PCPCSEPTEMBERNEWSLETTER

Calvin and Wesley Finally Agree:You Should Come to Classics of Christian Spirituality 2By David C. Mauldin

God used both John Calvin (1509-1564) and John Wesley (1703-1791) in mighty ways. Both men started movements that made a worldwide impact and continue to this day. Reformed churches, such as Presbyterians, trace their roots to Calvin. Methodist churches trace theirs to Wesley. These two preachers and theologians agreed on nearly everything. They agreed on what the gospel is: good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. They agreed on what your response to the gospel should be: faith, repentance, and commitment to Christ. They disagreed on where that response comes from. Calvin said God; Wesley said you.

Calvin and Wesley share something in common besides their faith in Christ. They are both among the authors we will read in Classics of Christian Spirituality 2. And, despite their differences, I feel confident both would want you to participate!

This year, I’ve divided Classics into two units. Unit 1 I call “Back to Our 2nd Century Future.” We will learn from church leaders in the 2nd century how to navigate a culture that is hostile to Christian faith. That’s what we’ll be reading and discussing in September. (For more on Unit 1, see last month’s newsletter.) Unit 2 starts on October 9. I call it “Walking with Giants” because we will learn from some of the greatest Christians in history. Here is a preview of Unit 2: I wanted a unifying theme for Unit 2 and chose Christian fellowship. Each writing will speak in some way to how we live together as Christians. How do we get along? How do we deal with problems? What should we expect from one another? Basically, how do we follow Jesus together, which according to Jesus, is the only way to follow him!

On October 9, we start with Calvin. Pastor Brad will be leading this class because I will be on my way to the annual board meeting for Presbyterians Protecting Life. You will read a series of letters Calvin wrote over a number of years. Three of them are about Calvin’s own suffering. For example, he was working to forgive a woman who called his wife a harlot when their son was baptized. (Oh yeah, there’s a story there!) Two of the letters are to believers who were suffering for their faith: a man who had lost all his property and his reputation because of his commitment to the gospel and a duchess whose children had been taken from her. Several more of the letters were written to five Reformed seminary students who were arrested in Catholic France and put on trial for their lives for heresy. The collection of letters promises to be both interesting and edifying!

On October 16, we overhear Augustine wrestling with a thorny church problem. Christians had been persecuted. Some church leaders had managed to hide. Others had suffered. Still others had folded; for example, they handed over their copies of scripture to be burned.

2

(the official Facebook page for PCPC): fb.me/PalmCityPresbyterianChurch

BE IN THE KNOWHow can you stay up to date with the latest happenings at PCPC? There are several ways!

• Sign up for weekly e-blasts by calling our church office (772-286-9958) or emailing janet@palmcitypres.org.• Read the newsletter. Our newsletter is posted on our website under “Resources.” Hard copies are available in the church office, Sanctuary narthex, HFLC lobby and Langill Hall lobby.• Visit our website: palmcitypres.org.• Like us on Facebook. On Facebook you will find previews of the upcoming sermon; photo and video coverage of church events/activities; upcoming events, classes, bible studies and VBS; and inspirational posts.

(the official Facebook page for PCPC Youth Ministry): fb.me/PCPCYouth

PCPC Bell Choirsby Joanne Raulin, Principal Organist and Bell Choir Director

The Twelve Bells bell choir (called the Bells of Worship) of Palm City Presbyterian Church has had a wonderful summer! They rehearsed every Thursday this summer and performed at the 11:00 service in June, July, and August. They did a magnificent job! The Bells of Praise resumed rehearsals August 29th and will perform in September. The Bells of Worship will perform in October and will alternate months with the Bells of Praise. They are two very dedicated groups of people, and always ring to the glory of God!

Choir rehearsal starts up October 3rd at 7:00 p.m.Our big project this year is Handel's Messiah which we will perform in December with full orchestra.

Andrew Bates commissioned July 21, 2019

Andrew Bates will be working for the Peace Corps in Ukraine for two years. As a Russian language major, he will teach middle/high school students English as well as instruct the educators in how to teach English. Living with a host family, he’ll be able to be fully immersed in the culture.

Andrew arrived in Zhytomyr, Ukraine mid-August. He will have three months of training there, which includes learning the culture and the Ukrainian language. After training, the Peace Corps will assign him a permanent post. That location has yet to be determined.

Photo Below:The group gathered in L.A. as they were preparing for their flight to Ukraine.

The PCPC Hilltoppers Returning Monday, October 7thHas anyone ever told you that you are "over the hill" or have you ever felt that way?If you are retired on Florida's beautiful Treasure Coast, you are not "over the hill"but rather at the "top of the hill" - a Hilltopper!Plan to join us on the first Monday of every month.

4

PCPC MOPS had their first meeting of the fall. If you are interested in joining or volunteering in childcare, please contact our church office.

Community Bible Study Classes Begin Thursday, September 5th

Community Bible Study (CBS) starts on Thursday, September 5th. This year will be amazing as we launch into 1st and 2nd Peter for 12 weeks, then spend time with Joshua before diving into 1st and

2nd Thessalonians. Drum roll please…we will end the year with 6 weeks in Job. Spots are filling up fast. Save yours by visiting http://palmcityeve.cbsclass.org/ to register. A year of in-depth study is only $35, and all books are included. Is Community Bible Study (CBS) new to you? Watch a video on "Who We Are" at https://www.communitybiblestudy.org/who-we-are/ to learn more about how CBS has grown since the first CBS class began in the fall of 1975 at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland. CBS welcomes adults and children of all ages. High school age students are not required to be accompanied by an adult, but all other children must have an adult enrolled in the study. We are excited to see you on September 5th at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel.

Turkey Trot Registration Is Open!Join us on Thanksgiving morning for the 9th Annual Palm City Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run, hosted by Palm City Presbyterian Church. Proceeds benefit Love And Hope In Action, Inc. (LAHIA) of Stuart. The registration fee is $40 and increases to $50  after 11/2/2019. A limited edition Turkey Trot T-shirt is included and all finishers receive a customized Turkey Trot medal. Awards will be presented to the top 3 finishers in each age category. In addition, a hot breakfast will be served immediately following the race. This race is limited to 600 participants and typically sells out. For more details and to sign up, please visit this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PalmCity/PalmCityTurkeyTrot. Your business or organization can support the 2019 Turkey Trot by being a sponsor. All proceeds will go to our 2019 beneficiary, Love and Hope in Action (LAHIA). To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the church office.

5Children’s Ministry News by Sarah Butler

Save The Date!Friday, October 11th we plan to hold a PCPC Fall Festival with food and fun for the whole family! The event will be open to the community. Details will be made available soon, but mark your calendars and plan to attend...and please be sure to spread the word and to bring friends!!

Calling All Volunteers!Several rooms used for our children’s ministry need freshening up as we try to make our current children feel at home and make visiting children feel welcome! If you are skilled with a paintbrush and would be willing to join us for a fun workday this fall filled with fellowship and free food, please contact Sarah at sarah@palmcitypres.org. Stay tuned for details regarding our workday date! We WELCOME church teens who would be interested in earning some community service hours for school and enjoying some free food, as well!

Do You Have Connections To A Local Business?

PCPC Shepherdsby Susan Rosseau

As coordinator of the Shepherd program, I want to send a very heartfelt thank you to the shepherds who have retired from our program. They are Mrs. Ginni Vannata, Mrs. Phyllis Kordick, Mrs. Nancy Jones, and Ms. Joan Zedowski. They have served us faithfully for an extended period of time.

We are now in need of replacements for their flocks. If you are looking for a meaningful way to serve at PCPC,

We are hoping to plan some fun meetups for our children and their families outside of their time at church. We want to help them build some connections, friendships, and just to have fun with other kids! If you have an association with a local business that might be able to offer discounts or special rates for group outings (bowling alleys, restaurants, movies, go-carts, miniature golf, art studios, trampoline parks, etc.) please contact me at sarah@palmcitypres.org!

Thank You!Our Children’s Ministry Advisory Team has been working tirelessly to support the direction of our children’s ministry efforts. They are playing an important role working along with our staff to expand our children’s programming. A special thank you to these individuals for their time, advisement, and continued encouragement:Debby Artman, Cathy Coco, Carolyn Herman, Linda Hughes, Kim Johnson, Brandon LaBar, Diane LaBar, Amy Moyer, Becky Nicholson, Tammy Steckler, Claudia Vernakes, Greg Vernakes

this may be your area of service!

What does a Shepherd do?The coordinator provides you with a flock—approximately 10-14 individuals or families. You are asked to send them birthday, anniversary, get well cards or cards of encouragement, and the church provides all the cards you need. No home visits are required. A shepherd can be a single person or a couple, and this ministry is one you can do from home!

How does it work?You are provided a list of your flock’s birthdays and anniversaries grouped by month. If one of your flock is in the hospital, sick, or has a concern, the coordinator will contact you. You will receive an email (if you use a computer) or a call with the concern so you can respond with the appropriate card.

Please consider this opportunity to serve at PCPC.It is a wonderful way to connect with our church family. If you are interested, please call the office at (772) 286-9958 and Janet will direct you to the coordinator.

If you don’t already follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or get REMIND text messages or receive our emails...you should!

fb.me/PCPCYouth

@pcpc_youth

To connect with Jason or to receive parenting resources and youth updates via email, please contact him directly.Email: Jason@palmcitypres.orgCall or Text: (714) 809-5065

text “@pcpcyo” to the number “81010”

Youth News September 2019 by Jason Pridmore

Back to Youth!It’s that time of year when our students head back to school, which means that it’s time to head “Back to Youth”…Group! High school and middle school weekly programs have resumed, and we want to make sure to extend a welcome to all new (and continuing) middle school and high school students (6th -12th grade). Come and join us for some fun, connectivity, and at the very least, a break from school. If you are new to our groups or our church, definitely bring a friend with you if that makes things easier. Don’t worry if you don’t bring your friends with you; you’ll be given new ones upon entry! We are excited to get to know you so come and hang out!

Middle School Youth Group meets Wednesdays 5:30-7:00 p.m. for games, fun, food, and conversation.

High School Youth Group meets Sundays 6:00-8:00 p.m. (all the same as Middle School youth with twice the fun).

In His service and yours,

Jason PridmoreYouth Ministry714-809-5065 

Camp SurfThough we hate to say “good-bye” to summer, we certainly do it right (or at least as much as we can here in Florida). As a way to bring closure to another exciting summer, our youth took a few days to RELAX in Cocoa Beach for our annual Camp Surf. During these few days, we practiced RELAXING and learning what it means to REST in the Lord (Matthew 11:28). Part of our relaxation involved surfing, flying kites, rescuing sea turtles, and just being kids without devices. In the evenings, we spent some time in devotions learning how God calls us to lay our stress and worry on Him. We had an amazing time and are already looking forward to next year’s summer getaway.

7

September Prayer Theme: Praying for Strong Faith

Deuteronomy 31:6 says:

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (KJV)

“Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you.” (The Message)

It is not uncommon for Christians to question how God is in their day-to-day challenges and life circumstances. So, here are some questions to ask yourself to strengthen your faith:

• While God gives us faith (Eph. 2:8), how do I keep my faith strong?

• Do I make God the head of my life every day?

• Do I thank Him throughout the day for His love and faithfulness, even though I may not see His hand at work in my circumstances?

• Am I patient with the uncertainties in my life?

• How do I celebrate the ways I have learned to be a stronger Christian during difficult times in my life?

8

Once the persecution was over, how was the church to handle this last group? Should they be rehabilitated, or were they permanently disqualified from ministry? The church in North Africa split over that question. Then they argued over whether baptism administered by a pastor who folded was valid. Lots of juicy questions here, and they are relevant to us: What makes the church holy? How do we protect that holiness? What do we look for in leaders? What about leaders who fail?

On October 23, we sit around the dinner table with none other than Martin Luther, the great German Protestant Reformer. Luther loved to sit at meals and talk with his colleagues and students about questions that matter. Some of his friends wrote down things he said, and these were collected into a book called Table Talk. We will read excerpts on prayer, the church, and what makes a good preacher!

On October 30, John Wesley will preach to us on “The Duty of Reproving our Neighbour.” If you see a brother or sister in Christ sin, do you say something to them? If so, when? How? On the one hand, we have a responsibility to one another. We need to help one another follow Christ. On the other hand, we can’t go around telling everyone how to live all the time. You may find Wesley’s approach helpful.

On November 6, we hear the Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon. A Reformed Baptist, he was the pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London for 38 years and the most heralded preacher of the 19th century. We will read a sermon he preached in 1871 titled, “The Church as She Should Be.” His text was from the Song of Solomon. (You have to love a preacher who turns to the racy love poetry in the Bible to preach

about the church!) If this doesn’t get you fired up, check your pulse.

Finally, on November 13, we get an excerpt from the greatest novel ever written, The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I know what you’re thinking: “We had an excerpt from that last year, and it was really hard!” Agreed. However, this one is not. It is a chapter titled, “Some Thoughts and Teachings from the Elder Zosima.” In the book, a holy elder at the local monastery dies. As he does, he imparts wisdom learned from a life of following Christ. He says things like:

My friends, pray to God for gladness. Be glad as children, as the birds of heaven. And let not the sin of men confound you in your doings. Fear not that it will wear away your work and hinder its being accomplished. Do not say, “Sin is mighty, wickedness is mighty, evil environment is mighty, and we are lonely and helpless, and evil environment is wearing us away and hindering our good work from being done.” Fly from that dejection, children!

Thus, we have letters, sermons, dinner conversation, and an excerpt from a novel to enjoy. Be aware that each unit has its own book. The book for Unit 1 is already available in the church office. The book for Unit 2 will be made available in the class starting on September 25. Each book features the readings (from a public domain source) along with my own introductions and questions for reflection.

The format for each class will be the same: An optional dinner at 5:30. Class from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The first 20 minutes, I will talk about the author and the writing. The second 20 minutes, I will explore the reading. The final 20 minutes, you get a chance to discuss in table groups. As always, Classics of Christian Spirituality 2 comes with my personal guarantee: You will have fun and learn something important, or I am really, really sorry. Seriously—you will!

cont’d from pg. 1

9

MISSIONS by Sue Henrich

Greetings from the Mission Committee. Last month we talked about the differences between Local Missions and Global Missionaries. This month we will give you some background on the Mission Committee and answer the question, “What local mission organizations did PCPC support in 2018?” The Mission Committee has supported and provided funding for global missionaries since the inception of PCPC, which is about 30 years. However, it was not until 2017 that the committee assumed the responsibility from the deacons of overseeing local mission organizations. All funding requests, whether from a missionary or a local non-profit organization, require the completion of an annual application. Each application is prayerfully considered and carefully analyzed by the Mission Committee. In 2018, the following local organizations received support. This support is not only financial, but also in the form of time and projects.

The following are the 15 local mission organizations that PCPC supported in 2018:

4Cs - Caring Children Clothing Children 4Kids - Southern Florida Care Net Character Counts Council on Aging at the Kane Center Dunklin Memorial Camp Gertrude Walden Child Care Center Habitat for Humanity (Apostles Build) House of Hope LAHIA - Love and Hope in Action Refuge Ranch Salvation Army - Compassion House of Stuart Samaritan Center for Young Boys & Families Treasure Coast Food Bank VIM - Volunteers in Medicine

Detailed information about each organization will follow in future articles.

Depending on the organization, services are provided to feed the hungry, clothe and educate the needy, help the homeless, strengthen families, aid those with addictions, provide medical attention, and most importantly give spiritual healing. The whole spectrum of ages, from the unborn to seniors, receives benefits by way of these various local non-profits. We at PCPC not only financially help these organizations, but we also give of our time. We host Christmas parties for the Gertrude Walden Child Care Center, provide cookies for Dunklin Memorial, lunches for Refuge Ranch, and breakfasts for LAHIA. We paint homes for Habitat for Humanity, hand out food for Treasure Coast Food Bank, ring bells for the Salvation Army, and have fun at the Turkey Trot helping however we are needed. Other groups at the church join our mission work and actively support local organizations. Our Men’s Bible Study and the Women’s Bible Study classes raise funds and collect and distribute needed items. Grandmothers and Others sew beautiful clothing for needy children. Our Youth Group can always be counted on to lend a helping hand, while also having their own mission projects! Join the Mission Committee for an uplifting and rewarding life while being fishers of men. Want to find out more or ask a question? Leave a note in the Mission Committee’s mailbox or talk to Janet, the church receptionist, and we will get back to you.

Don’t miss the Mission Committee’s video coming soon to your Sunday service!

10

Sermon Series: Stories Jesus ToldListening to some of Jesus’ most important parables

Sept. 1st Luke 20:9-18

“The Vineyard” Who Jesus is

Sept. 8th Luke 12:13-21 “The Rich Fool” The spiritual power of money

Sept. 15th Luke 14:15-24 “The Great Banquet” The call to faith and, by extension, evangelism

Sept. 22nd Pastor Brad Klostreich preaching

Sept. 29th Luke 16:19-30 “Lazarus and the Rich Man” Helping and compassion

11

Our study in the book of Romans continues with Rev. Dr. Brad Klostreich

Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. beginning Sept. 12th Lower Langill Hall

Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning Oct. 3rd Lower Langill Hall

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Adult Sunday school, led by Rev. Dr. Brad Klostreich, resumes October 6th with a new study: “Understanding the Westminster Confession”

We meet in Lower Langill Hall at 9:45 a.m. Sunday mornings.

FAMILY FUN DAYAUGUST 4, 2019

It was definitely a Family Fun Day! Indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, plenty of hamburgers and hot dogs coming off the grill, and a great time shared with family and friends.

Our new Director of Children’s Ministry, Sarah Butler, was kept busy meeting and greeting our guests. If by chance you missed her, she can be reached at 772-286-9958 or by email (Sarah@

palmcitypres.org).

A big thank you to the volunteers who helped bring it all together for us to enjoy!

13

14

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat8:30a Traditional Svc 9:30a Contemporary

Svc 9:30a Pre-K to Elem

SS 10:30a Linger Longer

11:00a Traditional Svc

6:00p HS Youth Group

LABOR DAY Office Closed

6:00p Walk Aerobics 6:45p Walk Aerobics

10:00a Staff Meeting

5:30p MS Youth 5:30p Dinner 6:00p CCS-2

6:00p Walk Aerobics 6:45p Walk Aerobics 8:00p Cornerstone

5:00p Bells of Praise 6:30p CBS

8:30a Traditional Svc 9:30a Contemporary

Svc 9:30a Pre-K to Elem

SS 10:30a Linger Longer

11:00a Traditional Svc

6:00p HS Youth Group

9:00 a.m. MOPS 6:00p Walk Aerobics 6:45p Walk Aerobics

10:00a Staff Meeting 3:30p Membership

Committee

12:00p Prayer Group 5:30p MS Youth

5:30p Dinner 6:00p CCS-2

6:00p Walk Aerobics 6:45p Walk Aerobics 8:00p Cornerstone

7:00a Men’s Bible Study

4:00p P&A Committee

5:00p Bells of Worship

6:30p CBS

8:30a Traditional Svc 9:30a Contemporary

Svc 9:30a Pre-K to Elem

SS 10:30a Linger Longer

11:00a Traditional Svc

6:00p HS Youth Group

6:00p Walk Aerobics 6:45p Walk Aerobics

10:00a Staff Meeting 5:30p Worship

Committee

10:00a Finance 12:00p Prayer Group

3:15p Stephen Ministry

5:30p MS Youth 5:30p Dinner 6:00p CCS-2

6:00p Walk Aerobics 8:00p Cornerstone

7:00a Men’s Bible Study

5:00p Bells of Worship

6:30p CBS

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

8:30a Traditional Svc 9:30a Contemporary

Svc 9:30a Pre-K to Elem

SS 10:30a Linger Longer

11:00a Traditional Svc

6:00p HS Youth Group

9:00a MOPS 6:00p Walk Aerobics 6:45p Walk Aerobics

10:00a Staff Meeting

5:30p MS Youth 5:30p Dinner 6:00p CCS-2

6:00p Walk Aerobics 6:45p Walk Aerobics

7:00p Session 8:00p Cornerstone

7:00a Men’s Bible Study

5:00p Bells of Worship

8:30a Traditional Svc 9:30a Contemporary

Svc 9:30a Pre-K to Elem

SS 10:30a Linger Longer

11:00a Traditional Svc

6:00p HS Youth Group

6:00p Walk Aerobics 6:45p Walk Aerobics

8

1

9

2

10

3

11

4

12

5

13

6

14

7

15

22

16 17

2423

29

21

28

201918

25 26 27

30

Sept. Calendar

* Classics of Christian Spirituality 2 (CCS-2)

&Birthdays09/02 John Drew09/05 Frank Swygert09/06 Reece Forrest09/07 Tom Rew09/09 Jackie Forrest, Bob Sempier09/11 Marlene Boobar, Daniel Mauldin09/12 Jean Austin, Kristine Gunn, Janet Jones, Andrea Wood09/15 Craig Karraker09/16 Helen Langill, Holley Munn, Parker Olson09/18 Ben Smith, Elizabeth Zsoka09/19 Clarke Curley, Jennifer Legg, Wally Server, Reed Spicer09/20 Madison Artman09/21 Ellen Drisner, Cheryl Meikle, Margo Overton, Kim Ruperto, Phyl Sullivan09/22 Patti Miller09/24 Allison Karraker, Drew McLean, Frank Meyo, Jane Shubert09/25 Nidia Bernstiel, John Boobar09/26 Rosalyn Soo Mauldin09/27 Enid Tatje09/28 Jay Spicer, Kayla Winterhalter09/29 Kelly Boswell

09/01 Mike & Lee England09/03 Jim & Peggy Frazier09/04 John & Dot Coblentz09/08 Rob & Patti Miller09/09 Bob & Barbara Susdorf09/17 Jim & Carolyn Herman09/19 Bill & Mary Gilmour09/22 Al & Susan Hastings09/29 Steve & Gerri Strong

Anniversaries

09/30 Gretchen Dewey

Cbirkettchristian@gmail.com772.233.0188

christianbirkett.com

Worship Times

Traditional8:30 Chapel

11:00 Sanctuary

Contemporary 9:30 HFLC

2700 SW Martin HighwayPalm City Florida, 34990

Phone: 772-286-9958Fax: 772-286-9960

Email: worship@palmcitypres.org

Have something for the next newsletter? Email it to our editors, Amy Kitchell and Andrea Wood: newsletter@palmcitypres.org by the deadline indicated on this newsletter’s calendar.

Comic by Joe McKeeverOriginally on Baptist Press

bpnews.net