Reflections on Lent Holy Week and Easter

This is the fourth edition of the redesigned Newsletter

of the First Presbyterian Church, now called

Reflections.

You probably have noticed that our desire is to make a

more thematic, inspirational periodical which will ap-

pear four times a year. The news of the church is now

printed every Sunday in our bulletin and a copy can be

mailed to former members on request.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

A Look at Lenten and Easter Tunes

WONDROUS LOVE – Used only once in our hymnal in #85 “What Wondrous Love Is This”, this

tune beautifully and poignantly represents the season of Lent. The author is anonymous, but is based

on an American folk hymn, c. 1811.

ELLACOMBE – This tune was composed for the Duke of Wurtemberg, first published in a hymnal

in 1784. This tune can be found in three hymns in our hymnal, and is used to celebrate Palm Sunday

with #89 “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”.

O WALY WALY – This tune is based on a mid-18th century English Folk Tune, and can also be

found in early Appalachian music. The tune was taken and adapted by Hal H. Hopson (1933-) for

use in sacred music. This tune is used twice in our hymnal, with #94 “An Upper Room Did Our

Lord Prepare” used to celebrate Holy Week.

EASTER HYMN – The composer of this tune is William Henry Monk (1823-1889). He was an

organist, musician, and music editor, hailing from London, England. The Easter Hymn tune can be

found in our hymnal in #123 “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”, a truly triumphant Easter Hymn celebrat-

ing the risen Lord. Monk also composed the Eventide hymn tune, used in “Abide With Me”.

To listen to excerpts of these four hymn tunes, along with many more, visit the site below:

https://hymnary.org/

May you find joy in the music of the season!

Melinda Feldmann

Music lifts the spirit. The beautiful

blend of harmony and lyric touches

the heart, and nourishes peace in the

soul. As the Lenten Season passes,

certain tunes speak to the journey to-

wards Easter Morning. Let us ex-

plore four tunes used in our hymnal

that are commonly heard during the

Lent and Easter Season.

ASH WEDNESDAY

What do you know about Ash Wednesday? Everyone knows it is the beginning

of Lent. If you had any Catholic friends they always had ashes on their foreheads on Ash

Wednesday. Have you ever thought about what that means? In the following article I will

try to inform you about the meaning of Ash Wednesday.

When I was growing up we didn’t have a service on Ash

Wednesday ( I grew up in the Evangelical United Brethren

Church which is now the United Methodist Church). I just knew

that it was the beginning of Lent. Why did all my Catholic

friends have ashes on their foreheads, and what did it mean?

This is what I have learned about Ash Wednesday.

The ashes used are from the burning of the Palms from the previous year’s Palm

Sunday. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, the six weeks of preparation for Easter.

Placing ashes on the forehead in the shape of the cross signifies the need for repentance. It

reminds us of our mortality and sinfulness. The person who applies the ashes quotes “you

are dust, and to dust you shall return”. Ash Wednesday is a day to stare death in the face, to

acknowledge our mortality and the ashes reminds us that we will all return to dust. We

have assurance of life, eternal life. We can face our death because we know the One who

defeated death. This is what I have learned about Ash Wednesday and I hope this helps

you to understand it a little bit more.

We here at First Presbyterian have had a service on Ash Wednesday for a few years

now. It is a short service and yes, ashes are available to those that wish to have them. As

you can see it isn’t just for our Catholic friends, it has a very deep meaning. I hope that you

will attend and find it as meaningful as I have.

Carol Miller

Lenten Traditions

The English word Lent is a shortened form of an old English word lencten, meaning “Spring Season”. In languages spoken when Christianity was earlier established, such as Greek and Latin, the term signifies the period dating from the 40th day before Easter. In other languages, the name used refers to the activity associated with the season. In Czech, German, and Norwegian speaking coun-tries, it is called the “fasting period”, and in Poland and Russia it is called the “great fast”.

Though some religions vary in length of time and custom, there are traditionally 40 days in the season of Lent. Customs consist of fasting from food and festivities, vices, and by other acts of penance. The three practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer (justice to-wards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbors). In addition, some believers add a regular spiritual discipline to bring them closer to God, such as reading a Lenten daily devotional.

In many liturgical Christian denominations, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday form the Easter Triduum. Lent is a season of grief that necessarily ends with the great celebration of Easter. Thus, it is known in Eastern Orthodox circles as the season of “Bright Sadness”. It is a season of sorrowful reflection which is punctuated by breaks in the fast on Sundays.

Fasting and abstinence during Lent were more prominent in ancient times than today. In some places, all animal products were prohibited, while others permitted fish, or fish and fowl, others prohibited fruit and eggs, while still others only permitted bread. In some places the believer abstained from food for a whole day until mid afternoon or evening. As times changed, these laws and customs were loosened, but still today believers practice some sort of fasting during Lent.

As Lent approaches, many of us start thinking about what we will do to honor our faith and our belief in God. What will we give up that is of significance in our lives? How will we show God that we too are willing to suffer just as Jesus did? If you think about it though, a very real penance is to live a life well; to walk in the footsteps of our Father and practice PEACE and GOODWILL. How about instead of giving up, we give back, pay it forward, and practice God’s love?

I know that in my Protestant family, we were never very strict about giving things up at Lent. We did however, have a role model who lived her life every day of the year walking in God’s foot-steps. She taught us how to be the people that God wanted us to be. This year at Lent, I think I will try to model God and that sweet mother of mine. Examples of this in case anyone would like to join in would be to do something nice for someone each day. It could be a smile, a helping hand, or a visit to an elderly friend, just to name a few. How about forgiving a long time grudge? Pray for strangers. Abstain from complaining about your earthly woes for one whole day. Thank someone who deserves a boost via a handwritten card in the mail. Pay for someone’s coffee or meal, if you are able. Volunteer your time. Decide to remove one term or impolite word from your vocabulary each week during Lent. The possibilities are endless, and the reward will be humongous.

May the peace of Christ be with you all. - Pam West

Three Things to Remember About Palm Sunday

Jesus Is the Messiah

Jesus deliberately chose to enter Jerusalem in fulfillment of Old Testa-

ment prophecy. The modern world constantly tries to tame Jesus, turning him

into a benevolent teacher and nothing more. But careful reading of both Mat-

thew and Mark’s account of Palm Sunday reveal a teacher who was claiming to

be the King (Messiah) prophesied by Zechariah (see Zch 9:9 ff.). Jesus made

a bold statement that day he rode into Jerusalem. He sent disciples ahead to a

nearby

village to find a mount to ride, and he chose a route into David’s city that

was already filled with pilgrims whom he knew longed for God’s Messiah.

Jesus Is the Prince of Peace

While claiming his title as King, Jesus nonetheless made it clear that he

did not come to establish his kingdom with a sword. He rode a donkey, not a

stallion. In fact, the particular donkey he rode was a small beast used to carry

sacks of grain or wares to market. The Roman soldiers in the Holy City would

have snorted in derision to see such a mount for a king. When Jesus came to

his people on Palm Sunday he was rejecting the violence so commonly used by

tyrants and generals in the ancient world.

Jesus Was Faithful

Palm Sunday was a moment of excitement and celebration, but Good Friday

lay ahead. In five days Jesus would be tortured to death. We know Jesus

understood the terrible cost to him personally that lay ahead. There are several

instances where Jesus warned his disciples regarding his rejection and death. See

for example Luke 9:44: “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going

to be betrayed into human hands.” (Also see Luke 18:31-34.) But probably nothing is

more poignant than his words shortly before entering the city, Luke 13:33-34: “…

today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a

prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the

prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your

children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!“

Yet, knowing all this, Jesus was obedient to the will of his Father.

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Maundy Thursday represents the beginning of the 72-hour period that exemplifies

and provides the foundation and cornerstone of our Christian faith. The trilogy of

The Last Supper, Good Friday and Easter are events that have shaped 2000 years of

religious dogma and inspired countless millions to pick up the cross and follow Jesus

Christ.

Also known as “Holy Thursday”, “Great and Holy Thursday”, and “Thursday of

Mysteries”, Maundy Thursday marks the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His

apostles prior to His betrayal, trial and crucifixion as portrayed in the Christian

gospels. The word, “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word, mandatum, meaning

“commandment” and refers to the command that Jesus gave to the disciples at the

Last Supper –

John 13:34-35 – “A new commandment I give you - Love one another. Just as

I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know

that you are my disciples.”

This “new” command raised the definition of love to a new and higher standard.

Jesus sacrificially met his follower’s deepest need – that of new spiritual life and the

forgiveness of sin.

While Palm Sunday and Easter are generally joyful celebrations, Maundy Thursday

services take on a more solemn tone focusing on the two primary rituals of the Last

Supper described in the biblical accounts:

Feet-Washing - The primary commandment in Jesus’ message referenced in John 13

occurs at the Last Supper after Jesus humbles himself by washing the feet of his

disciples prior to the traditional Passover meal, or Seder. The act of washing

someone’s feet was and still is an incredibly humbling one, and clearly demonstrates

Jesus’ love for His disciples. By lowering himself to the position of a servant, Jesus

demonstrates how we mustn’t cling to a misplaced sense of pride – He washes the

feet of Peter who would deny Him,

and Judas, who would betray Him

and the other disciples who would

abandon Him.

Feet-washing was incorporated into

the Maundy Thursday service

around the 4th century and involved

the bishop or cardinal of the early

church washing the feet of the

priests and acolytes. The abbot of a monastery would wash the feet of all the monks.

This was seen as fulfilling the mandate that the greatest among the brethren will be

the servant of all. In the 12th century, the English church initiated a custom of

distributing money to senior citizens who had performed outstanding service to the

crown – Specially-minted coins known as “Maundy Money” encased in red and

white ceremonial purses were distributed by the reigning King or Queen. Along

with the giving of alms, kings and queens of England would humble themselves by

washing the feet of the poor. This tradition continued until the 17th century.

The Last Supper – The ritual of the Last Supper performed at Maundy Thursday

services is one of the most if not THE most important in the spiritual life of

Christians. Christians take Holy Communion to replicate Jesus’ giving of bread and

wine to His apostles during their final meal together -

Luke 22:19 – And He took bread and when He had

given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them saying,

“This is my body which is given for you. Do this in

remembrance of me.“

The drinking of wine reminds us of the blood that was

shed by Jesus as he took upon himself the sins of the

world, dying a horrible death on the cross –

Luke 22:20 – “And in the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying,

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.“

John 6:35 – Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me

will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Jesus gave us this solemn ritual to remind us of Him. The breaking and sharing of the

bread and the communal drinking of wine illustrates how following Him gives our

lives sustenance and meaning.

The Last Supper was served in the Cenacle or Upper Room believed to be in the

house owned by John Mark and his mother, Mary. It was the same room where the

apostles gathered after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

MAUNDY THURSDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE GLOBE

In Germany, Maundy Thursday was also known as “Green Thursday”. This wasn’t

due to the color green but to the close association to the German word for “grief”

and “weeping”. Many families would eat only green vegetables, spinach in

particular, as a way of humbling themselves before God. This tradition is also

followed in some Latin American countries. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia,

groups of children shake wooden rattles in place of church bells. In several

countries there is a tradition of people visiting seven churches as a sign of penance.

In Sweden, children dress as witches and knock on doors to get candies, just like

Halloween in the United States!

Many Christians observe the solemnity of Maundy Thursday by fasting and

repenting. This cleansing of the soul before the Good Friday service prepares the

believer to better appreciate the sacrifice of Christ and the rejoicing that is to come

on Easter Sunday. After the evening service, the altar or chancel is stripped of all

paraments, (linens, banners) and flowers – this emptiness represents the way Jesus

was abandoned by the apostles.

Vigils are held during the night in

remembrance of what happened to Jesus

after the Last Supper in the Garden of

Gethsemane just before He was arrested.

Some communities of Christians also

organize potluck dinners, in significance of

the communion experienced among the apostles and Jesus during the Last Supper.

First Presbyterian Church in Oneida has observed Maundy Thursday in many

different ways including several years where the sharing of a simple supper of soup

and bread was enjoyed while seated at tables arranged in a square. One year’s

observance featured the foot-washing ritual. These services were conducted in the

auditorium of the church with the choir robed in black. On many occasions,

congregants were asked to write down a concern or sin on a 3x5 card – requesting

forgiveness or prayers. At the conclusion of the service, these cards would be

shredded or tossed on a brazier in back of the church. All Maundy Thursday services

concluded with the congregation leaving in silence.

We also had some unique observances during the past decade:

2011 – Our church hosted a special service that brought together the pastors

and choir members of three different local churches. Our pastor, The

Reverend Stuart Wattles, the Reverend Daniel King of New Life Assembly of

God and The Reverend James Heidt of St. John’s Episcopal Church led the

service and a combined choir of 33 voices sang five choral anthems from the

Easter Cantata, “Who Is This King?” by Lloyd Larson and Joseph Martin.

2013, 2014 and 2015 - These services featured a dramatization of Mark’s

Gospel, Chapter 14, Verse 25 – 72. Several members of the congregation

portrayed the biblical figures, including Jesus, featured in Mark’s Gospel. The

rest of the congregation in attendance became the crowd that followed Jesus to

the Garden of Gethsemane, to His arrest and trial, witnessed Peter’s denial,

and finally follows Jesus to the cross. Many different rooms of the church were

used in 2013 as the dramatization progressed. In 2014 and 15, the sanctuary

was used and the choir sang music pertinent to what was

happening from the Cantata, “Come Walk With Me”. The

purpose was to help the congregation realize a direct and

more personal connection to the final events in Jesus’ life.

2016 - People in attendance were given a booklet that included an insert for

each day of Holy Week. On each page was a scripture passage

and tangible object (palm frond, nail, stone, etc) particular to

the events of each day…the objects were to be held

continually throughout the day as a constant reminder.

In conclusion, I would like to add a personal note. My 96-year-old mother, Eloise, is

in a nursing home and is failing rapidly. In the midst of writing this essay, I took

time out to visit her and give her a pedicure. As I was holding and massaging each

foot (swollen and cold from poor circulation), I was struck by the direct similarity to

the ritual of the feet-washing that Jesus lovingly performed on His disciples. I was

filled with a sudden awareness and understanding. I know the Holy Spirit was

speaking to me about loving and caring for my mom just as she had cared for me in

the first part of my life. The words of Jesus, written in John’s Gospel, are even more

relevant and personal now -

“Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you must love one another”

Ginny Drake – January 2018

Good Friday Reflection (2018)

Good Friday – I have always wondered why we call it GOOD Friday, since I feel so bad on that day. Our Savior was put to death after being ridiculed, spat on, poked by thorns, beaten, and made to bear a cross through the streets of Jerusalem. Talk about bad days! Can it get much worse? I feel bad and sad. Sad that the Lord needed to die on the cross for my sins. Sad that He had to suffer so for all our sakes.

I used to wish that I could have been the blessed mother of Jesus. What a privilege! To bear the Son of God for 9 months, then be able to see Jesus grow up into such a man – worthy to be God’s own son. But after having four children of my own and watching and praying for them as they face their adult trials and tribulations - which are nothing compared to what Jesus went through - I am glad I was NOT blessed to be the mother of Jesus. I can’t imagine what it was like for Mary to watch her son be tortured, left to die on a cross, and have a sword thrust in his side. No matter what kind of faith you might have in God and the hereafter, that had to have been extremely difficult for a mother to watch and not be able to do anything about.

What is good about Good Friday? I suppose we must look at the results of the suffering to see the good. Because He suffered, we need not. Because we know He knows what it is like to be a human with temptations and troubles, we can take heart in that he understands us and what we go through daily – and forgives our mistakes and errors of omission.

It was a good Friday for the God-fearing thief who died on the cross next to him, for Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise that day. To meet Jesus in Paradise would be a very good day! If Jesus had not died on the cross, would we be able to hope, have faith, and trust that someday we will be resurrected to be with Jesus in Paradise?

So, where is the Good in Good Friday? It is in the great LOVE that God in Jesus has for us. To paraphrase John 13:15: “There is no greater love known to man than that of one who willingly lays down his life for another”. What an example he has given us! If we love Him, we should be willing to lay down our lives for another by sacrificing our time, our means, and our skills to benefit others. And, because of this Great Love, we can take comfort and rest assured in the arms of Jesus, even on Good Friday.

John 15:13 Context (John 15, verses 10 through 16) (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (14) Ye are

my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (16) Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. - Deb Owens

Three Things to Remember About Easter

The Resurrection Is Real

The overwhelming evidence is that though unmistakably dead, Jesus rose to new life. We don’t need to rely on curious relics like the Shroud of Turin, which contains tantalizing clues. A careful investigator of the written records that followed Good Friday can discover several reasons to trust the gospel accounts of the resurrection. But even more convincing is the remarkable change in the early followers of Jesus. They had run away in fear and despair when he died. Yet within 51 days they were publicly proclaiming his resurrection in the Temple before persons who had conspired to kill him! Beginning with a collection of about 40 disciples at Easter the church rapidly spread in the city of Jerusalem and soon to other major cities. By mid-century, about 25 years after the resurrection, large numbers of Christians were found in Damascus, Antioch, Ephesus and Rome itself. We also know that several of the early evangelists suffered persecution and death for the message of his resurrection, hardly likely for people who were perpetrating a hoax.

The Resurrection Validates Jesus Easter shouts what Palm Sunday proclaimed: He is the King who comes in

peace, and the true Son of the Father. Throughout his three years of ministry Jesus revealed startling insights of Scripture, performed miraculous deeds and spoke openly about his connection with the Father. A fair and deliberate reading of the gospel accounts leads us to the conclusion that Jesus fully believed his life

was under the guidance of God’s all powerful hand. The only other possibility is that he was completely wrong, deluded if not insane, and therefore not who he claimed to be. Indeed, his opponents, who were many, would have been proven right in their opposition to him. If it were so his death was not only horrible, it was tragic. There is no getting past this dilemma. The resurrection gives us an answer. God raised him from death and repudiation. The Resurrection Changes Everything

Easter is not a single awe-inspiring event, it continues to ripple out in ever

expanding waves. The consequences are too numerous to put in a single

paragraph in this issue of Reflections. But consider these facts: in 2018

Christianity is the most widely distributed religion on the earth. It is found on

every continent, affirmed by every race, and adhered to in greater numbers than

any other religion. It has been frequently attacked throughout history. In our

own day organized states such as the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of

China, and groups such as ISIS have unsuccessfully tried to stamp it out. Major

charitable organizations such as

hospitals and nursing homes have

been established by those who

proclaim him their risen Lord.

Likewise multiple colleges and

universities were instituted by

faithful Christians. Lives of

alcoholics, wife-beaters, athletes,

reporters, lawyers, atheists and

intellectuals, and persons of

countless other professions have

been completely changed by their

own encounter with the Spirit of

Jesus Christ. This will never stop.

Particular societies (our own?)

may weaken and fall into

corruption, but the cleansing Truth of Jesus Christ never has been, nor ever will

be defeated.

Birthdays

Feb. 2 Perry Tooker IV, Jennawade Skellham

Feb. 3 Tom Donegan, Jim Houseman

Feb. 5 Bob Colway, Perry Tooker III, Cindy Morey

Feb. 6 Alexander Mastriano, Mike Bartell

Feb. 7 Matthew DuChene

Feb. 8 Sydney Paul

Feb. 9 Dylan Bartell

Feb. 11 Jerry DeRuby

Feb. 13 Lloyd Denning, Chuck Pendleton

Feb. 14 Kevin Bailey

Feb. 17 Kristin Tooker

Feb. 19 Grace Warren

Feb. 22 Beverly Orzechowski

Feb. 23 Emily Oot

Feb. 25 Debbie Todd

Feb. 27 Jerry Fuller, Don Smith

Mar. 2 Claire Debbie Todd

Mar. 3 Gail Alexander

Mar. 4 Joshua Gay

Mar. 7 Marty Canning, Nancy James

Mar. 8 Nathaniel Mendoza

Mar. 11 Abby Bartell

Mar. 12 Pam West, Charlie Joslyn

Mar. 18 Barb Arnold

Mar. 19 Mallory Mariano

Mar. 21 Chrissy Thompson, Masen Burgess

Mar. 27 Jenifer Colvin

Anniversaries

Feb. 16 John and Carol Musgrove

Apr. 7 Roger and Sharon Warren

Apr. 11 Bill and Lori Butler

Birthdays

Apr. 2 Aimee Dryer

Apr. 3 Eloise Latino

Apr. 4 Linda Shay

Apr. 6 Sheri Moyer

Apr. 8 Matthew Bruno

Apr. 11 Paul Thompson

Apr. 15 Lucille Merriman, Ginny Pendleton

Apr. 18 Patrick Fountain, Horace Keller

Apr. 21 Phyllis Little

Apr. 22 Paige Pendleton,

Robert Paul, Ryan Paul

Apr. 30 Peter Shay

SHORT TERM PRAYER CONCERNS:

Gordon and Jodi LaRock, Scarlett (Kordziels’ granddaughter), Vincent, Leo Matzke, Florence LaRock, Gary

FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO ARE GRIEVING FOR:

Sarah Morris, Weber Bagwell (Tim and Elaine Berquists’ uncle), Dorothy Stevens (Sharon Warren’s cousin), Don

Premo, Eloise Lanagan (1-year old, parents: Amy & Sean), Mary Lee (Tim and Elaine Berquists’ aunt), Dorothy

McConnell (Ginny and Pam’s aunt), Tammy Franklin (Kim DeRuby’s sister), Anne Durant, (Marty Durant’s

mother), George Mendoza Sr. (George’s father), Sukosh Fearon, Julia Lauber (Cathy Opperman’s aunt),

Cynthia Donaldson (friend of Ellen Moyer), Anne Origlio (friend of Vicki DuChene), Rev. Kirk Hudson,

Marty Durant, Grace Esther Scott (Ginny Drake’s mentor), Donna Cotner (friend of Kathy Nichols)

Pray for those who are serving overseas: Mark Sia and Colin Whitcombe; the U.S. Armed

Forces in Afghanistan, and our Police/Fire Safety personnel.

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS: Pray for those who are stationed in non-combat zones: Peter Thompson,

Harley Whitmeyer, Howard Bantle, Nicholas Young, Brian Tisdall, Philip Messina, Ryan Geer, Matthew

Winchell, John Goodwill, Collin Whitcombe, Jeff Carpenter, Errol Crossman, Corey Reed, Michael

McMahon, Andrew Fargo, Jim Jennings, Nate Borchardt.

Lucy Bagwell (Tim and Elaine Berquists’ aunt) Alan Baur Matthew Borchardt Bob Butler Loyal and Marty Canning Terry Clark (friend of Melissa Smith) Jeff Conley Glade Cook Jr. (nephew of Warrens) Richard Corrigan Mike DeMaintenon Jeannine Fariel David Frenay (great friend of Ken & Ginny) Malisa Fuller (Florence LaRock’s niece) Graham Gehman (premature baby) Phyllis Harvey Sarah Hrim (Georgia Fox’s sister) Jamie Hubbard Vic and Millie Johnson Dawn Kimball (Donna Ausman’s sister) Frank Kordziel Jean Kowalik Phillip LaGoy (friend of Deb Whiting) Eloise Latino Mary Lauber (Cathy Opperman’s mother)

Eugene Lee (Tim & Elaine Berquists’ uncle)

Allan Little Madline Manatilo Maribeth Matthews Jason Maycock (Sandy Glynn’s brother) Dave Meeker Sr. Gert Miller Jeanne Miller Flo O’Donnell Tom Panasci (Kathy Bruno’s nephew) Joel Parker Greg Schaefer (Warren’s nephew)

Rich Snyder (Jennifer Colvin’s neighbor) Natalie Strzemecki Allan Thomas Harold Thompson Betty Thorpe (Jim’s aunt) Rick Wallace Grace Warren Mike Young (friend of Kim Paul) Riley Zebley (friend of Zach Thompson) Leslie Nathan Sharon Shirley

PRAYER MISSION FEBRUARY Care Net supports more than 1100 affiliate pregnancy centers across North America. Our affiliate pregnancy centers are faith-based organizations with

deep roots in their communities. Each center empowers women and men facing unplanned pregnancies with practical help, emotional support, and information about their pregnancy options. Care Net empowers life-affirming choices by providing accurate information in a compassionate environment through our affiliated pregnancy centers and the Pregnancy Decision Line. With those who have already experienced the loss of abortion, we share hope and the redemptive power of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Care Net firmly believes that prayer is the life-blood of our ministry. Please lift our work and the work of our local centers up in prayer. Learn more about how you can help by visiting https://www.care-net.org/howtohelp/

PRAYER MISSION MARCH

Mars Hill Network 102.9 FM - It is the mission of the Mars Hill Broadcasting Co., Inc. to provide the public, through its radio broadcasting and public relations functions, such a clear expression of the message, mission and character of Jesus Christ that the following results will be consistently achieved: 1) Salvation of the lost and nurture of the saved. 2) Traditional Christian families built up in faith and life experience to become mature witnesses of the

grace of God, and Biblically effective contributors to the benefit of society. 3) Ministry of Bible-teaching local churches reinforced, and churches at large confronted by the Spirit of

God and revived. 4) Unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, and unity in the Body of Christ.

PRAYER MISSION APRIL

Karing Kitchen

Volunteers from numerous Churches, Youth Groups, and other Civic Organizations help serve lunch, from 11:30am - 1pm, with a coffee hour at 10:30 am at this locally based soup kitchen. Every day of the last full working week of each month a hot lunch is served to members of the community at no cost. Take outs are available as well.

Karing Kitchen, however, is not just a lunch. At Karing Kitchen we offer an environment where anyone can come as they are and feel comfortable, have someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, and someone who cares for them. Karing Kitchen is about "providing a nutritious hot meal, ensuring food security and advocating for a person's rights and responsibilities."

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 304 Broad Street Oneida, NY 13421

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

How to contact us:

Address 304 Broad St.

Oneida, NY 13421

Phone

315-363-7590

Email

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