CROSS

CURRENTS March 2014, Published Monthly

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 3

Dear Friends, Several years ago it was a privilege to have Anthony (“Tony”) Robinson give leadership in a presbytery event about navigating the changes in culture and in the church today. This was the outline he gave us and thought it might be helpful for us as we walk this path together…Here it is unedited: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective and Highly Ineffective Churches by Anthony B. Robinson Writer Annie Dillard somewhere makes the observation that quite possibly the greatest indication of God’s grace she can imagine is the continued existence of the church on earth! There are days like that, aren’t there? Days when we wonder why in the world God puts up with us. Days when the best we can do is laugh at ourselves, ask God for a little more divine patience, and pray that somehow God’s grace might break us open and make us new. Besides, it’s good to laugh and, at least sometimes, to laugh at ourselves. In that spirit, I offer this little list of the seven habits of highly ineffective (and later highly effective) churches. It is intended to be fun, but serious too. I can imagine congregations having a good time building a skit or mime around each habit, or people with a flair for dramatic reading offering them up at a pot-luck dinner or talent show. Have fun, and keep the faith! Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Churches 1. Elevate mediocrity to a spiritual discipline. Figure out where average falls and aim below there. Doing

things with excellence, joy, and flair may make someone uncomfortable. God doesn’t really expect much anyhow. 3. Take no risks. A successful practice of risk avoidance is often best achieved by sending any and all new ideas to a minimum of four boards or committees who understand that it is their role to say “no” to new ideas for their review and approval. This process may need to be reinforced by remarks noting how a particular idea might make the church liable, cost money, or ruffle feathers. 3. Practice the following evangelism strategy: “If they want us, they know where to find us.” Assume that everyone does know where you are and what you are. It can also be helpful if your building looks like a medieval fortress. If you don’t have that going for you, encourage your ushers and greeters to look like palace guards as they perform their roles. 4. Blame early and often. Maintaining dysfunction in a congregation is made easier if scapegoats are regularly identified. In some congregations, ministers make wonderful scapegoats. You may also blame “newcomers,” or “people who don’t understand how we do things in this church.” If all else fails, blame the Conference, the denomination, or Satan. 5. Always be prepared to make an account of the excuses that are within you. Have an all-purpose excuse like, “I’ve just been so busy” (elaborate at great length just how busy you are), implying that no one else is busy. Occasionally try out a creative new excuse, like, “Our dog ate the printer-ink cartridge and required an emergency appendectomy. He is now very busy too.” 6. Make it clear to all that the job of the pastor (s) and staff is to keep everyone, meaning church members, happy. Think of your church as “ The Love Boat,” and the pastor as the cruise director and activity planner. The job of clergy and staff members is to keep everyone on board happy. If someone is unhappy, it’s a sure sign your pastor is not doing the job. 7. Spend as little money as possible. Even though you may enjoy spending money on personal things

like a car or a cruise, you can demonstrate your commitment to modesty and a simple lifestyle at church. The

very best programs cost nothing. And why would your church building need any renovations—if it was good

enough for your grandparents then it’ll be good enough for your grandchildren.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches

1. Strive for excellence in service to Christ. Effective churches are churches where people enjoy what

they’re doing and do it well. Give God your best whether in the care of church grounds, the soup you prepare for the homeless shelter dinner, or the hymns and anthems you sing in worship. 2. Cultivate a spirit of innovation and experimentation. Make the “ seven last words of the church,” —that is, “We’ve never done it that way before”—a distant memory. Be open to new ideas that advance your mission. Free people to develop and try new ministries. Just remember, if you’re not failing at something, you’re probably not trying anything. 3. Take the initiative to build relationships with people and groups in the wider community beyond your congregation. Refuse to be isolated. Take to the streets, the coffee shops, libraries, and parks of your community. Be curious about what’s going on. Get involved in community events. Meet people. Introduce yourself as a member of the church. Invite people to “come and see.” 4. Accept responsibility for mistakes, learn from them, and in all things let grace abound. Christians aren’t perfect; they are forgiven. So making mistakes is not the worst thing that can happen. Beside, we often learn the most from our failures. In the end, and in the beginning, it is about God’s grace, not our achievements. Cut others some slack. While you’re at it, cut yourself some too. 5. “Always be prepared to give an account of the hope that is within you.” (1 Peter 3:15) Look for where the love, energy, and life are flowing and focus on that. And recognize excuses for what they are: a sign of insufficient commitment. Be people of hope, trusting in God to find a way even when we can’t. 6. Be willing to let people go in order to stay focused on your core mission. It is more important for your church to be clear and steady about its core mission than it is to make everyone happy. Some people may be better off in another congregation. When folks are unhappy, connect, talk, and pray with them. If things remain stuck, let them go with your blessing, giving priority to your mission. 7. Splash it on! A hospice nurse told the story of bringing an elderly woman home for the final days

of her life. Noticing a large bottle of perfume on the woman’s dresser, the nurse asked, “Would you like me to dab a bit of that behind your ears?” “Honey,” said the woman to the nurse, “why don’t you just splash it on?” God loves cheerful givers. So spend money wisely, well, and freely in God’s cause.

I know we all want NLPC to be a highly effective, engaged and growing church moving forward into

the future together. Lots to think about here. Lots to pray about here. Lots to act upon here. Let us

encourage one another onward to do the good work the Lord has prepared us to do in His Name

through the worship, ministry and mission of NLPC. We are entering Lent, that annual pilgrimage to

the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ; a time when we allow the Holy Spirit of God to Search us,

Renew us and Transform us---personally and corporately. God has been and is so good! God is doing

so much in us and among us and through us and there is so much more if we are willing. God will

make us able! Amen

Together in Christ,

Pastor Bryan Burton

Ephesians 3:20-21

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,

for ever and ever! Amen.

Church Family & Friends

Roger Crouch, Janet Dain, Bill Evans, Marilyn Gierach, Mary Hartinger, Jean Herbert, Charlie Huber, Betty Litterst, Raymond Merritt, Ray Spirnock, Ralph Taylor, Peggy Trenton, Sandy Wiborg, Susan Wiedenman, Ralph Taylor, Jerry Wilson, Billie Heindel, Dee Boutwell, Joann Beckner, Dr. Jim Harmon, Frank Sypniewski...

3/03 Michael Pulcino Joe Ruth Buck Smith 3/04 David Cooper Jane Kramer Dorie Simpson Laura Theismann 3/05 Jerry Mitchell 3/06 Amanda Bailey Kelli Forman 3/07 Marcia Hudson Ian Love Tani Mikkelsen Dorothy Taraska Johanna Vaneijk Jenna Wools 3/08 Carson Tucker Betty Whitehead

3/09 Steve Roggow 3/10 Gene Gettig

3/11 Daniel Nations

Lillian Sypniewski

3/12 Roz Coleman

Betty Ann Seabo

3/13 Jung Kook Kim

3/14 Ryan Cleary

Leola Dahlberg

Kathy Swett

3/15 Ingrid Weld

3/17 Ariel Rickert

Calyssa Setterberg

3/20 Mark Collins

Dean Hudson

Jim Richards

3/21 Margaret Cox

3/22 Shari Richard 3/23 Carolina Laughon Richard Stephens Peggy Trenton 3/24 Ruth Campbell Nathaniel Senn Cheri Schneider 3/25 Dorothy Kuckuk Jamie Shofner 3/26 Chrissy Bailey Cheryl Sallada 3/27 Emma Adams Jason Forman 3/28 Casey Schuler 3/29 Virginia Gene Zilincik 3/30 Hank Morgan Art Pranno 3/31 Kristi Barham

3/03 Brian & Connie Brink Graham & Betty Pillow 3/06 Gary Johnson & Wendy Nakamaru 3/08 Robert & Diana Didiego 3/10 Ed & Shirley Gardner 3/12 Mwidimisi & Revina Munnisi 3/14 John-Paul & Patricia Murphy 3/17 Chester & Geraldean Harris 3/18 Richard & Vickii Latimer 3/19 Jim & Peggy Gonyaw 3/24 Jerry & Michele Wilson 3/26 Brian & Barbara Dill 3/27 Josh & Megan Rimmer

BIRTHDAYS March ANNIVERSARIES

Good Shepherd Hospice holds an open-ended Grief Support Group in the NLPC Hospitality Room the second and fourth Monday of each month (March 10 and 24), 10:30 am – noon. This is free for anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. Participants should register with Angel at 968-1739 and may attend as many sessions as you wish. Please note that in April there will be only one session on April 28. For further information ask Angel or contact Marty Dickey at 686-2891.

O U R P R A Y E R G U I D E

THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY

Joshua Berrian (Army) Justin Berrian (National Guard)

Shawn Coniglio (Navy) Kegan Davis (Air Force)

Mathew Scott Harreld (NC) Don Ott (Army)

Brett Sammis (UK) Jeremy Taylor (Army)

Seth Taylor (NC) Anni Taylor (NC)

Joshua Barker (Navy) Angela Shearin (Navy)

April 25, 26, 27

Tickets on sale now in the narthex and church office

Call 863-853-9541

Adults $7.00 - 12 and under $5.00

All proceeds (after expenses) will go to

The Hope Center Lakeland

North Lakeland Presbyterian Church 6725 N Socrum Loop Road Lakeland, FL 33809-6134 Ph: 863-853-9541 Fx: 863-816-0618 Email us at: office.nlpc@verizon.net

PLEASE NOTE: To help save on costs (postage, paper, ink, etc.) we encourage you

to receive your Cross Currents by e-mail. Please call 863.853.9541 or e-mail

office.nlpc@verizon.net Cross Currents is also available on our

website www.nlpchurch.org

OUR MISSION

Our purpose as a congregation is to serve God through worship and to provide an innovative environment for growth and fellowship, in order to go into the world as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Interested in NLPC Missions?

Stop by the Mission Table in the narthex.

It is filled with information on Hope

Center, Anchor House, KidPack, Buddy

Break, Meals on Wheels, NLPC Golf

Fellowship, 3 Cents-A-Meal and more. If

you are interested in being part of one of

these great missions or would like some

more information, there are sign up

sheets on the table as well. Or contact

Charles Flint at 858-3019 or Ginger

Futch at 858-6495

Meals and

Mission Sunday, March 16 at noon

in the Fellowship Hall Rotisserie Chicken, Green Beans, Potatoes

Yeast Rolls, Tea and lemonade

Suggested donations: $5 adults $3 kids

Contact: Donna Haas at 863-660-3701

Stay to Serve There are over 2,400 Hungry Homeless Stu-

dents in Polk County schools today.

WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT IT?

Stay after the fellowship meal and we will show

you how we help to feed them.

HOPE CENTER NEEDS:

Jeans - sizes 32, 34 and 36. Shoes - sizes 10 and up. Canned meat - prefer pop top cans - beef stew, Vienna sausages, tuna , and spam. If you would like to give a monetary donation to the Hope Center, please write Hope Center on the memo line of your check. Monetary donations will allow the Hope Center to handle emergencies, buy food and even secure housing. For more information contact Bob Burnett at 248-4240 or Charles Flint at 858-3019.

Growing Children in Christ

Building Strong Homes of Faith @ NLPC

On Sundays

Nursery care up to age 3 during

both the 9 a.m. and 10:45 am

services.

NEW TIME FOR KIDS: Children

ages 4 and older may attend the

first service with their families.

After the O.T. Reading Caroline

Burton will bring them to the CE

building for Discovery Hour.

9:30-10:15 a.m. Discovery

Hour where kids discover the

importance of God’s Word for

their lives! Grades K—3 in Room 5

Grades 4 & 5 in Room 4

10:45 a.m. Children’s Church.

Children grades 3 & under may

leave worship before the offering

for their own worship experience.

Please sign in your child in the

narthex and pick them up from

Room 7 after worship.

On Wednesdays

6:00-7:30 p.m. Wednesday Kidz

is a time of Fun, Faith, &

Friends—reaching out to kids in

the community to show the Way

of following Jesus in our daily

lives.

Our elementary children have a new friend! Parfait lives in Chad. (and the kids can show you where it is on a map of Africa!)

World Vision sponsorship for children is $35 each month. In February, NLPC elementary children (grades K-5) gave $48.65. Way to go, kids!

On April 2 we’ll have Parfait Night—bring a friend to meet our new friend, Parfait! And we’ll eat parfaits, of course!

2014 VBS is Coming

June 22—26

5:45—8:15 p.m.

VBS Team led by

Diane Mikolon & Cille Beasley

Palm Sunday Family

Event—April 13

Noon until 2 p.m.

We’ll begin in the Fellowship Hall with a Pancake Brunch.

Stations in and around the sanctuary will give families a

powerful, multisensory experience of the events of Holy Week.

And yes, there will be an egg hunt! Age-appropriate preschool

activities & nursery care are provided, too. Invite friends &

neighbors!

Lots of hands will be needed to make this a meaningful Easter

experience for families in the neighborhood as well as our

church families. If you don’t have young children, can you help

be a station host, decorate rooms, or serve lunch? Check out

the options on the Walk with Jesus display in the narthex.

Questions? Contact Evelyn McMullen (863-944-3047)

emcmullen.nlpc@verizon.net

or Kelli Forman: kelliandjasonforman@gmail.com

Playground

Dedication with Buddy Break

families February 15.

COME & SEE: Community & Learning on Sunday mornings:

9:30—10:15 a.m. Who is this Man? Youth Building

9:30—10:30 a.m. Friendship Class with adults with disabilities—Room 7—led by Vicky Odem

10:30—11:30 a.m. Digging Deeper– study of sermon text —Youth Building - led by Pastor Dill

10:30—11:30 a.m. The Forgotten God—led by Marjorie York in Church Library

10:30—11:30 a.m. The Challenge of Easter—led by Cary McMullen in Room 4 of the CE Building

COME & SEE: Community & Learning

on Weekdays These weekly groups all

welcome new folks! Mondays: 8:30 a.m. Women @ Panera Bread 6:30 p.m. “Mondays for Me” - Marjorie York’s home 2413 Big Cypress Blvd. Tuesdays: 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study for Early Risers—Room 7 8:45 a.m. Men’s Roundtable Bible Study Room 4 Elijah & Elisha Wednesdays: 6:00 p.m. “Foundation Builders” in Hospitality Room, led by Terry Tucker Thursdays: 11:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study, - 2nd Corinthians - Hospitality Room led by Evelyn McMullen

During the 40 days before Easter, Disciples of Jesus are called to follow Christ, preparing to experience the cross & Easter morning! How will you follow Christ during Lent? Lent begins Ash Wednesday on March 5.

A daily Lenten devotional booklet , “From Fear to Love,” includes Henri Nouwen’s reflections on the parable of the Prodigal Son. Pick up a copy in the narthex for a $1 donation to guide your personal prayer and study.

If you prefer a group setting for study there will be two additional class on Sunday at 9:30 and at 10:30: Who is this Man? and The Challenge of Easter

Is this a good time to try a new form of service? How is God calling you to live the Gospel message of love in this broken world? Talk to Evelyn McMullen about serving others in the name of Christ. No long-term commitment required. Prayerfully consider a one-month discipleship experiment!

If you don’t have a habit of regular worship, make time for worship every week during Lent, if possible.

Lenten Devotional Booklet

Copies in Narthex; $1 donation

The spiritual writer Henri Nouwen

discovered profound meaning in the

Parable of the Prodigal Son at a

crucial point in his own spiritual life:

the very nature of the father in

the parable is love, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Take time for your own daily spiritual journey

during Lent.

COME & SEE: New Sunday Morning Studies begin in March

9:30—10:15 in the Youth Building

Who is this Man? A video series by John Ortberg..

From the author: My hope and prayer is that you not only

come to know Jesus much, much better, but

that your heart will beat faster with joy,

gratitude, and awe that such a life got lived

in this world. I pray you will discover in

Jesus a deeper understanding of the possi-

bilities and significance of your own life.

10:30—11:30 in Room 4 of the CE Building

Begins March 9: The Challenge of Easter

Led by Cary McMullen

Author N.T. Wright helps us move

from the questions of the earliest fol-

lowers of Christ to the questions that

we have in our modern, scientific age.

How do we “live as though God is

among us, making all things new?”

New Member Class Sunday, March 16, 1 - 2:30 in the Hospitality Room Come to the Fellowship Hall for Meals & Mission Chicken lunch & stay for a time of exploring the meaning of membership as a disciple in this congregation and in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Child care is available.

LENT: PREPARING FOR EASTER

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

March 5, 7:00 p.m.

1st SUNDAY IN LENT

March 9, 9:00 & 10:45 a.m.

PALM SUNDAY

April 13, 9:00 & 10:45 a.m.

Pancakes on Palm Sunday at 10 a.m. & noon

Walk with Jesus Family Outreach Event from noon - 2 p.m.

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

April 17, 7:00 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

April 18, 7:00 p.m.

EASTER

April 20, 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service

Worship Service 9:00 & 10:45 a.m.

Coffee Café after each service

CONSIDER YOURSELF...INVITED! Prime Timers The Prime Timers gather for a meal on the third Sunday evening of

each month. The Prime Timers will meet March 16th at Olive Garden South at 4:30 p.m.

To make a reservation contact our hosts Dean and Marcia Hudson at 859-0084 or fill out a

yellow pew card and place it in the offering plate.

Glowing Embers is a senior fellowship group that meets the second Tuesday of each month for lunch. On

March11, Glowing Embers will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Red Lobster. Please call Ann Holzer at 683-5065 or fill out a yellow pew card so reservations can be made.

Faith & Fiction Wednesday March 19th at 11:30 a.m. in the

Hospitality room. This book club meets once a month and you all are welcome! Just bring your lunch. Coffee and dessert are provided. Please try us out! Contact Barbara Phillips at 858-8968. March’s reading is The Scavenger’s Daughter by Kay Bratt

NLPC Golf Fellowship

Fellow Golf Warriors,

We’re on a Mission for Anchor House. In March we head to Winter Haven to play at Cypresswood Golf and CC. Cypresswood is a Ron Garl designed golf course described as a Parkland course with no adjoining fairways which is very user friendly. The date is March 15th, a Saturday of course, and the first tee time is 11:00 am. I have four tee times booked. The green fee is a friendly winter rate of $32.00 and the Pro, Bob Shade says the course is in great shape. For more information contact Ron Sallada. In His Service, Ron Sallada 863-604-5924 or ronsallada2@verizon.net

F our Seasons is a fellowship group for widows and widowers. Our next gathering will be a visit to

Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales

Friday, March 21 We will explore the Gift Shop and Visitors Center (including a short film), have lunch in the Blue Palmetto Cafe, see the Garden surrounding Bok Tower and hear a live concert by Geert D'Hollander, the Carillonneur. Groups of 20 or more enjoy a reduced rate, and if we qualify, the cost per person will be $15.00, which includes admission, lunch, and gratuities, We are organizing transportation by cars and minivans. Newcomers are always welcome! You will be receiving a call from a member of the Steering Committee soon, and will be able to make a reservation and a menu choice. Deadline for reservations and the $15.00 cost, is February 28. Please contact Dundy Sigler at 687-6499.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS BAKE SALE March 9 after each service. The Friendship class is raising money for their annual class trip.

PANCAKES ON PALM SUNDAY April 13 The Friendship Class will be serving a pancake brunch after each ser-vice in the Fellowship Hall.

Congregational meeting is

Sunday, March 9th at 12:00 pm

March 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

2 9am»Worship 9:30am»Discvry Hr. 9:30am»Adult Class 10:30am»Adult Classes 10:45am»Worship 1:30pm»Drama-FH

3

6pm»High School Group-YB 6:30pm»Monday for Me 6:45pm»Boy Scouts #774-FH 7pm»Cub Scts-Rm 7

4 6:30am»Men’s Bible Study Rm 7 8:45am»Men’s Bible Study-Rm 4 9am»Faith Cir-HR 10am»Staff Mtg Rm7 5pm»Hand Bells 6pm»Admin-HR 7pm»Cub Scts-all bldgs.

5 ASH WED. 9:30am»NLWBS-HR 3pm»The Village 6pm»Youth-FH 6pm»Wed. Kidz -YB 6pm»Foundation Bldrs-HR 7pm»Ash Wed Srvce

6 11am»Bible Study-HR 6pm Mission/Evang. Rm 4 6:30pm»HOA Cntry Oaks-YB 7pm»Worship Band

7

6pm»Girl Scts-Rm 7 7:30pm»AA-YB

8

9 9am»Worship 9:30am»Discvry Hr. 9:30am»Adult Class 10am»Bake Sale 10:30am»Adult Classes 10:45am»Worship 12:00pm»Congregate’l Meeting-Sanct 1:30pm»Drama-FH

10 10am»Good Shepherd Hospice*-HR 6pm»Hi School-YB 6:30pm»Mon. for Me 6:45pm»Boy Scouts #774-FH 7pm»Cub Scts-Rm7

11 6:30am»Men’s Bible Study-Rm7 8:45am»Men’s Bible Study-Rm 4 10am»Staff Mtg 11:30am»Glowing Embers 6pm»Hand Bells 7pm»Cub Scts-all rms

12 9:30am»NLWBS-HR 11:30am»Faith & Fiction-HR 3pm»The Village 6pm»Youth-FH 6pm»Wed. Kidz -YB 6pm»Foundation Bldrs-HR 6pm»Worship Mtg 7pm»Chancel Choir

13 11am»Bible Stdy-HR 1:30pm»Hope Cir-HR 5pm»Bach Festival Rehearsal 6pm»Girl Sct Ldr Mtg-FH 7pm»Cub Scout leader Mtg-YB 7pm»Worship Band

14 7:30pm»Bach Festival 8pm»AA-YB

15 10am Buddy Break-FH 11:30am»Golf Fellowship

16 9am»Worship

9:30am»Discvry Hr. 9:30am»Adult Class 10am»Bake Sale 10:30am»Adult Class 10:45am»Worship 12pm»Meals & Mssn 1:00pm»Member Cls-HR 1:30pm»Drama-FH 4:30pm»PrimeTimer

17 6pm»HS Group-YB 6:30pm»Monday for Me 6:45pm»Boy Scouts #774-FH 7pm»Cub Scts-Rm 7

18 6:30am»Men’s Bible Study-Rm7 8:45am»Men’s Bible Study-Rm 4 10am»Staff Mtg 6pm»Hand Bells 7pm»Cub Scts-all rms 6:30pm Children’s Ministry Mtg-HR

19 9:30am»NLWBS-HR 11:30am»Faith & Fiction-HR 3pm»The Village 6pm»Youth-FH 6pm»Wed. Kidz -YB 6pm»Foundation Bldrs-HR 7pm»Chancel Choir

20 11am»Bible Study-HR 6:30pm»Session-Rm7 7pm»Worship Band

21 6pm»Girl Scts-Rm 7 7:30pm»AA-YB

22

23 9am»Worship 9:30am»Discvry Hr. 9:30am»Adult Class 10:30am»Adult Classes 10:45am»Worship 1:30pm»Drama-FH

24 10am»Good Shepherd Hos-HR 6:30pm»Monday for Me 6:45pm»Boy Scouts #774-FH 7pm»Cub Scts-Rm 7

25 6:30am»Men’s Bible Study-Rm7 8:45am»Men’s Bible Study-Rm 4 10am»Staff Mtg 6pm»Hand Bells 7pm»Cub Scts-all rms

26 9:30am»NLWBS-HR 11:30am»Faith & Fiction-HR 6pm»Foundation Bldrs-HR 7pm»Chancel Choir

27 11am»Bible Study-HR 7pm»Worship Band

28 7:30pm»AA-YB

29

30 9am»Worship 9:30am»Discvry Hr. 9:30am»Adult Class 10:30am»Adult Classes 10:45am»Worship 1:30pm»Drama-FH

31 6pm»HS Group-YB 6:30pm»Monday for Me 6:45pm»Boy Scouts #774-FH 7pm»Cub Scts-Rm 7