pancake supper€¦ · babysitting, or the $20 you spent for your family to eat at our pancake...

WWW.ELFINWILDCHURCH.ORG

The Call

ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

February 2013

PANCAKE

SUPPER February 12, 4:30-7 PM

MENU:

Pancakes

Sausage

Coffee (decaf or regular)

Hot Tea

Punch

Water

Ice Cream w/ Cookie

Available Toppings for Pancakes:

Butter

Syrup

Whipped Cream

Blueberries

Chocolate

Chips

Suggested Donation: $5 per adult $3 per child

(12 & under)

We cook for you! Come out and support our Youth!

2 THE CALL


Proposed Budget (YTD) $ 587,000

$ 612,940 Actual Tithes & Gifts Given

Total Expenses (YTD) $ 583,071

Favorable (YTD) $ 29,869

Inside This Issue

Please have your Call submissions to

Jeanine Arrigo and/or Tirzah Exler

by February 8th for the March Call

Newsletter.

Jeanine’s email:

[email protected]

Tirzah’s email:

[email protected]

Elfinwild Presbyterian Church Financial Statement

December 31, 2012

February Worship Schedule

THANK YOU

The Bread of Life Food Pantry would like to thank the members of Elfinwild Presbyterian Church

for their kindness and overwhelming support throughout the year. We have received food and

monetary donations from Elfinwild’s congregation, Pre-school, groups within the church, as well as from individual members of your church. We appreciate your concern for the many families that we serve.

Many blessings to your family in 2013, Marlene Stack

Manager Bread of Life Food Pantry

Sunday, February 3, 2013 Mark 1:14-20

“The Kingdom of God is Near” Dr. Lesnett preaching

Ligonier Camp Sunday


“Acting with Authority” Dr. Lesnett preaching

Scout Sunday-11:10 AM service

Sunday, February 17, 2013 First Sunday in Lent/Communion

Mark 1:29-34 “Jesus is a Healer”

Dr. Lesnett preaching


“Everyone Wants a Piece” Dr. Lesnett preaching

Service Times are 8:30 AM and 11:10 AM

Worship Schedule/Announcements

Letter from the Pastor Page 3

Youth Ministries Page 4

Children’s Ministries Page 5

February Calendar Pages 6 & 7

Worship and Music/ACE classes Pages 8 & 9

Preschool News Page 10

Birthday’s and Anniversaries Page 11

3 THE CALL


February, 2013

Dear Friends,

The season of Lent begins early this year. Wednesday, February 13, 2013 is Ash Wednesday and the first day of this liturgical season. Lent is a period of time that leads to the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection. Historically, Christians have practiced a variety of disciplines that helped them prepare for Easter. While fasting and prayer are not as common any more, they are still viable practices for our spiritual growth during Lent as well as at other times. One of the spiritual disciplines we have practiced regularly here at Elfinwild in Lent is to gather together on Wednesdays for dinner and study. This year we will continue that practice.

In past years we have read through books like The Purpose Driven Life and 40 Days of Community by Rick Warren, The Prodigal God by Tim Keller, Prayer by Richard Foster, and others. This year we will be reading the book Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman. Currently it is the best-seller on christianbook.com. I encourage us all to order a copy of the book through the church office (we can get a better price with a bulk order) and join together on Wednesdays to grow in what it means to follow Christ.

On Sundays we will continue to preach through the Gospel of Mark with the hope of growing in our knowledge and love for Jesus as we take an in-depth look at his life and teaching. Friends, this is our greatest privilege and joy, to know the One whom God has sent to be the Christ. He is the One we are following, not a set of doctrines, laws, or even a moral code. Those systems are helpful and maybe even necessary, but it is our relationship with God through Christ that needs to be first and foremost. As we move through these next months and weeks I pray that we will all take inventory of our hearts and ask how we are doing in our personal walk with Jesus.

I look forward to each and every Sunday as we gather together to worship God. As we grow together as the Body of Christ, I am more and more convinced that we will learn to love God more as we learn to love one another more, and vice versa. I love the fact that our commonality is in the person of Jesus and nothing less. Let us continue to lift up the Cross of Christ and be renewed in our devotion to follow Him!

Because God loves us all,

4 THE CALL


Thanks for your support of our Student Ministries! You might ask yourself why I’m thanking you right now at the beginning of February. Well, it’s because you, the members of Elfinwild, continue to support our students year round and I know that you will continue to do so in the upcoming months as we put on our largest fundraisers of the year! I simply want you to know that through your support and prayers you have helped send students to camps, on mission trips, and on retreats that have not only made a difference in their faith lives, but also have impacted the lives of those we have served. For instance, did you know that at the Laurelville retreat this past fall our Jr. and Sr. High students helped to pack almost 300,000 meals to be delivered in Haiti? You may take for granted that $60 you spent at the Pie Auction on babysitting, or the $20 you spent for your family to eat at our Pancake Supper – but we don’t. Because, we know that actually goes directly to students to allow them to go on these impacting trips! So Thank You! Thank you for your support in the past and thank you for your continued support this winter and spring! Please check out the important dates listed below for our Pancake Supper and Pie Auction and mark your calendars. And please know that your support makes a difference in the lives of our students and those whom we serve. God Bless,

IMPORTANT DATES FOR FEBRUARY AND BEYOND

REGULAR SUNDAY NIGHT CLUBS FOR FEBRUARY 10TH, 17TH AND 24TH Jr. High youth group meets from 4:30-6 PM and Sr. High Club meets from 6:30-8 PM on these nights.

FEBRUARY 3RD – ANNUAL SUPER BOWL PARTY FOR JR. AND SR. HIGH We will start at 6 PM and go until the end of the game. However, students are free to leave/be picked up

whenever they need to leave.

FEBRUARY 12TH – ANNUAL PANCAKE SUPPER 4:30-7 PM Suggested donation is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Jr. and Sr. High students should plan to

come and help serve. See Jason for more information about when to be there for setting up and serving.

FEBRUARY 22-23RD: 30 HOUR FAMINE For students doing the Famine fast, we will meet at the Youth House at 6 PM on Friday the 22nd to begin, and we will conclude at 6:30 PM on Saturday the 23rd following a closing dinner. Students should begin their fast

following lunch on Friday. We have changed our plan and will simply do a sleepover at the Youth House rather than going up to Camp Crestfield. This means there will be no cost for this event. We simply ask that students

try to raise money for World Vision. See Jason for more information about doing the fast or if you have any questions.

PIE AUCTION: APRIL 6TH Mark your calendar for our annual Pie Auction, and be sure to contact Kyle Pinta about what items or pies you

might like to donate this year. You may call Kyle at 412-487-6162 or email her at [email protected].

5 THE CALL


Rev. Bethany Harbaugh

Associate Pastor for Children’s Ministry

Participating in God’s Ministry and Mission

Christmas seems like a long time ago for most of us. Although figures of baby Jesus and manger scenes have been packed and stored, the message of the incarnation remains: God became one of us in His Son Jesus Christ. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, he left his disciples with these words: “‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:21-22). From that point forward, the disciples were expected to continue Jesus’ ministry. They were changed people and could not go back to the way things were before Jesus entered the world as a baby. The disciples were sent by Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to continue to share the message of forgiveness and salvation with the world so that more and more people would become baptized followers of Christ. The same calling applies to us today as followers of Christ. God wants each of us to be active participants in His ministry to the world. Sitting back to watch is not an option. By using a sports analogy this Lent, children and adults will be challenged to take a more dynamic role in discipleship. Instead of watching from the sidelines and admiring everything that God has done, we will be asked to take a more active role by following Christ and playing on his team. As Jesus’ disciples, God is sending us out onto the playing field to make a difference in the lives of others. Thankfully, we do not go alone, because just as God gave his disciples the Holy Spirit in John 20, we also go in the power of the Spirit, being given the courage and strength to do more than we could ever imagine. CHILDREN’S LENTEN PROGRAM Beginning on Wednesday, February 13, children in Kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to attend our Sports Camp from 6:30-7:30 PM. Here, children will be part of a team, and learn what it means to be an active participant, not only in sports, but in God’s ministry. While children take on the weekly challenges of active ministry, an adult study will be taking place at the same time. We hope you come and make it an evening for the entire family! M&m YOUTH GROUP: There will not be regular meetings during the months of February and March. Instead, we encourage children to attend the Sports Camp on Wednesday evenings.

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Join Us for Coffee, Tea,

Juice, and Donuts after

the 8:30 AM service in

the Upper Room

6 THE CALL


February Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 9-11 AM Women’s Ministry - YH 7 PM Bear Den (157) - Peach Room

2 6-8 AM CLC #4 - KL 8AM - 2 PM Act I - Fr. H. & C.E.

3 8:30 & 11:10 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 6 PM - ? Annual Super Bowl Party for Jr. & Sr. High - YH

4 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM CLC #5 - YH 6:30-8:30 PM Women’s Ministry - Cor. Conference Rm. & TR 7 PM Boy Scouts - FH

5 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 10 AM Staff Meeting - KL 12 PM Men’s Lunch - FH 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM Weigh to Lose 6:45 PM Handbells - Chapel 7 PM Personnel Com. Mtg. - KL 7:30 PM Praise Team - SA

6 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 6:15 PM Elem. Choir 2nd - 5th 6:30 PM Confirmation Class - YH 7:15 PM Chancel Choir - CR

7 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 7 AM Men’s Bible Study - KL 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 9:15-11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study - Youth House 6 PM Girl Scouts 51493 - Peach & TR 6:15 PM Chime Choir K-2 - Chapel 6:46 PM Chime Choir 3-6 - Chapel 7 PM Wolf Den Cub Scouts - Red Rm 7:15 PM Youth Choir - CR

8 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom and Me - Peach & TR 9-11 AM Women’s Ministry - YH 5 PM Pack 157 Pack Mtg. (Set up) - FH reserved through Saturday @ 5 PM 7 PM Bear Den (157) - Peach Rm.

9 6-8 AM CLC #4 - KL 10 AM - 5 PM Pack 157 Pack Mtg. -

Fellowship Hall

10 8:30 & 11:10 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 4:30-6 PM Jr. High Clubs - YH 6:30-8 PM Sr. High Clubs - YH 7 PM Session Mtg. - Cor. Conf. Rm.

11 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 12:30 PM Mary’s Circle - FH 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM CLC #5 - YH 6:30-8:30 PM Women’s Ministry - Cor. Conference Rm. & TR 7 PM Boy Scouts - FH 7 PM Pack 157 Com. Mtg. - Peach Rm.

12 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 10 AM Staff Meeting - KL 1 PM Caring Hands - FH 4:30-7 PM Pancake Supper - FH 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM Weigh to Lose 7 PM Trustee’s Mtg. - Cor. Conf. Rm. 7:30 PM Praise Team - SA

13 ASH WEDNESDAY 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 6 PM Webelo’s II - Green Rm. 6-6:30 PM Lenten Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Lenten Study 6:30-6:50 PM Elem. Choir 2nd - 5th 7:15 PM Chancel Choir - CR

14 7 AM Preschool - C.E. (Valentine’s) 7 AM Men’s Bible Study - KL 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 9:15-11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study - Youth House 6 PM Lion’s Club - FH 6:15 PM Chime Choir K-2 - Chapel 6:45 PM Chime Choir 3-6 - Chapel 6:30-8 Girl Scouts 55010 Peach/TR 7 PM Wolf Den Cub Scouts - Red Rm 7:15 PM Youth Choir - CR

15 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom and Me - Peach & TR 9-11 AM Women’s Ministry - YH 7 PM Bear Den (157) - Peach Rm.


17 8:30 & 11:10 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 4:30-6 PM Jr. High Clubs - YH 6:30-8 PM Sr. High Clubs - YH 7 PM Deacon’s Mtg. - Cor. Conf. Rm.

18 PRESIDENT”S DAY NO PRESCHOOL 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM CLC #5 - YH 6:30-8:30 PM Women’s Ministry - Cor. Conference Rm. & TR 7 PM Boy Scouts - FH

19 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 10 AM Staff Meeting - KL 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM Weigh to Lose 7:30 PM Praise Team - SA

20 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 6-6:30 PM Lenten Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Lenten Study 6:30-6:50 PM Elem. Choir 2nd - 5th 6:30 PM Confirmation Class - YH 7:15 PM Chancel Choir - CR

21 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 7 AM Men’s Bible Study - KL 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 9:15-11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study - Youth House 12 PM Widow’s Lunch Cor. Conf. Rm. 6 PM Girl Scouts 51493- Peach & TR 6:15 PM Chime Choir K-2 - Chapel 6:46 PM Chime Choir 3-6 - Chapel 7 PM Wolf Den Cub Scouts - Red Rm 7 PM Preschool - FH



24 8:30 & 11:10 AM Worship Handbells ring both services 9:45 AM Sunday School 4:30-6 PM Jr. High Clubs - YH 6:30-8 PM Sr. High Clubs - YH

25 Preschool No School - Staff Wrkshp 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM CLC #5 - YH 6:30-8:30 PM Women’s Ministry - Cor. Conference Rm. & TR 7 PM Boy Scouts - FH

26 Preschool No School - Staff Wrkshop C.E. & Fr. Hall ALL DAY 10 AM Staff Meeting - KL 1 PM Caring Hands - FH 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM Weigh to Lose 6:30-8 Girl Scouts 55010 Peach & TR 7 PM AARP Board Mtg. - FH 7:30 PM Praise Team - SA

27 7 AM Preschool - C.E. & Fr. Hall ALL DAY 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 6 PM Webelo’s II - Green Rm. 6-6:30 PM Lenten Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Lenten Study 6:30-6:50 PM Elem. Choir 2nd - 5th 7:15 PM Chancel Choir - CR

28 7 AM Preschool - C.E. &Fr. Hall ALL DAY 7 AM Men’s Bible Study - KL 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 9:15-11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study - Youth House 6 PM Lion’s Club - FH 6:15 PM Chime Choir K-2 - Chapel 6:46 PM Chime Choir 3-6 - Chapel 7:15 PM Youth Choir - CR

7 THE CALL


2013

FH -= Fellowship Hall CE -= Christian Ed FrH = Friendship Hall Kit = Kitchen CR = Choir Room KL = Kennedy Library Pres = Preschool TR = Toddler Room SA = Sanctuary YH = Youth House Cor. Conf. Rm. = Cornerstone Conference Room

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 9-11 AM Women’s Ministry - YH 7 PM Bear Den (157) - Peach Room


3 8:30 & 11:10 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 6 PM - ? Annual Super Bowl Party for Jr. & Sr. High - YH

4 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM CLC #5 - YH 6:30-8:30 PM Women’s Ministry - Cor. Conference Rm. & TR 7 PM Boy Scouts - FH

5 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 10 AM Staff Meeting - KL 12 PM Men’s Lunch - FH 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM Weigh to Lose 6:45 PM Handbells - Chapel 7 PM Personnel Com. Mtg. - KL 7:30 PM Praise Team - SA

6 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 6:15 PM Elem. Choir 2nd - 5th 6:30 PM Confirmation Class - YH 7:15 PM Chancel Choir - CR

7 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 7 AM Men’s Bible Study - KL 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 9:15-11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study - Youth House 6 PM Girl Scouts 51493 - Peach & TR 6:15 PM Chime Choir K-2 - Chapel 6:46 PM Chime Choir 3-6 - Chapel 7 PM Wolf Den Cub Scouts - Red Rm 7:15 PM Youth Choir - CR

8 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom and Me - Peach & TR 9-11 AM Women’s Ministry - YH 5 PM Pack 157 Pack Mtg. (Set up) - FH reserved through Saturday @ 5 PM 7 PM Bear Den (157) - Peach Rm.

9 6-8 AM CLC #4 - KL 10 AM - 5 PM Pack 157 Pack Mtg. -

Fellowship Hall

10 8:30 & 11:10 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 4:30-6 PM Jr. High Clubs - YH 6:30-8 PM Sr. High Clubs - YH 7 PM Session Mtg. - Cor. Conf. Rm.

11 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 12:30 PM Mary’s Circle - FH 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM CLC #5 - YH 6:30-8:30 PM Women’s Ministry - Cor. Conference Rm. & TR 7 PM Boy Scouts - FH 7 PM Pack 157 Com. Mtg. - Peach Rm.

12 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 10 AM Staff Meeting - KL 1 PM Caring Hands - FH 4:30-7 PM Pancake Supper - FH 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM Weigh to Lose 7 PM Trustee’s Mtg. - Cor. Conf. Rm. 7:30 PM Praise Team - SA

13 ASH WEDNESDAY 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 6 PM Webelo’s II - Green Rm. 6-6:30 PM Lenten Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Lenten Study 6:30-6:50 PM Elem. Choir 2nd - 5th 7:15 PM Chancel Choir - CR

14 7 AM Preschool - C.E. (Valentine’s) 7 AM Men’s Bible Study - KL 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 9:15-11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study - Youth House 6 PM Lion’s Club - FH 6:15 PM Chime Choir K-2 - Chapel 6:45 PM Chime Choir 3-6 - Chapel 6:30-8 Girl Scouts 55010 Peach/TR 7 PM Wolf Den Cub Scouts - Red Rm 7:15 PM Youth Choir - CR



17 8:30 & 11:10 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 4:30-6 PM Jr. High Clubs - YH 6:30-8 PM Sr. High Clubs - YH 7 PM Deacon’s Mtg. - Cor. Conf. Rm.

18 PRESIDENT”S DAY NO PRESCHOOL 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM CLC #5 - YH 6:30-8:30 PM Women’s Ministry - Cor. Conference Rm. & TR 7 PM Boy Scouts - FH

19 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 10 AM Staff Meeting - KL 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM Weigh to Lose 7:30 PM Praise Team - SA

20 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 6-6:30 PM Lenten Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Lenten Study 6:30-6:50 PM Elem. Choir 2nd - 5th 6:30 PM Confirmation Class - YH 7:15 PM Chancel Choir - CR

21 7 AM Preschool - C.E. 7 AM Men’s Bible Study - KL 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 9:15-11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study - Youth House 12 PM Widow’s Lunch Cor. Conf. Rm. 6 PM Girl Scouts 51493- Peach & TR 6:15 PM Chime Choir K-2 - Chapel 6:46 PM Chime Choir 3-6 - Chapel 7 PM Wolf Den Cub Scouts - Red Rm 7 PM Preschool - FH



24 8:30 & 11:10 AM Worship Handbells ring both services 9:45 AM Sunday School 4:30-6 PM Jr. High Clubs - YH 6:30-8 PM Sr. High Clubs - YH

25 Preschool No School - Staff Wrkshp 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM CLC #5 - YH 6:30-8:30 PM Women’s Ministry - Cor. Conference Rm. & TR 7 PM Boy Scouts - FH

26 Preschool No School - Staff Wrkshop C.E. & Fr. Hall ALL DAY 10 AM Staff Meeting - KL 1 PM Caring Hands - FH 5:30-8:30 Act I - Fr. H. & C.E. 6:30 PM Weigh to Lose 6:30-8 Girl Scouts 55010 Peach & TR 7 PM AARP Board Mtg. - FH 7:30 PM Praise Team - SA

27 7 AM Preschool - C.E. & Fr. Hall ALL DAY 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 6 PM Webelo’s II - Green Rm. 6-6:30 PM Lenten Dinner 6:30-7:30 PM Lenten Study 6:30-6:50 PM Elem. Choir 2nd - 5th 7:15 PM Chancel Choir - CR

28 7 AM Preschool - C.E. &Fr. Hall ALL DAY 7 AM Men’s Bible Study - KL 8 AM Mom & Me - Peach and TR 9:15-11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study - Youth House 6 PM Lion’s Club - FH 6:15 PM Chime Choir K-2 - Chapel 6:46 PM Chime Choir 3-6 - Chapel 7:15 PM Youth Choir - CR

8 THE CALL


Jennifer Harris Clayton

Director of Worship and Music

If you’ve taken a look ahead in your calendar, you’ll notice that the hearts of Valentine’s Day are really close to the day called “Ash Wednesday” this year. With the observance of Ash Wednesday, the Church around the world enters into a time called the season of Lent.

I’ll tell you a secret: my church growing up never celebrated Lent. I thought it was something only the Roman Catholics did, and I didn’t understand the point of Lent, and only associated it with the sudden burst of Friday night fish fry specials at all the local restaurants.

As a young adult, however, I had the opportunity to observe and understand what this whole Lenten season is all about. And I will go on the record as saying this: you will never grow deeper in your understanding of the work of Christ on the cross if you don’t take the time to walk the journey of Lent first. To jump from the cradle of Christmas to the cross of Easter not only truncates the whole story of Christ’s redeeming work, but it also truncates the work that God can do in us through the Lenten journey.

“Lent” comes from an Old English word that means “to lengthen.” We might notice that as we get closer and closer to the celebration of Easter, the days lengthen and the darkness shortens. The 40 days of Lent are derived from the biblical number 40: the number of days it rained while Noah was on the ark, the number of days that the Israelite spies were in scoping out the Promised Land, and the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert fasting and praying. If you research it a little, you’ll find many more instances of the number 40 in the Bible. Now, before you get out your calendar and tell me that I can’t count, the Sundays in Lent do not count toward the 40 days. Sundays are the Lord’s day and are for everyone to celebrate Him!

What is the purpose of Lent? The best answer I’ve ever heard was this: to intentionally make room in our lives to walk with Christ as he walks toward the cross. Many things happened along the way that have great meaning and impact for us, including the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, miracles, Jesus’ own words about when he will return again in glory in the last days, and the sharing of a most special Meal. All of this culminates in the Great Choice: that Jesus willingly let himself be handed over to his enemies, be falsely accused, be sentenced by puppet rulers in a horrific sham trial, and be led up a hill, carrying the very instrument of his death on his back. And yet on the cross, he still held tightly to his purpose on earth, honoring God with his words, and bringing the thief hanging next to him with him into Paradise. His legs were not broken, fulfilling yet another prophecy, and his body was taken down, hurriedly prepared for burial due to the quickly approaching Sabbath, and was laid to rest in a borrowed tomb, sealed with a stone that was guarded by soldiers.

If we skip over the journey to the Cross, we skip over the chance to discover the “WHY” of the Cross. Yes, Jesus died for our sins, but friends, there is so much more to discover in this story! I would invite you to take the journey of Lent this year with purpose and intention. You might observe the practice of fasting, which the Church has done for centuries, and the people of Israel before that. You might choose to fast from something, or you might choose to fast a meal…or a whole day. Fasting has been a common practice of the Christian church for over 2,000 years, and the opportunity comes to take the time that would be spent eating for prayer and meditation on Scripture instead.

You might set aside a special daily time of prayer or silence or reflection on a passage of Scripture. You might use a Lenten devotional to aid you in the special observance of this season of the Christian year. You might take dinner time to teach your children a new facet of understanding you have received during your own observance of the long walk of Christ toward the Cross. If you need help finding resources, please let me know and I’d be happy to help you!

“What’s Lent Got To Do With It?”

9 THE CALL


And most importantly, try to clear your schedule to observe the special days of worship of this season, beginning with Ash Wednesday, the Wednesday night studies here at the church, and culminating in Holy Week. I promise you, you will never be more overcome with the joy and celebration of Easter morning than when you’ve taken the time to walk the road of Christ to the Cross.

God of wonder, Great Artist of souls,

you sculpted a people for yourself

out of the rocks of wilderness and fasting.

Help us as we take up your invitation to prayer and simplicity,

that the discipline of these forty days

may sharpen our hunger for the feast of your holy friendship,

and whet our thirst for the living water you offer

through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Wired Word: Fellowship Hall

BYCAE: Chapel

Parenting and Family Life: Kennedy Library

People of Faith: Cornerstone Room

Wisdom is My Shield: A Study in Proverbs: The Upper Gathering Room

Scripture Matters: Peach Room

Inquirer’s Class: For those considering membership, Available April 7-May12

For more details on these classes visit us at www.elfinwildchurch.org

COME JOIN US EVERY SUNDAY FROM 10:00-11:00AM

10 THE CALL


This month we are reminded of love – love of families, friends, and most of all love of our Lord.

He blesses everyday with his care, comfort, and love! Our Valentine’s Day parties allow us to exchange

our greetings of love with our friends at school.

In Science we will be exploring our land and noticing rocks and minerals and how we use them in

our daily lives. We will also learn how paper is made – and then make some ourselves. Since each of our

rooms is named for a color, we will make a large piece of paper just that color!

Pancake Days are here! After learning of the source of each ingredient, we will mix, stir, pour the

batter out on the griddle, watch it cook, and then enjoy eating!

One of our Bible stories will feature Jesus’ first miracle with the Wedding at Cana. Here He

changed the water into the fruit of the vine in the form of grape juice. The second Bible story will

introduce us to Zacchaeus and how Jesus helped him to become a better man by following Him.

In Gym the Winter Olympics have returned to Elfinwild! There will be bob-sledding, ice skating

(using waxed paper on our feet), and lots of pretend snow ball throwing and hockey playing – all in the

comfort of our warm gym!

Music class will find us moving to all different tempos of our favorite songs, and using the rhythm

sticks to tap out the beat!

As part of our Valentine exchange we will be learning our addresses – how detailed this is depends

on the age group of the child. It is always fun to send our families a letter from school and anticipate its

arrival at our home!

We are thankful to all the parents who helped us with our Vision Screening Program. This valuable

service is provided by our staff of Debbie Piel (coordinator), Sharon Griffin, Kristin Coco, and Aimee

Rihn. These teachers have been especially trained under the guidance of The Blind and Vision

Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh.

For information about the weekday preschool for 2, 3, 4, and 5 year-olds please call the school

office at 412-486-2322 or Carolyn Hervey at home 412-487-1302. We are currently enrolling children for

the September 2013 - May 2014 school year.

In Christ’s Love,

Carolyn Hervey

11 THE CALL


February Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday To You!

February 1: Ann Ritter

February 2: Don Duncan, Jules Kaiser

February 3: Elizabeth Thomas

February 4: Patti Zahnhausen, Debra Klosky, Julia Jashinski

February 5: Sue Siar, Carolyn Hasselman

February 6: David Stormer, John Tiernan

February 7: Lois Roberts, Betty Jane McDonough, Bev Friedline, Joseph Pritchard, Amanda Gaydos

February 8: Helen Mills, Tim Young Jr., Jim Mueller

February 9: Mary Ann Johnson, Robert Whitaker

February 10: John Brandon

February 11: Jean Schrenker, Robert Cerney

February 12: Daniel Bonnett, Jenny Dayton, Danielle Bonnett, Caitlyn McCarty

February 13: Marguerite Patrick

February 14: Peg Holtgraver, Dorothy Lange, John Neil

February 15: Brooke Callahan

February 16: Clara Bowen, Cheryl McCaffrey, Doulas Ifft, Susan Skrowan, Pamela Sutton, Dan Barto

February 17: Patricia Sanderson, Kyle Pinta, Sarah Mathias

February 18: Walter Van Newkirk, Cindy Wingard, Samantha Waldo

February 20: Mary Anna Orrison, Nellie Phillips, Robert Phillips

February 21: Lesley Mueller, Kristin Coco

February 22: Mary Ellen Hoyt, Marian Meek, Marna Bodnar

February 23: Frank Morea, Steve Heere

February 24: Thomas Marshall

February 25: Louis Martin Jr., Glenn Waldschmidt, Bonnie Vidt, Van Lesnett

February 26: Melissa Beck, Marlene Weissert, Jacque DeMatteo, Amy Knight, Ashley Lawrence, Elizabeth Sandrock, Chrystal Cooper, Meghan Harris

February 27: Dave Jenkins, Shaun Peretik, Andrew Coco, Carter Stack

February 28: Christine Platania, Eden Lawrence

February 29: Carole Stewart

Happy

Anniversary! February 7

Leonard and Marilyn Colaizzi

February 15 David and Pamela Hodoba

February 17 Dave and Nancy Tiernan

February 20 Douglas and Carollee Ifft

February 28 Sheryl and Anthony Fiorino


Non-Profit Org

US POSTAGE

PAID

Glenshaw, PA

Permit No 67

www.elfinwildchurch.org

Return Address Service Requested

ELFINWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3200 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Glenshaw, PA 15116

Phone: 412-486-5400

pancake supper€¦ · babysitting, or the $20 you spent for your family to eat at our pancake...

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