kruse, Lois Piper and D.J. Rubini
Samuel Hoffman, Betsy Kruse and
Megan Ranck
28
Kathleen Denlinger
4
Jessica Burkart and Sylvie Castonguay
29
5
Sara Dengler
Sally Owens, Kelly Reynolds, Ryan Roman,
Ann Sneed, Madison Terry and Carissa
Wright
6
Cathy Bray
30
Colby Goldschmidt
7
Elizabeth Bishop, Gianna Conturso, Ryan
Martindell and Melissa Reilly
31
Susan DeMarino, Mary Jane Hill, Ella
Hughes and Jason Treese
8
Mary Eshelman
9
Eric Ceslak, Caroline Kruseand Judy Pflug
10
Jessica Giacomelli and Charles Hill
11
Nancy Cook, Scott Dengler, and Nick
Ramanujam
12
Elaine Bolger and Jaxson Wright
13
Jonathan Clark, Laura Dengler, Hailey
Gouza, Sharon Grube and Trey Rogers
14
Julia Bohning, Kiley Quinn and Megan
Richerts
15
Kacey Dreby, Steven Gentile, Donald
Hamnett, David Hills and Elisa Potero
16
Kelly Giacomelli
17
Lois Cameron, Alexander de Mets,
and Violet Kanak
19
Paul Gouza, Michelle Mumme, Warren
Snyder and Elizabeth Williams
20
Brian Brossman, Glenn Geiger, Ronald
Thorburn and Sandy Yantz
21
Caroline Adams, Jackson Boucher,
Linda Geiger, Maureen Pierce, Ryan
Welles and Joanne Wiggins
If your birthday is missing, please let
the office know.
May Usher Teams
Team Date
Service
Captain
Witschen
5/3
I
8:00 & 9:00
5/3
J
10:45
Koenig
5/10
K
8:00 & 9:00
Bishop
5/10
5/17
5/17
5/24
L
M
A
B
10:45
8:00 & 9:00
10:45
8:00 & 9:00
Stevens
Hughes
Shikrallah
Kitsch
5/24
C
10:45
5/31
5/31
LaBold
8:00
D
9:00 & 10:45
Eshelman
May 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
10:15 Coffee Talk
(211)
12:30 Confirmation Class
10 Mother’s Day
10:15 Coffee Talk
(211)
10:45 Baptism
NO Youth Groups
17 Last Day of
Sunday School/6th
Grade Bibles
4
6:30 Girl Scouts
208
7:00 Grief Share
211
7:30 Boy Scouts
YH
7:30 Outreach 211
11
6:30 Girl Scouts
208
7:00 Grief Share
211
7:30 Boy Scouts
YH
18
10:15 Coffee Talk
(211)
10:45 Baptism
Noon-New Members Luncheon
(EH)
12:30 Confirmation Class
24 Pentecost
3:00 Rev.
Massengill’s
31
Installa5:00
tion Service
Laura’s
Ordination @ LP
12:30 Confirmation Class
6:30 Girl Scouts
208
7:00 Grief Share
211
7:30 Boy Scouts
YH
25 Memorial Day
Thu
Fri
Summer
Worship
begins on
June 7, 2015
at 9:00 a.m.
at the Historic
Church
Sunday Morning Worship Schedule
8:00 am Worship Service
9:00 am Worship Service
9:00 am Sunday School-All ages
10:00 am Fellowship (EH)
10:45 am Worship Service
3 COMMUNION
Wed
5 8:00 Men’s Bible
Study (EH)
9:45 PW Board
Meeting (210)
6:00 Women’s AA
6:00 Joint Board
Meeting (EH)
6
8:00 Aid for
Friends
10:00 Book Club
10:30 Staff Meet.
7
National Day
of Prayer
7:00 Career Networking (RR)
6:00 Women’s AA
7:00 Canon Ringers
8:00 Chancel
12 8:00 Men’s Bible
Study (EH)
13 Newsletter
Deadline
14 Ascension of
the Lord
6:00 Women’s AA
6:15 Girl Scouts
7:00 Yoga (EH)
7:30 Flying Solo 211
7:30 AA (B1)
19 8:00 Men’s Bible
Study (EH)
10:15 PW Bible
Study (211)
1:30 Presbytery
Meeting
6:00 Women’s AA
6:30 Worship Com.
(211)
7:00 Career Networking (EH)
7:00 Preschool
Meeting (RR)
20
26 8:00 Men’s Bible
Study (EH)
27
3-5 N. Voice Concert rehearsal
OFFICE CLOSED
6:00 Women’s AA
7:00 CE (211)
1
9:30 Historic
Church (B1)
2
8
9
5:00 Tailgating at
HC and
7:00 Trenton Thunder Game
1:00 Staff
Meeting
6:15 Girl Scouts 208
7:00 Stephen Min.
7:00 Yoga (EH)
7:30 Flying Solo 211
7:30 AA (B1)
(NEW MEMBERS)
Sat
15
12:30 Ministerium
@ St. Luke’s
11:30-2
Chops
Chari-tea
6:00 Women’s AA
7:00 Canon Ringers
8:00 Chancel
Choir
21
16
22
23
10:30 Staff Meet.
6:15 Girl Scouts
7:00 Yoga (EH)
7:00 Stephen Min
7:30 Membership
7:30 Flying Solo 211
7:30 AA (B1)
6:15 Girl Scouts
7:00 Yoga (EH)
7:00 North Voice
Concert (Sanc.)
7:00 WEBS (MR)
7:30 Flying Solo 211
7:30 AA (B1)
7:00
Psalmsters
Rehearsal
6:00 Women’s AA
7:00 Canon Ringers
8:00 Chancel
Choir
28
6:00 Women’s AA
7:00 Canon Ringers
8:00 Chancel
Choir
29
30
5:00 Wedding rehearsal
3:00 Wedding
NEWTOWN
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Change Service Requested
May 2015 Newsletter
25 North Chancellor Street
Newtown, PA 18940
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Langhorne, PA
PERMIT No. 121