August 2009 Chatter

VIEWS AND REVIEWS

“IMAGINATION”

We have only one child left at home, except for short periods. But that doesn’t mean things are quiet. Gabriel can make quite a racket. He

always has. I recall when he was just about four years old. Even alone he’d sing and talk loudly with a number of toys surrounding him. He’d bang them about, and he’d pretend he was

different characters as he played. Imagination. When we’re little it seems we have no shortage of it. But when we grow up most of us put our imagination on the shelf

along with the toys we once enjoyed. Imagination is for kids. Reality is for adults. Or so we sometimes think.

But it’s not so! An adult without imagination is a person who can’t see beyond what is in front of his or her eyes. Faith sees something more. The world with its wars, poverty,

oppression, illness and pure drudgery is what we too often think of as “reality.” In the face of this flawed reality, we desperately need some

imagination. Imagination powered by faith. Faith-filled imagination enables us to get a glimpse of a better world. A bumper sticker reads, “Imagine World Peace.” Some scoff. But

imagination is the first step toward change. It allows us to incline our hearts and minds toward a brighter, more just, harmonious and God-blessed world. When Jesus taught us to pray to

God “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” he called us to a prayerful imagination. Imagination helps us

realize that the world as it is around us isn’t inevitable and unalterable. “We walk by faith, not by sight” wrote the apostle Paul. Those who are strictly realistic

can only “walk by sight.” That is not enough for those of us who walk with Jesus. We believe he can make the impossible possible if we walk by

faith. Let’s be faithfully imaginative. Let’s imagine a better world and a better church. Then let’s live imaginatively and create a reality more pleasing to God. Grace and Peace,

Craig

PRESCHOOL NEWS FROM SUZANNE We have been enjoying a

great old fashioned summer at preschool. We’re reading exciting books, creating unique

art, nibbling yummy snacks, playing games…and of course, loving each other more each day. We are truly blessed.

During the next few weeks we will be preparing for the beginning of another new school year. The Ghann Family (Ms. Reggie & Crew) have volunteered to do some much

needed painting – THANKS! Your help is a real gift. Ms. Ero will be painting Room #1 and we are grateful to her. We would love some help

with weeding, playground painting, sealing wooden houses, leveling the playground, and raking mulch. Scrubbing chairs, easels, large toys, and tables are some other areas where we

can use some help to get our new school year off to a good start. If you can volunteer some time we would be grateful.

Many classes are full, but there are still some spaces available in classes from 18 months to 3 years old. Please come by for a tour and registration so your child can enjoy our warm,

loving preschool and child care center.

PRESCHOOL HAPPENINGS

8/19 All Staff Meeting (6:00 pm)

8/19 & 20 VPK Teachers Return – Planning 8/20 & 21 Staff Planning 8/21 VPK Orientation

8/24 VPK Classes Begin Preschool Orientation 8/25 Preschool Classes Begin 9/7 All Closed – Labor Day

EMAIL PRAYER GROUP If you have a prayer need, please let us know. If you would like to participate in the prayer group, call or email Alice in the church office (954-753-2383 or [email protected]).

It is an honor to pray for others.

Church Chatter August 2009

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:5-6)

On July 12th we welcomed two new members into our

family…Mary Karen Miller and Tony Saltalamacchia.

MARY KAREN MILLER has been attending RPCC for a few months, and decided to join because

“RPCC is a welcoming, friendly, loving and spiritually alive community.” Born in Alabama, Mary grew up in Texas and has attended both Methodist and Baptist churches. She is a single

parent who lives with her daughter, Michelle, and works for South Florida Dentistry for Children. Michelle is in 10th grade at JP

Taravella High School. Mary’s 25 year old son, Gregory, serves in the Air Force. After trying several churches, where “it never felt right,” TONY SALTALAMACCHIA came to RPCC

and “felt the connection.” After being a sporadic visitor, he joined because he experienced a “truly embracing church where

the messages are right on the money.” Tony wants to get involved and “give back.” He is an Air Force veteran and has lived in Florida since 1970. We are happy to have Mary Karen and

Tony as part of our family.

GOOD NEWS OF BLESSINGS On July 9th we celebrated the 8th anniversary of our Food Pantry. The clients all enjoyed a delicious Fiesta Dinner prepared by Lin

Zemliouskas - thank you, Lin! We continue to praise God for the ways He provides for those who come to us seeking assistance.

On July 26th we had our 80’s Bash, and everyone had fun. The lunch (provided by Ingrid Chung, Lynn Kroop and their Membership Team) was yummy, and the

slideshow was entertaining…nice mix Jamie!

OUR GENEROUS UNDERTAKING “Now as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you – so we want you to

excel also in this generous undertaking” (2 Corinthians 8:7).

God is doing wonderful things among us. Lives are being touched and blessed. Wonderful acts of service are being done.

Joyful worship is being experienced. Yet our necessary expenditures are still greater than our financial contributions. Your help is needed

so we can continue doing the good God has called us to do. Please help us to “excel also in this generous undertaking.” Your gifts are essential and greatly appreciated as we serve

God together. In His Service, Fernando

NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW MUSIC SEASON It’s time to think about back-to-school – AND

about serving the Lord through our music ministry. You don’t have to read music! You just have to have a heart to “make a joyful

noise unto the Lord.” Also, High School

students can earn service hours with consistent

attendance at rehearsals and performances. Bell Choir – ages 8 & up. No reading skills

necessary. Rehearsals: Tuesday 5:45-6:45 p.m. Choir – high school & up. No reading skills necessary. WE ALWAYS NEED MEN!!! Rehearsals: Tuesday 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Joyful Noyz – middle & high school music students. Arrangements are written to highlight each student’s skills and abilities. All

instruments welcome. Students must have at least one semester of band/orchestra or private lessons to join. Auditions are quick and painless before or after church or on Tuesdays.

Rehearsals: after church on the 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month. Administrative/Filing – adults or high

school students who wish to help file music are always welcome. If you have questions or want more info, email Trysch at [email protected].

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 8/1 John Linn 8/2 Bethany Buzzell 8/5 Joanna Chung

8/10 Jordan Ehlebracht 8/12 Arlene Galarza 8/13 Tara Herman

8/17 Michael Balducci 8/27 Crystal Casas Rick Ehlebracht 8/29 Allie Balducci

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES 8/1 Kevin & Karyn O’Shea

[We apologize if your name is not on the list. Please call the office to update your information!]

CYF OF FLORIDA ~ JIGSAW Christian Church Conference Center

August 28 – 30, 2009 Are you in High School? Are you interested

in learning how to improve your leadership skills? Come to Jigsaw where we will explore ways to improve your youth group and develop

your leadership skills. Early registration cost is $105 and forms are in the church office. One adult volunteer must

go with the youth interested in going.

EXCERPTS FROM DISCIPLESWORLD “GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE”

Disciples as a covenantal movement historically

have leaned into the holy space of relationship

with one another and with God for our strength

and our purpose. We seek wisdom that comes

from personally practicing our faith — and we are

adamant that we practice our faith in the context

of community. We count on meaningful

conversation — "discourse" our forebears might

have said — to help us tap the wisdom God has

placed in each and all of us. We also practice

radical hospitality that helps us stay together even

when we do not agree.

At General Assembly, we will bring our

best traits to the Table.

The 2009 General Assembly marks what may be

the biggest Disciples conversation ever. Employing social technologies proven to help large groups hear each other, the 6000+

Assembly Disciples will sit face-to-face to address what it really means to live into our newly stated identity. "We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for

wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of

the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the

Lord's Table as God has welcomed us." - Statement of Identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

YOUTH & YOUTH LEADERS ARE INVITED…

The youth Group at Tropical Sands Christian Church – known as “That Youth Thing” – and some youth from Jupiter First Church are

coming together for an afternoon of worship through music, communion and a message from Pastor Joel on Saturday, August 15th, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (After worship there will be

refreshment, socializing and fun.) They would love to see you there! For more info contact Jesse ([email protected]) or Pastor

Trudy ([email protected]).

SHOE DRIVE ENDS AUGUST 2ND

CHRISTMAS? ALREADY YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT CHRISTMAS?

Yes – some of us are already thinking about Christmas, and Trysch is willing to schedule a gathering/class to help you make some of your

Christmas gifts this year. Part of the cost of the class will go to the church’s ministries. Trysch will offer, with enough interest, the following classes:

1. Basic beading - this would be great for kids and adults. You’ll make a simple bracelet from beads YOU pick. Time permitting, a matching

pair of earrings will also be created. Cost will be $20 and includes all the supplies. Kits will be provided in various colors and styles. 2. Christmas Card design - let’s get together

and make CARDS! Sample cards will be available, or you can design whatever you’d like. Cost varies depending on the supplies you

chose and the number of cards you want to make. Again, all supplies would be included. These classes could be scheduled either during a Women’s Fellowship meeting or the

Friday after Thanksgiving. The plans are still tentative and are dependent on interest level. A minimum number of people are needed for each activity. If you’re interested, email Trysch at

[email protected].