r e v . d r . j e a n n e t h o m as p a s t o r w w w . n
TRANSCRIPT
W W W . N E W T O W N S Q U A R E P R E S . O R G
R E V . D R . J E A N N E T H O M A S — P A S T O R
June 2018
NSPC Connections
When Jesus says, “Follow me,” where does he ask you to go? Where is he asking us to go as a congregation? What is your calling, and what is our shared calling as a body of Christ at NSPC?
Jesus is clear: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” There is no fine print at the bottom of the page with Jesus. He spells it out up front, in big, bold let-ters: “There are costs involved and the costs are big,” he says. “So count up the cost, and see if you can handle it, before you sign on the dotted line.”
Nearly every voice in our culture screams that there is nothing more important than self—my needs, my feelings, my desires, my rights, my benefit. Yet still Jesus calls, “Follow me.”
Here are just some of the ways I see you following Christ at NSPC:
1. Through an increased involvement in local mission. Every week NSPC is involved in mission, from delivering food from Wawa to local missions, to collecting school supplies for children. In addition, our children par-ticipate in various mission projects, ranging from wounded warriors to gifts for shut-ins.
2. Through our Presbyterian Women, who lead women’s circles and studies and raise funds to benefit a variety of local mission recipients.
3. Through your involvement on committees and commissions, working quietly yet steadily behind the scenes, you make sure that programs, Christian Education, and opportunities for discipleship are in place.
4. Through our chancel and children’s choirs, bell choir, and praise team, who rehearse weekly to enhance our worship musically.
5. Through increased volunteer participation, as more members step forward to be ushers, greeters, provide coffee hour, make meals, and help out in the nursery and in other ways on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.
6. Through our Elders, who care deeply about this body of Christ they serve and the decisions that are made about our finances and our future.
7. Through our Deacons and members of the Sacristy who roll up their sleeves to do everything from polish brass to visit our homebound mem-bers, and who make a difference in the lives of those they touch.
8. Through our “Grounded in Faith...Growing Our Future” team of very committed leaders, who are working hard to make our much-needed building renovation and addition become a reality.
October 7, 2018
World Communion
Sunday
Luke 14: 7-15
Preaching:
Rev. Jeanne Thomas
“Our Place at the Table”
From Your Pastor October Sermons
October 14, 2018
Matthew 21: 28-32
Preaching:
Rev. Jeanne Thomas
“The Parable of
the Two Sons:
October 21, 2018
Mark 4: 26-29
Preaching:
Sara Boninu
“Spiritual Farmers”
October 28, 2018
Gratitude Sunday
Mattthew 20: 1-16
Preaching:
Rev. Jeanne Thomas
“The Gift of Gratutude”
Worship Service
10:00 AM
Join Us!
October 2018
3600 Goshen Road
Newtown Square, PA 19073
Phone: 610.356.8063 - Email: [email protected]
www.Newtownsquarepres.org
Rev. Dr. Jeanne Thomas - Pastor
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Grounded in Faith... Growing our Future
During September, the “Grounded in Faith; Growing Our Future: team has been planning special services, a leadership dinner and an all-church celebration event, and preparing brochures and other information to help the church move forward with our capital campaign. You should have received a brochure last week that provides the dates of these special events. On October 28 we will celebrate “Gratitude Sunday” during worship. Please plan to be present! ~ Grounded in Faith; Growing our Future Committee Chairs, Rich Digby and James and Stacey Kucera
9. Through your welcoming spirit, continually making visitors feel a part of our church family as soon as they enter the sanctuary.
10. Through your willingness to take risks for the sake of the Gospel, and invest your resources in what-ever we need to make ministry happen here. From our wonderful Sunday school teachers to our amaz-ing staff, your faith in our future makes a difference.
All of these efforts are costly, in the sense that they ask us to give up time and energy for Jesus Christ and the benefit of others. But in Jesus’ way of doing math, those who deny themselves; i.e. who give their lives for the sake of Jesus and his gospel, are rewarded many times over.
We are growing at NSPC…in faith, in fellowship, and in discipleship. And we are learning that disci-pleship isn’t about security; it’s about transformation…about changing the way we live so that it changes the way others live, too.
How is God calling you to “sign on the dotted line” to become a more faithful follower of Je-sus Christ?
With joy and anticipation, Jeanne
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Can it get any better than this?! Fall has just begun, but the children
and youth are already bursting with excitement at the activities we
have provided. They are active in their faith and desire to learn more
about Jesus! In September, we took 18 individuals tubing down the
Brandywine River. It was the perfect day for it! The sun was shining
and the water was warm. Thank you, Jamie Biddle, Frank Boninu, and Rebec-
ca DiPersia for chaperoning.
Kids’ Group and Youth Group
met in September for Bible study and mission projects. The elemen-
tary school students ate lunch after church on September 30th,
learned about David and Jonathan’s example of Godly friendships,
and made craft boxes for our shut-ins. Thank you, Jen Kelly, for your help.
Kids’ Group will occur Sunday, October 14th at 11:45 AM.
The elementary schoolers will eat lunch, hear a Bible lesson, and
complete a mission project. Check your e-mail for more infor-
mation!
The middle schoolers met for Youth Group the evening of the 30th.
We played games, wrote our names on the wall, and read Matthew
16:13-20 to answer the question, “Who is Jesus to YOU?” The stu-
dents were challenged to ignite their faith and grow closer to Jesus.
ON OCTOBER 7TH, THE YOUTH WILL HAVE OUR FIRST SUNDAY SOCIAL
AT LINVILLA ORCHARDS.
Youth Group occurs every Sunday at 4 PM! Join us to learn more about...
October 14: Gratitude October 21: Faith
Church School Chatter ...from Christian Education
Church School Opening Day
Our opening day for the church school on September 9th was a big success. Thank you to all who made Rally
Day such a wonderful event with lots of food and fellowship! We’re off to a great start and look forward to
an exciting year. Please know that friends are always welcome each and every week!
Volunteers are always welcome for youth activities and in the superintendent’s office on Sunday
mornings.
Many thanks to all those who have volunteered in the nursery and superintendent’s office. Please keep a look
out for the opportunity to sign up for the superintendent’s office in the near future.
Children in Worship
The children will continue to attend worship in the sanctuary with their families. They
will be dismissed to class with their teachers following the children’s message.
3rd Grade Bibles
The 3rd graders will be receiving their own Bibles in worship on Sunday, October
14th. Join us in celebration as we dedicate these Bibles and pray over our students.
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for information about our 5th annual Trunk-or-Treat at
NSPC. Don’t miss out on this very spooky, spectacular Halloween event
for the entire church family: October 28, 4PM
It is only October, but believe it or not, the Christmas season will be upon us before you know it. One family
favorite event to look forward to for all ages is Cocoa, Cookies, and Carols. So, plan to bring your friends
and be prepared to have fun while eating all those delicious cookies donated by you. We will be singing your
favorite Christmas carols and savoring every sip of the NSPC famous hot cocoa. Look for more information
in next month’s newsletter.
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I have been thinking about the “Take Two Tuesdays” videos. This question, “what does music mean to you?” keeps coming to mind. Music heals our souls. It is a way to reflect, to inspire, to be inspired, to heal, to moti-vate, to encourage...I can go on forever on this subject!! But, what does it mean to YOU? Music is in our lives: radio music, commercials, workout music...and of course music during worship! We might think, oh yes, there is music in worship, but why? Can you imagine worship without music? The choir members and bell choir members meet every Thursday for practice. It brings me joy when they are chatting, catching up, laugh-ing, and most importantly making great music to the glory of God. It’s a family, and we enjoy serving God as one family of faith. I’m grateful for all of the choir members, and for the ways they keep coming on Thursday evenings to make music after a long day of work. They come to make music. There is a wide range of experi-ence among all of us, and we are ALWAYS encouraging! With Growing Our Future, I’m excited for all of the new changes coming to NSPC, and...we are doing it as a family. Music is one of the core parts in worship and I urge you to become part of it. Come to Chancel Choir and/or Bell Choir rehearsals on Thursday night. If you can’t commit to the whole season, come anyway and we will work it out: Lastly, SING during worship! We have this wonderful new “Glory To God” hymnal, so let’s take advantage of it. Don’t think your voice doesn’t matter, for you ALL matter!
Until later, stay well,
Ting Ting
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Christmas Card Tree:
For the past few years the Christmas Card Tree has been on “vacation” and never made it out to the coat room. Well, the “vacation” is over and this Advent season the Christmas Card Tree will make a return to the coat room.
Place your holiday wishes from you and yours on the tree instead of sending cards. The money you save on Christmas cards for your NSPC family can be donated to the fund, which this year will benefit missions sup-ported by the Presbyterian Women. More details will follow in the November newsletter. -Sue Bechtold, Ginni Condo, Ginny Berman
Christmas Gifts for Children served by Chester Eastside Ministry... Last January, little elves did some post-holiday toy shopping to give as gifts this year to the kids
served by Chester Eastside Ministry. The shopping trip was made possible by a loan from the PW.
If you would like to donate to defray the cost of the gifts, please see the green paper tree located in
the lounge. On the tree are white envelopes with details on how to make a donation. Thank you for helping
with this Secret Santa Project that is so much appreciated by the children.
P.S.—A toy delivery person will be needed the week after Thanksgiving. See Sue Bechtold if interested.
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NSPC
Save the Date for the Annual Trunk or Treat! - An Activity For All Ages!
As a family, committee, or group of friends, choose a theme, gather you props, and at 3:30 PM on
Sunday, October 28, you’ll have half an hour to transform your trunk (or someone else’s) into a fun
theme. Cars will be set up in the lower parking lot, outside the social hall. Children will receive candy
at each trunk for safe trick-or-treating. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and best trunk. You
will also have a chance to taste the chili and desserts and vote for the one you like best.
Check the lounge in the next couple of weeks for ideas for themes, as well as sign-ups for dessert
baking, chili entries and trunks. A Sign-up Genius will be sent so you can indicate how many people
you will be bringing and what you would like to do to help. There will also be an insert in the bulletin.
BYOP (Bring your own pumpkin) or sign up in advance to
have one reserved for you.
Coming in costume is encouraged, but not required.
Be sure to invite your family, friends and neighbors to this
popular and fun intergenerational event!!
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On a Very Personal Note...
Dear Church Family and Friends,
Rick and I were touched by the heartfelt support that was extended to us upon the passing of my mother, Shirley Franklin. The beautiful cards, kind words and thoughtful gestures by so many of you truly brought us comfort. Your loving prayers and kind concern will always be remembered. We felt embraced by your love and blessed to be part of such a caring church family.
Rick and Debbie Weiss
Mark Your Calendars...
PW Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 16 , 2018
At 11:00 AM in the Conference Room
Let’s not forget our friends at
Chester Eastside with our
food donations!!
Canned and boxed donations can be left in
the basket in the narthex.
Lost and Found: Occasionally things are left at the church. There is a box in the coat room and there are containers and dishes on the coat rack by the lounge. Please check out those locations and retrieve your things. You may find a long-lost, forgotten treasure!
Phoebe Circle
Monday, October 1, 2018
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Church Lounge
Hostess: Marian Wellington
Devotions: Marge DeYoung
Study Leader: Ginni Condo
Lesson: Horizon’s Bible Study
Chapter 2, ‘God With Us in Our
Uncertainty’
Miriam Circle
Monday, October 8, 2018
Location: Conference Room
Time: 12:15 PM
Please don’t forget your lunch
and beverage
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Jessica Gries 10/01 Erin Campbell 10/12
Andra Adams 10/03 Elsie Oreski 10/13
Oliver Andrewson 10/04 Barb Hitchens 10/14
Kathy Piroeff 10/04 Daniel Bennett-Jones 10/15
Matthew Campbell 10/04 Courtney Di Persia 10/15
Nancy Kermon 10/05 Jeanne Thomas 10/16
Rob Bechtold III 10/06 Tyler Kohl 10/17
Caroline Lemaster 10/07 Betsy Bender 10/19
Robbyn Marchesani 10/08 Ruby Andrewson 10/23
Aaron Andrewson 10/08 Eric Shea 10/24
Pan Lounsbury 10/08 Jim Shea 10/26
Lucas Moore 10/08 Lillie Falcon 10/27
Suzanna Talento 10/10 Sarah Hewes 10/28
Benjamin Kazanjian 10/10 Edward Robinson 10/29
Daniel Arraya 10/10 Courtney Barmes 10/30
Murielle Parker 10/11 Alexa Moore 10/30
Doug Lynch 10/12 Abigail Piroeff 10/31
Katie Snyder 10/12 Ava Bross 10/31
October 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
1:00 pm Phoebe Circle
7:00 pm
B & G Meeting
7:00 pm Zumba
8:00 am Men’s Group
5:15 pm
Yoga
6:00 pm
AA 7:00 pm
Bell Choir 8:00 pm
Chancel Choir
9:30 am Coffee/Ct. Rm.
10:00 am Worship 11:00 am
Fellowship 11:15 Jr. Choir
11:45 1st Sun. social.
9:30 am CE Meeting 12:15 pm
Miriam Circle
9:30 am CE Meeting
7:00 pm Zumba
5:15 pm Yoga
6:00 pm
AA 7:00 pm
Bell Choir 8:00 pm
Chancel Choir
9:30 am Coffee/Ct. Rm.
10:00 amWorship 11:00 am
Fellowship 11:15 Jr. Choir
11:45 Kids’ Group 4pm Youth Grp.
5:30 pm
GOF Camp. Mtg.
11:00 am PW Board 5:00 pm
GOF Camp. Mtg.
5:30 pm Praise Team
5:15 pm
Yoga
7:00 pm Joint Session/Deacon Mtg.
6:00 pm
AA 7:00 pm
Bell Choir 8:00 pm
Chancel Choir
9:30 am Coffee/Ct. Rm.
10:00 am Worship 11:00 am
Fellowship 11:15 Jr. Choir
4pm Youth Grp.
5:30 pm
Praise Team 7:00 pm
C & Y Meeting 7:00 pm Zumba
5:15 pm Yoga
6:00 pm
AA 7:00 pm
Bell Choir 8:00 pm
Chancel Choir
9:30 am Coffee/Ct. Rm.
10:00 am Worship 11:00 am
Fellowship 11:15 Jr. Choir
4pm Trunk’r Treat
1:00 pm Last Tues. Book Club 7:00 pm
Exec Team 7:00 pm Zumba
In Ministry Together at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church:
Pastor .......................................................................................................... The Rev. Dr. Jeanne Thomas
Director of Youth and Family Ministry .................................................................................. Sara Boninu
Director of Music ............................................................................................................. Ting Ting Wong
Church Office Administrator ....................................................................................... Roseann Christian
Accountant.................................................................................. ...................... Julie Bergstrom (ext. 19)
Sunday School Teachers..........Alexandra Adams, Barbara Corsi, Brad Kolhepp, Sara & Morgan Boninu
Director, Newtown Square Presbyterian Church Nursery School .................................... Jane Fioravanti
Clerk of Session................................................................................................. ...................... Buff Biddle
President, Board of Trustees................................................................................ ...................... Jim Shea
Treasurer ...................... ....................................................................................................Dave Sampson
Head Usher ....................... ...................................................................................................Grant Snyder
The Sacristy Guild of St. Martha................................................................ ...................... Pam Lounsbury
Presbyterian Women ........................................................................................................ Ginny Berman
Plus... all the members of NSPC
SESSION/BOARD OF TRUSTEES Moderator: The Rev. Dr. Jeanne Thomas
Moderator: Sue Bechtold
Church Office ..................................................................................................................... 610-356-8063
Rev. Thomas (cell) .............................................................................................................. 610-368-1637
Rev. Thomas (home) .......................................................................................................... 610-565-9788
Sara Boninu (cell): .............................................................................................................. 757-814-5097
Ting Ting Wong (cell): ........................................................................................................ 412-608-5588
Rev. Thomas (email):............................................................ ...................... [email protected]
Sara Boninu (email): ......................................................................................... [email protected]
Ting Ting Wong (email): ..................................................................................... [email protected]
Church Email: ........................................................................................................ [email protected]
Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020
Lynne Corle Mary Burgess Ed Arraya
Karen Shea Marg MacDonald Sue Bechtold
Beth Snyder Jerry Schauer Nancy Gingras
Debbie Weiss Jim Thomas Stacey Kucera
Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020
Buff Biddle Jim Hitchens Ginny Berman
Joe Falcon Jane Fioravanti Dot Gauntlett
Jim Shea James Kucera Nancy Kermon
Rick Weiss Dan Schultz Lindy Rustam
BOARD OF DEACONS
CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION