2017

ELSMERE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ALTAR

MARCH 2017REV. JANE STOVER, PASTOR

Telephone: (302) 998-6365 Email: elsmerepres@verizon.net Fax: (302) 998-4626 Website: www.elsmerepres.org

REV. JANE DAY STOVER - PASTORTHOMAS MEEHAN – ORGANIST/MUSIC DIRECTORDIANE JACKSON – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

SESSION MEMBERS

Class of 2017

Tammy CammockKelly Paola

Kathy SuiterRaynell Hoffman

Margaret Semerteen

Class of 2018Diane Jackson

Joe PaolaDave Thomas

Moderator of SessionRev. Jane Stover

Clerk of SessionRaynell Hoffman

Presbytery Weekly NewsletterMid Week Musings

www.ncpresbytery.org

Visitor Coordinator Kathy Suiter – hannah@udel.edu

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

1 Front Page Church 8 Church Mouse 2 Church Information 9 Chicken and Dumplings 3 Pastor’s Page 10 News of Our Flock 4 Birthdays 11 Calendar 5 Session Notes 12 Children’s Page 6 7

Elsmere Child CareChristian Education

PASTOR’S JANE’S MESSAGE

“The Meaning of Lent”

People from different religious backgrounds have very different reactions to the season of Lent. Whether observed as a time of strict regiment or merely as forgoing a few simple pleasures, Lent can seem like a meaningless ritual. Others (like me) grew up in a tradition where Lent is not observed at all. Frankly, many who grew up in the church ask the same question as those who didn’t: “What is Lent, anyway?”

Lent is a season of preparation focused on repentance. The Lenten season is the spiritual equivalent of an annual physical exam. It’s time to take inventory of our hearts. Lent can be easily trivialized. It’s easier to read a book on prayer than spend time conversing with our heavenly Father. It’s much easier to write a check than spend time in ministries of mercy. The point of Lent is not to give up chocolate or fast from Facebook but to give up sin!

The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Saturday before Easter. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, which includes Maundy Thursday (commemorating the institution of Holy Communion in the Last supper, and Good Friday, the crucifixion of our Lord. Lent is 40 days, reminiscent of Jesus’ fasting for 40 days in the wilderness. The 40 days of Lent excludes the Sundays because the Lord’s Day, according to tradition, is never a fast day but always a feast – a celebration of the resurrection!

How can I keep Lent? Traditionally, the Lenten season id observed in four basic areas – often over-lapping.

1.) Self-examination . The following questions may offer a good place to start:Is God working in your life? Are you building your life on Christ’s free justification or are you insecure and guilt-ridden? Have you done anything simply because you love Jesus? Have you stopped anything simply because you love Jesus?All of us are more sinful and helpless that we would’ve ever dared admit, yet, in Christ we are more accepted and forgiven that we would’ve ever dared hope!

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2.) Self-denial . Lent is also a time to remind ourselves that we do not live by bread alone. The power of observing Holy Communion is the understanding that Jesus is the true bread of life, our only source of strength and sustenance. Many choose to fast on certain foods or very little food while others deny themselves habits like Facebook, TV time, or other guilty pleasures and use that time more faithfully in worship, prayer, and compassionate outreach. There is nothing magical in these spiritual disciplines; they are merely tools to help us grow closer to our Lord.

3.) Acts of compassion. Lent is a perfect season to ask God to fill you with compassion for those less fortunate, oppressed, hurting and to put this practice into concrete acts. If you choose to cut back on one meal a day, use that meal or the money and give to those in need. Perhaps you know of someone in your neighborhood who lives alone. There many things you can do to help someone and you need not draw attention to yourself. Some families simply save their loose change and give the money to others. This is a powerful discipline to teach our children the value and meaning of compassion.

4.) Using the Means of Grace. Finally, the Lenten season is a perfect time for renewing our focus on grace and what it means. Historically, the church has said there are three means of grace – three ways in which God helps us to grow more and more like Christ: the Scriptures, prayer, and the sacraments. If regular times of prayer and reading and studying the Bible are not part of your life, Lent is a wonderful opportunity to begin these life-changing practices through God’s grace.

May this year be a meaningful season of Lent for you and your family and our church family. May it be truly a time of blessing and significant spiritual growth visible for all to see.

In faith and with hope,Jane

March 1 Jadyn Cammock

March 2 Daniel Reed

March 3 Caitlyn Manning

March 5 Robert Roberts

March 8 Bradley Mitchell

March 14 Olivia Zeissig

March 16 Sally Berninger

March 21 James DiOrio

March 25 Joan Fernald

March 25 Liam Hoffman

March 30 Diane Jackson

SESSION NOTESOur church membership is now 79 due to the death of Richard Fernald

on February 5th.

Below is the financial information as of January 2017:

January 2017 YTD

Income Received $ 10,789.97 $ 10,789.97

Expenses Paid - 11,785.43 - 11,785.43

Net Income $ - 995.46 $ - 995.46

The negative net income is due to the timing of the Child Care Center monthly contribution.

Session will meet again March 21 @ 7:00pm.

ELSMERE PRESBYTERIAN CHILD CARE CENTER

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration Spring fundraiser Child Find Screening

Like us @elsmerepreschildcarecenter

NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER CAMP RESERVATIONS

Limited openings available for full time and/or part time programs

Ages 6 mos. ~ Pre-K

Breakfast * Lunch * Snack

Come join us at EPCCC. Call 998-2070, email epccckids@aol.com

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The children of EPC continue to keep busy with Sunday school and Kid's Club. Our Mission this month is Socks Of Love. We are filling pairs of socks with essentials; deodorant, soaps, shampoo, etc... for homeless people in a Wilmington. This is made possible because of some very generous people and companies who donated to our mission. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is a wonderful feeling when children approach me and ask what our

next mission is. They get excited about helping others and isn't that what being a Christian is all about?

They are also excited about the Chicken and Dumpling Take-out Dinner on March 18th. Check the Visitor for order forms. Proceeds will go to our Trip to Kentucky to see The Ark.

MICAH OUR CHURCH MOUSEHi Friends,

The weather has been so enjoyable it makes me anxious for Spring and Easter. I am rushing things I know, but I get so excited about this time of year. Plants will soon be budding. Speaking of plants, I want to share a story I recently read about a plant. It's called a Cheaster. Have you ever heard of it? Well, it starts to bloom around Christmas and continues until Easter.

Christmas and Easter, both are important days in the life of a Christian. Shouldn't everyday should be just as important. Why is it there are so many in church on those two days but just a handful the next week? Coming to church each week makes me feel more connected to God and to others. Feeling connected for me feels like coming home to be with family.

Church can benefit you for sure, Through Biblical teaching and timely messages. But, church is really about coming together as the Body of Christ in worship (Romans 12:5). And coming together for worship should not be confined to Christmas and Easter. See you Sunday!

Micah

Saturday, March 18th from 3-6pm

Meal Includes: Chicken & Dumplings, Green Beans and Roll

Take-Out Only - $9.00 per meal

Elsmere Presbyterian Church606 New Road

Wilmington, DE 19805(302) 998-6365

All proceeds go to support the EPC Sunday School Class trip to Noah's Ark in Kentucky

***Desserts Available at the Bake Sale Table***

ORDER FORM

Chicken and Dumpling

Dinner

NAME______________________________________________________

PHONE__________________________________________

TOTAL NUMBER OF MEALS__________________________

NEWS OF OUR FLOCK*Richard G. ‘Dick’ Fernald, Sr. entered the Church Triumphant on Feb. 5. A service to celebrate his life was held at EPC on Feb. 9. Prayers for Joan and family are coveted.

*Jim Semerteen was moved to Manor Care for rehab following his strokes. Prayers for healing, strength and encouragement for Jim and Margaret.

*EPC children continue to rock! Mackenzie received a ‘caring award’ for going above and beyond! Kaylee Miller is ‘rocking’ journalism as editor of the school’s newspaper. We are proud of all the accomplishments of our young people – especially for their love of Jesus and church.

*Deirdre ‘Dee’ Drozdowski had successful foot surgery and is already back in worship! Thanks for all the prayers of support!

*The ‘Miller Family’ will be leaving on March 6 for Disney World as a result of “Make a Wish Foundation.” Looking forward to seeing lots of smiling pics!!! Safe travels!

*Phyllis Sparks suffered a fall but fortunately nothing was broken. She is currently staying with her daughter and son-in-law in north Wilmington. I visited with her and presented her with a prayer shawl. She was most grateful! (Her address is available in church office).

*Baby Ava is finally home from the NICU. Father, Willie, is thankful for all the prayers. May she continue to grow in every way. We’re all anxious to meet this precious baby!

*The EPC flock and many, many others around the country continue to pray for Baby Wyatt. Maggie mentioned in church on Sunday that you will soon be seeing baby Wyatt’s picture on Walmart trucks. Continued prayers for this precious child and mother, Shelby.

*Sean Bradley donated a kidney to his brother, Dusty. Both are doing extremely well. Continued prayers for strength and healing are deeply appreciated.

*****************************************(If you have any news of the EPC family and friends, please notify Pastor Jane or the church

office.)

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday1 2 3

KID'S CLUB6-8 pm

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

5COMMUNION1ST

SUNDAY OF LENT

6 7 8

INTERNATIONALWOMEN’S DAY

9 10

KID'S CLUB6-8 pm

122ND

SUNDAY OF LENT

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS – SPRING FORWARD ONE HOUR

13 14 15 16 17SAINT PATRICKS DAY

KID'S CLUB6-8 pm

193RD

SUNDAY OF LENT

20 21SESSION MEETING7:00PM

22 23 24

KID'S CLUB6-8 pm

264TH

SUNDAY OF LENT

27 28 29 30 31

KID'S CLUB6-8 pm

CHILDREN PAGE

Elsmere Presbyterian Church606 New RoadWilmington, DE 19805

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED