GOOD TIDINGS Northminster Presbyterian Church

3131 61st Street, Sarasota, Florida 34243

July—August 2013

Dear Friends, A recent Gallup poll showed only half of the American people thought it is important to belong to a church. Seventy-five percent said it is possible to be a good Christian without going to church. In other words, most Americans think that in religion we can separate believing from belonging. It is not really surprising that American religion is largely a matter of "God and me". We live in a society that prizes rugged individualism. We make heroes out of the John Waynes of the Old West and the "top gun" fighter pilots of today. We are given the messages in hundreds of different ways: "Do your own thing; look out for number one; I've got mine and you've got to get yours; take care of yourself because no one else will do it for you." This individualism, combined with some spectacular failures of preachers and churches over recent years, has yielded a deep skepticism of “organized” religion today. But the fact is, in God’s view “organized religion,” that is the church, is a very good thing indeed. The church is part of God’s provision for his people, and the spreading of his message to the world. Consider these reasons why: 1. WE ARE CALLED TO BELONG NOT JUST BELIEVE. Clearly, there is “God and me,” in the Scriptures. Each of us is called as individuals to repent and believe, and each

becomes a child of God in his or her own right through faith. But it does not end there. It begins as “God and me,” but then becomes “God and we”. We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves. The Bible says we are put together, joined together, built together, members together, heirs together, fitted together, held together, and will be caught up together. 2. BELONGING MAKES US STRONGER. Some witty person once said that where two or three are together you have a mess. Sometimes it is very true. Any relationship between people is messy and will always have problems and conflicts. The church is no different, and it may seem like we would do better worshiping and serving God alone. But can we? Left to ourselves, we tend to drift away. We become easy prey for self-centeredness and temptation. The fact is we need the discipline, the encouragement, and the teaching of the community to grow and serve. We also need one another when the chips are down. To whom can we go to when sickness comes, when death visits? Who prays for us, looks after us, loves us? Our families? Sometimes. But many times the larger family of God is the best place we can go and for some, the only place. 3. BELONGING ENABLES US TO DO MORE FOR GOD. An older gentleman I knew once said,

Continued on page 2

The Pastor’s Corner

Page 2 GOOD

JULY & AUGUST WORSHIP SERVICES

Sundays at 10:30

Christopher Carlson, Pastor

July 7 What Does Jesus Say

About Purpose? Matthew 5:13-16

July 14

What Does Jesus Say About the Rules? Matthew 5:17-20

July 21

What Does Jesus Say About Anger? Matthew 5:21-26

July 28

What Does Jesus Say About Relationships?

Matthew 5:27-36 August 4

What Does Jesus Say About Enemies? Matthew 5:43-48

August 11 What Does Jesus Say About Authenticity?

Matthew 6:1-8; 16-18 August 18

What Does Jesus Say About Praying to God?

Matthew 6:9-10 August 25

What Does Jesus Say About Praying for Ourselves?

Matthew 6:11-15

“You need a bucket to carry water.” In other words, you have to have a structure or an organization to accomplish anything of significance. Every organization is inefficient to one degree or another. Every organization needs to reform and remake itself from time to time. The church is no different. But the practical fact is that our ability to do things for God goes up exponentially when working together, over working alone. We put ourselves and our resources together and accomplish things we could never do alone. The bottom line is the church is not a building. The church is God’s people called out by God to worship him, love one another and serve his purposes. It is not perfect and will not be until the end. But it is a good place to be.

In His Grip,

Pastor Chris

The Pastor’s Corner—Continued from page 1

THE UPPER ROOM

Copies of the July-August Upper Room are now available in the Narthex, including a limited number of

LARGE PRINT copies.

Please take one home and experience the positive effect this daily devotion

can have on your life.

The Upper Room is provided without charge, but envelopes are available,

if you wish to assist in paying for the subscription.

TIDINGS Page 3

FIORELLY WINERY TRIP PLANNED FOR JULY

The Rosa Fiorelly Winery is having a Harvest Fest on July 20. Admission is free! There will be arts and crafts and wine for sale, wine tasting, grape stomping, and more. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Red Cross Oklahoma Tornado Disaster Relief Fund. Fiorelly Winery is located on County Road 675 in Bradenton. We will meet at the church at 11:00 AM to carpool/convoy to the Winery. Please sign up in the Narthex if you’d like to join us!

PRESBYTERIANS EATING OUT

There will be no Presbyterians Eating Out in July. We will resume on August 16th at 5:00 PM, when we dine at Filippo's Pizzeria. Filippo's is located in the shopping center across Lockwood Ridge Road from the church (at the end next to Outback). They have an extensive menu—so plan to come and share the good food and fellowship. Remember to add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

CALLING ALL BRIDGE PLAYERS

We are putting together our Marathon Bridge schedule for the upcoming year and we are looking for more bridge players. We will play monthly, from fall to spring, in members’ homes and are open to couples and singles. You may select your own partner or we will try

to match you up with a bridge partner. Please sign up as soon as possible so we can create a monthly schedule for next year. Call our new chairperson, Bob Price.

MIXON FRUIT FARM TOUR IN AUGUST

The Fellowship Committee is planning a trip to the Mixon Fruit Farm on August 24. We will enjoy a tram ride through the Grove and a buffet lunch (including a sample of Mixon's famous orange swirl ice cream.) We will carpool from the church. The cost is only $17 per person. Please make out your check to Northminster and give it to Jean Wadsworth or Cora Lee Cain as soon as possible. Remember to sign up in the Narthex

A SEPTEMBER TRIP TO THE RINGLING

A fun trip to the Ringling Museum is being planned by the Fellowship Committee for September. We will visit the art museum and the Tibbles Learning Center. Lunch will be in the Banyon Cafe on the Ringling grounds. For more information contact Genie Tejkl or Cora Lee Cain. Look for a sign up sheet in the Narthex later this summer.

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE If you are interested in being on this fun committee which meets monthly, please contact Cora Lee Cain. You may just like to help on one of our sub-committees, such as decorating, kitchen serving, etc. Let us know!

GET READY FOR THE 2014 ART FAIR

Would you like to be in the NPC Art Show on Saturday February 15, 2014? For more information call Rich Rhodes.

FELLOWSHIP

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MISSION MINISTRY

SAFE PLACE AND RAPE CRISIS CENTER:

Our 3rd Quarter Mission

The mission of Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center is to stop domestic and sexual violence in our community. SPARCC operates a 24-hour crisis hotline, offers counseling and emergency shelter, and presents educational programs in the community. They are the leading provider of continuing education in the area of domestic and sexual violence to area law enforcement and health care personnel.

With your support, SPARCC can continue to help heal the damage caused by domestic violence and break the cycle in our community. Please make your donation to SPARCC by using the mission envelopes in the Sunday bulletin or by marking “Local Mission” on your offering envelope or online giving entry.

A CEDARKIRK WISH LIST

At this writing, the mission offerings for Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center, are in excess of $2,000, with two more Sundays in June to be counted. We are very happy to be able to support their Christian summer camp programs.

Summer camp is underway, but gifts of the following items are still on Cedarkirk’s Wish List: games for rainy days, campground supplies, playground equipment, digital camera, arts and crafts supplies, landscaping hand tools and construction tools. Any gift may be dropped off in the church office.

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK

Northminster supports All Faiths Food Bank year round. Summer vacation is a time of great need for families whose children usually receive free lunch at school. Please remember to bring donations of canned or boxed food (no glass containers) and place them in the yellow barrel in the Narthex or the box in the church office.

MEDICAL OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

Dr. Barry Ladd continues his Medical Ombudsman ministry with parishioners wishing to talk and ask questions about their illnesses or treatment. All conversations are free, private and confidential. Appointments may be made for Tuesday mornings through the church office.

DO YOU NEED A RIDE?

Bob Silver arranges for transportation to Sunday Worship for any who need a ride. Contact Bob if you or someone you know needs a ride.

FREE WHEEL CHAIR MISSION

Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is "to provide the transforming gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries, as motivated by Jesus Christ."

In the third world, millions of disabled people crawl around in the dirt or have to be carried to get where they want to go, so for $72.00 you can literally buy a wheel chair and change a life. FWM founder, Dr. Don Schoendorfer, an engineer and inventor, came up with a wheel chair design that is durable and all-terrain and can be made and shipped for approximately $72.00. FWM works around the world in partnership with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based and government organizations, sending wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of disabled people, providing not only the gift of mobility, but of dignity, independence, and hope.

TIDINGS Page 5

ROMANIA MISSION

TRIP Thank you all for the over-whelming support of the Romanian Mission. Four boxes (94 lbs) of medications and health care supplies have already been sent to the mission sponsor, First Presbyterian Church of Howell, MI, with more to be packed and sent. Esther Circle has offered to pay the cost of shipping the donations.

Over $500 was received in the special Sunday mission offering in June and a gift of $2,000 was given by Harry Neal to help replace the school bus/van.

Again, thank you one and all. Look for a report on the mission trip when I return!

Phyllis Maisel

DONATION DELIVERY ASSISTANCE

Bill Marvin is available to pick up household items for delivery to Beth-El Farmworkers Ministry. Please contact Bill by phone, or through the church office to arrange for pickup.

LOOKING FOR INVESTMENTS? Northminster has taken some action to put our funds to work in a positive way. We have removed the church’s money from local money market ac-counts that are paying practically nothing and have invested them with the Presbyterian Invest-ment and Loan Program (PILP). This is paying us in the following ways:

♦ By purchasing Term Notes we are able to make from 0.45% annual interest for 6 months to 2.00% for 60 months. By using Mission Market Fund Notes we are able to earn from 0.45% to 0.75% annual interest while still hav-ing immediate access to our funds. ♦ We will also be reducing the interest we pay on our mortgage for the new sanctuary. Each investment by members and friends of NPC and by the church goes toward a rebate pro-gram, which has already reduced our mortgage interest rate by 0.25%. We are very close to the level that will reduce it another 0.25%.

Investments by the church and almost two dozen of our members and friends now total over $360,000. Additional investments totaling $10,000 will not only put the church at a lower rate of interest but it will be earning money for you. When we reach the next level of interest savings, we will be earning and saving a to-tal of $4,600 per year. If you would like to find out more about this pro-gram, talk to Ben Blake, Vice President of PILP or call Jack Tibbets at the church office.

My grateful thanks for all the cards, calls, visits, food and, above all, the love and prayers from our church family.

Bev Kerr

PW PLANS FOR 2013-2014 GENERAL MEETINGS

The PWCT (Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team) is busily planning for the new program year which begins in October 2013. Some of the year’s events will be: a “Mission Fair” to acquaint all the ladies of the church with the many services we have in our community to help children, adults and families; an outing to Covenant PC in Sarasota to visit the “Knit-N-Sew” Mission Group and then lunch in Sarasota; a Christmas celebration honoring the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ; a “Hats & Tea Cups” tea party; and of course, great luncheons and scrumptious desserts! Remember, all women of the church, as well as guests and visitors, are automatically members of Presbyterian Women and are invited to all our General Meetings and to the Circle Bible studies.

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WOMEN’S CIRCLES “An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy” will be the Bible Study in each of our Circles beginning in September 2013 and ending in May 2014. All women of the church as well as visitors and guests are cordially invited to visit a Circle of their choice. The meeting dates and times are listed below. All Circles meet in the church Library. Esther Circle September 5, 12:00 noon Ruth Circle September 16, 10:00 AM Mary Circle September 25, 10:00 AM PW Coordinating Team Monday, September 9, 10:30 AM

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

The next two meetings of The Knit

Wits are planned for Thursday, July 11thand

Thursday August 15th at 11:00 AM in the Library. All are welcome - from beginners to experienced knitters. Come and join us in the fellowship of NPCs Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Our goal is to provide Prayer Shawls made with love and healing prayer to anyone who may be at home recovering, having chemo, in the hospital or to someone who might need some healing comfort during a difficult time. Please contact Judy Haywood or Della Lycan if you would like to join us as a knitter or if you know of a member who would like a Prayer Shawl as they recover.

FEELIN’ CHILLY? Sometimes the air conditioning in Florida can be a little too cold - especially when we are sit-ting for a while. Knitted shawls are available for anyone who would like to use one during our service. Feel free to wrap yourself in a cozy shawl during the service and kindly return it to the back of the pew.

KNIT WITS

On Tuesday, October 1, 2013, author and Bible teacher Dick Murphy will begin leading a 12-week study on his new book, Resurrection: The Day Jesus Christ Returns, during the pastor’s regular Bible study periods of 9 AM and 4 PM. The book is about living, dying, and living again in resurrection. It answers questions about what happens when we die, where do we go, what do we do, and what can we expect? Pastor Chris will be present to assist in the discussions of our Christian beliefs and the doctrines associated with our eschatological future.

Our entire Christian faith is based on the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul said that if Christ was not raised from the dead our faith is useless (1 Corinthians 15:14). Thus, we need to start with a right understanding of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is more than the resuscitation of a corpse.

That one miraculous event forever cemented the faith and belief of the disciples into an uncompromising truth. God raised Jesus from the dead! The disciples saw him. They talked to him. They touched him. They believed in him. They witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. On this foundation the church was born.

The body of Jesus Christ was restored to life in an act of God called the resurrection. It was that and much more. It was God showing us through His Son Jesus Christ what eternal life looks like on the other side of death. It was as if Jesus were saying to the world, “Look at me. This is what you can be. This life awaits you.” Jesus lives, and because Jesus lives, you too can live.

Make a note on your calendar to come and explore with us this revealing study of your life to come. And plan to bring a friend.

TIDINGS Page 7

UPCOMING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASS RESURRECTION: THE DAY JESUS CHRIST RETURNS

ATTENTION MILITARY VETERANS

We are in the process of reproducing a CD that was made a few years ago. Do you have a photo (regular or digitized) of you in uniform when you served in the military? Please bring it (or send it) to the church office or put it in the box in the Narthex on Sunday by September 15. Please label your photo so we can return it to you. We’d really like to include pictures of all of our members and friends who served in the military.

Which stores & restaurants offer cards? To start with we have chosen 28 vendors, including Publix, Walmart, Walgreens, BP Gas, Applebees, Subway, Taco Bell, and Amazon.com. Pick up an order form to see all the cards that are available. If your favorite store or

restaurant is not on the list, just ask Barbara or Rich Rhodes if it’s available.

When can I order my cards? Orders for the next batch of gift cards will be taken on July 28th, with delivery of cards on August 4th. Just fill out an order form, make your check out to Northminster, and give them to Barbara or Rich Rhodes by July 28.

Watch your bulletin for the August order date. Let’s help Northminster take a bite out of it’s mortgage!

Our Scrip Fundraising Program is up and running! We’ve already sold $10,000 worth of Publix gift cards and the first order of the other retail and restaurant cards will be delivered on July 7th.

How it works: If you buy groceries, gasoline, medication, or dine out - that is all you have to do. The only difference is that you make your purchases with gift cards purchased from the Church. Northminster is getting these gift cards at a discount from Scrip Pro. When you purchase the cards, at face value, the difference goes to our Mortgage Fund. When you make a purchase with your gift card you get the total value that you paid for!

How much can Northminster raise? It’s up to you. At an average of $400 in gift cards per month, 50 households can raise $9,600—$12,000 per year. Imagine how much our whole congregation can raise!

Page 8 GOOD

TAKING ANOTHER BITE OUT OF OUR MORTGAGE!

If you are interested in becoming a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, or just finding out more about us, this class is for you!

You will find out about what Presbyterians believe and how they compare in church government to other denominations. We will find out about YOU and introduce you to some of the programs at Northminster.

Adventures in Membership (AIM) Class will be held on Sunday, August 4, in the Fellowship Hall following the worship service (11:45-2:00). A light lunch is included.

Please call the church office or Pastor Chris to let us know if you’ll be attending.

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday—Thursday 9:00 - 3:30

Friday 9:00 - 2:00 Closed—July 4th

DEADLINES

• Sunday Bulletin announcements are due in the office by noon every Wednesday.

• Good Tidings: Please note that this issue of the Good Tidings covers the months of July and August. The deadline for the September newsletter is Thursday, August 15. The preferred method of submission is by e-mail to office@npcsarasota.org.

• Session Committee Monthly Reports are due in the office by Wednesday, July 10 for the July Session meeting and by Wednesday, August 14 for the August meeting.

JULY BIRTHDAYS

2 Helen Healy 3 Mary Ann Landis 4 Chet Miller 9 Ginny McIntire Harry Wilde 10 Jim Stoltie 12 Judy Haywood 14 Jean Johnston 15 Marge Rowe 17 Doris Loomis Della Lycan George Shoner 20 Dick McGuire 22 Lorayne Ohlson 24 Barbara Neale 26 Jane Mather 29 Carol Brown

TIDINGS Page 9

THANK YOU OFFICE ANGELS

• Thank you for your assistance in June—Aleta Blachly, Jan Gubrud, Richard & Helen Healy, Bille Hultin, Inga Larsen, Betty Miller, and Shirley Samson

HELPING HANDS APPRECIATED

Thanks to all who have volunteered to lend a helping hand in the office. This summer I will be undergoing hand surgery and will be rely-ing on these extra hands extensively while I recuperate. Anyone who would like to help with specific limited tasks, such as stuffing envelopes, running the folding machine, or filing, please call me in the office.

Thanks!

Isabel Oake

Office Administrator

6 Lena Holloway Mary Lou Lefferson Hugh Quigley 7 Dick Brainard 8 Betty Lou Deburn 14 Dale Davies Ginny Engleman 15 Sandy Heslin Velma Otten 20 Ruby Senhauser 22 Billie Hultin Betty Miller 23 John Gale 25 Terry Armentrout Cynthia Murphy 28 Irene Bagley Ned Neale 29 Jim Tejkl

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5:00 Fellowship 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

2 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 2:00 Finance (L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

3 10-3 Artists (EB)

4 Independence

Day -Office Closed-

5 6:30 Big Book-AA

6 11:00 Roesler/Shirey Wedding

7 10:30 Worship 11:30 Hot Dog Lunch (FH) 7PM Iglesia* (FH)

8 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

9 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 11:00 Staff Mtg.(L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

10 10-3 Artists (EB) 6:30 Brownies (FH)

Session

Committee

Reports Due

11 10:00 Narthex Welcome Center Group (L) 11:00 Knit Wits (L)

12 6:30 Big Book-AA

13

14 10:30 Worship/ Communion 7PM Iglesia* (FH)

15 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

16 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 11:00 Staff Mtg.(L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

17 10-3 Artists (EB)

18

19 6:30 Big Book-AA

20 11:00 Trip to Fiorelly Winery

21 10:30 Worship 7PM Iglesia* (FH)

22 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

23 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 11:00 Staff Mtg.(L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

24 10-3 Artists (EB) 6:30 Brownies (FH)

25 26 6:30 Big Book-AA

27

28 10:30 Worship 7PM Iglesia* (FH)

29

6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

30 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 11:00 Staff Mtg.(L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

31 10-3 Artists (EB)

* Iglesia del Redentor, a

Spanish-speaking congregation, meets in our

Fellowship Hall on Sunday evenings.

Locations

EB=Education Bldg

FH= Fellowship Hall

L= Library

S= Sanctuary

JULY 2013 Northminster Presbyterian Church • Sarasota, FL

AUGUST 2013 Northminster Presbyterian Church • Sarasota, FL

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

* Iglesia del Redentor, a

Spanish-speaking congregation, meets in our

Fellowship Hall on Sunday evenings.

1 2:00 Liturgists (L)

2 6:30 Big Book-AA

3

4 10:30 Worship 11:15 AIM Class for New Members (FH) 7PM Iglesia* (FH)

5 5:00 Fellowship Committee 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

6 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 11:00 Staff Mtg.(L) 12:00 Worship (L) 2:00 Finance (L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

7 10-3 Artists (EB) 6:30 Brownies (FH)

8 9 6:30 Big Book-AA

10

11 10:30 Worship/ Communion 7PM Iglesia* (FH)

12 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

13 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 11:00 Staff Mtg.(L) 1:00 Personnel (L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

14 10-3 Artists (EB) 6:30 Brownies (FH)

Session

Committee

Reports Due

15 11:00 Knit Wits (L)

Good Tidings

deadline

16 5:00 Presbyterians Eating Out 6:30 Big Book-AA

17

18 10:30 Worship 7PM Iglesia* (FH)

19 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

20 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 11:00 Staff Mtg.(L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

21 10-3 Artists (EB) 6:00 Session/Deacons Mtg (FH) 6:30 Brownies (FH)

22 23 6:30 Big Book-AA

24 Trip to Mixon Fruit Farm

25 10:30 Worship 7PM Iglesia* (FH)

26 6:00 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

27 9-12 Medical Ombudsman 10:00 Bible Study (FH) 11:00 Staff Mtg.(L) 7:00 Rose Grp-AA

28 10-3 Artists (EB) 6:30 Brownies (FH)

29 306:30 Big

Book-AA

31

Locations

EB=Education Bldg

FH= Fellowship Hall

L= Library

S= Sanctuary

GOOD TIDINGS Northminster Presbyterian Church 3131 61st Street Sarasota, FL 34243-2542

Northminster Presbyterian Church “Called by Christ. Sent by Christ.”

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE: 10:30 AM

STAFF: OFFICE HOURS: Christopher C. Carlson, Pastor 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Monday—Thursday pastorchris@npcsarasota.org 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Friday Isabel Oake, Office Administrator office@npcsarasota.org Jack Tibbets, Business & Ministries Admin. PHONE: 941-355-4729 jack@npcsarasota.org FAX: 941-351-2162 Sally Kirby, Clerk of Session E-MAIL: office@npcsarasota.org clerkofsession@npcsarasota.org WEBSITE: www.npcsarasota.com Edward L. Stiles, Jr., Music Director Jay Snyder, Organist Mike Large, Audio/Visual Operator

Northminster Presbyterian Church Good Tidings is published for members and friends of the church to promote its programs and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Please notify the office of any address, phone, or e-mail changes.

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit #526

Manasota, FL

PLACE LABEL HERE

CURRENT RESIDENT

“In God we trust”

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