Announcements Week of May 19, 2013
CHANCEL FLOWERS today are given by Jeanne Morrison, in loving memory of her husband, William E. Morrison.
THE HANDBELL CHOIR will be holding a concert today at 3 p.m. to share their England Program with the CPC church family before their tour in June. Light refreshments will be served following the concert.
HELP SAVE A LIFE! The Penn-Jersey Region of the American Red Cross sent over 300 units of blood and blood products to Boston following the attacks there. Some of those very units might have been collected right here at CPC in March. Consider donating at our next ARC Blood Drive on Friday, May 24th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sign up at the Welcome Center today, or call the church office for an appointment.
GRADUATING? If you or your child is graduating from high school, college, or graduate programs, please contact the church office by May 24th so we can celebrate students’ accomplishments in worship on June 2nd.
KIDS CENTRAL PRESCHOOL is currently enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for the 2013/2014 school year. Call Robin Chiavetta at 610-269-0297.
FEATURED COMPOSERS OF SACRED MUSIC. Dove Award- winning songwriter, Paul Baloche, has written hundreds of songs featured on a variety of albums, including such popular favorites as “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, “Above All”, “Praise Adonai”, “Offering”, and “Our God Saves”. In addition to his songwriting success, Paul has been playing guitar and teaching professionally for 25 years. He has also developed a series of DVDs that are designed to help worship leaders and musicians expand their skills. For nearly 20 years, Paul has served as the Worship Pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas. Jean Berger, Ph.D., 1909–2002, was born Arthur Schloßberg into a Jewish family in Hamm, Germany. When the Nazi Party seized power in 1933, he moved to Paris, then to Brazil and finally to the U.S. An accomplished composer, conductor and professor, Berger’s music reflects Franco-German folk music, Brazilian rhythms and choral sound. Fluent in 7 languages, Berger’s most famous composition, the Brazilian Psalms, was written for the church.
CPC’S SPRING OUTDOOR FLOWER GARDENS are sponsored by the Memorial Committee in memory of those who have gone before us in life & ministry at Central Presbyterian Church.
DEACONS READY TO HELP. After the service every Sunday, two Deacons will be at a table in Fellowship Hall ready to answer questions or provide information about the CPC Deacons. Please stop by to say hello.
THE NEXT CPC MEN’S GROUP MEETING is scheduled for Thursday, May 23rd, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Prayer Room. Please come join us for prayer, interesting and relevant topics of discussion and good fellowship. If you are interested in growing in relationship with God and other men within our congregation, please come . . . you will not be disappointed. Also beginning in the fall, we will be expanding our format to include a breakfast meeting at an offsite location.
TOILETRIES COLLECTION. Please remember on your next stop at a hotel to think about donating the unused toiletries to the CYWA. There is a collection basket in the west Narthex. Thank you.
HELP SHAPE YOUNG LIVES. Kids Central is in search of a church member to join the Kids Central Preschool Board for the term beginning in September 2013. Please contact Susan Farrell at farrellroy@verizon.net or Jim Price at jprice@wcupa.edu if you are interested.
A CPC CELEBRATION WEEKEND begins Friday, May 31st, with a Coffee House and Art Show. If you are interested in displaying your photography, hanging textile art, or painting in oils, pastels, watercolors, etc., please contact Jody Flecken at jbflecken@verizon.net.
SUNDAY CELEBRATION. Please plan to come to Fellowship Hall following worship on Sunday, June 2. Our whole church family will enjoy the culmination of our CPC Celebration Weekend with connection and conversation, a delicious brunch, and the presentation of Robert Ray’s “Gospel Mass” by an enthusiastic group of multi-generational singers. Invite your friends—it will be fun!
“IT’S COOL IN THE FURNACE” will be presented by our youth on Sunday, June 9th. We will also be commissioning all those participating in the Mission Work trip which will be leaving after the service for the week to help with Hurricane Sandy relief.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE to register for Vacation Bible School at Central Presbyterian Church, July 8-12, for students Pre-K through 6th grade. You will find registration forms in the west Narthex.
Summer Hours Coming!
Beginning next Sunday, May 26th, our worship service hours will change to 9:30 a.m., with Fellowship at 10:30 a.m. There will be no Sunday School. Please mark your calendars now!
Pastor’s Message, May 19, 2013
Dear CPC Family and Friends,
We have an exciting weekend ahead!
To begin with, on Saturday, May 18 at 6:00 pm, you are invited to join CPC’s recent travelers to Israel for an evening of images, conversation and selected Israeli – Palestinian foods. This will be a wonderful opportunity for joyful fellowship and for learning more about the land where Jesus walked! All are invited to attend.
This Sunday, May 19, is Pentecost. Pentecost has its roots in the Old Testament, and continues to be a significant event in both Judaism and Christianity. Old Testament references found in Deuteronomy 16:19 and Leviticus 23:15-16 give the festival its original agricultural context. In Hebrew it is considered the Feast of Weeks and celebrates the “first fruits of wheat harvest” (Exodus 34:22). The Jewish historian Josephus calculated the date as the fiftieth day after the first day of Passover. The name Pentecost comes from this calculation of 50 days.
In the New Testament, Pentecost is primarily remembered for what Luke has recorded in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. The Apostles and others were gathered together in Jerusalem following the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. We are told that suddenly from heaven there came a sound like a violent wind. Tongues, as of fire, appeared. All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages.
This is often referred to as “The Birthday of the Church.” We invite everyone to come on Sunday wearing red, if possible. The worship service will celebrate the wonder of the Day of Pentecost. All are then invited to remain after the service for a Pentecost Party – for all ages!
On Sunday afternoon at 3:00 pm our Handbell Choir will be presenting a concert of music that they have prepared for their upcoming tour of England. Selections will include classical, sacred and theater favorites. Light refreshments will be served following the concert. We hope to see you there!
God has richly blessed us. We pray that the Spirit of Pentecost fills every heart with the passion to grow in our love of Christ and the deep desire to spread the Good News to others.
Blessings,
Bill Hess
Pastor’s Message May 12, 2013
Dear CPC Family and Friends,
I hope you were here at CPC for worship on Sunday, May 5! Our youth led the service and it was absolutely fabulous! The music, the liturgy, the prayers, the messages and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper all combined to be one of the most inspirational Youth Sundays ever. It goes without saying that our youth have been through a challenging and emotional journey here at CPC over the past year. Perhaps their experiences have forged in them a faith that is stronger, wiser, and well beyond their years. Abby’s sharing of the impact her cross country coach had on her, and his unfortunate untimely death – brought most of us to the point of tears. Yet through it all, we heard her resolutely affirm the scripture that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. To all of our youth we loudly proclaim, “Well done good and faithful servants.”
During the Moment for Mission it was mentioned that the youth would appreciate contributions to help defray the cost of the upcoming Youth Mission Trip to Lakewood, New Jersey. Our youth will be involved in projects that assist with Hurricane Sandy relief. The amount of a full scholarship is $250.00, but gifts in any amount would be more than welcomed. If you feel led to help the youth, simply make your check out to Central Presbyterian Church and note in the memo that it is to be directed to the Youth Mission Trip. We thank you in advance for your generosity.
This coming Sunday, May 12, is Mother’s Day. We hope that all moms have a very special day. You deserve it! We are aware that this day brings many different emotions to our sisters and brothers. It is our prayer that worship on Sunday will lift all of our hearts to the wonder of God’s unfailing love to us in Jesus Christ. The scripture text is Psalm 131, a beautiful psalm of trust in God that leads to a calm and quiet soul. I hope you can all be with us as we explore the degree to which our faith and trust in God brings peace, comfort and calm to our souls.
Blessings,
Bill Hess
Announcements Week of May 5, 2013
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHANCEL FLOWERS today are given by Diana Cline, in loving memory of her mother, Marvel Cody.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CPC YOUTH who participated in today’s worship service.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MARK FRAZIER, of Boy Scout Troop 23, on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! Mark and his family will celebrate today with his Court of Honor here at CPC.
THERE WILL BE A CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING on Tuesday, May 7th, at 7:00 p.m. This training is required for all adults working with our young people in the church. It is especially important that you attend this training if you plan on volunteering for VBS this summer. Please let the church office know if you plan to attend.
THE CPC DAUGHTERS’ LUNCHEON will be hosted by the Lydia Circle on Saturday, May 11th, at 11:00 a.m. Guest speaker Rev. Dr. Don McCord and his wife Ann will speak about medical mission in Kenya. All women are welcome, and no one is too young or too old—we are all daughters! Please bring a covered dish to share. Sign up on the sheet at the Welcome Center. Questions? Call Jane Chaballa, 610-269-2785.
CONGRATULATIONS to Molly Curtiss Berry and her husband, Chip, on the birth of their son Curtiss Russell Berry, born April 16th. Proud grandparents are Mary Ann and Steve Curtiss.
ISRAEL PILGRIMS EVENT. Please join CPC’s recent travelers to Israel for an evening of images, conversation, and selected Israeli/Palestinian foods on Saturday, May 18th at 6:00 p.m. This should prove to be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and to learn more about the places where Jesus walked and taught. Join us!
THE HANDBELL CHOIR will be holding a concert on Sunday, May 19th, at 3 p.m. to share their England Program with the CPC church family before their tour in June. Selections will include classical, sacred and musical theater favorites. Light refreshments will be served following the concert. Hope to see you there!
WE WANT YOU—to join the Kids Central Preschool Board and help shape young lives. We are in search of a church member to fill a position whose term begins September 2013. If interested, contact Susan Farrell at farrellroy@verizon.net, or Jim Price at jprice@wcupa.edu.
DEACONS READY TO HELP. After the service every Sunday, two deacons will be inside the fellowship hall ready to answer questions or provide information about the CPC Deacons. Please stop by to say hello.
HELP WANTED: Do you love working with kids? How would you like to get paid for it? Kids Central is looking for the right person to fill a 2 to 3-day/week Teacher’s Assistant position beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. Great Hours! If interested call Director Robin Chiavetta at 610-269-0297 or 610-518-3338; or, you can e-mail your letter of interest to kidscentral@cpcdowningtown.org.
KIDS CENTRAL PRESCHOOL is currently enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for the 2013/2014 school year. Call Robin Chiavetta at 610-269-0297.
PHOTO DIRECTORY. We have a goal to create a picture directory of our current church family, but we need your help! If you have a current family and/or personal photo you would like to use in a future directory, please send an electronic version to Dick Dague at cpcpix316@gmail.com. Please make sure to include the full names of all members/regular attendees and family pictured. Thank you!
HELP SAVE A LIFE! The Penn-Jersey Region of the American Red Cross sent over 300 units of blood and blood products to Boston following the attacks there. Some of those very units might have been collected right here at CPC in March. Consider donating at our next ARC Blood Drive on Friday, May 24th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sign up at the Welcome Center today, or call the church office for an appointment.
GRADUATING? If you or your child is graduating from high school, college, or graduate programs, please contact the church office by May 24th so we can celebrate students’ accomplishments in worship on June 2nd.
SPRING COFFEEHOUSE AND ART SHOW on Friday, May 31st. It’s time to share your wonderful talent! Loosen up your vocal chords, pull out your instruments, and perform for your CPC friends and family. Or, if you are interested in displaying your photography, hanging textile art, or painting in oils, pastels, watercolors, etc., please contact Jody Flecken at jbflecken@verizon.net. Come join in the fun!
INVITATION TO CELEBRATE WITH MUSIC! Please be a part of our “All Church Musical” singing Robert Ray’s “GOSPEL MASS.” On June 2nd following the worship service, we will gather in Fellowship Hall for brunch and to share in this musical offering. Rehearsals start today at 11:30 a.m. Please contact Anne Cowburn for more information.
Pastor’s Message May 5, 2013
Dear CPC,
Over the last few weeks I have had the chance to work with Central’s teenagers in preparing for Sunday’s worship service. This Sunday, Youth Sunday, is going to be simply phenomenal! The entire service is designed by, written by, music-led by, and preached by our youth; which says a lot about how fabulous our kids are, how remarkable their parents are, and how this congregation has embraced and supported the youth so that they know they are truly a part of this congregation and are equipped for worship leadership. As a pastor, I stand here incredibly grateful for who these young people are, for your support of them, and of what God is doing and will continue to do in their lives. I know you will be touched by worship this Sunday.
High School senior, Abby McKinley, will be gracing our pulpit this week, bringing us a word from the Lord based on Romans 8:31-35, 37-39. One of my highlights and greatest joys of this year at CPC has been working with Abby as she as prayerfully, humbly, and excitedly, prepared this message for all of you. The key question this text asks: if God is for us, then who can be against us? Abby speaks with a maturity beyond her years, and I know you will not want to miss this service.
Our students have worked incredibly hard for worship this week, and I hope to see you all there. Please thank them, as well as their leaders, especially Amy Lisk (who worked with them on the music, which is fabulous). Remember, that youth are not the future of the church—they are as much the church today as you and I are.
May the light of these students rekindle a fire in our souls and a love in our hearts this Easter season.
In Christ,
Pastor Emily
Pastor’s Message April 28, 2013
Dear Central Family and Friends,
This Sunday brings us to the fifth Sunday of Easter, and we will continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In worship we will be exploring the text of John 13, where we hear Jesus give his disciples a new commandment—the commandment to love one another as he loved them, which is such a central text for the Christian community. Don’t forget to bring your “exercise in thankfulness” envelopes back to worship with you! I’m excited to hear your stories that emerged from the project. Sunday we will also formally introduce the Rev. Jane DeFord who will be working with us this summer, primarily supporting me with pastoral care, while Bill is away. Jane is a familiar face for many, but I hope you will welcome Jane and her husband, Nash, into our family.
Donuts, coffee, and Sunday School will follow our worship service and Youth Group for middle and high school students starts with dinner at 5:45.
Hope to see you Sunday!
Emily
Announcements Week of April 21, 2013
CHANCEL FLOWERS today are given by Cathy Hollway, in loving memory of her son, John P. Hollway.
BAPTISED THIS MORNING are Luke Whitney Sperling and Samuel Donald Sperling, sons of Mary and Scott Sperling. Welcome!
OUR PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY are with the Johnston family on the passing of Marian Johnston on April 9th.
A CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AND MEMORIAL SERVICE to remember victims of homicide and law enforcement officers fallen in the line of duty will be held here at CPC on Thursday, April 25th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The vigil and service , which is sponsored by the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, will conclude with a short candlelight walk to the Victims’ Memorial in Kardon Park, weather permitting. Refreshments will be served at the church following the walk. A slideshow of photos will run through the service. For more information, please contact Gina at 610-692-7420.
THE SEMI-ANNUAL PARKING LOT SALE will take place on Saturday, April 27th, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be up to 60 vendors, a White Elephant Table, and Bake Table. Join us for our delicious hot dogs, chili, meatball subs (mmm…), and homemade soups sold by the bowl or by the quart. Call Kathy Mendoza at 610-942-3770 if you still need a spot. Come, shop, eat! Bring a friend . . . or two! See you there!
THE EVANGELISM COMMITTEE would like to thank everyone for their contributions and help to make this year’s Easter Celebration another success! It was wonderful to learn about the true meaning of Easter through a story and pictures and to hear the joyous voices of children during the Egg Hunt.
GOOD WORKS will be meeting on the fourth Saturday, April 27th, at 9 a.m. Join us to help us make a homeowner’s place warmer, safer, and drier. Please contact Jim Lucas (484-883-5769) or Koren Motel (484-883-2205) for specific directions to our new homeowner.
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED will be meeting here at CPC on Friday, May 3rd, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All women of the church are invited to attend a program that includes Bible study and lunch. Please contact the church office or Mae Jean Rosser at 610-384-2510 to register so we will know how many will be here for lunch. Cost of the lunch is $2.
WE WANT YOU—to join the Kids Central Preschool Board and help shape young lives. We are in search of a church member to fill a position
whose term begins September 2013. If interested, contact Susan Farrell at farrellroy@verizon.net, or Jim Price at jprice@wcupa.edu.
KIDS CENTRAL PRESCHOOL is currently enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for the 2013/2014 school year. If you know a child who would benefit from a quality Christian preschool experience, please call Director Robin Chiavetta at 610-269-0297.
HELP WANTED: Do you love working with kids? How would you like to get paid for it? Kids Central is looking for the right person to fill a 2 to 3-day/week Teacher’s Assistant position beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. Great Hours! If interested call Director Robin Chiavetta at 610-269-0297 or 610-518-3338; or, you can e-mail your letter of interest to kidscentral@cpcdowningtown.org.
NIGHTLIGHT JEWELRY will be available in the Narthex next Sunday, April 28th. Give a gift of beauty that provides hope to exploited women and children while supporting one of Nikki Jordan’s ministry partners in Thailand. For more information, to make a donation, or to order online, visit: www.nightlightinternational.com.
THE CPC DAUGHTER’S LUNCHEON will be hosted by the Lydia Circle on Saturday, May 11th.
INVITATION TO CELEBRATE WITH MUSIC! Please be a part of our “All Church Musical” singing Robert Ray’s “GOSPEL MASS.” On June 2nd following the worship service, we will gather in Fellowship Hall for brunch and to share in this musical offering. Rehearsals start today at 11:30 a.m. Please contact Anne Cowburn for more information.
HELP SAVE A LIFE! There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive here at CPC on Friday, May 24th, from 2 to 7 p.m. You can sign up by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or on-line at redcrossblood.org and entering CPC’s Donor Code: 0224124. Thank you!
SPRING COFFEEHOUSE AND ART SHOW on Friday, May 31st. If you are interested n displaying your photography, hanging textile art, or painting in oils, pastels, watercolors, etc., at our Spring Coffeehouse and Art Show, please contact Jody Flecken at jbflecken@verizon.net.
THANK YOU. Wes Pannebaker would like to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and good wishes extended to him regarding his recent surgery.
Pastor’s Message April 21, 2013
Dear Friends,
This has been one of the most traumatic weeks in my memory. We have witnessed a constant stream of violence, terror and tragedy. From Boston to Texas we have seen the lives of persons changed forever in an instant. We cannot readily dismiss the great personal loss and pain of those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost limbs, and those who have lost their homes and treasures. The first task is to care for these persons and to pray for them. They will need assistance for years to come. May the church and the state work cooperatively together to help our fellow citizens.
The question is always present at such a time, “How can God allow such terror and tragedy to happen?” It is a question that begs an answer. Throughout history the responses have been the same. It is the cost of human freedom. Ultimately God will be just with the gift of eternal life. All things will work together for good – eventually. We will wrestle with these issues on Sunday.
By God’s grace we will celebrate the baptisms of two boys. As adults we understand our responsibility to do all we can to make the world a better place for our children. We must never lose hope. In addition, we will all be invited to join in An Exercise in Gratitude. For one week we will focus our attention on those things for which we are grateful to God. We will prayerfully follow the practice of the saints of old – to count our blessings and to respond with genuine thanksgiving to God.
Let me begin by speaking for all of us our gratitude to first responders – for those who do not run away from an emergency but run toward it! For first responders – “O Thank You, God!”
When we face circumstances like we all did this week, may the words of the Apostle Paul inspire us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
I hope to see you on Sunday.
Bill Hess
Pastor’s Message April 14, 2013
Dear CPC Family and Friends,
We continue in the season of Eastertide – the 40 day period between Easter and Ascension Day. To date we have explored two of the resurrection appearances of Jesus – to Mary Magdalene on Easter morning and to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This Sunday we will examine the resurrection appearance of Jesus to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee. I invite you to read the 21st chapter of John’s gospel in preparation for worship.
This Sunday we will also welcome seven new members into the congregation. I would humbly suggest that this fits rather wonderfully with the gospel lesson in which seven of the disciples are named. Throughout this time that we have journeyed together, I have often seen signs that have confirmed that God’s hand is truly upon us. Our officers – trustees, deacons and elders – have displayed great passion for supporting the ministries and mission of the congregation near and far. Our staff continues to work more closely as a team of devout followers of Jesus Christ. With each new addition to the staff I pray to the Lord, “O thank you, Jesus!” But above all, we have a congregation of persons who joyfully gather to worship, to study and to serve.
Last Sunday, as I was giving the invitation to the “joyful feast of the people of God,” the sun came shining through the roof directly into my eyes. At first I was a bit taken by it. This is the first church I have ever served where the sun shines through the roof. Since I have that invitation memorized, I continued without being distracted. I admit to you now that I felt a true warmth and the peaceful thought that we were all being guided by the One who is the “light of the world,” Jesus our Savior and Lord.
It is our wish that we see you this Sunday and that together we lift our voices in praise to God.
In Christ,
Bill Hess
