LEWISTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

One of the great joys in interim ministry is meeting so many wonderful people who are serving God in so many exciting ways. God is at work in the congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We may have our faults and our shortcomings, but God is doing some great things through his people.

God is at work in the Lewistown Presbyterian Church, and I am excited about being with you in this time of transition. Several people have asked me if I would be among those considered by the Pastor Nominating Committee. No, I will not be. As the interim pastor, my ministry is to prepare the way for the next installed pastor, not to be that pastor.

My ministry is like that of John the Baptist. (See below.) I appreciate this opportunity to be your pastor during this "in-between" time and to work with you in discerning what God is calling the Lewistown Church to be and to do as you prepare for your next pastor.

Pastor's Corner

Confirmation Class

A confirmation class is scheduled for Wednesday evenings beginning January 30. Any teenager who wishes to attend should contact Pastor King before the January 10 Session meeting.

 
The Special Work of Interim Ministry

One of my favorite Biblical characters is John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus. John called people to reexamine their relationship with God and often reminded Israel of his role as forerunner. Once Jesus started his public ministry, John's following began to dwindle. Some of John's disciples were upset and urged John to call his followers back from following Jesus. To which, John responded:

No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven.
You yourselves bear me witness, that I said,
I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.
He who has the bride is the bridegroom;
the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him,
rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice;
therefore this joy of mine is now full.
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:27-30)

John the Baptist is a great role-model for interim pastors. We are not the one who is to come but the one who prepares the way. Like John, we are called to make the crooked straight and the rough places plain. Like John, we must decrease so that the next installed pastor may increase. Like John, we join in the joy of the congregation when the new pastor is identified.

John the Baptist is a great role-model for all of us - not just interim pastors. For each of us, our role in the life and work of this congregation is not an end in itself but the means to fulfill God's ends. Like John, we are each called to prepare the way of God's Kingdom. Like John, we each must decrease so that Jesus may increase. Like John, we rejoice greatly when Jesus is glorified.

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.

On December 9, the Session agreed to the following committee structure for 2008:

Evangelism & Mission
  2 elders, 1 deacon
  2 or more from congregation Worship & Music
  2 elders, 2 deacons
  2 or more from congregation Fellowship
  2 elders, 3 deacons
  2 or more from congregation

Nursery School / Preschool
  2 elders, 1 deacon
  2 or more from congregation Nominating (as established in the by-laws)
  2 elders, 2 deacons
  5 elected by the congregation
Memorial
  1 elder
  2 or more from congregation

The Session will meet after worship on February 3 to assign elders for its committees. Following that meeting, the elders on each committee will be contacting members of the congregations to join them in the work of that committee for 2008. The first committee meetings for the new Session will be on Sunday evening, February 10.

If you would like to be considered for a committee of the Session, please fill out the form below. (The form will also be available in the bulletin the first couple of Sundays in January and in the narthex throughout the month of January.) Please indicate those committees which interest you.
 

There will be several opening on the Communion Preparation Teams. If you would like to help prepare for communion, please let Pastor Bill know by indicating so on the form below.

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2007 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PROJECT - We are so blessed with our caring and generous church family. The children received their "special gifts," - a hat, gloves, socks and at least one outfit. Please remember these children and their families in your prayers. Peace to you and your families this blessed Christmas season. Thank you. Margie Smith, Amy Smith and Lynn Curry

PER CAPITA SET - The Presbytery has set the 2008 per capita apportionment at $27.39 per member. This money is used by General Assembly to support mission work through persons such as Dr. Eric and Becky Hinderliter; to support Synod of the Trinity through activities such as the Disabilities Retreat and to support our Committee on Ministry and Presbytery Office.

A WINTER COLLAGE AND WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS is planned for four "Wednesdays, beginning January 30, 2008 and continuing for three more Wednesday in February (Feb. 6, 13 and 20) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Baraca Room of the Presbyterian Church. If a class is cancelled due to bad weather, the class will be made up on a future Wednesday. The classes will be taught by Barbara Nielsen and are open to all ability levels. Registering for the classes must be done at the YMCA by Monday, January 28. the cost is $35 for Y members and $55 for nonmembers. A supply list will be given at the time of registration. Please call Barbara at (248-5732) or the Y (248-5019).

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! - We will "undecorate" the sanctuary Thursday, January 3 at 6:30 p.m. All help will be appreciated.

DEACONS MEETING - Thursday, January 3 at 6:30 p.m.

STAFF MEETING - Sunday, January 6 at- 6 p.m.

COMMITTEE MEETING - Sunday, January 6 at 7 p.m.

BIBLE STUDY RESUMES Monday, January 7 at 7 p.m.

SESSION MEETING - Thursday at 7 p.m.

ANNUAL MEETING - The Session has set Sunday, January 20, 2008 for the Annual Meeting of the Lewistown Presbyterian Church.

BROOMS FOR SALE! - Highly recommended brooms! Sweeping distance 97 miles!! Price per is $8. Benefits the Presby Youth. Contact the church office.

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Join us for fun, food and fellowship.

See you there!

SUNDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS

JANUARY 2008

• January 6 - Marjorie Caldwell
• January 13 - Rob Burns
• January 20- Cora Beaver-Shelly
• January 27 - Dr. Robert Sharps

• Marjorie Caldwell - Head Usher
• Scott and Carole Auker
• Dr. James Crimmel
• Ed Curry
• Nancy Machmer

• January 6 - Doug and Sue Garner
• January 13 - Gloria Clinger and Chelsea Siddons
• January 20 - Pam Shawver and Katie Pecht
• January 27 - Susan Mowery and Kelley Shoop

• January 6 - Larry Welshans
• January 13 - Harold Aitkin
• January 20 - Tom Gross
• January 27 - Donis Zagurskie

• January 6 - Leah Siddons
• January 13 - Pastor Bill King
• January 20 - Katie Buchanan
• January 27 - Maryann Haines

• January 6 - Elaine Siddons
• January 13 - n\a
• January 20 - n\a
• January 27 - n\a

NEW YEARS PRAYER

Dear Lord,
In the new year, we pray
that You will guide us each new day
in paths that are pleasing to You.
Lord, the new year gives us another chance
to rededicate our lives to You, to study Your Word
so that we know right from wrong
and to act in accordance with Your commands.
Thank you for the sense of
direction, purpose and peace we get
from aligning our lives with Your Holy will.
We pray for the strength and the will to obey You
each and every day of the new year,
and when we fail, we pray for Your mercy,
Your compassion, Your grace and Your love.
Help us in the new year to be your faithful servants.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

By Joanna Fuchs

Krislund Korner

Our First 2008 Edition

IMMUNIZE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AGAINST NDD & VIDEOPHILIA What is the effect on children of more than 6 hours spent daily watching TV, playing video games, or being on a computer? The answers are compelling: increased childhood obesity, decreased sensitivity to environmental issues, increased sense of isolation, and growing numbers of childhood attentional problems. One of THE most effective interventions against Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) and videophila (the rise of sedentary activities while engaged in electronic media) are wilderness play and hands-on outdoor experiences. One week at Krislund is a 138-hour immunization that can last for weeks, months, and maybe a lifetime of interest in the God of creation. Sign up your child or grandchild now for a week at camp: www.krislund.org .

WHERE ARE THEY? Counselors are the backbone of Krislund's life-changing experience. Many high school seniors and college age young adults have the gifts to make a deep impression on the lives of children and youth. You know who are the ones in your church who would be great spiritual mentors for this summer's campers. Call or e-mail the camp with their names and we will do the rest. Help us find those people God is calling to make a difference this summer.

WHO'S IN THE KITCHEN? Each summer's head cook is a person of great skills and broad popularity. Do you like to cook for large groups? Are you free this summer and would like to live and serve in the beauty of Krislund? Would you be willing to be trained in the joys of camp cooking? If so, contact Krislund for an application.

INVITED! Every year someone is surprised to find that Krislund is not just for Presbyterians. All interested children and youth are invited to be part of the fun this summer

Krislund office: 814.422.8878 
Office E-mail: info@krislund.org

Print/View the Annual Meeting Ballot

A LETTER FROM OUR FRIENDS IN LITHUANIA

Klaipeda, Lithuania October 6, 2007

Dear Friends at Lewistown Presbyterian:

What a joy it is for us to be connected with you! Your support of the mission work we have been sent here to do is a testimony to your faith and an encouragement to us and the students we teach. Becky and I were glad to visit with you this past June and to receive your gift for us.

This year's Yellow Envelope Offering has again been used to enhance the learning experience of students at Lithuania Christian College. A student from Kazakhstan told me how pleased she was to read a new book about her country from the LCC library. The other day students in one of our classes showed us the books they were reading about 'fair trade' in coffee. We are again teaching in the prison. Students come to class there with new English instruction books. It is gratifying to see these new resources in the hands of students. The books say "gift from the Lewistown Presbyterian Church." Your faithful stewardship makes these moments possible.

You have doubly blessed us. We want you to know that the work of our church—the Presbyterian Church (USA)—is made possible by your support of what is often called "denominational causes". Your pledges through the Huntingdon Presbytery to our designated mission support account enable Becky and me to live here in Lithuania. As teachers at the college we are privileged to be present in the lives of young people from the former Soviet Union. We are mission co-workers, appointed by the General Assembly, for long-term work here. But the work of the General Assembly—actually our work and your work—is only possible because congregations like Lewistown Presbyterian are such faithful stewards giving generously for work done in Christ's name. This giving is foundational to Presbyterian missions.

"Peace be to the -whole community, and love -with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. " Ephesians 6:23-4

Becky & Eric Hinderliter
PC(USA) mission co-workers Lithuania
Lithuania Christian College

Krislund’s Valentines Dinner and Dance

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Check Krislund's Off-Season Programs for Updates

Letters of Appreciation

MOTHER HUBBARD'S CUPBOARD

Mother Hubbard's Cupboard is a food bank developed by the Lewistown Ministerium and is currently operating from Saint Mark's Episcopal Church. The goal of the program is to provide food items for the residents of Mifflin County.

The food bank has always operated by accepting donations, either monetary or food items, from local employers, businesses, schools, community organizations, and agencies, churches, and individuals. Mother Hubbard's Cupboard does not receive or benefit from any federal, state, or local funding.

Please know that because of your compassion, many of the less fortunate folks of Mifflin County receive help with food and personal care products. Your donations make life a little more manageable for them.

Again, thank you very much for your generosity and caring. May the kindness you show others bring joy to you and those you love.

Very truly yours

Volunteers for Mother Hubbard's Cupboard

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December 10, 2007

Lewistown Presbyterian Church 17 E. 3rd Street Lewistown, PA 17044

Dear Congregation Members:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity to this year’s Annual Fund to support the Student Aid. Your recent gift of $1, 250 is very much appreciated.

Thanks to your support, we are able to offer our student increased scholarships, maintain our outstanding library collections, provide significant Continuing Education programs and encourage religious scholarship. Our important work of training men and women for careers in ministry would not be possible without your contributions.

I appreciate your encouragement and support. God bless you in all your endeavors.

Gratefully yours,

William J. Carl III