1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

THE NEWSLETTER OF MORRISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OCTOBER 2014
CHILDREN
AND FAMILY
COMMITTEE
Please join us for
APPLE PICKING
SUNDAY OCT 5TH
At Styer’s Orchard
Meet at Styer’s at 4:00 pm
Hayride begins at 4:30 pm
Pot Luck dinner at 6:00 pm
Bring your favorite side or salad
Children and Family Committee will supply
hot dogs, drinks and dessert
$12.00 per person or $20.00 per family
includes 1 bag of apples
Sign up in the
Communication
Center
Pastor’s Pen
10TH ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR
Saturday, October 25, 2014
When life is going along just the way we like,
we are satisfied and don’t expect anything to change,
nor do we want things to change. Other times we want
change but only if it looks like what we used to have
before the last change occurred. When we experience
trouble or desperate times we need change and
sometimes we realize we need help and call out for a
savior. MPC has experienced a lot of change lately and
it can be easy to call out for a savior/leader who will
fulfill each person’s expectation of what MPC should
be. What if instead of providing all the answers we are
guided to search the scriptures, our own history, pray,
talk and discuss these things with each other?
By now you have met Rev. Bruce Ballantine or at
least heard him preach. He does not have all the
answers, nor should he. He does bring a lot of
experience helping the body of Christ to seek and align
itself with what God is doing and where God is leading
that particular church.
Change will occur because change is the norm for a
church. Whenever we come to worship God, we are a
changed people. When we pray, we are changed by an
encounter with God. When Sunday School teachers ask
the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning of scripture to
their students, they are changed. Whenever we feed
families from the proceeds of Hike Against Hunger, we
and our community are changed.
What are your expectations for this interim time?
How will you open yourself to change?
Many thanks to the Interim Pastor Nominating
Committee. They have worked diligently interviewing
candidates and spent many hours in prayer and
discussion. When you see them give them your thanks:
Jim Harveson, Andy Beidler, Pauline Underwood,
Lauryn Gilbride, Beth DiTulio and Bill Hughes.
Come shop at our juried
Craft Fair in Fellowship Hall,
where you will find a wide
selection o f b eautifully
handcrafted items - great for
gifts for your family, friends,
and pets!
We've shaken things up this
year, and will feature crafters you've come to love &
expect, plus a variety of new ones! Bring a friend, and
support Presbyterian Women's Mission Work with a
day of shopping and lunch at our cafe. Don't forget to
buy a raffle ticket for your chance to win a craft, and
pick up a snack or dessert for dinner at the Bake Sale.
We hope to see you there!
FREE ADMISSION!
In Christ,
Debbie Heffernan,
Interim Associate Pastor
Come to the MPC Blood Drive! One pint can help at
least three people. A diet high in iron is recommended
the weeks before donating. Sing up in the
Communication Center.
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October 18, 2014
Please join us for the 11th Annual
Hike Against Hunger to raise funds for the
Food Center at MPC.
Hike Day Schedule
9:30 am Registration
10:00 am Hike Begins
11:30 am Celebration Picnic
BLOOD DRIVE
November 9, 2014
Following worship - till 3:00 pm
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
In Loving Memory
In loving memory of Daisy Peck, age
101, who died August 25, 2014. She was
the mother of Dorothy Carr and the grandmother of,
Stephanie Carr Caldara and Suzanne Carr Yancey.
Births
Charlize Kwon, born August 2, to parents Jessica Likens
and Joseph Kwon, and grandparents Don and Barbara
Likens. James Andrew Hunger, born August 14 to
parents Greg and Kelly Hunger, grandparents are Gail
and Drew Hunger.
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated
on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the 10:30 am worship
service.
Sacrament of Baptism
BUILDING NEWS
In order to facilitate bell choir practices and avoid
the labor of weekly set-up and take down, the chapel is
now home to MPC's set of 60 Handbells and 72 Hand
Chimes. This does NOT mean that the chapel will no
longer be used for other functions. The bells will be
put away for funerals, weddings, or special services.
The removal of two pew rows allows more space for
services, makes the chapel handicap friendly, and will
also be a welcoming space for musical or dramatic
performances.
If the chapel is where
you go for personal
reflection and prayer,
simply stop by the office to
get the key. You are invited
to sit in the chapel for as
long as you want and then
return the key upon your
departure. The sanctuary is
always open for quiet
prayer time as well.
The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated on Sunday,
November 9, 2014. Parents wishing their child baptized
are ask to call the church office at 215-295-4191.
Congratulations are in order for Shannon Waite upon her completion of studies at
Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. During her 4 years at Union, Shannon
acquired two Master degrees. She is now the recipient of a Masters Of Divinity and a
Masters of the Arts in Christian Education. Having both degrees gives Shannon the option
of working with a church, working on a university campus or a combination of the two.
While enrolled at Union, she enlarged a campus ministry program at Virginia
Commonwealth University while working for the Second Presbyterian Church of
Richmond. Summers between school years her work included coordinating Project Burning
Bush, which matches college students to a seminary to see if that is a calling, working as an
intern at Titusville Presbyterian Church in New Jersey and then as a Chaplain at VCU
Medical Center where she worked in the ER in Virginia's largest Level 1 Trauma Center in the eastern side of the
state. If you think competition and Seminary are words that don't coincide, you have never witnessed the Ultimate
Frisbee and Flag Football competitions between Seminaries that take place each year. Shannon learned early on after
a knee problem while competitively swimming where her athletic prowess lies so she used her skills to organize the
games and cheer on her friends. Many were the demands during her time at Seminary, but as you can see by the
smile on her face in the picture, if you walk with God, the challenges will lead to rewards.
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THE WORD IN MUSIC
All Saints’ Sunday
November 2nd, 2014
The MPC Chancel Choir will be
joined by a six piece chamber
en semb le as th ey p resen t
Ellingboe’s stunning Requiem
during worship. The movements
of the Requiem will be woven
throughout the liturgy for the day, which will include a
prayerful litany commemorating all of those who have
died in the past year. Join us in worship for this
ethereal worship experience.
TEEN CHOIR REUNION
All current and former Teen
Choir singers are invited to a
reunion rehearsal on Saturday,
November 29th from 11:00 am
to 1:00 pm in the Music Room.
We will gather, sing a little, share a few stories, and have
a pizza lunch! The Teen Choir & Alumni will be
rehearsing to offer a special anthem in worship on
Sunday November 30th. Please connect with Steve
McBride if you are able to attend!
HANDBELL FESTIVAL
Scranton University
Adult Ringers
June 27th to June 30th
Youth Ringers
June 30th to July 2nd
Mark your calendars and save these dates! Our bell
choirs will again be participating in the 2015 Area 2
Handbell Musicians of America Summer Conference!
Thank you for a warm
lovely welcome reception.
a joy to be serving this
congregation; honoring
traditions of the past,
accelerating into the future.
With Love,
1ST ANNUAL RING & SING
First Sunday of Advent
November 30th 1:00 pm
Join the choirs of MPC as we sing and ring in the
Advent and Christmas Season. This short festival of
carols will include music from the Handbell and Vocal
Choirs of MPC. Start your Advent & Christmas season
off to a joyful start by joining us for our Ring & Sing!
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Linda Seamon & MPC Youth
lead singing at the Antless Picnic
and
It is
fine
the
and
Rev. Bruce Ballantine
The Interim Pastor Nominating Committee (IPNC) is pleased and excited to
announce the appointment of Bruce Ballantine as our Interim Pastor Head
of Staff at MPC. Pastor Ballantine comes to us from a successful and
recently completed interim pastor role at First Presbyterian Church in
Wooster, OH.
Pastor Ballantine was selected by the IPNC following a thoughtful and
comprehensive search and interview process. Session voted unanimously to
accept Bruce's candidacy. The Philadelphia Presbytery has given its approval
after meeting and interviewing Bruce. Bruce has already moved to our area
and has begun his ministry with MPC. His first Sunday leading worship is
September 21st. A Meet & Greet welcome reception for Bruce will be
scheduled in the coming weeks.
Bruce was born and raised in Pennsylvania (Grove City), baptized and
ordained as a Deacon within the Presbyterian Church, and graduated from
Grove City College with a B.A. in Communications. From there he worked
in several areas following college, including as a portrait photographer,
newspaper reporter, and insurance salesman.
Following these experiences Bruce heard God’s call to serve as Minister of
Word and Sacrament and enrolled in the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
During his care and study there Bruce served as a Mission Intern in Malawi and received his M. Div. from
Pittsburgh.
Pastor Ballantine has 15 years of installed Pastor experience as either Associate or Head of Staff in churches in PA,
OH, and WV. During this service Bruce recognized his unique skills and again answered God’s call to him, this time
in the specialized area of Interim Ministry. MPC will be Bruce’s fourth call as an Interim Pastor. The search
committee, his peers and references all found Bruce to have an engaging leadership style and for being an
exceptional listener. He is also highly skilled and has a strong track record in working with churches in transition.
These are all essential qualities of interim ministry and we are extremely fortunate that God has connected him with
MPC.
Bruce is married, has two adult children and two grandchildren. He enjoys outdoor activities (walking, hiking,
canoeing, kayaking), as well as travel and reading.
Please join in welcoming Pastor Ballantine to our MPC Family
during Fellowship Hour on October 5 th.
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BOOMERS & BEYOND
by Linda Seaman
As I write this today (Aug. 29) it is a splendidly
beautiful day in the low 80’s – my idea of a perfect
Summer day. When you receive this, you will
undoubtedly have donned your Fall wardrobe. I think
Fall at MPC is something worth celebrating as well.
Please keep an eye peeled as you read the weekly
Bulletin for upcoming Older Adult opportunities. For
instance, Roger Anderson is on deck to drive a group
for Fall Leaf Peeping and lunch. The date will be
announced later. If you have not provided your email
address to our church office – please do so ASAP. I will
update our website and calendar as well as send FYI
computer messages throughout the year. Not to worry –
if you do not have a computer, I will make sure you get
the news.
I continue to staff MPC’s Congregational
Ministry Committee. We were ever so proud to bring
the Antless Picnic to you! Watch for more CMC
congregational meals throughout the year. This Fall
CMC will be making soup for shut ins again. Let us
know if someone could use a meal please (or if you want
to help cook). Call me or CMC’s chair – Nancy Kernan.
SAVE THE DATE. . . November 2 after the
service the invitational Heritage Luncheon will be held
in Fellowship Hall. This will honor those who have been
members for 50 or more years. A most special day is
planned this year.
Medical Equipment is available for loan.
Wheelchairs, canes, walkers, etc. . .are stored onsite. To
reserve, please contact me at the office.
In closing. . .“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They
will soar on wings like
eagles; they will run and
not grow weary, they
will walk and not be
faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
Let’s soar, MPC!!
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BUCKS COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING
The main phone number for Bucks Co. Area Agency
on Aging is 267-880-5700; it is one of 52 such agencies
in PA. They are responsible for planning and
implementing services and programs assisting older
adults and their families. They are the local agent of the
PA Dept. of Aging. For help with health insurance,
legal matters, adult protective services, and so much
more – give them a call.
HERITAGE LUNCHEON
November 2nd in Fellowship Hall
The luncheon is for those who have
been members of MPC for 50 or
more years, and is by invitation only.
ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Conference Room
Loving our Neighbors –
A Christian Look at
Immigration Reform
Continuing through
October 12th
With Carl Lang and Elder Travis Keys
“Give me your tired, your poor…” The words of
welcome inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty
proclaim that our country is a land of hospitality for all.
Yet the reality is that U.S. immigration policy is rife with
economic and cultural issues and is generating strong
opinions on all sides. In this class we are looking at our
Christian call to love our neighbor and what steps we
need to take in our own community. Come join us,
bringing your questions and open minds and hearts.
The Beatitudes of Jesus
in Scripture and Life
October 19th – November 23rd (6 weeks)
With Elders Carol Carpenter and Dan Jones
“Blessed are you…” are the opening words of the ten
Beatitudes, Jesus’ powerful teachings from the Sermon
on the Mount. This in-depth study from the Kerygma
curriculum will examine the Old Testament roots and
context of the Beatitudes. Participants will explore the
contemporary implications of these sayings, discovering
fresh understanding and insights to enrich our faith.
Weekly Prayer Group
All Welcome—Men, Women, and Children
Sundays from 8:30 am to 9:15 am in the Conference Room
Formally known as the MPC Men's Prayer Group, we
are undergoing renewal and are striving to become more
inclusive—ALL ARE WELCOME! Each week, after
offering our prayers for those on the MPC Prayer list,
we will discuss the bible verses in the current weeks
liturgy, how they relate to our everyday lives, and, time
permitting, will try to anticipate how our Pastor may
interpret the same passages during the sermon.
ONGOING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Brown Bag Bible Study
Led by Pastor Bruce
Weekly at noon in the Conference room
(stay tuned for the day!)
If we want to grow in faith, we make choices that allow
us to spend more time in worship, personal devotion
and Bible study, mission and spiritual fellowship. You
are invited to grow in faith! Take a lunch break with the
pastors and members – learn to read between the lines
of the text! There’s a seat for you – and bring a friend!
Presbyterian Women
School has begun, leaves are turning lovely colors and
that means Presbyterian Women (PW) are back at
Deborah and Rebecca Circles enjoying fellowship and
service focused on God's guidance, joy and grace. PW
offers women an opportunity to share their faith with
other Christian women while attending meetings that
provide educational, spiritual, mission oriented, even fun
programs throughout the year. Your PW board invites
any woman of MPC to join us on the second Monday
of every month September through June for an inspiring
time together. Deborah Circle meets at noon on the
second Monday of the month while Rebecca Circle
meets at 7:00 pm that same day. Both groups meet in
the church Lounge. Please mark your calendars for
Deborah Circle or Rebecca Circle. Contact Carol Evans
or Nancy Kernan with questions regarding these wonderful opportunities! Can't wait to see you there!
Book Groups
Several book groups are
forming this fall. If you
are interested in joining one, please contact
the church office.
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Morrisville Presbyterian Church
Phone: 215-295-4191
MPCusa.net
Offi[email protected]
Staff E-mail
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
MPC Currents ( USP S# 204- 040), is published monthly.
Periodical mail postage paid at Levittown, P A 19055.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Morrisville Presbyterian Church,
P. O. Box 240, 771 N. Pennsylvania A ve.
Morrisville, PA 19067.
The Evangelism & Communications Committee is committed
to keeping church news up to date. It is our goal to print and
distribute “Currents” by the 3rd Sunday of the Month.
Therefore we ask that you please submit articles for the
November 2014 “Currents” by October 1st.
[email protected]
C OM I N G E V E N TS
SEPTEMBER
28
11:45 am
Presbyterian Women Luncheon
OCTOBER
5
8
18
25
4:00 pm
6:00 pm
9:30 am
9:00 am
Apple Picking at Styer’s Orchard
Youth Club Begins
Hike Against Hunger
Presbyterian Women Craft Fair
NOVEMBER
1
2
9
16
27
29
30
9:00 am
10:30 am
11:30 am
11:30 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
5:00 pm
Haunted Hayride
Word in Music
Heritage Luncheon
Blood Drive
Stewardship Sunday
Happy Thanksgiving
Teen Choir Reunion
First Sunday of Advent
Ring & Sing
Advent Celebration