2015 SUMMER FPN NO BIRTHDAYS.pub

Summer 2015
First Pres News
A Publication of The First Presbyterian Church of Ambler
4 South Ridge Avenue • Ambler, PA 19002
215-646-3030
FROM ANITA BELL’s DESK
Interim Associate Pastor
SUNDAY
WORSHIP
Tale of Three Churches
Hear the tale of three churches:
Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, PA struggled with an
aging building in a land locked location with parking problems. No
amount of paint could dress up their building. No plumber’s skill could
rectify their aging facilities. They needed major change. After assessing the cost of renovating, and facing the realization that they could
not fix their parking problem, they decided to move to the suburbs.
Today, Westminster has a beautiful building out on Route 202.
The building meets all their
needs. They have plenty of
parking. But in the move,
they left behind their
neighbors... they lost the
opportunity to care for
the needs of their city.
They gained a building,
but lost their mission.
9:30 a.m.
Traditional
11:00 a.m.
South Ridge
Inside this issue:
BUILDERS QUEST
ONE BLOCK
3
AT A TIME
MAY MEMORIES
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando sat in the middle of a city
that was fighting for its life. When
we think of Orlando, we usually think
of Disney World and all the other entertainment attractions that have grown
up in central Florida. Few ever take the
detour from the airport to visit the city of Or-
FROM THE YOUTH
6
MEMORIAL
GARDEN
8
U P C O M ING
(Continued on page 4)
E V E NT S
10
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
First Presbyterian Church of Ambler
4 S. Ridge Avenue • Ambler, PA 19002
215-646-3030
www.FPCAmbler.org
Church Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Info@FPCAmbler.org • FAX: 215-643-0621
Sunday Worship:
9:30 a.m. Traditional Service with Sanctuary Choir
Sunday School (pre-K thru grade 5)
Adult Christian Education
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service with South Ridge Band
Sunday School (children up through 5th grade)
Adult Christian Education
Child Care through age 3 is available at all worship services.
Church Staff
Reverend
Ryan Balsan
Pastor, Head of Staff
Ryan@FPCAmbler.org
Brian Bortnick
South Ridge Music Director
Webmaster
B.Bortnick@Comcast.net
Reverend Dr.
Anita Bell
Interim Associate Pastor
Marie Thomas
Director of
Children’s Ministries
Marie@FPCAmbler.org
Michael Joy
Music Director
MichaelJoy@Comcast.net
Carol Anders
Organist
Parish Visitor
Pfacpa1943@netzero.net
Leslie Thomas
Director of
Youth Ministries
Leslie@FPCAmbler.org
Barbara Schmitt
Parish Visitor
Barbjs@comcast.net
Cheryl Kurpiel
Church Administrator
Cheryl@FPCAmbler.org
Jodi Wolper
Secretary of Publications
Jodi@FPCAmbler.org
Jeff Hill
Sexton
Newsletter Staff
Editor:
Jodi Wolper
Proof readers:
Cheryl Kurpiel
Barbara Schmitt
Anne Whitney
The deadline for First Pres News submissions
is always the first day of the previous month.
2
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
FROM MARIE THOMAS,
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
One Block at a Time
Summer Friends has a following! Eighty kids
were signed up just one week after registration opened in early May. Weeks before
registration opened, emails poured in from
parents expressing how much their kids liked
Summer Friends and asking when registration will begin. Summer Friends is a oneweek evening Vacation Bible School that
will run from July 6 to July 10 (6 to 8:30pm).
Summer Friends offers a preschool program
directed by Debbie Heckler for children
ages three and four years of age, and a
program for children ages five years
through entering sixth grade.
ests. Kids design their own Summer Friends
experience by choosing their favorite workshops. Are you kidding me? Where else do
kids get so much say? By giving the kids a
choice in what they do at SF, kids hear “You
are amazing” and “we think you are special” and “we want to help you explore the
things you like.”
And volunteers make all this happen. Volunteers from our church community and our
local community develop this amazing experience for the kids. This year, we are honored to have two local businesses partner
with us by running workshops at Summer
Friends. Carl Cellini from Mantis Computers
and Villari’s Martial Arts will volunteer and
lead our Karate Workshop. Sean from Ambler Skateboard Shop will volunteer and
lead our Skateboarding Workshop. Folks
from our church will be leading twelve other
outstanding workshops: Street Graffiti,
Boom! Splat! Fizz! Science, Jewelry Making,
The Amazing Race, Crazy Group Games,
Sing! Dance! Act!, Secret Service, Balloon
Creations & Face Painting, Wet & Wild
Games, LEGOS: Propelled Car Making: Junior Chef. I think this year’s workshops are the
best yet!
So what is so special about Summer
Friends? Is it really worth asking so many volunteers to invest their time, money and talents into one week for the kids? I say “YES”.
There is a reason parents watch for registration to open, youth want to help and kids
keep coming back. The kids like it!!!
Summer Friends engages kids. It engages
kids’ interests.1 Our themes are built around
what kids like. LEGOS are “in”. Kids like
LEGOS. Builder’s Quest Summer Friends is all
about LEGOS. By choosing a theme the kids
like, we say to the kids “we think you matter”. Also, our workshops engage kids’ inter-
(Continued on page 5)
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Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
Tale of Three Churches (Continued from page 1)
lando. For most of us, there is no reason to waste our precious vacation time to see a struggling second rate city. For years, while the entertainment industry flourished on the outskirts
of town, the center of the city declined. Poverty, unemployment, and crime defined the
streets. Businesses closed or moved to safer areas outside the city limits. Churches became
fortresses, locked and gated, welcoming only the faithful during select hours on Sunday.
In the center of the city, stood First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. They, too, had embraced a fortress mentality, protecting their property from the ruin of the city streets. Until
one day, God began to grow a dream in that faith community. They began to dream of a
city with safe streets and thriving businesses, with beautiful walk ways and nurturing educational opportunities for the children of Orlando. They began to imagine... to dare to risk. In
time, those dreams took shape as members of the church intentionally ran for council seats
so that they could impact decisions. Business owners made the bold move to come back
to the city. The pastor and elders began to work with the mayor and city council to find resources to transform the city. Then the church did a capital campaign to redesign their
building to make it more useful for their neighbors. FPC Orlando chose to be not only the
geographic center of their city, but to be the “heart” of Orlando.
First Presbyterian Church of Ambler faces many of the same realities of these two
churches. We struggle with an aging facility and limited parking, but we also have an ideal
location in the geographic center of town. We are the most prominent building on the main
street of Ambler, but will we accept the call to be the “heart” of our town? Will we invest in
the people and the businesses of Ambler? Will we make our building welcoming and useful
for our neighbors?
Will we serve here in such
a way that FPCA is an
integral part of the life of
our community? In 1891,
God placed us in the
center of our town. Will
we accept the call to be
the
“heart”
of
Ambler? How will the tale
of our church be told in
years to come?
Ambler photos by Kyla Wolper
4
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
One Block at a Time (Continued from page 3)
A child’s eagerness to learn about life and about God is the magic of Summer Friends.
Moses urged the Israelites to be eager to love God and teach children about God along
the way.2 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with
all your strength. The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts. Make sure
your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when
you walk along the road.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). Summer Friends follows this model of combining learning about God and learning about life. Every day, children will hear a parable
of Jesus and learn how God can be trusted, how God loves us and how God can help us to
love others. Summer Friends is just one week, but it is one important week of helping kids discover more about the God who created them and about His special plan for their lives. We
consider it a privilege to partner with parents in this amazing adventure called life. This year
at Summer Friends, let’s build life on the rock of Jesus, one block at a time!
See you at Summer Friends!
Marie Thomas
1Joiner,
Reggie and Kristin Ivy. It’s Just a Phase So Don’t Miss It
(Cumming: Orange, 2015), 100.
2 Joiner,
142.
5
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
FROM LESLIE THOMAS,
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
MAY MEMORIES
A Trip to Sky Zone!
We were flying high as we enjoyed a night
at Sky Zone Trampoline park! Picture this- an
entire warehouse FULL of trampolines everywhere- sounds fun, right? We joined forces
with Covenant
Pres.
Y outh
Group
and
Supplee Pres.
Youth
Group
for a night of
jumping for joy.
It was a wonderful
event
and we had
fun bouncing
around
and
getting to know
new people.
Summer is coming, but we’re still enjoying
spring! May was a busy month in the Youth
Ministry- we had a lot of fun, a lot of laughs,
and a lot of milestones happen. So grab a
cool glass of lemonade and a spot in the
shade as we take a look at all of the wonderful things that May had to offer!
Youth Specialties Team Training
Over the weekend of May 1-2, a few of the
Youth Team members traveled to Royersford, PA for a weekend of team training!
We had the pleasure of enjoying worship
and seminars, all geared around how we
can continue to grow as a ministry. We
came back feeling excited about the direction that God is taking this program and
look forward to further discussions about
how we can catapult the relational aspect
of the Youth Ministry.
Confirmation Class of 2015
We are THRILLED to welcome this year’s
class of Confirmands as our newest members of FPCA! The eleven students completed the ten week class and attended a
life-changing weekend retreat before
meeting with the Session on Tuesday, May
Spring Service Project
On Saturday, May 9th, we teamed up to do
some yard work for a beloved member of
our congregation. The weather was beautiful and the students did wonderful work
mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, and planting flowers. All in all, a great day of service!
(Continued on page 7)
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Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
(Continued from page 6)
5th to share a meal and their Faith Statements.
The Session voted to accept them as new members
and we got to celebrate with them in both services
on May 17th, Confirmation Sunday! We are so proud
of them and ask that you would pray for them as
they start this next chapter in their faith journey.
We have certainly been busy lately and contrary to
popular belief, things do not slow down come the
summer! The ministry will launch into a season of
summer Sunday School (we call it Breakfast Club),
day trips, and a week-long Middle School conference, as well as a week-long High School summer
Mission Trip. We can’t wait to get started!
In Christ,
Leslie Thomas
7
2015 Confirmation Class
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
FROM MARILYN LOBLEY
What is the Memorial Garden?
on a wall with the name and dates of the
deceased. It will provide a place to remember deceased loved ones and to
meditate and call upon God and our
memories for comfort and meaning. As
the body of Christ, the church is one of our
sources of healing and hope at such a
time. As the people of the church minister
to those bereaved within our midst, God’s
love and mercy will reach out to heal the
pain of grief and to nurture new life.
As part of our Capital Stewardship
Journey, Foundations for the Future, we
will be building a Memorial Garden on the
Ridge Avenue side of the building with
access from the Parlor. Our Memorial Garden will be a beautiful addition to our
building that will create an important outdoor space for our congregation and
community. A Memorial Garden is an appropriate resting place for cremation
ashes. The Memorial Garden at First Pres
will be an important place for members of
this congregation to inter its members and
their families at the church where they had
faithfully served and worshipped. Our Memorial Garden will be a place where
members can choose to have their remains placed if cremated. Ashes will be
returned to God’s earth. No markers or receptacles will be used in the Memorial
Garden. Bronze plaques will be mounted
Because it will be easily accessible from
the Parlor, it will also be a place for people
to gather before or after worship for fellowship or a place for quiet reflection during
the week. The Memorial Garden will be
another way for the church to honor those
upon whose shoulders the church has
grown and flourished here in Ambler.
8
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
Temperatures are
Are you a thermometer
or thermostat?
Others, however, are thermostats.
They regulate the atmosphere.
They are the mature changeagents who never let the situation
dictate to them.
Charles Swindoll
Submitted by Marilyn Lobley:
Some people are thermometers.
They merely register what is around
them. If the situation is tight and
pressurized, they register tension
and irritability. If it’s stormy, they
register worry and fear. If it’s calm,
quiet, and comfortable, they register relaxation and peacefulness.
I have learned to be content
in whatever circumstances I am.
Philippians 4:11
Thermometer Puzzle
Fill the thermometers with mercury,
such that the numbers outside the
grid indicate how many cells in each
row and column are filled.
Mercury always starts filling from
the base (circular part) of a
thermometer, towards the top.
Need the answer? Stop by the
church office or contact Jodi Wolper
(Jodi@FPCAmbler.org / 215-646-3030)
9
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
P
U
COMING EVENTS
Soup Kitchen
June 19 and June 20
You can be part of this effort by helping to
prepare the meal Friday night at our
church, serving the meal in Frankford on
Saturday morning, or both. Contact Mark
and
Barb
Y antek
(215-641-4928/
myantek@verizon.net).
Last Day of Sunday School
Sunday, June 7
Children’s ministry will begin Summer Sunday School on Sunday, June 14th. Youth
Ministry will begin their breakfast club on
Sunday, June 14th.
No Youth Sunday School July-August
Our Middle School and High School youth
are invited to join our Breakfast Club
throughout the summer months. Meet at
church on Sundays at 9:30 AM and walk to
Sweet Briar Café for breakfast, then attend
South Ridge worship together. Bring your
own cash - your meal is on you.
Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, June 20th; 8:00 AM
Come join us for fellowship and a delicious
meal in Fellowship Hall. Sign up at the Help
Desk or contact Bob Pearce
(RowAndFish@gmail.com/215-884-2385).
Ambler Arts and Music Festival
Friday June 12th and Saturday, June 13th.
Youth Mission Trip
June 21-June 27
Keep our High School youth and leaders in
your prayers as they travel to Providence,
Rhode Island. They will be serving Christ
through children’s ministry, construction
work, homeless outreach, and much more.
For more information contact Leslie Thomas
(Leslie@FPCAmbler.org/215-646-3030).
Sunday, June 14th
●
Capital Stewardship Journey
Commitment Sunday
●
Children’s Summer Sunday
School begins
●
All Church Celebration Event
Blood Drive
June 18th
Save the date and sign up to donate blood
on at St. Anthony of Padua (259 Forest
Avenue, Ambler, PA). Call 1-800-REDCROSS
or follow our link on the website.
One donation can help save the lives of
up to three people.
Church Office Closed
Friday, July 3rd
Happy 4th of July!
10
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
(continued)
Beach Day with the Youth Group
Monday, August 10
Contact Leslie Thomas
(Leslie@FPCAmbler.org / 215-646-3030)
Summer Friends (Vacation Bible School)
July 6-10, 5:45-8:30 PM
Join the fun for Builder’s Quest VBS! Where
kids decide what they do! Kids from ages 3
to entering 6th grade can find awesome experiences, great friends and a meaningful
relationship with God. Optional family meal
at 5:00 PM ($2.00/adult and $1.00/child).
Go to www.FPCAmbler.org to register
online or contact Marie Thomas
(Marie @FPCAmbler.org / 215-646-3030).
Soup Kitchen
August 21 and August 22
You can be part of this effort by helping to
prepare the meal Friday night at our
church, serving the meal in Frankford on
Saturday morning, or both. Contact Mark
and
Barb
Y antek
(215-641-4928/
myantek@verizon.net).
Presbyterian Women’s Potluck Picnic
Thursday, July 23 at 6:00 PM,
in Fellowship Hall
Come share a lovely summer evening with
the ladies of First Presbyterian Church. We
will enjoy good food, fun, music and conversation. Bring an appetizer, salad, side
dish or dessert. Contact Barbara Schmitt
(Barbjs@comcast.net).
YOUNG ADULT LUNCH DATES
Meet our Young Adult group after South
Ridge Worship for lunch and fellowship.
Sunday, June 28
Sunday, July 26
Sunday, August 23
Youth Great Escape
July 27-August 1
Our youth (6th-8th grade) will travel to
Johnstown, PA for a week of recreational
and spiritual activities. Being a Christian
can be a whole lot of fun!
AMBLER FIRST FRIDAYS
June 5th and August 7th
Come help our church be a presence in
Ambler by listening to jazz on the patio from
6-8 PM, or helping with activities on North
Ridge Avenue at the Kid Zone.
We had some wonderful P.R.I.M.E. TIME programs this year
and are planning many new , interesting and entertaining ones
for our upcoming season. Mark your calendars for October 6th,
November 3rd and December 7th.
Always the first Tuesday of the month, we enjoy a catered lunch
at 11:30 AM with the program at 12:30 PM. Meet new friends,
welcome old ones, laugh, learn or tap your feet. The staff of First
Pres are all attending lunch too so take time for a casual visit with
a pastor, children’s ministry leader, youth leader or
office personnel.
11
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
Summer FUNDRAISING
for Team Nathan and Bennett
ACTION KARATE 5K
JUNE 27TH 8 AM
Action Karate or Feasterville is sponsoring
a 5K in Ocean City, New Jersey.
●
●
●
MAKE A SPLASH
SEPTEMBER 13TH AT THE FLOURTOWN COUNTRY CLUB
Family fun day at the Flourtown Country
Club 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM includes swimming, DJ, games, raffles, silent auctions
and much much more!
Register in advance here: http://
www.eventbrite.com/e/make-a-splash2015-tickets-16352940084
All proceeds benefit the Progeria
Research Foundation.
Event begins at 11th and boardwalk
under the pavilion.
The race will not be officially timed
Proceeds benefit the Progeria
Research Foundation
ONE POSSIBLE CAMPAIGN
MAY 14TH – JUNE 30TH
We are participating in the Progeria
Research Foundation’s One Possible
campaign with a goal to raise $5,000. All
proceeds benefit the Progeria Research
Foundation. To make a donation and
contribute towards research to find a cure
go to http://prf.donorpages.com/
OnePossibleCampaign/
TeamNathanandBennett/
For more information contact
nathanandbennett@gmail.com
To all the members of the First Presbyterian Church of
Ambler. Thanks for all your cards, prayers and visits. It’s so
nice to have friends like all of you. It speeds the recovery
time while in the hospital. I’m so sorry it took me so long to
write this thank you note, but it’s taken me a lot of time to
do everything.
I love all of you and God bless you. Lord willing, see you in
church Sunday.
Harry Ash
12
13
APRIL SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Ambler held a special meeting at 11:15 AM on
Sunday, April 26, 2015 following the one joined worship service.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Moderator Ryan E. Balsan at 11:15 AM; a quorum was in
attendance. The purpose was to approve funding for the Capital Project. Ryan introduced the
discussion by highlighting three main points of emphasis in this project:
A. the renovation conversation began with our needs: bathroom plumbing, sanctuary carpet
and lighting, also the convenience & security of the staff on two separate floors
B. the building needs to fit the various aspects of our ministry
C. the building needs to be flexible and available to the community
The meeting was then turned over to Sherri Kimmel of Kimmel Bogrette Architects. She proceeded to
explain the visual renderings of the future possible plans for FPCA showing what exists now and what
changes might be made.
Following her presentation was a time for questions. A few of the questions addressed were:
1. Will there be a bathroom in the nursery? As of now there is a sink, but will talk further
about a bathroom.
2. Memorial Garden will have a dual purpose – to memorialize the departed but will also be
a pleasant outside area for congregants to enjoy.
3. What about the front lawn and the playground in the back? Those will be dealt with in the
future on an incremental basis.
4. Third floor changes? Those also will be handled in the future as they are not urgent now.
5. Will there be Café also in Fellowship Hall as well as in the new expanded area? No,
Café will be in the new Welcoming Area where coffee can be made and served.
6. What about the organ? The organ will be replaced, but it is not part of the Capital
Campaign; there is separate funding for a new organ.
7. What about the kitchen? It could be improved but not at this time.
8. Will there will be adequate seating in the new Café area for those who prefer to sit? Yes.
9. Will carpet in Café area be ruined with spills? The floor will probably be tile rather than
carpet for that very reason.
10. What about the noise level interfering with the beginning of worship service? Doors to
sanctuary can be closed and people can mingle in the parlor as the service begins.
11. Take coffee into the sanctuary? No, we need to make a policy of not taking food into
the sanctuary and give gentle reminders as needed.
12, We need to make arrangements for wheelchair access within the sanctuary.
13. How long will the renovation take? The actual construction will take about 4-6 months.
14. The most important aspect of this entire undertaking is Mission. The amount of money
raised will not diminish our commitment to the Mission amount; if the entire
amount is not raised, we will have to prioritize how to proceed. Session, representing
the congregational leadership, will have a large part in that determination.
15. The handicap bathroom needs to be separate in order to serve mixed genders.
16. Compatible technology will be coordinated throughout the church for all the rooms.
The congregation VOTED approval to move forward in raising $2,000,000 to proceed with the Capital
Project.
The meeting was then adjourned with prayer at 12:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan E. Balsan, Pastor
14
Cynthia M. Reed, Clerk of Session
MAY SESSION NOTES
On Tuesday, May 5, 2015, the Session enjoyed fellowship at dinner with the Confirmation Class and
their parents. Confirmands, interspersed with Session members and Pastors, shared conversation,
answered questions, and also read their Statements of Faith. It was a good opportunity for the Elders
to become better acquainted with our young people Following are the 2015 Confirmands whom the
Session enthusiastically VOTED into membership at FPCA:
Danielle Kratz
Alex Miller
Henry Marlowe
Ashley Myers
Jonathan Mason
Thomas Myers
Thomas Meidt
Hailey Palmer
Connor Miksch
Daniel Ryan
Rachel Warner
Following prayer and the departure of the students and parents, Session met in the Memorial
Conference Room to continue the meeting, which was opened with prayer and Bible study.
Session VOTED approval for the following BAPTISMS:
• May 10, 2015 – Wyatt James Rosenkaimer, infant son of Leah & Ryan Rosenkaimer
• May 17, 2015 – Confirmands Henry Marlow and Alex Miller
Session VOTED approval of the following CHILDREN’S MINISTRY events:
• Marbles practice at Wissahickon Middle School or High School every Tuesday, Thursday and
once every weekend
• National Marbles Tournament, June 21 – 26 at Wildwood, NJ
• SURGE – Dorney Park Trip, May 16, 2015
Session VOTED approval of the following YOUTH MINISTRY events:
• July 15, 2015 – Hershey Park Day
• August 10, 2015 – Beach Day (Ocean Grove, NJ)
• August 22, 2015 – Pool Party (Valentine house in Ambler)
ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S REPORT – MISSION STUDY update:
Mission Study Team meets next Monday (5/11) and will send final copy of the Mission Study
document to Session members by Wednesday (5/13) for any possible corrections. Session will then
meet on May 17 between services to VOTE final approval for the document. The appropriate
Presbytery committee which meets in early June will consider our document and hopefully will give
us permission to proceed with electing our PNC for the Associate Pastor search.
PASTOR’S REPORT – Ryan will be on Study Leave June 24 – 26, and July 16 – 27.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OUTREACH – First Friday event – volunteers are needed to plan for June, August, and September
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
• Summer Friends – has a good reputation in the community; the link was posted just yesterday,
and already 28 are signed up (mostly non-members from the community so far).
• Marie attended a conference and found it valuable with good ideas - they stressed the
importance of small groups, and collaborative work with families and groups.
(continued on next page)
15
(continued from previous page)
YOUTH MINISTRY – a big “thank you” to all who participated in our Confirmation event tonight.
• Confirmation Retreat held recently – a new event within the Confirmation training process. It
was very exciting to see the Holy Spirit at work among the young people. Lives were changed.
We are so very thankful.
• Shareholders Month – is being held in place of the Youth Auction. Goal is $10,000, which
will not only cover expenses this year, but will also be the foundation toward a more
extensive trip in the future. Encourage everyone to buy shares in participation with our youth.
ADULT ED – next Sunday, May 10, in both the 9:30 and 11:00 Sunday morning classes we welcome
two young men who immigrated from Guatemala; they will share their intriguing stories - all in the
larger framework of considering how our faith impacts our thoughts toward immigration.
STEWARDSHIP – Anne Whitney distributed a sheet with graphs and charts of FPCA giving units,
along with the pertinent questions: “What is our calling? What are we to do concerning giving?
Are we giving out of gratitude to God for His abundance to us? Are we living a life of gratitude?
Are we experiencing the joy of generosity?” These thoughts need to be considered and shared.
MISSION
• Exciting response of $6366 for the Stop Hunger Now program! That sum allowed us to make
20,000 meals and will help provide for future meal preparations.
• The committee met with the Director of Habitat for Humanity. They learned of an additional
approach of H for H; along with the building of individual homes, they are also working on
the “spruce-up” of a block at a time. It could be likened to a mega “Helping Hands.” We
hope to share in that work from time to time.
CAPITAL STEWARDSHIP JOURNEY
• Encourage the use of the excellent 20 Day Devotional Guide, found in our packets. This will
help us in the prayerful consideration of our individual part in this journey.
• Consideration of one aspect of our capital project:
How do we respond if offered a sum of money contingent on the specific naming of a
room or an area of the renovated building in honor or in memory of someone?
There followed a very lengthy and thorough discussion of all that this involves both now and
in the future. The discussion resulted in two decisions:
1) Session VOTED that gifts within the Capital Stewardship Journey are accepted
to the glory of God, without naming rights or special consideration.
2) A team was formed to explore this issue and to form a general policy for the future
beyond the Capital Journey: Ron Moritz, Anne Whitney, Ryan and Anita.
CLERK’S REPORT – active members = 627
Deaths: March 25, 2015 – Eileen Honert
Baptisms: April 12, 2015 – Ian Matthew Rhoades, son of Eryn & Matthew Rhoades
April 26, 2015 – Nicholas Anthony DiGiovine, son of Nicholas & Amanda DiGiovine
May 10, 2015 – Wyatt James Rosenkaimer, son of Leah & Ryan Rosenkaimer
May 17, 2015 – Confirmands: Henry Christopher Marlowe and Alex T Miller
New Members April 7, 2015: Scott & Yuki Aemisegger, David & Elise Bjordammen, Nicholas &
Amanda DiGiovine, Steven Allenson, Kirk Kiernicki
Cindy Reed, Clerk of Session
16
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
SPECIAL SESSION MEETING
CHURCH MISSION STUDY
May 17, 2015
The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Ambler held a brief special meeting between services on Sunday, May 17, 2015 for the purpose of voting on the Church Mission
Study and to approve the Baptism of Thomas James Meidt.
PRESENT: Moderator Ryan Balsan, Interim Associate Pastor Anita Bell, Clerk Cindy Reed,
Elders Coley, Depuyt, Driscoll, Halkett, Klitsch, Martin, Walters, Whitney.
The meeting was opened with prayer at 10:42 AM by Moderator Balsan.
The Church Mission Study document had been distributed to all Session members during
the previous week to be read thoroughly and thus was made available for comments or
correction.
Session VOTED approval of the Church Mission Study as presented, with grateful thanks to
Pastor Anita and those who worked diligently on it.
The following Elders could not be in attendance at the meeting, but had studied the
document and wished to vote in absentia; they recorded their vote with the Clerk:
Elders Baird, Buehler, Hughes, McKee, McMasters, Moritz, Nance and Yantek VOTED
to approve the Church Mission Study document.
It was noted that we should continue to further study this document to apply what has
been learned in order to improve and enhance our ministry in every way possible; it is a
valuable tool which must be used effectively. Upon the approval of our Church Mission
Study by Presbytery, we will endeavor to finalize the specific job description for the position of Associate Pastor.
Session VOTED to approve the Baptism of Thomas James Meidt.
The scheduled purpose of the meeting being accomplished, it was concluded with
prayer at 10:50 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia M. Reed, Clerk of Session
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Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
USHERS AND GREETERS needed during the
summer months. Contact Anita Bell (215646-3030 / Anita@FPCAmbler.org)
FIRST FRIDAY TEAM. We’re looking for a
team to organize an FPCA presence at
these events. Our goal is to meet our
neighbors, provide information and/or an
activity at Ambler 1st Fridays, and facilitate
outreach at this community event.
SUMMER FRIENDS VOLUNTEERS. This year
the kids will build an amazing adventure one block at a time. Pre-school workshop
assistant and Family Meal helpers are still
needed. Contact Marie Thomas (215-6463030 / Marie@FPCAmbler.org
SOUND AND VIDEO
OPPORTUNITY.
NO PREVIOUS
EXPERIENCE NEEDED.
Contact the church office
(215-646-3030 / Info@FPCAMbler.org)
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
The church office will close
at 12:00 Noon on Fridays during
the months of July and August.
18
Summer 2015
FIRST PRES NEWS
Pray for our
Missionaries and Military
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace
of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
MISSIONARIES:
MILITARY:
The Reverend Spiwo Xapile (South Africa)
Witnesses to the Muslim world
Mitch Thomas, Push the Rock
Mike and Amanda B, India
Steve & Brenda, Ethiopia
Ryan & Alethia, Germany
Mar & Miriam, U.S./Mexico Border
Leith & Carol, Thailand
Joshua Andrews
Sebastian Carrado
Jack P. Cowden
George Crosson
Jeff Ehlenberger
Ryan Karasow
Kevin Maguire
Jamie Reed
Jennifer Severance
Todd Severance
John Stuckey
Erich Telfer
Brian Vokes
Laying Hands on the 2015 confirmation Class
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