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Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church |
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The Log |
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A NOTE FROM YOUR PASTOR Songs of Life In his book Fear No Evil, Natan Sharansky, tells of how the book of psalms saved his life during a long nine-year imprisonment by the KGB. He spent just over one year in a punishment cell, a cold, damp basement room. The only book he had to read was a book of psalms given to him by his wife. The Psalms gave him hope and courage, and the strength to trust that God would deliver him. You can imagine living is such conditions and praying Psalm 107: Some sat in darkness and in gloom, prisoners in misery and in irons, their hearts were bowed down with hard labor; they fell down, with no one to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he brought them out of darkness and gloom, and broke their bonds asunder. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he shatters the doors of bronze, and cuts in two the bars of iron.
Finally Sharansky was set free. On the plane ride to freedom, Sharansky opened his book of Psalms. While in prison he vowed that the first act of freedom would be to read Psalm 30. He turned the well-worn pages. I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit. Sing praises to the LORD, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name.
This fall I will be preaching on some of the great Psalms of the bible. Whether the mood is sorrow or joy, bewilderment or confidence, the psalms speak to people in all the times of life. The Psalms remind us that crying out to God, living in dependence upon God, is not simply needed in a time of crisis but all the days of ones life. This message is diametrically opposed to what much our contemporary culture teaches. In our time maturity is often measured by how self-sufficient we are. We are taught that we earn what we have; that we must pull ourselves up by our boot straps when we are down, that our security results from careful planning, investment, and management. In short we are taught to be self-made persons with little or no need to depend upon God. But the Psalms remind us that there is ultimately no such thing as self-sufficiency, for human life depends upon God for every breath. The good news is that we can depend on God. God is good. O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
As Christians we profess that this love is made known fully in Jesus Christ. So it is no surprise that if you take a moment to read Psalm 107 you will see that Jesus in the gospels did the very things it states makes God’s love known to us. Jesus fed the hungry, liberates those bound by demonic powers, healed and forgave the sick, calmed the storms. And Jesus called upon those who followed him to live under God’s care, to renounce self-sufficiency and to walk the way of dependence upon God. To live a life that always give thanks to God, for his steadfast love endures forever. In Christ, Mark
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Restoration Update: “Concept Day” is coming September 27th, 2009 at noon in the Auditorium. The restoration team met with our architect, Tom Daley, and his team in late August to review the preliminary plans for the restoration of NWPC. We are ready to present to the membership of NWPC and have chosen Sunday, September 27th, 2009 as “Concept Day”. This is the day to see what Tom and his team have prepared from his meetings with and input from the church staff, the session representatives and the church membership. This, as you all know, is a very exciting time at NWPC. This meeting will be very interactive and Tom will be looking for your feedback on the preliminary plan. Remember this is still the planning phase but I am sure you all will be very pleased with the work that Tom and his team have prepared. We are planning to host a “free will offering lunch”. So, please sign up - it is very important that we have a head count and can provide enough seating. I will provide more info throughout September on the logistic of “Concept Day” in the weekly bulletin. Please feel free to contact me or any of the team members with any question, ideas, comments etc… E-mail: mark_ hennessy@msn.com Cell phone 215-353-7593 Home Phone 215-343-4306 Restoration Team members: Mark J. Hennessy, Chair, Ed Grant, Session representative, Sandi Flynn, Sandy McKeown, David M. Baker, Donna Mazeika, Sue Sisco. In Christ, Mark Hennessy
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY For the past year, several people in the church have been knitting and crocheting prayer shawls. These are simple shawls that a person can wrap around their shoulders or drape across their laps. As these shawls are being made, the person prays for whoever will receive them. So far 11 people have received shawls and been reminded that people at Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church are thinking about them and praying for them. The response from recipients has been wonderful. People love the shawls and the thoughts and prayers that go into them. They have all been deeply touched and encouraged when receiving a prayer shawl. Some people who received shawls were sick at the time and have now recovered. Some people are still living with their illness. Some people who have received them are not ill, but simply need the encouragement that they are remembered and prayed for. A few people who received shawls have since died. If you would like to make a shawl, patterns are available in the church office and yarn can be donated through the concern center. Contact Rev. Lynn Parks, Pastor of Visitation, for more information. |
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From the Music Director… A Summer of Sharing I would like to thank all the summer special music participants. We had a wonderful summer of sharing talent among our own congregants. Thank you to Jack Roushey, Dave Baker, Pete Obst, Herb Barringer, Jennifer Della Guardia, Dottie Miller, Sue Rhems, Judy Lodwig, Karen Lodwig, Marge Louderback, Melissa Meade, Chris Davies, Lisa Davies, Vince Prinzi, and Jim McIlvaine. Opportunities for Your Participation Our Music Program at Neshaminy has grown significantly during the past year. We would like you to participate and now offer additional opportunities. The following lists our various programs for the Fall for you to choose from. I have included the name of the program, the target age groups, and the person to contact to indicate your interest along with a telephone number. Act soon. Our Fall programs begin Sunday September 13! Sanctuary Choir – Meets every Thursday, 7:30-9pm, led by Suzanne Zak – High School –Adult. Our present participants are as young as 16 and as old as 90!! Suzanne can be reached by calling the church, 215-343-6060, ext. 4. Choir Kick-off party, Thursday, September 10, 6:30pm at the home of Ida Zimmer. We are once again planning a Christmas Cantata, which is open to anyone wanting to sing. Cantata practice will be 7:30-8pm, every Thursday. Come try the choir!! Praise Choir – Meets and sings 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am, led by Jack Roushey, Middle school-Adult. Jack can be reached at 215-675-2909. Spirit choir – Meets Sunday mornings, 10-10:30, 5-8th grade, led by Ida Zimmer Ida can be reached at 215-343-4077. Joyful Noise choir- Meets Sunday mornings, 10-10:30, Kindergarten through 4th grade, led by Mark and Chris Davies. The Davies can be reached at 215-491-3311. Neshaminy Brass- Meets every other Thursday, at 9pm, led by Suzanne Zak- High school–Adult Suzanne can be reached by calling the church, 215-343-6060, ext.4.
We look forward to another wonderful year of music making. Please call and join us as we express our love and devotion through music. |
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2009 COUNTRY FAIR |
OCTOBER 17, 200910am - 2pm (AUCTION – 2pm)Summer is over and our 24th Country Fair season is officially here! Sign up sheets will be in the auditorium starting September 13th between services. Please stop by and see where you can help. I guarantee you will have a good time the day of the fair and will feel even better knowing you have helped contribute to missions. APPLE BUTTERWE NEED 25 VOLUNTEERS TO COOK THE APPLES AND ABOUT 40 VOLUNTEERS TO STIR THE APPLESAUCE UNTIL IT BECOMES OUR FAMOUS APPLE BUTTER. PLEASE SIGN UP WHERE YOU CAN. SEE JOHN SHAFFER FOR DETAILS AND LOTS OF FUN. Country Fair Sponsors Once again this year we would like to ask for donations to help make our fair 100% profit. Costs of running the fair have grown steadily every year. Listed below are most of the costs involved in running the fair, we really need your help. You can make a tax-deductible donation to the fair (checks payable to NWPC) for any amount you would like. Send your donations to the church office or drop in the collection plate marked “Country Fair.” This is a great way to help out if you are unable to attend the fair or just want to make a special donation to missions! Remember a 100% profit Country Fair means 100% for missions. Please prayerfully consider being a sponsor.
Expenses: Grandma’s Kitchen $ 900.00 Kid’s Activities $ 550.00Cheese Shop $ 650.00 Trash Removal $ 400.00 Misc. $ 300.00 Total Costs $2800.00
Auction and Second Hand Shop Clean out your garages, attics and basements and gather all those items that have been collecting dust for the past few years, moving or just getting new furniture, give the used stuff to the fair.
NO TIRES, OLD COMPUTERS, SHOES, CLOTHES, OLD BABY CAR SEATS, OR STUFFED ANIMALS. Please check any appliances, clock radios, phones etc. to make sure they are in good working order.
Donations can be dropped off in Room 4 anytime after September 13th. Large auction items can be put on the Auditorium stage starting September 30th. If you need assistance getting any donations to the church please call the church office to see if Lloyd Rickner, Sexton can help or call Sandi Flynn 215-343-9332.
Craft Shop If you haven’t started making crafts yet, please start now!! This is one of our most popular rooms at the fair. If you aren’t crafty maybe visit a store like A.C. Moore or Michael’s and find a kit or an idea you can copy or buy. Karen Lodwig, Dolores Rupley and Ida Zimmer decorate the craft shop like a showroom. Anyway you can please help us make this room a success.
Canned GoodsCanning season is here! If you are gifted enough at canning, please consider donating some of your canned goods to the fair.
Baked Goods This room is all profit, and last year’s profit was over $1,500, so please consider baking a few things. This is the most popular room at the fair. Vinnie Christie, Christine Buck and Diane Raab make this room look better than any bakery.
BooksPlease bring us your used books. Always a busy room and so organized by Pat and Don Winey!! PLEASE NO ENCYCLOPEDIAS, READER’S DIGEST OR LP ALBUMS!
KIDS KORNER If you can please clean the toys before you drop them off at church. It will help Sue Rugel who does a wonderful job of organizing all the toys. Please make sure all parts are together and working and check for all game pieces etc.
Raffle TicketsAnother beautiful quilt has been created by our “fabulous quilters.” Tickets are on sale all the time in the church office and on Sunday mornings between services in the auditorium, starting September 13th. Please come to buy tickets, see the quilt and say a big “Thank You” to the quilters. The quilt will be on display during ticket sales. If you cannot get to church to sign up just give me a call and I will put you on the list. If you have any questions/ideas or suggestions please do not hesitate to call me!!Sandi Flynn, 215-343-9332 |
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SUNDAY SCHEDULE |
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The second Sunday of the month is Food Collection Sunday. Many thanks to each and everyone who donated food this summer and also to those who have volunteered to sort food at the cupboard. |
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Jane Sproat, 9/6 Jill Clayton, 9/11 Laura Riddle, 9/22 Marian Castle, 9/29 Bud Stairs, 10/20 Bonnie Schiavone, 10/23
Karen Lodwig, 10/23 Bette Witlow, 11/3 Marge Roushey, 11/5 Alma Griffith, 11/19 Vic Wiegand, 11/30
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COMMUNION
The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be held on September 6 & October 4 at both worship services. We welcome you into the presence of the living Christ. May you experience God’s love and forgiveness during this worship service. Everyone who trusts Jesus Christ as Saviour is invited to take Communion with us. |
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY |
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Concern Center: The Concern Center provides transportation, meals and assistance to those in need. All you have to do is call Doris Pickel at 215-674-1854 and giver her details of your need. We have a group of dedicated helpers, however we can always use more. If you can occasionally provide a meal, drive a friend to their destination, or provide several hours of relief to a caregiver, please call Doris and offer your assistance. |
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Walt & Clara DeCoursey, 9/6 John & Marge Roushey, 9/10 Bernie & Carolyn Deitrick, 9/21 Bob & Marge Louderback, 10/2 Howard & Carolyn Gilson, 10/10 Tom & Thelma Hammonds, 10/17 John & Brenda Shaffer, 10/20
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY |
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UPCOMING BUS TRIPS PLANNED FOR 2009
Save the dates for two upcoming bus trips that have been planned with you in mind: 1) American Music Theatre “Best of Broadway” on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. We will be leaving the church at 10:30 a.m and returning at 7:30 p.m. Lunch will be a family style meal at Hershey Farms Restaurant at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $72. 2) Freedom Chapel Dinner Theatre “Amish Family Christmas” on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. We will be leaving the church at 10:00 a.m. and returning at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $68.
Look for sign-up sheets in the auditorium between worship services as well as in the church office. Checks should be made payable to NWPC and either dropped off at the church or mailed into the church. Contact person is Dorothy Smith and she can be reached at 215-343-1142. |
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Congratulations to Adam Hennessy on his engagement to Lauren Swenson. A summer 2011 wedding is being planned. |
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Women’s Association Circle meet monthly – September through June – All are welcome
Mary-Martha Circle 7:00 pm Lounge Sept. 9 Oct. 14 Sarah Circle 9:15 am Lounge Sept. 9 Oct. 14 Dorcas-Elizabeth Circle 10:00 am Lounge Sept. 10 Oct. 15
Bingo—Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home September 21st at 1:45 pm Board Meeting October 25th at 10:30 am in Room 5
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FROM THE DEACONS Did you know??? AS part of our ministry, we the Deacons send "goodie" snack packages twice a year to our College Students. The extra energy is very helpful during exam time, and the students enjoy sharing the goodies. If your family has a student currently in college, or planning to attend in September as a Freshman, we need their names and addresses to update our files.
Did you know??? Financial assistance is available through a Student Loan Program. If interested in more information, or an application, contact the Church Office.
Did you know??? The Deacons keep in touch, visit, and administer Communion to the members of our congregation who no longer can attend services. We call these our Special Care Members. If you have a family member who would wish to be added to the roster of Special Care Members, we need their names.
Name ________________________ Student Special Care ( circle one )
Address_______________________
______________________
(name of college, if not part of the address)
Date of Birth_______________ (to recognize with greetings)
Submit to the Church Office, attention Lynda Comcstock, Moderator of Deacons |
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The deadline for the November/December Log is October10th. A Please send any information for The Log to nwpcsec@comcast.net
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NEW BOOK IN OUR CHURCH LIBRARY! OUR CHURCH LIBRARY has added a major new series of guides to the books of the New Testament ...for EVERYONE! The author, N.T. Wright, a noted New Testament scholar, has been named one the top five theologians in the world. Each of the various guides to all the New Testament books provides a trans- lation by Wright, a highly readable discussion with background information, useful explanations, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions. |
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You CAN help! Have you ever thought about helping someone and just didn’t know where to start? Don’t have a lot of time to commit? Here’s one way you can help. Aluminum can tabs can pay for kidney dialysis. Abington Hospital takes the tabs—by the pound—and converts them to payment for dialysis treatment for young and old alike! Even the armed forces have adopted this cause and are helping collect the tabs. You can help too! Collect tabs from soda cans, beer cans, any metal cans and give them to Jeanne Lucas any Sunday at coffee hour or call Jeanne at 215-674-3746. |
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Casseroles for the Homeless “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me…” Matthew 25: 35-36 If you do these things for a stranger, you have done them unto the Lord.
The Women’s Association, working with the Mission Committee, will be collecting “Casseroles for the Homeless”, for St. Francis Inn all summer. Casserole pans will be available every Sunday morning in the Narthex or Auditorium. Take as many pans as you would like and bring them back anytime before October 1st. If you saw the video about the Inn, you realize how many people they are feeding and the sadness that surrounds them. At least 42% of homeless children are under the age of five. About 1/3 of low-income families do not have enough money to prepare three meals a day. The parents take their children to St. Francis Inn for a nutritional meal. The Inn needs 30 – 40 casseroles per meal, per day. In May we sent 125 casseroles, due to your kindness, which enabled them to have enough food for 31/2 meals. CASSEROLES FOR THE HOMELESS: The Women’s Association, working with the Mission Committee, have made the casserole pans available to you all summer, for St. Francis Inn (“Casseroles for the Homeless”). The pans are still available every Sunday morning in the Narthex or Auditorium. Take as many pans as you would like and please bring them back to church no later than October 1st. We will be starting another campaign on October 25th. Any questions please call Sandi Flynn, 215-343-9332. |
FLYING SOLO
SEPTEMBER: Join us for breakfast/lunch at Waterlillies in Lahaska on Sunday, September 20. We will carpool from the church parking lot following second service.
NOVEMBER: On Sunday, November 1 we will attend the Zion Choral Concert at the Schwenksfelder Church in Worcester, Pennsylvania. The concert begins at 3 p.m.
NOVEMBER: Saturday, November 21 we will attend Willow Manor Players’ presentation of “Anything Goes” at the Abington Junior High School. Music and lyrics are by Cole Porter. The matinee begins at 2 p.m.
For reservations to any of the above activities, call Evelyn Lundin at 215-675-4759 or Doris Pickel at 215-674-1854. All widows, widowers and single by choice persons are invited to join us at any or all our meetings. |