LEWISTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

We had our log home built out here in Treaster Valley fifteen years ago. Our original plans did not provide an indoor cellar way to the basement. Only about one fourth of the basement was walled and finished to provide room for our pump pressure tank, the water heater, and the electrical entrance breaker box. Later we added a small freezer and shelves for canning supplies and preserved fruit and vegetables. Our only access to the basement was through the Bilco door at the east end of the house. In spite of the inconvenience, we were able to function quite well with this arrangement. In more recent years, as severe storm warnings seem to have become more frequent, we realized that we did not have a good plan for our safety in the case of such a storm. The radio and television storm warnings always recommend that we retreat to a protected area, such as a basement room. This, of course in our case, would mean going outside into the storm and around the house to find the security of our basement room. We did this several times.

This winter we decided to rectify our past error and build an inside stairway to the cellar. The only place that the stairs could be built was through the floor of our broom closet which was under the stairs that lead to the loft. We secured the muscles and talent of three of our Amish neighbors, Esle, Daniel, and Amos Hostetler. They are amazing workers, and completed the project in just four days. They had to dig and carry out about twenty five cubic yards of dirt. Then they had to mix and pour approximately seventy-five square feet of concrete for the floor. The stairway itself was built in two sections with a landing near the bottom. There were no blueprints or printed plans, nor complicated calculations on paper. The only tools that they employed were picks and shovels, a retractable rule, a framer's square, and saws and hammers. About all that I could do was to provide transportation, and try to keep out of their way.

So the first severe thunderstorm of the summer will probably find Carol and myself, our dogs, Jeb and Maggie, two cats, (and a coffee pot) all safe and secure. It would be well if all of life's problems could be so easily solved.

Life does present us with many threatening storms, be they physical, financial or emotional. It is our innate desire to find a place of peace and security. May I suggest that such a place may be found within the caring embrace of our friends and in the compassionate understanding of the congregation of our church. Surely the greatest help we can have is offered by the one who was himself a carpenter- even Jesus.

Ian Shelly, having attended confirmation classes, was presented as a candidate for church membership.

There will be a Presbytery opportunity, April 27, "Journey with the Bible: from Genesis to Revelation in One Day" at State College Presbyterian Church.

Kevin Young, from Scout Troop 4, presented a plan for his Eagle Scout project--an outdoor calendar sign for church and community functions held at the church.

The community luncheons are being extended to take place year round beginning in June.

The Pentecost Offering will be given to the LUMINA Center.

"Lemonade on the Lawn" will be served on Father’s Day, June 15.

Permission was granted for a Youth Night at the Lion’s Den in Mifflintown inviting outlying Presbyterian churches to participate. Donis Zagurskie will be donating the use of the Lion’s Den.

A child from the community will be sponsored to go to Krislund Camp, asking church members to provide camp necessities.

Recognition of the graduating class of ’08 will be May 4.

The Nursery School/Preschool Committee will be participating in Kid Connection.

The LUMINA Center is planning to purchase the synagogue and will have fund-raising activities.

Habitat for Humanity will auction off a quilt. Chances are available from Harold Aitkin.

Ian Shelly is the newest member of the Lewistown Presbyterian Church. He finished confirmation classes with Pastor Bill King in time to be confirmed on Palm Sunday.

The Shelly family is very active in the life our church.

Ian participates in Presby Youth and attends Sunday School. At the Easter sunrise service he portrayed a security officer in Biblical style in the dramatic presentation, "CSI: Jerusalem." Ian also is one of our newest ding-a-lings, playing in the recently reorganized bell choir.

He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 4, which is sponsored by our church. Ian is a Tenderfoot at the moment but has met the requirements to be promoted in rank to Second Class at a Court of Honor this spring. His ultimate goal? Eagle Scout!

Ian attends SMMS, and plays soccer and basketball too.