Sermons for the Month

March

3/5 John 6:1-15 Rev. Pauline Sexton, Preaching “Less is More” 1st Sunday in Lent Communion

“Lenten Sermon Series: The Lord’s Prayer”

3/12 Matthew 6:9 Rev. Jeanne Thomas, Preaching “Our Father in Heaven” 2nd Sunday in Lent 3/19 Matthew 6:10 Rev. Jeanne Thomas, Preaching “Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done” 3rd Sunday in Lent 3/26 Matthew 6:11-12 Rev. Jeanne Thomas, Preaching “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” 4th Sunday in Lent

Worship Service—10:00 AM Join Us!

Dear Friends,

With the turn of the calendar comes the beginning of Lent, a season of examination and discipline; of commitment and challenge. We are invited to slow

down and follow Jesus’ footsteps to the cross.

And yet, how do we slow down when life seems to be moving around us at a dizzying pace? I read recently that it took 38 years for radio to reach 50 million listeners and 13 years for television to reach 50 million viewers. But the same threshold of 50 million users was reached by the Internet in only four years, by the iPod in three years, and by Facebook in just two years. Any way you look at it, it is hard to fathom the escalating rate of change in the world around us.

How can we keep up with it all? And how can we possibly slow down long enough to focus on following Jesus?

The good news of the Gospel is that what was relevant two thousand years ago remains relevant for us today: Christ lived for us; Christ died for us; and Christ rose again from the grave for us. Our God is the Lord of all times, and what is most relevant for us in this time and place boils down to two things: loving the Lord our God and loving our neighbor as our self.

This “greatest commandment” is, in a sense, the eye of the hurricane that enables us to navigate through the storms around us,

(continued on pg. 2)

From Your Pastor I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

From Your Pastor 1-2

March

Sermons 1

Holy Week

Services 2

Lenten Bible Study 3

Growing Our

Future Update

4

Easter Flower

Order Form

5

Church School

Chatter

6

Save the Date for

Vacation Bible

7

Take Me Out to

the Ballgame!

Stop Hunger Now

Ellis Fit & Fun Night

8

Community

Garden

9

Children & Youth

Ministry News

10-11

One Great Hour of

Sharing 2017

12

Blanket Drive

Thank you, church

family!

13

Change Your

Clocks!

PW Board Mtg.

March Circle Mtgs.

March Birthdays

15

Calendar 16

Staff 17

N E W T O W N S Q U A R E

P R E S B Y T E R I A N

C H U R C H

NSPC Connections 3 6 0 0 G O S H E N R O A D

N E W T O W N S Q U A R E , P A 1 9 0 7 3

O F F I C E : 6 1 0 . 3 5 6 . 8 0 6 3

W W W . N E W T O W N S Q U A R E P R E S . O R G

R E V . D R . J E A N N E T H O M A S — P A S T O R

M A R C H 2 0 1 7

P A G E 2

N S P C C O N N E C T I O N S

(continued from pg. 1) and keep a narrow focus when change comes hard and fast.

The question is: are we more influenced by God or by change? In Chinua Achebe’s latest book, he makes this astute observation: “Without a doubt, the times in which we live influence our behavior, but the best or merely the better among us...are never held hostage by their times.” That is the sentiment of Lent, these forty days that remind us of Jesus’ own journey, and the temptations he faced to lose focus on his mission as our Messiah.

So Lent is a time to slow down and re-focus. It is a time to see all that is around us through the lens of Jesus Christ. In remembering Jesus’ path to the cross, we are challenged to move into that centering place, that eye of the storm, where we come into Christ’s presence through prayer and worship.

In Christ, we are never held hostage by the world around us. For in Christ, we are “the best or merely the better among us,” not by our own efforts, but because of his continuing presence with us through the power of his Spirit.

This Lent, let us make a commitment to slow down, come into Christ’s presence, and follow his footsteps to the cross. “O taste and see that the Lord is good; for happy are those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)

In Christ,

Jeanne

Come join us for our Holy Week Services:

Palm Sunday:

Sunday, April 9 at 10 AM: Palm/Passion Sunday. Children will meet in their Sunday school classrooms at

9:45 AM to get their palm branches and will enter the sanctuary to “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.”

Maundy Thursday:

Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 PM: Maundy Thursday Communion and Service of Tenebrae.

Easter:

Sunday, April 16 at 10 AM: Easter Sunday. Sunday school will be held and infant care will be available

in the Nursery.

Lenten Bible Study The Lord’s Prayer Led by Pastor Jeanne

Thomas

Lent is a season of examination of discipline, of commitment and challenge. Every year, we are invited to walk with Jesus towards the cross.

This year, we will be spending four weeks studying the prayer Jesus taught us to pray, according to the Gospel of Matthew. The Bible Study will take place on Tuesdays at 7 PM and Wednesdays at 10 AM in the Adult Meeting Room. You may attend either session each week and as many sessions as you are able. Childcare will be provided if you sign up in advance.

An accompanying sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer will be preached during Lent, from March 12 through Palm/Passion Sunday.

March 7/8: Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name ~Mt. 6:9

March 14/15: Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. ~Mt. 6:10

March 21/22: Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. ~ Mt. 6:11-12

April 4/5: Do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. ~Mt. 6:13

P A G E 3

P A G E 4

GROWING OUR FUTURE UPDATE

We are excited by the growth of our congregation and eager to see what we can accomplish as a community of faith. We are aware, however, of our aging building and realize the urgent need for changes in the facility.

How to combine plant improvements and congregational priorities, while maintaining fiscal responsibility, has been the overriding mission of this committee. It is important to each of us that what we plan now will contribute to future needs and desires for years to come.

We determined priorities of the congregation through surveys, small group conversations, and an all-congregation workshop, and hired an architect to draw plans reflecting our needs. We visited several churches that have undergone similar studies and building renovations, and learned much from these visits.

The Growing Our Future Committee has met monthly for more than two years, and more recently weekly, in an effort to provide a building renovation plan for NSPC. It has been a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process, but we remain totally committed to this task.

We now believe that we have narrowed down our possibilities, while maintaining the priorities set for us by our members. Our next steps are to fine-tune the plan, come up with a budget, and present it to the congregation.

We are increasingly excited about the future of this church and sincerely hope that you are too! Stay tuned…

Sincerely,

Dot Gauntlet, on behalf of the Growing Our Future Committee:

James Kucera, Chair; Allen Corle, Jim Shea, Jim Hitchens, Dot Gauntlett, Rich Digby,

Jack Niggeman, Sara Boninu, Director of Youth & Family Ministry, and Jeanne Thomas, Pastor.

P A G E 5

Tulips - $6.00

Daffodils - $6.00

Lilies - $7.50

Orders must be received by Sunday, April 9, 2017.

Please return this form along with your payment to the church office, or place in the offering plate (make checks out to NSPC with “Easter Flowers” in the memo section). Please include your “in memory” or “in honor” information below.

Given by: ________________________________________________________

In memory of: ____________________________________________________

OR

In honor of: ______________________________________________________

Tulips____ Daffodils____ Lilies____

(Please indicate quantity beside flower choice.)

Total Enclosed $_________

If you are NOT planning on picking up your flowers after the 10:00 a.m. Easter service, please check the box below and plan to pick them up the following week.

□ I will pick up my flowers the week after Easter.

Order yours today!

Easter Flowers

P A G E 6

CHURCH SCHOOL CHATTER …from Christian Education

It’s hard to believe that winter is almost over. We begin our Spring quarter on March 12. Spring will soon be upon us ushering in new life as we celebrate our new life in Jesus Christ and all the wonderful blessings bestowed upon us.

Palm Sunday Children’s Procession

Don’t forget our Palm Sunday Procession of the Church School Students. The children will meet around 9:45 AM in their classrooms and line up before worship begins on April 9. They will be dismissed to church school with their teachers after the children’s message.

Easter Egg Hunt

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Thursday, April 13 at 10:00 AM. Light refreshment and fun is planned for all. So tell your friends and neighbors and bring your children and grandchildren for a really good time gathering all those colorful eggs and listening to the Easter story.

Donations of Candy

Of course, we need something to fill all those colorful eggs and would greatly appreciate your donation of small wrapped candy to be hidden in the eggs. Please leave in the church office or conference room. Thank you so much for your kind generosity.

~ Nancy Gingras

Church School Superintendent

P A G E 7

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017 The Brightest Week of the Summer!

Sound Wave Sing & Play ~ Bible Discovery Game Makers ~Snack Factory

Imagination Station ~ Funshop Finale

General Information:

Join us for an over-the-top adventure with Group Publishing’s Vacation Bible School Program: Maker Fun Factory: Created by God; Built for a Purpose. Vacation Bible School will take place Monday, June 27th – Thursday, June 29th. Each day, our program will begin promptly at 9:15 AM and conclude at 12:00 PM. A light snack will be provided by the church and is included in your $25.00 donation per child. Join us for Sound Wave Sing & Play, Bible Discovery, Imagination Station, Game Makers, Snack Factory, and Funshop Finale. Children in Preschool through 5th Grade are welcome to participate. Children must have completed one year of pre-school, must be 4 by November 1, 2017 and must be potty trained. On Wednesday, June 28th at 6:30 PM, there will be an Ice Cream Social in the Social Hall. Parents and family members will have the opportunity to hear a few VBS songs and watch a slideshow featuring pictures from the entire week!

Registration: Registration begins on Monday, April 3rd. Registration forms will be available in the Church Office and online at www.newtownsquarepres.org. One registration form per child, please.

Volunteer Information: We need Jr. Crew (6th Grade and above) to guide the children from various locations. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping, please contact the Church Office. If you love kids and are looking for a way to get involved in the church community this summer, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Check Out These Fun Photos from Cave Quest VBS 2016:

P A G E 8

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

NSPC Night at the Phillies is Tuesday, June 20th at Citizens Bank Park. A block of fifty tickets has been purchased for the game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Section 211 (rows 9 to 12) on the first base side of the field. The seats face directly toward the Phanavision where the action is produced for the big screen. They are great seats for about half price at a cost of $20 per ticket.

Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis. To purchase your tickets, please make a check payable to Bob Bechtold. Checks can be mailed or given to Bob and

Sue Bechtold or dropped off to Brooke at the church office.

Plans will be made to carpool. Please let Bob know if you can drive someone who needs a ride.

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF FUN!

The Fellowship Commission

STOP HUNGER NOW PASTA DINNER

& SILENT AUCTION We can’t thank you enough for your support of “Stop Hunger Now.” The Pasta Dinner & Silent Auction yielded a profit of over $2,000. We are happy to announce that we have exceeded our goal of $6,000

STOP HUNGER NOW MEAL PACKAGING EVENT

Our “Stop Hunger Now” Meal Packaging Event will take place on Sun-day, March 12th from 3:00—5:00 PM. If you would like to sign up to work at the event, please contact Lynne Corle (lcorle@gmail.com, 610-563-5355) or speak with her in church. Thank you!

A BIG THANK YOU to the Ellis Athletic Center

for hosting our Family Fun & Fitness Night!

P A G E 9

Community Garden

Don't be alarmed if you go to the garden and see the disarray. I am planning on replacing 24 of the beds and am doing so with treated lumber although when I first started I did buy untreated lumber. The original five beds were from my deck. The lumber was at least 16 years old and they are still the best beds in the garden. The difference in costs today is $47 per bed for untreated vs $54.85 for treated.

The difference in lifetime is at least five years or better. The garden began in 2011-12 with 24 beds. I added another 12 in 2013 and completed the expansion to 48 beds in 2014 and 15. All of these beds were built with untreated lumber.

Along with some of the original 24 beds, many of these latter beds must be replaced. In other words the untreated lasted less than three years.

I have done a lot of research and have discovered that arsenic is no longer used in treated lumber. What I have found that there are two copper by-products that are used and they are designed to protect the wood against moisture and insects. This has been confirmed when I asked Home Depot regarding their treated lumber.

I am in the process of editing the guidelines for what you can and cannot plant. In essence, they will emphasize the problems of plants such as some berry bushes, horseradish, etc. that multiply underground and will eventually invade other beds. Along with plants that are taller than six or seven feet. If every gardener planted accordingly, then all beds would be shaded. Ergo - no okra, sunflower, corn, etc. I confess, I was remiss this past year because I was away in July and August but if I see any this year, I will pull accordingly. There are "dwarf" plants that are available.

I need some feedback. There was a woman that has come into our garden sometime in August during the past two years and has taken produce from many beds. I believe that she drives a brown sedan. Can anyone provide any specifics regarding to time of day, time of month, appearance, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated. We have lost at least one gardener due to this. She has taken “community garden” to its literal meaning.

Also, I had the area around the beds sprayed last fall for Canadian thistle. PLEASE, IF YOU SEE THIS PLANT GROWING, PULL BEFORE IT BLOSSOMS, take it home and throw it in the trash.

Also, good news and bad. I will have a large delivery of dirt for the gardens in the spring. The bad news is that I am not physically able to put it in your beds. I am struggling to rebuild the beds and have asked for help from the church. So far I haven't had any response. As much as I believe in this endeavor, my body is voicing a negative.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Gardening,

P A G E 1 0

CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

Youth News

The First Sunday Night Social took place on February 5th after worship. 6 youth gathered in

the youth lounge for a pizza party and games. We had a foosball tournament, which resulted

in a win by Ben Mitchell and Frank Boninu. The social ended with a game of dodgeball—boys

v. girls.

The next First Sunday Night Social will be held on Sunday,

March 5th at 4:00 P.M. The youth and 5th graders will meet

at Get Air in King of Prussia for an evening of trampoline

bouncing. The evening will be followed by pizza at Vito’s

Pizza.

Get Air is $15 per hour + $3 for socks. PIZZA DINNER WILL

BE PROVIDED. If you wish to chaperone this event and be

a driver, please contact Sara Boninu at sara.nspc16@gmail.com or 610-356-8063 (ext. 13).

ATTENTION: The next Youth Group meeting will take place

on Sunday, March 19th at 5:00 P.M. We will continue our

study of Pure Praise for Youth. Invite your friends! 20 youth

will earn the group a pool party.

Thank you! SOUPER Bowl of Caring raised $190.60 for Stop Hunger Now.

P A G E 1 1

Family Ministry News

12 elementary school students learned what it means

to love your neighbor at February’s Kids’ Night Out

program. The story of The Good Samaritan was

taught, showing students that they can love others

who are different. The children put their faith in

action by constructing 60 activity books for the

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The evening

concluded with cupcakes and games.

The next Kids’ Night Out event will take place on

Saturday, March 11. Kindergarten-2nd grade will meet in

the social hall from 5:00-6:00 P.M. 3rd-5th graders will

meet from 6:00-7:00 P.M.

The Young Adult Group met for lunch at Uno’s on February

19th. Table discussions between 9 individuals included the

following: (1) When should we start meeting? (2) How

often should meet? (3) What should we do together?

The group concluded that we would interact with one

another through social events as we begin this ministry.

The next lunch meeting is Sunday, March 19th following

worship. Stay tuned for more information regarding the

Young Adult Group.

~Sara Boninu, Director of Youth and Family Ministry

P A G E 1 2

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” —Lev. 19:18

Around the world, people lack access to food, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) serves to help change the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need.

One Great Hour of Sharing, received during the season of Lent, makes a difference in the world through

three impactful programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and

Self-Development of People.

Please make all checks out to NSPC and write “OGHS” in the memo line. Bulletin inserts highlighting the pos-

itive impact of our gifts will be in the March 1st and April 16th bulletins. Easter Sunday, April 16th, will be

the last day to make a donation. Below is a short history of the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering and

quick facts about the benefiting programs. Please join Christians across the country in supporting those in

need around the world.

P A G E 1 3

Dear Friends,

Thank you to everyone who attended the memorial service for my mother. It was

nice to see so many friends and family attend. Thank you also to everyone who

sent cards and well-wishes after my recent knee surgery. Finally, thank you to the

Deacons and to church friends for the meals you thoughtfully prepared and

delivered. I’m so grateful for your friendship and support.

Sincerely,

Elsie Oreski

Dear NSPC Family,

Thank you for being part of my healing process through your cards, calls, visits, church flowers, and especially

your prayers. I am very grateful to you, our church family, for your concern and support throughout my surgery

and recovery.

Special thanks go to the Deacons, Miriam Circle and Sacristy for your continued support. We are so fortunate to

be part of this congregation and experience Jeanne’s leadership. So many of you give so much to be a blessing to

others.

Healing prayers to each of you who are going through difficult trials, uncertainty, the pain of loss, and fear of

the future. God bless you!

~Betsy Bender

NSPC-PW Blanket Drive a Success - Again!

MANY thanks to the members of our congregation who contributed to the success of the 2017 NSPC-PW Blanket Drive. We collected $427!! That’s a lot of blankets for those in the U.S. and other countries who have been rendered homeless or impacted in some way by a natural disaster. Surely, some of them will go to victims of the floods, tornadoes, etc., occurring here at home.

Our check and report on this Blanket Drive have been sent to Church World Services, with whom the PC(USA) is in partnership for mission. We are grateful that this mission ministry continues to serve victims of natural disasters throughout the world. And NSPC is grateful to our generous members who continue to support the mission ministries that we serve directly, e.g., WAWA food deliveries to Chester Eastside and the Life Center, or in partnerships to serve the world. Again, THANK YOU ALL! May God continue to bless us as we continue to serve others.

Pam Lounsbury Chair, CWS Blanket Drive,

P A G E 1 4

DIVA & DUDE’S DEN

NEXT GENERATION GRANNY’S ATTIC April 1, 2017 from 9 a. m. –1p. m. for a fabulous day of shopping.

Diva & Dude’s Den is a mini version of Granny’s Attic. We are still accepting

knick-knacks, collectibles, women and men’s accessories, scarves, ties, small

accent pieces, glassware, stationery, holiday decorations, and baskets. We can’t

make this event happen without your donations. Your items can be dropped off

in the Diva’s basket in the coatroom, the Church Office or given to Ginny Berman.

Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. We need people to set-up donated items, serve as

cashiers, man tables, serve as kitchen help, and clean-up after the event. Sign-up by contacting Lois Peck

(l.peck@usciences.edu), Ginny Berman (tezcuco13@gmail.com) or turn in the form at the bottom of this

sheet to the office.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer Sign-Up

Name:_______________________________________

Week of the 26th

Set-up donated items

□ 3/28 9-12 □ 3/30 1-3 □ 3/31 9-12

April 1st

Cashiers (2 per session)

□ 8:30-11:00 □ 11:00-1:30

Manning Tables □ 8:30-11:00 □ 11:00-1:30

Help in the Kitchen □ 8:30-11:00

Clean-up □ 1:00

WOMEN AND CHILDREN LUNCHEON

Sponsored by the Presbyterian Women

April 30, 2017 after Church

Four Legged Friends – Partners for Life

Adult tickets $14 and Children under 10 tickets $6

If you have food allergies, please let us know.

CPL provides highly trained dogs to serve as service dogs and companions. Learn about CPL and meet one

of the service dog and its partner. Children bring your favorite stuffed animal for a parade.

P A G E 1 5

03/12 — Rhiannon Woodward

03/12 — Brynn Adgate

03/12 — Jayson Ronsvalle

03/14 — Donald Condo Morales

03/16 — Brooke Andrewson

03/17 — Fred Peck

03/17 — Earl Ebling

03/17 — Bob DeYoung

03/18 — Lauren McDonnell

03/18 — Anne Stulpin

03/19 — Lauren Cuskey

03/02 — Marg MacDonald

03/03 — Nancy Gingras

03/04 — Marissa Villano

03/05 — Rebecca DiPersia

03/06 — Sue Bechtold

03/07 — Frank Boninu

03/07 — Holly Nicolardi

03/07 — Jacob Ronsvalle

03/10 — Lillian Ebersole

03/11 — Cheryl Koch

03/11 — Allison Condo

March Circle Meetings

Phoebe Circle

Monday – March 6, 2017

Time – 1:00 p.m.

Location — Church Lounge

Hostess – Flossie Barnes

Devotions – Margie Conway

Study Leader – Flossie Barnes

Lesson - Horizon’s Bible Study:

Chapter 5, Who Is Jesus? According to Paul

Mission Project – You can bring food donation to the Church.

Miriam Circle Monday – March 13, 2017

Time – 12:15 p.m.

Location: Church Lounge

Hostess – Toni Sichel and Elsie Oreski

Closing Prayer– Toni Sichel

Don’t Forget!

Daylight Saving Time begins

Sunday, March 12th at 2:00 AM.

Move clocks FORWARD 1 hour.

PW Board

will meet on

Tuesday, March 21st

at 11:30 AM in the

Conference Room.

03/22 — Ryan Gries

03/24 — April Servano

03/26 — Dale Clark

03/26 — Julie Davis

03/28 — Jean Smith

03/28 — Dave Landrum

03/29 — Eric Barmes

03/29 — Kelly Sanders

03/30 — Declan Robinson

03/31 — James Kucera

March Birthdays

P A G E 1 6

March 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

11:20am -Confirmation Class

11:15am-Y.Adult Group

P A G E 1 7

In Ministry Together at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church:

Pastor ................................................................................................... The Rev. Dr. Jeanne Thomas Director of Youth and Family Ministry .............................................................................. Sara Boninu Director of Music...................................................................................................... Dawn C. Stevens Church Office Associate ....................................................................................... Brooke Andrewson Children’s Choir Director..................................................... ...................................... .Mary Beth Gray Accountant ................................................................................................................. Julie Bergstrom Director, Newtown Square Presbyterian Church Nursery School .............................. .Jane Fioravanti Clerk of Session ................................................................................................................ Buff Biddle President, Board of Trustees ............................................................................................... Jim Shea Treasurer .................................................................................................................... Dave Sampson Head Usher ................................................................................................................... Grant Snyder The Sacristy Guild of St. Martha ................................................................................ Pam Lounsbury Presbyterian Women .................................................................................................... Ginny Berman

Plus...all the members of NSPC

Church Officers:

SESSION/BOARD OF TRUSTEES Moderator: The Rev. Dr. Jeanne Thomas

Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019

Micki Digby Buff Biddle Jim Hitchens

Dot Gauntlett Jim Shea Meghan Kazanjian

Lois Peck Rick Weiss James Kucera

Lindy Rustam Joe Falcon Dan Schultz

BOARD OF DEACONS Moderator: Sue Bechtold

Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019

Rich Digby Lynne Corle Mary Burgess

Sue Bechtold Karen Shea Marg MacDonald

Betsy Bender Beth Snyder Jerry Schauer

Diane Dowlin Debbie Weiss Jim Thomas

Church Contact Information: Church Phone: ........................................................................................................... 610-356-8063 Rev. Thomas (cell): ................................................................................................. 610-368-1637 Rev. Thomas (home): ................................................................................................ 610-565-9788 Sara Boninu (cell): ..................................................................................................... 757-814-5097 Dawn Stevens (cell): ............................................................................................... 610-220-4797 Rev. Thomas e-mail:........................................................................... jeannethomas@comcast.net Sara Boninu e-mail: .................................................................................. sara.nspc16@gmail.com Dawn Stevens e-mail: ........................................................................... dawncstevens@gmail.com