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The Messenger The News from Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church |
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 In 1998 Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal priest in Georgia, wrote an article for the magazine The Christian Century. In this excerpt she writes about Lent; why it began and why it is important: Little by little, Christians became devoted to their comforts instead: the soft couch, the flannel sheets, the leg of lamb roasted with rosemary. These things made them feel safe and cared for -- if not by God, then by themselves. They decided there was no contradiction between being comfortable and being Christian, and before long it was very hard to pick them out from the population at large. They no longer distinguished themselves by their bold love for one another. They did not get arrested for championing the poor. They blended in. They avoided extremes. They decided to be nice instead of holy, and God moaned out loud. Hearing that, someone suggested it was time to call Christians back to their senses, and the Bible offered some clues about how to do that. Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness learning to trust the Lord. Elijah spent 40 days there before hearing the still, small voice of God on the same mountain where Moses spent 40 days listening to God give the law. There was also Luke’s story about Jesus’ own 40 days in the wilderness during which he was sorely tested by the devil. It was hard. It was awful. It was necessary, if only for the story. Those of us who believe it have proof that it is humanly possible to remain loyal to God. So the early church announced a season of Lent, from the old English word lenten, meaning "spring" -- not only a reference to the season before Easter, but also an invitation to a springtime for the soul. Forty days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. Forty days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves. That hollowness we sometimes feel in our souls is not a sign of something gone wrong. It is the holy of holies inside of us, the uncluttered throne room of the Lord our God. Nothing on earth can fill it, but that does not stop us from trying. Whenever we start feeling too empty inside, we stick our pacifiers into our mouths and suck for all we are worth. They do not nourish us, but at least they plug the hole. Chris Weichman Session Highlights January 2010 The Session of Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church held its regular meeting on January 20, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Parlor. Rev. Chris Weichman opened the meeting with prayer, introduced the new Session members, led some Bible study, and moderated the meeting. The Bible study emphasized how we, as a church, can help to reach out further within and outside our church. We will be continuing this work at other meetings. * Membership as of January 1, 2010 is 504 * Sue McFarland presented a letter of resignation. She has taken another job. Sue will continue working part-time through March. * We have a couple candidates for the part-time janitor and are continuing to seek someone for that position. * Denny Richards, Church Treasurer, presented Financial Report for December 2009. He also noted the new Memorial Fund for Al and Jean Genkinger, as set up by the Genkinger family, for a canopy in Circle Drive. * In accordance with rationale to reduce the number on Session in keeping with the smaller membership, it was noted that we now have eighteen members on Session. * Next communion will be served February 21, 2010. We will have more communions this year than other years. * A special service is being planned for Ash Wednesday. * One Great Hour of Sharing will be collected on Palm Sunday. * Building and Grounds presented a bill for continuing work on the roof, which was approved. * Building and Grounds continues to look into insurance policies to get the best coverage for our church. Meeting closed with prayer by Chris Weichman. Memorials A memorial was given in memory of Marilyn Comstock by:
Mr. & Mrs. S.
Roger Oliver
Dominican Republic Mission Trip
Pray for the Dominican Republic Mission Trip – The 2010 Dominican Republic Mission Trip is March 13-20. Clen-Moore members: Rev. Chris Weichman, Tina Nesbitt, Mike Plyler, and Lois Henneman, with members of New Wilmington Presbyterian, and members from churches in Ohio and Tennessee. We will once again be working in medical clinics, teaching youth, and doing light construction. We covet your prayers for safety and spiritual renewal.
Presbyterian Women Cookbook
The
Presbyterian Women are publishing a cookbook as a mission fundraiser for
2010 and we need recipes! The last cookbook Clen-Moore put out was in
1991 so it is time to update our cookbook collection. Categories are:
Appetizers & Beverages, Soups & Salads, Vegetables & Side Dishes, Main
Dishes, Breads & Rolls, Desserts, Cookies & Candy, This & That. Recipe collection sheets will be available in the church office and in the Circle Drive. Additional information will be printed in the bulletins. Start sorting through those recipes and share the dishes you and your family love! PW Cookbook Chairperson, Andrea Lamb 724-657-1303 or allamb13@comcast.net
Y2K Class Open House Adults-If you have been thinking about becoming a part of a Sunday school class, then this is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet the members of the Y2K class & find out what we are all about! The classroom is located on the third floor, just around the corner from the Coffeehouse. Come anytime during the Sunday school hour to enjoy some refreshments and light conversation. We are very excited about this fresh venture and look forward to your joining in the fun as we all learn together. If you have any questions, please call Sue McFarland 724-730-5443. |
Lenten Services
Wednesday’s during Lent 3/3 Rev.
Mark Goswick - Savannah United Methodist A community Easter Sunrise Service is being planned by Third Presbyterian Church. The service will be held at the Lawrence Village Plaza at 7:00 am on Easter Sunday, April 4th. Plan to join us in celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Easter Lillies It will soon be time to order your lily(s) for Easter Sunday. The deadline for ordering will be Friday, March 12, 2010. This year the cost will be $9.70. Please watch for the order form in future bulletins or call the office to place your order.
He is risen!!!!
Family Fun at C & Z
Location: Schenley Square, 2720 Mercer Road Come and join the fun at this awesome facility. This popular event allows families to have a great time running, jumping, laughing & playing together. Pizza & drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish, snack or dessert to share. Call Sue McFarland with any questions at 724-730-5443.
Vacation Bible School
Prayer Chain Anyone who wants to be a member of the prayer chain or has a prayer request, call: June DeEulio (724-654-3305) or Marge McConnell (724-654-1377).
All–Church Easter Bunny Breakfast March 27th, 9:30AM - Fellowship Hall
March - Daily Bible Readings
1. Numbers 8,9; Acts 21:17-23:11 |
