July 2010
Pastor’s Column
Brothers
and sisters,
Most of
us have probably heard the old adage “Physician, Heal thyself!”
Well, that is indeed the way it works
sometimes, and such moments of profound (and sometimes painful) self-awareness
are frequently accompanied by the now-widely recognized head-knocking gesture
that says, “Wow, I could have had a V-8”.
Back in
May I addressed the Fourth Commandment’s call upon us to observe the Sabbath,
and as I did, I shared the story of the young lumberjack with the dulled axe
blade who is challenged with the question, “When’s the last time you sharpened
your axe?”
In the
interest of self-disclosure, let me report that I had one of those “V-8
moments” two weeks ago when I attended a week’s worth of classes at Trinity
School for Ministry in Ambridge. I
realized for the first time in quite awhile that we all (even me) need such moments of Sabbath, of down-time and
of withdrawal from the general “busyness” of life.
For a
week I was forced to pretty much detach from the over-scheduling in which so many of us engage, from cell-phone
calls, text-messaging, e-mails, Facebook, the internet, meetings, television
and newspapers. It was liberating,
exhilarating and somewhat overwhelming all at the same time. I realized suddenly how dull my axe had
become and how quick I’ve become at responding and reacting to 18 to 20 hours a
day information overload — and not just at work, either — everywhere!
And
after reflecting on this opportunity to “disconnect” and really start to pray
deeply and process again, I found it fascinating to watch a piece on cable news
several days ago about a new book by Nicholas Carr called The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains that
addressed exactly the place in which I was finding myself.
Carr
talks extensively about the current “wired” phenomenon in which so many of us
have become engaged. And his contention
is that we’ve been so glutted by information that studies now show that the
majority of Europeans and North Americans currently posses about a 14 second
attention span. We see “the new thing”,
we react to it very quickly and superficially on Facebook or Twitter — using
our cell-phones when we’re away from our computers — and then we’re on to the next “new, new
thing”.
In short
we, as a people and nation, are suffering from cultural Attention Deficit
Disorder.
So,
doesn’t that sound suspiciously like we all
really need to have that Sabbath to re-connect with God, ourselves and the
world around us? Let’s all,
grandparents, parents and kids, ask ourselves some of the following questions:
C How many hours do we and our children
spend on-line?
C How many hours of TV are we all
watching?
C How many separate schedule items do
we, as individuals and families, manage to cram into each day and week?
C How many phone calls a day do we and
our children make and receive?
C How often do each of us receive
text-messages on cell phones, and are we receiving or sending them at
inappropriate times like when we should be paying attention to the friends and
family with whom we’re sitting down to eat?
C Are we thinking about what’s going on
around us, or are we just reacting?
In my week of “forced-disconnect”, I spent a lot of
time in study and prayer that compelled me to look at myself in more realistic
ways. And as I was thinking through
these and many other issues I was in daily contact with a classmate, Bishop
Jwan Zhumbes, head of a 69 church diocese in the Anglican Church of Nigeria.
With as many churches as
Bishop Jwan’s diocese has, it is, by his words, “out in the bush country”, and
it’s about the size of the Slippery Rock - Moniteau area. Many of his people struggle through the day
just to find day-work, food and the other necessities of life, and yet they are
filled with great faith and their churches are growing at rates not seen in
this country in more than 100 years. He
said to me, “Rusty, Brother Rusty, consider this: in 1900, there were 7 million
Anglican Christians in all of Africa.
Now there are 77 million and
that’s just Anglicans, that doesn’t count all the other kinds of Christians.”
Between this idea of Sabbath
— of disconnecting from the world to be in touch with Christ our Lord and deep
prayer about who I am, and who we are as American Christians, God smacked me
upside the head and I was reminded of an old prayer that I had first seen when
I was in high school. It was painted on
the chapel wall at the Aspinwall V.A. Hospital, and says this:
A
Confederate Soldier’s Prayer
I
asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might
learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do
greater things, I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be
happy, I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the
praise of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might
enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for — but
everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken
prayers were answered. I am among men,
most richly blessed.
“Physician, Heal
thyself!” Those words ring back to
me. For a week, God disconnected me from
a lot of things I’d begun to treat as essential, and made me realize afresh
that what is essential is my full heart in His capable and loving hands so that
I can be molded more in the image of my King.
“I got nothing that I asked
for — but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among men, most richly blessed.”
Let’s all think about
Nicholas Carr’s warning. Let’s make
Summer 2010 the Sabbath we take from the world around us so that we can get
“wired in” with Christ Jesus our Lord and be strengthened and renewed. See you in worship on the Lord’s Day!
Grace & Peace,
+Pastor Rusty
News From Around the Kirk
Recognition of Teachers On Sunday, June 6, the teachers were recognized for
giving up their time to teach in various classes, clubs or groups. And Gail Hilton was recognized for the
wonderful job she does as Christian Education Director.
Congratulations to Graduates On Sunday,
June 6 the 2010 graduates were recognized and received backpack bibles. Congratulations to all of our graduates. Graduates of 2010 include:
Dana
Mellott Slippery
Rock High School
Luke
Osborne Moniteau
High School
Kelsey
Powell Slippery
Rock High School
Jacob
Regis Slippery
Rock High School
Nick
Steele Slippery
Rock High School
Paige
Walter Slippery
Rock High School
Samantha
Hoffman Slippery Rock High
School (Valedictorian)
Kaitlin
Martin Laurel High
School
Baby News Andrew William Landa was
born on May 24 to Joe and Jessie Landa. Drew
was welcomed home by big brother, Joey.
News from Florida Jane Holland writes from Vero Beach;
All is well here.
Our pastor, Dr. Tim, comes to Regency (adult complex where Jane has an
apartment) on Mondays for a Bible study.
God bless All.
Father’s Day Picnic It was hard to concentrate during the service
on Sunday, June 20 because of the smell of grilling hamburgers and hot
dogs. 30 people stayed to enjoy our
Father’s Day Picnic. There were all the
picnic fixings and no ants. Thanks to
everyone who brought those delicious salads and desserts. Thank you to Joe and Jessie Landa for lending
us their gas grill and to Connie Christy for cooking all the burgers and hot
dogs.
Softball Teams Highland’s two softball teams
could really use your support. Their games
are Tuesdays and Thursdays. For a
complete list of games for both teams please contact Joe Landa @ 724-605-3298.
Annual Outdoor Worship Service and Picnic
Our annual Picnic will be at the Hines farm on Sunday, July 11. Worship starts at 10:00 am and will include communion. After the service we will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and time of fellowship. Please bring a casserole and either a salad or dessert and you will need to bring your own table service. Beverages will be provided. Weather permitting, there will be swimming in the creek, horseshoes, volleyball and board games. If the weather is stormy the service and picnic will be moved to the church.
Tureen Dinner and Softball Game
Saturday, August 14 at 6:00 pm the Highland Softball Teams and the CLF Committee will be hosting a Tureen Dinner and Softball game. Please bring a casserole and either salad or dessert and your own table service. Beverage will be provided. The picnic and game will be at the Harrisville Park at the picnic pavilion by the back baseball field. Please join us for a wonderful meal and a friendly game of softball.
If the weather is stormy, there is no rain date.
Save these Dates!
Sunday, July 4 – Greg Vanderveen will be our guest preacher.
Monday, August 9 – Friday, August 13 – Community VBS- 9am – noon
Friday, August 20 – Wiener Roast and camp-out at Hines Farm – 6 pm through 11 am Saturday, August 21
Each family is asked to bring hot dogs, buns and a bag of chips. Beverage, condiments and ingredients for s’mores will be provided.
Session will provide breakfast on Saturday morning.
Each family is responsible for bringing their own tent, sleeping bags and flashlights.
If it rains the event will be cancelled.
Saturday, August 21 – Session Planning Retreat – 8 am
Pastor Rusty and family will be on vacation from August 23 – 29.
There will be no committee or board meetings in July but the meetings in August are very important to attend because the timeline events are determined at these meetings, to be passed on to the session for approval.
Mission Work Trip
Once again this year the Presbyterian Women are sponsoring a
Church
World Service Mission Work Trip for October 4 – 6.
The motor coach will leave Slippery Rock at 6 am on October 4th and travel to New Windsor with a stop at Harrisburg, where you will tour the Capitol and then have lunch at the Fire House Restaurant. The return trip will leave New Windsor at 4 pm on the 6th and return to Slippery Rock at approx. 11:15 pm.
The cost of the trip is $200.00 a person, which includes: bus fare, seven meals, tip for the driver and room (2 per room/2 beds per room/private bath.) Bring casual clothes and comfortable shoes for walking.
Everyone is responsible for making their own rooming
arrangements. To make rooming
arrangements please call: 410-635-8700 (8 am – 4:30 pm) or 410-635-8710 (4:31
pm – 8 am).
For more information contact Margaret Boyer at 724-794-3533.
Deadline for reservations is August 15, 2010.
Cancellations after Sept. 20 will have $75.00 deducted from refund.
There are registration forms on the table outside the office, when making your reservations please remember to indicate your lunch choice for the Fire House Restaurant.
Lunch Options: Chef Salad w/ choice of dressing; Backdraft (chicken filet grilled and served with sautéed onions,
brie and garlic aioli on a Kaiser roll); Club
Pretzel (Warm ham, turkey, and American cheese with lettuce, tomato, bacon
and mayo on a pretzel roll); Toasted
Prime Rib Sandwich (shaved prime rib with cheddar cheese, coleslaw, fried
onions, and thousand island dressing on grilled rye). All
sandwiches are served with your choice of: fries, tarragon potato salad or
fruit salad.
Christian Ed News
Community
Vacation Bible School
Theme: A
Prayer Safari – Exploring the Lord’s Prayer
Date: August
9 – 13
Time: 9
AM - 12 noon
Age Limit: Age
4 through 6th grade (just completed)
Where: Center
Presbyterian Church
If you have any questions, or would like to help,
contact Gail Hilton @ 724-287-0313.
Karen Ford from Center Church is the Director.
v All reports were approved with some additions
v Moved that all building rental income will be deposited into the building fund until the end of the year.
v Approved the organization of a small group for young married couples with children
v Approved Mission Committee’s suggestion to raise summer camp scholarship to $125 per child per year.
v The Treasurer noted that the entire loan had been paid back to the Inheritance Fund
· Approved Treasurer’s report and minutes from previous month’s meetings
· Reported that the insulation has been installed in the attic
· Reported that the shrubbery is on hold till fall planting
· Reported that the carpet in fellowship hall and the senior high room has been cleaned
· There will be no July meeting unless an emergency occurs
· Approved Deb Schmelzer’s use of the building on June 26
· Approved building use by Laura Hillwig on June 13
· Noted that a window at the manse needs attention
Prayer List
(Anonymous concerns are welcomed)
Military Personnel
& their families, Our Country, Our Church, Ricky Bell, Ida Corbett, Timothy
McDeavitt, Irene Watson, Sylvia McFeaters, Dan Christiani, Marg Colosimo, Chuck
McClure, Jim Morton, Carolyn Hundertmark, Ed Turnbull, Caroline Conlon, Maya
Turner, Kirk Hines, Colleen Patterson, Bill Martin, Wayne Barry, Shut-ins, MacConnell Family, Mark Mascella, Dick &
Janet Lindey, Dallis (Porter) Bryne, Tyler Beachem, Kathy Garner, Shannon
Leary, CAPNWP, John Cush, Debbie (Myers),
Stephanie Wiles, Jane Rector, Mara Leary, Ed McGill, Emma, Tommy Musguire, Ed
Russell, Alexander, Bob Allison, Holly Tissue-Thompson, Mitchell Eckert, Nash
Family, Jack Courtney
July Birthdays
2 Julia Steele
9 Barb Hogg
9 Jonathon Regis
10 Kirk Hines
10 Lauren Martin
11 William
K. Martin
Greeters for July July 4 Dick & Phyllis English July 11 Picnic
at Hines Farm July 18 Don
& Georgia Schmelzer July 25 Dave
Hinchberger Family
11 Michael Strathen
12 Jim Labor
12 Rachel Wills
14 Becky Faith
15 Rachel Green
15 Carl Rodgers
17 Amber Griffith
17 Don Schmelzer
18 Gary Hogg
20 Ray Christy
22 Emily Hoffman
24 Fred Powell
24 Caleb Stuart
27 Cynthia Thompson
29 Jacob Hogg
30 Rennae Allison
30 Ken Taggart
July Anniversary
10 Brian & Carol Cratty
12 Harold & Kay Brandon
18 Pastor Rusty & Tina Stuart
26 Denny & Barb Wiles
31 Fred & Janet Powell
31 Cliff & Cindy Mellott
August Birthdays
Greeters for August Aug 1 Leona Knight &
Mary Parton Aug 8 Alan Schmelzer & Jodi Barrett Aug 15 Dave & Deb Schmelzer Aug 22 Sandy Stillwagon Aug 29 Dennis Faith Family
2 Jessica
Pierce
3 Denna Wright
5 Kristen Allison
5 Don Martin
5 Jeanne Martin
9 Denny Wiles
10 Denny Thompson
11 Justin Martin
11 Gary Allison
12 Robin Stahlman
15 Bethany Barrett
15 Andrew Boyer
15 Cierra Christy
19 Vern Boyer
19 Mary Parton
21 Karsten Leu
26 Dennis Faith
26 Darlene Robb
26 Deb Schmelzer
27 Cathy Powell
August Anniversaries
11 Joe
& Jessie Landa
14 Don & Darla Siebka
17 Chuck & Sharon Davis
23 Bill & Shirley Martin
30 Gary & Beth Meals
Worship
Leader for July is Fritz Richardson
Worship Leader for August is Charlotte Clements
Treasurer's
Report General Fund Balance
as of 4/30/10 $14,329.93 Income $12,971.25 Expenses $12,247.50 Balance
as of 5/31/10 $15,053.68