SERMONS FOR OCTOBER 2016 - Grove Presgrovepres.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/SPIRE-2016-10.pdf · SERMONS FOR OCTOBER 2016 Meditation for the Month “I learned long ago that loss

SERMONS FOR OCTOBER 2016

Meditation for the Month

“I learned long ago that loss is not only probable but inevitable. I know

what it means to lose everything, to let go of one life and find another. And

now I feel, with a strange, deep certainty, that it must be my lot in life to be

taught that lesson over and over again.” --“The Orphan Train” by Christina

Baker Kline

Sun. Oct. 2: Job 23 Mark 9: 33-37

Sermon: “What are you arguing about on the road?” World Communion Sunday

Ingathering Offerings

50+ Year Member Recognition

Peacemaking Offering

Hymns: “In Christ There Is No East or West” (H)

“When We Are Living” (H)

“Let Us Break Bread Together” (H)

“They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” (SB)

Sun. Oct. 9: Genesis 50: 15-21 Matthew 19: 16-22

Sermon: “Why do you ask me about what is good?”

Adult Bells Play

Hymns: “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” (H)

“O Love That Wilt Not Let me Go” (H)

“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” (H)

Sun. Oct. 16: Deuteronomy 10: 12-22 Matthew 5: 43-48

Sermon: “If you love those who love you, what reward will

you get?”

Hymns: “O Perfect Love” (H)

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” (H)

“By the Lakeshore” (H)

Sun. Oct. 23: Visiting Preacher – Steve Engelhardt

Sun. Oct. 30: Psalm 100 Matthew 16: 13-23

Sermon: “Who do you say that I am?” Reformation Sunday

Hymns: “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” (H)

“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” (H)

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (H)

Sun. Nov 6: Amos 5: 18-24 Matthew 16: 24-28

Sermon: “What good will it be for a man to gain the

whole world yet forfeits his soul?” The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be Celebrated

Ingathering Offerings / End Daylight Saving Time

Hymns: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (H)

“O God, Our Faithful God” (H)

“O God of Every Nation” (H)

sPECIAL EVENTS & REMINDERS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2

10:15 AM - 50 year Member Recognition,

Peacemaking Pot-Luck Luncheon

World Communion / Ingathering Offerings

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3

Committees of Session

Board of Deacons / Session Elders

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

Presbyterian Women – Muffin Man

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

WOG Make Apple Crisp

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

American Guild of Organists Planning Day

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9

Apple Crisp Coffee Hour

Bells Play / Book Club

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10

Spire Articles Due

Columbus Day

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

Wedding Rehearsal

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

Wedding of Will Santos and Amanda Geschwind

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

CROP Walk

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

Breakfast Group

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 21-23

Pastor Away

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

Reformation Sunday

SEE CALENDARS INSIDE FOR FULL MONTHS COVERAGE

THE SPIRE Grove Presbyterian Church

330-332 Bloom Street Danville, Pennsylvania 17821

Editor – Clare I. McCuen Production/Layout–Clare I. McCuen

Printing – The Danville News Volume XXXII, No. 7

Articles for

The Nov. Spire

are due Oct. 10th

JOHN CALVIN’S SEAL 1509-1564

“…a hand offering up the flaming heart in zeal and dedication to Christ.”

THE PASTOR’S COLUMN

Reflection

“What Do You Think About the Christ?”

Grove Presbyterian Church

Sunday, September 11, 201

New Testament Lesson

Matthew 22: 41-46

41

Now while the Pharisees were gathered

together, Jesus asked them this

question: 42

“What do you think of the

Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said

to him, “The son of David.” 43

He said to

them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord,

saying, 44

‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put

your enemies under your feet”’? 45

If David thus calls him Lord, how can

he be his son?” 46

No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that

day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Reflection

So we begin a series (a final series) on questions Jesus asks us, starting with

him asking: “What do you think of the Messiah (the Christ)?” The secret

is in the right questions.

What do you think?

Note, Jesus asks: what do you ‘think?’

Not what do you feel?

Not what do you believe?

He’s telling us to use our minds, our intellect.

~~~~

Some might remember comedian Stephen Colbert coining the word,

‘truthiness.’ Truthiness:

noun

1.

The quality of seeming to be true according to one's intuition, opinion,or pe

rception without regard to logic, factual evidence, or the like:

the growing trend of truthiness as opposed to truth.

As Colbert explained in a serious interview:

It used to be, everyone was entitled to their own opinion, but not their own

facts. But that's not the case anymore. Facts matter not at all. Perception is

everything. ….

I really feel a dichotomy in the American populace. What is important?

What you want to be true, or what is true?...

You can feel as if the earth is fixed and the sun revolves around us. It

doesn’t.

You can feel as if this is the most violent time in America. It isn’t.

Factually, ours overall is the most peaceful time ever.

Viola Cole schooled me my first year here as to why there was such a

division between churches that side of town and this side of town. She

said from her bed in the nursing home: “We got the same type of churches

on both side of town because we all felt the canal that divided the town in

half was a big deal.” Viola paused and then simply summed it all up:

“Wasn’t.”

Smart. The advantage of 99 years.

It helps to think more than just feel and act on feelings. Take for instance

today, as Pastor Mary Schmotzer shared the other day at our pastor’s

meeting. Some folks might notice that many members of the Muslim

community are gathering in celebrations. Some might feel it is because of

the anniversary of 9/11.

Isn’t. Isn’t. Isn’t

Fact is: today is an Islamic holiday, like Christmas is to us – their second

main festival. Eid al-Adha. A special day determined by the lunar calendar.

Important to get the facts lest in a lack of thinking we misconstrue.

Misconstruing: misbehave, misspeak, mistreat.

Unless, of course, many people say…

Thinking helps. When left to your feelings, actions can become very

damaging.

~~~~

Yes, we know there are different types of smart. Thank goodness. And we

all are smart in our own way.

You ever see that show about how they make things? What is really

amazing are the industrial engineers who design the things that make the

things…

The boys complain they are no good at math but just ask them about

their batting average…

A young girl I remember who thought herself dumb; yet she could

memorize an entire musical script and score…

The reverse can be true: when I was a volunteer firefighter the chief

thought since I had gone to college and was supposedly smart I should go to

pumper school and learn how to operate the truck rather than work the hose.

After four hour of trying to figure out pressure per inch per velocity per

circumference, whatever, I gave up. They gave up on too and let me be on

attack. Sure I may know about sonnets and iambic pentameter, but

hydraulic pressure? Right! I even had to ask my buddy Frank for help in

fixing the vacuum cleaner.

~~~

Two men are up in a hot-balloon. Soon they lose track of where they’ve

flown. Floating over a field they look down and spot a fellow walking

along. They call out to him: “Help! Where are we?”

The man below looks up and yells back: “You’re up in a balloon.”

Says the one man to the other: “Must be a statistician – equally true and

equally useless.”

~~~

Let’s be grateful for smart people.

A Roman Centurion walks into the bar, holds up two fingers, and says,

“Five beers, please.”

Now, that’s funny.

Let’s want smart people to be in charge. Whether it’s working the pumper

truck or teaching or preaching or doctoring or figuring out social security or

taking on terrorists.

~~~

Let’s value a Learned Christianity. What do you think about the Christ?

Clear thinking. Seems too many Christians like a dog clamping down on a

big stick in his mouth trying to enter the house. Persistent but keeps

bumping against the doorway.

Do we resist truth?

Could be because knowledge changes us.

Knowledge requires listening and being willing to be changed.

A wise old owl sat in an oak;

The more he saw the less he spoke;

The less he spoke the more he heard;

Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?

Willful ignorance in beliefs is no friend and no virtue.

Willful ignorance in might is no friend and no virtue.

Willful ignorance in patriotism is no friend and no virtue.

Willful ignorance in religion is no friend and no virtue.

Willful ignorance in politics is no friend and no virtue.

Willful ignorance in any cause is no friend and no virtue.

~~~

We know the Church is ultimately disappointing – it is after all a human

institution trying (we hope) to do its best.

Knowledge of Christ isn’t disappointing. We cherish and value “intellectual

power with evangelical warmth.” Why else do we have Sunday school?

Our hope lies in the emergence of Christian intellectuals who are able to

meet the double requirement of competence in some particular field of

inquiry, whether it be physics or psychology or some other, and also a firm

grounding in Christian truth.

--Elton Trueblood

‘Truthiness’ doesn’t cut it. Nowhere, no how. Ignorance itself may not be

a sin, but wanting to be ignorant sure can lead to a whole lot of sinning.

A Christian is “one who not only bets his life that Christ is right,” but makes

a point of thinking about who this Jesus is and what he means.

Besides, why Christ?

Think about it: just try the alternative.

PNC NEWS

The PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) recently held six

neighborhood meetings in order to discuss various views on the

church’s mission and gain your input as to pastor search process.

Thank you to those who participated and hosted these meetings! We

had over 50 people attend the various meetings and the outcome from

those meetings was discussed during the August 7th

café worship

service. Each meeting was moderated by one of the 7 members of the

Pastor Nominating Committee:

Bryan Holmes, Chair

Cathy Sanders, Vice-Chair

Kathy Zakarian – Secretary

Allison Cotner – Internet Contact Person

Cassie Weaver

Merry Hackenberg

Marlin Bradford

On August 11th

, the PNC met to further discuss the various input and

desires of the congregation. We began working on the Ministry

Information Form (MIF) immediately. The “terms of call” which

outlines the overall compensation plan has been completed and

approved by the local Presbytery. The MIF has been completed and

has also been approved by the local Presbytery and is currently

seeking approval from Session. Once that is received, it will be

uploaded to the “match” system and we should begin to receive and

review resumes from active seekers by early October.

Our team has committed to not only do an article in this publication

monthly, but verbal updates to the congregation on a regular basis. If

you have specific questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to any

of the PNC members listed above. We do ask that you respect the

privacy and confidentiality of this team as we move forward to

discern God’s will for our new pastor. Please keep this group, the

prospective candidates and Bob and Elaine in continued prayer

throughout this process as together we make up the church of God’s

people. Thank you!

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday Morning Bible Study will be held every Wednesday

morning from 9:30 to 11 AM in the Great Room of the Educational Wing.

This group, led by Pastor Andrews, will continue an in depth exploration of

the forthcoming Sunday morning scriptures.

SPIRE ARTICLE DUE DATES

Anyone is welcome to submit an article to be printed in The Spire. In order

to keep within the Daily Item’s printing schedule – articles are due in the

church office every second Monday of each month. Due dates are:

Mon. Oct. 10th for the November Spire

Mon. Nov. 14th for the December Spire

Mon. Dec. 12th for the Combined January/February Spire.

2017 Due dates will be posted in the November Spire.

church rolls register

Joined the Church Triumphant:

Peter A. Cooper – September 8, 2016

United in Marriage:

Erin Dailey and William Carswell – September 10, 2016

Our church family

Condolences to:

Patricia Cooper and family upon the death of her husband, Peter

Cooper, Sept. 8, 2016.

Bill and Jen Henning and family upon the death of Bill’s father,

Rich Henning.

Paul and Jane Kettlewell and family upon the death of Pau’s

brother, James Kettlewell.

Congratulations to:

Erin Dailey and William Carswell who were united in marriage on

September 10, 2016

Address

Erin and Will Carswell

55 Meadowbrook Road

Danville, PA 17821

THANK YOU

Dear Congregation:

On behalf of Fanwood Presbyterian Church I would like to thank you for

your recent donation of $100.00 in memory of Libby Andrews. Please know

that your donation is greatly appreciated and that the family has been made

aware of your gift. Have a blessed day – Judith Bowen, Church

Administrator, Fanwood Presbyterian Church

Dear Friend:

This will be the last letter you receive from me thanking you for your

financial gift to Young Life. Next month, you’ll receive a letter from our

incoming president, Newt Crenshaw. It has been a great privilege to share

with you the stories of kids meeting Christ through these letters the past 23

years. I thought I’d use this last opportunity to give you an update on one of

my favorite stories.

About six years ago, I shared a story about a Young Life leader who loved a

kid who lived his life in a wheelchair. We’ll call the leader Jim and the

young man Jacob. Jim was determined to get Jacob to camp. She he

umpired little league baseball games to earn money to help pay his way. At

camp, Jim was determined to get Jacob through the ropes course, so he

strapped Jacob to his back and carried him through the obstacle course

suspended 30-feet above the ground. It was quite possibly the best day of

Jacob’s life.

Jacob met Christ through this leader who loved him, and he started coming

to Campaigners with his friends. Jacob also decided to become a WyldLife

leader so he could share the Good News with other kids. His body might

have been bound to a wheelchair, but his heart had been set free to soar.

And now here’s the update. A couple of months ago, Jacob sat beside the

bed of his brother David who was dying of a debilitating disease. It was

time to say goodbye and quite possibly the most difficult day of Jacob’s life.

But because a Young Life leader had loved him, Jacob was able to

encourage his brother with Scripture he had memorized in Campaigners.

He was able to pray for his brother and entrust him to the Lord. And when

David finally passed, Jacob – surrounded by his Young Life leaders – knew

Jesus had strapped his brother to His back and carried him safely home.

What an honor to be associated with leaders like Jim and kids like Jacob,

and what a privilege to partner with friends like you. This might be my last

time to thank you through one of these letters, but I will never stop thanking

God for the faithful men and women of Young Life – men and women who

do whatever it takes to get kids in front of Jesus; faithful friends who lift kids

on their best days and their worst days with God’s love.

Thank you for making this mission possible with your support.

In Christ – Denny Rydberg

Dear Friends:

Thank you for your generous donation of $275.00 to the Gate House

Shelter. We rely on the kindness of folks like you in helping us support the

homeless in our community.

The number of families and individuals needing shelter in Montour and

Columbia Counties continues to grow. For the past 19 years, with the help

of supporters like you, the Gate House has been here for our homeless

neighbors.

Your contribution is especially important to ensure that everyone in our

community has a safe place to call home and the support they need to get

back on the road to independence. On behalf of the families and individuals

who turn to the Gate House in their time of need, thank you for your

support.

Sincerely – Thomas Dougher, Jr., Executive Director – the Gate House

Dear Friends:

Thank You! Cook Native American Ministries Foundation takes this

opportunity to share the word of gratitude to you for your recent gift. Your

generous support is a source of encouragement to all of us as we work to

serve others in the name of the Jesus Christ.

The Cook Native American Ministries Foundation Board of Directors is

strongly committed to disbursing funds throughout the nation to assist, build

and foster leadership education within Native American Churches and

Communities. We appreciate your generosity and valuable assistance in

meeting these needs. Thank you and many blessings upon you.

In Faith – Ron Lundeen, Board of Director

PEACEMAKING pot-luck, OCT. 2nd

Join us immediately following the 10:15 AM Service on Sunday, October

2ND

for a delicious Peacemaking Brunch. Bring a covered dish to share as

we enjoy a time of fellowship on World Communion Sunday. Helpers are

needed, please call Sue Oberkircher (275-7699) or Pam Franklin (275-2402)

if you can help

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

The Session of the Grove Presbyterian Church met in regular session on

Monday, September 14, 2016, in the Great Room from 6:50 to 8:40 PM.

Following are the highlights:

Welcomed Mike Hamme and Adam Zakarian who spoke to the notion

of inviting Young Life to use the Hacky House for community youth

ministry. This was approved unanimously pending the drafting of

Terms of Agreement.

Approved Amanda Leicht to serve as Commissioner to Presbytery

Discussed the Technology Task Force and among other

improvements (such as website) the need to install Wifi into the

Hacky House as soon as possible.

Received the report of the Nominating Committee where returning

Elders will be Dave Betz, Beth Christian, Mona Cotner, and Francis

Moyer, with new elder Natalie Kupas. Returning Deacons will be

Eric Deeter, Scott Lawvere, Kathy Zakarian, Linda Moyer.

Session was reminded that Pastor Andrews will have only three more

regular Session meetings before he retires from the Grove pulpit. It

was agreed to send a ‘chore list.’ It was was agreed to deputize the

clerk of session to enter into negotiations with potential temporary

interim part time pastors until a call is issued.

Joy Christian reported that 60 new hymnals had been received from

the First Presbyterian Church of Williamsport.

The worship committee is interested in changing the cover of the

church bulletin

Approved plans for a Thanksgiving service on November 20 focusing

on the theme of reconciliation in light of this year’s election

campaign.

Special coffee hours in october

mark your calendars !

October Special Coffee Hours! Mark your calendars

now and be sure to join in on the special coffee hours

scheduled for each Sunday in October at 11:15 AM.

Featuring …..

Oct. 2nd

– Peacemaking Brunch! Bring a covered dish to share as we

enjoy a time of fellowship on World Communion Sunday.

Oct. 9th

- Apple Crisp Sunday! Many hands are needed Friday, Oct. 7th, at

9am to slice & dice in preparation of this fall favorite. Bring a

friend!

Oct. 16th

- Mission Sunday! Enjoy the Tastes & Sounds of Honduras and

Nicaragua Favorites.

Oct. 23rd

- Church School at Your Service! The 4th – 6

th grades will

delight your taste buds at this special coffee hour.

Oct. 30th

- An English High Tea! An early afternoon Tea accompanied by

delicate savouries.

Help is Needed and Greatly Appreciated. Please contact Sue Oberkircher

(275-7699) or Pam Franklin (275-2402) to lend a helping hand.

BOOK CLUB

The church book club continues with gathering together in the joy of each

other’s homes (and all our welcome always) on the evening of the Second

Sunday of every month from 7 to 8:30 PM to discuss a variety of

selections. Newcomers are welcome.

The books for the rest of the year include:

Oct. 9 - "The Johnstown Flood" by David McCullough

Nov. 13 - "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman

Dec. 11 - "Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of

Living" by Krista Tippett

Jan. 8 - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by

Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer

Feb. 12 - "Glass Castle" A Memoir" by Jeanette Walls

Mar. 12 - "Women of the Silk: A Novel" by Gillian Flynn

Apr. 9 - "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi and

Abraham Verghese

May 14 - "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

Sunday morning

ADULT sunday SCHOOL

Adults of all ages are invited to gather together every Sunday to discuss,

listen to each other, and plan to put into practice spiritual insights. Come

and join together in the Great Room during the 9 to 10 AM Sunday School

hour.

The Welcoming Congregation

The congregation is invited continue the conversation about the future

church by reading and discussing Henry Brinton’s book, The Welcoming

Congregation. The intent of this conversation is to explore ways in which

Grove Church can practice better the joys of Christian hospitality. From

Amazon.com: "Every time people sit down to eat and drink together, there

is the possibility that community will grow and people will be reconciled to

one another. This is good news for a fractured and polarized world, and a

strong sign of the importance of being a welcoming congregation that

embraces all people with God’s love and grace." This practical book by

pastor and writer Henry G. Brinton studies the biblical basis for Christian

hospitality and how it is practiced in congregations today. While

recognizing the challenges for embracing all people in the life of the church,

Brinton offers a helpful guide for creating a hospitable congregation and

welcoming others through spiritual formation, reconciliation, and outreach.

He includes discussion questions and an action plan in each chapter. Please

purchase your own copies. Discussion sessions include the Biblical and

Historical Roots of Christian Hospitality, Sites, Worship, Meals, Small

Groups.

PEACEMAKING OFFERING

Christians are called as Christ's people to be God's peacemakers as agents of

reconciliation in families, individual lives, communities, churches, the

international arena, and the whole of creation.

Peacemaking is the human response to the divine gift of peace-giving. The

Peacemaking Offering supports the peacemaking efforts of the church at

every governing body level, and provides an opportunity to witness to God's

gift of peace in the world. We will collect this special offering on Sunday,

October 2nd

, The 2016 Peacemaking Offering will go to YoungLife.

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

You are invited. “From east and west, from north and south, people will

come and take their places at the banquet in the kingdom of God. Yes, and

some who are now last will be first, and some who are first will be last (Luke

13: 29-30, REB).”

We come to Christ’s table aware of our human frailty and our sin. Our world

has been shattered by selfish prejudice and foolish pride. We also come

knowing that God’s healing love can restore wholeness and welcome us

home. At Christ’s table we are made one with Christ and one with each

other, and we are united with the church in every time and place. The unity

of the Lord’s Table is a sign of the unity God wills for all creation.

From Christ, the table, we can go out with joy as witnesses of God’s love to

work for the healing and the reconciliation of God’s world. Join Christians

around the world at the celebration. You are invited to take your place at the

table on Sunday, October 2, 2016.

APPLE CRISP COFFEE HOUR- Oct. 9th

Calling all helpers of Grove. Join us on Fri., Oct. 7th, at 9 AM to slice

and dice for Apple Crisp Sunday. Call Sue Oberkircher (275-7699) if

you can help. Bring your favorite paring knife and a buddy along. All are

encouraged to join us on Sun. – Oct. 9th for Apple Crisp Coffee Hour.

College addresses

Please help us keep in touch with our College members. Send in your child’s

college address to the church office. You can email [email protected]

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

The Presbyterian Women's Group will study God, the Creator and Giver of All

Things, from Cynthia Heald's book, Becoming a Woman Whose God is Enough

on October 6 at 9 AM at Muffin Man. We'll look at Scripture and apply it to our

everyday lives. Come join us for honest discussion. We had 7 around the table in

September, but welcome more.

13

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY by Lynne Pabst, Director of Christian Education

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

As is Grove’s tradition, Bibles were presented to the third graders at the

beginning of the Sunday School year. Some ask why not give Bibles earlier?

Why not give them later? Why give the Bible we give? Yes, the use of third

grade may seem like an archaic tradition, after all I got a Bible when in third

grade some 50 plus years ago.

But third grade is a very important developmental turning point for children

thus making this practice a key touch-point in the child’s faith formation.

Third grade is the age when children shift from “learning to read to reading

to learn”. They are now using their reading skills to gain information. Up to

this point the written material put in front of them is to practice reading and

parents and teachers have been reading to them to help them learn

information.

Now that they are readers they can be responsible for reading on their own.

The Bible translation given is the Good News Version of the Today’s English

Translation. This one is chosen because it is a true translation not a

paraphrase, is a real Bible not a beginner Bible with only some stories, is

written for readers not for learning readers, and it provides some nice line

artwork because those third graders are not all grown up yet.

During the presentation the children were given the charge that they now

have the responsibility of reading the Bible and of sharing what they read.

Being able to read is a useless skill if we don’t share our thoughts about what

we read. Parents, grandparents, and Sunday School teachers can be

supportive at this milestone by encouraging the children to read to them,

teaching them how the Bible is arranged, encouraging them to bring it to

Sunday School, and talking to them about what they read. Adults beware you

may be asked many questions. Don’t panic that is exactly what we want the

children to do.

Congratulations Third Graders!!!!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE RESOURCE ROOM

God’s Quiet Things by Nancy Sweetland and illustrated by Rick Stevens is a

children’s book offering the opportunity to look for God in the quiet little

things of the world. This text is excellent for helping young children to focus

before prayer or to see the wonder in God’s great creation.

CHRISTMAS IN A SHOEBOX

The children have already wrapped boxes we now need to fill them. Items

needed are hygiene items, school supplies, small toys appropriate for

children 2-14years of age male or female. NO military toys or weapons. NO

liquids or chocolates. Children, adults, anyone can bring in items to fill the

box. Just bring them to the Gathering Worship Time at 9:00am. Thanks.

GODLY PLAY EXERCISE

You are cordially invited to an experience of Godly Play for YOU! Teacher,

parents, grandparents, anyone is invited to join the circle for an Introduction

to Godly Play.

This is a very popular Sunday School teaching approach amongst young

families and churches of all denominations. The program is led by Dawn

Stewart, accredited Godly Play Teacher/Trainer and held Saturday, October

1, 2016 9:30am-2:30pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church Scranton, PA.

RSVP by Sept 25th to Lee Carr at the church (570-346-6400)

14

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

What a great start to Sunday School we had -- A game, singing, and praying

in the courtyard on a beautiful God-given sunny day. Children then went to

their classroom for a story about Moses. A total of 35 children and 14 adults

participated in the Sunday School classes. Many stayed for the 10:15am

worship where third graders received Bibles, Krislund alum spoke of their

experiences, and the congregation and teachers were dedicated to the mission

of Christian Education.

On Mission Sunday September 18th, the children made “Hug Cards “ for the

Homebound, wrapped shoeboxes for the operation Christmas Child mission,

and sang with Penny and Elise.

October brings new mission activities and a new set of Bible Stories to

experience. October 18th is the mission Sunday when we fill the Shoeboxes

and make a gift for the homebound. Children and adults are asked to bring in

items for the shoeboxes and place in the designated barrel. Hygiene items,

small toys, supplies are all appropriate items. NO WAR OR WEAPON

ITEMS AND NO LIQUIDS AND NO CHOCOLATE OR WAX ITEMS. All

items must be able to fit in a shoebox. Lessons for the month of October

include:

Date Scripture Title

Oct. 2 Exodus 15:20-21 Miriam Leads the People

Rejoicing

Oct. 9 Exodus 16: 1-8, 11-15, 31-32 God Gives People Food

Oct. 16 Exodus 17: 1-7 God Gives the People Water

Oct. 23 Exodus 20:1-17 God Gives the Ten

Commandments

Oct. 30 Exodus 25:10-22 The People Care for God’s

Word

(Growing in Grace and Gratitude Year 2)

Come and join us! There is always room for one more! You don’t have to

have a Sunday School background! You don’t have to come every Sunday!

Come when you can – as you are! God’s love is for everyone!

HOME ACTIVITIES

Following church on your drive home, at Sunday Dinner, Sunday Family

devotion time, or before bed have your children retell the story heard in

Sunday School. Younger children can act it out or retell it.

Those third graders will enjoy reading it from their new Bibles and older

children might make a jeopardy game out of it and quiz parents. Parents if

you are not certain what the story was or where to find it in the Bible check

under Sunday School News in The Spire. The lessons for each Sunday are

always found there.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Mark your calendars now for “Joyce’s Family Christmas Caroling”.

Sunday, December 18th 4:00pm gather at the church for caroling and bring a

covered dish to be shared following the caroling. This is a fun event your

family does not want to miss.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT “The church has moved too far to the left – at least too far to the left-brain.

We have confused a fixation on information with a foundation for

transformation. We have grown convinced that communicating propositions

is the same as offering spiritual nutrition. Hitting a congregation with

everything we know may make us feel good about ourselves. But it does

little to help the listeners embrace transformation. (Champion-Jones, P.

Brain-Based Worship: Remembering the Mind-Body Connection. 2014, 118)

15

A WORD ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Carolynn Brown is one of the most insightful and knowledgeable Christian

educators of our times. She writes a worshipping with children blog which

provides an incredible amount of information on children in worship. She

suggests that there are 12 vital experiences children are missing out on in

their development when they are not in worship with their parents. I have to

leave them in her eloquent words. All of the italics are her words.

Hearing the Bible stories they hear in church school or at home read in

the sanctuary to people of all ages (The stories are no longer kid stories

but the shared, loved stories of the whole congregation.)

Praying the Lord’s Prayer , saying the Apostles’ Creed, singing the

songs not just with other kids but with people of all ages

Knowing they are part of something bigger than they are and that it is

powerful and good. This is enriched if lots of people know them by name

or at least smile and talk to them letting the children know that they are

glad they are there.

Hearing prayer requests of others and making prayer requests of their

own

Beginning to recognize people of all ages who are part of their

congregation and to be recognized by them

Being there for baptisms and communions to accumulate experiences

with the sacraments

Getting to know the pastor and other church leaders at least by sight

(This means they know and are known by the congregation’s leaders

which is good on ordinary days and critical when the pastor shows up in

a family crisis.)

Sharing a hymn book with a parent to sing songs at least some of which

that parent obviously loves

Putting money in the offering plate with everyone else in the whole

church and seeing those plates carried up front and prayed over (This

feels totally different from putting money in a basket as it is passed a

circle of kids in church school.)

Gathering experiences with yearly worship traditions such as advent

wreaths, Chrismon trees, changing colors, ashes, palm parades,

trumpets at Easter….

Being disciplined for poor behavior because worship is too important to

disrespect

Falling asleep on a parent’s shoulder or lap and feeling loved

What would you add to the list?

CHERUB CHOIR NOTES

Cherub Choir is for children between the ages of five years old and first

grade meeting Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. Through play, discovery,

singing, instrument playing and more the Cherubs prepare to help lead the

10:15am worship on the third Sunday of the month. This year’s singing

schedule looks like this:

October 16th

November 20th

December 11th (cantata)

December 24th (Christmas Eve)

January 15th

February 19th

March 19th

April 9th (Palm Sunday)

April 16th (Easter Sunday)

May 21st

No rehearsals on November 23rd

, December 28th , and January 11

th .

In September the Cherubs, practiced attending worship and provided

percussion accompaniment to congregational singing.

16

2016 ARTS CAMP REPORT

Curriculum Used: Art: Experiencing the Church Year Held At: Grove

Presbyterian Church. Date and Time: August 1-5, 2016 9:30am to

2:00pm. Weather: very nice. Guest Artists: Pat Cooper, Van Wagner,

Joy Christian, Jan Burns, Kristin Austin, Bob Andrews, Penny Andrews

Teachers: Lynne Pabst. Helpers: Suzann Pharr, Merry Hackenberg, Sue

Oberkircher, Marge Schooley, Carl Reams, Wallace G. Pabst, III, Eli

Zakarian, Brandi, Holden Zakarian, Bob Burns, Jim Smith, Natalie Kupas,

Kathy Leicht, Cathy and Dave Sanders, Amanda Leicht, Judy Gibson.

Camp Alum Helpers: none Enrollment Facts: Total enrollment: 30.

Enrollment by Church Affiliation

Grove – 3 St. Joseph’s – 2

First Baptist – 3 Community Mennonite Fellowship - 2

Shiloh UCC – 1 Trinity Lutheran – 3

(CT) Methodist – 4 Klinesgrove UMC – 1

Sunbury Bible – 2 Church of the Nazarene – 1

Christ Wesleyan – 3 No Church - 4

St. Peter’s UMC – 1

Enrollment by Gender: Female – 20, Male - 10

Enrollment by age group: 1st – 6, 2

nd – 6, 3

rd – 7, 4

th – 4, 5

th – 4, 6

th – 3,

Enrollment by Schooling: Home-schooled – 5, Non-homeschooled -25

Danville – 15, Northumberland Christian – 3, Southern Columbia – 2,

Cochran Elem – 1, Madison, CT – 4.

Balance from last year: $ 212.35

Total Tuition Revenue: $ 535.00

$ 747.35

Total Expenses: - $ (350.32)

Balance over to Next Year : $ 397.03

Feedback: Was all Good! We look forward to this camp every year.

Thank you for all your work in making this program so successful each year.

Can’t think of anything that needs improving.

Liked music, arts crafts, dance. Not enough time for lunch. Did enjoy the

biscuits made.

It is OK if you start repeating some of the past curriculum.

Gardening Landscaping

Better technology – hard to hear speakers in the rooms. Mics for kids

THANK YOU

To Cindy Baylor, Amanda Leicht, Cassie Weaver, Kim Stamm, Bonnie

Wisowaty, Jen Henning, Todd Gibson, Steve Lewis, Van Wagner for

working with the younger children in Sunday School.

To parents for getting children to Sunday School.

To Sandy Lewis, Clare McCuen, and Kristin Keller for the extra start up

preparation.

To all who donated shoeboxes and wrapping paper for the Operation

Christmas Child Mission

To all who donated items for the shoeboxes.

KINDERMUSIK

There is still room in the Kindermusik Classes. Call the office to register.

Two Kindermusik classes are offered each semester. The class meeting on

Wednesday at 5:00pm is for children aged 16 months to three-years and their

parents. A class meeting at 5:45pm on Wednesday is for three- and four-

year-olds. Following the Kindermusik curriculum children explore

movement, sound, and music emphasizing the process rather than the

product. The registration form can be found in this Spire. Classes start

Wednesday, September 14th. Lynne Pabst is a licensed Kindermusik teacher

teaching at Grove for 24 years.

17

FIFTY-YEAR MEMBER RECOGNITION

The following members received in 1966 or earlier are honored

Sunday, Oct. 2, for their longstanding membership with Grove and the

Presbyterian Church.

Member Date Joined Grove Years

Isabel J. Morrison April 10, 1936 80

Gladys Y. Magill November 23, 1947 69

H. David Myers April 17, 1949 67

Patricia J. Sanders May 22, 1949 67

Marjorie D. Schooley December 24, 1950 66

Gloria M. Romberger March 4, 1951 65

Eliza B. Hahn April 4, 1954 62

Linda Neddoff-Weckter April 4, 1954 62

George W. Vastine April 4, 1954 62

Lois M. Myers April 1, 1956 60

Robert L. Marks, Sr. April 18, 1957 59

William H. Jeffreys October 6, 1957 59

George O. Wagner, IV May 31, 1959 57

Nancie H. Wagner May 31, 1959 57

Martha S. Cole April 26, 1959 57

William H. Cole, Jr. April 26, 1959 57

Judith A. Gibson January 17, 1960 56

Donald D. Straub February 28, 1960 56

Betty Brittain June 8, 1962 54

Cynthia F. Buckenberger June 8, 1962 54

Patricia Cooper December 28, 1962 54

Richard E. Huntington June 8, 1962 54

Judy R. Gillaspy December 20, 1963 53

William S. Gibson November 6, 1964 52

Lilias Rose March 15, 1964 52

Janet M. Betz April 11, 1965 51

William R. Betz April 11, 1965 51

Robert O. Booth June 2, 1965 51

Ruth R. Browneller December 3, 1965 51

Frederick L. Jones December 3, 1965 51

Mary Jo J. Jones December 3, 1965 51

Donald G. Cotner May 15, 1966 50

CROP WALK – OCTOBER 16TH

Many area residents are gearing up to join in the CROP walk on Sunday,

October 16th between the hours of 1:30 and 6:30, with registration beginning

at 1 PM. In the event of serious weather conditions, the rain date will be

October 23rd

. We will walk, however, should the weather be mildly

inclement. Join us as a family, as individuals, or as youth group. Please

contact Amanda Leicht for more information: [email protected],

570-284-4144.

18

MEMORIAL GARDEN POLICY

Session approved the following policies and protocols for the operation of

the newly installed and dedicated Memorial Garden. The Memorial Garden

of the Grove Presbyterian Church will be used to bury cremated remains of:

1. Grove members and members of their family

2. Former members

3. Others who have a justified reason as approved by Session

4. A section of the Garden to be reserved to bury the cremains of

stillborns and infants from Geisinger whose parents have no burial

place for their children.

Any burial service or rites will be planned with the Pastor. At burial, a hole,

approx. 2’ deep and 6” wide, will be dug for the placement of the cremains.

After placement, the hole will be covered with top soil and mulch. No

container or urn will be buried, only loose ashes. A map will be maintained

in the Church Office to indicate the general area where someone is buried.

A plaque with the names and dates of the deceased person may be placed on

the stone pier. These plaques shall be uniform and ordered through the

Church Office. There shall be a budget line item to cover maintenance costs

associated with the Garden.

There shall be a standing committee appointed by Session and to include one

Elder to manage the Garden regarding:

1. Maintenance (weeding, mulching, pruning, etc.)

2. Plantings

3. Burials

4. Name Plaques

5. All other thing associated with the Garden.

There shall be a charge of $750.00 for burial which shall be paid by the

family representative of the descendent. This will include the cost of the

plaque and is meant to help cover the maintenance costs. This fee may be

waived at the direction of Session. Prepayment is acceptable. Functions to

be held in the Garden will follow the Church Use Policy. Session approval

will be required for uses other than Church functions.

RULES:

1. There will be no additional plantings to memorialize a loved one.

Additional plantings will be the domain of the Memorial garden

Committee.

2. Cut flowers will be removed in a timely fashion after the

interment/service.

3. Seasonal decorations are discouraged. Anything placed in the

garden seasonally will be removed.

American guild of organists

Grove is hosting the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the American Guild of

Organist’s annual “Planning for Music Ministry” program Saturday, Oct 8

– a wonderful day for choir directors, organists, and choral singers to learn

about new resources and trends, pick up new ideas, hear new music, discuss

church-music-related challenges with other people who are in the trenches,

and just get recharged. We will be sharing our wonderful organ for a special

continuing education program on registrations and settings. If you, or

someone you know, would like more information, please contact Joy

Christian (570-847-8659) or check out the AGO website:

https://www.agohq.org/chapters/susquehannavalley/

19

OPPORTUNITIES TO MINISTER – OCTOBER 2016 OCTOBER 2 –

Peacemaking Brunch

OCTOBER 9 OCTOBER 16 OCTOBER 23 OCTOBER 30

Deacons of the

Month:

Eric Deeter and

Cindy Stamey

Eric Deeter and

Cindy Stamey

Eric Deeter and

Cindy Stamey

Eric Deeter and

Cindy Stamey

Eric Deeter and

Cindy Stamey

Ushers:

Junior Deacons

As assigned by

Deacons

As assigned by

Deacons

As assigned by

Deacons

As assigned by

Deacons

Greeters: Junior Deacons Deacons Deacons Deacons Deacons

Worship Leaders: Elijah Zakarian William C. Godfrey Adam D. Zakarian Kessey Kieselhorst Spring Taylor-Santos

Flowers Don Straub Mary Ellen Doll Linda Neddoff-Weckter Joy & Gary Christian Bill & Judy Gibson

11:15 Fellowship

Peacemaking

Pot-Luck Brunch

Special Coffee Hour

of Apple Crisp

Special Coffee Hour Tastes

and Sounds of

Honduras & Nicaragua

Special Coffee Hour

Hosted by

4th

- 6th

Grade Classes

Special Coffee Hour

Featuring an

English High Tea

Sound System

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

Communion Elders: William C. Godfrey, William Henning, Bryan L. Holmes, Jim Nemeth, and Robert N. Seebold

OPPORTUNITIES TO MINISTER – NOVEMBER 2016

NOVEMBER 6

Daylight Saving Time

NOVEMBER 13 NOVEMBER 20

Congregational Mtg.

NOVEMBER 27

Kirkn’ Sunday

Deacons of the

Month:

Beth Holmes and

Rhonda Seebold

Beth Holmes and

Rhonda Seebold

Beth Holmes and

Rhonda Seebold

Beth Holmes and

Rhonda Seebold

Ushers:

Junior Deacons

As assigned by Deacons As assigned by

Deacons

As assigned by

Deacons

Greeters: Junior Deacons Deacons Deacons Deacons

Worship Leaders: Grove Youth Jacob V. Smedley Beth Christian Gregory A. Bitler

Flowers Cassie Weaver Kathy Leicht Lindemann Family Godfrey Family

11:15 Fellowship Sue Oberkircher

Michelle Mannello &

Emily Fiocchi OPEN Godfrey Family

Sound System OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN

Communion Elders for: James D. Kishbaugh, Beth Christian, David D. Betz, Mona S. Cotner, Francis C. Moyer

20

PROPERTY NEWS

The Property Committee would like to remind you to check all doors if you

are the last to leave. Unlocked doors are being found and putting our

members and property at risk. Please remember to double check the doors

when exiting (push and pull). And remember, when in doubt, LOCK! You

can also help by keeping an eye out on the church when passing for any

suspicious activities. If you notice non-members congregating, groups of

skateborders, etc., you can call the Danville police non-emergency line (275-

2101) to have them investigate. We thank you all for your assistance.

food bank

Oct. 2nd

will be our Food Bank Ingathering Offerings - of which we will

specifically need peanut butter and saltines. The Food Bank is in great

need of your support. Last year you helped the Food Bank supply 1,425

family units, 846 single units, consisting of 5,190 individuals in the

Danville/Riverside area. Volunteers are always needed. Contact Sue Pierce

570-275-2142 for more information or to volunteer.

GROVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHURCH SCHOOL @ 9 AM

10:15 AM SERVICE OF DIVINE WORSHIP (SEPT. THRU MAY)

9:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE (MEMORIAL DAY THRU LABOR DAY)

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday

E-mail address: [email protected] – Church Office

Website address: GrovePresbyterianChurch.org

[email protected] – The Rev. Dr. Robert J. Andrews

[email protected] – Clare I. McCuen, Administrative Secretary

The Reverend Dr. Robert J. Andrews, Pastor

Office Phone = 275-0692

Pastor’s Direct Line: 275-1965 Pastors Home Phone: 275-3225

Emergency Hotline Numbers

Alcoholics Anonymous: 286-7436 or 654-0488 (Northeast Inter-group)

Al-anon: 800-628-8920 (National Hotline)

Narcotics Anonymous: 988-7177 / Women’s Center: 784-6631

Gamblers Anonymous: 717-652-4400 / Child Abuse Hotline: 800-932-0313

Poison Center: 800-521-6110 / Good Samaritan Mission Center: 275-2500

Food Bank, American Red Cross: 275-1441

21

PW FALL GATHERING OCTOBER 22, 2016

held at MONTOURSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH

900 Elm St., Montoursville, PA 17754

9:30 Registration 10 – 12 Program

Lunch graciously provided by the women of the Montoursville Presbyterian Church

Guest Speaker: the Director of the Williamsport Food Pantry - Mona Rundio

Montoursville Presbyterian Circle 2

Presentation of the 2016-2017 Synod Mission Project

LaEscuelita Nicaragua – “The Little School” in Managua, Nicaragua

Please bring non-perishable food items to be

donated to the Williamsport Food Pantry