LEWISTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Corner E. Third and N. Brown Streets  -  Lewistown, PA 17044
(717) 248-4561       Fax: (717) 242-1638


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  The Panorama Online

February 2008  -  Volume 48 – No. 6

In this Issue...

Pastor's Corner

As you receive this newsletter, the work for 2008 is well underway. At the congregational meeting on January 20, the following people were elected:

SESSION (class of 2010)

As I shared last month, the new Session will be meeting on February 3 to approve committee assignments for 2008. As soon as possible, the new committee chairs will be contacting members of the congregation to join them in the work of that committee for 2008 beginning with the first committee meeting on Sunday evening, February 10.

Two Key Principles From Kennon Callahan

For the past two months, I have been leading a study of Callahan's Twelve Keys to an Effective Church which will conclude on Sunday morning.

February 3. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dozen or so people who have attended faithfully.

In my annual report to the congregation, I noted two principles of Callahan's which I believe summarize his approach to becoming a more effective church.

  1. Lean to your strengths. Work on what you do best. You will have more fun doing it. You will find more energy for it and for other things. And, like a rising tide lifts all ships, working on your strengths will improve your weaknesses.
     
  2. Lead with relational concerns. When relationships are strong and healthy, a congregation can endure many hardships. When they are weak, even the slightest problem can prove to be overwhelming.

As we move into 2008, as we prepare for the coming of a new pastor, and as we seek to discern what God is calling the Lewistown Presbyterian Church to be and to do, these two principles can guide us on our way.

  Katie Buchanan
Ruth Fisher
Thomas Gross
J. Carl Haldeman
Eugene Wheeler
(youth elder—class of 2008)
  Erin Harklerode
DEACONS (class of 2010)
  Thomas Dixon
Gwen Knudson
Marilyn Miller
Peggy Shilling
(youth deacon—class of 2008)
  Chelsea Siddons
NOMINATING COMMTTEE
  Shirley Ferguson
Maryann Haines
Dan McClenahen
Ralph Meachum
Donald Hirakis
CHURCH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
  Burnette Runkle
Janet Redmond (assistant)
DIRECTOR OF USHERS
  Edward Curry
Ryan Fultz (assistant)
Pastor King may be reached by calling: his cell phone (250-9239), the church office (248-4561), or his home (724-543-1267). His e-mail address is: pastorbill@penn.com.

Pastor Bill will usually be in the office or community all day Wednesday and Thursday, Friday morning, and Sunday

Please inform Pastor Bill King, Pastor Bob Zorn, or the church office when a church member is in the hospital or in need of pastoral care.

CORPORATION PRESIDENT
  J. Carl Haldeman
CORPORATION SECRETARY
  Jean Burlew
AUDITOR (class of 2010)
  Jack Wilson
 

JANUARY THAW

At this writing, all of the snow has gone here in Treaster Valley. Even the shaded areas beneath the hemlock trees now show only dead leaves and broken branches. Our January thaw came early this year, and we all have been enjoying the unusually warm weather. Many of us can remember years when we were not so lucky. One particular winter stands out in my memory, when I was a sixth grade student at the little one room school where I began my public education. The ground had been covered with snow since Thanksgiving Day. Almost weekly blizzards piled up more snow. So it was a welcome relief to see the temperature rise to above freezing, and the snow blanket considerably reduced in depth.

When this happened, Miss Wiggins, our teacher, thought that we could all play outside during our lunch hour. It was a welcomed opportunity after months of inside games such as eraser tag and marbles. (Would you believe that we boys even played mumblety-peg with our ever present pocket knives). Once outside we soon tracked the whole schoolyard with cow catchers, figure eights, and other designs. Then we found that we had a field of fine "packing" snow which made wonderful snowballs. Now, we knew that snowball fights were not allowed; so the next best thing was to build a snowman. We boys started first, and rolled a ball until we could no longer move it. Then the copy cat girls rolled one of their own right next to ours. Thus began a competition to see who could build the highest snowman. Snowballs were piled upon snowballs until both were higher than any of us kids. Coal shovels and scuttles were pressed into service to add mass to our molded mountains of snow. Miss Wiggins, undoubtedly enjoying the quiet classroom, did not ring the bell to end our fun. Loud arguments broke out as to which snowman was taller, wider or prettier.

Soon, a strange thing happened. The snowmen, built hurriedly without sound engineering, began to lean toward each other until they actually touched each other and held each other up. Their contact formed an arch bridge under which we could, from the tallest to the smallest, march in a row until the bell rang. We all went gleefully back to our classes. For at least one day we had learned that much more can be accomplished by cooperation instead of competition. A return of cold weather preserved our bridge for a few more days, until a well meaning parent, fearing a collapse, broke it down.

We, of many faiths and denominations, are to be building the Church of Christ. Competition will not work - cooperation will. At the beginning of a new year it is our opportunity and obligation to build the ministry and mission of our church together. Concepts and ideas long frozen by habit and tradition need to thaw. The warmth of our fellowship and worship will enable us to build a strong Christian witness in our community.

“For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another."         Romans 12: 4, 5

Robert L. Zorn
Minister of Visitation

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Session News  

Pastor’s report:

  • Thanks were extended to those Elders who assisted on Christmas Eve.

  • Was elected to Committee on Ministry

  • Beginning monthly staff meetings the hour before committee meetings.

  • Vacation in May and June.

  • Study leave April 7 for Interim Pastor Group; June 4-8 for Synod Conference at Westminster College and June 23- 29 for General Assembly.

Permission was given to Barbara Nielsen to hold an art class beginning January 30.

A thank you note was received from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. A note of thanks was sent to Crider-Mitchell Construction for their donation to the church.

Rev. Zorn will be preaching at Lewistown Presbyterian on Sunday, March 9.

Permission was given to Sheila Burns to hold a piano recital May 4, with the rehearsal May 3.

A letter of resignation as Youth Director was received from Katie Buchanan and accepted with regret.

The contract with Thomas Dixon as bell choir director is to be continued.

Lenten family activities are being planned. The first activity is to be on Ash Wednesday.

Elaine Siddons will coordinate the church youth in preparation for the Easter Sunrise Service.

The Souper Bowl collection is to be held February 3 with the proceeds to go to Meals on Wheels at Lake Park Methodist.

Heating in the elevator shaft is being studied.

Elders Jean Burlew and Violet Miller were elected as commissioners to the Presbytery meeting Saturday, January 26.

Boy Scout Troop 4 was given permission to hold a spaghetti dinner in the Baraca Room on Saturday, February 9.

 


High Noon Fellowship: Thursday, February 21, 2008


SUNDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS

February 2008

Acolyte: Deacon of the Month:
  • Duncan Shelley
  • Harold Wagner
Lav Readers: Ushers
  • February 3 – Rob C. Burns
  • February 10 – Bryan Haines
  • February 17 – Ruth Fisher
  • February 24 – Ken Fisher
  • J. Carl Haldeman – Head Usher
  • Jennifer Creighton
  • Ryan Fultz
  • Lowell Stephens
  • Eugene and Darla Wheeler
Nursery Services: Children’s Chat
  • February 3 – John Gregory and Chelsea Siddons
  • February 10 – Tara Reeder and Zoë Zagurskie
  • February 17 – Cora Beaver-Shelly and Ian Shelly
  • February 24 – Maryann Haines and Kelley Shoo
  • February 3 – Sue Garner
  • February 10 – Pastor Bill King
  • February 17 - Elaine Siddons
  • February 24- Cora Beaver-Shelly
Sunday School Opening Devotions: Junior Church:
  • February 3 – None
  • February 10 – Violet
  • February 17 – Dr. Robert Sharps
  • February 24 – Martha Civitts
  • February 3 – Elaine Siddons
  • February 10 – Elaine Siddons
  • February 17 – Elaine Siddons
  • February 24 – Elaine Siddons

COME ONE, COME ALL TO “LENTEN FAMILY NIGHTS” – Every other week during the Lenten Season the church will be hosting a “Family Fun Night.”

The first “Family Night” will be held on Ash Wednesday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m. This fun event will consist of a tureen dinner followed by a family movie. All are welcome to come celebrate Lent with the church family.

*Stay tuned for details about “Craft and Game Night.”          

Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. - Joel 2:12-13

 


Announcements and Reminders

PER CAPITA SET – The Presbytery has set the 2008 per capita apportionment at $27.39 per member. 

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY - On Sunday February 3rd, 140 million Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game.  There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal.  Please join people around the United States as they demonstrate God’s love by loving their neighbors through the Souper Bowl of Caring.  It’s a simple, yet significant act of caring for others.  Drop $1 (or more) in the soup pot as you leave worship on February 3rd.  Those who need help may not know that you cared, but God will. This year the money collected will go to the local Meals on Wheels program.

KRISLUND SUMMER CAMP – Climb the wall, go hiking, shoot archery, swim in the pool, do adventure activities and have a blast this summer at Krislund.  For those who are adventurous check out the trip camps!  There are adventures for 5th grade through 12th grade.  If you do not want to do Main Camp or an Adventure Trip, there are always the Specialty Camps!  There is something for everyone!  This will be an exciting summer!

Apply soon to get the camp of your choice.  Please fill out your application and, along with the down payment made out to Krislund Camp, submit it to the church office to be mailed.

Memory is the power to gather  roses in winter.               (Unknown)

LENTEN LUNCHEONS will be held Wednesdays at noon, beginning February 13, at First United Methodist Church at the corner of Dorcas and Third Streets.  A worship service will follow each luncheon.  A Good Friday service will be held at Sacred Heart at noon.

MELISSA ANN WALKING CIRCLE - This Circle is a result of the Presbyterian Women’s Organization.  It is named for two wonderful women leaders of our recent past – Melissa Lehman and Ann Hindman.  The purpose of the Circle is Christian fellowship.  Come and join us at Rec Park (meet at Dorcas Bridge parking lot) at 10 a.m. on Monday mornings.  We walk two times around the track, then journey to Burger King for a bit (bite!).  All are welcome.  Put on your sneakers and come.

BULLETIN OPPORTUNITIES are available for the Lenten Season.  If you are interested in sponsoring one of these colorful bulletins, please call the church office (248-4561).  Lent I – February 10; Maundy Thursday – March 20; Palm Sunday – March 16; Easter Sunrise Service – March 23 and Easter Worship – March 23.

THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE would like to make an appeal for donations of glass jars with lids in sizes pints through quarts to be used for take outs and leftovers for meals served in the church.  Donations can be dropped off in the kitchen anytime.

A SPAGHETTI DINNER  to benefit Scout
Troop #4 of Lewistown Presbyterian Church will be held Saturday, February 9 at Lewistown Presbyterian Church from 4:00-6:30 p.m.  Adults $6, children 6 to 12 - $4 and children 5 and under free.  Tickets can be purchased from members of Troop #4 or at the door.


MEAT CANNING DONATIONS TO BE RECEIVED

Since 1975, there has been a canning project in this area. This year the canning project will be held February 11 – 14 at A. J. Peachey and Sons on the Barrville Road. Volunteers are always needed to: debone meat, stir the meat, pack meat in cans, wash and label cans and general help. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board.

Funds are welcome to cover the costs of this operation.
  • $2.50 covers the expense to can one can of meat (28 oz./794 grams).
  • $60.00 will cover cost for one complete carton of meat (24 cans).
  • $0.25 is the average cost of shipping a can of meat to a hungry family.
  • $6.00 is the cost to ship one carton of meat.
Each year, MCC sends more than 500,000 cans of meat to people in need in some 20 countries, including the United States and Canada. (www.mcc.org )

Contributions for the MEAT CANNING PROJECT will be received February 17. The envelopes will be on the pews February 10 and 17 – please use them.


Worship with the Presby Youth

Easter Sunrise Service 7 a.m.
Sunday, March 23  

All students in Grades 6-12 are encouraged to participate in this crime-scene investigation about the crucifixion. This Easter drama by Bob Grinsell examines the evidence of the life and death of Jesus, including prophesies, miracles, and His message. Rehearsals are scheduled 6-8 p.m. Sundays, February 17 and 24, and March 9 and 16, and immediately following the Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 22. See Elaine Siddons for more information.


BOY SCOUT TROOP 4

This past year, troop membership increased significantly with the addition of nine new boys for a total of twenty-three registered on the 2008 charter. By contrast, adult membership only increased by one after addition of two new adults and the resignation of another.

Throughout 2007, we participated in a full schedule of scouting opportunities and service related projects organized by the Juniata Valley Council. These include the Klondike Derby, Spring and Fall Camporees, District first aid meet, week long summer camp, and scouting for food.  A total of eighteen boys attended summer camp this year making this the highest number in many years.  Our boys earned over fifty merit badges at camp and most were able to advance in rank based on these and other accomplishments.  Eagle Scout, Severin Thierwechter, was a member of the Pennsylvania contingent to this year’s world scouting event in Great Britain commemorating the 100th anniversary of the outing that led to the beginning of scouting.   Life Scout, Julian Jerzerick, is currently completing his requirements for the Eagle Scout rank.  His project was at the Historical Society’s McCoy House. Several other scouts in the troop are now of age and are ready to find a project worthy of this distinction.

In addition to the Juniata Council activities, our scouts participated in local hikes, canoe outings, bike rides, cabin weekends, a State College Spikes baseball game, and a backpack trip.  Our spring bicycle ride was on a nine mile section of Pennsylvania Turnpike abandoned in the 1960’s.  The ride goes through the abandoned Rays Hill and Sideling Hill Tunnels, the latter of which is over a mile long.   We would like to thank the parents and leaders that helped to make these activities possible.

We regret the cancellation of the summer backpack trip, but over Memorial Day weekend many of the boys were able to join other area troops on a bus trip to a Canadian Scout Camporee near London, Ontario.

This July, our older scouts will be attending a week long BSA High Adventure Camp in the Florida Keys known as Seabase. Here they will have an opportunity to fish, sail, snorkel, sea kayak, and learn at the Brinton Environmental Center on Summerland Key. Some of the proceeds from a February spaghetti dinner will be used by the boys to help cover the cost of this trip.

As always, the scouts and adults of Troop 4 would like to thank the members of the Lewistown Presbyterian Church for their generous support of the troop, especially for money used for the new stove at the Troop 4 cabin. Thanks to Ken, George, Bill, and Charlie to make this happen.

This year we expect to gain six or more new boy scouts from the Cub Scout packs of the United Methodist and St. John’s Lutheran Churches.  As we approach the 100th anniversary of  the start of Troop 4 in 1911, we should remain a strong troop in the community, offering outdoor opportunities for boys, and lessons in good citizenship and  community service. Typically, boys can join the troop when in the 5th grade and continue until their 18th birthday. If you have a son interested in joining or feel you can help us by getting involved as an adult leader or merit badge counselor, please contact a member of the troop or myself at 242-3981.

Sincerely,

Joe Young, Current Scoutmaster


Krislund Korner
Winter Wonderland Edition

It’s Summer Time at Krislund There may be snow on the ground and our woodstoves are burning, BUT we’re thinking and preparing for a great summer of camps and ministry. You can start experiencing summer too by registering your child or grandchild for a time of hot adventure and spiritual growth this summer. Go online to look at summer schedule and 21 camp offerings; download an application too. Remember, Krislund is for everyone!

Concerns Grow about Average Lifespan

Researchers believe the long standing trend of increased average life spans in the United States may not last. “The new lack of childhood activity and its extra pounds can lead to adult-onset diabetes and can actually shorten average lifespan from three to five years.” Unfortunately, statistics reveal outdoor recreation in the U.S. also going down, adding to concerns about the health of our children. “Go, play outside!” is not only traditional advice, it is God’s recommendation too. Krislund is a spiritual playground; come and join us this summer

Give a Week / Change a Life

Grownups can come to camp too! More than fifty adult volunteers served last summer in the kitchen, on maintenance, in the camp store, at arts and crafts, and as assistant counselors. They gave and received the joy of watching lives changed. Call the camp for more information. Housing is provided in the Lower Lodge and two RV hookups are available.

New Lodge Construction: Problem or God’s Provision?

A new construction regulation and permitting delays have moved construction of the new lodge to August. Fortunately, summer camps will now not be affected by construction, mission group scheduling will be broadened, and building costs are approaching their lowest level in years. The extra time will also allow remodeling of the Brown House into the Mission House for individuals and groups. Interested persons are asked to contact the Lodge Mission Coordinator, Dan Alex, at danalex@comcast.net .

They Need Your Help

Forty seven children and youth from inner-city Harrisburg hope to attend Krislund this summer. Their families are unable to send them, but scholarships ($300) from generous individuals and churches can bring them to camp. Consider this: six persons giving $10 from now to June can send one child to camp for a week. For more information, contact the camp.
 

  Krislund office: 814.422.8878

Office E-mail: info@krislund.org

 

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FEBRUARY Events 2008

Would you like to PRINT the Event Calendar?
 

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
UPCOMING:  
  • March 2 – Community Luncheon
  • March 5 – Lenten Family Night
  • March 20 – Maundy Thursday Communion
  • March 23 – Easter Sunrise Service
  1

9:00 AM Preschool

12:00 PM AA*

12:45 PM Preschool

8:00 PM NA

2

 

9:00 AM AA

8:00 PM NA

3

Boy Scout Sunday

Non-Perishable Food Day

Souper Bowl Collection

9:00 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM Worship

11:30 AM Community Luncheon

11:45 AM Session

2:30 PM AA

4

9:00 AM Preschool

10:00 AM Walking

12:00 PM AA

12:45 PM Preschool

6:00 PM Bowling

7;00 PM Bible Study

7:00 PM Scouts

8:00 PM NA

5

9:00 AM Nursery School

12:00 PM Nursery School

8:00 PM NA

6

ASH WEDNESDAY

9:00 AM Preschool

12:00 PM AA

12:45 PM Preschool

1:00 PM Art

5:30 PM Confirmation Class

7:00 PM Choir

8:00 PM AA

8:00 PM Al-Anon

7

9:00 AM Nursery School

12:00 PM Nursery School

6:30 PM Deacons

8

9:00 AM Preschool

12:00 PM AA

12:45 PM Preschool

8:00 PM NA

9

9:00 AM AA

4:00 PM Scout Spaghetti Supper

8:00 PM NA

10

COMMUNION

LENT I

Meat Canning Fund

9:00 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM Worship

2:30 PM AA

6:00 PM Staff Meeting

7:00 PM Committee Night

11

9:00 AM Preschool

10:00 AM Walking

12:00 PM AA

12:45 PM Preschool

6:00 PM Bowling

7:00 PM Scouts

8:00 PM NA


Meat Canning

12

9:00 AM Nursery School

12:00 PM Nursery School

8:00 PM NA


Meat Canning

13

9:00 AM Preschool

12:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Lenten Luncheon at UM

12:45 PM Preschool

1:00 PM Art

5:30 PM Confirmation Class

6:00 PM Bell Choir

7:00 PM Choir

8:00 PM AA

8:00 PM Al-Anon


 Meat Canning

14

Valentines Day

9:00 AM Nursery School

12:00 PM Nursery School

7:00 PM Session


Meat Canning

15

NO Preschool

12:00 PM AA

8:00 PM NA

16

9:00 AM AA

8:00 PM NA

17

MEAT FUND

9:00 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM Worship

2:30 PM AA

18

PRESIDENT'S DAY

Church Office   CLOSED

NO Preschool

10:00 AM Walking

12:00 PM AA

6:00 PM Bowling

7;00 PM Bible Study

7:00 PM Scouts

8:00 PM NA

19

9:00 AM Nursery School

12:00 PM Nursery School

8:00 PM NA

20

9:00 AM Preschool

12:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Lenten Luncheon at UM

12:45 PM Preschool

6:30 PM Officer Training

7:00 PM Choir

8:00 PM AA

8:00 PM Al-Anon

21

PANORAMA DEADLINE

9:00 AM Nursery School

12:00 High Noon Fellowship

12:00 PM Nursery School

6:30 PM Mom’s Group

22

9:00 AM Preschool

12:00 PM AA

12:45 PM Preschool

8:00 PM NA

23

9:00 AM AA

8:00 PM NA

24

9:00 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM Worship

2:30 PM AA

6:00 PM Children's Choir

25

9:00 AM Preschool

10:00 AM Walking

12:00 PM AA

12:45 PM Preschool

6:00 PM Bowling

7:00 PM Scouts

8:00 PM NA

26

9:00 AM Nursery School

12:00 PM Nursery School

7:00 PM Mt Rock

8:00 PM NA

27

9:00 AM Preschool

12:00 PM AA

12:00 PM Lenten Luncheon at UM

12:45 PM Preschool

1:00 PM Art

5:30 PM Confirmation Class

6:00 PM Bell Choir

7:00 PM Choir

8:00 PM AA

8:00 PM Al-Anon

28

9:00 AM Nursery School

12:00 PM Nursery School

29

9:00 AM Preschool

12:00 PM AA

12:45 PM Preschool

8:00 PM NA

 

717-248-4561              e-mail - lewispres@comcast.net   

http://www.lewistownpresbyterian.com 


PANORAMA ONLINE HOME

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Lewistown Presbyterian Church
17 East Third Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
(717) 248-4561   Fax: (717) 242-1638
E-mail: lewispres@comcast.net
 
Revised: March 19, 2008