“You are the salt of the earth.” — Jesus (Matthew 5:13)

OUR MISSION

Parkville Presbyterian Church

is a community of believers

following Jesus Christ

by sharing God’s Word,

serving and welcoming all.

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

Rodriguez Home 2

One Great Hour of

Sharing

3

Fuller Center Musical

Benefit

6

Restoring

Stewardship

8

Financial Statement 10

The Salt ShakerThe Salt ShakerThe Salt Shaker

M A R C H 2 0 1 5

From Pastor Steve –

The elders and deacons had a fantastic retreat on

January 30th and 31st! We were able to train,

talk, and make some exciting plans for the com-

ing year. At its meeting on February 3rd, the ses-

sion distilled some of the ideas from the retreat

into three big, measurable goals that will guide

all our ministries in 2015.

This year, we will:

1. Achieve a net gain of ten percent in member-

ship. In 2015, be on the lookout for new outreach initiatives

and new efforts to help visitors connect with the life of the

church.

2. Identify a significant need in our community and

initiate one new mission activity to address that need.

3. Double the number of congregants participating

in spiritual formation activities. Spiritual formation might

be described as those activi-

ties which focus on 'being'

rather than 'doing.' Our

spirituality is everything we

do — every decision we

make. Spiritual formation

helps shape the way we

think and feel about our

spirituality, and is vital to

the life of a vibrant church.

T H E S A L T S H A K E R

The Rodriguez Family has a new home!

Thanks to all who helped with it!

Highway

Cleanup!

Next cleanup is

Saturday, March 28

Beginning 9:00 am

Scout Chili Supper

March 21

A major fund raiser to

help send scouts to

Summer Camp!

Thank You PPC! Thank you so much for the wonderful cookie reception after our Winter Showcase. It was so lovely and generous of you and such a treat for our families. We appreciate your thoughtfulness so much. — Cindy Powell, North Class Coordinator Christian Youth Theater

P A G E 3

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

Across the world, millions of people live on

less than $1.25 a day and have to survive on

very little to no food. By giving to One Great

Hour of Sharing you’re supporting programs

working to provide those in need with food and

safe water, relief for those affected by crises

and catastrophic events, and the tools

necessary to improve their lives.

The One Great Hour of Sharing, an annual

Presbyterian Church (USA) special offering,

will be dedicated on Palm Sunday, March 29.

Lenten Community Meal and Study continues

“Come Build a Church"

Join us each Wednesday in Lent 5:45 to 7pm

A simple communal meal with study following

Thank you for all you do

to bless our neighbors!

Place shared items in

the grocery cart outside

the Sanctuary. Special

needs at this time are:

Ramen noodles

Toothpaste

Pudding

Shampoo

Kleenex

Baby Wipes

Hamburger Helper Feminine hygiene

products

Cash donations are

always helpful—make

checks to SPEAC

Food Pantry

March

Food

Pantry

Needs

T H E S A L T S H A K E R

Adult Education during the month of March

Romans: The Radical Last

Letter of the Apostle Paul Romans, while being the longest of Paul’s letters, is frequently overlooked be-

cause of its complex style of writing and seemingly ab-stract theological themes.

Yet Romans presents Paul at his best in dealing with con-

flict and resolution within the Church. Romans serves as a model for how one ap-

proaches problems not just from a utilitarian per-

spective but from theolog-ical perspective. This study of Romans

will focus upon the back-ground of the letter in re-lationship to other Paul-

ine letters and the back-ground of the Christians

in Rome. It will also consid-er Paul’s unique letter writ-ing ability. A key focus will

be an examination of the various issues and conflicts that caused the letter and

how Romans continues to challenge individuals today

in their relationship both to God and others. The class will be led by Dr. David M. May, Professor of New Tes-

tament at Central Baptist Theological Seminary.

Faith and Family Group Sundays, 9:40, Room 311 March 1 & 8, Jan Myers will lead a discussion on the Spir-

itual Development of our Chil-dren. March 15 & 22, Joyce Schrimsher will lead the Faith and Family Class on continu-

ing the Lenten theme of Cove-nant and Community with a discussion about grace. How

do we mirror grace when in-teracting

with our children, our

friends, and our world?

Joyce will use

as a reference "What's So Amazing About Grace?" by

Phillip Yancy.

Easter Brunch

Plan to join us for our annu-

al Easter Brunch to be held

April 5 from 9:30 to 10:30

in Whipple Hall. Egg casse-

role, muffins/breads, fruit

cup, milk and coffee will be

served. Beginning March 15

reservations may be made

by filling out the insert in

the bulletin and putting it

in the offering plate, calling

the church office or Carol

Park at 741-8859. You may

also email Carol at

cpark52@kc.rr.com. We

need your reservation by

April 1 if possible. April 5

Ministries and Activities this Month

Little Dresses for Africa An invitation is always open

for anyone who would like to get involved in the Little Dresses for Africa mission.

Our next gathering will be Friday, March 6, from 1:00 to 5:00

PM at the church. There are tasks for many different skill sets, from sorting fab-rics and trims, to sizing completed gar-

ments, to sewing, to cutting and ironing. If you'd like some fabric and supplies to

sew dresses or shorts at home, contact Ka-ren Murray—kmurray746@aol.com. Our

considerable stash of fabric is finally orga-nized and la-beled. Both of the pic-

tured garments were made with repur-

posed men’s shirts.

P A G E 5

Northland Church Women United You are invited to attend the Northland

Church Women United World Day of Prayer. It will be held at Park Hill Christian Church, 6601 NW 72nd Street, on Friday, March 6th. The registra-tion and refresh-ments begin at 9:30 and the Cel-

ebration will begin at 10:00 am. Theme: Je-

sus said, “Do you understand what I have done for you?”

Small Groups Resume post-Easter Two of the opportunities afforded by

small groups are:

1) Getting to know - or better know - one another 2) Studying how to grow in the Chris-

tian faith.

We look forward to starting up small groups in April. Be sure and sign up on March

18 or March 25. Pastor Steve will be lead-ing training for small group coordinators after Easter.

If you have any questions at all about what

to expect from a small group, please speak to a member of Intentional Faith Develop-ment: Russ Jones, Rich Huyck, Sandra Annis, Jan Myers, Joyce Schrimsher, Shannon Windmeyer, Audrey Ritsch, Mike Vaughn, Bill Geary, or Pastor Steve.

Don’t forget

this weekend . . .

T H E S A L T S H A K E R

Please share this information with fami-

lies you know who are either already con-nected to PPC in some way or might be in-

terested in a connection. We know that de-veloping faith must be as intentional as a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and

physical development. Just as these other areas of the child’s growth develop in stag-es, so does his or her faith. We begin to de-

velop a child's faith in our nursery with our youngest members and continue that devel-

opment throughout their formative years.

New youth group for Grades 3 - 6

Are they the Crazy Cool Christians, the Coolest Crazy Christians, or the Craziest Cool Chris-tians? Ask one of the 3rd - 6th graders in our newly formed youth

group. No doubt you'll get a definite answer! They meet

each Sunday at 4pm on the Youth Floor with Pastor Steve. Call Mary Listrom for in-

fo on coming activities @ 816-853-9721.

Mark your calendar now for VBS — July 27 – 31. Watch for a new date for the VBS

planning meeting (to be rescheduled from earlier information. We

did not want to conflict with the Come Build a Church Lenten

study. Please be think-ing about how you can

be a part of VBS this year and enter the planning process on the ground floor. VBS

provides the most concentrated time for In-tentional Faith Development (Christian Ed-ucation) with our children during the

year. Be part of sharing stories of the faith

with the children in our community. You'll

be glad you did.

The Easter Egg Hunt provides another chance for you to interact with families in

our neighborhood. Emp-

ty eggs will be available for you to take home and fill on March 14

and March 21. The Easter Egg Hunt will

be Saturday, April 4 at Park University shelter house on Highway

9.

College Scholarship Applications

Available in the Narthex March 8

The initial scholarship amount is between $500

and $1,000 and previous scholarship recipients are now able to apply for a

scholarship renewal of $250. The scholarship is intended to assist

full time students with tuition, fees, books

or supplies.

Mother's Day Tea during the Sunday School hour,

Sunday—May 3.

Senior Recognition Sunday – May 31

It’s not too early to encourage graduating seniors – high school or college – to provide a pic-

ture along with gradua-tion information and fu-ture plans by the last Sunday in April so that

we can feature them in the May Salt Shak-

er.

P A G E 7

Children and Youth: A veritable potpourri of ministries and activities awaits you

this late winter and spring!

L ET’S HIT THIS HEAD ON. Lots of people do not like the word “Stewardship.” But

these same folks are often quite generous.

They contribute to this church and other worthy causes and organizations. You may be among them. It’s just that darn word. It

seems like a code, a substitute or a trick phrase. We may think it just means that someone wants something from us. In

many cases people see “stewardship” but they hear: money, contributions, giving,

collections and so on. And often they close their ears . . . and their hearts . . . and then their wallets. Let’s attempt

to restore a better understanding of and

respect for stewardship.

We must reclaim stewardship, both the

word and the meaning. It is simply too fundamental and important a Christian

concept to allow it to be defiled.

Stewards Are Not Owners

1 Timothy 6:7 - “We brought nothing into the

world, so that we can take nothing out of it.”

First, it is necessary to agree on who owns this world. Hint: Neither you nor I.

God does. All this stuff we have acquired, earned, received, bought or created belongs

to God. It, or its elements, were here before our birth and will be here after we die. He alone owns everything, including all the

people of the earth. The word we should stop using, when speaking of what we have, is “owner.” We may hold a thing in our

possession today, but we never really own it. William Shakespeare had this to say in

Othello about the transitory nature of a bit of money. “Who steals my purse steals trash. ’Twas mine, ’tis his and has been slave to thousands…”

Stewards Are Caretakers

When you hear the word steward you should visualize someone who holds and cares for something of value, which belongs

to another. A steward manages things but does not own them. A shepherd feeds but does not own the flock he tends, a teacher

instructs but is not the parent of the pupils in her class and a banker protects the

money in her vault on behalf of others.

Stewardship should never be taken lightly.

It is a very serious responsibility.

We Are All Stewards

1 Peter 4:10 - “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift

each of you has received.”

Stewards are found

everywhere and are absolutely necessary. And

you too are a steward. Of

everything you possess or may have responsibility to husband. Money, houses, cars, your spouse or partner, even your

kids. Stewardship is commonly used in reference to money and property, but not

exclusively. Stewardship is a concept that applies to everything. Stuff you can hold, people whom you adore and intangible

concepts such as respect, gratitude and love. If we neglect to honor and protect these important values, their worth and

standing will surely erode, just as a bicycle left outside will rust.

Stewardship Requires Generosity

At some point you must give everything

away. That’s right, even your children. You created them and you care for them, you raise them, but after all that effort, you

finally let them go. They fledge as do the

birds. And that letting go, or returning

Restoring Stewardship

We must

reclaim

stewardship

T H E S A L T S H A K E R Cont. on next page

things you have held, is essential to under-

standing stewardship. Stewardship is a privilege and a responsibility but it is never

permanent. It requires generosity. And God, as we know, loves a cheerful giver. We can-not hold things forever. We can share them

ourselves now or they will be shared when

we depart this world. So do so cheerfully.

This notion is a foundational precept of

stewardship. You are obligated to care for God’s things and ultimately through your

joyful generosity, ensure that they are used wisely and toward productive and useful ends. We must not waste that which we

steward.

Letting Go Is The Only Way To Truly

Have Something

Luke 12:15 - “And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the

abundance of possessions.’ ”

Here is another flash. It is only by letting

go that we truly gain something. Hoarding and hiding the things we hold as valuable,

accomplishes nothing. Being generous pays

enormous dividends, to us and to the recip-

ients. Spend your dollars and your love. In-tentionally, but boldly. It may be a gift, an

act of kindness, an investment, a compli-ment, a purchase, a donation, a thank-you, an offering, or an act of extravagant gener-

osity. Doesn’t matter, unclench your hand, let go and make the things and people you care for become useful. Extend your physi-

cal presence throughout the world. God and the world will take note and you will be paid

with deep appreciation.

Embrace Good Stewardship

Say it with me: “Stewardship is Good!”

The world is waiting for your time, your treasure and your talent. We can all become

better stewards by understanding that:

1. All is God’s,

2. We are each a steward and must

take good care of His world, and

3. Each steward is called to be intentionally and gloriously generous.

Faithfully, Elder Randy Smith

Restoring Stewardship, cont. from previous page P A G E 9

T H E S A L T S H A K E R

February Final Friday Concert -

The artistry of harpist Tabitha Reist Steiner was paired with resident pianist/organist Paul Erickson

for PPC’s February 27 “Final Friday.”

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2nd Sunday in Lent

8:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship No Youth Group

2 9a-10p Park University ICM 5:00 p.m. CYT 6:00 p.m. Bible Study, Room 307 6:30 p.m. Cubs/rooms 205/206/208 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Whipple Hall 7:00 p.m. Evening Circle at the home of Joyce

3 8:30 a.m. Home School Co-Op 1-10p Park University ICM 6:30 p.m. Cubs/rooms 205/206/208/215 7:00 p.m. Session, 307

4 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayers 5:45-7p.m. Communi-ty Lenten Dinner & Study, Whipple Hall 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

5 9a-10p Park Univer-

sity ICM 10:00 a.m. Circle III, Room 307 5:30 p.m. Extravagant Generosity Ministry 6:00 p.m. Book Club, Youth Floor 7:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Room 307 7:00 p.m. Right Side of the Tracks/Room 208

6

9a-10p Park University ICM 9:30 a.m. World Day of Prayer, Parkhill Christian Church 1:00 p.m. Little Dresses for Africa 2:00 p.m. Preby-tery Meeting, Room 311

7

9:00-11:00 a.m. New Member/PPC Class, Room 307

8 3rd Sunday in Lent 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. 3rd-6th Grade Youth Group, Youth floor

9

9a-10p Park University ICM 5:00 p.m. CYT 6:00 p.m. Bible Study, Room 307 6:00 p.m. Cubs/rooms 205/206/208 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Whipple Hall

10

8:30 a.m. Home School Co-Op 1-10p Park University ICM 6:30 Cubs 205/206/208/215

11 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayers 9a-10p Park Universi-ty ICM 5:45-7p.m. Communi-ty Lenten Dinner & Study, Whipple Hall 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

12

9a-5p Park University ICM 6:00 p.m. Ministry Teams light-meal 6:30 p.m. Worship 7:00 p.m. Ministry Team Meetings 7:00 p.m. Right Side of the Tracks/Room 208

13

9a-10p Park University ICM 6:00 p.m. Cub Scout Lock-in

14

15 4th Sunday in

Lent 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. 3rd-6th Grade Youth Group, Youth floor

16

9a-10p Park University ICM 6:00 p.m. Bible Study, Room 307 6:30 p.m. Cubs/rooms 205/206/208 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts/Whipple Hall

17 8:30 a.m. Home School Co-Op 1-10p Park University ICM 6:30 p.m. Cubs/rooms 205/206/208/215 7:00 p.m. Board of Deacons/Room 307

18

8:00 a.m. Morning Prayers 9a-10p Park Universi-ty ICM 5:45-7p.m. Communi-ty Lenten Dinner & Study, Whipple Hall 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

19

9a-10p Park University ICM 7:00 p.m. Right Side of the Tracks/Room 208

20 9a-10p Park University ICM

21

4:00 p.m. Scout Chili Cook-off Whipple Hall

22 5th Sunday in

Lent 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship 3:00 p.m. Fuller Center Classical Benefit Concert, sanctuary 4:00 p.m. 3rd-6th Grade Youth Group, Youth floor

23 9a-10p Park University ICM 5:00 p.m. CYT 6:00 p.m. Bible Study, Room 307 6:30 p.m. Cubs/ Pack Meeting 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Whipple Hall

24

8:30 a.m. Home School Co-Op 1-10p Park University ICM 6:30 p.m. Cubs/rooms 205/206/208/215

25 9a-10p Park Universi-ty ICM 5:45-7p.m. Communi-ty Lenten Dinner & Study, Whipple Hall 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

26 9a-10p Park University ICM 3:00-10:00 p.m. CYT Whipple Hall 7:00 p.m. Coordinating Committee/Room 311 7:00 p.m. Right Side of the Tracks/Room 206 & 208

27 9a-10p Park University ICM

7:00 p.m. Final Friday Concert

28 8am-2pm CYT Call Backs9 9:00 a.m. Clean up 9:00 a.m. Worship Team, Room 307

29 Passion/Palm

Sunday

8:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. 3rd-6th Grade Youth Group, Youth floor

30 Monday of Holy

Week

9a-10p Park University ICM 5:00 p.m. CYT 6:00 p.m. Bible Study, Room 307 6:30 p.m. Cubs/ Pack Meeting 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Whipple Hall

31 Tuesday of Holy

Week

8:30 a.m. Home School Co-Op 1-10p Park University ICM 5:00 p.m. CYT, Sanctuary & Youth Floor 6:30 p.m. Cub Pack Meeting, Whipple Hall

March 2015

Parkville Presbyterian Church

Sunday Worship 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Church School: 9:45 a.m.

Wednesday Morning Prayers: 7:30 a.m.

Church Office: 816-741-1641

Church Fax: 816-741-1644

E-Mail: church@parkvillepresby.org

www.parkvillepresby.org

Parkville Presbyterian Church

819 Main Street

Parkville, MO 64152-3630

Office: 816.741.1641

Fax: 816.741.1744

E-mail church@parkvillepresby.org

www.parkvillepresby.org

PPC has a Facebook page! “Like” us at “Parkville

Presbyterian Church”

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Salt Shaker published monthly by

Parkville Presbyterian Church

The Rev. Steven Andrews, Pastor

Paul Erickson, Director of Music and Arts & Organist

Peggy Pape, Office Manager

News Deadline is NOON — Last Sunday of Month