The Courier Times – New Castle, IN | Religious Perspectives: Embrace the spiritual aspect of Thanksgiving

Friday, November 20, 2009     Religious Perspectives: Embrace the spiritual aspect of Thanksgiving     By REX ESPIRITU First Presbyterian Church     Friday, November 20, 2009         During this season of Thanksgiving, there are many things one may recount as noteworthy items to be grateful for. Some usual, more typical notions of life, health, family and friends among others may come to mind. However, as I further contemplate what elicits gratitude in my heart this morning, a most singular thought occurred. If you had to name one thing, just one thing you would give thanks for, what might that one thing be? I wondered as I wandered on the way today, asking myself in the Lord’s presence at this very moment, “What am I most grateful for?”     Now, the way the mind works sometimes, it could either go through a number of tangential paths, following some rabbit trails, perusing through a few strawberry patches and smelling the flowers along the way. Or it could suddenly turn quite focused, set in a single direction, determined to press forward on a particular trajectory. In a few moments, the latter alternative became my own experience. It wasn’t long before I found myself wanting to draw upon foundational tenets of personal conviction from past spiritual growth and development, and theological formation in my own journey of faith.     In the liturgical calendar of the Revised Common Lectionary, this Sunday in November, just before Thanksgiving is designated for the celebration of the reign of Christ the King. It marks the end of the liturgical year, culminating in the observance of Christ’s kingdom and rule over all, with an eye toward Jesus’ coming in Advent. From a Christian, reformed perspective, standing in the stream of a tradition with a high view of the sovereignty of God, this is cause for great celebration! The fact that God rules, the truth that Jesus is Lord, and the certainty of the Spirit’s reigning presence among us, along with the sure hope and promise of Christ the King’s return in glory: That’s all too awesome for even the slightest exuberance in this expressed personality to be contained.     In this vein, one might begin to surmise that this is the one thing I am most thankful for. To be sure, the idea that God is in control can indeed be a strong source of comfort for us no matter what situation we may encounter. A deeper probing of the heart reveals a more personal, profound sense of gratitude. When I read God’s love letter to me in Scripture, I find myself giving thanks mostly for the words I hear the Spirit of Jesus saying to me through the Gospel of John (15:16). “You did not choose me, but I chose you …”     The Lord God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, Creator of all including my own very being, chose me! To know and be known as the Lord’s, to love and be loved by the Lord, to choose and most of all to be chosen by my Lord and Savior – That continually abiding experience of God is what I am most profoundly thankful for today. As the lyrics of the song “Knowing You” written by worship leader Graham Kendrick goes, “Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You … There is no greater thing. You’re my all, You’re the best! And I love you, Lord.” I give thanks most of all for You!     Beloved, what are you most grateful for today? In words similar to the apostle, Paul’s letter to the saints in Ephesus, I pray that you and your loved ones know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. May you know the Lord’s blessings anew in Thanksgiving!
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Thanksgiving through Advent: Rekindling the Gift of God With Us

In this season of Thanksgiving through Advent, I am renewed with a fresh sense of hope, reinvigorated by prayer with zeal and fervor in the Lord, Immanuel—God with us!  The light of the holy days at this time of year burn brightly with broader perspective upon my reentry from traveling in the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico where I and eighteen other pastors from Indiana witnessed indigenous peoples there experiencing the Gospel of Jesus Christ engaging such diverse cultures in a way not unlike that by the church throughout the first century. 

 
 

The Good News rings true for all times and places as we walk together along sacred spaces as a people set apart by God’s Word and Spirit among us.  The season of Advent affords us an opportunity by which we can once again give thanks to Almighty God for the Sovereign Lord’s grace here and now, during this our time and place, at First

Presbyterian Church, New Castle, Indiana. 

 
 

There is good cause for and there are encouraging signs of hope in our fellowship amidst a burgeoning transformation that the Lord has only begun with, in, and upon us.  It is a/n [re-]iterative process which entails lighting and relighting, igniting and reigniting, fanning and rekindling the flame of God’s gift of hope, peace, joy, love and life in our lives to be lived, and in a sense, relived well together for the glory of God. 

 
 

The prophetic writer in the book of Habakkuk reminds us in prayer: 

 
 

Lord, we have heard of Your fame;

we stand in awe of Your wonderful deeds. 

O Lord,

Renew them in our day. 

In our time, revive, and make them known;

in judgment, in justice, may You remember mercy.

 
 

May this be our prayer for and in our own day and time with the Lord’s gracious reign among us in our own, larger community of faith in Christ.  And may God find us faithfully lighting anew in Advent the candles of Christ’s hope, peace, joy, love and life in our homes in the household of God’s blessings at Thanksgiving.  In Him,

Pastor Rex

Rekindling the Gift of God With/in Us

Rekindling the Gift

• Rekindling the Gift of Hope
  
• Rekindling the Gift of Peace
  
• Rekindling the Gift of Joy
  
• Rekindling the Gift of Love
  
• Rekindling the Gift of Life
  

  fan aflame, kindle afresh, light anew
  

  [Reign of] Christ the King
  

  Sunday, November 22
  

  2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18); Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37
  

   
   

  The First Sunday of Advent
  

  November 29
  

  Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10;               1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
  

  The Second Sunday of Advent
  

  December 6
  

  Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79;                  Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
  

   
   

  The Third Sunday of Advent
  

  December 13
  

  Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6;          Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
  

  The Fourth Sunday of Advent
  

  December 20
  

  Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
  

   
   

  Christmas Eve
  

  December 24
  

  Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96:1-13;                        Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
  

  

  Lighting the candles of Advent again… with thanksgiving!

  Fan into flame the gift of God in you
  

The Lord Reigns (Christ the King)	Nov 22
The Promise of Preparation	Nov 29
The Promise of Mercy	Dec 6
The Promise of Salvation	Dec 13
The Promise of Blessing	Dec 20
The Promise of Treasure	Dec 24
(Sunday after Christmas)	Dec 27

 
 

With Gratitude for the Tree of Life

2009 November—December

Thanksgiving In the Season of Advent

A Lifestyle of Thanks-Living through the Advent of Christ’s Kingdom

PC(USA) – Presbyterian News Service – The Discernment journey

 
 

 
 

 
 

Home > News Service > The Discernment journey

 
 

09967

November 9, 2009

The Discernment journey

A monthly column for the PC(USA) by the General Assembly Stated Clerk

by the Rev. Gradye Parsons

PC(USA) General Assembly stated clerk

LOUISVILLE — Folks often wonder how an overture makes its way to a General Assembly. It is not a speedy process, but it’s an effective one that involves discernment through prayer, the study of Scripture, and careful listening to others.

An overture generally starts with an individual idea or inspiration. From there, one of the foundational understandings of our polity is lived out: Decisions are made not by one person, but by people discerning together the mind of Christ.

Often, an overture’s first step involves members of the session of a congregation discerning together whether the issue on their hearts should be addressed by the whole PC(USA). In my experience, this is rarely done at one meeting, but over time.

The session sends the overture to the presbytery, where it is considered by a committee. The committee members prayerfully discern together the mind of Christ about the issue, listening to the voice of the session and to one another, as well as their own understanding of Scripture. The committee then sends the overture to the full presbytery, where elders and ministers discuss its merits and answer the critical question: Is this an issue for the whole church?

If approved by the presbytery, the overture goes to the General Assembly, where it will carry the presbytery’s name and require the presbytery’s support.

General Assembly commissioners and advisory delegates consider the overture in committee, discerning together by listening to voices with wider experiences, to different understandings of Scripture, and to the Spirit speaking through prayer. The item then goes to the whole assembly where, again, listening and seeking are the primary discernment actions.

If the overture passes, its journey continues as congregations, presbyteries, synods, and General Assembly agencies discern what it means for their ministry and witness.

The journey of an overture involves the entire Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It travels the long distance through our discernment as the whole church, listening for what God is calling the church to be and to do.

Let us all be ready to listen.

 
 

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The Courier Times – New Castle, IN | Lifetime of volunteering recognized

Sunday, September 27, 2009     Lifetime of volunteering recognized     Sunday, September 27, 2009         Herb Bunch By BETHANY TABB     btabb@thecouriertimes.com     Anyone who knows Herb Bunch has heard him repeat a famous Harry S. Truman quote: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”     Even before he knew who first said it, the New Castle man decided to make that statement his life’s goal. He even has notecards printed with the quote to serve as reminders.     It’s a statement he believes sums up true volunteerism.     “If you’re going out and you’re looking for credit just for you, that’s the wrong reason,” he said. “You’ve got to be thinking about what you can try to help people accomplish. That’s what I’ve tried to do.”     Bunch wasn’t looking for recognition, but he recently received some when he was named the winner of Henry County United Fund’s annual Danielson Humanitarian Award.     Each year, United Fund asks the community to submit nominations for the award. Executive Director Jenny Dennis said as she looked through this year’s nominations, Bunch stood out among the rest.     She pointed to his financial philanthropy as well as his willingness to volunteer.     “He has a huge impact on Henry County,” she said.     To Bunch, volunteering is his way of paying back a community that’s been good to him. He says every opportunity he’s had came from the kindness of other people.     Those kindnesses began as he grew up in Henry County. His father passed away when Bunch was a teenager, and his mother was left with three children to raise on their own.     Money was tight, and for nearly 10 years his family didn’t even have a car. But Bunch said people he knew from school and church stepped up to help him.     Later when he wanted to go to college, it seemed impossible. But then a man from Chicago helped pay his expenses so he could attend Wabash College. Back then it wasn’t considered a scholarship, he said, but was more like a stipend.     His education was interrupted when he left Wabash to fight for more than a year with the U.S. Army in Korea.     When he returned, he eventually earned a degree in education from Ball State University. After teaching in Lebanon, he earned his master’s degree and spent the next 12 years working with handicapped children and adults at New Castle State Hospital.     Then one day he talked to the superintendent of New Castle Community School Corp., who needed a principal for the seventh-grade building. He took that position and was principal until he retired 24 years later.     Then the opportunity arose for him to become executive director of the Henry County Community Foundation. So he worked for the foundation from 1994 to 2000.     “Every time I’ve turned around, I’ve had opportunities,” he said, “but it’s because of people and associating with people and building relationships with people.”     Bunch never forgot those opportunities, and he decided the best way to pay those people back was through volunteering his time.     The first thing he did was join the New Castle Noon Optimist Club, where he’s still a member today.     Once he joined that organization, it snowballed. Other clubs asked him to help, Bunch said, and he has a hard time saying no.     Over the years, he’s served on the Henry County United Fund board, the Indiana Public Radio advisory board, the Comprehensive Mental Health Association and practically every board in Henry County.     He’s also served on just about every board possible at First Presbyterian Church, where he’s currently an elder.     Working with people is his true passion, he said, and many organizations are about the same, he said. That makes it easy to do as much or as little as you want.     “I guess I looked at it as a challenge, to give of myself ad give something in the way of experience,” he said. “Once you get experience in a leadership role, it carries over to other organizations.”     Jerry Schaeffer, current executive director of the Community Foundation, met Bunch when he hired her as his secretary. Since then, he’s been her mentor for the past 10 years.     Schaeffer said Bunch taught her about philanthropy and what it means to be a volunteer. He also connected her with community organizations like United Fund.     That’s why she nominated him for the Danielson Humanitarian award, she said.     “I think it just comes so naturally for him,” she said. “He’s taught me the more you give, the more you get.”
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The Courier Times – New Castle, IN | Religious Perspectives: Holy scriptures useful in dire economic times

Friday, September 04, 2009     Religious Perspectives: Holy scriptures useful in dire economic times     By REX ESPIRITU First Presbyterian Church     Friday, September 04, 2009         As we continue to face the challenges of our current global economy, it seems fitting on this Labor Day weekend to reflect upon the Word given to us concerning the fruit of our labors. In this day and age when gainful employment appears scarce for many, particularly in our region, the encouragement of ancient words can be a solid source of comfort in times of need.     No matter what financial situation we may find ourselves in, regardless of our current economic circumstances, the holy scriptures provide for us a strong sense of purpose, dignity and identity in the One in whose image we were made.     The apostle in Paul’s letter to the saints in Ephesus writes that “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) And in the Hebrew Torah, we read and hear God saying, “Let us make humankind in our image.” (Genesis 1:26).     From the first account of creation in the Pentateuch to the Epistles of the New Testament, the words of Holy Scripture echo through the chambers of our existence in time and space, proclaiming who we really are and what we have been created for.     The Labor Day holiday reminds me of my father, who spent much of his productive work life as a lawyer in the Philippines. My Dad was well respected as a gifted, compassionate leader who exhibited a passion for justice, seeking to resolve conflicts and reconcile issues between labor union workers and corporate management employees, with an eye toward maintaining fairness to each party and equity for all concerned.     At great personal expense, he lived out his convictions in advocating for the marginalized masses of workers as a small, fledgling nation grew its businesses through some tumultuous times in the marketplace of southeast Asia. Down and out of work, he was subsequently vindicated, restored with back compensation and promoted in employment by the company to provide further counsel for management’s successful labor relations. God had brought him to deep lows and raised him to great heights for such a time as this.     Likewise in our own community, we have an opportunity this week to rise to the occasion and take up a cause for which we as people made in God’s image may advocate for God’s children among us. The Psalm (127:1) of Solomon tells us that “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”     As such, leaders in our community have sensed the call of the Lord to fasting and prayers of intercession for the safety of, wisdom and grace for teachers, staff and administration, students and parents in the school systems of New Castle and surrounding areas.     I encourage you to join in praying together with your fellow sisters and brothers in communities of faith. Ask the Lord how God would like to use you in these days as we seek His face for the better future of our community.     On Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., Sept. 13, many of us will be praying on site with insight at various area schools. In addition, over the next week leading up to that day, various church congregations are designating a day of fasting and prayer in a joint effort to intercede for God’s blessing of folks in our schools. For more information, contact Tisha Sledd, Director of Women of Hope at 765-593-9767 tishasledd@yahoo.com or visit the web site of the Henry County Ministerial Association at www.HCministers.org
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Living in the Light of the Resurrection and the Life through Pentecost

23 April 2009

Season of Easter — Pentecost 2009 (B)

In this renewing season of commencement from Easter through Pentecost, we are re-formed in the Resurrection and the Life in the Spirit of Christ

Living in the Light of the Resurrection and the Life

As we approach the Ascension of the Lord in this season following Easter and leading up to the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the many believers in Christ, we reflect on how God calls us to live in the light of the resurrection and the life of Jesus—the way, the truth, and the life.

In the renewing and refreshingly revitalizing movement of the Holy Spirit among us, the Word tells us that we shall be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the very ends of the whole earth.” (see Acts 1:8)

Our Lord calls us to hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, bear fruit, be witnesses and receive the power to do so for God’s glory here at First Presbyterian Church, in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, the United States, North America and beyond in this whole wide world, to the very ends of the earth.

This week and in the next months, as we continue venturing with new initiatives, let us witness together in the Lord ministering in our midst!!!  Glory to God!

Presbyterian Church (USA)

The First Presbyterian

“You Gotta…”:

• Hear!
  
• Believe!
• Repent!
• Confess!
• Be Baptized!
• Bear Fruit!
• Be Witnesses!
• Receive the Power!

Season of Easter through Pentecost (B)

Easter/Resurrection Sunday, April 12	1
2nd Sunday of Easter, April 19	2
3rd Sunday of Easter, April 26	3
4th Sunday of Easter, May 3	4
5th Sunday of Easter, May 10	5
6th Sunday of Easter, May 17	6
7th Sunday of Easter, May 24	7
Pentecost Sunday, May 31	8

You Gotta Believe… Repent… Confess… Be Baptized… Bear Fruit… Be Witnesses… and Receive the Power… from on high…. in the Spirit!

2nd Sunday of Easter, April 19

Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31

3rd Sunday of Easter, April 26 (Jr. Church Choir)

Acts 3:12-19; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

4th Sunday of Easter, May 3 (with Communion)

Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

5th Sunday of Easter, May 10 (PW Birthday Offering)

Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8

6th Sunday of Easter, May 17 (Sr. High Youth Sunday)

Acts 10:44-48; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

7th Sunday of Easter, May 24 (Memorial Day Weekend)

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19

Pentecost on Sunday, May 31 (New Member Recognition)

Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:22-27; Acts 2:1-21

Holy Trinity Sunday, June 7 (with Communion)

Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 14

Guest Preaching

Inserted from <http://newcastlefpc.com/Documents/EasterPentecostCommencementB2009.pdf>

PCUSA: Presbyteries keep ‘fidelity and chastity’ ordination standard

Home > News Service > Amendment B is defeated
09339 April 27, 2009 Amendment B is defeated Presbyteries keep ‘fidelity and chastity’ ordination standard by Jerry L. Van Marter Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE ― Though the formal results await certification by the Office of the General Assembly, all unofficial tallies show that Amendment B — which would replace the current Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) constitutional requirement that church officers live in “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” with a new section G-6.0106b of The Book of Order — has been defeated. After voting on Saturday, April 25, the count is 69 presbyteries in favor with 88 opposed — one more than the majority of 87 out of 173 presbyteries required to decide the matter.   Last year’s 218th General Assembly proposed the amendment, which would replace the commonly-called “fidelity and chastity” clause with new language: “Those who are called to ordained service in the church, by their assent to the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003), pledge themselves to live lives obedient to Jesus Christ the Head of the Church, striving to follow where he leads through the witness of the Scriptures, and to understand the Scriptures through the instruction of the Confessions. In so doing, they declare their fidelity to the standards of the Church. Each governing body charged with examination for ordination and/or installation (G-14.0240 and G-14.0450) establishes the candidate’s sincere efforts to adhere to these standards.”   The “fidelity and chastity” provision was added to the Book of Order in voting following the 1996 General Assembly. Two subsequent proposals to delete it have failed in presbytery voting ― following the 1997 Assembly by a vote of 57-114 and following the 2001 Assembly by a vote of 46-127. The vote is much closer this year. Twenty-seven of the 127 presbyteries that voted “No” in 2001-2002 — plus Western New York Presbytery, which voted to take “no action” last time — have voted in favor of this year’s amendment. Two presbyteries that voted “Yes” last time — San Francisco and Sierra Blanca — have switched to a “No” this year. One presbytery — Midwest Hanmi — is under the jurisdiction of an administrative commission of the Synod of Lincoln Trails and is not expected to vote.  If the remaining 16 presbyteries vote the same way they did in 2001-2002, the final tally would be 74-98 (with Midwest Hanmi not voting). Presbyteries have until June 28 of this year to vote.  The unofficial tally to date: For (69): Albany, Arkansas, Baltimore, Boston, Cascades, Cayuga-Syracuse, Charlotte, Chicago, Cimarron, de Cristo, Denver, Des Moines, East Tennessee, Eastern Oregon, Eastminster, Elizabeth, Genesee Valley, Geneva, Giddings-Lovejoy, Grace, Grand Canyon, Great Rivers, Greater Atlanta, Heartland, Hudson River, John Knox, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Long Island, Mackinac, Maumee Valley, Miami Valley, Mid-Kentucky, Milwaukee, Monmouth, National Capital, New Brunswick, New Castle, New Hope, New York City, Newark, Newton, Northern Kansas, Northern New England, Northern New York, Ohio Valley, Palisades, Philadelphia, Redwoods, Salem, San Jose, Santa Fe, Scioto Valley, Sheppards & Lapsley, Southeastern Illinois, Susquehanna Valley, Transylvania, Tres Rios, Twin Cities Area, Utica, Wabash Valley, West Jersey, West Virginia, Western New York, Western North Carolina, Western Reserve, Whitewater Valley, Winnebago, Yellowstone. Against (88): Abingdon, Alaska, Atlantic Korean, Beaver-Butler, Blackhawk, Boise, Carlisle, Central Florida, Central Nebraska (tie), Central Washington, Charleston–Atlantic, Cherokee, Cincinnati (tie), Coastal Carolina, Donegal, Eastern Korean, Eastern Oklahoma, Eastern Virginia, Flint River, Florida, Foothills, Glacier, Hanmi, Holston, Homestead, Huntingdon,  Indian Nations, Inland Northwest, James, John Calvin, Kendall, Lackawanna, Lake Erie, Los Ranchos, Mid-South, Mission (tie), Mississippi, Missouri Union, Muskingum Valley, Nevada, New Covenant, New Harmony, North Alabama, North Central Iowa, North Puget Sound, Northeast Georgia, Northern Plains, Northumberland, Olympia, Palo Duro, Peace River, Peaks, Pines, Pittsburgh, Plains and Peaks, Prospect Hill, Providence, Pueblo, Redstone, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Gabriel, San Joaquin, San Juan, Santa Barbara, Seattle, Shenandoah, Shenango, Sierra Blanca, South Alabama, South Dakota, South Louisiana, Southern Kansas, St. Andrew, St. Augustine, Stockton, Tampa Bay, Trinity, Tropical Florida, Upper Ohio Valley, Washington, Western Colorado, Western Kentucky, Wyoming, Yukon. Not expected to vote (1): Midwest Hanmi “No” last time, “Yes” this year (28): Arkansas, Charlotte, Cimarron, East Tennessee, Eastminster, Grace, Great Rivers, Greater Atlanta, Lake Huron, Mackinac, Maumee Valley, New Hope, Newark, Ohio Valley, Philadelphia, Salem, Scioto Valley, Sheppards & Lapsley, Southeastern Illinois, Transylvania, Tres Rios, Wabash Valley, West Jersey, West Virginia, Western New York (“no action” last time), Western North Carolina, Whitewater Valley, Yellowstone. “Yes” last time, “No” this year (2): San Francisco, Sierra Blanca.

Pasted from <http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09339.htm>

Spring Forward with the Promise

“We are marching, we are marching, we are marching, oh—ho, we are marching in The Light of God.  We are marching, we are marching, we are marching, oh—ho, we are marching in The Light of God.” 

 
 

This March, we continue marching forward together with a spring in our step as the Lord leads us by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit through the season of Lent in the Light of God.  It is a wonderful journey of faith in our fellowship for such a time as this when we watch what Jesus does (WWJD) anew in, through, and among us for God’s glory and our good.

 
 

Last Sunday’s dinner and a movie event was filled to overflowing with God’s blessing of our extended community together with children, youth, young adults, singles, couples and families who participated in and for a delightful evening together.  Many were invited through friends on Facebook and personal invitations by members to neighbors, co-workers, and others in various venues and relationships. 

 
 

May God bless us as we continue to go ahead with God, seeking His face in the days to come.  Glory to God for the promise of renewing hope! 

 
 

In Christ,

Pastor Rex

 
 

Going Ahead with the Godhead to the Glory of God

Lenten Lectionary Themes and Readings

3/1:  The Promise of Good News  Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

3/8:  The Promise to Follow  Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38

3/15:  The Promise by Command  Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22

3/22:  The Promise for Life  Numbers 21:4-9; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21

3/29:  The Promise toward Glory Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33

4/5:  The Promise through Passion  Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 1:1-11

4/12:  The Promise in Resurrection  Jeremiah 31:1-6; Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 28:1-10

 
 

The First Presbyterian

Sundays in March 2009

2009 Lenten Season

Spring Forward with the Promise

Sermon Series —  Spring Forward with

• The Promise of Good News
  
• The Promise to Follow
  
• The Promise by Command
  
• The Promise for Life
  
• The Promise toward Glory
  
• The Promise through Passion
  
• The Promise in Resurrection
  

  Sundays in the Season of Lent
  

1st Sunday in Lent March 1	1
2nd Sunday in Lent March 8	2
3rd Sunday in Lent March 15	3
4th Sunday in Lent March 22	4
5th Sunday in Lent March 29	5
Palm/Passion Sunday, April 5	6
Easter/Resurrection Sunday, April 12	7

A rolodex of friends on Facebook including singles, couples and families were invited to “Fireproof Your Relationship” at our dinner and movie event on February 15.

For now we see through a glass darkly; but then we shall see face to face…         (1 Corinthians 13:12a)

Fireproof Your Relationship

First Presbyterian to show movie “Fireproof”

Sunday Dinner and a Movie on Valentine’s Weekend at Presbyterian Church

February 10, 2009–New Castle, Indiana

The First Presbyterian Church of New Castle, Indiana will be showing the movie “Fireproof” this Sunday, February 15 at 4:00 p.m.  Admission to see the movie is free.  The congregation invites the community to join in an evening that will reenergize relationships. 

All are welcome to come for this viewing of the movie Fireproof and participate in a time of fellowship.  A dinner is planned following the end of the film at 6:00 p.m.  Tickets for the meal catered in a romantic dining setting are $5.00 per person/$10.00 per couple.  Childcare will be available for $1.00/child.

Neighbors and friends are invited to enjoy this wonderful opportunity to impact and strengthen relationships for the blessing of marriages and families in our community.  Dinner reservations are appreciated prior to the date of showing. Tickets for the dinner are on sale and can be purchased on Sunday or by calling the church office at 765-529-3703.  For more information, visit the church web site at www.NewCastleFPC.org 
www.NewCastleFPC.org or find the church’s page on Facebook.

First Presbyterian Church is a congregation of Whitewater Valley Presbytery in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and ministers in partnership with other churches in the community of New Castle, Indiana through the Henry County Ministerial Association.

First Presbyterian Church

1202 Church St/Box 491

New Castle, IN  47362

(765) 529-3703 office

(765) 529-3711 fax

office@NewCastleFPC.org

 

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Eighteen Pastors Selected for Leadership Program

Eighteen Pastors Selected for Leadership Program by Jim Amidon December 15, 2008 Eighteen Indiana pastors have been selected to participate in the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program. The Lilly Endowment Inc. funded program targets Indiana pastors with between five and 10 years of experience following their graduate seminary studies, and invites them to participate in a two-year program of leadership development and pastoral reflection. The focus of the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program will engage pastors in explorations of critical economic, educational, and political challenges facing Indiana communities, and help them develop the knowledge and skills to become stronger leaders in their congregations and communities. “From a number of outstanding pastors who applied, we selected a representative group with very high potential for leadership from diverse churches throughout Indiana,” said Program Director Raymond Brady Williams. “They have rich academic backgrounds and life experiences, and we look forward to lively discussions of important issues and challenges that face communities and churches in Indiana.” The 18 participants have already been through an on-campus orientation. They will return in January to begin the formal aspects of the program. On January 20-21, the pastors will learn from Ronald Heifetz, who is with the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Heifetz will also give  public lecture during his visit. [Among the] 18 pastors selected to participate in the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program are [two from our own Whitewater Valley Presbytery]:    Reverend Rex Espiritu is the Senior Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle, Indiana. Rev. Espiritu earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his master’s of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Reverend Frank Mansell is the Pastor at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rev. Mansell received his undergraduate degree cum laude from Davidson College and master’s of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. At Princeton, he received the Parish-Pulpit Ministry Fellowship, and he has studied at the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches.   Pastors involved in the program will meet on the Wabash College campus 10 times over a two-year period to meet with civic, government, business, and religious leaders to discuss issues that affect local Indiana communities. The pastors will learn about a range of topics, such as statewide efforts to strengthen public education, Indiana economic initiatives, government responses to property tax and other issues, the impact of immigration on local communities, and advances in medical research and their impact on health care. In addition, the pastors will participate in a study tour in North America during the first year and an international study tour in the second year of the program to learn about transnational contexts. One group of pastors will begin in January 2009 and the second in 2011. Williams is the founding director of the program. He is the LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities emeritus and he was the founding director of the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, also funded by Lilly Endowment. “For many years the College ran the Wabash Executive Program that developed potential for leadership in executives in business and industry,” said Williams. “The College now runs The Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning that develops leadership in faculty of colleges, universities, and seminaries. So it is exciting to be part of this new profession-specific leadership program for talented pastors in Indiana.” The program will be housed in Trippet Hall on the Wabash College campus. Please contact Dr. Williams (williamr@wabash.edu or 765-361-6336) for additional information.

Wabash College • P.O. Box 352 • Crawfordsville, IN 47933 • 765.361.6100

 
 

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