February 2010
Pastor’s Column
Brothers
and sisters,
As
you read this 14 of us from Highland Church prepare for a week-long mission
trip to Slidell, Louisiana, which actually gives us a wonderful opportunity to
take up the second half of our study of the Third Commandment: “You shall not
take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord
will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
On
first glance these two items may not seem directly related, but they are
because we are about to look at the positive side to the negative prohibition.
This
commandment concerns far more than merely avoiding the bringing disrepute to
God’s name or rashly yelling “Oh my God!” when we’re shocked, terrified or
overjoyed. It is about the ways in which
we, as God’s chosen covenant people, reflect His name and character to the
world around us.
Since
the beginnings of the Christian Church, the world has labeled us as Christians,
or “Little christs”. It’s a name with
which we may not be entirely comfortable because of the great weight it places
on our shoulders. But that name, in
itself, allows us to interact more closely with the purpose and seriousness of
the command.
Last
month we examined the negative side of the commandment, observing that God
takes it so seriously that He tells He holds “no one guiltless who takes His
name in vain.” That’s an enormously
large stick to place before us, but when we look further we discover that it is
also just the beginning of what we are called to know, do and be.
Consider
the importance that God places on His name in His dealings with people. Two instances from the Old Testament provide
good illustration of the point:
[1]
In Genesis 15:17 - 20 God appears to Abram in a dream and guarantees His
promise that an old man and his barren wife would have a son and a
heritage. As He does so, God,
personified as a flaming torch, marches between two cut halves of a sacrificial
bull. In effect, God says to Abram, “I
swear upon My own self and name. If I
don’t fulfill My promises, I won’t be God anymore" (Gen. 15:17-20).
[2]
When God first appears to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:13 - 17) Moses
asks God by what name He should be presented to the elders among the Hebrew
slaves. God orders Moses to tell them “I
am Who I am” has sent Moses on his mission.
“Yahweh”, which means “I am”, is the very definition of all being and
existence. God Himself created us and
all that exists from nothing and His name reflects His total sovereignty over
all things.
Practically
speaking, when our 14 travelers go to Slidell, we will be going in the Name of
our Lord. We will be bearing on us the
name of “Christian”. We will be
representing God’s majesty, righteousness, grace and providence to people who
have been badly battered and are in great need of the comfort that God
provides. This, then, is the positive
side to the negative command. By the
power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, we will strive to bring God’s name
glory rather than to put it in disrepute.
And
this is precisely what St. Paul talks about in Philippians 2:1-13 when he says:
1 Therefore if there is any
consolation in Christ, if any comfort of
love,… 2 fulfill my
joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one
mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself…. 5 Let this
mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to equal
with God, 7 but made
Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the
likeness of men. 8 And being
found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the
point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore
God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every
name, 10 that at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth,
and of those under the earth, 11 and that
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.
12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, …work
out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to do for His
good pleasure.
The Shorter & Larger Catechisms ask us the question “What is
man’s chief end?” and then answer with “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and
enjoy Him forever.” This confessional
statement distills the Bible’s teaching (and especially Paul’s words here)
about how to live out the Third Commandment.
Paul addresses both positive and negative aspects of how we bring
glory to God’s name and reputation rather than shame, but he does so with full
recognition that some won’t believe or obey.
Those who do not will not like the end to which they are brought.
Paul leaves unvoiced the question "How is it that we glorify
God and enjoy Him forever?” and jumps right into the answer: “Let this mind be
in you which was also in Christ Jesus . . .”
This means that we can only approach and glorify God by the means He
provides to us. The only glory we give
Him comes through union with the incarnate Messiah. Emmanuel, God with us.
God saves us by
His grace through the gift of faith in Christ, but we are called to follow and
obey Him in all we do. Anytime we are
disobedient and faithless, we devalue God’s name, reputation and the gift of
salvation He gives. At first this may
seem an overstatement of the case — surely
we can honor God in the way seems best to us!
Right?!?
NO!.
That is exactly the strategy that God condemns as unacceptable. If we were to seriously argue this line of
reasoning in purely human terms, it would be roughly the same thing as arguing
that if we were to find some piece of exquisite craftsmanship, we could determine
what we pay for it rather than paying the craftsman's stated price. Anyone who tried this would hear the
craftsman yell, “STOP THIEF!”
Paul then hammers home the point with an analogy to the life and
mind of Christ. Jesus of Nazareth was
God “made man”. He voluntarily
surrendered the use of His omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence so He
could become one of us. He didn’t cease
to be God, but He became fully human.
But, in this dual nature, He chose not to exploit His divinity. He honored and glorified the Father
fully. He was totally obedient, right up
to the fact of His sacrificial death for our redemption. In all He said, thought or did, Jesus
glorified His Father and never regarded God’s name, character or reputation
vainly. Because of this, Jesus is
supreme. He is the appointed King,
Mediator and Savior for His Chosen People who are called by His name. He is God and yet He is also what we are. And for those reasons God has both
established and fulfilled in Christ the promise He made to Israel.
Christ indeed is lord to the glory of God the Father, but He is
also a King like no other. He not only
commands obedience to the Law for all of His subjects (everything He created is
subject to Him), but He also enables and empowers those who willingly approach
Him and surrender their rebellion to do what it is that He has commanded.
Thus we are commanded and empowered to produce the fruits of
repentance that bring honor and glory to the Lord of Hosts and never dishonor,
disgrace and shame. This is what Paul
means when He says "work out your salvation with fear and
trembling." It doesn’t mean that we
work to be saved. It means we have
already been saved by grace by faith so we can do the work He assigns us.
The God who warns that “He will not hold blameless those who make
His name vain” is the same God who says through Paul that “every knee shall bow and every
tongue will confess”. As we
do the work and spread the word of Him who predestines, justifies and will
glorify us, we actively surrender to Him.
We uphold His name, His character, His honor, and His sovereignty. In that resides True life and freedom. Take not the Lord's name in vain because every knee will bow and every
tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is God to the glory of God the Father.
Grace & Peace,
+Pastor Rusty
News From Around the Kirk
Christmas Eve 136 individuals celebrated the
Birth of Christ by attending the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. An intinction Communion (bread was dipped
into a communal cup) was served.
Joy Offering Thanks to your generosity, $425.21 was
collected on Christmas Eve for the Joy Offering. The Joy Offering is collected to help with
Ethnic Presbyterian Schools and For the Presbyterian Workers Relief Fund.
Eve’s Daughters 9 women met on Monday, Jan. 11 to make soup
and muffins for the shut-ins. Barb Wiles
supplied the recipe and ingredients for her delicious pepper soup, and Margaret
Boyer supplied the muffin supplies and refreshments. Those not working on muffins or soup helped
put the finishing touches on a baby quilt made by Margaret Boyer for the newest
baby.
Wedding News Betsi Edmundson and Nate Stewart became
engaged at Christmas. Congratulations to
both.
Baptism The Session presented Audrey Fayth Dittmer, daughter
of David and Jamie Dittmer, for Baptism on January 17. David and Jamie are being stationed in Italy
for the next four years. As soon as we
get a new address for them we will publish it.
New Address If you have been writing or sending things
to Derrek Dittmer and getting them back you are not alone. We have a new address for Derrek:
Pvt.
Dittmer, Derrek
FOB
Salerno
501st
Bco FTF unit
AOE 09314
Greetings from
Florida Kay Brandon writes:
The
temperature is now back to normal, in the 70’s and 80’s. North Florida had lots of snow and
frost. Fruit and veggie prices will be
high this year. Harold and I are doing
well. I am now in my 9th
month of recovery, still have some bad days.
Keep me in prayer. Thanks. Love and prayers to all.
Thank You!
Dear Friends of Highland Church,
The abundant bag of fruit, cookies and candy certainly added cheer and love to my holidays. I know such things represent work and effort by many at a very busy time of year and that is much appreciated too.
I was astounded and blest by the generous check. Needless to say it answered several needs and my heart was much warmed. May God bless you all.
In His love and mine,
Ruth Hartman
Good news! Thanks to Highland Church members who stayed with the Salvation Army Kettle from 9 – 9 Dec. 21, 09, $640.05 was raised that day. The total collection gathered for the Slippery Rock unit was $9,298.56. This is a new record, up $615 from 2008 donations from our community. We commend the Slippery Rock Giant Eagle for allowing the collections to be gathered inside their store, every year, on the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanks to everyone for a great effort.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
As God’s people we are called to stand in the “GAP” when people are in need, such as the people in Haiti.
Give – Financial support for relief efforts can be made online at www.pcusa.org/PDA and designate your gift to DR000064. Or mail a check to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA. 15264-3700, mark “Gifts of the Heart” account # DR000151 in the memo line.
Act – Put together hygiene, baby, and school kits or clean-up buckets, to be distributed through Church World Services. Instructions on construction of these kits can be can be found at www.pcusa.org/pda.
Pray – Join with others in lifting up the people of Haiti, tourists and mission workers who were in country when the earthquake struck, and those who have traveled to Haiti to provide aid during this critical time.
EVE’S DAUGHTERS
Eve’s Daughters
The February Meeting of Eve’s Daughters will be led by Barb Wiles. We will be working on creating new banners for the Sanctuary. If you have scissors that cut fabric or a glue gun/with glue sticks, please bring them to the meeting.
Lenten Soup & Study
The annual Lenten Soup and Study will begin on Wednesday, February 24 and will continue for the next 4 weeks. Soup is served at 5:30 pm with the study starting at 6:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Mission Trip Revue & Luncheon
Immediately following the service on Sunday, February 28, those who have returned from Slidell will present a program about their mission trip.
After the program, a tureen dinner will be enjoyed. Please plan to stay after church to hear the presentation and to enjoy a great dinner. Everyone is asked to bring a casserole, salad or dessert.
Men’s Ministry will meet on Thursday, Feb. at 7:00 AM. You will start a new book titled “The Faith” by Chuck Colsen. Denny Wiles will be your host.
Update on Joe and
Virginia Frazier:
Good afternoon Friends and Family;
I am updating you on the latest regarding Joe. Joe has been under Hospice part time care since coming home on December 12th. His hospice nurse came this morning and stated that Joe had suffered a stroke (Jan. 23). We are not the experts…the nurse is. So he has now been moved to being under 24 hour care here at their home, per their opinion.
He is a surprising man because he is alert, responding clearly, napping a lot, eating as usual, and feeding himself! And yet, they say he suffered a stroke. My mom said she only detected a bit of slurred speech early this morning and he has now returned to normal talking.
Your prayers are desired and I must tell you that we can feel the Lord’s Peace here. Joe is an amazing person as you well know and he is full of surprises every day! He is aware of everything that is going on around him and jokes with the nurses and caregivers continually. He has his heart and mind all settled with the Lord and he is content.
Virginia is improving, healthwise. Both she and Joe have exercises that they do with the healthcare workers, their meals are prepared and their groceries are delivered. Their strength is also increasing slowly and their old bones are on the mend. Best of all, their attitudes are high and encouraged.
Thank you for the prayers and love that you send out to them and the Lord. Joe is here today because you continue to pray and WE KNOW IT! God bless you ALL!
Deborah, Virginia’s Daughter
Mission Committee
On Sunday, January 31st, the team members of the Slidell Mission Trip will be commissioned during the worship service. During the week of January 31st through February 6th members of the Slidell Mission Team will make their way to Slidell, LA. Some of the members are leaving earlier than others because of various reasons. The majority is leaving early morning on the 6th and will be traveling home February 12th and 13th. Please keep these workers in prayer as they travel and as they work in Louisiana during that week.
The Mission Team is: Pastor Rusty & Sarah Stuart, Margaret & Vern Boyer, Chuck & Sharon Davis, Fritz & Margie Richardson, Deb & Georgia Schmelzer, Cindy & Jacob Regis, & Connie & Cody Christy.
Thank you to everyone who helped them prepare for this trip and to all who donated in some way to make this mission trip possible.
Please join us for a luncheon after church on February 28th to hear stories of the trip and to watch a slide show.
Christian Ed News
Remember
when you used to color in a coloring book and your mother or father would tell
you to “stay within the lines”? It was
important to stay within the lines because, if you didn’t, your figures would
end up with huge eyes, two heads, and legs coming out of their ears. (It kind
of makes you wonder what Picasso’s parents used to tell him, doesn’t it?)
Remember when you first played T-ball and
you had to learn to stay within the baseline?
If you detoured by the snack bar on the way to first base, you’d be
called out.
And what about when you first tried
writing your name? I’m sure your teacher
told you to “stay within the lines.” It
may have been hard at first, but before long those boundaries became second
nature to you.
Now that you’ve outgrown coloring books
and T-ball, and you know how to write your own name, it’s till important to
stay with the lines — the boundary lines that God has
set forth in His Word. Those lines
weren’t meant to restrict you. They were
meant to protect you, to help you make it safely around the bases, and to make
sure that the picture of your life isn’t confused and distorted, but turns out
to be a real work of art.
Bumper Sticker For the Day — God gave us His Commandments with the same love that
He gave us His Son.
Scripture — He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to
him who searches for it. Proverbs
11:27.
Prayer — Lord, thank you for your laws, for they are only for
my good.
Taken
from “Don’t Jump to Conclusions Without a Bungee Cord…And Other Wise Advice
from the Book of Proverbs.” Author,
Martha Bolton.
v Approved David Dittmer’s request to be moved from the Inactive Roll to Active Roll.
v Approved the baptism of Audrey Fayth Dittmer, infant daughter of David and Jamie Dittmer.
These actions were taken at a special meeting of the session. January’s meeting was held too late to get those actions into this publication but will be in the March newsletter.
· Approved treasurer’s report and minutes from previous month’s meetings
· Reported that repairs had been done to the steam line in the High school S.S. classroom by B.L. Boyer Inc.
· Discussed that the leaded glass windows in the Sanctuary need some refab work.
· Paid $100 for gas consumed in the process of snow removal
· Reported that the refrigerator still needs repaired and the outside dusk to dawn lights need replaced.
· Approved paying the annual $100 to the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department.
Please, no one is to open windows or turn the thermostat except Al Graber, Denny Wiles, Ken Luckock, Vern Boyer, Jesse Hines or Fritz Richardson. If you are hot or cold please let them know and they will take the steps necessary to make you comfortable if possible.
Prayer List
(Anonymous concerns are welcomed)
Requested
For: Need: Requested By:
Ida Corbett Throat Cancer Phyllis English
(friend)
Cindy Schanebel Breast Cancer(not doing well) Jeff Kirk (cousin)
Donna Knight Cancer/Chemo Phyllis English (sister-in-law)
Derrek Dittmer Deployed to Middle East Deb Schmelzer (son)
Timothy McDeavitt Cancer John West (nephew)
Ricky Bell Kidney Transplant
/Dialysis Cory Kirk (schoolmate)
Everyone involved in the
situation in Haiti
Sylvia McFeaters Chemo for Liver/Gallbladder Cancer Mary Sue Steele
Dan Christiani Recovery from Motorcycle Accident John Powell
First Responders/ U.S. and World Leaders/ Service
Men and Women
Julia Scavo 3 yrs. old w/Cancer of
Kidney Tina Stuart (cousin)
Kay Brandon Continual Intestinal Problems Shirley Martin (friend)
Chuck McClure
Numerous Health Issues
Emily Kirk (uncle)
Kathy Garner
Healing of Broken Ankle
Ed & Sally
Turnbull Several Health Issues Peg Graber (friends)
Vera Crump Breast Cancer/Heart Problem Tina Stuart (aunt)
Kirk Hines Continued
Recovery Darla Siebka (nephew)
Irene Watson Broken Hip Chris Gould (friend)
Bob Hunter Lung Cancer Margaret Boyer (friend)
Carolyn
Hundertmark Colon Cancer
Joe Frazier Recovery from
Surgery Bill Martin
(friend)
Millicent
Lindey Recovery from fall and
Surgery
Caroline Conlan Several Health Issues Cindy Regis (grandmother)
Adele Bitler’s
Grandmother Brain Tumor
LaVerne
Hinchberger Back
Problems/Surgery Georgia
Schmelzer(family)
Suzanna Bowser Lump on Neck Connie Christy (niece)
Greeters for February Feb. 7 Bob & Mary Sue Steele Feb. 14 Bill
& Shirley Martin Feb. 21 John
& April Hines Feb. 28 Jacqui
& Stephanie Dublin
February Birthdays
1 Kelci
Faith
2 Stephanie
Wiles
4 Jim
Fergus
4 Andrew
Hogg
5 Cindy
Griffith
5 Janet
West
5 Carolyn
Hundertmark
6 Betsi
Edmundson
6 Nathaniel
Luckock
7 Lexie
Dean
8 Dustin
Griffith
8 Puddie
Taggart
9
Gail
Hilton
9 Mark
Stoops
10 Leona
Knight
11 Ruth
Hartman
14 Logan
Martin
15 Eric
Cratty
19 Brian
Allison
19
Marissa
Siebka
27 Grant
Gould
27 Elizabeth
Lindey
February Anniversary
14 Gary & Rennae Allison
14
David & Jamie Dittmer
15
Joe & Martha Lange
17 Brent & Gail Hilton
Worship Leader for February is Karen Christy
Treasurer's
Report General Fund Balance
as of 11/30/09 $11,733.26 Income $9,221.77 Expenses $10,767.51 Balance
as of 12/31/09 $10,187.52