First
Presbyterian Church
Easton, PA
Soundings
May 2008
CHURCH ON HOUSE TOUR
The First Presbyterian Church of Easton is a featured location on the Historic Easton House Tour, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
PENTECOST COMMUNION
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be celebrated on Sunday, May 11, during the 10:30 AM service.
The Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, May 4, 2008, immediately following the morning worship service, for the purpose of electing elders, deacons and members-at-large on the Gifts & Growth Team and S.O.A.R. All members are urged to attend this important meeting.
ORDINATION/INSTALLATION
The ordination and installation of church officers will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2008, during the 10:30 AM service.
The Rev. Sam Huffard, former pastor of the East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church, will be the guest preacher on Sunday, May 25, during the 10:30 AM service.
NEW MEMBERS TO BE RECEIVED
New members will be received into the life and fellowship of First Presbyterian Church, Easton, on Sunday, June 8, during the 10:30 AM service.
MUSIC MINISTRY RECOGNITION
Music Ministry Recognition Sunday will be observed on Sunday, May 18, during the 10:30 AM service. Appreciation and thanks will be extended to members of the church music staff and the Chancel, Youth, Children's and Handbell Choirs. A special reception will follow the service.
CAUSE SOMETHING TO HAPPEN!
You come out of a meeting and someone asks, "What happened?" And, you answer, "Nothing."
You sit in a legislative gallery and someone sits down beside you and asks, "What's happening?" And you answer, "Nothing."
Maybe that meeting room and that gallery should have had the same sign hanging on the walls that a winning college football coach pasted in his team's lockers: "Cause Something to Happen!"
He believed that if you didn't make something happen with a good block your runner would go no where! And, if you didn't tackle, the other team would run all over you.
That coach sure caused something to happen. Bear Bryant won more major-college football games than almost any other coach.
Maybe that sign "Cause something to happen!" ought to be hanging in our churches.
"Do not merely listen to the word...DO what it says!" (James 1:22)
Charles F. Holm
Pastor
NEW PARISH ASSOCIATE
The Session is pleased to announce that Lehigh Presbytery has approved its request that a Parish Associate relationship be established between the First Presbyterian Church of Easton and the Rev. Dr. Harry A. Freebairn.
According to the Presbyterian Book of Order, "A Parish Associate is a minister...who is retired, but who wishes to maintain a relationship with a particular church in keeping with ordination to the ministry of the Word and Sacrament... The relationship is established upon nomination by the Pastor, between the Parish Associate, the Session, and the Presbytery... The Parish Associate shall be responsible to the Pastor, as head of staff, on an ‘as needed, as available' basis..."
Harry will be available to the congregation for occasional preaching and for leading adult education/Bible study programs.
Harry recently retired as Director of Field Education at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. Prior to his service at the seminary, Harry served as Pastor of churches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Harry was Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Easton from 1973-88.
We welcome Harry and Carol Freebairn back to Easton, and to our church. Carol will be re-joining our church on Sunday, June 8.
WE'RE HOME!
At last, we are back home in our newly renovated Church House. The big move was made on Saturday March 29th, but there was plenty of work both before and after. Cleaning, packing, unpacking, sorting and more cleaning were on the agenda for the two weeks before and after the big day. There were some glitches and delays, but with the help of so many, the work got done. The members of the Moving & Decorating Team wish to thank those who helped make it all happen through their labors and donations of time and money. It was truly a group effort.
Just a note…donations are still being accepted to the Decorating & Furnishing Fund for things like kitchen equipment and Legacy Hall furnishings. If you have not seen the new space, please come and see for yourself!
Susan Mackay
Moving & Decorating Team
GRATITUDE LUNCHEON
Who: EVERYONE (of all ages) is invited to help honor or remember their mother.
What: Special Luncheon instead of Coffee Hour
Where: Legacy Hall
When: Sunday, May 11, Mother's Day, after worship
Sponsored by: The Deacons, youth groups and dads of the congregation.
Come and enjoy!
FPC Book Club
The FPC Book Club will continue to meet on the following Monday evenings at church to discuss and reflect upon the following selections. Everyone is invited to join us for some thought-provoking dialogue. You may obtain a copy of these books at your public library or see/call Cathy Burnet at 610-588-6738 as there are several copies circulating through our membership.
May 12 When God Winks at You
7:00 PM by Squire Rushnell
This collection of true life stories is about how God speaks to you through the power of what we usually perceive as coincidence. This very readable book will cause you to reflect upon your life, and what God winks you have had - but may not have recognized or realized.
June 9 The Five People You Meet in Heaven
7:00 PM by Mitch Albom
This is a story that will change everything you've ever thought about the afterlife, and the meaning of our lives here on earth. Eddie, the main character, learns five different lessons from five people who illumine the unseen connections of his earthly life.
INSTRUMENTALISTS NEEDED
Instrumentalists are needed to play live music in the sanctuary during the Easton House Tour on Saturday, May 3. Live music would make the sanctuary so much more inviting. You need only play for a short time (10-15 minutes) at either 11 AM, noon, 1 PM, 2 PM or 3 PM, and you may play alone or as part of a duet, trio, or even a quartet.
Contact Phyllis Finger, 610-253-5040, for more information or to sign up.
First Presbyterian Church has many wonderful memories for us. We joined this church after moving to Easton with our daughter Karen who was one year old in 1960. Our sons Steve and Dan were baptized here.
When we left Easton in 1980 we never expected to return, but fortunately for us we did in 1991.
We thank the church, deacons and members for all the well wishes and reception for our 50th wedding anniversary on March 16th.
We appreciate you kindness and friendship.
-Gary and BJ Evans
*******
To my Church Family,
Thank you for the visits, cards, and prayers during my illness and recuperation.
Sincerely,
LeRoy Cooper
*******
We would like to thank everyone for your cards and expressions of sympathy on the recent death of Gloria's brother. Your thoughtfulness and support were very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Gloria & Chuck Holm
"Chauncey & Friends" Cabaret
Sunday, May 18 - 11:45 AM
Legacy Hall
Chauncey & Friends, our traditional annual "Variety Show" hosted by esteemed television personality and entertainer Chauncey Howell, will begin right after worship on May 18. Members of all ages are invited to participate by performing a favorite song or dance, or by reciting a poem or story, etc.
We begin with a covered dish lunch of salads and sandwiches. Please bring a favorite cold salad or plate of sandwiches, and the Deacons will provide desserts and beverages. Don't miss this fun hour of great entertainment!
"Chauncey & Friends"
Please let Phyllis Finger know by May 4, what you would like to perform.
Name:__________________________________________________________
Phone No. ___________________________
Title of Song(s)/Poem______________________________________________
Composer/Author or other information (for program) ________________________________________________________________
The Day of Pentecost will be celebrated on Sunday, May 11, during the 10:30 AM service.
The Day of Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season. The word "Pentecost" means "fifty days" and is derived from a Jewish festival, "Shavout", which means the same thing, and took place fifty days after Passover. The Jewish festival was an annual commemoration of the giving of the Law to Moses, and a new relationship between Israel and God. So Pentecost indicates the establishment of a new relationship between God and the new Israel, the followers of Jesus Christ.
Pentecost is the celebration of the creation of the Church of Jesus Christ. As Christ was raised from the dead, the Body of Christ is now given new life by the Spirit (breath) of God. This is the Church's spiritual birth day.
The life-giving Spirit sends the Church into the world to carry out Christ's mission. The Church is clearly a world church, proclaiming the Word of God in Jesus Christ to all peoples - Babel is undone as the message is heard in every tongue. Now the Church goes forth into all the world, breaking down walls and overcoming divisions that keep people from knowing their true unity in God.
Members
and friends of First Presbyterian Church have responded to another challenge
in a big way! This year's giving to One Great Hour of Sharing has reached
$4,519.07. Thank you to all who contributed to this important mission
offering. A comparison of our giving to OGHS for the past few years shows:
YEAR AMOUNT
2008 $4,519.07
2007 $4,514.07
2006 $4,458.78
2005 $4,101.99
2004 $3,024.29
2003 $4,098.00
2002 $4,005.00
2001 $4,000.00
2000 $3,000.00
1999 $l,206.00
1998 $1,338.00
1997 $1,140.00
1996 $1,316.00
1995 $1,259.00
1994 $768.00
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL
BLESSINGS FLOW!
THANK YOU!
A special 'thank you' to Nancy Pruitt who recently donated a new wheelchair to the church. The chair will be very helpful as we try to be more welcoming to those who have difficulty walking.
MONDAY, JULY 21, 2008 -
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Mark your calendar for this very special week in July 2008. Vacation Bible School will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Easton, The Theme is:
"Beach Party: Surfin Through
the Scriptures"
The evening will begin at 5:30 PM with dinner. Bible School will begin at 6:00 PM. There will be classes for 3-year-olds through eighth grade.
There is something for everyone to do! Be a Shepherd (teacher to be with each class for the evening as the students move from area to area), a Storyteller, Arts and Crafts Helper, an Activity Helper. Be a Greeter for an evening or help Register the Children.
Come one night, come five nights. We have a place for you! If you can't come, maybe you can do some advance preparation in your home. Contact Gloria Holm (610-253-9768) for more information or to help, or fill in the form below and put it in the offering plate. Thank You!
Vacation Bible School Volunteer Form
____help with registration ____be a greeter ____help where needed
____help with activities ____be a shepherd ____help with dinner
____help with crafts ____be a storyteller ____help from home
____be a first aid resource ____help with music ____provide cookies
Name _____________________________________________
Phone # ____________________________
LIBRARY NEWS
The Annual Reading Contest will end on May 4, with a Pizza/Make Your Own Sundae Party for all participants. Prizes will be awarded to the boy and girl from each group who read the most books. Check out the next newsletter for a list of winners.
We're
almost back to normal after a year of renovations. Books, tapes of sermons,
DVD's and CD's can be found in the Milheim Room. Members are welcome to
borrow any of our materials for up to three weeks. Because of a question
of space, we've elected to cull some older titles from our shelves. These
will be made available in May for church members. If you see anything
you like, please help yourself. And if you see something someone else
would like, please help them.
-Becky Bartlett and Fran Dean
Library Work Group
"A LEGACY OF FAITH"
A meaningful way to remember/honor loved ones and friends is to make contributions to the Memorial Fund, Endowment Fund, John H. Lehr Helping Hand Fund, Capital Fund and General Fund of the First Presbyterian Church. April monetary gifts were received by the church as follows:
Capital Fund
- In memory of Norman DeLillo, given by:
Lori Young
- In honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Gary and BJ Evans, given by:
Carol and Harry Freebairn
John H. Lehr Helping Hand Fund
-
Contribution given by Ann Marie Ballentine
DECORATING AND FURNISHING OUR CHURCH HOUSE
In the Spring of 2007, First Presbyterian Church of Easton began an extensive renovation of the Church House to improve the building's infrastructure and to enable the church to fulfill the vision to which God calls us.
Now,
a few special gift opportunities remain to complete the decorating and
furnishing of the new Legacy Hall, Brainerd Welcoming Area, nursery, kitchen,
and more. If you would like to make a contribution, a number of necessary
items are listed in the special brochure which was mailed to members and
friends. Select one or more items from the list, complete the card in
the brochure, and return it to the church office with your check made
payable to First Presbyterian Church of Easton. Call the church office,
610-253-3579, if you need a copy of the brochure. Thank you for your prayerful
consideration.
THE CHURCH REGISTER
Baptism, Sunday, March 23, 2008
Sybil Florence Naa Tsotsoo Akpor-Mensah, daughter of Mary Gyamenah and Solomon Akpor-Mensah.
BRUNCH BUNCH
On Sunday, May 4, the Brunch Bunch will go to Friendly's Restaurant on William Penn Highway. Meet after the Congregational Meeting for directions and car pooling. Everyone is welcome to join this group for a time of good food and fellowship. Call Rose Marie Leone, 610-258-3063, for more information.
Shawl
Ministry
Our May meetings will be held in the Brainerd Welcoming Area of our new church house at 333 Spring Garden St. Please bring a friend and join us on the following dates:
Daytime Meeting: Monday, May 5 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Evening Meeting: Monday, May 19 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Many thanks to Nancy Pruitt for taking completed lap robes to the Manor Care facility on Northampton Street and to Robin Ives for taking our baby hats, booties and blankets to the nursery at St. Luke's Hospital.
Several bags of lap robes will be donated to the Gracedale Home, and hats + scarves are being delivered to an organization in Allentown.
Barbara Marusky of the Easton Home reports that several of their residents are working together to make baby items, and we are hoping that some residents of Westminster Village will partner with us as well.
Shawl Ministry will have a display at the Rededication on April 27th and again on May 4th when the church is open for the Easton House Tour. Do you have any photos of our members and their activities? If so, please give them to Fran Dean to be included. Thank you!
Shawl Ministry continues to bring God's love
to those in need of comfort!
Every second Sunday of the month envelopes are in the bulletin for contributions to ProJeCt of Easton. These monetary gifts benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry ($1.00 allows ProJeCt to distribute $15.00 worth of food). ProJeCt of Easton also offers comprehensive emergency assistance and language and literacy services. Please continue to give generously to this local mission.
May Birthdays
1 Gordon Bennett, Donna Bradbury, Tim Cain, Donald Hoff, Rachael Oliva
2 Virginia Marr
3 Harrison Miccio
4 Isabella Miccio, Frances Pollard, Dolores VanSyckle
6 Lorraine Fugere
7 Dorothy Avery, Jonathan Mohammed
8 Catherine Apgar, Jacen Rister
9 Michelle Dicker
10 Richard Marr, Jr., Tim Poinsett
11 Florence Brotzman, Christian Miccio
12 David Chen
13 Brittany Pursell
15 Ross Pennington, Kiersten Vokes
16 Eileen Bloshuk, Robin Mountjoy, Laura Portlock
18 Jackie Romania
19 Martin Puffpaff
21 Barbara Murray
22 Ken Hill
24 Susan Charlton, George Washburn
26 Phoebe Barta, Lloyd Bennett, Marquis McMillan
28 Lewis Dawson
30 Sheila Buskirk
Summer 2008 -
First
Presbyterian Church
of Easton
Theme: "Beach Party: Surfin'
Through the Scriptures"
For: Children and youth, age three
through 8th grade.
Mark the dates on your calendar!
Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25
5:30-8:00 PM
(includes dinner each night)
S
ANCTUARY
FLOWERS
Sunday May 18, as well as other dates throughout 2008 are available for chancel flowers. Please call Rose Marie Leone, 610-258-3063, to select a date. The flowers enhance the beauty of our worship and then are delivered by the Deacons to the sick and shut-ins.
SOUNDINGS (permit #480) published monthly by First Presbyterian Church, 333 Spring Garden Street, Easton, PA 18042-3573 Email: office@eastonfpc.org
BUS TRIP TO
“ABRAHAM AND SARAH”
On Saturday, June 28, 2008, the Deacons are hosting a bus trip to the Sight and Sound Theater (Living Waters) in Lancaster, PA. The bus will depart from the church at 10:30 AM to see the 1:00 PM performance of "Abraham and Sarah". Dinner will follow at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. We will return to Easton about 9:00 PM. Cost per person is $75.00/adult, $59.00/teen (13-18) and $45.00/child (3-12). Cost includes the show, dinner and bus. Seating is limited to the first 47 people. Deadline is May 17, 2008. Contact Ann Marie Ballentine for reservations, 610-923-7430.
OR A DONATION TO
THE CAPITAL FUND
AIR CONDITIONER
10,000 BTU room air conditioner (unit sits on the floor - not a window unit). Cools 400 square feet, nearly new, excellent condition. Original cost - $400.
FREEZER
13 cubic foot upright freezer with manual defrost. Used but in good working condition.
Also, are you missing:
APPLIANCE DOLLY
It remains in church storage following moves to and from the Churchman Building. If it is yours, please claim it.
Contact the church office, 610-253-3579, if interested in these items.
Youth Page
On
May 11th
there are two holidays: Mother's Day and Christian Family Day. Mother's
Day is when we recognize everything our Mothers have done in our lives.
Christian Family Day celebrates the family we have within the church.
Both celebrations we take the time to thank the people who help us in
our lives.
People have different types of families who do not always look the same. Some people have a mom and dad; others only have a mom or a dad. Some people were raised by other people like aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, or foster families. Not everyone has a mom, but being a Christian, we all belong to the family of Christ.
In
the church there are many people who help everyone grow and learn in the
teachings of Jesus like the minister and the Church School teachers. There
are also the people who do other work of the church, keeping the library,
doing mission work in and outside the church, singing in the choir, ushering
people in the church, youth group, and
the list continues. On a Sunday morning, how many people do you talk to and see? What do you do to
help out the church? Did you help with the moving? Do you say good morning to the people you see on a Sunday? Everyone you see is part of your Christian family!
Peace,
Patti Smith
Seminarian/Assistant
Junior Youth Group (1st - 4th grade)
May 10th Cooking and Preparing for 4:00 - 6:00
Mother's Day Luncheon
at Jen Henshue's House
May 18th Chauncey and Friends at FPC 12:00
TBA End of School/Beginning of Summer Party TBA
Senior Youth Group (5th - 12th grade)
May 4th Meeting in Youth Room 4:00 - 6:00
May 10th Cooking and Preparing for 4:00 - 6:00
Mother's Day Luncheon
at Jen Henshue's House
May 18th Chauncey and Friends at FPC 12:00
TBA End of School/Beginning of Summer Party TBA
***************************************************************
CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS
Last day of Regular Church School is May 18th
NO CHURCH SCHOOL on May 25th
Summer Church School (All children together) will begin on June 1st
If you would like to volunteer to help for a week or two, let Jen know when you are free.
Senior High Church School
May 4th, 11th and 18th will be the last meetings of the Senior High Church School until September
6pm to 8pm in the Youth Room
If you have any questions or ideas, give Jen or Patti a call.
Jen (610) 737-5881 Patti (610) 509-9409
