Messenger October 2017 Markham Woods Presbyterian Church 5210 Markham Woods Road , Lake Mary, Florida 32746 A Word From…PASTOR JOE “Stuck in the Middle With You” The Sunday following Hurricane Irma’s trek through Central Florida, I visually demonstrated how the storm was first forecasted to go up our east coast. Then, sometime later the forcast showed a dramatic change that indicated the storm was then to go up our west coast. Finally, the true forcast revealed that the storm was going right up the middle of the state which meant we were stuck in the middle. As this was transpiring, I couldn’t help but think of the hit by Stealers Wheel from 1972, called “Stuck in the Middle With You.” The song was written by Gerry Rafferty as a parody of Bob Dylan’s “Paranoia.” Rafferty’s lyrics was ridi- culing an experience he had at a music industry cocktail party, “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you.” I suppose after the past weeks, we could rewrite the song with the more relevant lyric, “Hurricanes to the left of me, storms to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you! ” Only in our case, being stuck in the middle was no laughing matter. Who would you wish to be stuck in the middle with? For a believer in God, and follower of Jesus Christ, being in the middle has an entirely different meaning and feel. The middle, the center, is all important not because of danger, but because of life – because our center must be Christ. While it seemed like we were being surrounded by the dangerous swirling winds of life both figuratively and literally, we were also joined in the middle by Jesus Himself. Never alone, never forsaken, always and ultimately connected by the loving reach of God. So, if we are to be ‘stuck’ in the middle with anyone, why not Jesus? Which raised the question, "What should a Christ-centered life look like?" The answer is simple, but not easy! A Christ-centered life is one that is focused upon a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord. In the Alpha Course, Nicky Gumbel breaks this idea down by addressing how we can be stuck in the middle with the wrong god. He says the reality that is at the core of every human decision is a motivation. Some people are moti- vated by the quest for pleasure or money. Some center their entire lives on a goal, a job, or even their families. These things are not wrong in themselves; however, that which we center our lives on can become our god. No matter what’s going on around us, be it to the right or the left, the human heart was designed for worship, and if it does not worship God, it will worship something else. As one writer puts it, “If we are not Christ-centered, we will be centered on something else. Worship is measured by the amount of time, money, and emotional energy expended. Our gods can be identified by the level of passionate commitment they evoke in us, and, after a while, we begin to re- semble them. We talk about them, think about them, dream about them, and scheme to spend more time with them. People who know us best usually know where our deepest passions lie because worship is hard to hide. ” As followers of Christ, when we center our lives on Him, we start to become more like Him. We talk about Him, think about Him, dream about Him, and scheme to spend more time with Him. We choose to obey His commands out of love and honor for our Lord, not from fear of being caught in sin. It ’s all because being in the middle with Him makes a life worth living! “People who know us best usually know where our deepest passions lie because worship is hard to hide. ” If we are to be found anywhere, let us be found in Jesus Christ, then everything around us begins to look just a bit brighter. God doesn’t care “what’s in your pocket,” as the commercial asks, God just cares about what you place in the middle - with you!
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Messenger
October 2017
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church 5210 Markham Woods Road , Lake Mary, Florida 32746
A Word From…PASTOR JOE
“Stuck in the Middle With You”
The Sunday following Hurricane Irma’s trek through Central Florida, I visually demonstrated how the storm was first forecasted to go up our east coast. Then, sometime later the forcast showed a dramatic change that indicated the storm was then to go up our west coast. Finally, the true forcast revealed that the storm was going right up the middle of the state which meant we were stuck in the middle. As this was transpiring, I couldn’t help but think of the hit by Stealers Wheel from 1972, called “Stuck in the Middle With You.” The song was written by Gerry Rafferty as a parody of Bob Dylan’s “Paranoia.” Rafferty’s lyrics was ridi-culing an experience he had at a music industry cocktail party, “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you.” I suppose after the past weeks, we could rewrite the song with the more relevant lyric, “Hurricanes to the left of me, storms to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you!” Only in our case, being stuck in the middle was no laughing matter. Who would you wish to be stuck in the middle with? For a believer in God, and follower of Jesus Christ, being in the middle has an entirely different meaning and feel. The middle, the center, is all important not because of danger, but because of life – because our center must be Christ. While it seemed like we were being surrounded by the dangerous swirling winds of life both figuratively and literally, we were also joined in the middle by Jesus Himself. Never alone, never forsaken, always and ultimately connected by the loving reach of God. So, if we are to be ‘stuck’ in the middle with anyone, why not Jesus? Which raised the question, "What should a Christ-centered life look like?" The answer is simple, but not easy! A Christ-centered life is one that is focused upon a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord. In the Alpha Course, Nicky Gumbel breaks this idea down by addressing how we can be stuck in the middle with the wrong god. He says the reality that is at the core of every human decision is a motivation. Some people are moti-vated by the quest for pleasure or money. Some center their entire lives on a goal, a job, or even their families. These things are not wrong in themselves; however, that which we center our lives on can become our god. No matter what’s going on around us, be it to the right or the left, the human heart was designed for worship, and if it does not worship God, it will worship something else. As one writer puts it, “If we are not Christ-centered, we will be centered on something else. Worship is measured by the amount of time, money, and emotional energy expended. Our gods can be identified by the level of passionate commitment they evoke in us, and, after a while, we begin to re-semble them. We talk about them, think about them, dream about them, and scheme to spend more time with them. People who know us best usually know where our deepest passions lie because worship is hard to hide.” As followers of Christ, when we center our lives on Him, we start to become more like Him. We talk about Him, think about Him, dream about Him, and scheme to spend more time with Him. We choose to obey His commands out of love and honor for our Lord, not from fear of being caught in sin. It’s all because being in the middle with Him makes a life worth living! “People who know us best usually know where our deepest passions lie because worship is hard to hide.” If we are to be found anywhere, let us be found in Jesus Christ, then everything around us begins to look just a bit brighter. God
doesn’t care “what’s in your pocket,” as the commercial asks, God just cares about what you place in the middle - with you!
The Markham Messenger October 2017
2
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church
E-mail: [email protected] 407.333.2030
STAFF
Pastor, Head of Staff
Joe Wendorph, M. Div.
Director of HCA
Cheryl Beck
Contemporary
Worship Leader
Terry O’Neal, Jr.
Director of Adult Ministry
Chris Leinenkugel
Director of Student Ministry
Shelby Lovette
Asst. Director of Student Ministry
Sean Eha
Director of
Christian Education
Cindy Teetzel
Office Administrator
Liz Tito
Choir Director
Heidi Thompson
Asst. Choir Director
Melinda Efta
Organist Bob Joyner
Sexton Kevin Grant
Receptionist Nancy Doney
SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:00 a.m. Modern Worship
11:00 a.m. - Classic Worship 10:00 a.m. - G.O.D. Time Classes
Website: mwpcusa.org Email: [email protected]
Phone: 407.333.2030
By: Finance Committee
Summary of MWPC financials through August 2017
Heathrow Christian Academy income continues well ahead of budget because of prepaid tuitions.
Church finances continue to remain favorable for cash flow and to maintain current 2017 budget. Expenses are 7% below budget, due to pending hiring of Associate Pastor, delayed periodic costs and the overall controlling costs by church staff and committees. Thank you to everyone for giving their pledges during the past month, as this helped with the overall finances.
Session met with two members of Presbytery's Committee on Ministry for the church's triennial visit. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the challenges and strengths of the church, especially as the church related to the demographics of the area.
Various Session committees reported their work, including the work of chil-dren, adult and youth ministries; a need to better communicate to members the responsibilities and roles of the various staff; the status of staff at the academy; plans for the stewardship campaign; and property issues. People are needed to man the information tables both in the narthex and Anderson Hall. Plans are being made by the Finance Committee for the annual meet-ing of staff, deacons and elders to be held the end of the month.
Session heard a report on the work of the deacons. Rev. Wendorph de-scribed changes he is making to his daily schedule until an associate pastor is called.
Actual Budget Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Church Income $461,000 $457,100 $4,000
Church Expenses $421,000 $457,100 $36,000
Overall (Income less Expenses)
$40,000 $0.00 $40,000
By: Charlotte Smith
October 1 October 9 October 21 October 29
Pumpkin Festival
Session Notes
The Markham Messenger October 2017
3 By: Martha Underwood
Festival Goers, come and enjoy games for all ages, food, silent auction, pony rides,
bounce house, face painting, vendor area, prizes and much more! Now is the time to
start preparing for the event. We need prizes for the games, vendors for the inside
fair and silent auction donations!
Please contact Cindy Teetzel at [email protected] or 407.333.2030 if you are able to
assist in volunteering, donating prizes for the games, silent auction donations or if you
are a vendor or know of a vendor wanting to participate.
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church
Pumpkin Festival October 21, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Festival Set Up: Friday, October 20th at 5:00 p.m.
By: Cindy Teetzel
STEWARDSHIP
“God has given us two hands – one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.”
Billy Graham
“Christian stewardship begins with God at the center. When stewardship revolves around any other center, it is misconceived. The institution of the church is an inade-
quate substitute for the incarnate body of Christ. The church as an institution is a means to the end ...Stewardship is servanthood to God through the church, not to the church
institution. Though this is a subtle distinction, it is significant.”
Revolutionizing Christian Stewardship for the 21st Century: Lessons from Coperni-
cus by Dan R. Dick, p. 6; Copyright 1997
By: Nancy Doney
Another year is soon upon us, I want to express my appreciation to all the people who work on the Markham Messenger.
Thank you to the contributors who provide such great content every month. (Chris L, Cheryl B, Cindy T, Shelby L, Tim Kemp, Suzanne Burleson, Patty Lovette, Pastor Joe, Rev. Fisher, Martha Underwood, Betty Powers, Charlotte Smith, Geoff Nanton, Kurt Leinenkugel, Susan Greenhut, Bob Schickofke, David and Dolores Kellam, Jack Mur-dock and Julia Buckey) Please let me know if I have forgotten to thank you. If I have, I promise to make it up to you in the next newsletter!!! A special shout out to Charlotte Smith and Betty Powers for their tireless efforts in proofing the Markham Messen-ger month after month. The value of good proof reading should not be underestimated. I have to admit to having found the idea of simply submitting the newsletter to them is a bit daunting. Each month, I cringe as to what mis-takes I have missed! I always think I should have caught THAT one. However, I am most fortunate to have two peo-ple who are clearly up for the challenge. Last, but certainly not least, the folding team who brings me great joy when they show up every month to fold and mail the newsletter. It means another issue out the door. The “Holy Folders” Tracy Hall (team leader) Howard and Karen Watson, Ann Barkley, Joan Brooks, Margaretha Bowers and Cheryl Doyle.
The Markham Messenger October 2017
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Our past music director Dr. Burt Perinchief set the tone each and every Sunday morning for many years. Since his dedication was so great to MWPC, we started a scholarship fund in his honor.
The funds are to assist our college choir students that sing in our choir on Sunday morning. This year, I would like to continue this scholarship program to help the choir sound its best, but unfortunately the Perinchief Scholarship fund only has enough in it to fund the college students for 2 more months. Please strongly consider donating to this fund, so that the Markham Woods Choir can do its best to make Markham Woods Church sound its best for you and any guests who may attend the 11:00 a.m. classic service and special events.
To make a donation, you can send donations directly to the church indicating that it is for the Burt Perinchief Schol-arship Fund. Many thanks, Heidi Thompson, Choir Director
By: Heidi Thompson
The HCA Kindergarten students would like to thank everyone for their donations toward the purchase of the new slide for the school.
“We really enjoy playing on it!” Heathrow Christian Academy Students
The Markham Messenger October 2017
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By: Shelby Lovette
Narrated By: Geoff Nanton
First time visitors to the homr of Paul and Lauren Anderson's house are shown a wedding photograph, now four dec-ades old. Paul is in a print polyester suit and Lauren in a dotted Swiss dress. Paul proudly explains that Lauren sewed both the suit and the dress. "That suit got me my first job," Paul explains, "and got us out of living in my parent's basement." The suit survived five years of commuting on New York City subways before it went to polyester heaven. Lauren, however, still has the wedding dress and easily still fits in it. She also still wears her original engage-ment diamond now in its third setting.
A visit to the Anderson home is a look into the personal creative energy of a couple committed to each other and their growing family. Inside the front door you see the oak and mahogany dining table that Paul designed and built while Lauren was pregnant with their first child. "That table," Paul comments, "has seen our family shrink as our parents have passed away but then become overfilled as our two children married and four grandchildren followed." The house is filled with homemade furniture and artwork. Lauren continues to sew and make jewelry.
Like many baby boomers, Lauren and Paul looked for a church home after the birth of their first child. Living near Co-lumbus, Ohio at the time, they became involved in a new congregation of young families which offered both community support and their first adult exposure to the Bible and the meaning of Christian family life. They were involved for two years in the early pilot program of the Disciple Program which continues today at Markham Woods. They participated in long-lasting small groups that became part of the weekly cycle of their lives. Their children followed their lead with youth group activities throughout the public school years. It was through the Christian fellowships in college, at both UCF and UF, that their son and daughter found spouses. Paul and Lauren are grateful today for the love of Christian homes in which their grandchildren are being raised.
Which brings us finally to Markham Woods Presbyterian Church. Retiring and moving from the Sarasota area several years ago to be nearer to their son's family in Winter Springs, the Andersons were drawn to the Lake Mary area. Lau-ren needed a home with a sewing and craft area. Paul needed room for an art studio and garage space for a wood shop. And they both wanted a large kitchen. Paul says, "Finding the house was easier than finding the church." But six churches later they started attending the Jesus Lifestyle small group at Markham Woods followed by church member-ship and Alpha last fall. Last spring, they learned southern cooking, Kevin style, while assisting with meal prep for the Spring Alpha. They are back again in the church kitchen this fall, helping Alpha and participating in both men's and women's small group studies.
And that life-sized church logo and photo wall in the Narthex that appeared about two hours before last Christmas Eve service? Pastor Joe had a vision for how he would like to see that wall used, and (in a leap of faith) set the Andersons loose to execute it. That is talent, faith and commitment at work.
MWPC is blessed with talent, faith and service in our congregation. We all have God-given talents. How might you bring your talents and creativity to furthering the mission of Markham Woods?
The Student Ministry Gives Back
As we all know...the debris was everywhere after Hurricane Irma blew into Central Florida. The amount of trees down, piles of leaves and damage to many buildings was staggering. After this disaster hit Florida, we had the opportunity to see the community come together and help one another. One example of friends helping friends was with our student ministry. We had over 15 students show up to give back to our church. The students spent multiple hours raking and hauling debris for pick-up. You would think that after the students worked so hard they would go home and relax. How-ever, our students were persistent in wanting to help more! Our students then went to not one, but two houses and helped with more clean up. Great job to all of our students for showing us what it means to be disciples of Christ!
In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
The Markham Messenger October 2017
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New adult Bible study! Find out how to achieve emotional, physical, mental and spiritual wellness. First Place 4 Health Bible Study Series Seek God First A 12-week, Christ-centered total-wellness program. Wednesdays from 5:45 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Beginning October 18, 2017 Cost: $20.00 For more information, contact Cindy Teetzel at 407.333.2030 or [email protected].
Join us for Rooted Kids at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church
For grades K – 5th
Bible Story Hour Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sanctuary room 9
Music with Melinda Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary room 7
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church is in need of two church nursery workers on Sunday mornings 8:45 a.m.—12:15 p.m. (Paid position) Please contact Cindy Teetzel, at [email protected] or call the church office at 407.333.2030.
By: Cindy Teetzel
The Markham Messenger October 2017
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Faith Circle Monday, October 2 at 11:00 a.m.
Hope Circle
Wednesday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m.
Grace Circle Wednesday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Charles Thomas Welscher 1
Mark Sutton 3
Kim Eggleton 4
Addy Lavery 5
Cameron Parks 5
Peter Lorie 5
Reid Allison 6
Valerie Swadling 8
Christopher Hajas 9
Kyle Lavery 11
Sally Rosemond 11
Preston Lovette 12
Charlotte Bullard 13
Donna Chamberlin 13
Kenzie Renzulli 13
Phyllis Conklin 13
Ellen Paladino 14
5 Kurt & Chris Leinenkugel 26 Years
10 Tom & Robin Reininger 25 Years
11 Bryan and Ashley Southard 10 Years
11 Anthony & Tiffany Thornton 10 Years
15 James & Venisha Lyon 51 Years
17 Anthony Fedullo & Arlene Yong 37 Years
22 Jim & Mavis Miller 29 Years
23 Eric & Joan Dauphinee 32 Years
24 Jay & Lynn Klahn 30 Years
25 Wallace & Tracy Hall 20 Years
Elizabeth Andrus 15
Erin Elizabeth Andrus 15
Brett Blackadar 16
Faith Rivers 16
Greg Fry 16
Heidi Limongi 16
Pat Tucker 16
Barbara Jones 18
Lisa Kaizer 18
William Stiles 18
David Beck 20
Jackie Savage 21
Mary Anne Watson 21
Paige Hawkins 21
Addy Thornton 23
Bill Ketelhut 23
Linda Emerine 23
Tammy Duncan 23
Kaaren Nelsen 24
Callie Duncan 25
Ruthann Conklin 25
David Terwilleger 28
Lexi Kaizer 28
Debby Emmert 29
Julie Thompson 29
Maggie Pisarik 29
Jenn O'Brien 30
Ben Tannler 31
Thank you everyone who donated flowers this year. The arrangements have given joy to many families. The Deacons have been able to brighten a lot of people’s days with your donated arrangements.
There are still spots open if you want to honor or celebrate a loved one with an arrangement. The flower sign up chart is in Anderson Hall on the back wall. The cost is $40.
By: Susan Greenhut
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE
PAID MID-FLORIDA PERMIT #0064
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church 5210 Markham Woods Road Lake Mary, Florida 32746
Growing the Faith of the Whole Family of God Inwardly Strong, Outwardly Focused
Sunday, October 1 Communion 2 Cents Per Meal World Communion Day Dinner Monday, October 2 Faith Circle Wednesday, October 4 Hope Circle Grace Circle Thursday, October 5 HCA Fundraiser—Chick-Fil-A (Lake Mary) Sunday, October 8 Bridge Wednesday, October 11 Deacons Committee Night Saturday, October 14 Men’s Prayer Breakfast Wednesday, October 18 Church Community Dinner Saturday, October 21 Pumpkin Festival Wednesday, October 25 HCA Fundraiser— Tijuana Flatts (Sanford) Session
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Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.
Cracker Barrel 200 Hickman Drive Sanford, FL 32771
Contact Jack Murdock or call the church office at 407.333.2030
Join us for bridge Markham Woods Presbyterian Church!
Sunday, October 8, 2017 Anderson Hall library Lessons at 12:30 p.m. and Bridge at 1:00 p.m.
Christmas Greenery
Once again, there is an opportunity to sponsor the Christmas trees and greenery that adorn the sanctuary this Christmas season. This is an exceptional opportunity to honor and remember loved ones through sponsorship of the trees, wreaths and greenery. Please call the church office at 407-333-2030 if you would like to sponsor sanctuary greenery.
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