October 12, 2014
Thanksgiving Sunday
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
20 Robert Street East, Penetanguishene, Ontario L9M 1K9
www.penetangchurch.com
Church: 705 549 2776
Rev. Mark Wolfe: 705 794 9106
Shirley Spearn - Clerk of Session: 705 549-8516
Organist - Ross Compton
Choir Director - Vicki Thompson
OUR MISSION
We are called to be a Christian community who worship God
by means of education, outreach, and service with love,
compassion and enthusiasm in a changing world.
LEADING WITH CARE - The Leading With Care Policy is in effect in our
church. This policy is to ensure that all persons, and in particular all
children, youth and vulnerable adults, who participate in the church's
programs and/or use the church's facilities, will be cared for with Christian
compassion and will be safe.
In the unlikely event of a fire, parents are reminded NOT to attempt to
retrieve their children from the Church Hall as this will greatly impede their
evacuation. Instead, please meet them at the Georgian Manor parking lot
across the street where they will be assembled. Thank-you for your cooperation in ensuring a safe and healthy environment at First Presbyterian
Church.
Parking At First
Additional Sunday parking is available in the Georgian Manor parking lot on
Harriet St. as well as at the Penetanguishene Public Library - both a short
walk from First.
For your convenience we have large print Bibles, Hymn books and
Bulletins and assisted hearing devices! Ask an usher for assistance.
October 12, 2014
Thanksgiving Sunday
WE APPROACH GOD
Announcements, and Prayer Requests (10:25 am)
Call to Worship
Hymn # 803: Come, ye thankful people, come
The Greeting and the Peace
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Hymn # 802: For the fruits of all creation
Children’s Message
Ministry of Music
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Prayer of Illumination
Generous God,
who blesses us with abundant grace,
we thank you for this time of thanksgiving.
Inspire us to be faithful,
in all of life’s seasons and circumstances,
and to know that you walk with us,
even to the end of the age,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hebrew Scriptures
Responsive Psalm
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Psalm 65
(p.165: OT)
R
Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion;
and to you shall vows be performed.
You visit the earth and water it,
you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water;
you provide the people with grain,
for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
and blessing its growth.
You crown the year with your bounty;
your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
the hills gird themselves with joy,
the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
the valleys deck themselves with grain,
they shout and sing together for joy. R
Epistle
Gospel
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Luke 17:11-19
(p.183: NT)
(p.80: NT)
Sermon
“Need Faith? Give Thanks!”
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
Hymn # 663: God, whose giving knows no ending
Prayers of the People
Offering
Doxology # 830: Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Offertory Prayer
Hymn # 807: We plough the fields and scatter
The Blessing
Choral Amen # 766
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Bible Study
Wed. Oct. 15th
10-11:30 am
th
Office Hours
Wed. Oct. 15
1-4pm
th
Stitch & Chat
Thu. Oct. 16
10 am
nd
Christian Breakfast Wed. Oct. 22
6:30- 9 am (North Rec)
th
Choral Concert
Fri. Oct. 24
7:30 pm (at First)
COFFEE TIME!
Please join us downstairs following today’s service for a time of
refreshment and fellowship.
CHORAL CONCERT - A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF FIRST CHURCH
CHOIR
Directed by Victoria Thompson and accompanied by Ross Compton
Tickets are now available for a concert performed by our choir on
Friday, October 24, 7:30 pm at First Presbyterian
Church, Penetanguishene. Proceeds to PSW&D Nicaragua Agriculture
Project.
Adults - $15 Children free with a ticket. Please contact: Wilma Koiter
at 526-3479, Trish Cheshire at 549- 5226, or John Coull at 526-7994.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
First Church is again assisting young people in developing countries
through the shoebox project. Boxes are at the back of the sanctuary for
pick-up and are to be returned by TODAY. Cheques to assist with
shipping are welcome and can be placed in the shoebox and made out
to First Presbyterian Church. Donations in lieu of a shoebox can be
made also, with cheques payable to “First Presbyterian Church” and
marked “Operation Christmas Child”.
HELPING “HELPING HANDS”
We are asking the congregation if it can give us a helping hand. We
know when the congregation is informed of a need there is always
support given. Therefore we are asking the congregation to please
make a contribution of sandwich materials that can be distributed to our
volunteers. Cans of tuna, salmon, minced ham, bottles of
mayonnaise, loaves of bread (which will be frozen for future use)
or small cash contributions would be appreciated for perishables
like eggs. Items may be placed in the “Pew of Plenty” at the back of
the Sanctuary. Thank you for giving this request your consideration!
2014 CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
On Wednesday, October 22nd at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation
Centre, the 23rd Annual Christian Community Breakfast will held. Doors
open at 6:30 am with breakfast from 7-9 am. Tickets may be obtained
from John Coull at a cost of $12.50.
PRESBYTERIAN RECORD RENEWALS
It is time to renew your subscription to the Record. This year the cost is
$38.36 and cheques can be made out to the Presbyterian Record.
Please give the cheque and any changes of address to Sue Thorburn
before November 1, 2014.
SUMMARY OF BUILDING AND FINANCIAL MEETINGS
The message from our two recent Wednesday evening “update and
information” congregation supper meetings, regarding the building
extension, is that the finance committee have suggested the following
options for members of the congregation to contribute to our building
fund:
 Consider giving an outright gift to the building fund.
 Consider giving an interest free LOAN to the building fund.
 Consider giving an interest bearing but unsecured loan to the building
fund.
 Consider giving the amount you have already pledged.
Please remember that gifts of money or interest on loans are all eligible
as charitable donations and these may be claimed and spread over a
period of 5 years. In addition, you may feel inclined to leave the church
building fund money in your will.
Please let us know your intentions as we are currently negotiating
substantial bank loans and your financial help will have a major impact
on how much we need to borrow and then subsequently pay back in
interest.
Please talk to Ross Spearn, Peter Vermeulen, Jill St. Amant or Peter
Cheshire for more information on any of these options.
May God bless and guide you as your prayerfully consider these
options, and thank-you for your generosity of heart and hand!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Please remember in your prayers this week:
Helen B., Joan S., Evan S., Adam L., Fred A., Shirley A., Alex H.,
Tom S., Rob S., Linda W., Ben C., Murray S., Marlene N., Elaine B.,
Audrey W., Emily C., Elaine C., Leslie C., Jacqueline W., Kathy D.,
Dorothy T., Corinna N., Bob Mc C., Bob C., Stewart Mc C., Ann B.,
Bruce L., Lysa M., Darla B., Noreen Mac L., Kathy E., Karen A.,
Wayne, Christina,
May God bless you richly as you pray for others!
Presbyterian congregations across Canada are supporting effective programs
which share the good news of the gospel in word and deed. Use these Mission
Moments to highlight the mission and ministry that we are doing together in
Canada and around the world. Print them in your Sunday bulletin or church
newsletter, project them on a screen, integrate them into a presentation or use
them on your church bulletin board. www.presbyterian.ca/mission-moments
September 7 – Encouraging big dreams
September 8 is International Literacy Day.
Mary wants to be a police officer, Fabiyano hopes to be a teacher and Mayeso dreams of being an engineer.
All three attend Chikuli Community Day Secondary School in Malawi. Many of the 200 students must walk far
distances and lack school fees and supplies to continue their education. These students’ dreams become
more achievable every day thanks to a Presbyterian World Service & Development program providing support
to secondary school students in Malawi. Mary shares why it’s so important for her to keep going to school: “I
am driven because I want to start working as soon as I finish school. Then I will be able to support my family,
but also other vulnerable people in my community.” Mayeso adds, “I want to change and grow. And I want the
same for my community.”
PWS&D responds with education to build sustainable futures for youth
September 14 – Teaching theology in Taiwan
Presbyterians Sharing supports Ted and Betty Siverns as they serve our partner church, the Presbyterian
Church in Taiwan. Ted is a Visiting Scholar at Tainan Theological College and Seminary where he teaches
New Testament studies at the Doctoral level. Betty is a cheerful presence on campus, helping students with
their English. In addition to teaching, Ted directs a Masters of Theology thesis, sits on committees, and
occasionally leads morning worship. He also writes for a Taiwanese and English church and society journal.
Ted shares, “We are glad to be here as Canadians, members of the PCC and friends of the PCT.”
Presbyterians Sharing helps strengthen our partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.
Presbyterians Sharing strengthens partnerships
September 21 – Treating leprosy with love and care in
Nepal
Karna Bahadur suffered from leprosy for over seven years without diagnosis or treatment – a time he
describes as the most painful of his life. Desperate for a cure, Karna visited several traditional healers, but the
herbal supplements only brought numbness and worsened the severe pain. “I became depressed and
considered my life worthless,” he recalls. But all hope was not lost. At the recommendation of his neighbour,
Karna came to the Presbyterian World Service & Development supported Jumla Clinic. Right away he was
diagnosed with leprosy and started a multi-drug therapy for a year. Glad to have his life back, Karna says, “I
came to the right place. Not only was I diagnosed and cured, but I was also treated with love and care.”
PWS&D responds with healthcare and loving support
September 28 – Presbyterians Sharing the good news
Today is Presbyterians Sharing Sunday, a time to focus on the mission and ministry we do together in Canada
and around the world through our national church fund. Together we are proclaiming the good news of the
gospel in word and deed. Together we are helping grow innovative ministries with children and youth and
equipping leaders—lay and ordained—to do effective and faithful ministry. Together we are supporting new
congregations and helping congregations renew and grow new ministries. Together we are speaking out for
the voiceless and supporting healing and reconciliation ministries. Together we are discovering and doing
God’s mission. And in the process, we are seeing people’s lives transformed. Thank you for your generous
gifts to Presbyterians Sharing!
Presbyterians Sharing is making a difference
October 5 – Transcribing church history in Taiwan
Presbyterians Sharing supports Louise Gamble as she works with our partner church, The Presbyterian
Church in Taiwan, to transcribe and translate reports and correspondence of the Canadian Presbyterian North
Formosa (Taiwan) Mission. This includes over 7000 documents from 1868 to 1923. The transcription is now
complete and Louise and her colleague, Mr. Chen Kuan-chou, are working on translation. The documents will
be divided into three volumes, the first of which covers the life of the first Canadian missionary to Taiwan, the
Rev. Dr. George Leslie MacKay. These documents are records of the development of the Christian Church (at
that time only Presbyterian) in North Formosa, from the point of view of its missionaries.
Presbyterians Sharing is making a difference
October 12 – October 16 is World Food Day
World Food Day is a day to raise public awareness of world food production and the struggle against hunger,
malnutrition and poverty. God created the earth to sustain us and yet 870 million people do not have enough
to eat. Presbyterian World Service & Development is working to end global hunger by providing food in times
of emergency and by helping small-scale farmers increase crop yields. In Guatemala, PWS&D’s partners are
working to teach 440 families sustainable farming techniques and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
“We eat healthier now because our maize and beans are grown using organic fertilizers,” says Miguel
Quintanilla. “The money we were spending on chemical products is now buying necessities for our home. We
are not mistreating our land; instead we are making the land more fertile.”
PWS&D responds to global hunger
October 19 – Equipping church leaders
Having a well-educated, well-prepared clergy is one of the commitments of The Presbyterian Church in
Canada. Presbyterians Sharing supports three Presbyterian Colleges in Canada: Knox College in Toronto, St.
Andrew’s Hall/Vancouver School of Theology in Vancouver, and Presbyterian College in Montreal. These
colleges equip and nurture future church leaders who will in turn equip and nurture the people of God to
witness faithfully in the world. They provide a strong theological foundation, build relationships of trust and
respect, and prepare students for ministry in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Let us pray for our
theological students as they work to become faithful leaders in our churches and for the staff who inspire and
educate them.
Presbyterians Sharing supports local leaders and clergy
October 26 – New Beginnings for Refugees
Presbyterian World Service & Development’s refugee ministry is a response to Christ’s call to serve and
defend the vulnerable and persecuted. This year, Grace Presbyterian Church in Calgary, Alberta, responded
to this call, welcoming a refugee family from Eritrea into their congregation. “It’s been a new experience
leading a refugee sponsorship and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. [The day the family arrived] was the one of
the most memorable days of my entire ministry—and I am marking the 24th anniversary of my ordination,”
says Rev. Leslie Walker. “I am so proud of the PCC for continuing to sponsor refugees, even in these
challenging times.” In 2013, Presbyterians were able to help resettle 28 refugees arriving to build new lives in
Canada. Thank you!
PWS&D is reaching out to refugees
November 2 – Stewards By Design: Celebrate God
always!
Presbyterians Sharing helps equip congregations through events like Stewards By Design, a conference
designed to help congregations discover how stewardship connects to all aspects of the mission and ministry
of the church. Alice attended the event with a team from St. Andrew’s church in Stirling, Ontario. She shares,
“Our church building is 158 years old. With the help of Kennon Callahan, we stopped “survival thinking” and
started “forward thinking.” Amazing! Celebrate God always!”
Presbyterians Sharing equips congregations
November 9 – One Year After Typhoon Haiyan
“Typhoon Haiyan destroyed our house and my boat. We were left with nothing,” says Alan Padilla, a fisherman
from Embarcadero, Philippines. “When we heard the warning, my wife and children evacuated to the village
school. I stayed to guard the house and boat. But later my brother came to tell me that I should also
evacuate.” This warning saved Alan’s life. On November 8, 2013, fierce winds and high waves hit the
Philippines, affecting nearly 14 million people. One year later, work is ongoing to rebuild and construct more
typhoon resistant homes and help families like Alan’s recover lost livelihoods. Presbyterian World Service &
Development responded through the ACT Alliance, which provided 115,000 people with food in the immediate
aftermath. PWS&D continues to support rehabilitation and disaster preparedness work.
PWS&D is helping those in most need
November 16 – Meeting one another Face to Face!
Through the Youth in Mission program, gifts to Presbyterians Sharing brought 14 young people from the
PCC’s partner churches in Malawi, Taiwan, Ukraine and Nicaragua to Canada for three weeks. The group
visited churches and sites in Nova Scotia, PEI and Ontario and attended the Canada Youth conference. They
talked to people in congregations about the joys and challenges they are facing in their own countries, and
heard stories about church life in Canada. They celebrated, sang, danced and worshipped with over 500
young people from across Canada at Canada Youth. Friendships were made, faith and partnerships were
strengthened, and lives were changed, thanks to your gifts to Presbyterians Sharing!
Presbyterians Sharing is strengthening the relationships with youth
November 23 – Take the Advent Challenge
During the Advent season we celebrate the amazing gift God gave – Jesus! This gift changed the world. It is
with this same spirit of generosity that we too can make a difference for countless others in our global village.
Each week of Advent, Presbyterian World Service & Development challenges individuals and congregation to
share the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ’s birth with those in need. The real spirit of Christmas is not the
spectacle of lights and gifts, but your willingness to give to those you have never seen or met. In the midst of
poverty and disaster, the Christ light shines. To learn more about the Advent Challenge visit WeRespond.ca.
PWS&D celebrates the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ’s birth
November 30 – World AIDS Day
The Presbyterian Church in Canada, through Presbyterian World Service & Development, continues to
support HIV and AIDS programs that fight stigma and discrimination, teach and equip people to prevent the
spread, and provide home based care and medications to help those living with the disease cope. PWS&D
works with partners to prevent the transmission between mother and child, provide counseling and testing,
and support and care for orphans and vulnerable children. Take the lead, inspire others to learn more, and
raise funds for PWS&D’s AIDS programs. To learn more about our church’s work in the fight against HIV and
AIDS, visit WeRespond.ca.
PWS&D fights HIV and AIDS
December 7 – Sharing the gospel in Romania
Presbyterians Sharing supports Brian Johnston, an English and music teacher serving at The Theological
Seminary of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Cluj, Romania. Brian’s two choirs provide students with an
opportunity to both share the gospel message through song and learn English in a fun and creative way. Brian
is also an avid photographer, recording scenes of village life and local scenery. Recently, Brian participated in
a youth camp attended by 70 young people from 13 congregations. He taught the group English songs, and
brought some of his photos to share. The youth dramatized each photo, bringing the scenes to life in a unique
way. Brian writes, “I would like to congratulate the leaders for creating such a wonderful atmosphere full of
enthusiasm and spiritual energy.”
Presbyterians Sharing supports Brian Johnston in Romania
December 14 – Male Motivators Help Lead on Maternal
Health
Patrick and his wife Caroline live with their newborn baby in northern Malawi. While Caroline was pregnant,
the couple received visits from their village safe motherhood committee. “This was the first time I realized it
was risky for my wife to deliver at home,” remembers Patrick. After that visit, Patrick began to act as a male
motivator. Through PWS&D’s maternal health program, male motivators are equipped with the knowledge and
skills to help other men understand of the effects of pregnancy and delivery for their partners and to take an
active role in the welfare of their families. Patrick recalls travelling to the health facility early to ensure they
were ready when Caroline went into labour. Patrick’s experience of a happy and healthy delivery just
reinforces for him “why men should always be with their wives during pregnancy!
PWS&D supports child and maternal health
December 21 – Bringing hope to inner-city Winnipeg
Through gifts to Presbyterians Sharing, Winnipeg Inner City
Missions helps people to develop or recover a healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual self. WICM
ministers to children and youth through after school programs. The “Miracle Store” provides the community
with essential needs, while allowing choice, encouraging saving and providing dignity to people who are
viewed with suspicion in other stores. Anishinabe Place of Hope offers residents clean, safe, sober housing
and access to professional services. A worship service and Sunday school classes are held every Sunday
afternoon, where two different spiritual traditions come together. WICM’s director, the Rev. Margaret Mullin,
shares, “Our families are encouraged to be who they are. They are Anishinabe people with a rich spiritual
heritage who are embracing the way of Christ.”
Presbyterians Sharing supports Winnipeg Inner City Missions
December 28 – Seeking healing and reconciliation
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people are seeking ways to find healing and wholeness together. We are
discovering what healing and reconciliation means. Gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support The Presbyterian
Church in Canada’s native ministries, which promote physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing. Seven
native ministries – Hummingbird Ministries, Cariboo Presbyterian Church’s Nazko and Area Dakelh Outreach,
Edmonton Urban Native Ministry, Saskatoon Native Circle Ministries, Mistawasis Memorial Presbyterian
Church, Winnipeg Inner City Missions and Kenora Fellowship Centre reach out to vulnerable people in their
communities. All of these ministries operate on a foundation of respect for traditional Aboriginal spirituality and
culture.
Presbyterians Sharing is building relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples
January 4 – Your voice is powerful. Let it be heard!
Take part in the Harvest of Letters campaign and write to your MP urging the Canadian government to invest
in smallholder agriculture in developing countries. Up to 80 per cent of the world’s poor depend on farming to
feed their families year round. With changing weather patterns, drought and the rising cost of seeds, farming is
becoming more difficult and unpredictable, leaving smallholder farmers vulnerable to hunger. Financial
support for innovative farming practices is one of the best ways to alleviate hunger and can make a big
difference in the lives of farmers, their families and their communities. For more information visit
WeRespond.ca.
PWS&D supports the needs of small-scale farmers
January 11 – Preserving PCC history
Your gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support the work of Kim Arnold and Bob Anger in the Presbyterian Church
Archives office. Kim and Bob work to collect, preserve and make available to researchers the significant
collections of records generated by our Church, its officials, ministers, congregations and organizations.
Archives holdings date from 1775 to the present and consist of documents, photographs, audio visual
recordings, architectural plans and microfilm. The facility is used by over 3,000 researchers annually. Please
pray for Kim and Bob as they work diligently to preserve the records of the life and work of The Presbyterian
Church in Canada.
Presbyterians Sharing supports the work of the PCC Archives
January 18 – Proud to Send My Daughter to School
Sayed Mohammad makes bricks to support his family. He works during the hot summers, as well as the cold
winters. For a time, his ten-year-old daughter, Saima, worked alongside him. Through a Presbyterian World
Service & Development project in Afghanistan, Sayed learned that his daughter was too young to be doing
hard labour at the brick factory and that it was his responsibility to send her to school. “I feel really proud of
myself now, because everyone at home appreciates that I am sending my daughter to school.” Not only is
Sayed sending his enabling his daughter to pursue an education, he is working hard to raise awareness about
how education can change children’s futures. Since PWS&D started supporting the girls’ education project in
Afghanistan, over 4,000 girls have been enrolled in school.
PWS&D is helping vulnerable girls receive an education
January 25 – Serving in Ukraine
Gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support David and Anna Pandy as they serve with the Reformed Church of
Sub-Carpathian Ukraine, a church of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine. Anna is a teacher and is principal and
founder of Nagybereg Reformed Church secondary school. David coordinates four Christian secondary
schools and helps supervise RCCU missionaries. Making personal connections is an important aspect of this
work. David shares, “We exchange news within our immediate family and within our larger church family on
both sides of the Atlantic by means of internet communication. In the mission field, in our endeavours to build
God’s family, we communicate mostly in person, which takes more time and more energy but decidedly is also
more