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Text Box: “From the Frog Pond”  WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY…OCTOBER 7…AND THE MISSIONAL CHURCH When I was a boy, celebrating World Communion Sunday seemed so far away as I tried to picture people in my mind all over the world  in distant places. I heard of missionaries helping all those folks in “darkest Africa” and pagan countries who needed to know Jesus. It was an awesome thought process to think of those other Christians in the minority in other nations sitting at the Lord’s table and remembering Jesus our Savior just like I was doing. How exciting that was to think that American churches like mine were sending out people to spread the gospel, and that some of the people in those countries were actually becoming my brothers and sisters in Christ. How all that has changed! Now the “baby churches” have grown up beyond adolescence into adulthood. Now several international “grown-up churches” are sending more missionaries into the world than U.S. churches. In fact, Koreans are sending more missionaries to the U.S.A. than our denomination, the P.C.U.S.A., is sending into all the world. While “churches of the South” (as missiologists are calling them) in Africa, South America, and China are growing thousands of new Christians each day, the church in the U.S.A. shows decline by thousands, with few exceptions. God is at work in fertile fields around the world except where we live. Now Americans and Europeans are in the minority of Christians throughout the world. There is a great cause to rejoice as Christ’s Kingdom grows by leaps and bounds, but there is also great cause for concern for the lethargy and lack of passion for Christ that we of the western world seem to have acquired. Are we like the church at Ephesus in the Book of Revelation? Have we lost our first love?...our passion to share Jesus Christ as we once did? This coming World Communion Sunday should give us cause to ask a lot of questions about the depth of our own commitment. It should prod us to consider our own renewal and our need for repentance for our lack of passion. Truly we need to become a Missional Church – one that turns outward toward the very world around us, before our very eyes, in our community, and pays attention to where God’s spirit is already working to soften hearts and turn them toward Christ. We need to leave our “comfort zones” and become laborers in the fields again, because truly, the harvest is plentiful…EVERYWHERE…even at our door step. But, can God count on us to work in the harvest fields? Can we become a Missional Church again? It is imperative that we as a congregation turn that corner. God is already around the corner working and willing to help us become effective workers, if we are willing to get up and go and show up.          Sincerely in Christ,  

Volume XIII
October 2007                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clen-Moore Presbyterian ChurchThe Messenger

Partnership for The Missional Church

PRINCIPLES OF MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS
Conrad L. Kanagy, Church Innovations Institute Consultant

Missional Congregations:

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Recognize the crisis of the church in a post-Christendom world.

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Believe that God is a Missionary God whose primary purpose has been the redemption, restoration, and reconciliation of the world.

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Understand that they have a God-given calling to take Christ to the world, and that their primary purpose is to fulfill that calling.

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Assume that they belong to God and not to themselves.

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Regularly ask questions like: Where are we? What time is it? Who are we? What is God doing?

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Believe that their primary calling is to the local communities that surround them, knowing that in fulfilling this calling they will be sent into all of the world.

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Expect to be equipped for ministry rather than to be ministered to.

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Recognize that God is as much at work in the world as in the Church.

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Identify their useable pasts and claim these for their futures.

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Affirm that they are as much the church when sent by God throughout the week as when gathered on Sunday morning.

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Believe that their task is impossible without the Holy Spirit, and recognize that the Spirit’s work is always disruptive.

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Rely upon God’s Word and spiritual discernment, regularly asking: “What is God doing?”

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Recognize that the most important change is adaptive, not technical. The most important changes that need to occur are spiritual and cultural—not technological or organizational.

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Spend little time trying to recreate their past but focus instead on imagining God’s preferred future.

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Understand that change is not linear; it is messy and takes time.

DWELLING IN THE WORD - Please read 2 Corinthians 4: 1-12

In the Life of the Church

Upcoming Events:

 

 Dominican Republic Trip

The mission project in the Dominican Republic working with the Evangelical Church in Sabeneta de Yasica is scheduled for March 28 through April 5, 2008. Pray about the possibility of your participation through prayer, financial support or becoming a part of the team. Is God calling you to be a Volunteer In Mission for a week?

Election Day Bake Sale

November 6, 2007
Thank Offering Sunday

November 18, 2007

Stewardship

The Stewardship Theme this fall will remain the same as last year’s. Since our congregation responded so well, the Stewardship Committee would like to emphasize it even more.

Step up to first fruits giving and living is the idea we will live with for several weeks. A five week “Step Up Toward Tithing Covenant” will be available beginning Sunday, October 14. This is an opportunity to covenant with God to step up one or more percent in giving through a five week trial period to see if it can be sustained, or to step up to tithing, or to go beyond the tithe in sacrificial giving. Once a decision is made to participate during those five weeks, it is hoped that the trial period will be continued for five successive weeks.

          Stewardship Emphasis Sundays will begin on Reformation Sunday, October 28 through Sunday, November 11, which will be our Stewardship Dedication Sunday. On that day, our estimate of giving cards for 2008 will be presented to the Lord during worship.

          Please pray for God’s guidance in your response to Christ’s mission through Clen-Moore Church.

Reformation Sunday

A Reformation Sunday "After Worship" Fellowship will be held in the Assembly Room on October 28 to put closure on a service that will celebrate our Presbyterian heritage. We will feature short bread and scones baked by the loving hands of all of you. Of course, coffee, tea and cold drinks will be available. More details later.

Thank Offering Sunday

Thank Offering Sunday will be November 18. Presbyterian women annually sponsor and prepare this worship service, which focuses on our participation in mission with thanksgiving to God for blessing us with the gifts we can share with others. This years speaker in worship will be Dr. Mark W. Meyer, M.D. , son of Bill and Beth Meyer. Mark is one of the doctors at the East Liberty Family Health Care Center in Pittsburgh, a distinctive, intentional, Christian family practice of wholistic health care. Supported by foundations, churches, individuals, and some government faith-based funds, ELFHCC serves anyone who darkens the doorway regardless of health insurance and ability to pay. Over 38,000 patients were served last year through its diverse services.

Dr. Meyer also serves as President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of “Shoulder to Shoulder”, a coalition of university medical schools that serves abroad in medical missions. The Pittsburgh UPHC Chapter has a pilot project in community health care in a clinic in the mountains of Honduras. Mark and his board are responsible for sending three teams of doctors, residents, medical students, nurses and others related to medical professions each year. He actively participates in at least 2 of the 3 two week mission projects.

Prior to going to medical school, he served a year as a Volunteer In Mission in Taiwan.

On Christ The King Sunday, November 25, the Messiah will be performed in our sanctuary by the New Castle Music Club Messiah Choir at 3:00 o’clock. The entire community is invited to come and enjoy the concert.
 October Birthdays

 1  Brittany Dietz
 5  Emily Brown
 5  Julie Griffith
 8  Sarah Plyler
12  Alexandra Browne
13  Rosa Davies
18  Abby Sveda
19  Chelsie Davies
24  Thomas McConnell
25  KaraLisa Bender
26  Andrew Wagner
30  Brittany Wilder
31  Amy Badger

Greeters for October

October   7:  Narthex:  Bob & Peggy Murdock

                 Circle Drive:  Grace Lyon

October  14:  Narthex:  Don & Nancy Smith

                 Circle Drive:  Ruth Ketzel

October  21:  Narthex:  John & Chris Karmecy

                Circle Drive:  John & Elaine Meyers

October  28:  Narthex:  Bob & Marge Wilson

                 Circle Drive:  Barbara & Bill Klenotic

Van Driver for October

Bob McFarland         

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).

Session Hospital Visitation

Oct.  7:  Bob Robinson & Gail Keffer 

Oct. 14:  Valerie Measel & Sheryl Shoup

Oct. 21:  Dave Esposito & Nancy Grissett

Oct. 28:  Betty Alborn & Tom Mansell

Deacons for October

Martha Keighley & Jackie Bush

Nursery Schedule  

   Infant

Oct.     7:   Joan Rapp

Oct. 14:   Amy Plyler

Oct. 21:   Amy Allshouse

Oct. 28:   Susan Duffy

2/3 Year Olds  & 2nd Hr. Kindergarten

Oct.    7:   HELP NEEDED/CALL OFFICE

Oct.  14:   Michelle Singer

Oct.  21:   Andrea Lamb

Oct.  28:   Christy Litrenta

Children’s Worship

Oct.    7:  T.B.A.

Oct.  14:  T.B.A.

Oct.   21:  T.B.A.

Oct.   28:  T.B.A.

Stretch & Relaxation Class

Beginning October 2nd from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Tuesday afternoons, a one-hour session will be held in the Assembly Room. A time of devotion will be followed by a stretch & relaxation class instructed by Andrea Lamb. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel. Mats are provided. Babysitting will be available upon request.

Faith Nights

October 3 – December 19

Wednesdays   5:30 – 7:30 P.M.

Beginning on Wednesday, October 3, you are invited to join this midweek spiritual revitalization. Invite a friend to come and enjoy with you an evening of fellowship, praise singing, dinner and organized studies for all ages.

Child care will be available upon request for children ages 3 and under.

KFC (Kids For Christ) for youth 4 years – 6th grade will be studying the Ten Commandments in a creative, fun way!

Elizabeth Book will be leading a student group discussion on matters pertaining to teenagers for 7th – 12th graders.

Also offered will be small group studies for younger adults, parenting classes (continued from the Spring).

Bible Study led by Rev. Bill Meyer. Please don’t miss out on this great opportunity to strengthen your faith and the faith of your family.

You are encouraged to make a reservation to allow for accurate meal preparation. Price for the meal is $3 per person or $10 per family. Please call the church office at 724-654-6657.

Teen Events for October

7th – 12th Grade Students

Friends are always welcome! 

Oct. 13 – Join the fun in New Wilmington for a Knox Student Ministries event. Meet at the church ‘s circle drive at 12:30 p.m. to travel to New Wilmington Presbyterian Church for a talk about using your talents that God has given to you. Then we will walk to the college where the Titans Traverse leadership team will walk you through a low ropes course. The cost of the event is $5. Please RSVP by Oct. 12th. Return time is approximately 4:00 p.m.

Oct. 27 – (Weather Permitting): Autumn hike to Cooks Forest. This is a family event. We will leave the church at 10:00 a.m. and carpool to Cooks Forest for a day of hiking through this beautiful area. Pack a picnic lunch and wear layers of clothing. It’s always colder there! You are encouraged to open this invitation to family & friends! Please RSVP by Oct. 19th.

Scrapbooking Workshops

Begin October 16th

When:  Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
             Thursdays, 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Denise Murphy-Gerber, a Creative Memories consultant, will guide us in organizing our photos, using what we have, knowing what we need to get and how to get started. She will not only provide valuable information and creative ideas, but also products for purchasing. So, bring your photos, materials you have and join this wonderful opportunity. Along with great fellowship and Christian music and a time of devotion, we can work at putting our life memories in order. Invite a friend if you like! If you have any questions, call Sue McFarland.

When God measures a man, He puts the tape
around the heart instead of the head.
". . . the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."  I Samuel 16:7b

 Attendance

                 Sunday
                 School                   10:30

 

Sept.    2     109                       156
             9     105                        162                          
           16     111                        133          
           23       94                        147

2007 Year-End Tax Benefits

You are able to tithe your gifts to the Lord and Clen-Moore Church while getting a tax advantage through the pension protection act of 2006.  This benefit will end December 31, 2007 The Pension Protection Act of 2006 specifically benefits public charities like ours!


Americans aged 70 ½ and older can take tax-free distributions from their IRA’s and have those funds directly transferred from their financial institutions to Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church. These sums will count toward any required minimum distribution that the IRA must satisfy for the year. Distributions can be made in any amount up to $100,000.00!

Consider fulfilling your gifts to the Lord by using this strategy. Please contact your tax and financial advisors before initiating this.

INTER-CHURCH FOOD BANK

(Info from 2 Food Bank programs)

During August, there were 190 visits for a total of 408 individuals being served. 

Needed for October: cereal (oatmeal also), tea bags, soup, crackers, canned corn, canned carrots, pork & beans, canned fruit.

Do We Need Your Email Address??

If you have not already provided the church office with your email address or if your email address has changed recently, please see that the church office gets it. Thank you.

Special Congregational Meeting

Session is calling a special congregational meeting for Sunday, September 30, immediately following worship. Session is requesting the congregation to approve changes in the By-Laws to accomplish two purposes: (1) to reduce the size of Session from 24 Elders to 18 Elders over a 3 year period by 2 Elders each year and (2) to accomplish this by scheduling an Annual Fall Congregational Meeting on the third Sunday of October beginning this coming October 21 for the purpose of electing all Elders, Deacons, Auditors and Church Nominating Committee members. Normally the Fall Congregational Meeting will conduct no other business. Elders and Deacons will then be trained in November and December. Their ordination and/or installation will take place on the second Sunday of January each year. Changes in the By-Laws require a two-thirds majority vote. 

Mission Payments

The Session approved to send mission payments on a monthly basis. For the month of September, we sent support to the following missions:

 

1. City Rescue Mission                               $1,500

2. Coptic Evangelical Church                     $    600

3. Sheldon Jackson College                       $    700

4. Sudan Presbytery (bicycles)                  $1,500

Caring Friends Ministry Team

 The Caring Friends Ministry Team would like to send cards to any relation of a church member who is in the active military. Please give the names & addresses to anyone on the Caring Friends Ministry or the church office.

Some of their other plans are to do something with the neighbors as they did last year, but at Thanksgiving time and reach out to those in Assisted Living and those who are living alone. 

If you would like to be a part of Caring Friends in any way, please call the church office.

October Bible Readings

1.     Jeremiah 48, 49:1-33; John 6:16-24

2.     Jeremiah 36:1-8, 45, 36:9-32; 35; Proverbs 29:10-27

3.     2 Kings 24:8-20a; 2 Chronicles 36:9-14; Jeremiah 37:1-38:13, 39:15-18; Psalm 89

4.     Jeremiah 34:8-22; 49:34-36; John 6:25-71

5.     Jeremiah 50, 51

6.     Jeremiah 21, 22; John 7:1-52

7.     Jeremiah 23, 24; John 7:53-8:47

8.     Jeremiah 27, 28; John 8:48-9:41

9.     Jeremiah 29, 30; John 10

10. Jeremiah 31, 34:1-7, 32

11. Jeremiah 33; 38:14-28; John 11

12. 2 Kings 24:20b-25:30; 2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Jeremiah 39:1-14; 52:1-30; John 12:1-11

13. Ezekiel 1, 2; John 12:12-13:17

14. Ezekiel 3, 4; John 13:18-14:31

15. Ezekiel 5, 6; John 15:1-16:16

16. Ezekiel 7, 8; John 16:17-17:26           

17. Ezekiel 9, 10; John 18

18. Ezekiel 11, 12; John 19

19. Ezekiel 13, 14; John 20

20. Ezekiel 15, 16; John 21

21. Ezekiel 17, 18; 1 John 1

22. Ezekiel 19, 20; 1 John 2

23. Ezekiel 21, 22; 1 John 3

24. Ezekiel 23, 24; 1 John 4

25. Ezekiel 25, 26; Proverbs 30, 1 John 5

26. Ezekiel 27, 28; 2 John

27. Ezekiel 29, 30; Proverbs 31:1-9; 3 John

28. Ezekiel 31, 32; Revelation 1

29. Jeremiah 40-42; Revelation 2:1-17

30. Psalm 46, 47, 48, 49, 50

31. Jeremiah 43, 44, 52:31-34; Revelation 2:18-3:22 
Decisions can take you out of God's will but never out of His reach.

"If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself."  II Timothy 2:13 (NIV)

Doing Without Boxes

This project was introduced by Presbyterian Women of Shenango Presbytery in 1982 as a concern for hunger and its effect in our communities. Offering received, through sacrificial giving, will be dedicated at the Fall Gathering on October 20 being held at West Middlesex Presbyterian Church.

Anyone wishing to contribute to this project must have your donation to Barbara Richards, PW Treasurer, by October 12. You may put it in the offering plate, but please mark the envelope DWB.

Total receipts are divided three ways:

New Castle Rescue Mission Food Bank

Mercer County Food Warehouse

Presbyterian Hunger Fund

Please Note:  Burial Lots For Sale

Clen-Moore church is the recipient of two burial lots at Castleview Cemetary. The church’s policy is not to continue to own such gifts or stock gifts, but to sell them and use the proceeds for the mission of the congregation. The Session is offering them to interested persons at a greatly reduced price of $750 each. Anyone interested should call the church office for more information.

Baptism

The following child was baptized on Sunday, August 26th:

Joshua Robert Book, son of Robert & Amy Book.

Deaths

We commend to the comfort of the spirit of God:


Marjorie Riley (sister of Miriam McEntire)
Rose DiSpirito (mother of Diane LaGatta)

Patience is the ability to keep your motor idling when you feel like stripping your gears.

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."  Proverbs 16:32

Thank You’s

Dear Caring Friends:

            Thank you so much for the pasta fagioli, rolls, cookies and especially your prayers. It was so thoughtful and greatly appreciated. All the food was delicious.

God bless all of you.
Love, Scott & Leslie Cunningham

Dear Caring Friends Ministry:

            Thank you very much for the thoughtful meal following the birth of our new baby. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity.

Many thanks, The Hilton Family

Dear Caring Friends:

Thank you so much for sending us the care package two different times. The soups were delicious, more than enough for two meals. It really helped out.

Thanks again, Janet & Chuck McGrath

Dear Members of Clen-Moore Church:

We received a thank you for your $2,000 donation in April to the camping ministries at Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands. Here are a few comments from 2 young campers written in July… Justin writes: “I am a music camper at Lambec and writing to thank you for your donation. I really like camp and your donation helps camp each year so I hope you continue to donate so I can go each each year.” Nicki writes: “I am currently attending the music camp at Camp Lambec. I just wanted to thank you for your donation(s). I enjoy coming to camp to learn about and become closer with God. We have been able to utilize your donation in so many ways. Thank you again!”

Dear Caring Friends:

Thank you so much for all the ladies who prepared the soup, cookies and rolls. They were delicious and very much appreciated. We thank Temoy for bringing them to us.

God bless you all, John & Winifred Davis

 Mary Circle

We invite all of the women of the church to become involved in reaching out to others. We hope to see you at our October meeting.

Date:  Thursday, October 11th

Time:  9:30 a.m.

Place:  Church Parlor

Devotions:  Carol Oliver

Mission Yearbook:  Phyllis Tanner

Hostess:  Pat Harcar

Projects:  Assemble boxes for Operation Christmas Child, Continue projects for the Shenango Care Center in New Wilmington

Appeal to the Congregation: Bath products of ANY size (unopened hotel soap, shampoos, conditioner and hand lotion are in demand!) hats, mittens, gloves, quilt batting, socks (all sizes), Bible story books for children, towels and wash cloths.

Thank you to all who participated in the baby shower. As a result of your generosity, we delivered two boxes of baby clothes, care products, diaper, and toys to the Pregnancy Resource Center and the Crisis Shelter.

Operation Christmas Child boxes will be ready by the middle of the month. We had a wonderful response last year. Will you open your heart to packing a box again this year? Check the church bulletins for more information.

Dining Services Job Opening

 Are you looking for an opportunity to minister to others? Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare is looking for individuals who have a caring spirit, know how to smile, and have fun, to work in dining services. We are looking for bright, hard-working individuals for our dietary team. If interested, please stop in Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:40 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and complete and application.

Shenango Presbyterian Senior Care
238 S. Market Street
New Wilmington, PA 16142
EOE

Prime Timers Corner

Hello!!

            We are back at Clen-Moore and in full swing. The number of members attending are increasing and we miss you. All are welcome at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday.

                   In Christian Love, Grace Lyon

New Trip 

October 25:   Munching your way through Mansfield, OH. This trip costs $62 and the tour includes: round trip motorcoach transportation, Danish and coffee at “Biblewalk”, luncheon buffet at the Garden Terrace Room, mini bundt cake, popcorn & beverage at the Theatre and a goody bag from the Squirrel’s Den.

 Christmas Shows Coming Up

December 6: At Seven Springs Resort. Big Band Christmas Spectacular luncheon & show.

December 10: Akron Spectacular. We have attended this for the past two years.

Remaining Carousel Show

 November 14:  “White Christmas”.  This show brings you vividly into post World War II, with its look, style and attitude of post-war optimism.

New 2008 Carousel Shows

It’s time to sign up for next year at the Carousel.

January 23:  “The Odd Couple”. Set in New York City, two recently divorced men, a neurotic neat-freak photographer and a disheveled sportswriter, move in together and adjust to life after divorce. Guaranteed to make your life seem “normal.”

March 12:  “The King and I”. This show will impress you with elaborate costumes, striking sets and a storybook romance. The wonderful score features music you know and love including “Whistle a Happy Tune”, “Getting to Know You”, “Hello Young Lovers” and “Shall We Dance”.

May 14:  “Damn Yankees”. Joe Boyd is addicted to baseball and particularly the Cleveland Indians. He is willing to sell his soul to bring the Indians to victory over the team we all love to hate – those Damn Yankees.

July 16:  “Viaggio” is brought to life by the “el Circo” troupe. Watch the dazzling performances including

beautiful gravity- defying acts, aerial tricks, and ethereal acrobatics all set to evocative music.

September 10:  “Wizard of Oz”. One of the most beloved musicals of all time. Relive the classic! Now is the perfect time to revisit Oz to see what happens to the three witches of Oz.

November 19:  “All Shook Up”. Elvis songs, sung by the entire cast. Heat up the season with this sizzling, energetic, musical told through more than 24 of Elvis Presley songs. Music, mischievous madness and unexpected pairings are sure to rock the house. 

This series looks like one of the best we have seen. These trips to the Carousel are the easiest you can make. The only walking involved is to your seat in the theater. The cost is just $350 for a whole year of entertainment. The cost includes: bus transportation, drivers tip, dinner of your choice, waiters tip and last but not least is the excellent show. Sign up now with a $50 deposit. The bus leaves Clen-Moore Church at 10:30 a.m., has a stop at the Country Club Plaza and is home by 6:00 p.m. Call me (Peggy Byler, 724-652-8918) if you’re interested or have any questions.

 2007-2008 Broadway Shows

Time for the new season of Pittsburgh Broadway Shows!

September 22: “My Fair Lady”. This is the 50th year of this show. This glorious, new production features one of Broadway’s most beloved scores.

October 27: “Twelve Angry Men”. Twelve walks of life and only two ways to rule; guilty or not guilty. What seems like an open-and-shut murder case becomes a twisted puzzle of prejudice and intrigue.

November 24: “Avenue Q”. A hilarious show full of heart and tunes to hum. Avenue Q is about trying to make it in New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account.

January 19: “The Lion King”. See it again to pick up all the things you missed the first time, like the unforgettable visual images and musical score.

February 2: “Sweeny Todd”. The legendary demon barber, hell-bent on revenge, takes up with his enterprising neighbor to slice their way through London’s upper crust.

March 1:  “The Drowsy Chaperone”. The new musical comedy that is swooping into town with tons of laughs and the most Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway.

April 12: “The Wedding Singer”. Robbie is the life of the party until his fiancée leaves him at the altar. Robbie tries to spoil every wedding he is to sing at. This show takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and the wedding singer was Robbie.

Sounds like a great new series. These are all  Saturday matinees.