resbyterian omen ash ednesday w

Our congregation is continuing to follow the national renewal movement known as the Fellowship of Pres-byterians and ECO. In order to help us make this

support of this movement we have planned a Congregational Conference for Saturday, February 9th, 2013. The gathering will take place from 10:00 AM – 3:45 PM in Calvary Center. The con-ference is designed to be a fun and energizing time of worship, guest speakers, and fellow-ship. The day has been carefully structured to bring many facts and details together so we can be informed and confident about the issues at hand. It is important to know that we will not be making any kind of decision at this gathering. We simply will be educating ourselves about the issues and enjoying our time together. Please plan now to attend this important day in the life of our church. A Subway lunch will be provided for a $5.00 donation.

SPECIAL POINTS OF

INTEREST:

ECO Conference Satur-day, February 9th 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

PW Ash Wednesday Service, February 13th Trinity Center Fellowship Hall 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, February 17th/Newsletter Deadline

February 22nd/23rd 30 Hour Famine Trinity/Calvary Centers

February 23rd Chris Tomlin Concert/Consol Energy Center

February 24th/Hop-a-Thon, Pot Luck Dinner/Pine Springs Meeting

INSIDE THIS ISSUE :

PASTOR ’S PAGE 2

MAMA LENTEN

SCHEDULE

3

SUNDAY SCHOOL

NEWS

4

CHOIR NEWS 6

MYM NEWS 6

2013 CHURCH OF-

FICERS

7

CARELIST 8

B IRTHDAY/

ANNIVERSARIES

9

FEBRUARY 2013

MCPRESBY NEWS

MCDONALD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Congregational Conference

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN—ASH WEDNESDAY

The Presbyterian Women are sponsoring their annual Ash Wednes-day Service on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall of Trinity Center.

Summer Steele, MYM Youth Pastor will deliver the Lenten medita-tion. The imposition of ashes will be offered to any who desire it and communion will be served.

Following the service, a continental breakfast will be served.

This also marks the beginning of our weekly Wednesday evening Lenten Services sponsored by McDonald Area Ministerial Association (see page 3 for sched-ule).

HOP-A-THON

On Sunday, February 24th we will once again being having our annual hop-a-thon/pot luck dinner for Pine Springs Camp. A representative from Pine Springs will be available to answer any questions you may have. Our week is July 14th through July 19, 2013 where Pastor Justin will be directing the camp for finishing 3rd through 5th grade students. Summer Steele will be leading a group of MYM students on a Mission X Camp that same week. More information will be available at our hop-a-thon and at the parents meeting on May 5th and May 8th.

PASTOR ’S PAGE—REV. JUSTIN AMSLER—FEBRUARY 2013

Dear MPC Family,

Grace and Peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sarah and I extend our sincere appreciation for each and every one of you. We are delighted to be serving among you and look forward to the bright and powerful future that lies in store for McDonald Presbyterian Church. We do believe that there is greatness in our past, in our present, and in our future. Jesus Christ has appointed this church for ministry in this commu-nity and he will provide for us if we are obedient to his Word and to his will. We are growing and maturing as a body and look forward to what surprises God has in store for us.

As we enter into 2013 there are unanswered questions regarding our denominational discernment and that is very much to be expected. We will be working hard in the months ahead to help everyone become educated and confident about the issues that are before us. This decision is about the future of ministry here in McDonald. We will ask the question: What choice will put us in the best possible place to thrive as a congregation that believes in the Gospel and the sole lordship of Jesus Christ? We will also consider the leadership and vision of the PC(USA) and the ECO and see which family we are more suited for. This choice is not about the personal preference of the pastor or a small group of leaders but the conviction of the congre-gation as a whole. One thing is clear, the PC(USA) is a denomination that is drifting theologically and stagnant in its leader-ship and vision. The choice is between choosing a group that is theologically like minded and will feed us and help us to thrive in an active way or to remain where we are and stand out as a prophetic witness against the changes that are being instituted and fight for the revitalization of the greater church.

In an uncertain world there are some things that are certain: The Lord and his Word are unchanging, the Gospel changes lives and saves people, Jesus Christ rewards faithfulness, The Holy Spirit leads and guides those who confess the name of Jesus, and the church is God’s chosen instrument to bring his Kingdom and salvation to this earth. We are and will be blessed because we uphold those truths without fear and are ready to give everything to see the Gospel transform hearts and lives. The world has never needed it more than it does today and this is what motivates us day by day.

Thank you again for your partnership in the Gospel. Sarah and I will continue to give everything that we have to give for the cause of Christ here at McDonald Presbyterian Church.

With persistent hope,

Rev. Justin Amsler

First submitted in the 2012 Annual Report

PAGE 2 MCPRESBY NEWS

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL—

GOSPEL IN LIFE

On January 27th we began a new Adult Sunday School Class offered in Calvary Center Fellow-ship Hall. The class begins promptly at 9:30 and will end by 10:25. The sessions will be led by Rev. Amsler and Ray Morgan and is a video based curriculum featuring Author and Pastor Tim Keller. Tim Keller is the founding and senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. He has emerged as a national leader and has produced some excellent books and teaching materials. The class will meet every other week from January 27th through May 5th for eight sessions. The curriculum is deep and will challenge us in our Biblical framework and un-derstanding of the Gospel. The video segment will be 10-15 minutes in length with teaching and discussion to follow. Also, through this curriculum we will have various opportunities to

discuss the issues that face our church and denomination in relationship to the material being studied. We had great atten-dance our first session and welcome new members at any point in the class.

MCPRESBY NEWS

MAMA—LENTEN SERIES 2013

McDonald Area Ministerial Association

Community Lenten Series

You are invited to participate in a special worship series this Easter season. Many of our churches will sponsor a service with re-freshments and a fellowship time to follow. Thank you for your continued support of our local ministerium and may God bless you richly this joyous season.

Wednesday, Feb. 13 Host: McDonald Presbyterian, Trinity Ctr.

Ash Wednesday 10:00 AM Message: Summer Steele, McDonald Presbyterian

Imposition of Ashes Sponsored By: MPC Presbyterian Women

Wednesday, Feb.13 Host: McDonald United Methodist

Ash Wednesday, 7:30 PM Message: Rev. Dave Hamer

McDonald Bible Methodist

Wednesday, Feb. 20 Host: Center Presbyterian, Midway

7:30 PM Message: Rev. Fred Soberg

Venice Presbyterian Church

Wednesday, Feb. 27 Host: Midway United Methodist

7:30 PM Message: Pastor Dawn Hargraves

McDonald United Methodist

Wednesday, March 6 Host: McDonald Presbyterian, Calvary Ctr.

7:30 PM Message: Rev. Kevin Truman

Cross Connections Alliance

Wednesday, March 13 Host: Venice Presbyterian Church

7:30 PM Message: Pastor Lori Walters

Midway United Methodist

Wednesday, March 20 Host: McDonald Bible Methodist

7:30 PM Message: Rev. Brian Kilbert

Center UP Church

Good Friday, March 29 Host: Irons Memorial Presbyterian Church

12:00 Noon Message: Rev. Charles Puff, Irons Memorial

Good Friday, March 29 Host: First Baptist Church, McDonald

7:30 PM Message: Rev. Justin Amsler

McDonald Presbyterian Church

Offerings collected at these services will be used by the Ministerial Association to support local charities and families.

Children’s Church

Adult Volunteer Youth Volunteer February 3rd Summer Steele Katie Nemec February 10th Summer Steele February 17th Summer Steele February 24th Summer Steele

Nursery Adult Volunteer Youth Volunteer February 3rd Peggy Samarin February 10th Julie Petito Jill Panizza February 17th Sarah Amsler February 24th Emily Eyler Alex Nemec Small Talk February 3rd Summer Steele February 10th Sarah Amsler February 17th Syndria Lowe & Kids February 24th John Casey Greeters February 3rd Tom & Molly Maxwell February 10th Larry Doak February 17th Eleanora Little February 24th Linda Matchett Lay Leaders Acolytes February 3rd Syndria Lowe February 3rd Luke Gladden & Tommy Gilbert February 10th Greg Gilbert February 10th Katie Nemec & Lacie Walker February 17th Tom Maxwell February 17th Jacob & Abby Weiler February 24th Sarah Amsler February 24th Jillian Panizza & Evan Tidd Hospitality Bakers February 3rd Sue Gilbert February 10th Syndria Lowe February 17th Katie McDowell February 24th Lana Gilbert

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS/VOLUNTEERS-2013


MCPRESBY NEWS

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD—2013

THANK YOU, AGAIN, TO THE CONGREGATION OF MPC FOR

MAKING O.C.C.

AND

OUR RELAY CENTER A WONDERFUL SUCCESS IN 2012!

Because of your generosity the MPC family sent 404 shoeboxes!

The congregation donated $2450.00 to cover shipping costs!

Please continue to pray for all Operation Christmas Child volunteers and, most importantly, for the children who will receive a shoebox this Christmas. May they come to know the love of our Savior because of our simple gifts!

Our collection of donations campaign was so successful in 2012, we’re going to try it again.

This is the schedule we hope to follow:

February: Bars of soap and washcloths

March: Toothbrushes and toothpaste

April: Hard candy – such as gum and lollipops – NO chocolate, please

May: Small toys and small stuffed animals

June: Combs

July: Plastic shoeboxes

August AND September: School supplies: notebooks and coloring books, pencils, pens, erasers, pencil sharpeners, crayons, markers, colored pencils

October: To be determined

All year: Plastic shoeboxes

Bandanas (as you find them, 2/$1 at Dollar Tree stores)

Monetary donations to defray the cost of shipping ($7/box)

Any questions, please feel free to contact Michelle Unruh (412-221-4143).

CHILDREN ’S CHURCH

We meet every Sunday morning at 11:00 A.M. in Calvary Fellowship Hall. The main service starts at 10:45 A.M. and the children are dismissed around 11:00 A.M. We have a new format from Group -titled Kids Own Worship: its church…just for kids! It is a great time of worship! The kids are learning the word of God through preaching, teaching, games, skits and crafts. It is their very own church service to experience God in multiple ways. We encourage you to bring your kids and their friends. We look forward to serving your children each and every Sunday!

MCPRESBY NEWS

CHOIR SCHEDULE

Jan. 24 - 6:45 pm - Kids Choir 7:30 pm - Adult Choir

Jan. 31 - 6:00 pm - Bell Choir 7:30 pm - Adult Choir

Feb. 7 - 6:00 pm - Bell Choir 7:15 pm - Women 7:30 pm - Adult Choir

Feb. 14 - 6:45 pm - Kids Choir 7:15 pm - Women & Kids 7:30 pm - Adult Choir

Feb. 21 - 6:00 pm - Bell Choir 7:30 pm - Adult Choir

Feb. 28 - 6:45 pm - Kids Choir 7:30 pm - Adult Choir

MYM NEWS

30 Hour Famine

February 22nd All MYM youth are welcome to participate in this yearly event. We will all cease to eat after lunch on Friday, February 22nd .We will meet with our overnight bags at Trinity Center on Friday evening at 8 P.M. at Trinity fellowship Hall. We will have discussions, video presentations, and various activities. 30 hour famine will end at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday and the fast will continue until 6:00 P.M. The purpose of the 30 hour famine is to raise both resources and awareness for global hunger. Our goal is for the youth to raise $30 worth of pledges in order to participate in the event.

Spaghetti Dinner

On Saturday, March 2d from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MYM will host a Spaghetti Dinner fund raiser at Trinity Center Fellowship Hall. Dinner will include a plate of delicious spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and drink. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 3 to 12 years of age. Children under two eat free. If you would like to make a donation for the supplies or donate a basket for the Chinese Auction, you may do so with Summer Steele. Tickets will be available following worship on Sunday, February 17th and Sunday, February 24th. As always, your support for MYM is greatly appreciated.

Chris Tomlin Concert at the Consol Energy Center

MYM has purchased a block of tickets for the Chris Tomlin concert on February 23rd. This is a great event for our students. If you are interested in attending along with our group contact Nancy Turk or Summer Steele.

COMMUNICANTS CLASS

Pastor Justin Amsler will be leading a Communicants Class that will walk students through a time of study and reflection on their Christian beliefs and their role and responsibilities as members of our Church. Any student who is not currently a mem-ber and is in 7th grade and above is strongly encouraged to attend and to be welcomed into membership on Easter Sunday, March 31st. Being confirmed as a member of the church is an important step in our lives and should not be taken lightly. We will be holding four Sunday morning sessions and an overnight retreat here at the church from Friday, March 1st to Saturday March 2nd. Attendance at all sessions is expected for completion of the course. Meeting dates and times are as follows:

Session 1: Sunday, February 3rd at 9:25 AM in the Tower Room of Calvary Center

Session 2: Sunday, February 17th at 9:25 AM in the Tower Room of Calvary Center

Session 3-5: Friday and Saturday, March 1st and 2nd from 7:30 PM Friday to 1:00 PM Saturday in Trinity Center Fellowship Hall

Session 6: Sunday, March 3rd at 9:25 AM in the Tower Room of Calvary Center

Session 7: Sunday, March 17th at 9:25 AM in the Tower Room of Calvary Center

MCPRESBY NEWS

2013 CHURCH OFFICERS

Session

Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015

Heather Weiler (A) Syndria Lowe (A) Ray Morgan (B)

Janet Crawford (B) Ed Gilbert (A) Nancy Turk (B)

Tom Maxwell (B) Jim Strand (A) Ed Nalesnick (A)

Katie McDowell (B-2) Arlene Carr (B-1) Bob Shepherd (A)

Deacons


Vicki Zyra (A) Sandi Albertini (B) Dana Eyler (B)

Patty Sember (B) Mary Lou Cooper (B) Alicia Slovick (B)

Betty Ryan (A) Gerry Rossi (B) Carol McCarty (B)

Roger McElhaney (B) Mary Hawes (A) Lucy Hawk (A)

Jeff Zyra (A-2) Nancy Diamond (A) Mary Bennett (A)

Trustees


Tom Garrett, Jr. (B) Matt Errett (B) Dave Rocher (B)

Jim Brockman (B) Ted Bair (B) Andy Diamond (B)

Terry Bennett (A) Bill Schottenheimer (A) Scott Weiler (B)

Bob McDowell (A) Bob Zyra (A) Tom Garrett, Sr. (A)

Financial Auditors

Class 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015

Jodi Panizza (A) Diane Shepherd (A) Kathy Morgan (B)

Lucy Hawk (A) Peggy Samarin (A) Janet Slack (A)

Nominating Committee—2013

Linda Matchett (2)

Lana Gilbert (2)

Denny Cooper (2)

________________________

________________________

Abbreviations: “A” signifies a first term, “B” signifies a second term, “A-2” signifies a person on their first term that has served two years less than their class year would normally indicate.

Note: Officers may serve continuously for up to six years and then must take one year off. Nominating Committee Members serve one year terms and may serve up to three years consecutively.

MCPRESBY NEWS

CARELIST FEBRUARY, 2013

Ms. Stacy Bennett Mrs. Donna Bennett

Mrs. Joann Bennett Mr. Clarence Brockman

Mrs. Naomi Brockman Ms. Dorothy Blank (Lynn Brockman’s cousin)

Mrs. Dolores Chambola (Ida Galicic’s sister) Mrs. Sylvia Cimarrolli

Mrs. Margie DeFaveri Mrs. Kris Hanczar

Miss Julie Hanczar Mrs. Dorothy Irwin

Mrs. Kat Rickenback (Friend of Lin Nalesnick) Mrs. Roberta Langer

Mr. Floyd Laughlin Mrs. Dorothy Laughlin

Mrs. Jane McRae Mr. Chuck Smith, Sr.

Mrs. Dorothy Smith Mrs. Jean Tucker

Mr. Carl Waspusk Mr. John Walker

Mrs. Carol Wanner (sister of Debbie McGinnis) Mrs. Dorothy Roths

Assisted Living /Rehabilitation

Miss Mary Ann Johnen, Presbyterian Senior Care, South Minster Place, Apartment 336, 880 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 Telephone: 724/250-4951

Mrs. Jo McDowell, Washington Commons, Room 209, 528 Dewey Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Dorothy Blank, Kade Nursing Home, 1198 W. Wylie Avenue, Washington, PA 15301 Telephone: 724/222-2148

Mrs. Hilda Balog, Providence Point Health Care Center, 200 Adams Avenue, Room 139-Memory Support

Unit Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

Mrs. Bea Cerezo, Country Meadows of South Hills, #4, 3570 Washington Pike, Room 414, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

Mrs. Dorothy Roths, Golden Living Center of South Hills, 201 Village Drive, Room 308, Canonsburg, PA 15317. 412/344-9860.

Mrs. Anna Windsheimer, Manor Care, Room 103, 113 McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. 724/941-3080

Mrs. Dorothy Laughlin, Golden Living Center of South Hills, 201 Village Drive, Canonsburg,

PA 15317. 412/344-9860

Mr. John Walker, Consulate Health Care, 100 Tandem Village Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317.

724/743-9000.

The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Mrs. Floyd Laughlin and family on the death of her husband Mr. Floyd Laughlin who passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2013.

MCPRESBY NEWS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

Tammy and Bob McDowell 2/6 Peggy & Frank Samarin 2/11

Nancy & Stanley Lauff 2/16 Debbie & Rex Keslar 2/17

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: Gene Cimmarolli 2/6 Katie Nation 2/7

Suzanne McQuillan 2/8 Jane McRae 2/8

Wilson McWreath 2/8 Peggy Hughey 2/10

Connor McQuillan 2/11 Betty Ryan 2/11

Zoe Unruh 2/12 Michelle Keslar 2/13

Olivia McQuillan 2/13 Hailey Bair 2/14

Brandon Bennett 2/15 Joy Penderville 2/15

Kylie Runtas 2/16 Violet Longstreth 2/23

Cathy McWreath 2/24 Roberta Langer 2/26

Christopher Gladden 2/27 Justin Amsler 2/28

SHROVE DINNER/PANCAKE DINNER

Shrove Dinner/Pancake Dinner on Tuesday, February 12th from 4: 30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Center Church in Midway. Dinner to include pancakes, sausage, mush and more. The tickets are $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12. To reserve a ticket please call 724/796-3351 by Saturday, February 9th. If no answer, please leave a message.

ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians


The following chart outlines the primary meaning of each of the terms used to name this new denomination.

PLAN OF MISSION TEAM

Nearly five years ago a group of our members assembled to put together a Strategic Plan for our congregation. This planning process gave vision to much of what we have been able to accomplish as a church including our small group emphasis as well as the Lighting the Way Campaign. The time has come for us to take another look at where we are as a congregation and where we should be focusing our energies. As a component of the discernment process we are in with our Presbytery this is also a requirement for us. We will in effect be able to accomplish several things at once in just a few meetings.

On Monday February 18th and Monday March 4th we will hold a meeting of our Plan of Mission Team. It is important for us to have good representation from our congregation at these meetings in order for us to accomplish our work. We will meet in Trinity Center Fellowship Hall at 7:00pm on these two evenings. Please notify Pastor Justin if you would like to participate in this important project.

CONGREGATION CONFERENCE

If you have not yet registered for our Congregational Conference on Saturday, February 9, 2013, please sign up in the Parlor of Calvary Center or contact Cindy in the Church Office at 724/926-8561. Currently there are fifty (50) members regis-tered and our goal is to have eighty (80) members attend. You participation is needed and very much appreciated.

MCPRESBY NEWS

Abbreviation Key—Choir

BC: Bell Choir; KC: Kids Choir; AC: Adult Choir; YC: Youth Choir

FEBRUARY 2013

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 AA’s 2 Ground Hog Day

3 Sunday School 9:30

a.m.

Worship 10:45 a.m.

Communion

Installation of Officers

4 5 Dart Ball 7:00 p.m.

Trinity Ctr. Fellowship Hall

Trustee’s Mtg.

Trinity Ctr. Library

7:30 p.m.

Boy Scouts Calvary Ctr.

6 MYM 7 Cub Scouts Cal. Ctr.

6:00 p.m. BC

7:15 Women’s Choir

7:30 p.m. AC

8 AA’s 9 Congregational

Conference 10:00 a.m.—3:45 p.m.

Calvary Ctr.


a.m.

Worship 10:45 a.m.

11 Session Mtg. Trinity Ctr. Fel-lowship Hall 7:00 p.m.

12 Dart Ball 7:00 p.m.

Trinity Ctr. Fellowship Hall

Boy Scouts Calvary Ctr, Fellowship Hall

13 PW Ash

Wednesday Ser-vice 10:00 a.m. Trin. Ctr.

Lenten Service 7:30 p.m. McDon. Bible Methodist

MYM

14 Cub Scouts

6:45 p.m. KC

7:15 Women’s & KC

7:30 p.m. AC

Valentine’s Day

15 AA’s 16 Snow Day for

Congregational Con-ference


a.m.

Worship 10:45 a.m.

18 19 Boy Scouts Calvary

Ctr, Fellowship Hall

20 MYM

Lenten Service

7:30 p.m. Center UP Church

21 Cub Scouts

6:00 p.m. BC

7:30 p.m. AC

Lioness’ Trinity Ctr Fellowship Hall 7:00 p.m.

22 AA’s

23 Cub Scouts Blue &

Gold Dinner 11:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M. Calvary Ctr.


a.m.

Worship 10:45 a.m.

Pine Springs Camp/

Hop-a-Thon

25 26 Boy Scouts Calvary

Ctr, Fellowship Hall

27 MYM

Lenten Service Midway United Methodist 7:30 p.m.

28 Cub Scouts

6:45 p.m. KC

7:30 p.m. AC

Non Profit Org.

US POSTAGE PAID

MCDONALD, PA

PERMIT NO. 9

McDonald Presbyterian

Church

Worship Site:

202 West Lincoln Avenue

McDonald, PA 15057

Offices Located at:

119 Station Street

McDonald, PA 15057

Telephone:

724/926-8561

February 2013 Newsletter

R ETURN SERVICE REQESTED

Website:

www.mcdonaldpres.org

Staff:

Rev. Justin Amsler

Pastor

[email protected]

724/699-0157

Christian Ed. Director

Heather Weiler

724/926-8561

Director of MYM

Summer Steele

724/926-8561

[email protected]

Syndria Lowe

Choir Director

Donna Klimas

Organist

Custodial Staff

Summer Steele

Paul Winters

Church Secretary

Cindy Sell

[email protected]

724/926-8561

Office Hours

Monday—Friday

9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Fall/Winter Service

10:45 a.m.

Summer Service

10:00 a.m.

2012 MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Did you know that McDonald Presbyterian Church has a memorial fund? It has long been a tradition in our church to mark someone's entering into the Kingdom Triumphant with a contribution to the church in their name. In 2012 the below individuals made contribu-tions in memory of those listed:

In memory of Mrs. Gert Janssens to McDonald Youth Ministres (MYM):

Rebecca Gladden, Mary Lou Cooper, Mrs. Lila Mae and Miss Nancy Turk, Mrs. Margaret Hughey, Mrs.

Hannah Fay Descutner, Ms. Mary Vraninin, and Wal-Mart Employees

In memory of Mrs. Gert Janssens to the Memorial Fund

Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Brockman

In memory of Mr. Alvin Berthold to the Memorial Fund

Mrs. Lila Mae and Miss Nancy Turk and Mrs. Juanita M. Berthold

In Memory of Alvin Berthold to the Washington County Community Foundation: Ms. Ellen Bednar, Mr. & Mrs. John Penderville, James and Donna Yanoskik, Mr. Edward Gilbert and Margaret Anke.

resbyterian omen ash ednesday w

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