Conquering Fear Takes Faith! Mark 9:22-24

June 2012

St. Peter’s Reformed Church

314-320 E. Grandview Avenue

Zelienople, PA 16063

(724) 452-8120

stpzelie.org

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“[The boy’s father said,] ‘If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!’ Jesus said, ‘If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.’ No sooner were the words out of his mouth

than the father cried, ‘Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!’” (Mark 9:22b–24 MSG).

Is it possible to be filled with faith and doubt at the same time? Yes! Just ask some of our confirmands and mentors that went on this year’s Confirmation Retreat to Refreshing Mountain Camp in Lancaster, PA the end of April. You can have faith that God wants you to do something and still be scared to death. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is going ahead and doing what you’re called to do in spite of your fear. As part of our Confirmation Retreat experience, the class participated in a ‘Zip-line” course, being 40ft, 50ft, and even 60ft in the air and jumping off a very small platform that sent them “zipping” through the air, across the tree tops and landing on the next platform, only to do it again! My advice to the confirmands (and especially a few of the mentors!) was that, “You have to begin with the faith you already have; it may be just a little, but start there.” A beautiful example of this is the story of the man who brought his sick son to Jesus in Mark 9. Jesus looked at the man and said, “I can heal your son. If you will believe, I will heal him.” The father then makes a classic statement: “Lord, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.” Have you ever felt like that? “Lord, I have some faith. But I also have some doubts.” This man was filled with faith and doubt, yet despite his honest doubts, he went ahead and asked Jesus for a miracle. And he got his miracle—Jesus healed his son. And despite the doubts of some of our students, who really feared heights, they took the “leap of faith” and conquered those fears! Mustard seed faith moves mountains. No matter how weak or how frail you think your faith is, it’s enough to get you through what you’re facing because your “little faith” is in a BIG GOD. Alleluia! Matthew 17:20 says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed . . . Nothing will be impossible for you.” That’s not a lot of faith; in fact, it’s just a little faith. But what else does that verse teach? “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move,’ and it will move” (NIV). Mustard seed faith moves mountains. Everybody has faith. You had faith this morning when you ate your cereal—faith that your spouse didn’t put poison in your granola! You had faith when you sat down in your computer chair—faith that it wouldn’t collapse. Everybody has faith; the difference is what you put your faith in.

June’s

Theme

Is

Evangelism!

(FAITH, Continued from page 1) God wants you start with the faith you have, and based on the example of the mustard seed, you don’t need a whole lot of faith to do great things for God. You just need a little. My heroes on the Confirmation Retreat were Lexi Smith (blind), who had to have ‘blind faith’ and trust in a zip-line that she couldn’t even see!; Jake Sybert, who was incredibly fearful of heights, yet stepped up to the plate and trusted God to deliver him of his fear; Emily McMaster, who started out great, but then got some wobbly knees toward the end – only to get stuck over the lake. Her faith was tested and she passed with flying colors; and of course Cheryl Harancher, mentor to Lexi Smith, who spoke words of courage to put Lexi’s mind at ease, all the while hugging the platform tree in fear!

So here’s a trustworthy equation: Little Faith + Big God = Huge Results!

• You take your little faith; “Lord, I believe! Help me with my unbelief!”

• And you place your faith in our big God and then he’ll show you how he works out huge results!

Praying that ALL will conquer whatever fears them! In Christ,

Pastor Jim

Emily McMaster ~

Ropes Course

Jake Sybert ~

Ropes Course

Cheryl Harancher ~

Zip-Line

Thank You … Thank You … Thank You!

Thanks so much to the Chaperones for the 2012 Confirmation Retreat:

Steven Allaman; Kendra Bertoti; Cheryl Harancher; & Denise Knauff

Your high-spirited enthusiasm and love for our kiddo’s help to make our retreat a

Success!

Summer Camp 2012

Inside Out

Romans 12:2 Come experience God’s Love, camping, Bible study and fun this summer at an accredited Christian camp. Seneca Hills is for you, especially the youth —to lead you to a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The dates for various ages are from June 10 until August 11.

Camp with Me

Ages 5—8 ~ Mom, Dad, Grandparents can join you for 3 days.

June 10—12, June 12—14, June 14—16, July 1—3, July 5 –7

Primary Camp Junior High Camp

Ages 6—8 ~ 2 nights experience Ages 12 –14 ~ 1 week

July 1—3, July 5—7 June 17—23, July 15—21, July 29—August 4

Junior Camp Senior High Camp

Ages 9—11 ~ 1 week Ages 15—18

June 10—16, July 8—14, July 22 –28, August 5—11 June 24—30

Family Camp

Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends

Prepare yourself for an incredible week with a new and exciting experience.

For more information or cost contact the church school office or Flo Gross at 724-452-8729. Early registration discount is available until April 1, 2012.

Seneca Hills is located near Franklin, PA.

Summer Sunday School

This summer we are trying something different. We are pulling all the Sunday School classes that don’t usually meet in the summer together and having a big group

Sunday School. All we need is volunteers to lead just one Sunday. We have fun activities including music, Bible Olympics, scavenger hunts, book review and we are always open to new ideas if you have any. There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board; we really need everyone’s help if we are going to make this work for

the kids.

Consistory Personnel for 2012:Consistory Personnel for 2012:Consistory Personnel for 2012:

Rev. James R. Bertoti Rev. James R. Bertoti Rev. James R. Bertoti --- Senior PastorSenior PastorSenior Pastor

Elders:Elders:Elders:

Scott Fisher, President Scott Fisher, President Scott Fisher, President Committee Chair People:Committee Chair People:Committee Chair People:

Jim Rogan, Vice PresidentJim Rogan, Vice PresidentJim Rogan, Vice President Audit Committee Audit Committee Audit Committee --- Ralph Geis / Betty SoltisRalph Geis / Betty SoltisRalph Geis / Betty Soltis

Eric KennedyEric KennedyEric Kennedy Cemetery Board Cemetery Board Cemetery Board --- Ken WilliamsKen WilliamsKen Williams

Ed KnauffEd KnauffEd Knauff Christian Education Christian Education Christian Education --- Ralph Gross/Flo GrossRalph Gross/Flo GrossRalph Gross/Flo Gross

Bob MarshallBob MarshallBob Marshall Personnel Personnel Personnel --- Keith WeymanKeith WeymanKeith Weyman

Ralph GrossRalph GrossRalph Gross Nominations Nominations Nominations --- Bob MarshallBob MarshallBob Marshall

Food Bank Food Bank Food Bank --- Becky KaelinBecky KaelinBecky Kaelin

Deacons:Deacons:Deacons: Funeral Lunches Funeral Lunches Funeral Lunches --- Sandy NolteSandy NolteSandy Nolte

Ralph Geis, ChairpersonRalph Geis, ChairpersonRalph Geis, Chairperson Investments Investments Investments --- Harold HerrHarold HerrHarold Herr

Betty SoltisBetty SoltisBetty Soltis Mission / Outreach Mission / Outreach Mission / Outreach --- Jim RoganJim RoganJim Rogan

Harold HerrHarold HerrHarold Herr We Care We Care We Care --- Cindy HartCindy HartCindy Hart

Debbie SullivanDebbie SullivanDebbie Sullivan Ministry / Worship Ministry / Worship Ministry / Worship --- Dayne StaufferDayne StaufferDayne Stauffer

Consistory Liaison Consistory Liaison Consistory Liaison --- Scott FisherScott FisherScott Fisher

Trustees:Trustees:Trustees: Web Site Committee Web Site Committee Web Site Committee --- John Schulte/Eric Kennedy John Schulte/Eric Kennedy John Schulte/Eric Kennedy

John Schulte John Schulte John Schulte --- ChairpersonChairpersonChairperson Women’s Ministry Women’s Ministry Women’s Ministry --- Bea BarnaBea BarnaBea Barna

Rick WeaverRick WeaverRick Weaver Communion Communion Communion --- Bob Marshall/Ed KnauffBob Marshall/Ed KnauffBob Marshall/Ed Knauff

Bob GoehringBob GoehringBob Goehring

Matt JacobsMatt JacobsMatt Jacobs

For any questions or concerns contact Scott Fisher:: 724For any questions or concerns contact Scott Fisher:: 724For any questions or concerns contact Scott Fisher:: 724---462462462---8137 or by email at: 8137 or by email at: 8137 or by email at: s9211@zoominternet.nets9211@zoominternet.nets9211@zoominternet.net

“Then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my “Then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my “Then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.” household we will serve the Lord.” household we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15

Consistory Highlights – May 2012

Pastor Jim reported that the confirmation retreat was a success. They had Bible studies and videos which included “Life Without Limits” about Nick Vujicic, a man born with no arms and legs. His story is an example of the metamorphosis and unity when we accept Christ into our life. For activities, they rode zip lines and went to see the play Jonah.

The sermon theme for May is Humility with Bob Marshall giving his perspective.

Pastor feels things are going smoothly and that Denise, our new Youth and Christian Education Director is phenomenal.

Denise reported that new youth group series on pop culture with sensory learning is going well with good interaction. She is working on a Community Carnival for Rally Day, saying “if God is in it, He will bless it.” This is a form of outreach to bring people to Sunday school. Home visitations for this was mentioned with two or three going to visit and also send invitations to come.

The youth group is planning some renovation to the youth room in August using money from their budget. Heather Zeigler, daughter of Jean Palmer, requested that memorial money for her mother be used for the young kids coming up.

Church giving is ahead of budget for this year.

Windows were installed in the Sunday School building and the automatic door near the elevator is in. Remaining windows in the parish house and new storm door should be completed the week of May 21st. The sound system is nearly completed.

Sharon is getting substitutes for the organ and Pam is getting special music together for the summer.

Outdoor worship at the Lutz farm will be on July 15th with an early church service for those not able to attend worship at the farm.

There is now a church activities calendar on our website which shows anytime the church is scheduled for use. To schedule an event, contact Jeannie and if available, she will add it to the calendar. All lights should be turned off and doors locked when a group is finished using the facilities.

The Elders met with and questioned the confirmands: Emily Bird, Alex Cunningham, Olivia Double, Gabby Sybert and Jake Sybert. They were asked about their strengths and weaknesses, struggles in their Christian walk, faith, and their relationship with Jesus Christ. They offered what they hoped to get and give by being a member of St. Peter’s. They were asked about their Christian walk, their favorite Bible character, characteristics of the 4C’s, sacraments we celebrate, the Trinity, important parts of the worship service, and any questions they had for the Elders. They recited the Books of the Bible, Ten Commandments, and named the twelve Disciples. They are a very impressive group. They were recommended and approved for membership.

A Reminder … if you need to use the Fellowship Room for

any reason, please be sure to clear it with the church

office (Jeannie). Our church is a busy place, we Want to Be

Careful of double-booking!

Dear St. Peter’s Church,

We wish to thank the We Care Committee, Cindy Hart and Bob and Judy Marshall for the Easter box filled with so many goodies.

We enjoyed Bob and Judy’s visit when they played the Easter Bunny. In Christian love,

Alton and Jean Davison

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear St Peter’s Family,

Thank you so much for helping to make my 90th birthday a special one.

The floral arrangement was unique and very beautiful. I loved it!

Lois Frazier

THANK YOU St. Peters family for all your love and support for the Palmer Family. The prayers, cards, food, blanket, monetary donations and phone calls were greatly appreciated.

Trusting in the LORD - The Palmer Family

THANK YOU to the "Insight" class for the beautiful wind chimes in memory of our mom. Your love, support and friendship mean allot to us.

Trusting in the LORD - Doug and Erin Palmer and

Ed and Heather Zeigler

THANK YOU Pastor Jim and Kendra for all the prayers, love and visits to mom. She loved your leadership and your beliefs. She truly loved... the LORD and you contributed to her daily walk with him.

Trusting in the LORD - The Palmer Family

Everyone can give big thanks to the Fidelity class for purchasing the new planters outside , Suzie Rape for buying and planting the flowers and Trudy Lukes will keep them watered!...many parts of one body working together, under GOD's roof!

Thanks be to HIM!

June 2012

Greetings and Happy Summer everyone!! It’s time to pick up some good books in our library to read in the sun, by the pool, or in your air conditioned house. I have some new non-fiction books to tell you about, but first I want to tell you about the “John Kraynik Memorial Library”. This is a separate library, located in the purple room (PJ’s classroom) on the second floor of the Education Building.

This is a new library containing all of the books that belonged to John Kraynik, and have been donated by his family for our use as a congregation. There are commentaries by John Calvin, J.C.Ryle, Hendrickson, John Wesley, and Charles Spurgeon; as well as study series in DVD, CD, Audio Cassette, and Video Cassette including study guides, and some include books written on the same topics as the media.

The study series are by many famous authors such as Charles Swindoll, John Macarthur, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah, and RC Sproul. These tools may be used by anyone for personal study or leading a group study.

Each of the books, including the study guides have a library card in them. Please sign and date the card and put it in the index box on top of the short shelves. The CD’s, DVD’s, Audio and Video Cassettes are to be signed out on the sheet provided in the same area as the card box with your name and the date taken out.

These wonderful teaching tools are there for YOUR use. Please do so at your leisure.

Now, I have some new non- fiction books to tell you about. These are in the library located in the Sunday School office.

GRACE AND TRUTH by J.F.Strombeck. “The precious truth of the Grace of God as set forth in John’s Gospel is brought out most clearly and vividly by this author.” It is refreshing to the soul, deeply instructive,and presented so that the simplest believer ought to be able to grasp it.

CELEBRATE THE RISEN CHRIST. This book contains selections from Christian authors….Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Jack Hayford, Anne Graham Lotz, Max Lucado, John MacArthur, Charles Stanley, and Charles Swindoll, that celebrate the risen Christ.

THE BOOK OF PSALMS. This book contains the Psalms from chapter one through chapter 150 in the NIV Version of the Bible.

AKIANNE, HER LIFE, HER ART, HER POETRY. This is a book of paintings, one of which is the picture of Jesus that Colton Burpo saw and recognized as the Jesus he saw when he was in heaven for a short time during surgery. (Heaven is for Real).

19 GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT by Leslie Flynn. What are the 19 gifts? Are they all for today? What is their purpose? How can one discover and put to use his own gifts? All these questions, plus a careful examination of gifts revealed in the Bible, are included in this in depth study.

That’s it for this month. Happy reading and studying until next time.

St. Peter’s Reformed Church Librarian, Sandy Nolte.

LIBRARY NOTES

Hello All,

A HUGE thank you to all of you who participated in the annual Mail-Carriers Food Drive! We were blessed with an abundance of new donations. So thanks again! That being said we are currently serving 90 families, thus there is always a need.

Blessings and Peace,

Katie Tomo, MSW

Director,

Southwest Butler County Food Cupboard

557 Perry Highway

Harmony PA 16037

Food Cupboard Needs for June

Rice/Pasta Sides Boxed Potatoes

Non-sugary cereals Muffin/Cookie/Brownie Mixes

Ready to Eat Pasta Canned Beans (various varieties)

Kid friendly foods Fruit

Non Food Items:

Sunscreens Paper Products Personal Care Items

Also, if any of you see a sale on sunscreen and can buy in bulk, please let me

know. We have about 30 families and that would be super for the children this

summer! Thanks!

SOUTHWEST BUTLER COUNTY FOOD CUPBOARD

557 Perry Highway

Harmony, PA 16037

Phone: 724.453.4184

Website: www.swbcfc.org

Hands Helping Hearts

Community Dinner June 8, 2012

5:00 ~ 7:00 p.m.

Stuffed Shells and Meatballs

Proceeds to benefit the Joplin Mission Trip

Celebrating June Birthdays:

John Burkett ~ June 2 ~ 88 years young

Ralph and Ruth Gross ~ June14 ~ 52 years

Alton and Jean Davison ~ June 19 ~ 72 years

Summer Mission Trip 2012

Joplin Missouri

As many of you are aware … the mid-west was hit hard with tornadoes during the spring of 2011. In an effort to bring forth relief, St. Peter’s will be taking a group of workers to “Lend-a-hand”.

If you are interested in joining the group on this life-changing adventure, please sign up in the Breezeway (bulletin board). Adults and Youth (Grade 7 & up) are encouraged to go! Our goal is to bring hope and restoration to an area that is in need.

The dates for the trip are July 22—29, 2012. We will be hosted by Abundant Life Christian Center, Joplin, MO and working with Rebuild Joplin. If interested in helping to plan, please talk to Tina Geis.

Once again this year we will be holding a change drive to help with the costs of

Vacation Bible School. This year we are traveling to “Babylon” to meet Daniel and

learn about his adventures and friends!

Each person will be able to experience what it would have been like to live in

Babylon; meeting the citizens, shopping at the marketplace and visiting the palace.

Some of the Youth will be stationed throughout the church to collect the “gold coins”

to help create our marketplace and palace.

Thank you in advance for your help with this endeavor!

Collection Dates:

Sunday, May 13th

Sunday, May 20th

Vacation Bible School

July 9-13th, 2010

6:15-8:30pm

4 Years Old-5th Grade (Completed)

A Registration form is on the following page, one per child needed.

We are always looking for new helpers too! If you have completed 6th Grade and are

interested in helping us out you can find forms in the Meet and Greet area of the

church.

Please note that there will be an option of two training secessions held on June 3rd (1-

3pm) and June 9th (9-11am) at the church for all helpers. The training is extremely

important this year as the we will be measuring for costumes.

VBS Director,

Sara Jacobs

mandsjacobs@zoominternet.net

VBS 2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1Church Office

Closed

2 pm~Flea Market

Set-up

2 Flea Market

8:00—2:00 pm

3 9:00 am ~ Sunday

School

10:15 am ~

Worship

1 pm ~ VBS

Training

4 Women’s Ministry

Board Mtg.

7:00—9:30 pm

5 6 9:00 am ~Prayer

Group

7:00 pm ~ Choir

Rehearsal

7 9:00 am ~ Dorcas

Circle

6:30 pm ~ Project

Hope

8 Church Office

Closed

5-7 pm ~

Community

Dinner

9 VBS Training

9-11 a.m.

10 9:00 am ~ Sunday

School

10:15 am ~

Worship

6-8 pm ~ YG

11 12 6 pm ~ Elders Mtg.

7 pm ~ Consistory

Meeting

13 9:00 am ~Prayer

Group

14 15 Church Office

Closed

YG Lock-In

7:00 pm ~ 9:00 am

16

17 9:00 am ~ Sunday

School

10:15 am ~

Worship

Happy Father’s

Day!

18 19 20 9:00 am ~Prayer

Group

21 9:00 am ~ Dorcas

Circle

22 Church Office

Closed

23

24 9:00 am ~ Sunday

School

10:15 am ~

Worship ~

Graduate

Recognition

25 26 27 9:00 am ~Prayer

Group

28 29 Church Office

Closed

30

June 2012