The Ark

Great Island Presbyterian Church O C T O B E R & N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 E D I T I O N

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IN THIS ISSUE: Birthday’s & Anniversaries Prayer Concerns Mission in Motion Fellowship Clinton County Life Chain Christian Education Sunday University Youth Group Small Groups Worship & Music July Session Minutes August Session Minutes October Calendar November Calendar

Lins’ Lens Our Prayers and God’s Will 1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

The purpose of prayer is to get God’s will done….The greatest prayer any one can offer is “Thy will be done.” It will be offered in a thousand different forms, with a thousand details, as needs arise daily. But every true prayer comes under those four words.

S.D Gordon This verse offers the Bible’s best definition of prayer. It’s easy to

memorize when you notice how the verses unfold and expand. The meaning and marvel of prayer grows deeper and more practical as phrase builds upon phrase.

Prayer is….. Coming before Him Coming before Him with confidence Coming before Him with confidence and asking. Coming before Him with confidence and asking according to His will. Coming before Him with confidence and asking according to His will,

knowing that He hears us. Writing near the end of the Bible and at the end of the apostolic age, the apostle John wanted us to know something about the biblical promises related to prayer. They are all conditioned by God’s will. In his Gospel, for example, John quoted Jesus as saying “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it”. Anything is a huge word, and perhaps some of John’s readers had taken it a bit too literally. So in 1John 5”14, he reminds us that the promise of answered prayer is dependent on the phrase “according to His will.” From the perspective of infinity, our God knows what’s best from beginning to end. God sees the outcomes of every chain reaction in life. He knows how the dominoes fall and how the cookies crumble. His perfect oversight makes no mistakes and always results in the best for His children. Our vantage point is as limited as a person who has fallen into a hole and can only see a circle of sky above them. We don’t always know the landscape, and we can’t see distant vistas. So we pray earnestly and ask God for our needs, our wants, our wishes, and our desires. But we have to always prayer with the attitude, “if it be Your will God.” In that we can have total confidence. Robert Morgan

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Celebrations October Birthdays

November Anniversaries

November Birthdays

October Anniversaries

Brian & Bobie-Jo Brungard 4th 17 yrs. Brandon & Amy Hull 4th 6 yrs. Steve & Jeanne Askey 6th 30 yrs. James & Zonda Gregory 12th 15 yrs. Shane & Christy Fisher 16th 15 yrs. Wayne & Cathy Young 18th 28 yrs. Fred & Heather Lomax 21st 13 yrs.

Steve & Judy Eyer 20th 54 yrs. Mark & Betsy Dickey 23rd 23 yrs. Tom & Michelle Bates 22nd 28 yrs.

Ron Miller 3rd

Merritt McKnight 4th

Carol Fredericks 5th

Shawn O'Dell 7th

Judy Eyer 9th

Robert Yoxheimer 10th

Samantha Elling 13th

Maggie Blazina 15th

Nancy Merinar 16th

Sherry Dwyer 20th

Charles Dion 22nd

Lori Smith 22nd

Leisher Gugino 25th

Megan Young 25th

Russell Struble 26th

Emery Gunsallus 27th

Loni Hartman 27th

Phil Leslie 27th

Lois Leuthold 27th

Emily Motter 27th

Joni MacIntyre 29th

John Bowes 30th

Erin Rhinehart 30th

Taylor Wahlers 1st

Alma Jane Counsil 4th

Stephen Shepard 5th

Terry Shultz 5th

Walt Heigel 6th

Clyde Wertz 6th

Jordan Suter 8th

Haleigh Peters 9th

David Edmonston 14th

Jeremy Bauman 16th

Shane Fisher 16th

Richard II Powers 16th

Cathy Young 19th

Brayden Brungard 21st

Shirley Thomas 22nd

Jennifer Meanor 23rd

Jonathan Sente 23rd

Susan Brungard 24th

Robert Wahlers 24th

Eric Brungard 26th

Brenda Grove 26th

Benjamin Lins 26th

Neil Turner 26th

Lauren Holladay 28th

Brittany Bauman 29th

Joe Blazina 29th

Jacinth Maynard 29th

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Please Pray For... Tom Banfill (Lea Ann Plessinger’s Brother-in-law) Connie (friend of Barbara Barger) Kirsten Barner Michelle Bates’ friends Jaycob & Diana Michelle Bates’ Niece Erin & Josh & baby Hannah Chuck Bauman (Tom Bauman’s Brother) Tom Bechdel (Aaron Love’s Uncle) Tom Bittner Camille Bomboy (friend of Ben Russell) Kenzie Bottorf (Bobie Brungard’s Niece) Brad and Denise Buchholz (friends of the Sproat’s) Donnie Buchtor (Eileen Bertanzetti’s step-Grandson) Bev Campbell Lynda Carey Carol Carlini’s Sister Family of Jim Catherman (friend of Carol Carlini) Brandon & Jenn Coleman’s Daughter, Harper Mike Coleman Jane Counsil’s Daughter, Sharon Russell Counsil & family (Jane’s nephew) Ruth Crawford; her daughter is Ricky Sellers George Cross (friend of Tom Bittner) Carmina and her Aunt (friend of Lauren Dwyer) Family of Christian Dwyer Judy Eyer Richard Fitch & Youth Group (Cindi Blazina’s Brother) Family of Albert Fye (Pete Russell’s Father) Kim Garlick (Barbara Barger’s Daughter) LaRue Glenn Maude Gramley & family (Bobie Brungard’s Grandmother) Cindy Grenninger & family (friend of Nancy Long) Aric Guiswite & Kierstin Bathurst (friends of Lori Gunsallus) Dave Haylett (Sue Stover’s Father) Evelyn Garbrick (friend of Gail Nestlerode) Hogar Renacer Children Heather & Graham (Anne Holladay’s Sister & Nephew) Anne Holladay’s Parents Dale Holladay (Tim’s Dad) Deric Hunsinger (related to Bill Leuthold) Alex Johnson (son of Patrick & Lindsey Johnson) Rusty Keen (friend of Carol Carlini) Skip & Nancy Koerber (friends of Carol Carlini) Camp Krislund & staff

Family of Kay Kuntz (friend of Ginger Englert) Lois & John Loewen (Mark’s Parents) Jenn Meanor Dave Meanor (Phil Meanor’s Father) Nancy Merinar’s grandson, Jacob Mim Monoski’s son (friend of Ginger Englert) Alicia Motter Ayden Murray Northumberland Presbytery Adam Parks Brayden Perry (friend of Alicia Motter) Judy Reese Beth Regan (friend of Sherry Dwyer) Debra Ricker (Lori Smith’s Sister) Savannah Rodriguez & Family Cindy Rogala, Andy Rogala’s wife (friend of Nancy Long) Leslie Russell Lysa Rusczyk Ginney Seay Jacob Skrtich Family of Terra Faust Smith Gertie Stine Andrew Stout & Family (friends of Brian Brungard) Cole Sydner Church of Avery & Billy (Carol Terry’s Daughter & Son-in-law) Michelle Ward Bonna & Wayne (friends of Angela Watchey-Francke) Laura (friend of Angela Watchey-Francke) Donna Wertz Walter Worden (Carol Terry’s Brother) U.S. Military Troops & their families

If you would like to add a friend or loved one to the prayer chain please contact: Sherry Dwyer at sdwyer@embarqmail.com. If your friend or loved one is listed on this prayer chain and you would like to have them removed, please contact: Liz Eisenhower at 570-748-2810 x 10 or gipclize@gmail.com.

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MISSION IN MOTION Ways the Mission Committee is making a difference in people’s lives

Missions Committee Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday monthly at 7 PM 1.) Honduras-Hogar Renacer-Great Island’s Honduras Mission Team will travel to Honduras in January 2015. Donations are appreciated, hand-me-downs are great donations, the children are in need of “Crock” like shoes, with the strap around the back of the foot, clothing, hats, crayons, markers, crafts, games, puzzles, note pads, cards, etc. Please place donations in the wagon in the back of the church and mark them “Honduras”, place monetary donations in the offering plate and mark them “Honduras” also. More information will be announced in the bulletin as the trip approaches. For more information contact: Josh Drouin at jdrouin@lhup.edu, Pastor Benjamin Lins at benlins@gmail.com, or Anne Holladay at aholladay@susquehannahealth.com. 2.) AWESOME ACTS Mini Grants- Do you have an idea on how you can spread God’s love? Great Island’s Mission Committee sponsors $100 mini grants to help spread God’s awesome love in our community. Easy one page forms are available outside the church office on the bulletin board or contact the church office for one to be emailed to you. Place completed applications in Anne Holladay’s mailbox. For more information contact: Anne Holladay at aholladay@susquehannahealth.com. 3.) The Backpack Program–Great Island sponsors a backpack of food for 60-70 children every week of the school year at Robb, Dickey and Woodward Elementary Schools. We need volunteers to pack the backpacks each week and volunteers to deliver the backpacks each week, a sign-up sheet is in the back of the sanctuary. Two people can pack the backpacks in 1 hour, and backpacks can be loaded and delivered to the Elementary Schools in approximately 30 minutes. Thanks to your generous donations in the past, we have ample funds for the school year! If you have any questions please contact: Sheila Bauman at sbauman255@gmail.com. 4.) The Life Center- (330 E. Main St. next to the Roxy Theatre) is in need of tools, toilet paper, paper towels, hygiene supplies, computer paper. Please drop off your donations here at Great Island and label them “Life Center”, thank you for your support. 5.) Change for Change- The change for change offering will be collected on Sunday, October 26th, and Sunday, November 30th. September 2014 through March 2015 the Change for Change offering goes to the offering will go to the One Gallon Challenge, April through August 2015 Southern Clinton County Association of Christian Churches to provide rent and utility assistance for the needy in Clinton County. 6.) Clinton County Women’s Center-is in need of non-perishable food, household products, and computer paper. You may drop donations off at the church, please label them “Women’s Center”. If you have any questions please contact: Gail Hanlon at glynn465@gmail.com. If you have any ideas about mission activities please contact: Caron Heigel at caron0424@yahoo.com or Anne Holladay at aholladay@susquehannahealth.org.

Thank you for your generosity and making these missions successful!

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FELLOWSHIP Fellowship Committee Meetings

Fellowship Committee Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday monthly at 6 PM in the Conference Room.

Fall Soup & Bread Sale The Fellowship Committee will hold their Annual Fall Soup & Bread Sale Friday, October 17th, 12 Noon–5 PM and Saturday, October 18th, 11 AM-5 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Homemade soup, Ham and Bean Soup, Vegetable Soup and Chicken Corn Chowder are $5 a quart and homemade bread is $5 a loaf. Proceeds will benefit the Youth Group’s Samaritan’s Purse-Operation Christmas Child Project. There is a sign-up sheet in the back of the sanctuary to donate soup ingredients.

Advanced orders can be placed by calling the church office at 570-748-2810.

Soup Sampler October 26th, 11:30 AM, directly following Worship Service share soup and fellowship. Fall is in the air and the gardens are beautiful. If you would like to share a soup, please bring it in a crock-pot that morning. All are welcome to try these hearty creations. If you are willing, submit your recipe to Rebecca Gugino ahead of time and she will make a recipe book for those interested.

For more information contact: Rebecca Gugino at rebgug@comcast.net.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Free Thanksgiving Dinner, Thursday, November 27th, from 11 AM-2 PM in the Fellowship Hall. A sign-up sheet is available in the back of the Sanctuary to volunteer, donate food, or to make a reservation. Reservations can be for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery, please be sure to list your name, address and phone number in case there are any questions. Transportation will also be available. To make a reservation sign up in the back of the sanctuary or call the church office at 570-748-2810 or email gipclize@gmail.com.

5th Sunday Pot-Luck Lunch

Sunday, November 30th, directly following the Worship Service, the Fellowship Committee will be having their 5th Sunday Pot-Luck Lunch. Bring your family and those good dishes to share.

Cookie Sale Fellowship will hold their Annual Cookie Sale on December 12th & 13th, cookies will be avail-able to pick up between 12 Noon-5 PM both days. Place your order in advance, call the church office at 570-748-2810. More information will be available in the bulletin and the December/January Ark.

If you would like to make cookies to donate to the sale please speak to Steve Rhinehart.

Clinton County’s Life Chain Sunday, October 5th, at 2:30 PM

Join with other churches in a silent prayerful vigil to raise awareness and preservation of Life of all ages. We will stand in silence for 1 hour, 2:30-3:30 PM on the sidewalks of Hogan Blvd in Mill Hall. This is symbolic of the Bible times when Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake and pray for 1 hour with Him. Flyers are available in the back of the sanctuary.

If you are interested contact: Angela Watchey-Francke at 814-381-5637.

CLINTON COUNTY LIFE CHAIN

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT GREAT ISLAND! Sunday Worship

10 AM Generosity Sermon Series

Kids Worship Sundays at 10 AM

Pre-School-Kindergarten The Jesus Storybook Bible

Every story whispers His name. A Bible like no other, The Jesus Storybook Bible invites children to join in the greatest of all adventures, to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation--and at the center of their own story too!

1st-4th Grade

Exciting topics, a strong focus on Jesus our Savior, and faith-strengthening “apologetics” take your 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders through the Bible in the order that things actually happened! Kids get answers to their hard questions and get a big-picture overview of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation!

For more information contact: Lori Gunsallus at gipclorig@gmail.com.

Sunday University 9 AM 5-6 Grade

My Bible Journal

Did you know that the Bible is written for kids like you? Whether you like adventure stories, romances, mysteries or comedy, you can find it in the Bible. And while you're at it, you will learn about important ways to live. As you work through each activity you will find out more and more about the Bible. Plus you will grow closer to God!

My Bible Journal is written to help you learn what is in God's Word. You will read from each book of the Bible.

For more information contact: Lori Gunsallus at gipclorig@gmail.com.

Youth Sunday University 7th-12th Grade

In the cave room.

“The Top 20 Messages for Youth Ministries”

Teen’s will be going through a bible-based curriculum of age appropriate questions that are relevant to their daily lives of school, family, friends, and future. The questions address topics such as anger, stress, love, forgiveness, decision making, and character.

For more information contact: Sherry Dwyer at sdwyer@embarqmail.com.

SUNDAY UNIVERSITY 9 AM

Come to Great Island for Fall Festival! Saturday, October 25th, 5-7 PM

We will have a Trunk-or-Treat and food!

Sign up for Trunk-or-Treat! We have 27 parking spaces in the lot and we would love to fill every one! Decorate your trunk and bring treats for the kiddo’s.

We are asking for donations of bagged candy, and brownies, cookies and donuts.

To reserve your Trunk-or-Treat parking space contact: Lori Gunsallus at gipclorig@gmail.com.

YOUTH GROUP

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SUNDAY UNIVERSITY 9 AM (continued)

Youth Group Sunday Afternoons

11:30 AM-directly following Worship Service Meet in the Youth Room

Blessings to all from the Youth Group at Great Island!

We kicked off a new year on September 7th, with a picnic at the Shultz’s River Lot, thank you Terry and Lori for your continued support and hospitality! We are up to a total of 16 youth in the group, compared to 10 last year!

We are studying the “Generosity” series that Pastor Benjamin is teaching in his current Sermon Series, we watch a video and are having great discussions with the group.

On September 20th, we had our first Service Project and got to exercise some of what we are learning by helping one of our own family members with some work they needed completed at their home. We are always looking for additional projects, so if you, or anyone you know could use some help from a great group of youth from our Church, please let the Brungard’s or Dickey’s know so that we can reach out to them and see how we can be of help to them.

We are partnering with Samaritan’s Purse-Operation Christmas Child this year as well. This is a program where you pack various items into a small box, like a shoe box, they are then sealed and sent around the world to help children in need. More information will be available in the bulletin soon, but please start saving your shoe boxes, you may drop them off in the church office.

Some other upcoming events are:

Saturday, October 25th-Annual Church Fall Festival and Lock-In Saturday, October 25th or November 1st-Air Soft Games January 16th, 2015-Winter Jam Spring 2015- Work day or weekend at Krislund

We have been blessed with a great Youth Group, and are excited for what the year has in store for all of us.

Brian, Bobie, Mark & Betsy For more information please contact: Brian Brungard at brian.brungard@comcast.net, Bobie Brungard at 6brungards@comcast.net, or Mark or Betsy Dickey at bdickey@kcsd.k12.pa.us.

Adult Sunday University 9 AM in the Conference Room

“1st & 2nd Peter and Jude” by Carolyn Nystrom

This fall, the Great Island Church invites all adults to a Sunday School small group. Most every Sunday in the church at 9 AM, we will reflect on the 1st & 2nd letters of Peter and Jude. Our discussions will consider current issues arising from these letters: A. As Christians, are we mere travelers in a pagan world? B. Why and how is a life in Christ possibly a counter culture experience? C. How do we recognize a false teacher of God’s word? Are we misleading others about the reality of Gods Word and Spirit?

Join us and experience how Christ centered Scripture and Spirit impacts you life and relationships.

For more information contact: Bob Lugg at rlugg@lugglaw.com.

Adult Sunday University 9 AM Upstairs

“Hot Topics” RightNow Media

For more information contact: Carol Carlini at cdcarlini125LH@comcast.net.

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SMALL GROUPS

S.I.S.T.E.R.S Several Island Sisters Together Enjoying Regular Sharing

3rd Wednesday monthly

Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 15th at 12 Noon In the Fellowship Hall at Great Island

“October Occasion” Catered Lunch by Sue Stover

Cost is $9 per person

Reservations Requested by October 10th, contact: Barbara Barger at 570-726-6688 or Nancy Long at 570-726-3466.

“He Keeps Me Singing” Favorite hymn sing with Katy Ann Stern on the piano.

Join together with other ladies of the church, of all ages, for monthly times of food and fellowship. Not only do we dine together but we serve together. SISTERS helps with church funeral meals, church kitchen clean-up, and gardening on the church grounds.

Exodus Bible Study

Join us on Wednesdays, for a community Bible study, 10-11 AM, at STEP by CVS. Pastor Benjamin will be leading the study through the book of Exodus. This class will involve lecture, group discussion, Q & A, and hopefully your own life stories and lessons. All are welcome. Invite a friend.

For more information contact: Pastor Benjamin Lins at benlins@gmail.com.

Guy’s Group 2nd & 4th Sundays monthly

7-8:30 PM, in the Youth Room

“Stepping Up”

Inviting all fathers and our normal attending men, to come together for an engaging, encouraging, but also challenging video series titled “Stepping Up” from our RightNow Media. The content is intended to inspire fathers or mentors to “step it up” in our roles as men who are in the position of leading down and influencing those around us. Even if you are a single male, you will definitely be challenged to become the man God is calling you to be.

For more information contact Pastor Benjamin Lins: benlins@gmail.com.

L.I.G.H.T.S. Ladies Inspired by God to Help others Teach women and Share the love of Jesus

Mondays at 7 PM In the home of Gail Nestlerode

“Here and now……… There and Then”

Join us for this, 11 week, Beth Moore study on the book of Revelation. All ladies of any age are invited to join us for this time of fellowship and study! Anyone that is interested should contact Gail or Renee so supplies can be ordered.

All women are welcome.

For more information contact: Renee Miller at rmiller2@jsh.org, or Gail Nestlerode at gnestler@kcnet.org.

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SMALL GROUPS (continued)

Knit Wits We meet at Avenue 209

9-11 AM on the 3rd Saturday of the month

Women of ALL knitting abilities and experience levels, including no experience, are welcome to knit and have fellowship.

For more information contact: Rebecca Gugino at 570-660-5059 or rebgug@comcast.net.

“Dine with Nine” Meet Once Monthly for Dinner

We meet in groups of 9, once a month for dinner and fellowship. We meet in homes, restaurants and picnics in the park. The focus of this program is to continue growing and nourishing our church community as we learn more about others who worship with around us each Sunday.

For more information or to register, contact: Caron Heigel at caron0424@yahoo.com. Please give your name, number attending, and contact information.

Would you like to have access to our Right Now Media? Contact: Pastor Benjamin Lins at benlins@gmail.com.

Odyssey-Women’s Group 1st & 3rd Sundays monthly at 7 PM in the Cave Room

“Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst

The New York Times bestselling book Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman’s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. This book is not a how-to manual or the latest, greatest dieting plan. Made to Crave is a helpful companion to use alongside whatever healthy eating approach you choose — a book and Bible study to help you find the “want to” in how to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Join Lysa and experience all that you were made to crave!

For more information contact: Liz Eisenhower at gipclize@gmail.com.

Mothers Together Fridays from 9-11 AM

“The Shelter of God’s Promises” by Sheila Walsh

You know God's promises, but are they for you, are they for now, are they for this? If you look to your circumstances alone, it may seem that God has forgotten you. But He hasn't. He can't. And He wouldn't even if He could. God is the only promise maker who is always a promise keeper. And God's promises will never fail you!

A time for Mothers of all ages to gather with quality care for your children.

For more information or to register contact: Lori Gunsallus at gipclorig@gmail.com.

Generosity Small Group Series Tuesday Evenings at 6 PM

Reflect and further discuss the Sunday Sermon on Living Generously, Loving Generously, and Leading Generously.

The story follows a family as they are confronted with their ability to “do” with what God has given them and addresses the personal challenges we all face of being busy, wanting to be stable and comfortable, and not knowing how to best honor God and love those around us with what we have to offer.

For more information contact: Pastor Benjamin Lins at benlins@gmail.com.

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JULY SESSION MINUTES

WORSHIP & MUSIC 10 AM Worship Service and 10 AM Kids Worship Sunday Mornings

Communion Sundays, October 5th & November 2nd October 5th, and November 2nd, are communion Sundays, Presbyterians practice open communion. All those who believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior, whether members of the Presbyterian Church or not, are invited to participate. Children having an age appropriate understanding are also welcome to participate. Gluten free communion elements are available upon request.

Worship & Music Committee Meeting The Worship & Music Committee Meeting are held on the 2nd Tuesday monthly at 7 PM.

However, the October meeting will be held on the 1st Tuesday, October 7th.

First Night Sunday, November 9th, 7 PM

Join us for a time of praise, prayer, personal reflection and solitude, with an alternative teaching style. Child care provided.

Share your musical gift or talent to worship God!

Adult Choir Adult Choir Rehearsal is held on Wednesdays at 7 PM.

Kidz Praise Kidz Praise Rehearsal is held on Wednesdays at 6:15 PM.

Praise Band If you are interested in helping to lead worship and you sing or play an instrument, please contact: Mary Lins at mary.lins@gmail.com.

Share your gift If you are unable to commit to a group, but love to sing or play an instrument, perhaps you can share your talent during worship for a prelude or offertory.

For more information contact: Laura Leslie at (h)814-355-3090, (cell) 814-441-2207, or email philnlaura@yahoo.com.

Minutes: GIPC Session Meeting July 15, 2014– 6:30 p.m., Parish Hall Moderator: Pastor Benjamin Lins

The regular monthly Session meeting was opened with prayer at 6 p.m.

Pastor Lins provided a time of devotion/learning.

Quorum confirmed by Lori Smith, Clerk of Session.

P=present, A=absent, E=excused, NI=Not Installed

Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016

Blazina, Cindi () Gedon, George () Brungard, Brian ()

Holladay, Anne () Gummo, John () Drouin, Joshua ()

Lugg, Robert () McPherson, Karen () Dwyer, Sherry ()

Nestlerode, Gail () Vacant Merinar, Nancy ()

Rhinehart, Steve () Shultz, Terry () Smith, Lori ()

Vuocolo, Nicole () Willis, Craig () Sproat, Andrew ()

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Open forum (congregation at large): None.

There was a motion to accept the docket and to approve the minutes of the (Date) regular session meeting. The motion was passed.

Pastor’s Report: A written report was presented and reviewed by the Moderator, Pastor B. Lins.

Clerk’s Report: A written report was presented and reviewed by Lori Smith

Treasurer’s Report: Year to Date 2014 Financial Report was presented and reviewed by Elder Josh Drouin.

There was a motion to receive the Year to Date 2014 Financial Report. The motion was passed.

New Business Items: Vote on new members that joined on 6-22-2014 Payment of 2014 per capita assessment

There was a motion to accept the joining of new members Brayden Brungard, Alyssa Dickey, Ian Sproat, Zack Somers, Justin Somers, Gabrielle Vuocolo, Aaron Shultz and Vincent Kopysciansky- confirmation of membership on 6-22-2014. The motion was passed.

There was a motion to not pay the 2014 per capita assessment till the end of the year at which time a better assessment of where we are with the budget. The motion was passed.

Old Business Items: 1.Worship/Music Committee Chair 2. Angela Loewen- Revisit commitment to monthly sponsorship

There was a motion to consider sponsoring Angela Loewen for the CCO.

Building and Grounds Committee: Elder G. Gedon provided a written report. There was a motion to pay Richard Riccardo an hourly rate of $65.00, not to exceed 7 hours, or maximum payment of $455.00 to inspect and access the job for construction ramp on the South/East portion of the sanctuary to access from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall. This will allow for project to go out for bid. The motion was passed.

Christian Education Committee: Elder N. Vuocolo provided a written report at session meeting.

Fellowship Committee: A written report was provided by Elder S. Rhinehart. There were no motions.

Finance Committee: Elder J. Drouin provide a written report at the meeting.

Member Care Committee: No report- No meeting held this month. There were no motions

Missions Committee: No report – No meeting held this month. There were no motions Personnel Committee: No report- No meeting held this month. There were no motions

Worship and Music Committee: Written report provided by Pastor Lins

There was a motion to conduct survey of congregation for adjustment to service. Two blended services, one Traditional service and on Contemporary service. The motion

Acorn School: Elder Terry Shultz provided a verbal report

Campus Ministry: Elder C. Blazina provided a verbal report. No February meeting,

Camp Krislund: Pastor B. Lins had no new information to report.

There was a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was passed. The meeting was adjourned with prayer.

The next scheduled (regular) Session Meeting: October 21, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully,

Lori Smith Clerk of Session

JULY SESSION MINUTES (continued)

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AUGUST SESSION MINUTES Minutes: GIPC Session Meeting,August 19th– 6:30 p.m., Parish Hall

Moderator: Pastor Benjamin Lins

The regular monthly Session meeting was opened with prayer at 6:32 p.m.

Pastor Lins provided a time of devotion/learning. Pastor opened with prayer. Teaching on scripture was presented during old business on General Assembly Report.

Quorum confirmed by Lori Smith, Clerk of Session.

P=present, A=absent, E=excused, NI=Not Installed

Open forum (congregation at large): None.

There was a motion to accept the docket and to approve the minutes of the July regular session meeting. The motion was passed.

Pastor’s Report: A written report was presented and reviewed by the Moderator, Pastor B. Lins. Pastoral Report Special Services (funerals/weddings etc): Nancy Thompson Funeral, Roger Bichford Community/ Presbytery Involvement: PRC, COS Ministerium: Support Group, Skate Park, Bible Study at STEP Worship / Preaching: Fall- “Living, Loving, Leading Generously” Quarterly Evening service

Clerk’s Report: A written report was presented and reviewed by Lori Smith •Communion: On August 3rd, (48) persons were served communion by : Pastor Sproat, Elders: Lori Smith, Sherry Dwyer, Geroge Gedon, Steve Rhinehart, Cindi Blazina, and Andrew Sproat

Old Business: Per Capita Assessment to Presbytery

New Business: Volunteer to attend Presbytery Meeting Sept 20th in Williamsport Correspondence Sent- Transfer sent for Ted McKnight

Records: 1. Recorded new members: 8 2. Recorded baptism: 1 3. Remove member from active membership: 0 4. Transfer of members: 1 5. Reinstallation of Elder: 0

Treasurer’s Report: Year to Date 2014 Financial Report was presented and reviewed by Elder Josh Drouin.

There was a motion to receive the Year to Date 2014 Financial Report. The motion was passed.

Old Business Items: General Assembly Report and Great Island Discussion Per Capita Assessment

Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016

Blazina, Cindi (P) Gedon, George (P) Brungard, Brian (E)

Holladay, Anne (P) Gummo, John (A) Drouin, Joshua (P)

Lugg, Robert (P) McPherson, Karen (P) Dwyer, Sherry (E)

Nestlerode, Gail (P) Vacant Merinar, Nancy (E)

Rhinehart, Steve (P) Shultz, Terry (E) Smith, Lori (P)

Vuocolo, Nicole (E) Willis, Craig (P) Sproat, Andrew (P)

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AUGUST SESSION MINUTES (continued) Discussion on General Assembly- changes on (same sex) marriages. Scripture- Faith Alone, Grace Alone, and scriptures are the authority of our lives. Civil Union Partner versus Gay Marriages. 4 options First–Do appositely nothing Second-Vote and pick a stance Three- Take some stance and present to presbytery Four- Take a stance to leave the denomination Fifth – Support Pastor in decision to officiate not officiate gay marriages.

The General Assembly discussion will be kept on the table to revisit at next session meeting to make a decision on one of the above options.

There was a motion to table the Per Capita Assessment amount due till December and review the current standing of our budget. The motion was passed.

New Business Items: Assist Mary Lins with funds for conference in Dallas Assist Krisland with purchase of new offsite adventure programming gear Volunteer to attend Presbytery meeting Sept. 20th in Williamsport

There was a motion to help fund Mary Lins travel expenses for conference in Dallas -$342 for flight and up to $150 for food expenses to come out of the Cornell fund. The motion was passed.

Discussion on possibly funding Krisland Camp for purchase of adventure programming gear. Will remain on the table for next month for further discussion.

Karen McPherson volunteered to attend Presbytery Meeting on Sept. 20th.

Building and Grounds Committee: Elder G. Gedon- No report- There were no motions.

Christian Education Committee: Elder N. Vuocolo- No report – There were no motions.

Fellowship Committee: Elder S. Rhinehart – No report. There were no motions.

Finance Committee: Elder J. Drouin provide a written report at the meeting.

There was a motion to approve student loans for Emily Holladay and Jordan Suter in the amount of $1500.00 each. The motion was passed.

Member Care Committee: No report- No monthly meeting held. There were no motions

Missions Committee: No report- No monthly meeting held. There were no motions

There was a motion to approve Leisher Gugino sponsorship for Krisland Camp in the amount of $187.50. The motion was approved.

Personnel Committee: No report. There were no motions

Worship and Music Committee: No report- No monthly meeting held. There were no motions.

There was a motion to take all future funeral meals out of the memorial fund with all approval of session for any amount over $500. The motion was passed.

Acorn School: Elder Terry Shultz provided a verbal report

Campus Ministry: Elder C. Blazina provided a verbal report.

Camp Krislund: Pastor B. Lins provided a verbal report

There was a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was passed. The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:17 p.m.

The next scheduled (regular) Session Meeting: September 16th at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully,

Lori Smith, Clerk of Session

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The Ark

The Ark is a bi-monthly newsletter publication of Great Island Presbyterian Church.

WE WELCOME YOU

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9 am Sunday University

10 am Worship

“Drawing all people to Jesus Christ to worship God and to live transformed lives.”

Great Island Presbyterian Church 12 W. Water St., P.O. Box 434, Lock Haven, Pa 17745

Phone: 570-748-2810, Fax: 570-748-2810

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