February Newsletter

 Virginia Carol Hussong

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear member, Virginia Carol Hussong, who entered eternal rest on Tuesday, December 31st, at the age of 90. Virginia was a beloved member of our church and community, known for her faithful service and dedication.

 Born in Lebanon on July 24th, 1934, Virginia led a full and meaningful life. She held various roles throughout her career, including secretary to the superintendent of Lebanon School Corporation and positions at Boone County State Bank. Her commitment to service extended to our church, where she served as a financial secretary and remained an active and devoted member throughout her life.

 As a lifelong Presbyterian, Virginia’s faith shone brightly in all she did, leaving an enduring legacy of love and dedication to God and her church family. Her funeral service was held on Thursday, January 9th, at Myers Mortuary.

 Let us remember Virginia with gratitude for her life and service and keep her family in our prayers during this time of loss. May the peace and comfort of Christ be with all who mourn her passing.

John Edward Morton

We mourn the passing of John Edward Morton, who entered eternal rest on Saturday, January 11th, at his home in Auburn, IN, at the age of 96. John was born on January 2nd, 1929, in Boone County, where he grew up in a large farm family with one brother and seven sisters.

 A lifetime farmer and devoted Presbyterian, John lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. He also bravely served his country during the Korean War, where he was critically wounded in combat but miraculously survived and recovered. For his heroic service, John was awarded numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Presidential Unit Citation, among others.

 To clarify family connections, George Morton is the second cousin of John’s son, Ramon Morton.

 A Celebration of Life service was held in the church sanctuary on Saturday, January 18th, with his grandson, Andrew, preaching and Pastor Je presiding.

 John’s life was a testament to courage, dedication, and faith. Let us honor his memory by celebrating the legacy of love and service he leaves behind, and may we keep his family in our prayers during this time of loss.

Epiphany Sunday

The first Sunday of this year was Epiphany Sunday, a beautiful culmination of our Advent and Christmas journey. As part of our tradition, we once again distributed guiding stars, words of inspiration for prayer and reflection throughout the year. These stars serve as spiritual companions, reminding us to seek God’s guidance in all we do.


This year’s Epiphany Sunday marked the grand finale of the season, which began with the anticipation of the first Advent Sunday and reached its joyous climax on Christmas Day. The season concluded in a remarkable way with the Duologue of the Magi, an unforgettable presentation by the father-son duo, George Piper II and Benjamin Piper. Their heartfelt performance gave us the perfect ending, bringing the story of the Magi’s journey to life and leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

 As we move forward into this new year, we carry with us the hope, joy, and guidance of the season that has just passed. And yes, we are already looking forward with excitement to the next Advent and Christmas season!

Baptism of Twin Babies

We are thrilled to introduce the youngest and newest members of our church family: the beautiful twin babies Roman and Eden Nunley. They are the children of Ryan and Echo Nunley. On Sunday, January 12th, these precious little ones were baptized by Pastor Je in a meaningful and joyous ceremony.



Just as baby Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and faith, we trust that these tiny infants will grow in spirit and body, nurtured by God’s love and grace. While infant baptism is a sacred moment of dedication for the parents, it is also a call to us as their church family. Together, we pledged to support Roman and Eden in raising them in the faith of Jesus Christ.

 Let us embrace this commitment as a team, walking alongside these little ones and their parents, sharing our love, guidance, and prayers. May we all work together to raise them in the light of God’s love and the faith that binds us as a community.

Elders Ordained and Installed

On Sunday, January 19th, we celebrated the ordination of Barbara Belt as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This ordination grants her authority to serve in all PC(USA) congregations, as well as in denominations in full communion with PC(USA), such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Church of Christ. As an ordained ruling elder, Barbara shares the same authority and responsibility as pastors (teaching elders or Ministers of Word and Sacrament), serving the same God with faith and dedication.

 Barbara was also installed to serve on the Session of our congregation alongside previously ordained elders: Dennis Brannon, Nancy Kincaid, and Amy Morrison. These newly installed elders will begin their first three-year term, joining together to provide spiritual leadership, vision, and care for our church family.

 Let us pray for these leaders, encourage them in their faith, and support them as they undertake the responsibilities of ministry. As a church community, may we walk alongside them, sharing the joys and challenges of ministry together in the love of Christ.

Gourmet Seekers

On January 31st Gourmet Seekers met for lunch at Leon’s Mexican Cuisine in Lebanon.



Our next gathering is scheduled for Friday, February 28th with lunch starting at noon.   The location will be announced soon.

SouperBowl of Caring

It’s that time of year again—the nation is abuzz with excitement, and companies are spending millions on just a few seconds of commercial airtime. The Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 9th, and this year the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs, who are making Super Bowl history as the first team to win back-to-back championships for two consecutive years. And let’s not forget the buzz around Taylor Swift’s connection to the Chiefs!

 But as wonderful Christians, our excitement for the big game is matched by our care for our neighbors. That’s why we’re joining the Souper Bowl of Caring, a nationwide movement to tackle hunger in our local communities.

 For us, Super Bowl Sunday is also Souper Bowl Sunday! During worship on February 9th, we will collect a special offering, with 100% of the donations going to The Caring Centre in Lebanon, which serves families in need right here in our community.

 To participate, simply mark your envelope or cheque with “Souper  Bowl.” Let’s make this day not only about football history but also about sharing God’s love and compassion with our neighbors.

 Join us in turning a day of celebration into an opportunity to serve others. Together, we can make a difference!

 



Shoe Collection

13th Annual Reuse Heart and Sole Shoe Collection will run February 3rd-18th. A collection bag/bin will be in the foyer of the church on the 2nd. All types of shoes will be collected and sorted by non-profit Changing Footprints. Pairs in reusable condition will be redistributed to those in need and tennis shoes that are unusable will be recycled with Nike’s ReGrind Program. Please help the collection of shoes by:

·        pairing shoes together

·        no extra bags or boxes

·        all donations should be placed in the collection bag/bin

*This program is sponsored by Boone County Solid Waste Management District

Session Cluster Assignments for 2025

The first Session meeting of the year took place on Tuesday, January 21st, where one of the key tasks was assigning elders to clusters. Below is the list of clusters and the elders who will oversee them:

 

  • Finance Cluster: Sigmon Myers
  • Personnel Cluster: Dennis Brannon
  • Care & Nurture: Nancy Kincaid
  • Property: Roy Flanary
  • Mission & Outreach: Not Assigned Yet
  • Discipleship (Worship Team Liaison): Amy Morrison
  • Nominating Cluster: Amy Morrison
  • Public Relations: Barbara Belt
  • Clerk of Session: Arlene Quinn

 

Please keep these elders in your prayers as they take on these important roles in the life and ministry of our church. If you have questions or ideas related to a specific cluster, feel free to reach out to the elder in charge. Together, let us support them in their efforts to guide our church with wisdom, love, and faithfulness.

First Communal Luncheon

The Session has approved quarterly communal luncheons for this year, scheduled on the following Sundays:

 

  • February 16th (combined with our Valentine’s Day Celebration)
  • June 8th
  • August 24th
  • November 23rd

 Our first luncheon on February 16th will be a special time to celebrate love and fellowship. The church will provide fried chicken from Kroger, and we invite you to bring desserts, appetizers, or other dishes to share. A sign-up sheet will be available for those who wish to contribute.

Let us gather as a church family to enjoy delicious food, warm fellowship, and the love of Christ that binds us together. Mark your calendars and join us for this joyous occasion!

Special Guest Speakers for Luncheons

On Sundays featuring our quarterly communal luncheons, we are excited to welcome guest speakers from various local and international mission organizations. These speakers will deliver a message from the pulpit during the worship service in place of the regular sermon. Afterward, they will join us for the luncheon, where they will be available to answer your questions and engage in meaningful conversations.

 For our first communal luncheon on Sunday, February 16th, we are privileged to have Matt Wilson from the Boone County Mentoring Partnership (BCMP) as our guest speaker.

 BCMP is founded on the belief that kids and teens thrive when paired with caring adults. Their mission is to provide mentorship and support to young people, recognizing that life circumstances—such as losing a parent, facing challenges at home, or simply needing additional guidance—can be eased with a mentor's help. Through one-on-one mentoring, the Youth Assistance Program (YAP), and graduation coaching, BCMP empowers students to succeed academically, achieve personal goals, and enjoy fulfilling lives.

 Matt Wilson has served as BCMP's Executive Director since March 2016. Before that, he gained extensive experience in youth ministry, counselling, and education. Matt holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He and his wife, April, have lived in Boone County since 2003, raising their three daughters alongside their two beloved dogs.

 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the impactful work of BCMP and engage with Matt during the luncheon. Let us come together to celebrate love, fellowship, and the call to serve others in Christ's name.

Taste the Sweetness of God’s Love



February is often associated with love, thanks in part to Valentine’s Day on February 14th. According to legend, St. Valentine was a Christian priest during the Roman Empire. When the emperor banned soldiers from marrying, believing it would make them better warriors, St. Valentine courageously defied the decree by secretly performing weddings. His acts of love and devotion ultimately led to his execution, making him a symbol of sacrificial love.

 Love takes many forms, from eros (romantic love) to philia (friendship) and agape (selfless, divine love). Among these, sacrificial love stands out as the greatest. As Jesus taught, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13, NIV). Jesus demonstrated this ultimate act of love by laying down His life for us, and God confirmed His profound love by sending His only Son into the world to save us.

 While we celebrate human love this month, let us also reflect on and savor the sweetness of God’s love, which surpasses all understanding. To remind us of this divine love, a sweet chocolate symbolizing God’s love will be available for pick-up on Sunday, February 9th, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

 This February, as you cherish your relationships, take time to dwell on the immeasurable love of God, who loves us beyond measure.

Per Capita

Per Capita is a financial commitment made by every Presbyterian in the PC(USA) to support the broader mission and ministry of God’s church. It helps fund the work of the denomination at all levels, ensuring we can carry out God’s call effectively.

 This year, the Per Capita contribution is $44.66 per member, which is distributed as follows:

 

  • $30.01 to the Presbytery of Wabash Valley
  • $3.81 to the Synod of Lincoln Trails
  • $10.84 to the Office of General Assembly

 To contribute, simply mark your offering envelope or cheque with “Per Capita.” Your support ensures that we, as a denomination, can continue to serve God’s mission faithfully and effectively.

 Thank you for your commitment to the ministry of the church and for helping us make a difference together.

Children’s Worship

During the Advent and Christmas season, the children in our congregation delighted in Children’s Story Time with Amy Morrison. Many of our church members enjoyed it as well—some loved listening to the stories, while others simply appreciated having a special time dedicated to our youngest members. 

 


Now, we have wonderful news from the Worship Team! Starting this month (February), Amy Morrison and Janet McConnell will lead a dedicated Children’s Worship on the second and third Sundays of each month. This new opportunity will allow our children to grow in faith and wisdom as they learn what it means to worship God in spirit and truth.

 Let us support and pray for Amy, Janet, and the little ones in our congregation as they embark on this meaningful journey of faith together!

PPM News


Happy February. We survived the cold and snow here at PPM. The classes had fun playing in the snow and making snowmen. PPM celebrated 100 days of school on January 24th. The Pre-K classes counted out 100 items and brought them in for their family project. We had a fun day full of activities. It's hard to believe that we have been in session for 100 days, 100 days of smiles, 100 days of hugs, 100 days of laughter and 100 days of being smarter. 

A Pre-K student asked me "Miss Lori, do you know what 300 plus 300 is? I said no, thinking he didn't really know and was wanting me to tell. He said," It's 600! followed by," You may need to come to our class and learn" 



This has been a challenging month for our staff at PPM, but as a staff member said last week after she learned her aunt had passed; I am ok because these kids make me smile and forget the sadness. We are so blessed to be able to teach, learn from and love these precious children every day.

In February, we will be celebrating Valentine's Day, with teaching kindness and friendship. Our classes will transition from the blues and grays of Winter to hearts of red and pink. 


Do you play a special instrument and have extra time during the week? Miss Natalie would like to introduce instruments and how they sound and look to the kids during music starting in March. If you have an instrument and would like to come demonstrate to the kids, please let me know. 

 Happy Valentine's Day

Blessings, Lori 

 

BYOB

Don’t forget the BYOB—Bring Your Own whatever B— is the second Friday of every month. Hope you can join us this month!

Saturday Bible Study

Bible Study will meet on every Saturday in February. We are currently studying the Book of Genesis, focusing on the ancient Middle Eastern and Hebrew cultures that shape its narrative. Coffee and tea will be provided but you need to bring your own lunch

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is now located on top of the filing cabinets in the church office. We hope to not need it, but it is there just in case!

California Fires

The wildfires in California are almost under control and the fire departments are doing their best risking their lives. So many people lost their homes, and even their lives. The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is actively helping the affected area and the people there. If you would like to help, you may mark your offering envelope or cheque as "PDA" or "California."

Communion Servers Needed

We have Communion once a month, on the first Sunday of each month. We need elders to serve the communion. You can volunteer to serve if you are an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church of U.S.A. (PCUSA). Session has voted to invite those that are not ordained elders to serve as well. If you are interested, there is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board across from the church office. March and April still need volunteers.

 

March Communion Servers:

·        Ben Piper

·        Amy Morrison

·        Your Name

·        Your Name

Voice Actor for the Scripture Reading

We usually have two Scripture readings each Sunday, one from the Old Testament (traditionally read by the liturgist), and the other from the New Testament (traditionally read by the preacher). To make the Scripture come alive to us, we are dramatizing the Scripture reading whenever there is conversation involved in the Scripture readings. If you would help in making the Scripture readings more dynamic, please let Neal Crouse know on the Sunday of your choice.

February Church Calendar

Sat.    1st     11:30am Bible Study

                   Fellowship Hall Reserved

 

Sun.   2nd     Communion Sunday

                   Groundhog Day

 

Sat.    8th     11:30am Bible Study

                   Evan Whipkey’s Birthday 

Mon.  10th    Pastor Je’s vacation starts

 

Fri.     14th   11:30am BYOB

                   Valentine’s Day

                   Pastor Je’s vacation

Sat.    15th    No Bible Study

                   Pastor Je’s vacation

 

Sun.   16th    Quarterly Communal Luncheon

                   Guest Speaker Matt Wilson with

Boone County Mentoring  Partnership

                   Meredith Erwin’s Birthday

 

Mon.  17th   President’s Day

                   Church Office Closed

 

Tues.  18th   6:30pm Session Meeting

 

Wed.   19th   Michelle Dies’ Birthday

Thurs. 20th    Sigmon Myer’s Birthday

 

Sat.    22nd    11:30 am Bible Study

 

Sun.   23rd   Caring Sunday

                   Leanna Woody’s Birthday

 

Fri.     28th    5:30pm Worship Team Meeting

                   Teresa Brannon’s Birthday

                   11:30am Gourmet Seekers

Church Contact Information

Office Email: office@LebanonFPC.org

Pastor Email: pastor@LebanonFPC.org

Phone: 765-482-5959

Address: 128 E. Main St. Lebanon, IN 46052

Website: https://www.LebanonFPC.org

 

 

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