october 2011 the spire - clover...
TRANSCRIPT
From the Pastor
The Newsletter of
First Presbyterian Church
of Waynesburg
October 2011
“The purpose of the First Presbyterian Church is to glorify Almighty God
as we bring people to Jesus Christ, welcome them into our Christian
family, nurture one another to Christ-like maturity, and equip members
for their ministry and mission in the world.”
The Spire firstpreswbg.com
Not too long ago, with the remote firmly in hand, I was watching a
football game, and during a commercial, did what I always do –
changed channels. I happened to come across a rugby match broad-
cast from the United Kingdom. I was mesmerized by their play, though
I had no idea of the rules or terminology – props and scrums, mauls
and rucks were beyond me. The game itself was incredibly physical-
with no protective gear, the players tackled one another as fiercely as
American football.
Thoughts of that game came to mind when I ran across this news story
about Euan Murray (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/
15016776.stm?print=true):
―The Glasgow-born prop, 31, has chosen to prioritize his faith this
weekend, meaning he will miss Scotland's Pool B clash with Argentina
on Sunday. ‗I don't see why there have to be games on Sundays,‘ said
Murray. ‗I hope things will change in future.‘"
―Murray will hope that he has done enough in previous matches to get
his place in the team back for next week's match against England,
which takes place on a Saturday. Back in 2008, Murray did play on a
Sunday when Scotland took on France in the Six Nations. But, after his
faith deepened, he announced a year later that he would no longer be
available for selection on Sundays. At the time he said:
„It's basically all or nothing, following Jesus. I don't be-
lieve in pick 'n' mix Christianity. I believe the Bible is the
word of God, so who am I to ignore something from it?
I might as well tear out that page then keep tear-
ing out pages as and when it suits me. If I
started out like that there would soon be noth-
ing left. I want to live my life believing and doing the
things (God) wants and the Sabbath day is a full
day. It's not a case of a couple of hours in church
then playing rugby or going down the pub, it's the
full day.‟"
What struck me was more than his not playing on
(continued on next page)
First Presbyterian Church
169 W. College Street
P.O. Box 446
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: 724-627-6006
Fax: 724-852-2502
firstpreswbg.com
9:15 a.m. G.R.O.W.
10:30 a.m. Worship
Bill Sukolsky, Pastor
David L. Barrett
Pastor Emeritus
Becky Juliano, Director of
Discipleship and Ministry
Josh Sumpter
Director of Youth Ministry
Tome Custer
Director of Music Ministry,
Director of Children‘s Ministry
Nelson Fox, Organist
Sara Christner,
Accompanist
Janice Scott
Church Secretary
Mark McCullough,
Custodian
Ben R. McCracken,
Treasurer
Patrecia Baily
Financial Secretary
(continued from previous page)
the Sabbath; within the Christian
community there is a broad range of
understanding about what it means to
keep the fourth commandment.
Rather, it was his recognition that fol-
lowing Jesus entails every area of life – in his
words, ―it‘s basically all or nothing… there is no
pick ‗n‘ mix Christianity‖. It was his desire ―to
live my life believing and doing the things (God)
wants‖, regardless of what it might cost him
professionally or personally.
Euan Murray‘s attitude and action captures the
significance of what I have been describing on
Sunday mornings as Christ‘s call for us to ―live
as citizens of God‘s kingdom‖. It is a citizenship
granted us as we trust in Jesus the Savior… it
entails all aspects of our life, from our words to
our money to our families to our enemies… it
reflects a growing awareness that trusting
Christ is the end for which we are created… that
our joy is found in him as we learn to obey him.
Murray‘s words capture the blessings
and cost of discipleship, modeled for
us in life and teaching of Jesus,
made possible through His death
and resurrection on our behalf.
Through the month of October, I will continue to
preach on the parables of Jesus – each of
which illustrate for us the kind of life Jesus
promises and commands as we live under his
authority and rule – lives of ―all or nothing‖ de-
votion as we respond to God‘s unmerited favor.
Our mid-week life groups will continue to meet
as well, providing the roughly 65 people partici-
pating with a space and place to help one an-
other ―believe and do the things God wants‖ in
our families, neighborhoods, and vocations.
I hope you will be joining us in morning worship
through the coming month, as together we
learn what it means to ―bring hope to life in
Jesus‘ name.‖
Blessings- Bill
October Dates to Remember:
2nd Communion
7th- 9th Big One Retreat at Pine Springs Camp
9th University Lunch following worship
12th 3:15-5:30 p.m. Discovery Club begins
13th 7:00 p.m. 20th Century Club Meeting
15th 8:00-10:00 a.m. Shepherds Meeting at
Waynesburg University
6:15 p.m. Dinner Theatre
16th Congregational Meeting
18th 5:00 p.m. Sr. Citizens Volunteer Dinner
23rd All Church Lunch following worship
25th 7:00 p.m. Crossroads Parents Meeting
28th 5:00-6:00 p.m. Good Neighbor Supper
30th Reformation Sunday
October Helpers
Worship Assistants:
2nd & 9th David Baily
16th, 23rd & 30th Josh Sumpter
Deacon of the Month: Lois Riggs
Ushers: Dick Bortz, Matt Blair, Craig Cerra,
Charlie Huffman, Ben T. McCracken,
Drew Huffman, Riley Biddle
Children‘s Message:
2nd Mindy Tedrow
9th Susan Biddle
16th Dave Calvario
23rd Tom Ribar;
30th Janice Baily
Infant Nursery:
2nd Julia Camps
9th Maddy Cerra
16th Lauren Fox
25th Erin Kline
30th Drew McConville
9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 a.m. Worship
Turning missed opportunities
to blessings...
Each of us gives in different ways and in
different amounts. We give not according
to our ability but according to our under-
standing of the needs. When a person dis-
covers gratitude as a motive for giving,
then heart and mind work together to de-
velop good stewardship habits. Just as we
learn how to pray by praying, so we learn
how to give by giving.
What if we were taught and believed that
stewardship is what a person does every
single day of life? What if we could be
taught what a grateful per-
son does with their
money so that they
could experience
the deep and pro-
found joy of giving?
Stewardship Report
Faith Promise Actual
2011
Goal
2011
United World Missions - Telford $1,400 $2,400
Christian Missions - Crow 1,400 2,400
Interserve - Nicky Stock 1,500 2,400
Interserve - Paul & Pat Stock 1,600 2,400
Mission Haiti - Kenson Beaubru 800 2,400
Krasnodar, Russia Church 250 3,000
Christian Bible Ministeries CBM 1,750 3,000
CBM - Judy Virgili 1,400 2,400
CCO - Emily Jenson 800 2,400
Habitat for Humanity - Greene 1,500 3,000
Waynesburg Christian Outreach 1,600 2,400
GWCO - Cathie Carpenter 1,200 1,800
Crisis Pregnancy Center 1,495 2,400
Pine Springs Camp 1,500 3,000
Resurrection Power 649 1,000
Missions - other
Jubilee
Total Expense $18,844 $36,400
Pledged Giving 23,016
Balance 12-31-2010 1,099
Total Income $24,115
Surplus (Shortfall) $ 5,271
What if, honestly and forthrightly, we discov-
ered the biblical truth: We brought nothing
into the world, so we can take nothing out of
it (1 Timothy 5:7). What if we could see the
truth: we cannot take anything material out of
this world, but we do take a record of how we
have lived our life and what we have done
with what God has permitted us to have and
use as long as we live? (Stewardship 6/06)
Financial update… Your prayers and support in meeting the fi-
nancial needs of our church are making a dif-
ference.
Ben McCracken, Stewardship Commission
Actual
8/31/11
Budget
2011
Staff $142,780 $233,683
Property 31,625 45,500
Christian Ed 8,383 16,600
Evangelism 284 2,300
Fellowship 923 2,950
W & S 1,322 3,800
Office 12,850 21,034
Purpose & Planning 118 2,500
Deacons 1,000 2,000
Stewardship 2,000
Total Expense $199,285 $332,367
Giving 170,356 259,603
Investments 44,752 72,130
Other 817 1,050
Total Income $215,925 $332,783
(Shortfall) Surplus $ 16,640 $ 416
Each week at Crossroads, we are diving into
Scripture striving to learn more about God and
more about who God desires us to be. Over and
over, the writers of Scripture utilize “tree” im-
agery. The metaphors of roots, fruit,
branches, and leaves are spread out
through both the Old Testament, and the
New Testament. Our prayer for the teens
that gather together each week will begin
to learn more about who God is calling
them to be: like a tree planted by streams
of water! Why? Deep roots. A huge foun-
dation. Nutrients being soaked up. Abun-
dant fruit. Our prayer is that teens will
have deep roots that are grounded in
Christ, that their lives will reflect Christ-
like fruit, and oh, when tough times hit, their faith
does not wither away. Check out the words of the
Psalmist in the very first chapter:
Blessed is the man who does not walk
in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf
does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
(Psalm 1:1-3) by josh sumpter
youth ministry ~ grades 6—12
Crossroads Calendar
Oct. 7-9: Pine Springs Big One Retreat (Weekend)
Oct. 9: Crossroads Combined 7-9 PM
Oct. 16, 23, 30: Crossroads
Nov. 4-6: Pittsburgh Project (High School)
Cross-Training (Grades 6-12)
Wednesdays 7-8:30 PM starts Oct. 5th @ The Sumpter‘s House
Grow 4 Life
Classes:
101 Class & 301 Class
On Sunday, November 6th we will
be offering both the 101 – Commit-
ment to Membership Class and the
301 – Commitment to Ministry Class.
Both classes will begin promptly at 9
AM, break for worship, include a light
lunch, and finish by 1:30 PM.
The 101 Class is the first class in the
Grow 4 Life series. The content focuses
on the purpose, process, and plan of
our congregation, as well as the call to
commitment to membership, maturity,
ministry, and mission as we serve
Christ together. The class is designed
for anyone who is interested in becom-
ing a member of the First Presbyterian
Church family.
The 301 Class is the third class in the
Grow 4 Life series. The content focuses
on discovering and using your spiritual
gifts. It is intended to help you discover
where you may be best suited to
serve and minister in the
context of our church family.
Fall G.R.O.W. Classes
Our current Sunday morning
G.R.O.W. classes will continue
through the month of October.
It is not too late to join! Please con-
sider coming to one of these great
learning and community-building op-
portunities. These classes take place
on Sunday mornings from 9:15 AM to
10:15 AM. Coffee and snacks are
available before classes start. Here are
the classes we are offering now and
will run through October 30th:
Genesis: The Covenant Comes to Life
Taught by Becky Juliano
This study of Genesis looks at the origi-
nal meaning, bridging contexts, and
contemporary significance of the text,
and provides a better understanding and
relevant application of the biblical material to our
daily lives.
Disney, Hollywood and the Bible: Whose Story Will You
Believe?
Taught by Tom Ribar and Mike Juliano
This class explores how Christians can live faithfully at
the crossroads of Scripture and postmodern culture. It
explores the basics of the Christian worldview and lays
out a brief summary of the biblical story and the most
fundamental beliefs of Scripture.
Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table
Taught by Theresa Viarengo
This class explores the relationship between the way we
eat and the way we live. Scripture, prayer and stories
from the local and global community are used to explore
five key aspects of our relationship with food: the health
of our bodies; the challenge of hunger; the health of the
earth that provides our food; the ways we use food to
extend hospitality and enrich relationships; the opportu-
nities for action, renewal and transformation in our eat-
ing practices-as individuals and as faith communities.
Erasing Hell
Taught by Evan Kephart
This class is for university students. The curricu-
lum is based on Francis Chan‘s book, Erasing
Hell, which is a response to Rob Bell‘s controver-
sial book, Love Wins. Chan‘s book tackles the
reality of hell, and the way we view the areas of
God's Word and actions that we might not agree with.
All-Church Soup & Salad Lunch
On October 23rd there will be another all-church lunch.
October‘s lunch will be sponsored by Crossroads Youth
Ministry and will feature a wide variety of homemade
soups, salad, and bread. All donations received for the
lunch will be used for scholarships for students to go on
youth retreats and service projects. If you are interested
in contributing a soup for the lunch, please contact Josh
Sumpter. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a warm
bowl of soup and time with others in the congregation!
Discipleship & Ministry
Becky Juliano, Director
Growing in
Relationship to
Others and the
Word
Congregational News Please pray for the following service personnel:
Casey Parsons, Jason Cowart, Edward Wagner,
Charles Boyle, Jake Wilson, Dan Everly, Josh Kabay,
Patrick Kabay
In Nursing Homes: Ruth Fuller, Grace Thyreen, Mary Stoy,
Bob Cowell, Jean Zackal, June Anderson
The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Norma and
Linda Bell on the death of Robert W. Bell on September 1, 2011.
The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Peggy Mur-
dock on the death of her sister, Catherine P. Simmers, on
September 7, 2011.
Parents of College Students—please contact the church office
with your child‘s address at school so we can keep in touch.
Lost and Found—Can‘t find your coat? We have a large selec-
tion of coats and jackets in the narthex and stairwell off the
assembly room.
The Dr. Gordon Jones Scholarship has been awarded to Lexi
Ribar, Abbe Huffman, Drew Huffman and Tim Noftzger for the
2011-2012 school year. Each year up to four scholarships are
awarded to members of the First Presbyterian Church who
are attending a post-high school educational institution. This
scholarship is a further commitment of the church to support
our young members.
Calling All Musicians at First Pres!! If you sing or play an in-
strument, there are a number of opportunities to share your
talents!
Praise Team: Participates in each Sunday
morning service, leading the congre-
gation in worship.
Handbell Choir: Performs one
Sunday a month and partici-
pates in Christmas/Easter
services.
Chancel Choir: Partici-
pates in Christmas/
Easter services, and per-
forms one Sunday in fall
and spring.
If you are interested in par-
ticipating, please contact
Tome Custer or the church
office.
October
1 Asa Winters
Miatta Toothman
3 Nathaniel Baily
4 Taylor Johnson
6 Grace Kalsey
7 Richard Bortz III
8 Fred Owens
Susan Biddle
10 Betty Ray
Ione Coburn
11 Linda Pollock
Cherylen St. John
12 Bill Sukolsky
Sara Christner
Mackenzie Robinson
13 Jim Hook
14 Thelma Scott
Alaina Camps
15 Robert Baily
Ethan Haiduc-Dale
17 Robin McGill
Nicole Stephenson
Jesse Kisner
18 Amy Mackor
19 Beth Hellems
Jennifer Robinson
23 Lindsey McGrath
Mary Toothman
24 Skip Noftzger
Rick Ellis
25 Loren Dukate
27 Patty Baily
Amy Sibert
28 Garrett Toothman
29 Shirley Baily
30 Gregory Klinefelter
Alex Teagarden
Julie Marshall
Early November
1 Steve King
Susan Stoy
3 Bob Graham
4 Ryan Schwarz
Daniel Schwarz
Riley Biddle
Check it out!
Mark your calendars —
Discovery Club will begin Octo-
ber 12. There will be games,
songs, food, Bible lessons,
crafts and mission projects for
children 1st through 5th grade
every Wednesday from 3:15
until 5:30 p.m. Our theme this
fall is “Paul‟s Race,
God‟s Grace.”
Ha
pp
y B
irth
da
y t
o Y
ou
!
Fall has arrived and it's time to mark October 15
on your calendars for this years "dinner
theatre". The First Presbyterian
drama team will be
presenting "Capernaum
P.D." - a spoof of the old Dragnet TV
series. The dynamic duo of Joe Friday
and Frank Cannon, detectives
extraordinaire, has been assigned the case
once again. They are investigating several
miraculous, and by the Pharisees'
perceptions, blasphemous occurrences in
Galilee in the two years prior to the
crucifixion of
Jesus.
The transgressions include all the miracles Jesus
performed, from the wine at the wedding to the
feeding of the five thousand.
The investigation takes some hilarious turns as the
duo tries to determine what the truth is, but it
culminates in a poignant conclusion.
Reserve this date on your calendar and come join us for
fine food, friendly fellowship and falling-out-of-your-
chair laughter. Tickets will be on sale soon at $25.00
each. Line up some friends and fill a table of four. All
proceeds benefit First Presbyterian Mission
Experiences. We appreciate your support!
—The Mission team
Capernaum P.D.
Non-Profit Organization
U. S. Postage
PAID
Waynesburg, PA
Permit No. 68
First Presbyterian
Church
169 West College St.
P.O. Box 446
Waynesburg, PA 15370
RETURN SERVICE
REQUESTED
Pakistan Floods in Pakistan – again * Some of you
may know that southern Pakistan has once
again been hit by flooding. It is not of the
same scale as last year, however, our
hometown of Mirpurkhas and the surrounding
areas have been hard hit this time. 25 people
were reported killed in the Mirpurkhas
area. The flooding was caused by prolonged
heavy rains. Many villages have been flooded
and houses destroyed. The AV Center would
like to help get food to 500 families. They have
applied to Tear Fund. Pray for those affected
by the floods and pray for wisdom for our
AV Center workers as to what God would
have us do this time. Pray for God’s
provision.
France
Even France is getting excited and
involved in "small groups"
In September we will have a push to
get even more people into small
groups for study and fellowship. All
the groups will be encouraged to read
and study Peter Maiden’s book on
“Discipleship” which came out in
French recently. This aims at
strengthening unity of vision and
commitment in the church as a
whole.
from Colin Crow,
Missionary in France
Mission
Co
rn
er
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the
word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship & Communion
3 4 9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Craft & Pray 6:00 Stewardship 6:45 Property 7:30 Session
5 7:45 Healing Choices 1:00 Circle 7:00 Youth Cross-Training
6 6:00 Handbells
7 8
9 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship 12:00 University Lunch 7:00-9:00 Cross-roads Combined
10 6:30 Strategy
11 9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Craft & Pray
12 7:45 Healing Choices 3:15 Discovery Club 7:00 Youth Cross-Training
13 6:00 Handbells 7:00 20th Century Club 8:30 Praise Team
14 15 8:00 Shepherds Meeting 6:15 Dinner Theatre
16 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship & Congregational Meeting 6:00 Middle Sch. 7:00 High Sch.
17 9:00 Christian Ed. 7:00 Worship
18 9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Craft & Pray 5:00 Sr. Citizens Volunteer Dinner 6:30 Deacons 7:00 Sunday Sch.
19 7:45 Healing Choices 3:15 Discovery Club 7:00 Youth Cross-Training
20 6:00 Handbells 7:15 Chancel 8:30 Praise Team
21 22
23 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship 11:45 All-Church Lunch 6:00 Middle Sch. 7:00 High Sch.
24 25 9:30 Bible Study 1:00 Craft & Pray 7:00 Parents Meeting 7:00 Missions
26 7:45 Healing Choices 3:15 Discovery Club 7:00 Youth Cross-Training
27 6:00 Handbells 7:15 Chancel 8:30 Praise Team
28 5:00 Good Neighbor Supper
29
30 9:15 G.R.O.W. 10:30 Worship
Reformation Sunday
6:00 Middle Sch. 7:00 High Sch.
31
Halloween
October 2011
Big One Retreat at
Pine Springs Camp