MOORPARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEWSLETTER

January 20, 2015
The purpose of Moorpark Presbyterian Church is to glorify God and to help people become
fully-committed, joyful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Ministry Staff:
(To reach the staff, call the
office at 805-529-8422)
Head Pastor:
Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith
Associate Pastor:
Rev. Janet Loughry
Parish Associate:
Rev. Dr. Daryl FisherOgden
Youth Minister:
Dave Hubbard
Youth Assistant:
Michelle Petersen
Interim Children’s
Ministries Director:
Paige McIlraith
Worship Director:
Kristin Giffin
Small Group Coordinator:
Dan Crane
Music Director:
Steve Lady
Sunday Morning
Worship: 8:15 & 10:45
Sunday School: 9:35
Visit our website:
www.mppres.org
You can:
- view sermons
- see the MPC calendar
- read/search an on-line
NIV and KJ Bible
- Read the weekly
newsletter
- find out about all our
group activities
- see bios on our staff,
elders, and deacons
From Pastor Mark’s Office:
It is with a sense of excitement that I am looking forward to our Annual
Congregational Meeting coming up on February 1 between the services. It is at such a
meeting that I get to share my enthusiasm for where God has MPC and where we
anticipate God will take us for 2015. While I will have a “state of the union” address, there
will also be time for you to ask questions and vote on our proposed budget. In order to
make good use of our time, I encourage you to pick up the Annual Report ahead of time
so that you can digest the information without being rushed. It is available in the front
office, in the narthex (the Sanctuary lobby), and on our church website
(www.mppres.org). If you would like it mailed, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to
send you a copy.
Additionally, because of time constraints between worship services, Session has
wisely asked that you give us your questions ahead of time if possible. This way, we can
be sure to address those items within our time restraints. You may email your questions
by Wednesday, January 28, to Loris Mitchell at the church (loris@mppres.org) or drop off
a note in her box, and she will make sure it gets to the right person.
So come, hear about God’s provision and providential care in 2014 and see how
things are looking for 2015. This will be a wonderful time to see God’s faithfulness in our
midst as we step into the future he has planned for us in Christ!
Godspeed,
Pastor Mark McIlraith
Annual Congregational Meeting:
Our Annual Congregational meeting will be held on Sunday,
February 1, between services in the Sanctuary. We plan to start as
soon as possible following the first service to make sure we have
enough time to complete our business, so grab a cup of something
and join us for what is always an interesting and informative
meeting!
A couple of notes regarding the meeting:
Ü
Copies of the Annual Report are available in the church
narthex and office, and on-line on our website.
Ü Sunday School classes through eight grade WILL meet that Sunday, but youth
who are congregational members should attend the annual meeting instead.
Ü On the Docket: Receive the 2014 Annual Report, elect members at large for the 2015
nominating committee (Launa Thompson, Catherine Allen, Mike Fehrenbacher, and
Michael Hughes will be nominated), and review the budget for 2015.
Sunday Morning Adult Classes
Winter, 2015
Our goal as Christians is to grow together to be what the Bible calls “mature people in Christ.” That takes
the very best we have to give. To help us get there, we are offering three exciting adult Sunday School
classes that begin January 11, at 9:35 a.m.
“Christians in a Non-Christian World”
“Paradox and the Solution”
Led by Rev. Dr. Daryl Fisher-Ogden in Rm 11
Led by Julie Cast in the Music Room
American society has changed over the last few years. No
longer is our society primarily Christian. Even many individuals
who identify themselves as Christians really do not follow
Biblical tenets. What are those basic tenets? How do we, as
Bible-based people, interact with individuals who don’t
believe? How do we approach the challenges facing our
society as Christians? These are the same questions early
Christians faced in the first 3 centuries. The challenges and
successful responses to basic questions will be explored as
Dr. Daryl Fisher-Ogden leads this class from a historical
viewpoint. Come and learn more about our faith and how
Christians have responded throughout history to a NonChristian world.
“Foot Soldiers for Jesus”
Led by Rev. Janet Loughry in Wilkinson Hall
So, you don’t have the spiritual gift of evangelism? Many of us
do not. However, because we know and trust and have our
faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are called to share
our faith with others. What makes us reluctant to do so?
Lack of confidence or fear of rejection? As one author puts
it: “Evangelism…is telling good news and helping people
exchange their religion for a relationship. It is … being
yourself; telling your story; working together; leaving a legacy.”
Pastor Janet is partnering with Men’s Ministry guys, Tom Flitch
and others, Evangelism elder Todd Eckert and Missions elder
John Colvin. Together we will practice telling our own story
with helpful, hands-on tools, and use confidence-building
techniques and other resources to strengthen our foundation
and deepen our faith. We will also have MPC and outside
speakers sharing “next step” evangelism and missions.
With Julie, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, this
class will explore how to express and find solutions in God’s
Word to the feelings of confusion and disconnect we may
experience when our lives don’t easily fall in line with God’s
promises. In the first part we’ll be establishing our need for a
very present God and the second part will explore why the
crucifixion and resurrection are the answer to the paradox of
God’s promises. Each participant will be presented weekly
with a paradox and will have the opportunity to respond with
color and images. No artistic experience or talent is needed,
as this is simply another way to express our thoughts and
feelings. In fact the people who usually get the most out of
these are those who have little or no art experience! God has
made us to understand and communicate on many levels.
Listening and writing, singing and acting are others that we are
familiar with. Exploring through color, line, texture and shape
is another. Sometimes, we don’t have the words to express
our feelings and that’s when art expression often will speak for
us.
“God’s Not Dead!”
Led by Tom Flitsch in Rm 8
“Do you know what you believe? Are you ready to defend
it? Are you prepared for the challenge?” Based on the hit
movie, “Gods Not Dead” we will study, share in discussion and
learn more in depth what it means to be prepared to defend
our faith and/or grow in our faith. It will give us a strong
foundation of scripture and evidence to stand on that will not
only help us stay strong, but allow us to reach friends and
family for Christ. In the end we will be able to confidently
proclaim to anyone in any setting: “Gods not Dead!” a few
classes will combine with the “Footsoldier” class. What a
great combined focus moving forward for Jesus and His
Kingdom.
Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith’s Weekly Q & A
In addition to the wonderful classes listed above, Pastor Mark will also hold a Q & A session on the scripture readings from his
sermon each week, held in the Sanctuary during the Sunday School hour.
News and Notes
January 20, 2015
Information and activities for the whole congregation
See the “Who’s Doing What” page for more activities and information on Women’s Ministries Groups, 50+ Adventures
(Senior Ministries), Small Group Studies, and Men’s Ministries Groups.
This Sunday
Sunday School classes for all ages are held between our
worship services at 9:35. For information on children’s
Sunday School, see the Children’s Ministries table between
services. Junior and Senior High youth meet for “Nine35” in the
basement youth rooms. We are also offering 5 adult Sunday
School classes: Pastor Janet’s class, “Foot Soldiers for Jesus,”
is held in the Fireside Room. Parish Associate Daryl FisherOgden’s class in Room 11 is, “Christians in a Non-Christian
World,” and “God is Not Dead!” in Room 8 is led by Tom
Flitsch. Julie Cast leads, “Paradox and the Solution” in the
Music Room, and Pastor Mark holds a weekly Q & A session
on the scripture readings from his sermon in the Sanctuary
between services. There’s something for everyone – be a
part of it!
Next Sunday, February 1
NEW! Next Sunday is Communion Sunday and also our
Annual Meeting, held between services at 9:20. The
2014 Annual Report is available now, on-line, in the
church office and also on the table in the narthex.
Volunteers News
NEW! After years of donating her time, Beverly Adelman will
be leaving our Wednesday morning newsletter team. A
change in her work schedule (that blesses her family – yay!)
will leave us without her cheerful and amazingly efficient
presence on our team. We will miss her! And, of course, it
leaves an opening to fill:
Do you have two hours every other Wednesday
morning? Join our team - we’d love your company!
Contact Loris in the church office (805-529-8422, x5)
for details and a schedule.
Connections & New Member Class
UPDATE! On February 15 our next Connections and New
Member class will begin. The class will meet on five Sundays,
from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in Room 11. This is a class for people
who want to know more about the Presbyterian Church in
general, our own Moorpark church, and also about becoming a
member. Becoming a member is not a requirement!
Please contact Pastor Janet (805-529-8422, x2 or
jloughry@mppres.org) if you are interested in joining the class.
In the afternoon at 2:00 p.m., the Men’s Ministries group is
planning a family tailgate party in the parking lot to watch
the Superbowl game. They’ll have a BBQ going, games
for the kids, and weather permitting; they’ll show the game
on a big screen TV in the parking lot. It’ll be lots of fun!
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Questions?
Talk to Eric Giffin.
NEW! On Sunday morning,
February 1, we will receive
the Deacon's offering
which is used to help meet needs
in
the
congregation
and
community. The Board of Deacons helps provide for
those experiencing job loss, illness, and various emotional
and financial challenges. The Board asks that you give
generously to help those who are in need.
Men’s Ministries Events to Share With
the Whole Family
Feb 1, 2:00 p.m. - Superbowl Tailgate Party: Join us in the
parking lot to watch the game, eat, and have fun!
Feb 7, 7:00 p.m. Movie Night: “God’s Not Dead”: Bring the
family to Wilkinson Hall to watch a movie for all!
Emmaus Walk Information Meeting
NEW Is Jesus calling you to experience Him in a closer way?
The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal weekend,
meant to bring you closer to Christ. Join Launa Thompson and
others from the Emmaus Community for dessert and a short
video presentation on Monday, January 26, at 7:00 p.m. in
Room 11. Childcare is provided. Questions? Call Launa
Thompson
Santa Barbara Mission Conference
UPDATE! ONLY A COUPLE OF DAYS TO GO! There are
just five days until this year’s Santa Barbara Mission
Conference, Jan. 23-24. We have onsite registration, so plan
to attend this energetic event Friday evening, 7:00 PM, and all
day Saturday, 8:45 – 4:30. Speakers Ray Bakke, Eugene
Cho, and a host of outstanding workshop leaders will inform
and inspire you. The site is First Presbyterian Church, 21 E.
Constance Ave., Santa Barbara (corner of State and
Constance). Go to www.sbmissionconference.org for all the
details.
Community Events
VOLUNTEERS REQUEST: Volunteers are needed for the
February 7 Moorpark Groundhog Day 5K Race at Moorpark
High School. Anyone interested in helping out in the morning,
manning barricades and giving directions to runners, are asked
to contact Marty Rouse. It’s a great opportunity to cheer on
your neighbors along with many MPC friends.
Beginning of the Year Financial Note
NEW! For those of you who gave us pledge cards, we’ll send
out January 2015 Month-end Giving Statements during the
first week in February, so you’ll have a chance to double-check
your MPC pledge. Let us know if there are any discrepancies
from what you intended to give.
Deacons Meet on Feb 3
NEW! The Board of Deacons will meet on Tuesday,
February 3, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 11. For more information,
contact Deacon Moderator Sue Wesner or Associate Pastor
Janet Loughry (805-529-8422, x2).
The Word Store
The Word Store ministry encourages us to store God's
word in our hearts; and as we
cooperate with God, He causes us to
grow in love and grace. All of the
verses selected for 2014 have been
set to music and come from album 7, Not One Falls, in the
Hide the Word series by Mark Altrogge and are taken from
the English Standard Version (ESV). Copies of the cd
are available at the website below for $12. Music can
be a huge help in memorizing scripture!
http://www.forevergratefulmusic.com/not_one_falls.htm
The Word Store Verse for January is #18 on the Not One
Falls cd. The verse is from Isaiah 40:28-29
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Dear Families,
It is with great pleasure that I get to introduce myself to you as your new interim director of
Children’s Ministry. Thanks to the hard work of Kara Ayers and the strong foundation set by Laurie
Loring, I am off to a great start.
While I am new to this position, I am familiar with Children’s ministries. In 1995 I received an M.A.
in Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary. Since that time I have been the director of
family ministries at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church as well as contributed to Family Ministries for ten
years at Whitworth Presbyterian Church. In addition, I am a certified teacher K-12 with an
endorsement in Philosophy.
During the next three months I look forward to meeting the families and volunteers of this church.
I will spend my time training teachers, getting ready for Marketplace, evaluating curriculum and
brainstorming ways to reach our community to share the love of God with children both inside and
outside our church.
Finally, I am excited to be a part of Marketplace this summer. Formal planning will begin in March,
so we can put our time and talents together to reach out to families in our community.
If I have not had a chance to meet you, I look forward to that opportunity.
In Christ, Paige McIlraith
Who’s doing What….
Small Groups, 50+ Adventures Women’s Ministries, Men’s Ministries and MOPS
50+ Adventures (Senior Ministries)
Coordinators Ted and Linda Dahl
50+ Adventures, MPC's seniors' ministry, provides activities for people 50 years and older. They encourage Christian
fellowship, are reasonable in cost, and fairly accessible for all. Past events have included a trip to The Huntington library,
art collections, and botanical gardens; the Reagan Library "Baseball: Celebrating Our Great American Pastime" exhibit;
bocce ball and breakfast at Tierra Rejada Park; and the annual Christmas potluck dinner and gift exchange. Events are
planned by the 50+ Adventures steering committee. For more information, contact Ted and Linda Dahl.
Upcoming events:
Saturday, Feb. 21 - Museum of Ventura County, San Buenaventura Mission, and lunch. Sign-ups begin Feb. 1
Sunday afternoon, Apr. 26 - "Great Music at Ascension," featuring the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers.
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers)
For information call: Nicole Grimes or Melissa Ingemunson (mops@mppres.org)
MOPS is designed to nurture every mother with children from infancy through
kindergarten. MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are
foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs. MOPS offers moms
the opportunity to share concerns, explore areas of creativity, and hear information on topics that
equip them for the responsibilities of family and community. MOPS is about celebrating motherhood, meeting needs,
making connections and experiencing God’s love through relationships and resources. The Moorpark MOPS group
meets on the first and third Fridays of the month from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the next meeting being Friday, February
6. For more information, contact Nicole Grimes or Melissa Ingemunson (mops@mppres.org).
Do you have a heart for young mothers? MOPS needs you for a Mentor Mom! Contact Bonnie Boe for
more information (805-529-8422 or bonnie@mppres.org)
Women’s Ministries
Coordinator Janet Stark and Tracy Flitsch
The Tuesday Ladies for Christ (TLC) Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study meets each Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. in
Room 11. For more information contact Tracy Flitsch or call the church office.
Men’s Ministries
For information call: Tom Flitsch
For a listing of the upcoming Men’s Ministries events, see our News and Notes page.
The Men’s Ministries team will have its next monthly meeting Tuesday, January 27, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 8. Any men
are welcome to attend. For information call Tom Flitsch.
The Men’s Wednesday Small Group Bible Study meets at The Grinder in Moorpark each Wednesday at 6:45 a.m.
For more information contact Mark Parker or Dean May. All men are welcome!
More MPC Activities:
Mondays:
Tuesdays:
Handbell Choir Practice. Contact info: Kristin Giffin (kristin@mppres.org)
Women’s Bible Study. Meets each Tuesday in Room 11. Contact info: Tracey Flitsch
Prayer Meeting in Pastor Janet Loughry’s office. Contact info: Pastor Janet Loughry (805-529-8422,
x2)
3:30 p.m. Youth Open House. Contact info: Youth Minister Dave Hubbard (dhubbard@mppres.org)
7:00 p.m. “Renew” Junior and Senior High Youth Group. Contact info: Youth Minister Dave Hubbard
(dhubbard@mppres.org).
Wednesdays: 6:45 a.m. Men’s Small Group Wednesday Bible Study. Contact info: Mark Parker or Dean May. The group meets
at The Grinder restaurant in Moorpark.
10:00 a.m. Community Bible Study (CBS). Women’s weekly in-depth Bible study. Contact info: Diane Henderson
Thursdays:
6:30 p.m. Worship Band Practice. Contact info: Worship Director Kristin Giffin (kristin@mppres.org)
8:00 p.m. The Living Voice Ensemble practice. Contact info: Steve Lady (steve@mppres.org)
7:15 p.m.
9:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
23 – 25
(Fri – Sun)
24 (Sat)
26 (Mon)
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
27 (Tue)
7:00 p.m.
1 (Sun)
9:30 a.m.
3 (Tue)
2:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
6 (Fri)
9:00 a.m.
6–8
(Fri – Sun)
7 (Sat)
10 (Tue)
13 (Fri)
7:00 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
14 (Sat)
15 (Sun)
9:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
16 (Mon)
17 (Tue)
19 (Thu)
20 – 22
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
(Fri – Sun)
20 – 22
(Fri – Sun)
22 (Sun)
1:00 p.m.
JANUARY
Junior High Forest Home Winter Camp. Contact person is Youth Minister Dave Hubbard
(dhubbard@mppres.org)
Dinner for 8. Contact person is Kathy Paul (kpaul@mppres.org)
Emmaus Walk Information and Dessert Night. Contact person is Launa Thompson or call the church
office (805-529-8422)
Men’s Ministries meeting. Contact person is Tom Flitsch
FEBRUARY
Annual Congregational Meeting. Contact person is Pastor Mark
McIlraith (805-529-8422, x1 or mark@mppres.org)
Men’s Ministries Family Tailgate Party. Contact person is Eric Giffin.
Deacon meeting. Contact persons are Deacon Moderator Sue Wesner
and Pastor Janet Loughry (805-529-8422, x2)
MOPS (Mother of Pre-Schoolers). Contact persons are Nicole Grimes
and Melissa Ingemunson (mops@mppres.org).
Women’s Annual Retreat. Contact persons are Tracey Flitsch and
Janet Stark
Men’s Ministries Movie Night, “God’s Not Dead.” Contact person is Tom Flitsch (tflitsch@mppres.org)
Session Meeting. Contact person is Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith (805-529-8422, x1)
Mental Health, Addictions, & PTS Support Group. Contact person is Carolin Migliazzo or call the
church office.
Expressive Art Workshop. Contact person is Julie Cast
Connection & New Member Class #1. Contact person is Pastor Janet Loughry (jloughry@mppres.org,
805-529-8422, x2)
Military Families Support Group. Contact person is Gary Belie
Ministry Teams Meet. Contact the person in charge of each Ministry Team for more information.
Prayer Shawl Ministry. Contact person is Sue Wesner
4th, 5th Grade Forest Home Winter Camp. Contact person is Interim Children’s Ministries Director Paige
McIlraith (paige@mppres.org)
Senior High Forest Home Winter Camp. Contact person is Youth Minister Dave Hubbard
(dhubbard@mppres.org)
Connection & New Member Class. Contact person is Pastor Janet Loughry (jloughry@mppres.org, 805529-8422, x2)
Children’s Ministries Page
January 20, 2014
Paige McIlraith, Interim Children’s Ministries Director
Kara Ayers, Children’s Ministries Assistant
Come to Children’s Church!
What is my child learning after the Children’s sermon?
Every Sunday, all ages have a place just for them to help them
grow in worshiping God. Wee Celebrate – Every Sunday in
room 3, is where 3 yr olds – Kindergarteners have a short
worship time tailored to their little hearts and minds, full of
simple songs, ways to participate (who gets to light the candle
today?) and a Bible story.
Celebration Circle – 1st and 3rd Sundays in Room 4
is where 1st – 3rd graders learn about God by studying Psalms
with lots of fun activities!
Praise & Celebrate – 2nd and 4th Sundays in Room
11 is where 1st – 5th graders continue their worship time looking
at God’s promises and what that means to them. Fun music
and good discussion!
All ages can grow in worshiping our truly amazing Lord!
Come, join us, as we praise and celebrate Him!
Junior Winter Camp
Jr. Winter Camp at Forest Home for 4th-5th graders is coming
soon! Sign-ups begin this Sunday for Forest Home Jr. Winter
Camp, February 20-22, 2015. The cost is $210 and includes
meals, lodging and lots of activities! Come learn how to love
like Jesus! Open to all 4th and 5th graders! Contact Children’s
Ministries Director Paige McIlraith or Children’s Ministries
Assistant Kara Ayers to sign up! Final payment of $210, due
February 1.
Supplies Needed
NEW! We’re in need a few supplies for our Sunday School
programs…Can you help?
Glue sticks
Hand sanitizer
Colored Sharpies, thick and thin
24 ct. Crayon boxes
Photo printer
Photo paper
Dry erase markers
Dear Families,
It is with great pleasure that I get to introduce myself to you as your new interim director of
Children’s Ministry. Thanks to the hard work of Kara Ayers and the strong foundation set by Laurie
Loring, I am off to a great start.
While I am new to this position, I am familiar with Children’s Ministries. In 1995 I received an M.A.
in Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary. Since that time I have been the director of
family ministries at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church as well as contributed to Family Ministries for ten
years at Whitworth Presbyterian Church. In addition, I am a certified teacher K-12 with an
endorsement in Philosophy.
During the next three months I look forward to meeting the families and volunteers of this church.
I will spend my time, training teachers, getting ready for Marketplace, evaluating curriculum and
brainstorming ways to reach our community to share the love of God with children both inside and
outside our church.
Finally, I am excited to be a part of Marketplace this summer. Formal planning will begin in March,
so we can put our time and talents together to reach out to families in our community.
If I have not had a chance to meet you, I look forward to that opportunity.
In Christ, Paige McIlraith