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The Messenger
Newsletter o f The Church o f the Covenant
September 2015
The Church
of the Covenant
267 East Beau St.
Washington, PA 15301
724.222.0190
www.churchofthecov.org
Worship Services
Sundays: 8:30, 9:43 & 11:00
Sunday School will resume on
Rally Day
September 13, 2015
Church Office Hours
Mon.-Fri. 9:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
STAFF
Dr. Stuart D. Broberg
Pastor
724-222-0190 x 117
Rev. Emily Miller
Associate Pastor
724-222-0190 x113
Stacy Phillips
Director of Christian Ed.
724-222-0190 x 115
Don Nixon
Director of Spiritual Development
724-222-0190 x111
Debi Nicolella
Church Administrator
724-222-0190 x 112
Anthony J. Nicolella, CPA
Financial Administrator
Darla Pepper-Miller
Director of Music Ministry
724-222-0190 x 118
Ralph Farabee
Maintenance Supervisor
724-222-0190 x 119
Cyndi Barney
Church Sexton
724-222-0190 x 119
Camille Braun
Pre-School Director
724-222-0190 x 121
Debbie Miles
9:43 Music Coordinator
Dona C. Hamilton
Administrative Assistant
724-222-0190 x 112
September 2015
Dearly beloved:
A dear friend of this congregation is also a long-standing and dear friend of mine. Dr. An-drew Purves, professor of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, is coming on Saturday, Sep-tember 12th for an Adult Ed- Christian Ed Dinner to kick off our fall schedule. (More on this within the Messenger). I remember Andrew speaking at a Spiritual Renewal Weekend at a former church of mine over 25 years ago –he is a speaker of singular power and effective-ness. I rejoiced in serving with him at Pittsburgh Seminary when I was Assistant to the President there some ten years ago. He is a teacher of keen wit and intellectual integrity.
And his favorite subject is GRACE. He is a grace-filled speaker who delights in graciously speaking to people about GRACE. His favorite text is Galatians 2: 20, “I have been cruci-fied with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live
in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This spiritual union of Christ and the believer is the essence of our faith and the grace we receive from God.
You will want to mark your calendars now for the special dinner, and also to consider signing up for the many small groups which are beginning this fall.
Blessings! I look forward to a great fall with the congregation I love.
Faithfully, Dr. Stu Broberg
P.S. You will also want to join us for Rally Day, Sunday, September 13th at 8:30/ 943/ 11:00
a.m. where we kick off all of our worship and Christian Ed for the new program year. Please
read more about it on the inside of the Messenger!!
GRACE ~ AMAZING!
BREIF BIO: REV. DR. ANDREW PURVES A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Purves received degrees in philosophy and divinity from the University of Edinburgh, and a Th.M. from Duke Divinity School. His Ph.D. is from the University of Edinburgh. Purves came to the US in 1978 and was ordained by Philadelphia Presbytery. He served as minister of the Hebron Presbyterian Church, Clinton, Pa. until 1983, when he was called to join the faculty of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Purves has a long list of publications, both books and articles, academic and popular. His forthcoming book is Christology and Atonement: Theological Engagements With John McLeod Campbell, Hugh Ross Mackintosh, and Thomas Forsyth Torrance
(IVP Academic). Recent books include The Search for Compassion: Spirituality and Ministry, Union in Christ (with Mark Achtemeier), A Passion for the Gospel (with Achtemeier), Encountering God: Christian Faith in Turbulent Times (with Charles Partee), Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition, Reconstructing Pastoral Theology: A Christological Foundation, The Crucifixion of Ministry, and The Resurrection of Ministry. Purves is married to the Rev. Catherine J. Purves, minister of the Bellevue United Presbyte-rian Church in Pittsburgh Presbytery. They have three grown children, Brendan, Gordon, and Laura.
The Messenger 2 September 2015
NEWS FROM THE FAMILY OF FAITH
USHER TEAM 6 IS ON FOR SEPTEMBER
Adam Denmead Denny Denmead Eugene Foster
BAPTISMS Baptized on August 9, 2015
at the 11:00 AM worship service, Hailey Marie Cole born May 27, 2015. She is the daughter of William and Lisa Lucas Cole.
Dr. Stuart D. Broberg officiated.
Terri Grantz Gary Hamilton Andrew McClellan
Mary E. Orme
Memorial Fund Russell Orme
Jean Sprowls Stout
Memorial Fund Kimberly A. Giebel Memorial Fund J. Barry & Lenore Stout Memorial Fund Dion & Lori Jansante Memorial Fund Diann Stout Memorial Fund John & Cheryl Stiver Memorial Fund Lorraine Wargo Memorial Fund Sally S. Corwin
Robert L. Densmore
Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Joseph & Phyllis J. Kern Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Reflok North America, Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Raymond King Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Kenneth & Laura Carl Air Conditioning/Sanctuary A-Z Janitorial Services Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Mechanical Contractors Assoc. of NWPA Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Brandon, Christen Iskey Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Daniel Orrison Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Bill & Rachel Orrison Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Jerry & Anna Stewart Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Joseph & Susan Dudas Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Darryl & Marcia Fink Air Conditioning/Sanctuary D&B Engineering of NJ,Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Airtech Equipment, Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Whitby, Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Steel River Techs Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Envirocon Associates, Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Guy’s Mechanical Systems, Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Temspec Incorporated Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Tech Sheet Metal, Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Gross Industrial Const.Co, Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Islandaire Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Chapman Corporation Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Ruthrauff Sauer Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Florence Rabatin & Daughters Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Jeffrey & Jerri Dollar Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Seresco Technologies Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Greenheck Fan Corporation Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Swan Associates, Inc. Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Dr. Dennis Yonash Air Conditioning/Sanctuary James Cahillane Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Patricia Murphy Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Robert & Valeria MacWhinnie
Robert L. Densmore
Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Richard & Sherri Vlainich Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Michael J. Zukowski Air Conditioning/Sanctuary SMACNA of W. PA Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Shawn Wilson Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Massaro Design Build Air Conditioning/Sanctuary McGroarty & Bradburn Ins.Inc.
Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Richard &Brenda Hopkins
Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Dan & Myra Jane Berty Air Conditioning/Sanctuary James & Joyce Vonehrenkrook
Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Steve & Mary Ann Molish
Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Dr. & Mrs. Wilbur Crago Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Roger & Diane King Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Jack Kumper Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Jay & Stella Power Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Allen & Rosangela Washabaugh Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Ross & Rose Ferrieri Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Wife - Bonnie Densmore Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Son Erik & wife Julie Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Son Ryan & wife Alicia Air Conditioning/Sanctuary Grandchildren: Cameron Robert & McKenna Beth
MANY THANKS I thank God and the crew of saints that helped me move this past month. The grand clean up and setting things to order my last until Spring but my burden is lighter, thanks to the men from the Covenant! MaryAnna McNeel
Dave McClellan
SEPTEMBER PREACHING AND WORSHIP
August 30, 2015 SPEAKING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE Trying to communicate on a
Pastor Stu preaches Galatians 5: 16-26 mission trip in a culture and
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also language we do not understand
Walk by the Spirit.” v. 25 communicating to our own
culture.
September 6, 2015 UNDERCOVER BOSS
Communion Philippians 2: 4-11
Commission the “Jesus . . . emptied himself, taking the form of a slave,
Menaul Mission Team being born in human likeness.” v. 7.
Labor Day Weekend
Pastor Emily preaches
September 13, 2015 THE JESUS DIET Filling our lives with good
Rally Day Galatians 2: 15-21 rather than just trying to deny
Pastor Stu preaches “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives ourselves; eating right versus
in me.” v. 20 dieting. Being filled with Christ,
who is our righteousness.
Kicking off our overall theme raised by Dr. Andrew Purves of Galatians 2: 20 we also kick off Sunday
School and Adult Ed for the fall. Dedication of Sunday School teachers; VBS reunion.
September 20, 2015 GOD USES EVERYTHING The story of Moses and how
25th
Anniversary of Galatians 2: 15-21 & Exodus 2: 11-15, 3: 1-11 God uses everything, that is
the Preschool “and the life I now live...I live by faith in the bad as well as good in our life
Pastor Stu preaches Son of God, who loves me...” v. 20 in order to give Him
glory.
Emily Miller Prays/ Haiti Recruitment and Spaghetti Dinner Ticket Sales.
We are celebrating our wonderful Preschool and 25 years of faithfulness, bringing the love of God to little
children in our community. Special program, special reception, recognition of Preschool Teachers.
September 27, 2015 THE LAWYER AND THE PASTOR The law and the gospel
Pastor Stu preaches Galatians 2: 15-21 & 2 Corinthians 3: 6 compared and contrasted.
“I do not nullify the grace of God...” v. 21
Ministry Team Member Prays/ Moment for Mission by Washington City Mission (sign ups follow).
The Messenger 3 September 2015
FELLOWSHIP
OF CONCERN For prayer support or to join this ministry, call the church office. Please contact the Fellowship of Concern to give the names of those who are in need of prayer for health or other reasons. The names will then be called or emailed to the church members who pray daily for others. Prayer request forms are available in each pew. Completed
forms may be placed in the offering basket on Sunday.
LOVE IN A BASKET On Sunday Sept 20, we are looking for change in the ceramic piggy to purchase diapers! or onesies up to six months size. Thanks to all of our generous congregation! for the Love in A Basket program
SPECIAL THANKS I would like to thank all of the people who helped with the LeMoyne Center Summer Lunch Program. It was a very successful mission as we produced 150-200 lunches each Wednesday for children in the Washington area. It also provided a great opportunity to interact with members of the church family while having fun at the same time. We are truly blessed to be a blessing.
Dennis Myers.
LEMOYNE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM: Back in May, elder Steve Johnson introduced the congregation to the new God in Action group sponsored by the mission committee. We called it “God in Action: Sandwiches for Jesus.” On our first sign-up day in the commons, we got 24 folks to volunteer to make sandwiches in our kitchen that would be dis-tributed to hungry children all over Washington. Once the sandwich making began, we got an additional half dozen or so people helping out, some of whom are friends of the church.
The process went like this: Our friends from the LeMoyne Center brought the food to the COTC kitchen every Tuesday afternoon. Every Wednesday morning at 8:30, one of our 3 rotating teams would gather in the kitchen under the direction of Dennis Myers and would assemble 150-200 bag lunches. The lunches included a meat or peanut butter sandwich, a fruit, a vegetable and milk. A van from the Washington School District would arrive and we would load the lunches on the van. Then, folks from the Lemoyne Center would drive to various loca-tions in Washington and hand out the lunches. In addition, we supplied lunches to children whose mothers were participating in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program and to the Cokeburg fire hall lunch program.
When I was first invited to the LeMoyne Center to hear about this mission opportunity in March, I must admit I thought it was a bit daunting to organize and complete. But clearly, God and the good people of the COTC were behind this effort, so we succeeded in feeding children all summer long! This program would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of Dennis and Robynne Myers. Many thanks to them both!
It is a pleasure to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in a world that desperately needs kindness and generosity. As we learned this summer in our VBS program, we are called to be the G-Force in this world – God in Action to move, act, care, follow & share. We saw this lived out right before our eyes this summer in our new group – God in Action: Sandwiches for Jesus. Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers. Maybe next summer, we’ll feed even more kids!
Loving our neighbors with you, Pastor Emily
CHRISTIANS IN RECOVERY
FELLOWSHIP Christians in Recovery Fellowship (CIRF) is a ministry of Resurrection Power of Washington. It is a group designed to provide help and support for people who want to work on making a change for the better in their faith and life. Change can be about healing from a hurt or loss, a repeated unhelpful habit, or having a loved one who is stuck in negative behaviors that affect you. CIRF is about slowly learning to walk in the freedom Christ won for us. God’s word says that we are loved, forgiven, gifted, needed and not alone in our struggles. Living that reality cannot be done in isolation. Come and check us out! We usually have 12-15 participants. Everything is confidential. We start at 7:00 PM in the COTC Youth Room every Thursday. We start with worship, and some opening readings like the 12 steps with scripture, a short teaching or testimony, take a break, and then come back for a time of personal sharing for those who wish to share. We close at 8:45. Come early for fellowship and refreshments.
Please contact Rev. Robert Hedges with any questions at
724-328-2943 or [email protected]
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
WORK DATES Church of the Covenant will participate in Habitat for Humanity on two occasions this fall. The first workday opportunity will be on Saturday Septem-
ber 12. The church also has a Habitat workday scheduled for October 3. Please consider sup-porting this worthy organization with a few hours of work on either--or both--of these days. The weather will be pleasant and commitment of time minimal. The times will be from 9:00am to
1:00pm and no prior experience or construction skills are required. This is a great way to contrib-ute to charitable work in the community and to support deserving people seeking to improve their lives. Sign up in the folder in the Welcome Center at church or call Steve Johnson at 412-420-7253.
The Messenger 4 September 2015
The Messenger 5 September 2015
It’s the Preschool’s 25th Birthday! Let’s sing Happy Birthday! Believe it or not 25 years ago Bonnie Lamberth began a Christian preschool here at The Church of the Covenant with 38 children. With Roger Johnson being interim preschool Direc-tor for a short period of time the Preschool continued to be recognized as a great preschool to attend. I was hired 20 years ago and continued to fulfill the vision of a Christian Preschool that services all of Washington County and the surrounding areas. This present school year we have 154 children attending. The word out in the community is that our church preschool is the top-notch preschool in an amazing Christian environment. We have offered personalized I nstruction for children ages 3 through 5 for their early educational experience. The best part of all of this is they get to learn about God and how important he is in their lives. I could not do this alone without the 8 amazing teachers with whom we are blessed. I need to brag about them! Year after year, the teachers are able to connect with the children and foster a love of learning. These ladies have dedicated their lives (the years of dedication follow their names) to working with each other, parents and of course the children to create a positive first school experience. I want you to help me celebrate the dedication of the following teachers: JoAnn Kimutis (24yrs) ~ Hooray for that blessing!! Angela Brenner (15 yrs.), Linda Ronto (9 yrs.), Amanda Weaver (9yrs.), Stacey McCullough(6 yrs.), Tiffany Minnis (5 yrs.), Debbie Lopez(4 yrs.) and Julie Kelley (3yrs.). Yes, give them all a huge hug!!!! Children always enjoy seeing their faces as they enter the building and their classrooms each day. I can not express in words how important and delightful these ladies are. Please join us on September 20th to rejoice in the celebration of the longest running mission here at The Church of the Covenant – our very own Preschool! With Much Love, Miss Camille
RALLY WEEKEND! LET’S RENEW OUR CONNECTION TO CHRIST! Our Vision: “To know Christ and make Him known to the next generation”
Rally Day has now turned into Rally weekend, with activities on Saturday AND Sunday!
Saturday September 12th at 5pm is an evening of dinner and conversation with the Rev.
Dr. Andrew Purves from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Purves will speak on his
favorite scripture passage, Galatians 2:20. He will help us to focus ourselves on Christ and
what it means to follow Him. Please sign up for this great kickoff event sponsored by the
Adult Ed. Committee.
Sunday Morning, September 13th Rally Day Fall is a great time to rededicate ourselves to connecting with Christ and learning more about our loving Savior! There will be sign ups and information on classes for the youngest to the oldest of learners. Our Kids Connection Sunday School classes for 4 years old through 6th grade will begin on Sunday September 13th at 10:50 in the Covenant Kids room beside the nursery. Registration will be in the commons. Our Kids Connection Sunday School classes are taught by dedicated teachers who love the Lord and love children! They enthusiastically share Bible stories, activities, and prayers that foster the development of your child’s faith.
Older youth are encouraged to connect in Breakfast Club, a program for youth in 7th through 12th grade, will start in the kitchen at 10:45 and migrate to the Youth Lounge for food, faith growing, and tons of fun.
There are many Adult Connection classes too at various times on Sunday morning, something for every age and
stage of learning! Please see our listings under Adult Ed.
Please plan to stay for a good old fashioned picnic, beginning at NOON in the Covenant Center. The picnic is sponsored by the Deacons and the Christian Education Committee, who will provide hamburgers and hotdogs for all. The rest of the meal is potluck. If you can, please bring a covered dish to share. Last names beginning with A-N bring a side dish (vegetables, salad etc.), and O-Z bring a dessert to share.
Club 56- If you are in 5th or 6th grade then Club 56 is the place to be. Beginning in September, we meet every other
week on Sunday from 4:30 to 6pm. You’ll laugh, eat, play zany games, do local mission work, and you’ll learn lots about God and His plans for YOU! Our kick off date this year is Saturday, August 30th from 4:30 -6pm, with swimming at
the Artuso’s home. Our next meeting will be Sept. 13th (Rally Day) from 4:30 to 6pm at church. A quick parents
meeting will be at the beginning of our time together.
Fall Blessings, Miss Stacy
Adult
Youth
Kids
Family
YOUTH MINISTRY
It’s time to crank up the fall youth program. Rally Day will be the kick-off for us as well as the rest of the Christian education program.
Breakfast Club will be on the scene again at 10:45 am each Sunday in the Youth Lounge. Students will get a nice breakfast and also dig into God’s word as we wrestle with the issues of growing up in the 21st Century.
Events to look forward to as we head into the fall:
*Ignition (Sunday, Sept 20): A large rally held this year at South Hills Bible Chapel to encourage kids to populate the See You at the Pole event at their school.
*See You at the Pole (Wednesday, Sept 23, 7:00 am): A national movement where students gather at their school flagpole to pray for their school, teachers, friends and nation.
*See You at the Pole Rally (Wednesday, Sept 23, 7:00 pm): A post SYATP event to hear testimonies from various kids who participated that morning and see what God did. Then let’s be encouraged to carry that momentum throughout the year.
We’ll also be looking ahead to:
*Pack the Pickup on Saturday, Nov 21
*Fallout high school weekend on Dec 4-6.
Men’s Cookout ~ Wednesday, September 2, 6-9pm The men will gather once again….this time at the home of Joel and Camille Braun (3061 Investors Rd. Washington). Come and get a dose of iron sharpening iron along with great food fellowship and general frivolity as well. See Don Nixon to reserve your spot and see what you can bring. Last names starting with A-G bring desserts, H-M bring snacks and drinks, N-Z bring side dishes or salads. Going Deep Men’s Retreat ~ September 18-19 Antiochian Village near Ligonier, PA Are you set free from condemnation? Are you pleasing to God? Are you called as a son? Are you more than a conqueror? Guys….this is a great facility with great food and the opportunity to go deep into knowing our Creator. We’ll take the church van for this adventure that will be less than 24 hours, but could be pivotal in your walk with Christ. We’ll leave Friday after work and return late afternoon Saturday. The cost is $130 double occupancy. See Don Nixon for more information and to register.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Three Rivers Prayer Summit ~ September 10-12 If you want to see your life change….Pray! If you want to see the world change….be part of a Movement of Prayer! This Prayer Summit is designed to do just that and we can all be a part of it. There will be several city-wide gatherings: Thursday, September 10 at 6:00 pm ~ Prayer Gathering at South Hills Bible Chapel in Peters Twp. Friday, September 11 at 6:00 pm ~ Special 9/11 Prayer Gathering at Point State Park in Pittsburgh Saturday, September 12, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm ~ Seminars at Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sew-ickley We will be carpooling to each event. See Chuck Neff or Don Nixon to reserve your spot and/or if you can drive.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPEMNENT
The Messenger 6 September 2015
REMINDER FOR
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Tuesday, September 8, 2015 is the annual joint circle meeting and pot luck supper. It begins at 5:30pm in the dining room and you are asked to bring a dish to share if possible. All women are invited.
The Messenger 7 September 2015
ADULT EDUCATION IN FALL 2015 Calling all adults! You’re invited to join us for an exciting encounter with God through adult Christian education! Our theme this fall is “Christ Lives in Me,” which we will learn about in our study of Galatians. The fall begins with an evening of dinner and conversation with the Rev. Dr. Andrew Purves from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Purves will join us on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 5:00pm for dinner and conversa-
tion, as he talks with us about his most treasured scripture passage, Galatians 2:20 "I, yet not I, but Christ: getting in on what the Lord is up to!" (Purves translation!) Dr. Purves is a wonderful teacher, author, speaker and preacher who will help us focus ourselves on Christ and what it means to follow Him. At the dinner and on Rally Day you will have the opportunity to sign up for the following small group classes to further your understanding of Galatians and our call as Christian disciples. Most classes will begin the week of September 13, unless otherwise noted:
Galatians for You – small group study on Galatians written by Rev. Tim Keller, offered:
Tuesday afternoon from 5:45-6:45pm with Steve Warren in the parlor.
Sunday morning at 11:00 with Dr. George Jones and Sue Denmead in the parlor.
Sunday morning at 11:00 – “Women of Faith” study with Shirley Desmond in room 303
Encountering God – 7 week small group study based on the book by Dr. Purves of that name. This study will be led
by Rev. Craig Kephart and will occur Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm beginning on September 15 for seven weeks
in the small dining room. Books available for purchase.
Encounters with Jesus – small group study based on book by Rev. Tim Keller of that name and led by Kathy Tea-
garden. This study will occur on Thursdays at 7:30 pm in the parlor. Books available for purchase.
The Search for Significance – Encounter God’s love and acceptance in a significant way in this 7 week class led by
Rev. Bob Hedges from Resurrection Power and Pete Vidonish from the Bible Chapel. The class is limited to 12
participants and will occur Monday nights in room 211 from 7:30-9PM starting October 12th
through November
23, 2015. Materials will be available for purchase.
Finding Your Place in the Church – small group gathering of young adults to foster relationships and feel welcome in
the COTC. This group begins at Pastor Stu’s home on Wed. Sept. 30 at 7:00 pm for an initial get together, then it
moves to the home of Kerri & Ty Lacock for fun & games, and from there, the sky’s the limit! Babysitting will be
provided.
Adult Video Study - Jonathan Pachter’s class offered Sunday mornings at 9:15 in room 303 and will begin on
September 20th
. studying theological and Biblical themes in movies. The first class will be the final Frank Capra
movie in the sequence Jonathan has been teaching, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," a 1939 movie staring
Jimmy Stewart that reiterates a common theme of Capra's that a good man can make all the difference in the
world. Think of Jimmy Stewart in "It's A Wonderful Life." It also is a powerful message about the temptation of
power.
Gospel of Luke - Andy Kluzan’s class, offered Sunday morning at 9:30 in the parlor, will continue with their study of
the Gospel of Luke for 4 additional weeks and then will move on to another study at the discretion of the group.
MONDAY READERS The book study group, Monday Readers, will resume on Monday, September 14th. The ladies meet in the small dining room at 1:00. The books that have been selected for the remainder of 2015 include:
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller I Am Malala by Malala You safzai
Living the Lord’s Prayer by Richard Andersen
If you have an interest in joining this group for some or all of the above, please contact Barb Knight at 724-228-2161. Each member is responsible for ordering her own copies of the books.
Every congregation seems to have its own niche. Maybe it’s the
free breakfast it prepares for the community once a month. Or maybe
it’s the garden it cultivates that provides food for the community. Or
maybe it’s the prayer shawl ministry that distributes handmade comfort
items to the sick.
For Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church in Canonsburg,
PA (Washington Presbytery), one could say its calling is associated
with ministering to the mentally and physically disabled. Maybe it’s
because of its proximity to the former Western State School and Hospi-
tal, better known as the “Western Center,” which was a state-run men-
tal hospital and reform school in the Canonsburg area that closed its
doors in 2000. Due in large part to former Pastor Jim Evinger and his
regular visits to the Western Center in the 1980s, there were a couple
of weekly visitors from the facility at Chartiers Hill United PC on Sun-
day mornings.
During this same time Keith Norvell, a child with Down Syndrome,
and his weekly involvement in the church further accentuated the con-
gregation’s desire to be a supportive body to the physically challenged.
Then about three years ago, Pastor Jim Agnew was called to Chartiers
Hill United PC as a Seminary Graduate Assistant Pastor, bringing with
him a family that included twin daughters, one of which
had cerebral palsy. Hailee’s presence continued the con-
gregation’s association with the disabled, so much so
that once a year it devotes an entire Sunday service to
ministering to the disabled.
“Disability Inclusion Sunday,” the service falls on
the Sunday after Father’s Day, making it a very fitting
day considering the role Jim and Hailee played in the
congregation on a regular basis. Disability Inclusion
Sunday has been part of Chartiers Hill United PC’s
schedule for the past three years, but Jim has had to
preach the last two without Hailee in the pew since she
passed away suddenly in January 2014.
The Agnew family’s journey has given Disability
Inclusion Sunday – and Chartiers Hill United PC’s as-
sociation with the disabled – new energy, according to the church’s
senior pastor, Rev. Don Austin.
“Jim (Evinger) really encouraged people who were able at Western
Center to come out and be part of the life of some of the local congre-
gations,” Don recalled. “We had two older women who would come
out every Sunday. So, the church does have a history of being sensitive
and aware of including, but Jim (Agnew) has brought a new dimension
to it. Jim has been motivated to take this on as something that is impor-
tant to him, and it’s something he does with great skill and gifts.
“Jim has been very helpful in helping the congregation understand
ways to be accessible spiritually,” Don continued. “We have an eleva-
tor and handicap-accessible restrooms, so we’re physically accessible,
but Jim has tried to help us understand how we can be relationally and
spiritually accessible. We all believe that God sent Jim to minister to
us, to open our minds, to open our ears and to guide us.”
Jim learned about Disability Inclusion Sunday when he stumbled
upon a Presbyterian calendar while still at his home congrega-
tion, Church of the Covenant in Washington, PA. When he was a
supply pastor, he would speak on the topic if it happened to fall on a
Sunday when he was preaching. Then when he took the position at
Chartiers Hill United PC, it became an annual occurrence.
Don admitted that Disability Inclusion Sunday has led to conversa-
tions about ways to better minister to any disabled person who might
attend on a given Sunday. “A lot of times in our Christian Ed meetings
we talk about not only how we can make our Sunday School more safe
but also the possibility of having some strands of our Christian Ed cur-
riculum for people with various disabilities,” Don said. “We feel these
are some of the things God is leading us to do through Jim and the ser-
vice and other things in the life of the congregation.”
As far as elements for the service, Hailee had a role in it the first
year. A touching moment came during that 2013 worship when Hailee
picked out the Jennifer Knapp version of “Jesus Loves Me” to be
played. Hailee, with the help of her Dynavox voice machine, sang
along with the tune. The next year, the song was played again, leaving
the congregation with an emotional tribute to Hailee.
“I thought this was God’s plan to put me in the
ministry and she would be like my ministry partner,”
Jim said. “Between the two of us I could show the
world that people like her do have gifts to offer. I
say we are still a ministry team, only I’m in this
world and she’s in the next.”
There’s also a mother in the congregation with a
son who has autism and she has led the children’s
sermon on Disability Inclusion Sunday to educate
the youth on the disability. Special video segments
are included in the worship, too. Jim also uses sign
language when the Gloria Patri and doxology are
sung, something he does regardless of what Sunday
it is to further raise awareness for the disabled.
“It’s kind of a toe-dipper,” Jim admitted. “Those
two songs, everyone knows them. You’re not looking at the hymnal, so
your eyes are up. Then when you see the motions as you’re singing the
words, it kind of gives an added depth to what you’re singing.” Don
appreciates that Jim tries to keep the service on Disability Inclusion
Sunday as normal as possible.
“He tries to keep it all very Presbyterian in the sense of letting the
church know that the Presbyterian Church has this as an important
theme,” Don said. “It’s something the church has worked on in various
dimensions over the years, so he’s very intentional in that area. The
format of the service is somewhat the same from beginning to end, but
the prayers, the responsive pieces, the scripture passages, the videos
are all then infused with something that builds on the theme of that day
of inclusion or understanding people’s abilities and not disabilities.”
(Continued on page 9)
Disability Inclusion Sunday more than yearly outreach for Chartiers Hill United PC
The Messenger 8 September 2015
GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS FROM HANDS AND HEARTS (From “Nutrition Today” Journal)
The Messenger 9 September 2015
Good Food Choices!
SWEET POTATOES A nutritional superstar- one of the best vegetables you can eat. They’re loaded with carotenoids, and are a good source of potassium and fiber. Toss sweet potato wedges with a bit of olive oil and roast until tender and lightly browned. Sprinkle with a spice or two: (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg or allspice) or savory (cumin, coriander, paprika, chili, or curry).
WATERMELON Watermelon is a heavyweight in the nutrient depart-ment. A standard serving (abut two cups) has one-third of a day’s vitamin A and C, a nice shot of potassium, and healthy dose of lycopene for only 90 fat- free salt-free calories. And when they’re in season (like now) watermelons are often locally grown which means they have a smaller carbon footprint than some other items.
LEAFY GREENS Don’t miss out on powerhouse greens like kale, collards, spinach, turnip greens and Swiss chard . These stand-out leafy greens are loaded with vitamins A ,C and K, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein and fiber. Saute in a bit of olive oil with minced garlic and season with ground black pepper and red wine vinegar
Not So Great Choices!
“ARTERY CRUST” Judging by the label: Stouffer’s Satisfying Servings, (16 oz) White meat chicken Pot Pie has “only” 590 calories, 13 grams of saturated fat and 930 mg of sodium. But those numbers are for only half a pie. Eat the entire pie, as many people do and you’re talking 1,180 calories, 26 grams of saturated fat (more than a day’s worth) and 1,860 mg of sodium (more than a day’s worth).
“LIQUID SALT” An average cup of Campbell’s regular condensed soup has 810 mg of sodium, but most people eat the whole can of soup, which contains 2,030 mg of sodium, more than most adults should consume in an entire day. Look for Campbell’s Healthy Request soups, with sodium in the 400’s (still a lot if you eat the whole can). Choose re-duced sodium soups by Amy’s, Dr. McDougal’s, Healthy Valley, Imagine foods , Tabatchnik, and Trader Joe’s.
“TRIPLE BYPASS” Can’t decide what to pick from a restaurant menu? No worries, now you can order not on entrée, but two or three - all at once. Olive Garden’s Tour of Italy homemade Lasagna, lightly breaded Chicken Parmesan, and creamy Fettuccini Alfredo, comes with 1.140 calories, 33 grams of saturated fat , and 3, 830 meg of sodium. Add a bread-stick (1140 calories and 370 mg of sodium) and a garden salad with dressing, (180 calories and 760 mg of sodium) and you’ll consume a total of 1,740 calories (nearly a days worth) and 4.960 mg of sodium (3 days worth) in a single meal. ~ Bon Appetite!
Attendance for Disability Inclusion Sunday does increase slightly on that Sunday in June partly because
Jim turns to Facebook and other media to promote the service. Jim would like to see the numbers on that
Sunday grow more because he feels disabled people and their families don’t regularly attend church.
“Not only people with disabilities, but families with disabilities are probably some of the most
unchurched people there are,” he said. “First, there are a lot of physical obstacles. A lot of our older
churches were built in a time when there wasn’t a lot of consideration that people would be in wheel-
chairs or whatever. Now that’s kind of changed with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Even be-
sides providing a physical space, you need to let people know that they are welcome in churches, that
you will do whatever is necessary to help them.”
Jim is hoping something like Disability Inclusion Sunday provides a spark for the disabled and those
people who are sitting in the pews. “My hope is that it brings awareness and re-centers everyone,” Jim
concluded. “This is something that can really be a uniter. How you look at them is probably how God
looks at us. We’re all disabled in front of Him. They love you because they are dependent upon you, and
God loves us because we should be dependent upon Him.”
Disability Inclusion Sunday more than yearly outreach for Chartiers Hill United PC (continued)
Jason Stolfer 9/1 Ryan Gandelman 9/2 Tim Grantz 9/3 Cara Dobbin 9/3 Nancy Johnston 9/4 Brad McClay 9/5 Peg Caesber 9/6 Nancy Phelan 9/7 Jameson O’Donnell 9/7 Andrew McCarrell 9/9 Jennifer McClay 9/10 Jack Dagg 9/11 Beth Smith 9/11 Keaton Hamberger 9/12 A. Lincoln Key, IV 9/12
Thom Yohe 9/13 Chelsey Carl 9/13 Jean Snider 9/14 Kim O’Donnell 9/14 Suzanne Ashmore 9/14 Stacy Gesky 9/15 Ryan Leckie 9/15 John Riddle 9/16 Forrest Cullings 9/16 Sarah Hardy 9/16 Ruthann Karoleski 9/18 Chris Bury 9/18 Gerilee Davison 9/19 Brady Schreyer 9/19 Craig Myers 9/20
Anthony Popeck 9/20 Brandi Frazee 9/22 Erik Densmore 9/22 Joyce McClay 9/24 Hank Zuback 9/24 Bridget Bruce 9/24 Scott Armstrong 9/25 Barbara Shields 9/25 Connie Nassif 9/26 Brittany Digon 9/25 John Dobbin 9/26 Ruth Sharpnack 9/29 Jean Piatt 9/29 Jim Leckie 9/30 Jim Agnew 9/30
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
The Messenger 10 September
Tuesday, Sept 1 1 Kings 8:65–9:9 James 2:14–26 Mark 14:66–72 Wednesday, Sept 2 1 Kings 9:24–10:13 James 3:1–12 Mark 15:1–11 Thursday, Sept 3 1 Kings 11:1–13 James 3:13–4:12 Mark 15:12–21 Friday, Sept 4 1 Kings 11:26–43 James 4:13–5:6 Mark 15:22–32 Saturday, Sept 5 1 Kings 12:1–20 James 5:7–20 Mark 15:33–39 Sunday, Sept 6 1 Kings 12:21–33 Acts 4:18–31 John 10:31–42 Monday, Sept 7 1 Kings 13:1–10 Phil. 1:1–11 Mark 15:40–47 Tuesday, Sept 8 1 Kings 16:23–34 Phil. 1:12–30 Mark 16:1–8 (9–20)
Wednesday, Sept 9 1 Kings 17:1–24 Phil. 2:1–11 Matt. 2:1–12 Thursday, Sept 10 1 Kings 18:1–19 Phil. 2:12–30 Matt. 2:13–23 Friday, Sept 11 1 Kings 18:20–40 Phil. 3:1–16 Matt. 3:1–12 Saturday, Sept 12 1 Kings 18:41–19:8 Phil. 3:17–4:7 Matt. 3:13–17 Sunday, Sept 13 1 Kings 19:8–21 Acts 5:34–42 John 11:45–57 Monday, Sept 14 1 Kings 21:1–16 1 Cor. 1:1–19 Matt. 4:1–11 Tuesday, Sept 15 1 Kings 21:17–29 1 Cor. 1:20–31 Matt. 4:12–17 Wednesday, Sept 16 1 Kings 22:1–28 1 Cor. 2:1–13 Matt. 4:18–25
Thursday, Sept 17 1 Kings 22:29–45 1 Cor. 2:14–3:15 Matt. 5:1–10 Friday, Sept 18 2 Kings 1:2–17 1 Cor. 3:16–23 Matt. 5:11–16 Saturday, Sept 19 2 Kings 2:1–18 1 Cor. 4:1–7 Matt. 5:17–20 Sunday, Sept 20 2 Kings 4:8–37 Acts 9:10–31 Luke 3:7–18 Monday, Sept 21 2 Kings 5:1–19 1 Cor. 4:8–21 Matt. 5:21–26 Tuesday, Sept 22 2 Kings 5:19–27 1 Cor. 5:1–8 Matt. 5:27–37 Wednesday, Sept 23 2 Kings 6:1–23 1 Cor. 5:9–6:11 Matt. 5:38–48 Thursday, Sept 24 2 Kings 9:1–16 1 Cor. 6:12–20 Matt. 6:1–6, 16–18
Friday, Sept 25 2 Kings 9:17–37 1 Cor. 7:1–9 Matt. 6:7–15 Saturday, Sept 26 2 Kings 11:1–20a 1 Cor. 7:10–24 Matt. 6:19–24 Sunday, Sept 27 2 Kings 17:1–18 Acts 9:36–43 Luke 5:1–11 Monday, Sept 28 2 Kings 17:24–41 1 Cor. 7:25–31 Matt. 6:25–34 Tuesday, Sept 29 2 Chron. 29:1–3; 30:1 (2–9) 10–27 1 Cor. 7:32–40 Matt. 7:1–12 Wednesday, Sept 30 2 Kings 18:9–25 1 Cor. 8:1–13 Matt. 7:13–21
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR SEPTEMBER
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and Sunday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
THE CARNAHAN LIBRARY Dedicated on 11/1/09 to the memory of Thomas Dorrington Carnahan II,
Thomas Dorrington Carnahan III, George Kirk Carnahan and to the glory of God.
The following books were donated to the
library. The Library Committee thanks the donors. All have been
cataloged and are ready to be checked out. The library is in
Room 308, the first room on the right as you enter the third floor
hallway from the elevator. The card catalog will help you to lo-
cate a book by author, title or subject.
The following books are new additions to the library:
Given in Honor of Jane Goddard by her family. (6 books)
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler. This newest work of fiction by Anne Tyler focuses on the Whitshank family. Abby and Red are the main characters but the story focuses on four gen-erations of the family starting with Red’s parents who arrived in Baltimore in the 1920’s clear up to Abby and Red’s children and grandchildren who are part of the 21st century. The Whitshanks are like all families who have accumulated fun, tender moments as well as disappointments and well guarded secrets. This book spent many weeks on the 2015 list of best sellers. (The library has more books by the well known author.)
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Happens in the End by Atul Gawande. The author is a surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hos-pital in Boston and the author of 3 other best selling books. In this latest book, he examines medicine’s limitations and failures as life draws to a close. Through research and actual stories about his own patients, he demonstrates that the ultimate goal is not a good death but a good life – all the way to the very end. The Fifth Gospel by Ian Caldwell. This recent best seller is a thriller that takes place in the Vatican Museums in Rome. The curator of a new exhibit that’s under construction is murdered and the same night, there’s a break-in at the home of his research part-ner, a Greek Catholic priest. For the safety of his family, Father Alex begins to investigate the crime on his own. This work of fiction contains biblical history and scholarship as well as refer-ences to real-life people, places and events. The author spent 10 years researching the information he uses in this book. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. This book is also a recent best seller. The novel is set in WWII France. The story focuses on two sisters (or as the author says, ‘the women’s war’). One sister named Vianne says goodbye to her husband as he leaves for the Front. Before long, Germans arrive in their town and a Ger-man captain requisitions her home. She and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything. Vianne’s sister, Isabelle, joins the Resistance and risks her life many times to save others. The book celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.
Cross Roads by Wm. Paul Young. The main character of this novel is a man named Anthony Spencer who is egotistical and proud of being a self-made business success at the peak of his game, even though the cost of winning was painfully high. He suffers a cerebral hemorrhage and is in the ICU of a hospital. While in this condition, he finds himself in a surreal world that focuses on his earthly life, both the good and the bad. Will he learn to examine his life and to make amends? (The author also wrote the best seller The Shack.)
(Recommended by Debbie Evans)
Echoes by Danielle Steel. This story focuses on two generations of women from one family. The mother, Beata, is Jewish but follows her heart when she falls in love in 1915 with a French officer who is Catholic. Beata’s daughter, Amadea, becomes a Carmelite nun whose life becomes endangered because of the Nazis during WWII. She escapes and joins the French Resis-tance. Throughout the war, Amadea feels the strength of her mother’s love as she courageously fights with hope for a better tomorrow. The following book was donated by Linda Pitner.
Philomena by Martin Sixsmith. This true story is about a teenager in Ireland who becomes pregnant in 1952. Her dad disowns her and takes her to a convent where other young women in the same situation are staying. The young mothers work long hours and are only permitted to see their children for an hour a day. The nuns eventually put the children up for adoption for a price and most of them are taken to America. 50 years later, Philomena sets out to find her son. The book is about her search and what she discovers about her son. (This story was made into a movie starring Judi Dench and is well worth watching.)
The following book was donated by Marge McWreath.
Gray Mountain by John Grisham. This is Grisham’s latest best selling novel. The main character is a woman attorney who is let go by a huge Wall Street law firm because of the 2008 recession. She’s given the opportunity to move to a town in VA that is part of Appalachia to work in a legal aid clinic. The job takes her into the world of coal mining with its many problems which can some-times lead to some dangerous situations. The following book was donated anonymously. The King’s Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. Lionel Logue, an Australian, taught the Duke of York who became King George VI after his older brother abdicated the British throne, how to overcome a serious speech defect so that he could speak to his countrymen. The successful therapy happened in time for George VI to guide England through WWII. This story was made into a motion picture that won multi-ple Academy Awards.
The Messenger 11 September
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