The Presbyterian Messenger Monthly Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church June 2015 “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” —Matthew 17:20-21 From the Desk of the Pastor - By Rev. Josyph Andrews Inside this issue • From the Desk of the Pastor • Pastor’s Report • • • • • Scripture Lessons Tithes & Expenses Birthdays & Anniversaries Dates to Remember Committee Chairpersons • Calendar • June Servers • Scout News • Presbyterian Women • Committee Reports • Bits & Pieces • Contact Information Greetings to all in the name of our Risen Lord! When I came here, everybody told me that it never rains. Well, I guess we can now put that myth to rest. The past several weeks have been filled with rain – and while that is not a bad thing, it is different from what we have come to believe is the norm. I make that point because it sometimes seems that we make decisions and do things based on what we believe to be true. The fact is that in most cases, we do something because that is the way we have always done it. Case in point is the changing of worship to earlier hours in the summer and forgoing Sunday School. The session decided this year to not change the hours and when it was announced, the response was resoundingly glad. While I have not spoken to each member personally on the subject, I have not heard one complaint nor have I heard anyone mention that we should have changed to the earlier time. I assumed that the early summer hours was something everyone wanted and I fully expected some pushback when the time remained the same. I had nothing to base that feeling on, but it was my assumption. How many other things in the life of this congregation are done because that is the way it has always been done? It is kind of like the young girl who helps her mother make an apple pie. When the crust is placed on top, her mother takes a fork and pokes the top several times before cooking the pie. The young girl asks her mother why she did that – and after thinking for a moment the mother replies, I guess because that is the way my mother did it. In reality the holes in the crust allow the steam to escape (or so I am told), but the mother did it because that was the way she was taught. While the holes in the crust were actually functional and it was good the mother perpetuated the practice, she did so not because it was needed, but because her mother did so. I think the same thing happens a lot in our daily lives and in how we “do church”. Perhaps we perpetuate old habits or customs simply because that is the way it has been done without asking why or wondering if there was justification for it or perhaps a better way of doing so. I know, I am meddling with that change word again, but sometimes, we need to stop and think about what we do and why we do things. I am not advocating changing any particular thing, or necessarily changing anything at all, but asking a question. The church we read about in the 2nd chapter of Acts is not the same church we have come to know, and the church we have come to know is not the same church that we grew up in. Continued on next page From the Desk of the Pastor - continued When most of us were growing up, going to church was accepted as the norm and even expected by most of the population. Unfortunately, today the majority of the population has no relationship with the church except possibly Christmas and Easter. That said, things like the fork holes in the apple pie are no longer being passed on to the youth and the landscape of Christianity is changing. Churches are closing at alarming rates and congregations are declining. The need in our communities is growing at alarming rates because we, as a society, are no longer in a church where the church takes care off its own. Consequently, there are more and more people in need of help with no place to turn. I do not have all the answers to the questions that arise because of this situation, but I know that if we continue to do the same things in the same ways, the results are going to be the same. Perhaps it is time for us as a congregation and as a society to take time to consider a fresh new approach to how we “do church”. Perhaps we need to think outside the box and develop a way of helping those in need other than simply giving a couple of cans of food to the local food bank in hopes the hungry find it. While I would love to solve all the problems in the world, I cannot, but with a concentrated effort, we can make a difference. We must find a way to revitalize the way the Good News is shared so that more and more can hear it and receive it. So, as we enter the summer months I urge each and every one of you to consider how you as an individual and we as a congregation might make a difference in a changing world. If we cannot find a way to change what we do to integrate a changing society, then the outcome will not change. We need to change how we do things, not to grow our congregation, but to further the kingdom of Heaven which will strengthen the Body of Christ here and everywhere. That is what we are called to do in the name of the Risen Lord. It is my hope that your summer will be great and fun, but I urge you to make sure you make time to worship God who makes all things possible, and I urge you all to take a few minutes to consider how you and we might do things differently in the months and years to come. God Bless and Keep you, Pastor Josyph Pastors Report May 2015 Miles Driven Last month: 854 Visits: 4 (Home 3, Hospital Visits 0, Nursing Home 1) Communion Served: (1st Sunday, Shut Ins 1) Worship Services Conduced: 5 Weddings: Funerals: 1 Baptisms: Bible Study Groups: 7 (Tuesday Men’s 4, Thursday Afternoon 3) Committee Meetings Attended: 1 Presbytery Meetings: June 21-26 I will serve as Dean at Camp Sawtooth Vacation: Planning July 7-13, Pastor John will preach June 12 Study Leave: Next will be in October Dear Partners of PFF, As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.—Psalm 42:1 May 2015 The frontier mission world understandably is focusing a lot attention these days on Muslim communities. One out of every four people on earth belongs to a Muslim people group. Islam is the largest world religion after Christianity. However, Islam is not the only major nonChristian religion. Buddhism and Hinduism claim many adherents and wield lots of influence. We must not lost sight of them. The photo in our PFF prayer calendar for May shows a young devotee of Tibetan Buddhism. This form of Buddhism is dominant in Tibet, Mongolia, parts of Russian and China and in the Himalayasincluding Nepal and parts of India. It is the state religion of the tiny nation of Bhutan. Tibetan migrants have spread the faith to many western countries-I recall the days of seeing Buddhist monks in airports and in other public spaces. The most prominent spokesperson is the 14th Dalai Lama. Worldwide this version of Buddhism has between 10 and 20 million followers. The monk in the calendar picture was asked is he had ever heard the name of Jesus. He responded by asking if “Jesus” lived nearby and if so, where. PFF seeks to mobilize Presbyterians and others to help Buddhist and Hindus and Muslims to hear the Good News of Jesus. Thanks for joining us in this wonderful enterprise. Your May gift of $125.00 will help us to involve others in passing on the name of Jesus-the One who lived and died and rose again-that they and we might have life in His Name. Blessings in Christ, Richard Haney Executive Director/Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF) Session Highlights Greetings from the Session The Session met on May 13th for its regular meeting. Josyph opened the meeting with prayer and a scripture reading. Four Elders were present with two excused. Pastor Josyph continues to make home, hospital and nursing home visits. If you would like for him to call on you or you know someone in need of a pastor’s visit, please contact the church office. Josyph conducted the funeral of Randy Holl on April 28th at the Hansen Mortuary in Rupert. Randy is the husband of Darla Everheart Holl. The Session extends sympathy to the Holl family. Pastor Josyph will be Dean at Camp Sawtooth the week of June 21st. and will on vacation July 7 –13. The Session was pleased to be able to award a $500 scholarship to Madison Searle, Barbra Moore’s granddaughter. Madison is attending Utah State University. Congratulations, Madison. Tithes for April were $5513 and expenses were $9457. Tithes for March were $9819 and expenses were $9980. All bills have been paid and staff compensated. We are fast running out of our meager savings, which acts as a buffer for expenses. Please continue to give as generously as you can. Thank you for all you do to support the church. The Session appreciates your generosity. Our annual Memorial Day Remembrance will be on June 7th. We will remember those who have died since last Memorial Day. Ron Lavoie will preach from our pulpit on June 28th. He is Executive Presbyter of the Kendall Presbytery. Please attend and make him feel welcome. The choir will not be singing during the month of June. We will be hosting guests to celebrate with us and provide special music. There will be a special July 4th service during worship on July 5th. Plan to attend and celebrate our country’s birth. The Mission Committee reported that the first quarter mission pledge has been paid. Worship summer hours will be the same as winter hours. We will continue to meet at 10:45 A.M. Sunday School will continue to meet during the summer as well. The Joint Deacon/Session meeting will be held on July 15th at 6:30 P.M. Elders and Deacons, please mark your calendars. The annual Fall BBQ will be on August 29th from 3:30 to 6:00 P.M. This is for the whole community. Mark your calendars and bring a friend. Thanks to all who supported, worked on and helped with the Sausage Supper. We did very well. A grand total will be announced when all bills are paid. Keep Camp Sawtooth and the campers in your prayers for the summer. Great things happen at our Christian camp. All of our youth will be attending. Please be safe and careful this summer. Praise God for the May rains. Happy gardening. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Poulton, Clerk of Session A very special THANK YOU to ALL our Silent Servers. Those who do without being asked. Who make coffee, replace light bulbs, serve and wash dishes. All who keep the grounds looking so lovely, who pick up trash, plant flowers and just look around to see what needs to be done—and then do it. To you (and you know who you are) we thank you and praise God for you. For it is you who help to make this a beautiful church and a great place to be on Sunday and any other day we are having special activities. We just want you to know that your humble sacrificial service has not gone unnoticed. Prayers for the Churches— First United Presbyterian Church Malad The Malad Presbyterian Church has been a strong witness for the Reformed faith in southeast Idaho for over 130 years; the church building was erected in 1882. These days, the Presbyterian congregation is providing space also for the North Hills Christian Fellowship, the local Catholic congregation, and a Girl Scout troop. The church is active in the Malad Interfaith Council and participates in ecumenical services at Christmas and Easter. For the last three years, the church has offered a summer Bible School for local children, which has been well attended, and is exploring more ways to reach out to the community’s assisted living and nursing home residents. Members are seeking ways to be even more warm and welcoming to those outside the church, and more sensitive to community needs. They are excited about the possibility of sharing a pastor/CRE with the Presbyterian church in Preston and about becoming more involved with the activities of Kendall Presbytery. They would like prayers for their witness in Malad and for the new possibilities that may be in their near future. June Scripture Lessons In preparation for Pastor Josyph’s ministry of the Word, we encourage you to read the scripture verses for each Sunday. June 7 1 Sam. 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15); Ps. 138; 2 Cor. 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35 June 14 1 Sam. 15:34-16:13; Ps. 20; 2 Cor. 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17; Mark 4:26-34 June 21 [Father ’s Day] 1 Sam. 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49; Ps. 133; 2 Cor. 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41 June 28 2 Sam. 1:1, 17-27; Ps. 130; 2 Cor. 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12 June Birthdays & Anniversaries 1 Don Bohon 1 Norm Rayburn 3 Ed & Marilyn McKim 5 Karl Fuelling 8 Jake Stabley 9 Hazel Vegwert 10 Marianne Bohon 10 Steve & Marcia Lynch 17 Michael Behr 26 George McGee 27 Fred & Gay Neiwert God Bless Your Special Day! Committee Chairpersons Building & Grounds Larry Mulholland Christian Education Erika Wittman Fellowship Terrie Shockey Finance Carleen Clayville Missions, Evangelism & Outreach George McGee Personnel & Nominating Erika Wittman Worship Kristi Pugh 2015 Year to Date Tithes and Expenses April Tithes $5,513.00 Expenses $9,437.39 YTD Totals: Tithes $28,996.80 Expenses $37,075.28 June 2015 Sun Mon 1 Tues 2 Wed 3 7:30 Men’s Breakfast Thurs 4 Fri Sat 5 6 12 13 2:30 pm Bible study 4:30 pm Choir VBS at Burley UMC June 1—5 at 5:15 pm 7:00 Scouts 7 8 10 9 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship / Communion Sunday 7:30 Men’s Breakfast Memorial Day Celebration 14 15 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship 16 Newsletter Articles Due 11 2:30 pm Bible study 4:30 pm Choir 7:00 pm Session 7:00 Scouts Deadline to register for Camp Sawtooth 17 18 7:30 Men’s Breakfast PW Church Wide Gathering Minneapolis 6/18—6/21 7:00 Scouts 21 22 23 Father’s Day Brunch after worship 28 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship 24 7:30 Men’s Breakfast 20 Relay for Life Fri 5pm—Sat 10am 2:30 pm Bible study 4:30 pm Choir Scholarship Presentation 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship 19 25 26 27 2:30 pm Bible study 4:30 pm Choir Pastor Josyph7:00 Dean at Camp Sawtooth 21—26 Scouts 29 30 7:30 Men’s Breakfast Ron Lavoie preaching “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” —Matthew 17:20-21 June Servers ~ Thank You! Head Usher: Dan Shockey Head Greeter: Harold Gebauer Communion Servers: Erika Wittman, Kristi Pugh, Sharon Napier, Tom Clayville Lar Reader: 6/7 _____, 6/14 _____, 6/21 _____, 6/28 _____ Coffee Hour: 6/7 Fellowship, 6/14 _____, 6/21 Fellowship, 6/28 _____ Boy Scout News Hello everybody! This past month we went on a campout to Yost, Utah and had a great time. We gained a new member to the troop, Elijah Gage. We continue to work on rank advancement. This month we will work on knot tying and learn to start a fire using a bow drill. We also helped Mason Wittman work on his Eagle Scout project. We are looking forward to nicer weather so we can do more outdoor activities. Sincerely Gavin Wilkinson, Troop Scribe Scouts meet every Wednesday at 7:00 pm at the church Any questions, please call the Dan or Mason Wittman at 678-4846-4846 Special Dates to Remember: June Choir taking break during June, resuming June 28th 01: 07: 10: 11: 14: 18: 19: 21: 21: 21: 28: VBS at Burley UMC 1—5 at 5:15 pm ages 3-10 Memorial Day Service Session Deadline to register for Camp Sawtooth Scholarship Presentation PW Church Wide Gathering, Minneapolis 18—21 Relay for Life 19—20 First Day of Summer Father’s Day Brunch after worship Pastor Josyph Dean at Camp Sawtooth 21—26 Ron Lavoie preaching July 04: Independence Day 05: 4th of July Service 12: John Ziulkowski preaching 15: Joint Elder/Deacon Session 6:30 pm Presbyterian Women in the News The PW met on May 16th for our annual May Brunch. Six ladies attended. Gay Neiwert, Chris Scott and Kathy Poulton served the brunch. The ladies collected the Birthday Offering. This offering will be given as grants to women’s shelters in Barranquilla, Colombia and Memphis, Tennessee. We, also, collected our Least Coin offering. This offering goes to various women and children’s programs. We collect pennies and small change at each of our meetings. If you have pennies you would like to share, put them in the gold can in the kitchen. A few cents goes along ways to help those in need. We will be installing officers at our next meeting in September - Carleen, Moderator; Kathy, V. Moderator; Janell, Secretary; Gay and Jean, Caring and Sharing. We are looking for a lady to serve as Treasurer. Judy Meyer is resigning her position after many years of service. Thank you Judy for serving so faithfully. We will miss having you as an officer. PW is looking for ideas for projects, service and money making, for our new year. Please give your suggestions to Kathy or Carleen. PW welcomes all women to our meetings. Please come and join us. We always have a great time, good food, and wonderful fellowship. Respectfully, Kathy Poulton V. Moderator SAVE THE DATE The Presbyterian Women’s Summer Ecumenical Brunch will be held Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 10:00 am. There will be a wonderful program—keep watching for more information. Mark your calendar, Save the Date, Plan to attend … and bring a friend! Questions? Please contact Carleen Clayville at 312-5661 Committee Reports FINANCE REPORT This is a re-run of the Report from the Finance Team (June 2014) I think we need reminded of the generosity of some of our long-time member families. "This past week, I had the opportunity to withdraw some needed funds from several trust funds that were set up many years ago, by some dedicated members of First Presbyterian Church of Burley. Think about that era, these families were working very hard, to be successful in their businesses, whether it be farming or a business in town, but always in church on Sundays. Having the vision to build this beautiful facility on money borrowed from a bank, and then a few years later, contracting with an artist from San Francisco to design and make the stained glass windows. These families had a vision about the future members, and our place in the community. What a blessing it is to have their hard earned money set up in trust funds specifically for us to use as needed, or; To use for two scholarships given to graduating seniors for their education. For Outside Grounds needs. For the PW to give to a woman in need, or for furthering a woman’s educational needs. For the Deacon’s for their missions projects. The only rule is to never use the principal, so it will be available for many years to come. These funds are in the Presbyterian Foundation, and have made decent interest the past few years. We are very pleased and honored to have known these people personally, please remember these peopled with prayer for their dedication and generosity." WORSHIP Greetings from the Worship Committee! We decided to have the Memorial Day Celebration on June 7th because the attendance on Memorial Day Weekend is usually low. Carleen stated that she will send out the invitations to the families of those who have passed this last year. Kristi spoke with Rob Newman to sing some patriotic songs for this service. He stated that he will have Allen Hale to accompany him. Pentecost will be on May 24th this year. Look for the Sanctuary to be decorated for this day! Ron Lavoie will be preaching on June 28th. The projector is now hooked up to the computer in the back of the Sanctuary. We are planning to have a service in the mountains on possibly the 26th of July. Stay tuned for more information! The choir is going to take the month of June off. They will start up again on June 28th. We will be decorating the Sanctuary for the 4th of July on the 5th of July service. Wear your red, white a blue! We are looking forward to a great summer! God bless! Respectfully submitted; Kristi Pugh, Chair We honor fathers who not only gave us life, But who also show us how to live. Yours in Christ, with his blessing Just reminiscing about our past Your Finance Team FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Really, it's June already?? Kathleen Morgan will be using a new curriculum in the Children's Sunday School called "Children's Ministry". It includes 8 books and can be saved on a zip drive and used for current and future classes. Plan on Birthday/Anniversary Cupcakes June 7th Celebrating Fathers June 21st by serving "Brunch" right after Worship. Hope to see you there with the Dads' in your life. Thank you, Kathleen, for everything you do! Respectfully submitted, Terrie Shockey Respectfully submitted, Erika Wittman As the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.—Isaiah 61:11 Bits & Pieces Day of Pentecost—May 24, 2015 Day of Pentecost, May 24, 2015 Victor and Paul Pugh with PJ during Children’s Time Attention! How about a Sermon on the Mount this summer? Session is considering taking our Worship service to Mt Harrison at the end of July or beginning of August. We would have church in the ski lodge and either take lunch or purchase lunch there. The rest of the day could be spent hiking, bike riding, and sight seeing on the mountain. Please let Kathy Poulton know if you would support such an outing. It would be a great experience and fun day! Bring [your children] up in the training and admonition of the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4 The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. —Numbers 6:25 A Service of Remembrance June 7, 2015 In Memory of: James Lynch, Sr Jim Walkington Kelly Elliott Randy Holl And in Memory and Honor of: All Military Men and Women Around the world—Past & Present During this time we remember those who have left us a great heritage, who have left their print on our church family. Indeed, we have been surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have passed on to us their faith.. Pastor: Rev. Josyph A. Andrews Pastor’s office hours: Tues—Thurs 9am—3pm (also available after hours by appointment) First Presbyterian Church (USA) 2100 Burton Avenue Burley ID 83318 Josyph’s E-mail: [email protected] Josyph’s cell: 312-9373 Visit us on the web at: www.burleypres.org Clerk of Session: Kathy Poulton Office Administrator: Barbra Moore Office Hours M—F 9am—1pm Office phone: 678-5131 Office email: [email protected] Director of Music: Dr. Paul Pugh Pianist: Susan McGee Organist: Mayna McGill Custodian: Linda Culley Prayer Chain: Gay Neiwert 678-2760 Service Times: Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:45 am Return Service Requested PRAYER CORNER The Presbyterian Messenger and The Lord’s Day Bulletin are published by The First Presbyterian Church of Burley, Idaho. Please submit your Newsletter items by the 15th of the month and Bulleting items by Wednesday. PLEASE PRAY FOR: Healing, Strength and Encouragement for: Jean Andrews, McGee family dealing with troubled youth, Gene Holsinger, Gary Hollinger, Elaine Victor, Anna Hindman, Jerry Vegwert, Gay Neiwert, Terri (Larry Mulholland’s daughter), Leanna (5 year old burn victim), Billie (Hazel Vegwert’s sister-in-law, Lewisa (Josyph & Jean Andrew’s daughter). Barbra’s grandson Caleb. Those who are sick or injured. All who have lost jobs. Those facing financial uncertainties, Wisdom for those making difficult decisions. KAIROS Prison ministry. Pastor Saeed Abidiniimprisoned in Iraq. And we encourage you to join other congregations in praying for The First Presbyterian Church of Malad • Our Church Leaders: Elder s Kathy Poulton, Kr isti Pugh, Lar r y Mulholland, Carleen Clayville, Erika Wittman, and George McGee. Deacons Paul Pugh, Gary Hollinger, Janell Martin, Sharon Napier, Chris Scott and Tom Clayville • Pastor Josyph and Jean Andrews as they shepherd our flock • World unrest • Wisdom for our National and Local Leaders • Service Men & Women around the world. • Our Church family; strength & wisdom and to keep our eyes on Jesus —James 1:2-4 “consider it all joy…” June 2015
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