the pastor’s ponderings . . . february...

1 | P a g e T H E M E S S E N G E R F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9

The Pastor’s Ponderings . . . February 2019

“Anticipation......................”

“Anticipation” – as Carly Simon sang back in 1971 “is keeping me waiting.”

And so it is for us, at Lower Brandywine, as we begin February 2019. At our Annual Congregational and Corporation

Meeting last Sunday, the congregation voted to adopt a co-pastor model, our Pastor Nominating Committee having identified –

after many months of prayer and deliberation – a wonderful candidate for just such a call.

But – for now – we wait, as the prescribed process required by Presbyterian polity (our form of government) nears its

completion. And we are confident that God – having led us thus far – will see us through!

And so – while we wait – a few thoughts about “anticipation:”

* It enhances the anticipated event or experience: think of a wedding – following a long engagement, or your

annual family vacation. Children and Christmas also come to mind.

* It provides time – and motivation – for preparation: Our PNC has developed a comprehensive plan for the

strategic success of our new pastoral model, and – logistically speaking – we are actively turning the Library

into an office for our anticipated co-pastor.

* It also encourages watchfulness – lest we miss the event when it finally occurs. Here, I am reminded that Daniel

foretold the timing of the coming of the Messiah, but – perhaps because of the long duration of the period of

waiting – God’s people ultimately failed to recognize him. Hence, Jesus’ related lament (Luke 19:41-44).

So, let us make good use of all of our times of waiting.

And, along the way, we have – and may we enjoy – the Apostle Paul’s assurances:

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion

by the day of Jesus Christ.”

(Philippians 1:6)

“For it is God who is at work in you,

enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

(Philippians 2:13)

It is a joy to be anticipating with you!

Dave Lovelace


LECTIONARY READINGS FOR FERUARY Year C

FEBRUARY Fourth Sunday after Epiphany—February 3 Jeremiah 1:4–10

Psalm 71:1–6 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 Luke 4:21–30 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany—February 10 Isaiah 6:1–8 (9–13)

Psalm 138 1 Corinthians 15:1–11 Luke 5:1–11 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany—February 17 Jeremiah 17:5–10

Psalm 1 1 Corinthians 15:12–20 Luke 6:17–26 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany—February 24 Genesis 45:3–11, 15

Psalm 37:1–11, 39–40 1 Corinthians 15:35–38, 42–50 Luke 6:27–38

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

02/01 Jacob Csuy

02/03 Mimi Lovelace

Genevieve Crampton

02/06 Trude Holmes

02/09 William Sudell

02/11 Sandra Messikomer

Nancy Plerhoples

02/12 Harold Kenton

Harold Salmons III

02/14 John Danzeisen

02/16 Madison Armstrong

02/18 Clint Veasey

02/19 Phil Calabrese

02/20 List Holt

Darlene Sullivan

02/21 Kate Connolly

02/23 Art Beebe

02/24 Steve Ernst

02/28 Weston Wright

The Church Office will be closed on Monday, February 18th in observance of President’s Day.

Beginning February 3rd:

Contemporary Service at 9:00 AM Traditional Service at 10:30 AM


Brown Bag Bible Study (Pastor Dave)

Studying: Lectionary Readings

We meet Thursdays at 11:30 AM. Lunch starts at

11:30 a.m., which may be truly “brown bagged” or

ordered from our wonderful caterer, Betsy Coons.

Indeed, many of us have a standing order with Betsy –

to enjoy her specialty of the day!

Book Club (Susan Latimer)

Reading: Scoop, by Evelyn Waugh

We will meet Thursday, February 21 at 6:00 PM at

Station 52. Come a little early to enjoy drinks and

conversation!

Sunday Morning Bible Study (Dave Robertson)

Studying: Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians

We meet Sundays at 8:45 AM in the Library. All are

welcome!

Sunday Morning Topical Study (Don Coats)

Watching: Myth with a Thousand Faces – Interviews

with Joseph Campbell

Reading: How Jesus Became God by Bart Ehrman

We meet Sundays at 9:00 AM in the Social Hall

meeting area. All are welcome!

Sunday School for Grades K – 5 (Barbara Sypher)

Meets every Sunday except Communion Sunday at

9:15 AM in rooms 4 & 5.

LIFT for Grades 6-12 (Becky and Sean Kennedy)

Living in Faith Together

We will meet most Sundays at 5:00 PM. A detailed

calendar will be provided. You DO NOT have to be a

member of LBPC to participate. EVERYONE IS

WELCOME!

Women’s Group (Joan Wysham)

Meets the second Tuesday of the month at Noon.

Just Desserts

Meets monthly. This month’s gathering is on Friday,

February 15th at 7:30 PM at the home of Bob and

Sue Hartman. All are welcome!

Spiritual Pairings (Sandra Borror)

Meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 PM.

A series of explorations to rediscover early saints,

philosophers, theologians, and teachers who

influenced the development of the Christian Church.

While some had ideas that may seem archaic, you

may be surprised to find wisdom nuggets and

inspiration that are still relevant today. At each

meeting, we’ll explore a pair of teachers and their

common themes.

Feb 26 - Martin Luther and Ignatius of

Loyola

Mar 26 - Teresa of Avila and John of the

Cross

Apr 23 - Francis de Sales and Jane de

Chantal

May 28 - TBD


A reminder that LBPC

is scheduled to deliver

Meals on Wheels

February 4 - 8. Mark

your calendar!

Join Us for Just Desserts

February 15th at 7:30 PM

at the home of

Bob and Sue Hartman

Sunday, February 3

• Souper Bowl of Caring before and

after services.

• No LIFT

Sunday, February 10

• Home Invasion at the home of Dara

and Robert Main.

• Dinner at 5:00 PM

• PCUSA Faith Questions, Grace and

Gratitude: What is Grace?

Sunday, February 17

• NO LIFT – Take a break!

Sunday, February 24

• Dinner at 5:00 PM

• PCUSA Faith Questions, Grace and

Gratitude: Why Do I Need God’s

Grace?

The Sr. Choir will resume its normal rehearsal schedule in February. See

you there!!

Sunday, February 3rd

Book Swap

Time to clean out some book shelves? Bring your

unwanted books, CDs and DVDs to the Social Hall. Leave

what you don’t want and pick up some new material.

Leftover books will be donated to the Unvionville High

School Used Book Sale.

Souper Bowl of Caring

It’s going to be the Patriots and the Rams battling it out for

the Super Bowl Champion title. Help LIFT battle hunger in

our area by donating CANNED GOODS, SOUP or

MONEY before and after services! Youth will be located in

the Sanctuary and Social Hall to take your donations.

Donations will benefit the Delware Food Bank.


February Events

Did you know Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church is located on a national scenic byway??

That’s right! The byway begins at the Pennsylvania State line at Delaware 52 (also known as Kennett Pike) and continues for 7.3 miles into the city of Wilmington. From Wilmington, take Delaware 52 (Pennsylvania Avenue) to Delaware 100 (Montchanin Road). Continue for 5.1 miles until the byway ends at the Pennsylvania State line. Visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/57779 for more info.

__________________________________________

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/57779


Start Date Start Time Subject

02/03/2019 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and Good Samaritan

Book Swap

Souper Bowl of Caring

8:45 AM Adult Bible Study

9:00 AM Adult Topical Study

9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service

10:00 AM Fellowship: Coffee & Conversation

10:30 AM Traditional Worship Service


02/04/2019 7:00 PM Alateen (Teen & Tween Rm.)

7:00 PM Al-Anon (Sunday School Room 4)

02/06/2019 12:00 PM Al-Anon (Sunday School Room 4)

6:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal

6:30 PM Youth/Children's Choir Rehearsal

7:30 PM Music Rehearsal

02/07/2019 11:30 AM Brown Bag Bible Study








3:00 PM Astral Harp - Janet Witman

5:00 PM LIFT



02/12/2019 12:00 PM Women's Group

6:00 PM Book Club

7:00 PM Centerville Civic Association in Social Hall

02/13/2019 11:30 AM Mission Committee Meeting






02/15/2019 7:30 PM Just Desserts @ Hartman









02/18/2019 ** Church Office Closed **

7:00 PM Alateen (Teen & Tween Rm.)


7:00 PM Finance & Administration






7:00 PM Laura Densmore - Photographs of Birds








5:00 PM LIFT



7:00 PM Session Meeting

02/26/2019 7:00 PM Spiritual Pairings - A sampling of early Christian spiritual teachers





02/28/2019 NCP Beach Retreat @ Cambridge Maryland

11:30 AM Brown Bag Bible Study

6:00 PM Parenting with Love & Logic presented by Shari Cissel


Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church 101 Old Kennett Road ~ Wilmington Delaware 19807 Rev. David E. Lovelace, D. Min., Pastor [email protected] Lisa Chase, Minister in Trainin [email protected] Linda Natali, Church & Cemetery Manager [email protected] Dr. Donna Beech, Music Director [email protected] Phil Calabrese, Contemporary Music Director [email protected] Barbara Sypher, Dir., Children & Youth Ministries [email protected] Becky Kennedy, Office Assistant [email protected]

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