october 2010 volume 27 issue 9 first press - clover...

October 2010 Volume 27 Issue 9

FIRST PRESS a newsletter of First Presbyterian Church in Anchorage, Alaska

Communion is Sunday, October 3.

I NS I D E T H IS IS S UE :

Announcements 1

Interim Pastor’s Pen 2

From the Youth Director

3

October Calendar 4–5

PW Corner / PW Events

6

Questions & Answers / Birthdays

7

Session Training – Session Training will be held by

Rev. Art Bell each Sunday in October: 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31. All members of Session are to meet in Room 8 every

Sunday from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

50/50 Club – Permanent Fund Dividends are coming

soon… What are you doing with yours? Don’t forget the missions of First Pres and Presbytery of Yukon. The 50/50 Club was established many years ago as a way to tithe 10% of your PFD. 50% stays at First Pres and 50% goes to Presbytery. To donate, memo 50/50 Club on your check or envelope. Jesus’ Closet – We need warm winter coats with working zippers, gloves, hats, and socks. The closet is open 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sundays or by appointment by calling John Hickerson 272-7170. Young Life Banquet – Young Life is hosting their annual fundraising banquet on Saturday, October 23 at the Dena’ina Center. Registration begins at 6 p.m. Dinner and events will follow from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dave Keddington is hosting a table, so the evening is no-charge to members of First Pres. We have supported Young Life & Young Lives (un-wed teen mom's ministry) for years. Come see what this amazing ministry is doing in the lives of kids from Fairbanks to Metlakatla. Signup on the Missions board in the Narthex. Contact is Dave at 306-3631. Thanksgiving Blessing Project – This year First Pres has been asked to provide 1,000 cans of corn for the Thanksgiving Blessing. The faith community partners up with the Food Bank of Alaska to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners to our neighbors in need. The food bank will bring barrels for collection on October 29 and pick them up November 14. New Website – Our new website is www.fpcanchorage.org.

Email webmaster Tim Baker at [email protected] with questions or comments. ESL Teachers – We need teachers on Monday

and Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Email Liz Hickerson at [email protected].

F i r s t Press Vo lume 27 I ssue 9

Art Bell came to the Christian ministry through a twisting course. Born in southern New England, his baptism was in a Congregational Church. Moving about the nation with the family, he has also experienced Baptist, Methodist (before they thought they were united) and finally Presbyterian systems.

He and Lillie are the parents of two. Jennifer Roberts is the mom of three and grand-mother of two. Their son, Bruce, lives in Kidderminster, England, and has one daughter. Following military service in Korea Art was employed for twenty years as a typesetter and printer. Following a several year experience with an ecumenical small group the clear call to Christian ministry found a response. Following the sale of their home they began on day two Bangor Maine that Art might begin as a seminary student. It was a novel experience to travel to Maine with four people abreast in a U-Haul truck. We were even stopped to be weighed when we reached Maine. Fortunately they didn't mind that our automobile was inside the truck. Art was admitted to seminary, having learned how to bend the seminary rules that forbid first-year students from serving the church. Before the application to the seminary was submitted he was contracted to work for two small churches in the wilds of Maine 70 miles from the seminary. After one year in the pre-theological department he was admitted to theological studies for a three-year course. Taking only a diploma rather than a degree, the family moved to Up-State New York while he finished his college education at Empire State College, a college of the State University of New York. With this completed in 1979, the family returned to Maine and Art received the D. Min. degree. The Presbytery of Lake Michigan ordained Art at the Wyoming Presbyterian Church, in suburban Grand Rapids. Following that service on was called to the First Presbyterian Church of Carol Iowa. It was in Iowa that Art discovered Interim Ministry in 1985. Art has served as a council member of the Interim Ministry Network, an ecumenical organization mostly of men and women who practice Intentional Interim Ministry. He is also a charter member of the Association of Presbyterian Interim Ministry Specialists (APIMS) and has served on the council of this organization in several different leadership roles. Lillie has experienced the same specialized interim training that Art has and has also served for several years as the editor of The Bridge, the APIMS newsletter. They anticipate a positive experience in Anchorage and are looking forward to being among us for the next several months. In Christ, Rev. Arthur W. Bell


MATTHEW 6:33-34 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34

So I was sitting here thinking about what exactly I should write on. What's the topic? What's the verse? I don't even have a clue. And so, when I get in this position, there's one thing I usually do: I go online to Bible Gateway, and use their verse of the day. And so what you see as the verse I chose is what was staring me in the face on the website. So I guess part of you is saying, "Why are you telling me all this?" Because this verse didn't just stare me straight back into the face, it gave me a good jolt to my soul as well. This verse just hit me right in the situation I'm facing. Over the last few days, I have been worrying about stuff. I think I have been worrying so much more than I should be. And then, in the midst of my worrying, in the midst of my wondering if God is there and if He is bigger than all my anxious thoughts, He lead me right to the place that I needed to be. Right to the passage to tells us what to do when we are anxious, worrying, confused, scared, and having no idea what to do next. Seek first His Kingdom, and all these things will be given to us. Seek God first. Put everything into His hands. Allow Him to work, and not you trying to work for Him. If we want to end the worry, if we want to end the stress, we need to stop looking for solutions ourselves and start looking towards God. God is present in all our situations. He will never leave us or forsake us. It was a promise He made to Joshua so many years ago, and it is a promise that still holds true today. But it doesn't come about for those who worry, stress, and look at the giant problems ahead of them. It comes to those who turn from the problems, and turn themselves to seek out God. Tim Baker, Director of Youth Ministries

New Members – New

Members Classes at First Presbyterian Church begin Sunday, October 3 at 9:30 a.m. in the Library. They will run for four weeks until October 24. Learn about the Presbyterian faith and First Pres. Contact is Judy Powell at 229-4132.

“How Great Thou Art” ~

Save the date! The First Pres, Anchor, and Sudanese Churches will join for a potluck feast of Thanksgiving Sunday, November 21 at 5 p.m. Come share your favorite family dish and celebrate with our church families.

http://www.dfdevos.com/2010/03/matthew-1820.html

F ir s t Press Vo lume 27 I ssue 9 October

Saturday / Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

2

3 † Communion Sunday †

Presbyterian Women Fall Bake Sale 12:30-2:30 p.m. Session Training, Room 8 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship

8:30 a.m. Praise Band Practice, FH

9:40 a.m. Contemporary Worship

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

6-8 p.m. Cord–Junior High Youth Group

7-9 p.m. Quest–Senior High Youth Group

4

9:30 a.m. AMS Planning Meeting, Library

1 p.m. Archives, Choir Room

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12

7 p.m. Young Adult Bible Study, Tim’s

House

5

10 a.m.-12 noon, ESL, Room 12

1 p.m. Librarian Available

6:30 p.m. Tuesday Night Bible Study, FH

6

12 NOON BULLETIN INFORMATION DEADLINE

1 p.m. Staff Meeting

5:30 p.m. Worship Committee, Library

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12

7 p.m. Primary Choir Practice, S

7 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, CR

7

10 a.m. Anchorage Pioneers’ Home

Service


5:30 p.m. Trustee Meeting, Library

7 p.m. Praise Band Practice, Sanctuary

1

7:30 p.m. Anchorage Rescue Mission

Service

8

9

10 12:30-2:30 pm Session Training, Rm 8







11

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12


House

12



5:30 p.m. Mission Committee, Library


13

9:30 a.m. Book Club, Library



6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12



14

9:30 a.m. PW Board Meeting, Library


12 noon A-Men, Denny’s

5:30 p.m. Session Meeting, Chapel


15

4 P.M. NEWSLETTER INFORMATION DEADLINE

16 9 a.m. Men’s Breakfast, Room 8

17 † Minute for Missions Sunday †

12:30-2:30 p.m. Session Training, Room 8 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship



11 a.m. Traditional Worship



18

6 p.m. Ladies’ Night Out, Pepper Mill

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12


House

19




20



6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12



21


5:45 p.m. Mem & Outreach Committee, L

6 p.m. Stitching Fellowship, FH


22

6 p.m. Potluck Fellowship, Fellowship

Hall, ―God Grew Tired of Us‖ – a

Documentary of the Sudanese Refugees

23








25

1 p.m. Lillie Berry Circle, Library

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12


House

26


10:30 a.m. Margaret Walkup Circle, L



27




6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12



28



5:30 p.m. Deacon Meeting, Library

5:30 p.m. Youth Sub-Committee, Room 8


29

30

31 12:30-2:30 pm Session Training, Rm 8 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship






F ir s t Press Vo lume 27 I ssue 9 2010

Saturday / Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

2

3 † Communion Sunday †

Presbyterian Women Fall Bake Sale 12:30-2:30 p.m. Session Training, Room 8 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship






4

9:30 a.m. AMS Planning Meeting, Library

1 p.m. Archives, Choir Room

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12


House

5




6



5:30 p.m. Worship Committee, Library

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12



7

10 a.m. Anchorage Pioneers’ Home

Service


5:30 p.m. Trustee Meeting, Library


1

7:30 p.m. Anchorage Rescue Mission

Service

8

9








11

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12


House

12



5:30 p.m. Mission Committee, Library


13




6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12



14

9:30 a.m. PW Board Meeting, Library



5:30 p.m. Session Meeting, Chapel


15

4 P.M. NEWSLETTER INFORMATION DEADLINE

16 9 a.m. Men’s Breakfast, Room 8

17 † Minute for Missions Sunday †

12:30-2:30 p.m. Session Training, Room 8 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship






18

6 p.m. Ladies’ Night Out, Pepper Mill

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12


House

19




20



6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12



21


5:45 p.m. Mem & Outreach Committee, L

6 p.m. Stitching Fellowship, FH


22

6 p.m. Potluck Fellowship, Fellowship

Hall, ―God Grew Tired of Us‖ – a

Documentary of the Sudanese Refugees

23








25

1 p.m. Lillie Berry Circle, Library

6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12


House

26


10:30 a.m. Margaret Walkup Circle, L



27




6:30-8:30 p.m. ESL, Room 12



28



5:30 p.m. Deacon Meeting, Library

5:30 p.m. Youth Sub-Committee, Room 8


29

30

31 12:30-2:30 pm Session Training, Rm 8 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship






Room Abbreviation Key: CA — Castle Room, CH — Chapel, CR — Choir Room, FH — Fellowship Hall, K — Kitchen, L — Library, N — Narthex, P — Parlor, S — Sanctuary


Presbyterian Women Secret Sisters Secret sisters will again kick-off this month. The new season begins October 1st. This is such a great way

to get to know your sisters here at First Presbyterian. Remember to kick-it off joyfully with a warm note to your secret sister or maybe even a fresh baked item left on the counter. If you have any ideas or comments to share with me, please let me know. Feel free to contact me at 277-3074. Your Sister in Christ, Tammy Lindemuth

PW PROGRAM CHAIR CORNER

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

The PW Fall Bake Sale is on Sunday, October 3 after each service. There will be jams/jellies, cakes, pies, cookies, breads, pastries galore. If can you make

something for the bake sale, please have it in the upstairs kitchen the morning of the event. Fresh baked goods will be accepted throughout the morning. All proceeds go to missions that PW supports. Any questions, call myself or Laurie Decker.

Our Fall Kick-Off event was well attended and all there enjoyed the stories that Pat Picket shared about

―Life on St. Lawrence Island in the 1930’s.‖ The food was delightful and the fellowship was warm and inviting. Thanks again to Pat for being our guest speaker and for sharing with us a glimpse into her and her family’s lives.

PW 2010-2011 Schedule of Events October 3rd, 2010

Fall Bake Sale; after each service December 11th, 2010

Christmas Luncheon; 12 noon – 2 p.m. ** February 12th, 2011

Valentine Luncheon; 12 noon – 2 p.m. ** April 16th, 2011

Spring Tea; 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. May 1st, 2011

Spring Bake Sale; after each service May 25th, 2011

End of Year BBQ; 12 noon ** May be cancelled, stay tuned for more news on this…

Ladies Night Out this month will be on Monday, October 18th at the Pepper Mill at 6:00 p.m. Be sure to sign up for this

event. If you have any questions or you need a ride, call Jean Adzima @ 338-1189.

continued… →

PW EVENTS THIS MONTH

PW Board Meeting — Meets 2nd Thursday, October 14 @ 9:30 a.m. in Library All women invited. Childcare available by request only. Book Club — Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, October 13, 27 @ 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in Library

Study: Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Childcare provided. Chair: Barbara Ratliff 333-0468. Ladies’ Night Out — Meets 3rd Monday, October 18 @ 6 p.m. at Pepper Mill

Sign up on the PW bulletin board or call Jean Adzima 338-1189 for reservations or a ride. Lillie Berry Circle — Meets 4th Monday, October 25 @ 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in Library

Study: Good & Evil by Douglas Connelly. Tea and dessert, followed by devotions and study. All women welcome. No childcare. Chair: Lois Beyer 344-1858. Margaret Walkup Circle — Meets 4th Tuesday, October 26 @ 10:30 a.m. in Library

Study followed by a sandwich luncheon at noon. Open to all women. No childcare. Chairs: Joan Morgan 337-5706 & Leah Hoffman 277-5272.

F i r s t Press

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

by Librarian Dorothea Lovejoy

Question: What are we to say to those who consider the Bible irrelevant and unrelated to modern day thinking and its subsequent life style?

Answer: A good question to start with would be, ―Do moral values exist?‖ If so, who is qualified to

make these moral values, and who is qualified to be a demonstration of them? Without question, the Bible is the only answer! God has given us the standard for moral values in His Word, and Jesus Christ is the demonstration! Jesus is the blueprint for the life of the Christian believer, and why would we not be wise enough to study this blueprint, knowing that one day we will be held accountable for its teaching. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, instructs him to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1-2) The Christian’s resources in a day of general declension and apostasy are: Faith, The Spirit, The Word of God, The Grace of Christ, Separation from dishonorable influences and persons, The Lord’s sure reward, and The Lord’s faithfulness and power. All of this exhortation is found in 2 Timothy, which in all aspects should be considered nourishment for the soul and necessary for spiritual strength and growth. Interestingly, Bibles are still being printed!

Volume 27 I ssue 9

10/1 Roxann Berry Gordon Burkher Todd Graham 10/2 Anna Campbell Alice Hartig Emma Whitaker 10/4 Jeana Campbell Scott Quale 10/5 Bobbi Adzima Jean Hiller Martha Wilder Joshua Wright IV 10/7 JoAnn Aasand Elizabeth Francis 10/8 Lisa Coleman Steve Coleman Hillary Hitz Renee Sovreign

10/9 Jonathan Minton Anita Soquet 10/10 Nicholas Potton Jaime Scorup Carl Swenson 10/11 Miranda Brown Cindy Campbell Carolyn Kline 10/12 Stuart Beard Ross Houle Kendra Jones Laurie Lamp Minda Sines Rachel Williams 10/13 Merry Blair 10/14 Edward Cronick Mary Jean Hines Vincent Vitale

10/15 Bridget Bushue Susan Foster 10/16 William Brown Donald Powell Maegan Powell Truman Struck 10/17 William Elam Mary Schenker Dillon Zerda 10/18 Heather Francis 10/19 Linda Porter Brenda Wise 10/20 Less LaChar 10/21 Cynthia Abam Camden Armstrong Devony Irwin 10/23 Michaela Struck 10/24 Aurelie McCain

Craig Oakley Kathy Williams 10/25 Dawn Ranstead 10/26 Jack Hepler Jack Hoggard Allen Hulen Maren Spear 10/27 Sara Aasand Casey Bailey Spencer O’Hara Sarah Porter Jess Snider 10/28 Paul Lindemuth Diana Wilson 10/29Madeline Chambers Ashley Ohlson 10/30 Patricia Pickett Donald Porter

Interim Pastor Rev. Arthur W. Bell Associate Pastor Rev. Karlin Bilcher Director of Youth Ministries Tim Baker Office Manager Gary Jackson Finance Secretary Nicole Brown Chancel Choir Director Janet Stiles Primary Choir Director Joan Lindemuth Organists Jan Gruhn & Marie Matetich Pianist Larissa Melnik Librarian Dorothea Lovejoy

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October 2010 Newsletter

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10/10 Joe & Leslie Linden 10/11 Robert & Debra Swenson 10/12 Ken & Patricia Peacock Donald & Kathleen Powell 10/15 Robert & Lori McCaffrey 10/17 Rick & Mary Mystrom 10/20 Less & Yvonne LaChar 10/22 John & Cathy Weaver 10/23 Christopher Valentine & Abigail Nauman 10/24 Michael & Terry Hamm 10/29 Glen & Dawn Bailey

october 2010 volume 27 issue 9 first press - clover...

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