Midweek Newsletter: Wednesday, July 26th, 2023.

 

From:

The News Desk 

To: First Presbyterian Church

July 26^th, 2023

Your Weekly Edition of Narthex News is here!

Hello Church! Welcome to the weekly edition of the Narthex News. Today’s installment will share with you:

·         REMINDERS

·         GOURMET SEEKERS THIS FRIDAY!

·         CARING SUNDAY EXTENDED

·         MUSIC NOTES

·         CELEBRATIONS

·         BICYCLES TO SHARE?

·         NO TRICYCLE EVENT

·         WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL

·         PRAYER ROOM

Reminders:

Liturgists! Liturgist for July is Bess Wilkes.

Live & Learn! No Live & Learn for July, since Pastor Je will be out of town. First weekend in August, Live & Learn may start up again; more info on that yet to come.

Treats! Do you like treats?

Do you like to spend time with your friends after service on a Sunday? There is something about a plate of cookies or some other fun, pleasantly arranged selection of tasty treats that lends an air of welcome to a room. There is something about a pot of coffee and an offering of goodies that invites one to stay a while, say hello, lend a smile or an ear and, generally, be a friend.

We recognize that binging a treat to share is a sacrifice of your time, your attentions, and your resources. We also recognize it is a gift. We thank you for sharing that gift – the gift of your time and talents as well as the gift of  yourself.

Would you consider sharing a treat on Sundays, to contribute towards fellowship time? Please let Gretel know in the office if you are interested: gretel@lebanonfpc.org

Bring a treat and give a smile!

Suggestions for treats (if you need inspiration):

July 30^th: “Heavenly Chocolate”;  “Divine Donuts”; “Summer  Fun Cookies”

Gourmet Seekers: This Friday the Gourmet Seekers will head to Harmony Japanese Steakhouse in Whitestown. Meet at the church at 11:30 to carpool. Sorry for the last minute notice! Hope you can come along! Should be delicious!

Caring Sunday Extended: Last Sunday was Caring Sunday, but we’ve extended it to give you more time to bring things in. If you have anything you wish to leave in the drop box in the lobby, you may bring it in this week or this coming Sunday. Thank you for your generosity. There is no pressure here – just share as you are able and as you wish to do so. The following is a reminder of the kinds of things you could share:

In addition to basic food staples, The Caring Center are always in need of basic household items which help in setting up housekeeping, such as: small kitchen appliances; pots & pans; dishes, glasses/cups; coffee makers; microwaves; crock pots & electric skillets; vacuums; towels & washcloths. If your contribution(s) do not fit in the box provided, please leave them near the box in the lobby and someone from the church will see that the items are delivered to The Caring Center

Music Notes: Make A Joyful Noise!

Can you sing, play an instrument, are you dramatic (in a good way)? We need you!  I'm looking for members who would like to sing, play an instrument, or provide monologues or dramatic readings in our July and August services. Please email me or let me know at church if you are one of these people, I know you are out there!

In love and service, Lisa Hutcheson Worship Coordinator (lisahutcheson@yahoo.com)

Celebrations:

Happy birthday to Janet Landon, 8/1!

May the  gift of God’s grace strengthen you,

The gift of God’s presence comfort you,

And the gift of God’s love refresh you

Bicycles to Share?    Do you have any bicycles you are not using and wish to part with? I have learned of a ministry  that could use them. Contact  Gretel in the office for more details.

No Tricycle Event:  While we’re talking about cycles, here is another reminder that the tricycle event that was scheduled for August has been canceled.

 

Weekly Devotional: “So I will be with you”

“. . . as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)

            Companion. Friend. Footsteps along the path right beside yours. A Counselor on call 24/7. Need an ear to listen? A shoulder to lean on? Need to cry unchecked with someone who will simply support with comforting presence? We have all this and more through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

In the above passage from the book of Joshua, God promised to be with Joshua as He was with Moses. This is an incredible promise. Moses knew God as no one else had. Moses’ relationship with God was unique and Joshua’s relationship with God would be unique as well. However, God’s presence with Moses was not a one-time thing, solely reserved for him. God was going to be with Joshua as well. Joshua’s instructions were to get up and go (1:2), but he would not be going alone. Joshua had a huge task ahead of him: a nation to lead, a land to conquer, enemies to subdue, challenges with his people that had yet to present themselves but would certainly arise. Those are just a few of the hurdles Joshua would need to overcome. But along with the big job ahead of him, Joshua had an even bigger God. God spoke directly to Joshua and assured him of His faithful and Holy-committed presence. How especially comforting this would have been to Joshua at this time, as Moses had just recently died. (1:2)

Moments before Jesus ascended to be with His Heavenly Father, Jesus told His disciples that they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”. (Acts 1:8) The Holy Spirit did come and Jesus’ disciples were filled with power. But the presence of the Holy Spirit was not reserved just for them. Jesus left a promise for all of us that He would give “another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in  you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18) A little further on, Jesus elaborated even more about the Holy Spirit: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

Earlier this year, a dear companion of mine died. To some, he may have been just a kitty. To me, he was my best friend, a source of comfort, consolation, encouragement, and joy. Every day I recognize his absence. Though I may someday have another kitty friend, no one will ever be able to fill the place my Butterscotch left behind. Now let me tell you, I have a sweet hallelujah, joyous sunshine in my soul, when I think upon the gracious fact that I have another Friend who will never die. He is a forever companion. He is the greatest source of comfort, consolation, encouragement and joy. Yes, He challenges and convicts. Yes, there are times when He says, “arise and go”, and I know there is a big task ahead of me. But, as Joshua was not left to tackle his problems alone, neither am I. I am not alone and neither are you. Today, God says to you: “So I will be with you.” May you find joy and strength in this, my friend.

 

Prayer Room:

Here at FPC, prayer is important to us. Are you interested in joining the prayer chain? Would you like to learn more about the role of prayer in our lives? Please contact Phyllis Duff, Prayer Coordinator, at (765)482-1485/ raduff2@att.net. 

The  following prayer is based on the worship song “I Love You, Lord” by the Maranatha Praise Band:

Dear Heavenly Father, “I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You – Oh my soul, rejoice! Take joy, my King, in what You hear; may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.”  Amen.