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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SEPTEMBER 2018

CHURCH FAMILY PICNIC

Sacrament Education Workshop

For Children in Grades 3-5 & Parents

Saturday, October 6, 2018

2pm-4pm

Children and parents are invited to attend an afternoon of engaging learning and fun in order to better

understand the sacrament of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper and to participate more fully with the Church during

these special times in worship. The following Sunday is World Communion Sunday, when Christians around the globe celebrate the

Lord’s Supper together. Therefore, on Sunday, October 7, many children who attend the workshop will take communion for the first

time with believers world-wide.

Dear Friends,

The apostle Paul writes to the believers in Christ in the church at Philippi, “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. … I have received the gifts from Epaphroditus, the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:10-ff)

It seems the followers of Jesus, the community of faith in Philippi, sent gifts of support to Paul while he was in need. The passage never describes what those gifts were, but clearly they had meaning beyond what they were. The care and love that the gifts represented were as important as the actual gift. Several times in this letter Paul acknowledges the support and encouragement that he has received from the Body of Christ in Philippi.

In a similar way the support we offer through our financial giving toward mission and missionaries sends a message of encouragement and allows those serving Christ overseas and in various communities nationally to find strength to persevere and be faithful in the work they have been called to by God himself. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving to missionaries. Those monies carry far more than financial weight. They represent spiritual unity with our brothers and sisters “on the field” and give them strength and courage.

This month we have a unique, or at least a new opportunity, to support and encourage one of our mission partners. For several years we have financially supported the mission that Daniel and Jessenia Bain have to children in Nicaragua. They have invested their lives in caring for these children with little to no resource. After 13 years of their service in Nicaragua they have been called away to take a sabbatical. In God’s timing, the home we own at 114 Church Avenue and have rented is now available. The trustees are doing a few minor repairs and a little painting. After the carpets are cleaned the home will be ready to host the Bain family, including little Jeruahel. One of our members has donated furnishings to fill the home and in mid-September the Bains will take up residence and be part of our worshipping fellowship for the next months and maybe up to a year.

The Session has agreed to offer them rent-free housing at 114 Church Avenue through the end of 2018 and work together with them as they decided where and when God is calling them after they stop for a while and listen for His voice to speak to them. I celebrate your generosity and God’s provision through this family of faith for the Bains and others who are serving Christ throughout the world. As Paul said to the Church in his letter, “your gifts are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever, Amen.” Let us be sure to welcome them warmly into our family and include them in this fellowship as they arrive and live with us.

Joy,

A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR

Flute Ensemble Baptisms: The Bonnett, Martinac, Russell Families

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS: TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE

"It is an anomaly of modern life that many find giving to be

a burden. If one first gives himself to the Lord, all other giving is easy". - John Bonnell, Pastor

A new season of music is quickly approaching and I can’t wait to get rehearsals started and begin to make a joyful noise

with all of our vocalists and musicians! Once again, there are several options available for everyone who wants to offer

up your musical gifts to God this year.

Chancel choir is open to all singers regardless of experience. All you need is a willingness to praise the Lord with song. Join us on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 pm for rehearsal followed by a time of prayer as we lift up our joys and concerns. We sing most Sundays from September through June at alternating services. I hope you’ll join us! Rehearsals begin on September 19

The praise team leads worship most Sundays at alternating services. We offer up more contemporary songs with talented instrumentalists and vocalists. Please feel free to add your voice or instrument. We rehearse on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 pm either in the choir room or in the sanctuary. Rehearsals begin on September 4

Our handbell choir will be ringing again a few times each month with rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 pm. You don’t need to be able to read music to be in this group. If you have a willing spirit, we will help you to learn to ring for God with this growing group of musicians. This year we will ring from September through March. Come out to a rehearsal and give it a try! Rehearsals begin on September 19

Youth Choir is open to all students in grades 6-12. Under the direction of Heather Heere, this group sings 2-3 part music a few times per month from September through February. Join us on Thursday evenings for rehearsal from 7:15-8:30 for a time of singing, laughter and prayer! Rehearsals begin on September 6

Our elementary choir is for all students in grades 1-5. This choir will not only sing a few times per month, but ring hand chimes, play percussion instruments and much more! We will rehearse this season on Tuesday evenings from 6-7 pm. All are welcome to join us in making a joyful noise! Rehearsals begin on September 18

If you play an instrument, please let Ron know and you will be added to the list of instrumentalists who are encouraged to play throughout the year as choir accompanists, soloists or for special services.

Elfinwild Presbyterian Church

Financial Statement

July 31, 2018

Actual Tithes & Gifts Given $386,665

Total Expense (Y.T.D.) $385,605

Favorable (Y.T.D.) $1,060

MUSIC MINISTRIES

ELEMENTARY CHOIR

STUDENT MINISTRIES A NOTE FROM JASON

While many of us might be asking ourselves: ‘How did September get here so soon?’ We here in our student ministry are

excited for the kickoff of another wonderful ministry year! We had some great trips over the summer, but for me the most

exciting and meaningful time is during our ‘regular’ program year. Don’t get me wrong we have plenty of special events and

retreats during this ordinary time but for me it is the getting together on a weekly basis, studying scripture

together, praying together, singing together, and just hanging out together that is most special and meaningful. While

maybe the fact that I’m getting older plays a small role in how I feel – I think it’s mainly because I truly believe that faith

really grows and works itself out in the normal day to day of life. It’s in the regular rhythm of our day to day that God truly

shapes us and we see faith develop and make a difference. ‘Mountain Top’ experiences might help get our attention and

open us to new possibilities but it is in the day to day that those possibilities become an actual part of our lives. It is where

the rubber hits the road as they say. So as we kickoff our student ministries this fall (and all our other Elfinwild programs as

well) I hope all our students (and everyone else) will join us for the regular rhythms of study, worship, prayer and fellowship

that make up the everyday part of our faith lives. I’ll be there and I look forward to seeing all of you there as well.

God Bless,

Jason

Upcoming Events:

Sunday Night Kickoff: September 9th from 5-7pm with parent meeting at 7pm

Join us as we kickoff our program year with pizza, crazy games and a lot of fun. Following the kickoff we are asking parents

to stop in when they come to pick up students at 7pm for a brief parent information meeting. Jason will share a bit about

the program and give needed information. Please join us!

Confirmation Class meeting: September 16th following the 11:10am service

If you have a student in 8th grade who would like to be in this year’s confirmation class this meeting is for you and your

student. Jason will hand out a class schedule and go through the expectations of the class. The meeting will be held in the

chapel. We hope to see you there!

Are you on our email list?

Calling all parents who have a student in grades 6-12 – the best way for you to hear about our Student Ministry program

and events is through our weekly email list. You can sign up for this list in two ways. First you can go to our website and use

the Join a Mailing list section to sign up. Be sure to select the ‘Student Ministries Update’ from the options. Second you can

simply email Jason: Jason@elfinwildchurch.org, and give him your email address you would like to add to the

updates. Students are welcome to join as well! Once you are on the list you can unsubscribe at any point using the link at

the bottom of our emails. We hope you will sign up!

November 9-11, 2018

Pittsburgh Marriott North

50% Registration Discount through 9/24!

Group Name: ElfinwildPCA

weekendtoremember.com

Church Contact: Dirk and Van Lesnett

dirk@elfinwildchurch.org

1st David & Karen Pritchard 2nd Dwight & Joanne Pearson Stephen & Lauren Guth 3rd Jeffrey & Debra Thompson Rodney & Denise Engh Chuck & Judy Schramm 4th Matt & Katie Geary 6th Richard & Cody Klosky Eric & Kelly Davis 8th Charles & Kathleen Coyle 9th Bob & Kim Szymoniak 10th Richard & Garnet Schulz Timothy & Sharon Peretik 12th Jeff & Bev Weber 15th Douglas & Wendy Boody Joe Muczinski & Rachel Thompson 17th Erich & Alicia Kaiser 18th Clark & Cheryl Strohm (cont.)

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 20th Joanne Dauer

Danny Foreman

Breanna Pietropaolo

21st Christopher Belleci

Jonathan Corwin

Andrea Volle

22nd Robert Anderson

Charles Love

23rd Kristin Bartek

Elena Ferketic

Alexandra Radich

24th Karen Booker

Kari Dorner

Liesl Schaupp

26th Evan Muszynski

Robert Siar

27th Linda Borres-Netzel

Bethann Dolan

Blynn Shideler III

28th Jessica Bonicky

Connor Maroni

Lindsay McKay

29th Sami Damico

Catherine Finkbeiner

Timothy Giel Jr.

Janice Goss

Michael Wiemann

Carl Wilkinson IV

Skip Young

30th Michael Phillips

Taylor Tiernan

Grant Uvodich

1st Alexandra Imbrogno

2nd Sarah Lavelle

4th Aidea McKern

Jody Rieg

Rebekah Wood

5th Michael Beal

Jonah Cable

7th Andrew Lesnett

Becca Lynch

8th Anita Stringert

9th Leonard Anderson

Karin Brown

Beth Carson

Anna DeMatteo

Judy Duncan

Ralph George

Donald Howell

Tyler Murray

Bob Szymoniak

10th Susan Maroni

11th Julie Foreman

Ruth Keller

Emily Pernesky

Kari Schlegel

12th Ava Bonicky

Susan Magliocco

13th Dirk Lesnett

Jacob Mathias

Max Smith

Max Winek

Rebecca Winek

14th CJ Belleci

Ryan Graco

Thomas Lindeman

Alexandra Prichard

Maggie Rea

Amy Saraceno

15th Jennifer Callahan

Jacob Jashinski

Kamryn Russell

Gregg Smith

16th Michael Dolan

Joy Dorner

Barbara Nelson

David Potock

17th Jane Duffett

Sarah Robinson

18th Grace Gaydos

Mitzi Pearson

19th Daniel Foreman

Sara Thompson

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

STEPHEN MINISTRY CORNER

Stephen Ministry Special Event: “Let’s Talk Dementia”.

Monday, Oct. 1 at 7pm. in Fellowship Hall.

Many of us have a family member or a special person in our

life, living with some form of dementia. The struggle is real.

We don’t always know what to do for our loved one

experiencing the illness. We don’t always understand the job

of caregiver. It can be painful, exhausting and frustrating.

What can we do to assist folks as they go through this difficult

journey?

During “Let’s Talk Dementia”, we will learn about different

types of dementia and very practical caregiver support. There

will be plenty of time for questions and answers.

Our guests will be: Barbara (Bobbi) Kolonay, RN BSN MS and

Steve and Jan (Pride) Mills. Bobbi is the President of Holistic

Aging and Options for Elder Care in Allison Park. Steve is a

Primary Care physician for Excela Health in Latrobe and Jan has

journeyed dementia/Alzheimer’s with both her mother and her

brother. Please invite family and friends who may benefit from

this special presentation. All are welcome!

Questions? Contact Ruthie Riethmuller, Stephen Leader

412-487-3421 or mrdd1@comcast.net

ATTENTION ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS AND PARENTS: As you know, once students graduate from high school, it is difficult to keep in touch with them. We would like the Church to remain an important component in our college students’ lives. Therefore, we would like to compile a list of all of our students working on a post-secondary education. This includes commuter students as well as students living on campus. Please complete the form below and place it in the offering plate or mail to the church. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Neil at church, 412-486-5400 or at cindy@elfinwildchurch.org. Thank you!

STUDENT’S NAME: __________________________________________________

SCHOOL/INSTITUTION NAME: ____________________________________________________________________

HOME ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________

CAMPUS ADDRESS (IF APPLICABLE) ____________________________________________________________________

STUDENT’S E-MAIL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________

STUDENT’S BIRTHDATE: _____________________________________________

ANY FOOD ALLERGIES: ______________________________________________

PRAYER CORNER

ELFINWILD PRESCHOOL

Please pray for the children and staff of the Elfinwild Preschool at the beginning of this new year. Pray that as the

year progresses, they will be learning and growing with God’s love. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me

and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

Excitement abounds in the halls and rooms of the Christian Education building! Children and their parents are arriving to begin our 2018-19 school year, and we hear chattering voices, laughter and exciting conversations!

After the parent and child orientation, we are “off and running” with the many child centered activities.

Our Bible lesson for September is learning of how God created our world and how we appreciate all of the land, water, sun, plants and all of the creatures (yes – us too!) in our world.

Science Class will find us talking about what a scientist is and discovering that God gave us the tools of sight, hearing, smelling, feeling and tasting to be scientists ourselves!

In Gym, we are doing lots of exercising and having fun riding on the bikes and scooters and climbing on the equipment.

In our classrooms we are looking forward to hearing new stories, painting on the easels, creating our own art work and having fun meeting new friends.

Our Cooking Class will be designing their own aprons and getting ready to take a “trip” to New York. Apples will be the theme for the month with lots of interesting and yummy foods.

The Mom and Me Classes will be hearing as well as helping to tell some good stories. They will be making an art project related to the story. Also, they will be moving to music, and of course, having fun in the gym.

PRESCHOOL NEWS

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES (Continued) 18th Jim & Lesley Mueller 19th Daniel & Diane Lynch Scott & Carol Boggs 21st John & Cindy Neil 22nd Scott & Kelly McCort Brandon & Sherri Cohn 23rd Thomas & Nancy Bielski Bruce & Debra Riek 24th Michael & Mandie Radich

24th Ricky & Danielle Russell 30th Rae & Judith Hicks Todd & Gretchen Mathias

ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3200 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Glenshaw, PA 15116

www.elfinwildchurch.org

Return Address Service Requested

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