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Presbyterian ‘Connection’ April 2018 Volume 25 Issue 4

There Shall Be Showers of Blessing Most of us are familiar with the song “April Showers”. We may even remember Judy Garland and Al Jolson singing their slight variations of it. This being the month of April, we can expect rain showers, possibly in abundance. This reminded me of the hymn “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”. It is one of my old time favorites. It is number 289 in our hymnal. The lyrics were written by Daniel W. Whittle and the music by James McGranahan back in 1883, 135 years ago. It is still vibrant and a blessing to sing today. The original writing of it has five stanzas rather just the four in our hymnal. 1. There shall be showers of blessing:

This is the promise of love; There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.

Refrain: Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need: Mercy-drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.

2. There shall be showers of blessing, Precious reviving again; Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain. 3. There shall be showers of blessing; Send them upon us, O Lord; Grant to us now a refreshing, Come, and now honor Thy Word. 4. There shall be showers of blessing: Oh, that today they might fall, Now as to God we’re confessing, Now as on Jesus we call! 5. There shall be showers of blessing, If we but trust and obey; There shall be seasons refreshing, If we let God have His way.

As we launch out into the month of April, let’s do it asking the Lord to pour out his blessings upon us and help us to share Him, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our blessings with others.

God bless! Fred

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Connection Online

If you would like to read the “Connection” newsletter

online, go to our website;

http://www.presbyterianchurchofbullshoals.com

Click on the ‘Info Center’ tab at the top, then on the

drop-down menu, click on “Presbyterian Connection”,

then choose the month of the newsletter you would

like to read. The most recent newsletter will be at the

top.

Coffee & Fellowship

Be sure to drop in for coffee, maybe a

Danish or cookies and wonderful fellowship

on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in

Memorial Hall!

February Income - $3,050.00

February Expenses - $5,786.08

THURSDAYS, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO NOON IN

MEMORIAL HALL. MEN & WOMEN WELCOME.

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WORSHIP IN APRIL

APRIL 1st

“Who Are You Looking For?”

John 20:1-18

EASTER SUNDAY

APRIL 8th

“The Resurrection and the Life”

John 11:17-27, 38-44

POT LUCK

APRIL 15th

“Why the Cross?”

John 12:20-36

BLESSING OF THE FOOD PANTRY

APRIL 22nd

Gideon Speaker

APRIL 29th

“Love One Another”

John 13:31-38

MINUTE FOR MISSION

5TH SUNDAY SING

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

6:00 P.M.

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CHURCH USHERS/GREETERS COMMUNION SERVERS

April 1 - Irene Bere & Dr. Simons No Communion

April 8 - Linda Allensworth & Sandy Erickson

April 15 - Linda Allensworth & Amy Johnson

April 22 - Sandy Erickson & Elaine Miller

April 29 - Faye Brackett & Sandy Erickson

PRAYER LIST FOR CONGREGATIONS, PRESBYTERY OF AR.- 2018 April 1 - First, Harrison First, North Little Rock

April 8 - Mt. Comfort, Fayetteville First, Dardanelle

April 15 - Good Shepherd, Greenwood Presbytery Church of Bella Vista

April 22 - Central, Fort Smith Active Deacons

April 29 - Alpine Church, Amity Cleburne Ave., West Helena

PLEASE NOTIFY PAT ERLEWINE IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO SHOULD BE ON OUR PRAYER LIST.

BIRTHDAYS

April May April 10 - Betty Craig May 7 - Meg Simons April 19 - Norma Taylor April 19 - Garrett Carpenter

ANNIVERSARIES

No April Anniversaries May 19 - Robert & Tywllah Schauer

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LIBRARY LINES - APRIL 2018

The following books have been donated to the library: author Pearl S. Buck: IMPERIAL WOMAN, PEONY, SONS, DRAGON SEED, CHINA FLIGHT, PORTRAIT OF A MARRIAGE, THE EXILE, and THE THREE DAUGHTERS OF MADAM LIANG. The non-fiction book by Lynn Eib has been added to the

library: FIFTY DAYS OF HOPE.

IMPERIAL WOMAN is the fictionalized biography of the last Empress in China, Ci-xi, who began as a concubine of the Xianfeng Emperor and on his death became the de facto head of the Qing Dynasty until her death in 1908.Buck recreates the life of one of the most intriguing rulers during a time of intense turbulence. Tzu Hsi was born into one of the lowly ranks of the Imperial dynasty. According to custom, she moved to the Forbidden City at the age of seventeen to become one of hundreds of concubines. But her singular beauty and powers of manipulation quickly moved her into the position of Second Consort. Tzu Hsi was feared and hated by many in the court, but adored by the people. The Empress's rise to power (even during her husband's life) parallels the story of China's transition from the

ancient to the modern way.

You’ve just heard a diagnosis that shakes your world: It's cancer. And what you long for most is the hope that everything will be okay. You are not alone. As a longtime cancer survivor, Lynn Eib knows firsthand how that feels. And as a patient advocate helping thousands facing cancer, she also knows what gives people hope. In 50 Days of Hope, Lynn shares amazing, true stories of those who have been in your shoes and discovered that when God and cancer meet, hope is never far away. Whether you’re a cancer patient or walking with a loved one on a cancer journey, you’ll find 50 Days of Hope packed with the daily dose of

encouragement you need. FIFTY DAYS OF HOPE by Lynn Eib.

Faye Brackett, Librarian

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MISSION MINUTE

APRIL - 2018

The Front Porch Café in Akron, Ohio, serves up healthy portions of food and friendship for people

needing a new start in life.

At the Front Porch, individuals recovering from addiction or re-entering society after spending

time in prison can eat a good meal, grow and learn alongside others who share their struggles,

and receive guidance on housing and employment opportunities.

When Diretha joined the Front Porch community five years ago, she had been sober and drug-free

for a year, but a decade of unemployment threatened the sustainability of her success. She

volunteered at the café and attended its support groups. The staff helped her develop a resume

and interviewing skills.

These efforts helped Diretha land a job at a catering company, where she has worked for four

years. She continues to live a life free from alcohol and drug abuse.

Your One Great Hour of Sharing gifts contributed to Diretha’s transformation. The Presbyterian

Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) made a grant that helped renovate and

equip the building that houses the café after Eastminster Presbytery’s Committee selected the

project for funding. SDOP partners with economically poor people in projects they present,

control, own, and are the direct beneficiaries.

The Front Porch Café is part of South Street Ministries, which serves youth and adults in one of

Akron’s poorest and most racially diverse neighborhoods. “We get people from the church, the

recovery world, and the neighborhood who come in just for a place to gather,” says Joe Tucker,

the ministries’ executive director. By purchasing one of the Front Porch’s reasonably priced

meals, neighborhood patrons support its witness to hope.

“We give people a lot of hope and redirection,” Joe says. “We tell people, ‘Hey look, half of our

staff are in recovery or in re-entry themselves—we know what it’s like. What you are wanting to

do is absolutely doable. We believe in Christ, and we will pray with you.’ The consistent reminder

of hope is probably the deepest area we have.”

Diretha continues to attend a support group at the Front Porch and its weekly worship service. “If

I hadn’t gotten involved with the Front Porch, there is a chance I would have started using again

and been in prison or even died,” Diretha says.

The Mission Committee would like to report that we took in $142.24 from the Souper Bowl

collection for the Food Pantry. Thank you all for your support.

Submitted by the Mission Committee

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN & MEN

General Meeting March 13, 2018

Ten members were present for our first PW&M meeting of 2018. We met in Memorial Hall for this combined team meeting and general membership meeting and enjoyed coffee and a sweet bite thanks to Irene Bere and Christi Partee. Thanks you ladies. Irene also read a devotion from Guideposts related to 1 Cor. 12:18 re: a particular piece of God's puzzle. Amy Johnson is acting Moderator for today's meeting. She opened the meeting with prayer at 9:30 AM.

Reports:

Secretary Amy asked for any corrections or additions to December's meeting minutes. There were none so the minutes will be placed on file. She read several correspondence: and event at the Sheid Center tonight, a thank-you from Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center for our $100, 2017 donation, and a note to all from Betty Aaron.

Treasurer, Mary Kerr presented her report from December 2017 with a beginning balance of $1965.45 with 0 receipts and $704.19 disbursements to leave a balance on Dec.31 of $1261.21. She sent the last four donation checks from the monthly meetings offerings (aka 'the dishes') as listed: $310.05 to Flippin Schools Back Pack Program, $62.60 Birthday Offering to Karen Jones in Little Rock, $66.46 Least Coins also to Karen Jones, and $265.08 reimbursed to Peni Lloyd for shopping for our Christmas Back Pack Project. Elaine Miller moved to accept this report as written and Norma Taylor seconded. It will be filed. Mary received a thank-you from our donation to the Bull Shoals Library. The treasurer's yearly report will be presented to us at the April meeting.

Publicity: Vicky Bair had nothing to report today.

Missions: covered under new business. Linda Allensworth states she has over 700 Best Choice barcode labels thus far and will not sent them in until she reaches 2000.

Church announcements: Pastor Fred Taylor assured us that Ed Lloyd came through his open-heart surgery yesterday as well as expected. The Meditation Gardens needs helping hands this season. Norma will be there every Tuesday, Lord willing, and could use extra hands. The Session approved Red Cross use of our building for emergency temporary housing with them providing full provisions and damage coverage.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy opened up discussion for reviewing 2017 missions giving and possible additions or changes to this 2018 plan. One decision was unanimous after receiving a newsletter from the Mountain Home Christian Clinic, that we need to return to supporting them. Elaine made a motion to put them back on the list for our donation in '18. Linda seconded the motion and all were in favor. We looked at the list of ministries supported last year and have one questionable one, Ferncliff Camp. It was noted by Norma that in the years past we supported them because we had children in our congregation who benefited from the camp. That is no longer the case. It will be voted on in April if we should stop donations. All others on the 2017 list we agreed should stay on for 2018, included: Our Kids of Marion Co., Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services, Flippin Schools Lunch Assistance Program and their Elementary Back Pack Program, Bull Shoals Food Pantry and their Christmas Basket project, Marion Sr. Center Meals on Wheels (Amy will check on its continuation), Bull Shoals Ministerial Alliance, and Presbyterian Disaster Relief.

Now for discussion of our yearly fundraisers: We all agreed to continue the No-Bake Bake Sale, the monthly meeting offerings, the monthly meeting donations of toiletries to BS Food Pantry, and the Christmas Project offering. We discussed our main working fundraisers. We agreed that the Baked Potato Bash is a successful fundraiser and should be continued. Pg. 1. of 2. con’t...

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Till We Speak Again APRIL 2018

An Easter Song

Colored eggs peeking out from under bush and flower, Jesus Christ dying on the cross

Glorious hymns being sung by a choir, Excited kids dressed up in new Easter clothes

Everybody knows some palm fronds and lilies of white, Help to make the season special

Happy kids with their eyes shiny and bright, Will be on a candy high tonight

They know that Christ died for all their sins, And brings them joy and a life that never ends

Every mother's child will question why, Did Jesus really have to die

And so I'm offering this simple phrase, to Kids from one to Ninety-two

Although it's been said many times, many ways, Happy Easter to you!!

Luv, Millie

PW&M con’t…

The discussion re: the Ice Cream Social was not as favorable. Linda stated we had been bringing in an average of $70 less each year for the past two years and that maybe that had run its course from days of its conception back when the church had homemade ice cream socials just for fun. We discussed possible new ideas including a soup and salad supper or perhaps a hot dog supper. No decision will be made until the April meeting. Additional new business is re: Administrative Professionals Day, April 25 and it is unanimous that Christi Partee will be honored by PW&M as in the past.

OTHER BUSINESS: Elaine made a motion to cease holding coordinating team 'board' meetings monthly and combine it with the general membership meeting on the second Tuesday of the month. The December plan for meeting protocol stands that we no longer have hosts or breakfasts, but that whoever arrives early can make a pot of coffee and anyone is welcome to bring a snack if they desire.

Next General Meeting will be April 10, 2018 at 9:30 AM

Amy adjourned the meeting with a closing prayer at 11 AM.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary, Amy Johnson

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RECIPE FOR APRIL

CHEESY POTATOES

Ingredients

1 package Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns 1 cup (4 ounces) Crystal Farms® Shredded Cheddar Cheese 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of potato soup 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup sliced green onion 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic

Instructions

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray*. In large bowl combine all ingredients; stir to mix well. Spread in prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 55 to 60 minutes or until potatoes are tender and center is

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THIS WE BELIEVE FOR APRIL “ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.“

“Romans 8:1”

“We will be scripture-based to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and spiritually led to guide all people to be active doers of the Word”

Approved by Session on November 16, 2007

CHURCH STAFF

Pastor: Fred Taylor, Clerk of Session: Vicky Bair, Church Treasurer: Ken Hobart,

Secretary: Christi Partee, Financial Secretary: Elaine Miller

DEACONS

Class of 2020 Class of 2018 Class of 2019

Ed Lloyd Pam Hobart Sandy Erickson

Vacancy Pat Erlewine

ELDERS

Class of 2020 Class of 2018 Class of 2019

Meg Simons Ken Hobart Vicky Bair

Peni Lloyd Steve Broskovak Vacancy

Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals

P.O. Box 305

Bull Shoals, AR. 72619