It’s been an unusual Lenten season for me so far; maybe it has for you, too. In a season whose

central themes are repentance and preparation, I have had a very full—some might say frantic--

schedule. Even as I have called others to contemplation and reflection, it’s been the kind of sea-

son that included boarding airplanes to church meetings, days with visits to more than one hospi-

tal, and moments of not quite knowing whether I’m coming or going. I bet you know the feeling.

So is it possible to have Lent when you aren’t able to do what Jesus did, drawing away to the

wilderness for your 40 days?

Not only is it possible, I would contend that it is all the more meaningful. Lent is not so much a

retreat as a plunging headlong into life in all its complexity and messiness. You don’t “do” Lent by

ending your living; rather, it’s all about gaining new perspective on living. In Lent, we may be just

as busy, with as many tasks and demands pulling at us. But to cultivate confession, to discipline

ourselves to simplicity, to still our spirits into contemplation, to deeply pray—all in the midst of

our schedules and agendas—is to truly know what it means to walk with Jesus. Our Lord’s times

away to pray and prepare came in between healings and sermons, after feeding the five thousand

and before calming the storm. We, too, are given the gift of spiritual disciplines that everything

we do—service and sacrifice, study and sleep—might be done to the glory of God.

So this Lent, keep up the good … yes, work! Live fully—even busily—but with a gratitude and

faithfulness born of a deepening faith. And may God bless you richly in this “Season of the Spirit,”

that we might be ready at its end to celebrate the even richer blessing of resurrection life!

The Lord be with you,

OUR MISSION

Parkville

Presbyterian Church

is a community of

believers following

Jesus Christ by

sharing God’s

Word, serving and

welcoming all.

The Salt Shaker M A R C H 2 0 1 2 P A R K V I L L E P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

One Great Hour

Offering, April 1

2

Church Cleanup

Day, March 24

3

Update on Our

Pastoral Future

4

Youth and Kids:

NaCl Mixer

8 &

9

Maundy Thursday, April 5, 7:00 p.m.

Tenebrae Service with the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday, April 6, 7:00 p.m.

"The Seven Last Words of Christ"

with choir, soloist and chamber orchestra

Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 7, 8:00 p.m.

We gather at sundown to mark the resurrection

Easter Sunday, April 8

6:30 a.m.: Youth-led Easter Sunrise service

8:30 and 11:00: Celebration services in sanctuary

P A G E 2

Simplicity Inspiring Generosity:

One Great Hour of Sharing, April 1

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

Lenten adult education has begun with a study expanding

the weekly emphasis on a particular spiritual discipline in

worship. Come and experience meditation, service, con-

fession and more in ever deeper ways. The class, led by

Shannon Jung and Cheryl Keimig, meets in Room 312 at

9:40 a.m. each week.

The parenting class continues their study of Christian

practices as they pertain to family relationships and pro-

moting each family member’s spiritual development.

On behalf of the Growing Faith Mission, I invite you and encourage you to partici-

pate in one of these adult education offerings. The more we open ourselves up to

hearing and studying God’s Word, the more we grow in our own faith journeys.

—Jan Myers

Experience the Spirit: Adult Education in Spiritual Disciplines

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be col-

lected on Palm Sunday, April 1, and has been

received by the Presbyterian Church every Len-

ten season since 1949. Our generous gifts assist

those affected by natural disasters, provide food

to the hungry, and help to build strong commu-

nities through Presbyterian leadership develop-

ment. This year in the coming weeks, as we re-

flect on the spiritual discipline of “Simplicity,” we

will take that reflection as an opportunity to be

even more generous with what we have. You

will receive additional information in worship

beginning March 11, including an offering box, culminating in dedicating our gifts in

worship on Palm Sunday, April 1..

Through your gifts and the gifts of other congregations across the church, OGHS will

continue to be a reminder that through the simple act of sharing, we are blessed and

experience God's abundance in surprising ways.

—Bob Grant

P A G E 3

Please plan on joining us for our annual Easter Brunch to be held

between services on April 8, from 9:30 to 10:30 in Whipple Hall.

Egg casserole, muffins/breads, fruit cup, milk and coffee will be

served.

Beginning March 18, inserts in the bulletin will invite all to sign up for cooking, helping, or

just attending! Put the insert in the offering plate or call the church office at 741-1641 or

Carol Park at 741-8859. We’d love to hear from you by Thursday, April 5.

—Carol Park

Plan now to Join Us for Easter Brunch

All Church Work Day, March 24

The Stewardship Mission Group invites you to participate in an All Church Clean-up Day, Saturday, March 24, beginning at 8:00 a.m. This will be an outdoor event to get church grounds ready for Easter. We will be removing the dead maple tree, cleaning up leaves from parking lots and flowerbeds, trimming yews and removing dead plants. We hope to have enough volunteers to complete the tasks by noon. Please mark Saturday, March 24 on your calendar!

—Paul Gault

On the first Sunday of the month, a grocery cart is placed in the narthex

to collect contributions. Many thanks to the congregation for their

generous support of the SPEAC Food Pantry.

March needs: Pancake mix, cooking oil, pineapple, mandarin oranges,

saltine crackers, cake frosting, and oatmeal .

—Linda Tillinghast

Needs for Food Pantry Sunday: March 4

P A G E 4

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

Clerk’s Corner: Our Pastoral Future

Times marches on, more quickly than probably any of us

want it to. As we approach the beginning of a new month

many are wondering where we are as a church in the

discernment process on what is going to be done about the

Associate Pastor vacancy. The Session continues to have

much discussion around this topic. Like everyone else in

the congregation, we’re eager to know the future! So far,

we have secured coverage for the time being: preaching in

Pastor Brian’s absence, strengthening the Deacons’ ministry

of pastoral care, and emergency pastoral coverage.

During this time, we are also thinking and praying about how best to proceed. This is

where the whole congregation comes in: We will are seeking congregational input on the

mission direction and staffing needs for Parkville Presbyterian Church. After Easter, we

will be actively seeking the congregation’s thoughts, and we greatly value everyone’s in-

put. In the meantime, have a blessed and meaningful season of Lent, and do keep Session

in your thoughts and prayers as we move forward in this process. We covet and value

your support as, together as a congregation, we seek God’s will for our life together.

Blessings on you all.

—Cheryl Keimig

Women’s Circles Continue Study of Beatitudes

Presbyterian Women’s Circles will continue the Horizons Bible

Study, Confessing the Beatitudes. All women are invited to attend

any of the meetings for Bible study and fellowship.

Circle III meets Thursday, March 1, 10:00 a.m., at the church.

Contact Becky Nook, 746-9518.

Mary Martha Circle meets Thursday, March 8 1:00 p.m., at the

church. Contact Elaine Hon, 741-0439.

Evening Circle meets Monday, March 5, 7:00 p.m., at the home of Brenda Scholdberg.

Contact Dixie Selvidge, 505-2689.

—Becky Nook

Breaking Bread Bunch at La Bodega The PPC Breaking Bread Bunch will meet Thursday, March 29,

5:00 p.m., at the La Bodega, at 703 Southwest Boulevard in

Kansas City, Mo.

All we do is talk and eat! There are no requirements for joining

us at this gathering other than wanting to participate in fellowship

with your church family. Questions? Contact Britt Miller,

584-9720, ksjhwkfan@hotmail.com or Gary Blanck at 880-9527,

glblanck@gmail.com.

—Britt Miller

Caught in the Act In February, Pastor Brian during the worship service invited the children to

view the banners hanging high over their heads. “What did they all have in

common?”was one question he asked. “A dove,” one boy responded correct-

ly. Every week the children’s sermon explored yet another facet of the hang-

ings, providing an education for the entire congregation, as well.

How many years have we admired the banners? How about their history? They were sewn with

an eye to detail by a member of our church nursery staff, Carrie Kilgore. Elder Mike Vaughn saw

the banners displayed in a church magazine and showed them to Carrie (his sister-in-law). She

brought them to life. Thank you, Carrie and Mike, for the enduring enhancement you have given

the worship space of Parkville Presbyterian Church!

P A G E 5

The church is online! Be sure to “like” us on Facebook –

it will be an increasingly important way for us to stay in

touch, strengthen our community and get word out

quickly about opportunities to serve. We’re “Parkville

Presbyterian Church.” (Or just click here.)

You’re also welcome to be friends with Pastor Brian there (Brian Ellison, of course) or

“follow” him on Twitter (where he’s @ptsbrian). Michelle Phillips would also love to

connect with you on Facebook and/or Twitter (@michwithtwins)!

And of course, keep an eye on our webpage: www.parkvillepresby.org. We’ll

be doing a major updating of the site in the new year, so be sure to check it

out!

—Brian Ellison

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

Stay in Touch with the Church (and Pastoral Staff):

We Hope You’ll Follow Us … and Like Us

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

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

7:00 a.m. Morning Prayers 7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

1 10:00 a.m. Circle III/Room 307 7:00 p.m. N/A//Room 208

2 3

4 2nd Sunday in Lent

8:30 a.m. Worship 9:40 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship 1:30 p.m. Harold Smith Memorial Service 5:30 p.m. SPARK (Middle School Youth) 6:30 p.m. BLAZE (Senior High Youth)

5 6:30 p.m. Cubs 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 7:00 p.m. Evening Circle at the home of Brenda Scholdberg

6

6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts 7:00 p.m. Session/Room 307

7 7:00 a.m. Morning Prayers 7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

8 10:00 a.m. Quilters/Room 307 1:00 p.m. Mary Martha Circle/Room 311 1:00 p.m. CMD/Room 307 5:00 p.m. Thirsty Thursday 7:00 p.m. N/A//Room 208

9

10

11 3rd Sunday in Lent

8:30 a.m. Worship 9:40 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship 5:30 p.m. SPARK (Middle School Youth) 6:30 p.m. BLAZE (Senior High Youth)

12 6:30 p.m. Cubs 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

13Mission Night

2:00 p.m. SPEAC Exec-utive Board/Room 307 2:30 p.m. SPEAC Board/Room 307 6:00 p.m. Food & Fellow-ship (light supper) 6:30 p.m. Worship 7:00 p.m. All Mission Groups Meet 6:30 p.m. Cubs/Room 207

14 7:00 a.m. Morning Prayers 7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

15 1:00 p.m. Small Group/Room 311 5:00 p.m. Thirsty Thursday

7:00 p.m. N/A//Room 208

16

17

18 4th Sunday in Lent

8:30 a.m. Worship 9:40 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship 5:30 p.m. SPARK (Middle School Youth) 6:30 p.m. BLAZE (Senior High Youth)

19

6:30 p.m. Cubs 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

20 6:30 p.m. Cubs 7:00 p.m. Board of Deacons/Room 307

21

7:00 a.m. Morning Prayers 7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

22 1:00 p.m. Small Group/Room 311 5:00 p.m. Thirsty Thursday 7:00 p.m. N/A//Room 208

23

24

8:00 a.m. All Church

Work Day

25 5th Sunday in Lent 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:40 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Worship 5:30 p.m. SPARK (Middle School Youth) 6:30 p.m. BLAZE (Senior High Youth)

2610:00 a.m. Salt

Shaker Deadline

7:00 p.m. Pack Meet-ing/Whipple Hall 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

27 6:30 p.m. Cubs

28 7:00 a.m. Morning Prayers 7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

29 5: 00 p.m. Breaking Bread Bunch/LaBodega, 703 SW Blvd. 7:00 p.m. N/A/Whipple Whipple Hall

30 31

Parkville Presbyterian Church

Mar ch 2 01 2

For additional Children & Youth Group activities, please refer to the NaCl Mixer

Sunday Worship 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Church School: 9:40 a.m. Wednesday Morning Prayers: 7:00 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: 816-741-1644

church@parkvillepresby.org

www.parkvillepresby.org

Mission Groups Everyone is invited to come and find a way to serve: Tuesday, March 13

6:00 p.m. Food and Fellowship (light supper, families welcome) 6:30 pm. Informal worship; children go to child care

7:00 p.m. All Mission Groups meet

Community Life Mission: Teresa Clark, 309-8991 Growing Faith Mission: Jan Myers, 741-0900

Loving Our Neighbors Mission: Graham Houston, 679-6714 Message & Media Mission: Laura Ozenberger, 587-5445

Student Ministry Mission: Cindy Wissinger, 695-6441 Stewardship Mission: Randy Smith, 516-2051

PPC now has a Facebook page! "Like" us at "Parkville Presbyterian Church"

Salt Shaker published monthly by Parkville Presbyterian Church The Rev. Brian D. Ellison, Pastor Michelle Phillips, Director of Student Ministries Paul Erickson, Organist & Director of Music and Arts Peggy Pape, Office Manager Deadline for next publication: March 26, 10 a.m.

Student Ministries at PPC: We come together to learn about God through worship, prayer,

study, service and fellowship so all will be able to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Kindling (3rd,

4th & 5th grad-

ers): Helping to

build the foundation of

faith that will spark,

blaze and be refueled!

Spark (Middle

School): Nurturing

the idea of personal

faith and learning how

to start the fire for our

journey

Blaze (Senior

High): Moving

from a spark into a

blazing fire that chal-

lenges us to make our

faith a way of life.

Refuel (Young

Adults at PPC

and Park U): Taking

time to explore the Ho-

ly Spirit and renew the

fire of faith as we look

at ways we can be

used to set the world

ablaze.

Fellowship!

Not much else can be said

when a group of 16 youth and

adults literally spend 96 hours

together of non-stop fun (and

that includes the five-hour de-

tour in Colorado and Kansas

due to I-70 being closed for

wind and snow). Each year, I

am truly amazed at what an

incredible trip we have been

blessed to take. During the trip,

the girls and boys each lead a

devotion regarding God’s crea-

tion. Both evenings were filled

with great worship, music and a

few laughs. A couple of things

that stand out: the new way to

end prayers (“Bye Bye!”), “SET”,

and most of all the ways our

group got along and worked

together. This is what matters

most. —MIch

What Matters Most...

Those sharing in the great fellowship were (front row)

Cindy Wissinger, Molly Jackson, Mich Phillips, Jeana

Lundy, Raelyn Morris, Chris Smith, (back row) Michael

Stancic, Gary Blanck, Nick Riffle, Katie Smith, Glenn

Tott. Connor Clark, Brock Lorenzen, Joel Overfelt and

Kay Jackson.

Season of the Spirit: Encounter, Experience, Engage

Lent, even though it is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of Christ, is my favorite liturgical church season.

Why? Because especially during this time, I am reminded to seek out God more intentionally in my daily

life. For me this means spending time in the church’s Spirituality Center (located in Room 215) just being

with God. Exploration of scripture, prayers, and creating with God bring such joy, peace and renewal for

me. I am excited that each week we are looking at different ways to Encounter, Experience and Engage the

Spirit of Christ. A special opportunity for children is Children’s Church. During each worship service the chil-

dren will be invited to head downstairs and learn about the same spiritual discipline in a more kid-friendly

way. So I encourage EVERYONE to come and explore new ways to be in the presence of God!

Youth and All Parents E-mail reminder: Please make sure that I have your correct e-mail

address. This form of communication is a vital way

to get the word out and reminders about upcom-

ing events.

Contact michellephillips@parkvillepresby.org if you

have changed your address or have not been re-

ceiving ANY e-mails from me.

Student Ministries March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Thirsty Thurs 5p at

Parkville Coffee House

2 3

Ashlyn Weber and Lila

Hagedorn B-day

4 Worship Schedule

Sprit Discipline: Meditation

Youth Groups

5 6

Session 7p

7

Addison Miller B-

day

8

Thirsty Thurs 5p at

Parkville Coffee House

9 10

11 Worship Schedule

Sprit Discipline: Simplicity

Youth Groups

12

BV, PC & NKC Spring

Break 12-16

13

Mission Groups 6p

Caroline Glenn B-day

14

Maggie Wachel

and Lauryn Weber

B-day

15

NAIA B-ball Game 4 p.m.

Annabelle McDowell B-day

16

Peter Hagedorn B-day

17

18 Worship Schedule

Sprit Discipline: Service

Youth Groups

19

Grant Wilt Bday

PH Spring Break 19-23

20 21

Colton Hardy and

Kadien O’Connell

B-day

22 23

Ace and Kash Bundy B-

day

24

25 Worship Schedule

Sprit Discipline: Confession

Youth Groups

26 27 28 29

Thirsty Thurs 5p at

Parkville Coffee House

30

Ava and Katarina Bar-

nard B-day

31

Sunday Schedule: Worship 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:40 a.m.

Youth Groups: Spark 5:30-7:00 p.m. Blaze 6:30-8:00 p.m.

March

Acolytes

8:30 a.m.

3/4 Lydia T

3/11 Peter D

3/18 Lauryn W

3/25 Bobby T

11:00 a.m.

3/4 Jacob B

3/11 Grant L

3/18 Mark F

3/25 Liana D

Upcoming Events

March 18-23 Service Week: Check your e-mail for

more info regarding ways to Encounter the

Spirit during this week of Service

April 1-7 Holy Week: Maundy Thursday, Good Fri-

day, Family Easter Egg Hunt, youth-led sunrise

service and Easter Celebration

April 20-21: Heartland Middle School Retreat

May 13: Graduation Sunday

May 27: Pentecost and Confirmation Sunday

June: Possible Mission Trip

June 28-July 5: PCUSA General Assembly

July 4: 4th of July Parade and PPC float

July 8-13: Middle School Challenge Camp

July 16-20: Vacation Bible School: Babylon

Please see Mich how you can be a part of this

great week.

Easter is right around the corner and the Student Mission

Group would like to invite all PPC families, friends and grand-

children to the Easter Family Egg Hunt and Celebration

Saturday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. at the Park University Soccer

area. Join us for an egg hunt, crafts and a lesson to prepare

us for celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.

Mark Your Family Calendar NOW!