From My Open Doormedia1.razorplanet.com/share/512948-9713/siteDocs/March...needs to be added to this list. All in the family 03/01 Nancy Lindgren 03/01 Tom Wickert 03/01 Wendi Thomas

Last month, I provided the first half of my thoughts about some of the ways that we kill ministry in the church. This month I provide the balance of my thoughts, and another five ministry killing habits. As a reminder, the first five were rut thinking, pessimism, control freaks, bottom-line thinking, and an un-welcoming  spirit  toward  those  “not  like  us”.   6. Herd mentality—This is the inability for people to own up to their own  opinions  and  say  “I   think”  or   “I  believe," finding it easier just to go along   by   saying   “we   think”   or   “we  believe”.   They   think  that there's safety in numbers.     “Herders”  prefer to be spoon-fed rather than gett ing messy learning to feed themselves. Truth is: “I”  think  and    “you"  think.    But  “we”  don’t  think. 7. Choosing comfort over risk— We are all guilty of this. It is much easier, less stressful and simply cozier if we stick to what we like and to what makes us comfortable. Risk is, well, risky! We might get hurt, embarrassed or have our ego bruised. But without risk, growth is stunted. A tree grows stronger when it is buffeted by wind and storm. 8. Reacting rather than responding - Reaction is the result of self-protection.     It’s   a   knee-jerk reflex. Reaction   doesn’t   take   into  consideration results. Reaction is living in panic mode. It is short-term thinking. Responding, on the other hand, takes time to see the bigger picture, to form a proper answer that brings greater healing and growth. Response is calm, long-term

visioning and thinking. 9. An inability to dream—If a church does not dream, it does not survive, let alone thrive. The failure to dream leads to stagnation, which leads to a slow and ugly death. The church should be the one place on earth that welcomes dreams and dreamers. Because dreams keep us fresh. They force us to think differently and may even throw us off kilter every once in a while, causing us to move in a new direction.   And   if   we’re   going   to  dream, why not dream big? In the

Church,   no   dream   is   “too  big”   if   it   helps   us   live   our  mission. 10. Expecting leaders to “do”   discipleship   for  members— I remember the

visit I had from a parishioner who had a new neighbor move in right next door and, rather than inviting the neighbor to church himself, drove to my office, sat down to tell me about the new neighbor, and told me I needed to pay them a visit to invite them to church. When I asked if he had asked them as well, since he was literally living less than 100 feet away,   he   said,   “No.   That’s   why   we  pay  you.”  Discipleship  is  often  seen  as  a  “job”  or  a  “task”  rather  than  the  joy  that   it   is!     Discipleship   is   everyone’s  joyful invitation to friendship, this church, and our Lord!

If we, as a church, are to follow Jesus and continue to nurture this thriving community at Providence, we all must take responsibility for our attitudes, our actions, and the mission God has set before us.

See you in Church!

From My Open Door Jeffrey Bell, Pastor

Providence Presbyterian Church www.provpres.org

There are some things that can kill  ministry…

Part II

In this Issue March Birthdays All in the Family Session Notes

Mission Outreach Evangelism Women’s  Ministry

Providence Worship Providence Post

Calendar

Rejoice, the Lord has risen!

Palm Sunday, March 24, 11:00 a.m.

Maundy Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.

Easter Sunrise Service (in the Courtyard), March 31, 7:00 a.m. Continental breakfast follows.

Easter Worship, March 31, 11:00 a.m.

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Because we are a people of prayer, who believe in the power of prayer, we ask you to keep in your prayers those who are unable to worship with us on Sundays due to health concerns: At Home Members: Bob Collins Mary Davis Edith Hill Joyce Semones Nursing Home: Virginia McBurney Doris  Weber The Oaks of Brecksville, Brecksville, Ohio Assisted Living Homes: Ivan and Mary Ann Cook Westminster Canterbury Marilyn Jackson: Atlantic Shores Inge Keeny: Chesapeake Place TC Rock: Chesapeake Place Please notify the church office if you know someone who needs to be added to this list.

All in the family

03/01 Nancy Lindgren 03/01 Tom Wickert 03/01 Wendi Thomas 03/01 Ben Schroeder 03/02 Sue Bell 03/03 Virginia Wooddell 03/04 Jim Lytle 03/04 Abbi Boose 03/05 Beryl Fisher 03/05 Ted Salter 03/06 Max Stockmeier 03/07 Cheul Kang 03/07 Michael Polychroni 03/07 Barbara Bishop 03/08 Elizabeth Hawn 03/09 Dianne Stockmeier 03/09 Jonathan Hyslop 03/10 Alice Sherman 03/10 Mary Ann Cook 03/13 Walter O'Neal 03/14 Norma Barnes

03/14 Lisa Snell 03/14 Lucas Wickert 03/17 Frances Edwards 03/17 Marty Stephenson 03/17 Bob Sivigny 03/18 Erin Sullivan 03/20 Abigayle Thomas 03/23 Calleigh Correia 03/24 Bill Parker 03/24 Sue Gonzalez 03/25 Christine Ussery 03/26 Cale Molleen 03/27 Davis Wood 03/27 Blake Birdwell 03/30 Gary Reese 03/30 Megan Burke 03/31 Betty Harl 03/31 Jeff Bell 03/31 Nadine Olenych 03/31 Jessica Dorsch 03/31 Caitlin Dorsch 03/31 Micah Rohde

March Birthday Prayer List

On  the  occasion  of  each  one’s  birthday,   take time to lift them to God in prayer.

Session Notes The Session met on Monday, February 11, 2013, and conducted the following business: Received Sandy Allwein as a new member. Approved the Christian Education committee to begin

developing new ideas for modernizing the church library with the help of the congregation.

Examined the 2016 Class of elected Elders and unanimously concurred with the Congregation's election Fellowship Hour

Volunteers March 3 Presbyterian Men March 10 Gad Abouts March 17 Christian Ed March 24 Administration March 31 Fellowship April 7 Congregational Care

Welcome New Member! Sandy Allwein was received by certificate of transfer from 1st Lutheran Church, Portsmouth. She lives at 5417 Donalbaine Drive VB 23464. Phone: 572-1837

CHECK  OUT  …  The  CHURCH  LIBRARY       STUDY RESOURCES

FICTION AND NON-FICTION

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

YOUTH  BOOKS

BIBLE REFERENCE

Need to see if the Library has a certain book?  Computer  Search  Feature  available… The Library is ALWAYS OPEN – just open the door and turn on the light. Make your selection, sign and date the checkout card and place it in the tray on the table next to the door.

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Mission Outreach Evangelism

Tutoring Program Adds

New Students Project Light welcomed two new students. One is

a Chinese woman from Hong Kong, and the other is an 8th grader from Virginia Beach.

Project Light is a computerized tutoring program that  helps  improve  a  student’s  reading  skills,  English  as a second language as well as providing GED preparation. Providence offers the class free to the community as an outreach ministry. Class is held Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. through May. For further information, contact Sandra Rushton at 467-2095.

Detention Center Ministry Excitement filled the air at Norfolk

Detention Center as twenty-four detainees settled down, anxious to hear the results of Howard Boose's super bowl contest. Last month, Howard used charts to record each kid’s   game   predictions.   One   detainee  accurately guessed the outcome and was rewarded with a $25.00 gift card from Sports Limited. Even his pod members were excited for him. The story of a football player, paralyzed from the neck down, who has not stop living followed to encourage the kids to find strength in their personal relationship with Jesus.

Stephanie Booze read from Sarah Young's devotional, Jesus Calling to remind us to turn to Jesus, our caring shepherd, with our weaknesses and find rest in His comfort.

In   keeping   with   the   spirit   of   Valentine’s  Day I read parts of 1 Corinthians 13 often called  the  “love”  chapter.  An  ample  supply  of  hearts and paper stickers provided lots of fun creating many very nice valentines.

Don Bielmann and Howard called Bingo. To vary the game after calling B-9 (Be Mine) each person with that number received a candy treat. June Estep just loves giving out candy.

Carolyn Knowles ended another special visit with a loving prayer.

Louann Bielmann

Providence Moves into the Community Save the Date—Saturday May 4, 2013

Mark your calendar for May 4, the date Providence Moves into the community again. This is an annual one day event to show our community Providence cares.

This year the focus is on renovating the now vacant Bow Creek Presbyterian Church. Additionally, several homes will be repaired, painted and yards cleaned in Virginia Beach. Gift bags will be delivered to area fire and police stations. Canned goods will be collected and delivered to the Food Bank. Volunteers will visit Providence shut-ins.

Volunteers are needed to prepare breakfast and lunch for our volunteers and assemble the gift bags in advance for the community. Needed skills include carpentry, painting and yard work. Start thinking where you want to help. We need everyone to help support this effort. Plan to help Providence Move Into the Community!

Faith Works Coalition F a i t h W o r k s

C o a l i t i o n ( F W C ) repaired the roof on Jesse’s   trailer   on   Feb.  22 and 23. Jesse has helped FWC in the past with his carpentry skills. Now, he is unable to work because arthritis prevents him from doing this kind of work.

PPC also provides $1000 a year for materials to help people just like Jesse. Our labor is all free. Providence volunteers are happy to be able to help people in our community throughout the year.

If you want to know more about FWC contact David Carré at 217-2342 or [email protected] or visit our website at www.faithworkscoalition.org.

Jesus   said   to   her,   “I   am   the   resurrection   and  the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe  this?”    John 11:25-26

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Providence  Women’s  Ministries

L adies, We have been very busy since we held our Mid-Winter Event. We planned, shopped and worked hard to make our

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner a success for our church family. Thank you to our volunteers and to everyone who came out and enjoyed their short stack of pancakes and fixings. Check  the  Presbyterian  Women’s  bulletin  board  for  the  Thank You card we received for the contribution we made to the Heifer Project from Italian Night proceeds. Great news...we have sold enough cookbooks to pay our bill and make a profit which has been sent to benefit the Thank offering. Extra cookbooks

are still available. They make nice gifts for friends and family. Our beach bag ministry for Fairfield Elementary students continues. We provide 10 bags a week. Each bag provides food and drink to keep one child fed over the weekend. We have provided 200 bags so far this school year. Your help is needed supplying the following items:

Individual small milk boxes Fruit juice boxes Individual cereal box/bowls, Main meals (soup, ravioli, mac&cheese, spaghetti o's, etc.) A  full  list  of  additional  items  is  posted  on  the  Presbyterian  Women’s  bulletin  board Place donated items in the container marked "Beach Bags" in the old kitchen. Upcoming Events: Women will be actively involved in the worship service May 5. If

you would like to participate in that service contact Karen Moore at [email protected] or Cecilia Daley [email protected] Until next month....

Cecilia

Women's Book Club Our next book selection is

Gods and Kings, the first in the five book series Chronicles of the Kings, by Lynn Austin. (The Kindle eBook is currently available for free on Amazon!) Drawing from the pages of the Old Testament, the author tells the story of King Hezekiah, heir to the throne of David, during exciting and dangerous times!

When will we meet? Well, ladies, we need your help deciding that! Attendance has been dwindling, so we're seeking your input. When would you like to meet? After church on Sundays? One evening? Which one? Following Courtyard Graces which meets the third Saturday of the month? How often would you like to meet? Every other month? Every third month? Please let me know what you're thinking! Catch me at church, call 424-4591 or email me at [email protected]. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Blessed reading, Cathy Polychroni

Courtyard Graces Saturday, March 16

9am -10am Devotion, Prayer, Plant Wisdom,

Laughter, Refreshments, and a chance to play in the dirt!

Contact: Donna Rae Barrow, [email protected], 687-8880

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Worship at Providence

Lenten Soup and Rolls During Lent we will continue to meet together

in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m. for soup, rolls and fellowship. Following our meals Rev. Tom Chadwick will lead youth and adults in a weekly  meditation  entitled   “Beneath   the  Cross  of  Jesus”,  a   look  at   those  who  stood  at   the  base  of  the cross.

We need volunteers to take turns making soup and others to bring rolls for these nights. A sign-up sheet is posted on the Fellowship bulletin board.

Come - Worship - Experience A Messianic Passover Haggadah

Maundy Thursday, March 28 at 7:30

On Maundy Thursday, March 28 at 7:30 we will gather for a Seder meal. Although Passover is traditionally  a  Jewish  holiday,  it  is  the  festival  which  was  used  by  Jesus  to  usher  in  the  Lord’s  Supper.    Come, Worship, and Experience Holy Week in a new way as we remember the captivity of the Israelites and the freedom that Christ brings. Reservations are appreciated so that a full place setting of the Haggadah is available for each attendee.

The 2013 One Great Hour of Sharing theme is  “Sharing  Brings  Joy”

Since 1949 Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour   of   Sharing   to   share   God’s  love with those in need. Your generous gifts assist those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and assist in helping to empower the

poor and oppressed. Over the past few years, your gifts have enabled

the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Self-Development of People share the joy experienced in Christ. These gifts have helped rebuild a fishing community left in tatters in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, provided food and shelter to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and fueled our ability to provide peace and hope to those touched by the recent shootings in Tucson, Arizona; Aurora, Colorado; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Many of us enjoy the abundance  of  God’s  blessings,  but  by  living  an  open-handed life and sharing these blessings with others, we can offer an outward sign of thanksgiving for the presence of Christ in our lives while bringing joy to God and to our sisters and brothers.

Our gifts will be received on Easter Sunday, March 31. Make checks payable to Providence Presbyterian Church with an indication for One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). Envelopes for this purpose are in your box of offering envelopes.

Music Notes from Valetta. . . During the season of Lent, the music we offer

in worship takes on a more introspective, contemplative nature. The Choir is working on some very beautiful music that will inspire during these weeks of preparation before Easter. We are also preparing special music for Palm Sunday (March 24), Maundy Thursday (March 28 at 7:30) and Easter (March 31), and I would encourage you to make these special services part of your preparation for this holy season in the church year.

Valetta

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Providence Post Gary and I want to thank our Providence family for their heartfelt sympathy

and prayers over the recent weeks. Your spiritual support has been a source of strength and we are very grateful. My father is gone but never forgotten.

In His devoted service, Terry and Gary Parson

Dear PPC Family, WOW! What a wonderful Valentine's Day gift. I

just received the 35th Anniversary Celebration Cookbook. It is outstanding and beautiful. Paul really out did himself this year.... I just love the book and as I read over it I can picture each of your faces as I see who submitted the recipes. I can't wait to start cooking on some of these yummy dishes. But, I know that Paul is really excited to start tasting some of these entries. Since I left Virginia I am getting very good at heating up in the microwave. I really need to give Cecilia Dailey extra thanks for all the help she gave Paul. She went way out of her way to make this happen for me. Hope this finds you all well and know that you always have a place to stay if you make it to Ohio. You are all welcome! Miss you all, Judy Hederstrom

Many thanks for the beautiful church flowers

delivered by Linda Barnes recently. Her visit and flowers made our day. Marjorie and Robert Watkins

Thank You for

Valentine Goodie Boxes:

Blake Birdwell -Thank God for my Prov Pres Family! Daniel Burford—Thank you so much for the goodie box.   I  appreciate  all  your   thoughts  and  prayers…it’s  also really nice to have something to snack on while I study.

Tyler Cole - Thank you so much for the care package! It was such a great surprise to get! I was amazed at how much y'all fit into it, so were my friends, haha. I miss everyone so much but know that I'm loving school too! Chris Daley - Thank you sooo much for my Valentine’s  Day  Box!  Greatest  Church  Family  Ever! Sarah Gilbert - Thank you so much to everyone who helped with the gift boxes! It's always such a nice surprise! Sean Grady - Thanks so much for the package! There’s  nothing   like  waking  up  early  to  a  box  full  of  food from my church family. Allison Lindgren Dear Providence family, Greetings from the chilly Blacksburg, Virginia. Thank you so much for sending the care package. It was just what I needed to relax from my stressful, college schedule. It's always nice to be reminded that your family back home at Providence is thinking about you. Thank you again. Rebecca Lindgren - Dear Providence Friends: Thank you for the wonderful gift box I received on Valentine’s  Day.    It  had  tons  of  school  stuff  I  can  use  and yummy goodies I can share with classmates. I’m   lucky   to   belong   to   a   church   with   so   many  thoughtful friends. Thank you for remembering me! Hayley Parson - I was so excited to come home to my Valentines goodie box at my front door! Yet another of the many reasons to love my ProvPres family. Joey Pennypacker - Thank you all so much for the package. It was an awesome surprise to open. Iona Sawyer— Thanks so much, Providence family for the wonderful Valentines/College box. My sister and I love the little treat every year. Hope everyone is doing well. Jennifer Ussery - Thank you so much for the Valentine's box. It was a nice treat to come home to this cold and threatening snow day!!

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Providence Post Youth Work Camp Lexington, N.C. June 2013

We are fast approaching our trip Lexington, NC. Only a few more months and we will be making a difference in the lives of families there and in the lives of our youth. This year is the first time for some of our youth to experience work camp. Sunday March 3rd a   fund   raiser   at   Ruby   Tuesday’s  Kempsville location will help support our work camp. 20% of your bill will be returned to the youth as long as you take a flyer from the  worship  bulletin.    Don’t  forget  to  let  your  server know that you are there to support the Youth of Providence.

Up coming fund raisers: April 27th - Aberdeen Barn Dinner at

Providence. A great dinner with all the fixing’s, sponsored again by the Aberdeen Barn, includes sliced beef, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, macaroni and cheese, salad, bread, and homemade desserts. Cost is $10.00 per ticket. Get your tickets early as there is a limited supply!!

April 28th - Silent Auction - Homemade crafts, gift certificates, gift baskets to name a few of the items available. Stay tuned in upcoming Newsletters and

flyers at Providence for these events. Thank you for all your support of the youth in this endeavor. They look forward to sharing their experiences with you upon return and throughout the year. Further questions contact Kevin Daley at 479-5558 or [email protected]

KINGDOM ROCK VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Monday, July 8 - Friday, July 12 9am - Noon

At Kingdom Rock, the daily Bible Point is carefully integrated into each station's exciting activities for unforgettable Bible learning! With verses from both the Old and New Testaments, kids will learn...

- God's love helps us stand strong! - Family and friends help us stand strong! - Prayer helps us stand strong! - Trusting God helps us stand strong! - The Bible helps us stand strong!

Mark your calendar now and make plans to join us for Kingdom Rock at Providence!

Providence Scholarship Fund High School Youth who are graduating this year are

invited to submit an application for the Providence Scholarship Fund. Forms may be obtained from the church office. The application and essay must be received by Monday, April 15 so don't delay ‑‑ pick up an application today.

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Providence Post

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March  2013

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

 8:00pm  Narcotics                                      Anonymous

2    

3 9:00am  Merry  Bells

   11:00am  Communion

   12:00pm  Ruby  Tuesday                                                      Fundraiser    12:15pm  Blood  Pressure                                    3:00pm  NA  Group    6:00pm  Youth  Group

4  7:00pm  Boy  Scouts  7:00pm  Committee  Chairs  7:30pm  Committee  Night

5    5:00pm  Project  Light  7:30pm  Bells  of                        Providence

6  4:00pm  VA  Children's  Chorus  6:00pm  Soup  &  Rolls 6:30pm  Kirkmusik 7:00pm  Chancel  Choir

7  5:00pm  Project  Light 6:30pm  Presbyterian  Men's        Dinner

8  7:00pm  Miriam                                    Circle   8:00pm  Narcotics                              Anonymous

9  6:30pm  Hockey  Game  at  Scope  

10  Daylight  Savings  Begins    9:00am  Merry  Bells 3:00pm  NA  Group    6:00pm  Youth  Group                          

11  7:00pm  Boy  Scouts 7:00pm  Session  -            New  Members                   Received

12  10:00am  Dorcas  Circle  5:00pm  Project  Light  7:00pm  Avalon  Hills  Civic  League  7:30pm  Bells  of                          Providence

13  9:45am  Mary  &  Martha                                                  Circle    4:00pm  VA  Children's  Chorus  6:00pm  Soup  &  Rolls 6:30pm  Kirkmusik 7:00pm  Chancel  Choir

14  5:00pm  Project  Light

15 Newsletter  Deadline 8:00pm  Narcotics                              Anonymous

16    9:00am  Courtyard                                      Graces  

17    ODU  Ministry Youth  Group  Trip 9:00am  Merry  Bells 3:00pm  NA  Group

18  7:00pm  Boy  Scouts

19    5:00pm  Project  Light    7:30pm  Bells  of                            Providence

20  4:00pm  VA  Children's  Chorus  6:00pm  Soup  &  Rolls 6:30pm  Kirkmusik 7:00pm  Chancel  Choir

21   12:30pm  PW  Mission  Work  Day 5:00pm  Project  Light 7:00pm  Care  Team  Leaders

22  8:00pm  Narcotics                                    Anonymous

23  

24    Palm  Sunday    9:00am  Merry  Bells    12:15pm  Hands-On-Hosanna    3:00pm  NA  Group    6:00pm  Youth  Group

25  7:00pm  Boy  Scouts

26  5:00pm  Project  Light  7:00pm  A  Gathering  @    the  Well  7:30pm  Bells  of                          Providence

27  4:00pm  VA  Children's                                  Chorus  6:30pm  Kirkmusik

28  6:30pm  Chancel  Choir 7:30pm  Maundy  Thursday                            Service

29  Good  Friday  VB  Schools  Closed  for  Students  8:00pm  Narcotics                                      Anonymous

30  

31            EASTER            7:00am    Sunrise        Service        9:00am  Merry  Bells 11:00am  Easter  Worship 3:00pm  NA  Group

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Upcoming Events Check out event details inside

Ruby Tuesday Fundraiser : Sunday, March 3

Lenten Soup and Rolls: Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 at 6:00 p.m.

Presbyterian  Men’s  Dinner: Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. Daylight Savings Time : Sunday, March 10 Courtyard Graces: Saturday, March 16 at 9:00 a.m. PW Mission Work Day: Thursday, March 21 at 12:00 p.m. Palm Sunday Worship: Sunday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m. Hands-On Hosanna: Sunday, March 24 at 12:15 p.m. A Gathering @ the Well: Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service: Thursday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunrise Service in the Courtyard: Sunday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. followed by continental breakfast Easter Worship Service: Sunday, March 31 at 11:00 p.m.

Save the Date Youth Work Camp Fund Raisers

Aberdeen Barn Dinner at Providence: Saturday, April 27 Silent Auction: Sunday, April 28 following worship

5497 Providence Road, Virginia Beach VA 23464 Phone: (757) 420-6159 Fax: (757) 420-7553

Church Staff Pastor……………………………………………………………….Rev.  Jeffrey  Bell Parish  Associate………………………………………..Rev.  Tom  Chadwick Director  of  Christian  Education…………………..Donna  Rae  Barrow Director  of  Music………………………………………..Valetta  Fellenbaum Organist …………………………………………………………………..John  Dixon Administrative  Assistant………………………………………..Karen  Cagni Sexton……………………………………………………………………Melvin  Jones Kitchen  Coordinator……………………………………..Terrie  Wichrowski Nursery  Supervisor………………………………………..Michelle  Wofford

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION Newsletter articles, joys, and

announcements should be submitted no later than the 15th of each month for  the  following  month’s  edition.

Please e-mail Newsletter submissions to: [email protected]

THE SESSION

Moderator: Jeffrey Bell Clerk of Session: Jonathan Hyslop Administration Committee:

*Ashley Schroeder, Gary Parson Christian Education Committee: *George Fitzgerald, Robin Birdwell Congregational Care Committee: *Anita Matteson Fellowship Committee: *Rich Lindgren, Rose Farr Mission/Outreach/Evangelism Committee: *Sandra Rushton, Carol Hickman, Don Reid Property Committee: *Kevin Daley, Bill Bishop Worship Committee: *Tom Barrow, Brent Nielson *committee chair