Years ago I knew a man who had a law de-

gree from Yale and was the son of a United

States Senator. He worked for a major multi-

national corporation and was on his way to

becoming a clear “one percenter” until he was

“hijacked” by Jesus.

A Dutch missionary named Cornelius Vander-

breggen led him to Christ. After heading to

seminary for a sound theological education, he

moved his wife and infant son to Bedford Stuy-

vesant, Brooklyn, New York City, where he

began a ministry to the poor and drug ad-

dicted. And it was there one night that his son

grew gravely ill. The child spiked a fever of

over 104 degrees and was in danger of laps-

ing into a coma when my friend got on his

knees and began begging God to heal him.

Somewhere in the wee hours of the night the

Lord spoke to him and said, “If you, as his fa-

ther love him enough to plead with me for hours,

how much more do you think I love him?” Sud-

denly his son’s fever broke and by the morning

light he was as healthy as ever.

Not too long ago, I read the words of a

mother that mirror my friend’s experience. She

says, “It is a constant exercise of faith for me to

relinquish my children into God’s hands. He is a

loving Father, who loves them more deeply than

I ever could.”

Then she goes on, “If you are a parent, you

remember your child’s firsts: first word, first day

of school, first time driving, first job. Those are

major milestones marking your child’s journey

toward independence. The fact that there are

‘firsts’ also means that there are ‘lasts’. The last

time crawling once walking is discovered, the

last day of elementary school, the last time as an

unmarried kid hanging out for Christmas vaca-

tion.

“Parenting is about releasing your children to

step into each ‘first’ God has planned for them,

knowing that all the while you’re preparing them

to leave you. Your job is to work yourself out of

a job—and it’s bittersweet at best. As you sur-

render your children to God each day, you’ll find

the grace to welcome each ‘first’ and ‘last’ in

your children’s lives—and in your own. After all,

He loves them even more than you do.”

According to Ellen Dillard, our Children’s Minis-

try Director, from the time our children are

born to the time they graduate from High

School we have 940 weeks with them.

In Losing Your Marbles, Reggie Joiner writes:

“Go ahead and estimate how many days or

weekends you potentially have with your kids.

Establish a tangible reminder that you and

your family can look at every day. It could

help you become a wiser parent. Why? Be-

cause knowing the number of days your kids

have left at home can make you more inten-

tional as a parent. You will tend to be more

intentional about: leaving work early, watching

your kid’s games, how you spend Saturdays,

driving them to school, helping them with their

homework, going to church as a family, tucking

them into bed, eating meals together.

“Why don’t you number the days you have

with each of your children? See how it affects

the way you parent.”

“Teach us to number our days, that we may get a

heart of wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12).

As I View It—Numbering Your Days Doug Rehberg

Volume 18 Issue 4

Our Staff

Doug Rehberg Senior Pastor

Jerry Zeilstra Director of Christian

Education

Barrett Hendrickson Worship Leader

Lois Walz Executive Assistant

Jerry Rowland Director of Youth

Ministry

Janet Mitlo Administrative Assistant

Sarah Miller Treasurer/

Office Assistant

Amy Warner Music Director

Carrie Hendrickson Youth Ministry Associate

Ellen Dillard Director of Children’s

Ministry

Ethel Keim Organist/ Secretary

Steff Knabe Women’s Ministry

Coordinator

Robert Geminetti Facility Manager

Natalie Wissman

Childcare Supervisor

Page 2

How God Is Showing Himself to Me Barrett Hendrickson

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do

not lean on your own understanding. In all

your ways acknowledge Him, and He will

make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

This verse is one I learned in high school be-

cause of a Sixpence None The Richer song.

Over the years, I've kept it in my mind. A

couple of years ago, we would make our

children recite it as they climbed the steps. I

don't know that I can ever forget these

words because of this song. But I'd like to

focus on the second half of verse five with a

story. God has blessed Carrie and me

through so many people in His Church. This is

one of those times.

When we were in premarital counseling, we

were reprimanded because our first budget

didn't have a tithe. That was the first time I

had ever thought about giving my own

money. Sure, when I was a kid, I was usually

given a quarter to put in the Sunday School

offering, but being on my own, leading my

house, making my own money required an

actual sacrifice. From that moment on, we

decided that the first thing out of our pay-

checks would be an offering to the Lord.

Even as 21-year-olds making a total of

$17,000, with $6,600 of that going to rent,

we gave first. "When you come into the land

that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall

bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your har-

vest to the priest..." (Leviticus 23:10b)

Not only do we give a regular offering to

the Church, but we also look for opportuni-

ties to give elsewhere. When a friend is in

need, we are usually willing to give. If there

is something brought to our attention that

God tells us to address, we have a conversa-

tion and usually come up with a similar num-

ber that will significantly serve someone in

need. Recently, we have welcomed someone

into our house while he waits for a new place

to live. We host meals at our place to build

the community of the church. We are giving

beyond what I would think we can, yet we

are still fairly well off. And here's the joy of it

all. It does not make sense.

Please do not read this and think that I am

patting myself on the back for giving. God

knows I don't give enough. Please don't read

this and think that I am asking for money. As

you will see, God is taking care of our family

in ways that far exceed what money can pro-

vide. Please read this as a humble testimony

of what the Lord is doing in my life, being

faithful to His promise that He will provide for

the needs of His children, and my faithfulness

to His command to give generously. We all

know that speaking about money is socially

taboo, but in the early Church, "no one said

that any of the things that belonged to him was

his own, but they had everything in

common" (Acts 4:32b).

The vision statement of Hebron is that "God

will use Hebron to show Himself to the world."

One of those ways is to share stories about

how He is showing Himself to individuals,

through every aspect of life, even finances.

Especially when it doesn't make sense to us .

Ed. Note: This is the first of 2 articles. Next

month: Trusting that God Will Provide

Adult Summer Opportunity Jerry Zeilstra

Sign Up This Month for Community Activity Groups

This summer there will be a special opportunity for adults, teens, and families to join a group

based on an activity that they love or are interested in beginning. Opportunities will include

fishing, gardening, walking, game boarding, grilling, kayaking, playground activities, and

more. Information will be available online and in church beginning May 1.

“God is taking care of

our family in ways that

far exceed what money

can provide.”

Page 3

Women’s Ministry Steff Knabe

Women’s Ministry at Hebron is excited about

sharing the love of Jesus BEYOND the bounda-

ries of our own church family. This spring we

have chosen to serve Women’s Choice Network,

one of the designated local mission agencies

Hebron supports. The following true stories are

taken from their website. These stories will give

you added insight into the mission of WCN.

We were just locking the door at our Wexford

location when two young women stepped out of a

sedan. They were sorority sisters from a nearby

campus. One needed a pregnancy test. One was

her supportive friend. Because our nurse had left

for the day, we directed the two freshmen to our

Monroeville location where they were able to

receive both a pregnancy test and STD testing.

When the test results were negative, you never

saw such grateful teenagers. With time to talk to

our nurses, and time to reflect on recent choices,

these two young women were led to a decision

point about their sexual future. Both had visited

birth control clinics, but neither one had ever been

challenged to rethink their relationship expecta-

tions and desires.

(On another occasion) Brooke, a freshman in

college, boldly checked the box “abortion” as her

intention on her intake form. After the nurse did

the pregnancy test, Brooke was clear about her

plan to go forward with an abortion. “I can’t do

this,” she stated. And her reasons seemed valid.

“I’m too young; I just want to be able to finish

school. I can’t afford this, not only do I have to

support myself, but I help my

disabled mom as well.” Each

of these roadblocks seemed

insurmountable. And each cir-

cumstance was addressed with

compassion as our team lov-

ingly showed that none of

these challenges made it im-

possible for her to have a

baby. We also offered her

resources that would meet her

many needs. Something began

to soften. She was processing

the information we offered

her, and she stated she was

rethinking her options. She

asked for an ultrasound. During the ultrasound

she was quiet, but when she did speak, it filled

the room. She simply said “That is amazing.” She

was smiling after the ultrasound as she told us

she definitely thought she would carry her baby

and parent her child. Brooke has returned to us

for follow-up and care. She was able to share

the news with her disabled mom who was com-

pletely supportive of the pregnancy. Brooke’s

journey is just beginning. We continue to meet

often as she prepares for childbirth and beyond.

Like Brooke, all of our clients rely on our team

for encouragement and support. Thank you for

being there for young women like Brooke. Your

faithful giving enables us to be here as our cli-

ents face life’s challenges.

Their director writes, “As a city-wide network,

we are almost always available to meet needs at

our various locations. And far beyond medical

testing, our teams serve our clients by listening,

caring, and sharing the truth about God’s plan

for sexuality. For women and men in our city,

these are life transforming visits.”

This month the women of Hebron have the

privilege to serve this city-wide network that

God is using to save babies and transform

lives. We plan to share the love of Jesus by

gathering gift items for new moms and babies.

Join us to worship, pray, enjoy a light break-

fast, wrap gifts and create gift cards. You

don’t want to miss this! Can’t wait to see you

there!

We will gather to-

gether for a light

breakfast, a sweet

time of worship, and

fellowship with one

another from 9:00 to

11:00 am in the Bar-

clay Building.

We will prepare 75

gift bags for new

moms and 75 gift

bags for their new-

born babies, gift

wrap larger gifts,

and make gift cards.

Stop at a ticket sta-

tion in the Barclay

Building & Tower en-

trance to the main

building on May 1

where there will be

stations set up to take

a ticket which will list

the specified items

you are to gather.

We will also gather

new newborn, con-

vertible car seats,

new or slightly used

cribs with side rails

that do not go down

or new pack ‘n plays.

If needed, in order to

make these larger

items more afford-

able, we suggest that

you team up with

your Grove or a

group of friends and

make a group pur-

chase.

Place your gathered

items in the desig-

nated “gathering

spots”. (Or bring them

with you on May 7.)

Reserve your spot by

emailing jayne-

shorthouse@cs.com.

Let us Gather to-

gether as servants of

Jesus Christ. May He

be glorified!

Children’s Ministry Ellen Dillard

Page 4

New this year: VBS Sunday Night Family

Kick Off June 26th! Our journey for Preschool and Elementary kids and their par-

ents begins on Sunday, June 26th @ 5:00 pm at the Barclay

Building as we Kick Off our VBS week with a Family Experi-

ence. Our desire is to give parents and their children the opportu-

nity to learn about Jesus together in an engaging and relevant

way. We also want families to have fun together. Our Sunday night Family Experience provides the opportunity to help shape

the way parents and children see faith - together. It gives parents the cues they need to nurture their child’s growing faith.

When families share experiences together they create history as a family. When families experience fun together, children

begin to understand they were made to enjoy and be enjoyed. Parents can use shared experiences as teachable moments to

shape the way their children see the world. Sunday night also includes games, crafts and dinner.

During VBS we will hit the road with Paul and ask the same questions he asked while making some incredible discoveries along

the way. Grab your gear, check your GPS and get ready to “Walk This Way!”

Elementary Preschool

Grades: K-5th Grade (just completed) Ages: 4 Years Old, as of 9/1/16 & diaper free

& Special Needs—K-5th

Dates: June 26—June 30 Dates: June 26—30

Time: 5pm, Sunday Family Kick Off, Barclay Building Time: 5pm, Sunday Family Kick Off, Barclay Building

Monday - Thursday: 9:00—12:15, Kids Only Monday - Thursday: 9:15—Noon, Kids only

Location: Barclay Building Location: Main Building, 2nd Floor

Check In Begins at 8:45, Doors open @ 9:00 Check-in begins @ 9:00, Doors open @ 9:15

Children are welcome to invite friends. VBS is a great time to introduce friends to Jesus and Hebron. Our VBS compliments our

Sunday morning 252 Basics Summer Series in June and July, and provides an easy “on-ramp” for VBS visitors to return on the

weekends to continue the conversations about faith started during the week of VBS.

Parents and teens are invited to be a part of VBS. Opportunities to serve include: Prayer Team, Small Group Leader, Assistant Small Group Leader, Crafts, Kitchen, Games, Registration, Decorating, Nursery, Set-Up and Clean-Up.

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” Luke 18:16. Thank you to each adult and teen who

welcomes children in Jesus’ name each week. Thank you for saying “YES!” to the next generation.

There are many ways that adults and teens serve Jesus in Children’s Ministry. These include: Small

Group Leader, Storyteller, Host, Skit Director, Worship Leader, Classroom Coordinator, Monthly

Staging, Craft Coordinator, and on the Kitchen Staff. In addition there are technical folks who run

sound and media shout for us. And there are others who serve faithfully by cleaning up for us! Thank

you for faithfully showing Jesus to children and their parents.

Page 5

252 Basics Summer Sunday Mornings

@ 11:00 for K-5th Grade Small Groups

We will start with the foundation of our faith: Jesus. We will

cover a sweeping overview of why Jesus came and help kids

understand how they can have a relationship with Him. Then

for the rest of the summer, we’re off traveling around with

Paul through his experience on the road to Damascus all the

way through his shipwreck at Malta. Paul was a man of extreme faith in Jesus. He went wherever he was called and had ad-

venture at each destination. He also wrote some important letters to the churches with principles kids can apply a couple thou-

sand years after Paul first wrote them. We want kids to realize that the story of Jesus can not only change them, but also can

change the entire world.

Children’s Ministry, cont.

First Look at Summer Sunday Mornings

@ 9:30 & 11:00 for Preschoolers

God made everything – the sun, moon, stars, planets, clouds,

rain, oceans, animals, flowers, you and me…everything! Join us

in June and July where we are taking preschoolers to visit

“Creation Station”, where each week preschoolers will discover

a new train car that shows them what God made on each day!

We will spend two Sundays on day six so that we can emphasize the special relationship God has designed for us to have with

Him. Please pray as preschoolers are given a “first look” at the God who loves them, made them, and wants to be their friend

forever.

Page 6

Lost & Found

Pharmacy to

Open Soon Linda Smith

Lost and Found

Pharmacy and

Soda Fountain will

soon open in For-

ward Center at

11555 Frankstown Road in Penn Hills next to McDonald’s.

This is a dream come true and an answer to much prayer.

Since the last Hebron Herald we now have the Pharmacy

completed. We’re waiting for the inspection from the State

Board of Pharmacy. As of April 16, a date has not set for the

inspection. Once that is accomplished, Sean Parsons will be

able to order the pharmaceuticals and install the sign over

the door.

On April 5 a circa 1924 soda fountain and serpentine

counter from Hotel Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina,

was installed by Larry Ventec and his crew. On April 13 the

occupancy permit was received. On April 14 the Allegheny

County Health Dept. inspection was approved.

Still to happen—installation of the stools for the soda foun-

tain and delivery of Hershey’s ice cream.

So stay tuned for our GRAND OPENING DAY! In the mean-

time pray for: all to happen in God’s timing and not ours; for

a clear mind for Sean and Shannon; and for the Lord’s name

to be glorified in all we do and say.

Stop in anytime for a shout out and a helping hand if possi-

ble. Thanks for your support!

Spotlight on Missions

Shraders/North Africa Gordon Slippy

David, Emily, Mae, Wes,

and Miriam Shrader are

living in North Africa,

bringing the good news of

Jesus to their local commu-

nity, and serving other

families who minister in

similar ways.

In their recent newsletter, they imagined what it would be

like for their neighbors to live in freedom – not civic freedom

as we think of it, but freedom from the yoke of sin, guilt, and

shame. Here is what it could look like:

† Freedom from selfishness and self-preservation at all

costs.

† Freedom from keeping up appearances to honor the

family, while feeling only shame within.

† Freedom to trust someone else, and to be trustworthy

yourself.

† The precious abandoned babies we bathe and feed

on Saturday mornings would be adopted into loving fami-

lies without the bleak future of growing up parentless in

an orphanage.

† A husband would not drink away his disappointment

and anger with what little money his wife earns; instead

they would be a part of a loving church family that helps

them navigate their financial struggles.

† People would take responsibility for their actions,

repent, and believe they are forgiven instead of blaming

everything on “the neighbor”.

† There would be fewer walls around homes, less need

for a guard or watch dog, and more open doors.

† They would fast because of their favor with the Lord,

not to earn that favor. They would fix their eyes upon the

three Persons of the Trinity instead of the five pillars of

faith.

Please PRAY for the Shraders’ ministry, family, and up-

coming plans. They will be visiting Hebron this summer.

Page 7

Thank You…

Thank you for the gift of a beautiful Easter lily. Its

many blossoms and buds have brought warm thoughts

and much pleasure. Keep up your good ministry in the

work of the King! Very Sincerely, Nellie Phillips

We want to thank all the wonderful people at Hebron

for all of their prayers and support in the passing of

my mother, Pat Anderson. It means more than you

know and is very appreciated.

Tom, Angela, Sydney, Jack, and David Anderson

You have cared about, and for, Bill and I these past 8

weeks while he was dealing with heart issues, medica-

tion interactions, fainting. Your prayers were with us—

enveloping us with God’s peace...your concern commu-

nicated thru Grove groups...individuals... The check we

received as well as a collection from “Amazing

Women” relieved the anxiety I felt about missing work

(and the fact that Bill was unable to work) during that

time. We know you love and care—THANK YOU. Bill

is resuming normal activity—working sensibly, eating

well, exercising. We are grateful for the good report

from the cardiologist...and he now regularly schedules

appointments. As he mentioned one day, this was a

mere blip in light of eternity. Bill & Joan Painter

French Toast Casserole (Women’s Heart Breakfast)

Ingredients:

12 slices bread (cubed) 1—8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (softened)

1 dozen large eggs 2 c. whipping cream

1/2 c. maple syrup 1/4 t. maple flavoring

Instructions:

Place bread cubes in pan sprayed with Pam. Mix cream cheese, eggs, whipping

cream, syrup and flavoring together until blended. Pour over bread cubes being sure

to cover all bread (can push down to get moist). Cover with foil and refrigerate for

at least 8 hours or overnight. Bake covered at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Changes in Youth Ministry

At the April 18 Session Meeting, Session accepted the

resignation of Youth Ministry Director, Jerry Rowland,

effective May 26, 2016. Jerry has been with us since Oc-

tober 2011, when he was hired as a full-time Youth Minis-

try Associate. Recently, his primary duties have included

ministry to grades six through twelve, recruitment and

training of volunteer staff, one-on-one discipleship of

youth, and administration of the youth program.

In his resignation letter, Jerry writes: “This decision has

been extremely difficult. (Rachel & I) love the students, Heb-

ron, and working with the staff here. Over the past year our

lives have evolved and changed, and I have found it diffi-

cult to feel a call for youth ministry in the church setting at

this point in my life. My family has been grateful to be a

part of the community and ministry at Hebron. It has been

an honor to serve God alongside the staff here and pour

into lives of students. There will be so much that we miss

about the people and ministry at Hebron moving forward.”

Jerry will be working with the staff and volunteer leaders

to set up the ministry for a successful summer, transition,

and future. The Session and staff are endeavoring to en-

sure that the youth program remains strong in the short-

term this summer and in the long-term going forward.

Jerry, Rachel, and Evie will be missed. We wish them

God’s richest blessings as they seek to follow His call.

10460 Frankstown Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15235

Phone: 412-371-2307

hebronchurch@yahoo.com

www.hebrononline.org

A Publication of Hebron Church

Financial Update Sarah Miller

Giving Update: Giving through March totals $243,876. This

is short of our budget by $24,099. We have been able to

make up a portion of this through slightly lower than budg-

eted expenses. However, we have ended March with a

deficit of $22,016.

In the last couple of Herald articles, we have talked about the

different ways to give at Hebron—one of the newest of

which is via credit card. In conjunction with this, we are also

excited to be able to offer credit card payments as an ex-

tension for our online registrations. We believe that this will

be beneficial to those wishing to make payments for summer

trips and various other events such as the Holly Alm Golf out-

ing.

It is through your continued gifts to Hebron that we are able

to provide the many opportunities available for all ages. From

Women’s Beyond Day to Vacation Bible School and the many

summer trips for the youth, none of these would be possible

without your support.

Ways to Give:

Stock Gifts

Checks/Cash

Online bill pay through your bank

Online Giving (via credit card or through a bank account)

visit www.hebrononline.org/#/worship/give

If you have any questions about ways to give, contact me at

sarahm@hebrononline.org or 412-371-2307 x15.