MEMORIAL PRESS731 Walnut Street - P .O. Box 70 - Dayton, Indiana - 47941 (765) 296-3199)

Web: www.daytonpres.org Pastor Justin: pastorjustin@daytonpres.org

Darlene : secretary@daytonpres.org

August, 2013Pastor’s Epistle

Have you seen the most recent Superman movie, The Man of Steel? It’s one of the top grossing movies this summer, in part because of how it was marketed. In addition to the normal television commercials and theater trailers, Warner Brothers specifically targeted churches and their pastors, especially the larger “mega-church” congregations, to say that the Superman movie was going to resonate with Christians because they would easily see how this Superman is very much a savior figure like Jesus Christ. In a June 14, 2013 article “Superman: Flying to a Church Near You”, Eric Marrapodi wrote,

It will be hard for even casual Christians to miss the messianic metaphors in "Man of Steel.” The movie focuses on the origins of Superman, who was sent from the planet Krypton as an infant to save his species. He is raised by surrogate parents who help him grapple with his special powers, even though they don’t fully understand the source of his extraordinary abilities. When he turns 33, Superman must willingly sacrifice himself to save the human race.

Sound familiar?If that’s not enough, as a boy Clark Kent is shown wrestling with his superpowers, and asks his earthly dad, Jonathan Kent,

“Did God do this to me?” “Somewhere out there you have another father and he sent you here for a reason,” says Jonathan Kent. Even the visuals hammer home the messianic motifs. During a fight with his archenemy, General Zod, Superman plunges down to Earth, his arms outstretched as if he were being crucified. Of course, he rises again.

For some reason this allusion to Superman being like Jesus Christ rubbed me the wrong way, but I couldn’t for the life of me understand why. It wasn’t until I watched a commentary by an up and coming director/screenwriter Max Landis articulate his understanding of why Superman is the good guy we’ve come to know and love that I finally realized why I felt this comparison was troubling . Landis said, “Instead of absolute power corrupting absolutely, absolute power has absolved (Superman) from fear and greed and hate, and all the weaknesses that stem from human insecurity. What’s special about Superman is that he will always make the right choice (because he has such absolute power).”

I pretty much agree with Landis’ assessment of the reason why Superman is the hero he is, which is why all this recent talk about how Superman is like Jesus bothers me. The power that Jesus embodies and demonstrates is exactly the opposite kind of power that Superman wields. Instead of possessing superhuman abilities that frees him from any kind of danger; Jesus Christ was fully human, albeit without sin, and had no more protection than you or I from the attack of evil. Although Jesus is the son of God, the power that he has is the power of faith, a faith that finds strength in the giving of gracious service and sacrificial love. As Paul wrote,

Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8

As I reflect on my dissatisfaction about using Superman as an image for Jesus Christ, what I want to share is that I believe it behooves us as people of faith in Jesus to be very careful when we point to charismatic persons with power, fictional or not, and say they are in some way like Jesus. The reason is because the examples and metaphors we use to describe what kind of person Jesus was and is shapes not just our perception of Jesus, but it influences how we understand how we are to live our lives following the way of Jesus. If we feel the need to point to the kind of lives in Christ we are to live, to the kind of “power” we should use in the world, then I would rather lift up persons such as Mother Theresa or Henri Nouwen or Brother Lawrence. Or better yet, let us look to those around us and remember those people in our own life, a lifelong friend, and good neighbor, a special relative, a passionate pastor, a faithful employer, whose life of faith seemed somehow stronger, deeper, more thorough than others, and give thanks for their witness and seek to emulate their walk of faith. And we can learn much from Paul about understanding what it means to live with the power of Christ within us, such as when he shared that it was the Lord who said to him

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” And Paul responded to this revelation saying I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. 2

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Corinthians 12:9-10 Blessings, Pastor Justin* * * SESSION NOTES * * *

Your Session met on Tuesday evening July 16, 2013 in a Joint Meeting with the Board of Deacons, and during the meeting the Elders:

Approved the work of the Deacons and thanked them for their good works Reported the death of Carol Bull on 7/12/13 at the Mulberry Health and Retirement

Community. Her funeral service was held at the church, and interment was at the Dayton Cemetery

Noted that the painting of the Rental House is complete, and storm windows will be installed soon

Approved a recommendation from the Christian Education Committee to institute the “Change for Change Program,” in which the children collect change, monthly, at worship, to support missions such as Habitat for Humanity, Kids’ Closet, and the Heifer Project International

Learned that youth and adult chaperones from our church were off to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium after joining other attendees from our Presbytery at an orientation meeting held at Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette

Heard that food items exchanged for ride tickets at the Tippecanoe Co. Fair on July 21 will be contributed to our own Food Pantry

Michael E. Grimes, Clerk of Session

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 Still time to help with our Summer Micro Mission Event!

Next event – August 25, 2013 9 AM - 10:15 AM (before worship) in the Church parlor.Come to the parlor for coffee, donuts, and instructions. 

Three Sundays this summer, the Mission committee will hold Micro Mission events. To help with sorting clothing for the Kids Closet, everyone is encouraged to come for donuts and coffees at 9 AM and stay to help with a clothing sort through 10:15 before assembling for worship at 10:30.

The success of the first two Micro Mission Clothing Sorts held on Sunday, June 23 and Sunday, July 21 from 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM were great, but there is more work to be done. Donated clothing, much of it recently donated by Elston Presbyterian Church and others, must be processed before it can be put on the racks. We don't want people leaving the distribution empty handed when we have unsorted clothing in the size they need! In June, 36 families with 112 children were served from this mission and in July we provided 97 children with clothes and 77 with school supplies.

The next Micro Mission Clothing Sort will be on Sunday, August 25.

This is an important and rewarding mission that serves many families in our area. Now is your chance to be a part of it all.

The Mission Committee

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Found: Blue and White Coleman Cooler with extending handle.It may have been left in the C.E. Office after the Youth Car Wash.

To Our Church Family: 

Thank you for all your love, cards, and support during our time of grief.  We appreciate everything you have done for us.  Carol loved this church family so much.

 Blessings,

 Stanley Bull and family 

Annual Smorgasbord and Bazaar

Mark Your Calendar for This Fall’s Annual Smorgasbord and Bazaar on Saturday, November 2! This is the perfect time for starting those craft projects for the Bazaar, and to set aside an hour or two to volunteer on that day between 3:00 and 8:00 PM, or for preparation in the days before. More information and volunteer opportunities will be coming soon. Thank you for your prayers and continued support for this important event!

Phyllis Hill, Smorgasbord Chair

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Staying in the Word Together - August 2013Join Christians throughout North America as they read together – each Sunday – the scriptures for the week. Known as the

Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), the collections of readings is organized so that after a three year cycle, members of churches will have read through the majority of the Bible. In our church, our Sunday school curriculum follows the RCL.

As a church and denomination, we use the RCL and provide these to the pastors for direction on the order of worship and for guidance in Christian Education. A guest pastor may choose not to use the scriptures, but we are providing them to the congregation as a means of Staying in the Word Together. Traditionally, there will be an Old Testament, Psalm New Testament and Gospel reading. For additional readings go to http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/.

First reading Psalm Second reading Gospel

Proper 13 (18)Eleventh Sunday after PentecostAugust 4, 2013

Hosea 11:1-11Psalm 107:1-9, 43

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23Psalm 49:1-12

Colossians 3:1-11 Luke 12:13-21

Proper 14 (19)Twelfth Sunday after PentecostAugust 11, 2013

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23

Genesis 15:1-6Psalm 33:12-22

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Luke 12:32-40

Proper 15 (20)Thirteenth Sunday after PentecostAugust 18, 2013

Isaiah 5:1-7

Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19

Jeremiah 23:23-29

Psalm 82

Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Luke 12:49-56

Proper 16 (21)Fourteenth Sunday after PentecostAugust 25, 2013

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Psalm 71:1-6

Isaiah 58:9b-14

Psalm 103:1-8

Hebrews 12:18-29 Luke 13:10-17

Proper 17 (22)Fifteenth Sunday after PentecostSeptember 1, 2013

Jeremiah 2:4-13Psalm 81:1, 10-16

Sirach 10:12-18orProverbs 25:6-7

Psalm 112

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Luke 14:1, 7-14

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: Our military, our nation & its leaders; persecuted Christians; people locally & nationally in need; victims of domestic violence; Carolyn Finkenbinder; Russell Lucas; Marjora Odenkirk; Jackie Ginther (Niece/Joy Schwartz); Mike McGuire (Bro.-in-law/Jane Coleman); Richard Triplet; Seth Ratcliff; Ethan Pfaltzgraff (Susan Clawson’s relative); William Baker, Terry Lynn Pfeiffer; Dawn Morgan; Fran Alkire; Ben & LuAlice Huston (Parents of Becki Sprague); Cindy DeGolyer; Randy Smith, Monica Bretz; Martha Trautman (colleague of L.Campbell); Susan Dawson (niece of Mary Terry), Cheryl Byers (friend of J.Coleman); Gene Smith; Andy Vasiento (father of Nicole Rosen); Bob & Susan Yost;; Kevin Konrad; Amy McGuire; Ellen Hiday (friend of T. Lineback); Sally Wengal (friend of J. Schwartz)., Betty Pfeiffer; Arden Cripe (bro-in-law Joy Schwartz); Mike Grimes; Bruce Biery; Jack Ferry (friend of Don & Joy Schwartz); Richie Holmberg (nephew of Lynn & Judy Ryan); John

Downham; Ann Jarboe (daughter of C. Gribble); Lucas Bush; Margaret Stonecipher (friend of C.Stanford); Joe Jackson, (friend of C.Stanford); Luke Bower (C.Stanford’s cousin’s grandson); the family of Sue Berry; Steve Hancook; the family of Carol Bull, Elizabeth Schlesinger-Devlin; Marilyn Yoder; Jennifer Bower (daughter-in-law of Claude Bower); Miriam Woodrow; the family of Paul Parmely; Kathleen Smith (co-worker, Karen Summers)

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August Sunday Morning Breakfast Host August Deacons August Elders The Coleman’s Jane Reichart, Capt. Susan Gibson

Communion Communion

Debbie Ward Michael Grimes Devotions

August Birthdays

1 Darlene Craig 12 Michael Harris3 Brian Sprague 13 Gabby Basden4 Jane Reichart 15 Barry Bretz4 Wyatt Edwards 16 Paul Houser5 Bruce Gibson 18 Jane Holladay8 Clara Boles 22 Jon Grimes

8 Rick Ryan 22 Danielle Yoder 8 Susan Yost 22 Margaret Jo Alkire 9 Ray Hicks 25 Kay Reichart 10 Michael DeGolyer 28 Jon Petrie 11 Amanda Kincade Lane 28 Melissa Brand

August Anniversaries

9 Tracy & Julie Rosa 9 Ray & Patty Hicks

17 Mike & Jill Edwards 19 Dick & Beth Barger 19 Jeff & Jessica Bush 23 Robert & Susan Yost

25 Dana & Cheryl Richard 30 Wes & Kathy Shaw

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Starting in Mid-August we are asking each family to bring one item each week to help keep our Food Pantry filled. The schedule is as follows:

August 11 Toilet TissueAugust 18 CerealAugust 25 Peanut Butter

September 1 ApplesauceSeptember 8 PineappleSeptember 15 Green BeansSeptember 22 CornSeptember 29 Peas

October 6 Pork & BeansOctober 13 TunaOctober 20 Fruit CocktailOctober 27 Soup

November 3 1# Box of Soda CrackersNovember 10 Macaroni & CheeseNovember 17 Detergent

If you wish to bring several of the items at one time, that would be great. Would you please check the expiration dates on the cans and boxes you donate. It is against the law for us to give out expired items.Thanks to all who helped in any way with our Pantry in July. It is very much appreciated.

Carol Frantz

SEED PLANTING COMMITTEEOn July 19, twenty ladies (we are called the Golden Girls) from the church met at the Dull’s Christmas Tree Farm Bed and

Breakfast. We were treated to a delicious lunch, and we all heard the history of the Bed and Breakfast. It was quite interesting and enjoyed by all. We not only have fellowship at the event but also on the way to our destination. What fun it has been to “really get to know” each other.

ZUMBA – Yes, we are still meeting. Our church needs to be represented more! Our participation which is good mostly comes from outside the church family which is good, too – but come zumba with us. Just a reminder, you only do what you can do – but it is so-oo good for you. You know the heart is a muscle – and we exercise it a lot during zumba. When I recently had an EKG, my gal who gave me the EKG asked me if I exercised. Well, I said I walk a couple of times a week and do zumba once a week – and her reply was “it shows”! So come check us out, bring a friend, and do what you can do.

Class times are on Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. They last one hour and cost $4.00 each class.Hope to see you!

DINE WITH NINE: Yes, it is almost time to start signing up. There will be a form at church to sign up and groups will be formed in September. If you haven’t joined our groups before, hope you will this time. Great way to get to know each other, enjoy God’s love for one another, and good eating, too!

Mark your calendar for Friday, August 23. The next Golden Girls Luncheon will be at INNTIQUITY, A COUNTRY INN, located in Logansport, Indiana. They have a menu of a variety of items.  We will meet at church at 11 a.m. to carpool again. 

Hope you enjoy this place.  I haven't been there, but have talked to people that have and it does look beautiful -- and they have their own chef!  Prices were very reasonable comparable to what we have been paying. Email me if you know you would like to go.  There is also a sign-up sheet at the church.Looking forward to our next adventure! Harriett Berry, Chairperson,

Seed Planting Committee

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PICTURE PAGE

GOLDEN GIRLS LUNCHEON AT DULL’S TREE FARM:

YOUTH TRIENNIUM GROUP – LOOKING GOOD!

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Fall Sunday School Kickoff

Animal Crackers!

How does a faith community feed 5000? Join us in September as we kick-off our 179th year of ministry in the Dayton Community!!! Gear up for a GREAT year as we explore how we can minister to others.

Date: Sunday, September 8When: 9:00 a.m.

Where: Church Sanctuary

Chicken Challenge Petting Zoo Bite a Carp’s Tale Goat Tag Leaping Llamas Adult SS Surprise

Join us for tons of fun!8

We Need Animals!For the Fall Sunday School Kickoff on Sunday, September 8, we are in need of

animals AND handlers during the Sunday School time. We want to have a petting zoo! We need adults (or really good 4-Hers) to supervise. We are in need of:

Chickens Ducks Pigs Cows (calves preferred) Rabbits Goats Sheep Pens/Cages for animals provided

If you can help us, please call the church office and leave a message with your name and type of animal/supervision you can provide. We need to know by August 31. Thanks!

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Habitat House - Presbyterian House build started July 27. 

Presbyterian Habitat House 2013 is moving forward with construction to beginning on July 27. A big “thank you” goes to so many local Presbyterians for their financial gifts toward the 2013 project.   Plans are in place, and a single mother with two children has been identified as our partner family.

Presbyterian House 2013 will be constructed on a vacant lot at 314 N. 18 th Street in Lafayette. The site is just across the street from Murdock Park - note that parking for workers will be a challenge. The floor plan and elevations have been approved, and materials are being scheduled for construction start on July 27.

Construction crews will be organized differently than in the past. For the 2013 project the seven participating Presbyterian churches are being asked to provide 2 to 3 construction workers for each Saturday during the construction. A sign up sheet will be posted in the church parlor. The first three Saturday work plans involve

           A) Set flooring system

           B) Set walls

           C) Set roof trusses & sheeting

The primary main goal is to get the house water tight, and weather may affect the construction schedule early on. Joy and Don Schwartz have volunteered to coordinate a lunch for a work crew on one Saturday. If you can help out with a lunch, please contact Joy. Prospective workers will be contacted in July as the work schedule firms up. No previous construction experience is required. As a mission objective for our church, we need your help. If you can participate, sign up for a Saturday or contact Steve Hancook. Younger members of the congregation are encouraged to participate.

The 2013 project represents the eighth Presbyterian house to be built since 1999. HFH in Lafayette plans to build another 13 houses in our community this year. The quality and appearance of local HFH houses not only helps needy families but has improved the appearance of many neighbourhoods in the area. Please help out as you can to assist another needy local family acquire decent housing.

 

Your help will be much appreciated:

THE PROJECT CAN USE HELP EVERY SATURDAY FROM JULY 27 THROUGH OCTOBER 12.

Steve Hancook

Ph: (765-414-1858)      

 

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