Good News
Verse of the Month: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.” ~ John 15:9
Congregational Meeting to be Held January 29, 11:15 a.m.
There will be one service at 10:00 a.m. on January 29. This will be a Family Worship.
The congregation/corporation of the Absecon Presbyterian Church will meet after the single service (about 11:15). We will discuss committee reports, financials, and elect 4 members of the congregation to serve on the Nominating Committee for 2012. There will be a time for old and new business.
A pizza lunch will be served in Madden Hall following the meeting at church expense.
Christian Education Committee:
The CE Committee had a meeting in January to check in at the midway point of the school year. We have a lot of exciting things coming up for the winter and spring... warm weather and Vacation Bible School will be here before you know it! We encourage everyone to get involved and participate - there is sure to be something to help encourage you on your own walk with Christ. Keep your eyes and ears open for more announcements on specific events in the coming weeks and months.
In His Service,
Scott Sabo
Christian Education Chair
Sunday School and Related News for February
Highlights
By the time you read this, we’ll have had our 2nd Family Worship Sunday of the year. January came through as relatively quiet while we all got back into the rhythm of things.
Up Coming Events
Feb 12 Grades 9-12
Feb 19 Senior Youth
Feb 26 Grades 7-8
Mar 4 Grades 5-6
Mar 11 Grades 3-4
In the quiet or the excitement, in the happy and the sad, God is always with us.
Love,
Priscilla
Lions and Lambs
Lions and Lambs had an adventurous session of fellowship in January as we read from "scrolls", moved to the beat of "When They Saw the Star", made snacks, and played a game called "Camels & Tents". We made a star suncatcher to take home to remind us that wise men (and women, boys, and girls) still follow Him. Most importantly, we learned what gifts we have to offer to our Savior today.
For February, we are planning to join A2J to coordinate our "Pennies for Pins" winter bowling fundraiser to benefit the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. As part of the fundraiser, everyone will be asked to contribute a "needed" item for the Rescue Mission. The event is scheduled for Sunday, February 12, from 11:30 to 1:30 at the Strike Zone on Route 30 in Egg Harbor City. Tickets are $10 and include bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soda for all participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be available on Sunday 1/29 and 2/5 between services. All are welcome - bring a friend!
In His Service,
JoAnn Sabo
Lions & Lambs Leader
A2J
A2J youth were kept very busy during the month of January, and as we enter the second half of the year the youth will continue to be busy! The youth will continue weekly Bible study, provide service to the community, and continue fundraising efforts for their Johnsonburg Peer Pressure retreat scheduled May 18th through the 20th.
In January, the youth explored Jesus in our lives through a Bible series entitled “I Want That…” We’ll finish the series in February with how anyone can know Jesus and receive his gift. The youth will also take a look at the first half of the New Testament with the “What’s in the Bible?” This is the third of this four part series.
The youth will continue to serve the community with various projects during February. We’ll team up with Sunday School and deliver food gifts from the Sunday School Mission Project. We’ll co-sponsor with Lions and Lambs the Pennies of Pins bowling fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. With weather permitting, youth will clean up Pitney Road as we cancelled this activity last month.
Yours in Christ,
Linda
Senior Youth News
The seniors went to Cobb’s cabin in January for skiing and tubing. Jack and Kendal chaperoned. They all had a great trip!
Nothing special is scheduled for February. However, in March we will start seeds for our vegetable bed. We will also be attempting to grow flowers for the Sunday School kids to plant around the church.
The dinner schedule is as follows:
1/30 dinner = Chris G salad= Mike
2/6 “ Justin “ Nick
2/13 “ Courtney “ Sam
2/20...........NO MEETING...............
2/27 “ Bud “ Chris Hughes
3/5 “ Terri “ Chris G
3/12 “ Charity “ Tony
I would like to thank all the parents; the dinners and salads have been wonderful.
Thank you so much!!!!
Karen
Camp Johnsonburg Brochures on Tract Rack
The 2012 summer season at Camp Johnsonburg in the Delaware Water Gap is shaping up as the best ever. The camp has a pool, new dining hall, lake, trails, obstacle course, and much more.
This camp is owned and operated by six Presbyteries, ours being one of them. The cost of a week of camp varies – see the schedule. The church has some scholarship help available for children registered in our Sunday School. Sorry, but we cannot provide scholarships for children not affiliated with our church.
Weeknight Bible Study
Anyone interested in participating in the next session of the Weeknight Bible Study is asked to meet with Scott and JoAnn Sabo during coffee hour between services on February 5 for a Superbowl Sunday "Kickoff Meeting" to plan the schedule and location that works best for everyone. If you haven't been to the Weeknight Bible Study yet, this is your chance to get involved. And if you think that joining a Bible Study isn't for you... then this might be just the Bible Study you are looking for!
Pastors Cobb & Reedell to begin Lenten Course February 12
The next Sunday night course to be offered is entitled “Final Words” and follows the seven last words of Jesus from the cross. This Adam Hamilton course follows the same format as his other courses with a video at the beginning followed by a discussion time.
Cost is $5.00. If you want the book, that is an additional $9.50. (You can take the course without buying the book.)
See the pastors or just show up. We meet in the lounge at 6:30 p.m.
Women’s Circles
Last month we began our study of the Beatitudes. Each of the Beatitudes begins with the word “blessed”. We each took time to talk about our blessings. Almost everyone felt blessed, not by “things”, but by the people in our lives. Parents, husbands, children and friends have made us feel we are blessed.
The word “blessed” comes from the Greek word makarios. It means much more than being happy. It’s like receiving a congratulations or approval from God. We stand in God’s favor and under God’s blessing because we are his followers.
The Sarah Circle will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 1st, in Cobb Lounge. The Ruth Circle will meet at the home of Betsy Cunius at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 3rd. The Martha Circle will meet at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 9th, at the home of Carol Thomas.
Last month we were “blessed” that two new women came to our circles. All women of the church are encouraged to join us for study and fellowship at the circle that best meets your time schedule.
Men’s Fellowship to Meet February 4
The Doug Jablonski Men’s Fellowship will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 4. Breakfast will be eggs. Just $3.00.
We will make final preparations for our Valentine’s dinner on February 11. Please turn in any ticket money that day. Ticket sales end on February 6.
Spiritual Life Conference Highlights Scripture and Nutrition
Dr. Gary Young led our spiritual life conference which had two sessions, one on the importance of the Hebrew Bible (“Of the 6,000 languages in the world God chose to communicate Himself in Hebrew”), and the second session dealt with nutrition and life style.
The first session dealt with certain Hebrew words and their significance for us as believers. Many verses have meanings far beyond our English translation. Each of the 22 Hebrew letters (they are all consonants) has special nuances all its own, and our English translations miss much of the meaning.
The second session was longer and featured a question and answer time. Dr. Young is an advocate of natural foods. He carries a snack container of dates, raisins, untreated nuts, and many other items that are not cooked. (He doesn’t believe in cooking fruits and vegetables.) He also eats large salads with 24 ingredients. He uses a lot of olive and other oils, which are good for the brain. There was a lot of advice about enzymes, when to eat what, etc. Drink a gallon of water every day. And those of us who drink coffee are in a lot of trouble – cadmium trouble.
It was a great conference, and 49 people attended the first session and 39 the second. Many said they hoped we would do it again.
(I hope we will, but not until at least fall.)
Worship Committee:
I would like to welcome Harold Hawkes as our new Director of Music Ministry. His first Sunday at the organ was Jan. 15th. His wife has joined the choir, and his grandchildren are starting in the youth programs.
We will be having a meeting Tuesday, January 31, and I’m sure the first topic will be: we need to expand the choir loft! We are all looking forward to a music filled 2012.
The lay assistant schedule is as follows:
2/5 @ 9 am Karen Muldoon
@ 10:30 Dawn Duran
2/12 @ 9 am Scott Sabo
@ 10:30 ____________
2/19 @ 9 am Joan Nale
@ 11:00 ____________ (brunch)
2/26 @ 9 am Gail Ackerman
@ 10:30_____________
Have a Blessed month!
Karen Muldoon
Introducing Harold and Cheryl Hawkes
Cheryl and I are so excited to be a part of you wonderful church. We have met so many fine people already and can't wait till we meet and get to know all of you.
Cheryl and I were married in Peekskill, NY April 21, 1968. Cheryl worked as a nurse in Phelps Memorial Hospital, and I worked as a graphic designer for 30 yrs, at IBM. Cheryl retired from nursing and became a school bus driver. We retired in 1994 and moved to Long Beach Island, NJ.
We have 3 children: Bryan, Lisa and Ashley. We have 5 grand children: Nicholas, Jordan, Christian, Eddie and Matthew. Bryan's wife is Vicky, Lisa's Husband is Randy, and Ashley's husband is George.
Some of the churches that I have worked are: First Reformed Church of Fishkill NY, Manahawkin Methodist in Manahawkin, NJ, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Brant Beach, NJ.
Our hobbies:
Cheryl- Cooking and hosting parties, taking care of grandchildren.
Harold-Painting (water colors), baking cakes, and also taking care of grandchildren
Schools we attended:
Cheryl: Albany Medical School for Nursing.
Harold: NY Pheonix School of Design, in NYC and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and two years in the US Army.
When we moved down to LBI we lived in Ocean Acres in Manahawkin, and then after 15 yrs we decided to down size and now live in Atlantic Hills in Manahawkin, NJ 08050
141 Longwood Drive
609-978-9693
Lenten Schedule Coming Together
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. The following Wednesday, Feb. 29, is the Unity Dinner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Lenten Lunches will be the four Wednesdays in March, and the schedule is below.
March 7 Noon Absecon Methodist
March 14 Noon St. Mark & All Saints
March 21 Noon St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
March 28 Noon Absecon Presbyterian (that’s us!)
Holy Week is April 1-8 and will be publicized in next month’s Good News. Stay tuned.
Unity Dinner to be at Seton on Feb. 29 at 6:30 p.m.
The Unity Dinner this year will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on February 29th at 6:30 p.m. Donation is $5.00 per person. Reservations are necessary. Please use the registration form below and place it in the offering plate or mail to the office.
Please contact Joan Nale at 266-3441 for more information.
Registration Form for Unity Dinner
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
February 29, 2012 6:30 p.m.
Name: ______________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________________________
Number Attending: ____________________________________________
Cost is $5.00 per person. Please pay when you register.
Mission/Evangelism Committee:
We welcome our new guest to the Bakely House. Jennifer is a single mother with three boys. She and her boys moved in January 26th. The work done in this house by volunteers turned it into a home for Jennifer and her sons. She is very grateful. Thank you all who made this possible.
Our next meeting will be February 4th. Our topics will be minutes for mission and a 2012 mission trip. We will continue to do God’s work through out the year.
God Bless,
Russ Adkisson Jr. Chair
News from the Deacons
Deacons will be planning, organizing, and receiving our new assignments for this next year at our first meeting of 2012 Saturday, February 4, at 10am in Cobb Lounge.
The board of Deacons has nine members, each serving for 3 years and includes Carol Jorgenson, Naida Burgess, Pat Hudak, Mary Bew, Kris Jenoriki, Jinny Wolcott, Irene Hunter, Jo-Ann Weller and Dottie McCaffrey. We welcome our newest member to the board Dottie McCaffrey and thank Irene Hunter and Jo-Ann Weller for staying on for three more years. A great big Thank You to Carol Thomas for her years of service as moderator and vice moderator and keeping the Deacons organized. Carol you know we will be calling on you to help from time to time.
We look forward to working with everyone to make our church a welcome place for all.
In Christian service and love,
Naida Burgess, Moderator
News from Lisa Whitaker
I want to thank you for your support once again. This last year was full of so many opportunities to speak into the lives of young people from many places both here and overseas.
It is amazing to me how the local and the global continue to feed each other.
Locally I continue to be part of ATTAC (Anti-Trafficking Task Force of Atlantic County) as well as recently being appointed to the Board of HEAAT (Helping Educate and Advocate Against Trafficking). God is opening doors daily to speak to teachers, students, youth groups, churches and civic organizations. This issue is one that is certainly on the heart of God and I believe it is important for the body of Christ to be informed and reach out to help stop this atrocity. I also spend much of my time here communicating with staff and preparing teachings and resources for those to whom I go to overseas.
Globally, I continue to teach in Discipleship Training Schools, train our staff and participate in outreaches on many different levels. This year I will be coaching several school leaders as they establish first-time schools and reach out to nations where the gospel has been silenced or Bible training has not been freely available.
I appreciate your prayers as I go to England for international leadership meetings and then on to Central Asia to teach in a Discipleship Training school. I absolutely love teaching in Central Asia - the students are so hungry for input, they ask great questions and they truly are ready to go and make a difference in their nation as well as others.
Thank you again - you are part of an amazing team that allows me to minister to “my Jerusalem” (Absecon) to “my Judea” (Atlantic City and New Jersey) and to the ends of the earth!
I look forward to catching up with you all at some point this year-
Lisa
Stewardship Committee Report
This is the final statistical report for 2011. A complete analysis of how we did in meeting the expenses of our budget is in the Annual Report. If you haven’t picked up a copy of the Annual Report you are encouraged to do so. Please spend some time reviewing the financial data so you have a full understanding of the financial condition of our church.
Statistical Report for December
Budget for 2011 $222,419.00
Budgetary Needs through December 31, 2011 $222,419.00
Our giving through 12/31/11 $164,767.45
Investment Income $ 25,471.41
Rental Income (net) $ 3,922.83
Total $194,161.69
Amount under budget $ 28,257.31
Average weekly giving by month
2011 2010 2011 2010
January $3665.34 $3261.49 July $2876.39 $2801.60
February $3126.90 $3059.14 August $2202.63* $2835.95
March $3391.40 $3166.79 September $3594.00 $2969.84
April $3545.45 $3069.19 October $2924.83 $2980.55
May $2760.05 $2779.57 November $3220.38 $3472.90
June $3301.79 3208.85 December $3525.06 $4220.08
*closed 8/28
Pledging and Per Capita Payments Down Compared to Last Year
In 2011, the total Per Capita money received from the membership was $3809.00. We were required to pay $9842.00. In 2010, we received $4537.84 from you as payment toward our Per Capita assessment that year. This substantial reduction in your reimbursing the church for this cost negatively impacted the budget. Please seriously consider making the $38.00 Per Capita payment. We would like to achieve at least a 50% reimbursement.
As of January 15, 2012, we have received 70 pledges totaling $124,798. Last year we received 81 pledge cards totaling $129,945. You still have time to submit your pledge card. There is no penalty for being late!
Gerald W. Hoenes
Stewardship Committee Chairperson
FUNdraising Committee
Our first FUNdraiser, "A Taste of Heaven", has been a success. Thanks to all your support, whether it was working on the committee, submitting recipes, or purchasing cookbooks. Just over $800 has been turned into the General Fund after expenses. There are still a few left and will be available throughout the year. They are $10 and make great gifts for Valentine's Day, Easter, or Mother's Day.
Zumba has been changed to February 25th due to scheduling conflicts. The time will be 3-4PM. The cost is still $5 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Not sure what zumba is.......well, come in comfortable clothes and found out what has everybody moving. This is a good way to lose those few extra pounds we put on over the Holidays.
Tickets are now on sale for the Bus Trip to Longwood Gardens. This event will take place on Saturday, March 3rd. We will leave the church at 9 AM and arrive at Longwood Gardens at approximately 10:30AM. There will be a free concert and activities for the children at 12 noon and 2PM. We will leave Longwood Gardens at promptly 3:30PM and arrive back at the church around 5PM. The cost is $45 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. This price includes transportation, gratuity for the driver, and admission into Longwood Gardens. Food will be available for purchase at Longwood Gardens, or you may pack some snacks for the bus. Seats are limited so be sure to purchase your tickets today. See, myself, Dawn Duran 965-6706, or Scott Sabo 804-9431 for more information.
May 20th is our Golf Tournament at the Mays Landing Country Club. Registration will begin at 12 noon with hot dogs and beverages for the golfers. A shotgun start is at 1PM. There will be a dinner with a silent auction to follow at 6PM. The cost for this event is $100 per golfer. If you don't golf and just want to join us for dinner and the auction then the cost will be $30. We are currently looking for hole sponsors and donations. The cost to sponsor a hole is $100, and for a sign at the bar or buffet table it is $250. The hole-in-one prize is a 2012 Chevy Camaro sponsored by Bennett Chevrolet, come out and try to win. Please see myself 965-6706 or Karen Muldoon 926-8440 for more information or if interested in attending.
In Christian Love and Fellowship,
Dawn Duran, Chair
January “Thank You”s
January turned out to be a busy month after the frenzy of activity in December. Part of the busyness was year-end activities like the annual report, cleaning up Christmas decorations, etc. Special thanks to the following:
Trustees Elect Officers for 2012
Chairman - Melvin Washington
Cemetery – Lee Wolff
Property - Bill Davenport
Financial Administration – Betty Lloyd, chair; David Burgess
Personnel – Leslie Harvey, chair; David Burgess
Secretary – Lee Wolff
Scheduled meeting dates are February 14, April 24, September 18, November 20.
Winter Fundraiser in Full Swing
The amount raised in our winter fundraiser as of January 22 is $2,475. The thermometer chart is in the choir loft. It is updated every week.
If you haven’t given yet (the letters were sent out January 13) please do so. If you want to give a second time, we would love it. This appeal will go through February. The trustees will complete the projects they have money for.
We look forward to a busy spring of steeple repairs, fire suppression work, asphalt seal coating, etc. We need your help!
March Good News is the Last to be Mailed Bulk
The next Good News is the last one you will receive by bulk mail. The church is not renewing its bulk mail permit, and anything you receive by the US postal service will probably arrive first class.
This is being done to save postage costs.
Future Good News publications will be delivered in one of three ways:
We realize some of you do not have a computer, but we feel we need to make these changes to be good stewards of resources.
One last thing, the March Good News is the last that will be in “book” format. Starting in April the Good News will be printed on 8.5x11 sheets of paper and be stapled in the corner. It is currently posted online in that format, and reformatting it into book form as is done now would not be worth the additional time needed for so few paper copies that will be made.
These changes not only save postage, but will save time for Gay Channell, our administrative assistant.
Fellowship Committee:
Once again the first of our annual soup sales held on January 29 was a big success. Thank you to all who helped make this possible by donating your favorite recipes, your efforts are greatly appreciated.
There will be another soup sale on or about February 21, so please keep this date in mind and stop by the table to pick up your favorites.
We are also preparing for the annual Lenten Lunch to be held in March. As soon as a date is confirmed more details will be provided.
Sincerely,
Tina Brown
Evergreens Wednesday, February 22nd, 12 Noon
Since the month of February includes Presidents’ Day, we will be discussing some interesting facts about our Presidents. Of course we will also serve cherry pie……did he really chop down that cherry tree?
Come out and join us! Bring a sandwich and a friend, we provide beverage and dessert.
Praise for Him
Joanna Howell
Doug Jablonski Men’s Fellowship Valentine’s Dinner
The Doug Jablonski Men’s Fellowship will hold their annual winter Valentine’s dinner on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10 each.
There will be a choice of two main courses this year – NY Strip steak or oven roasted chicken breast. Salad, vegetable, baked potato, and cake and ice cream are all included.
The event will start with a variety of hors d’oeuvres at 5:45. Dinner will begin with grace at 6:00. Entertainment will be by Bruce and Sherry Townsend and friends who have performed here before. They will sing a variety of songs from gospel to old time romantic songs.
See any member of the men’s fellowship for a ticket. The last day to get a ticket is Monday, Feb. 6 (meats must be ordered Tuesday, Feb. 7).
Lunch Bunch to Travel to Shore Diner on February 1
Lunch Bunch will travel to the Shore Diner on Tilton and Fire Roads Wednesday, February 1. Meet at the church at 11:30 or at the restaurant at noon.
They will give us separate checks.
Brunch Menu
February 19, 2012
Salisbury Steak
Potato Pancakes
Old Virginia Sage Sausage
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Caesar Salad
Pasta Salad
Crudités and Dip
Biscuits
Banana Pudding
Winter Snow Warning
Thus far we have had a mild winter (unlike last winter when we lost two Sundays to snow and cancelled many activities), but we still have two months of winter to go.
Generally, if school is closed youth groups do not meet. And if the state police close highways to all but emergency vehicles, church is cancelled.
All other circumstances will be communicated via the church answering machine. The pastor lives next door, so he can always walk over and leave a message on the machine.
We do not advertise on radio or those scroll announcements at the bottom of your TV screen.
In the event of “light” snow we always need volunteers to shovel and salt. Please come if you can.
Chuck Gras wishes to say thanks for the gift of a prayer shawl. He takes comfort in it every time he uses it.
* * * * *
Dear Pastor and Church,
Thank you for being so caring.
Thank you, Deacons, for the Christmas bag so full of good things.
Thank you, Carolers, for the wonderful Christmas spirit you brought to our home.
May God bless you all.
Peggy Merrill
* * * * *
To Rev. Cobb for his many visits during Bob’s illness, to all our friends and church family for their concern, prayers and help we are deeply appreciative. For their calls and cards, too.
We hope the treatment he will receive will with God’s help bring him to good health.
We love you all and thank you.
Irene & Bob Hunter
* * * * *
Special thanks to our church family,
Thanks so much for your prayers, calls, and visits during my recent illness. Thank you also to the Deacons for their meals and the Christmas fruit basket. The carolers added a special touch to the holiday.
God bless you all.
Richard Wood
Thank You from Staff –
Thank you for the Visa gift cards that Russ & I received. What a wonderful surprise. We truly appreciate it.
Linda & Russ Adkisson
* * * * *
Thank you for the very useful gift card.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, and best wishes to each of you in the New Year.
Blessings,
Marge Chapman
* * * * *
Thank you for remembering me with your generous gift at Christmas time.
Love and God Bless,
Jack Heil
* * * * *
Thank you all for the generous gift card. It will indeed prove useful!
I wish you all a blessed and happy 2012.
Gay Channell
* * * * *
FLOWER CALENDAR HANGING IN VESTIBULE
Our 2012 flower calendar is hanging in the vestibule. If you would like to purchase altar flowers for any particular Sunday of the year please sign up to reserve your date! The cost for a single urn is $25.00 or $40.00 or two urns for $40. Order forms are available in an envelope next to the chart to be filled in and returned to the church office with your payment. This will help the secretary know what you would like printed in the Sunday bulletin.
Do we have your email address? If not, email the church office (absecon_presby@msn.com) and ask to be added to our list of contacts to get weekly updates, announcements and information.
Remember, Deadlines are Important!
“Good Morning” (Sunday bulletin announcements) – Noon Thursday
“The Presby Post” (Friday email) – Noon Thursday
“Good News” (Monthly newsletter) – 20th of the month
Articles are to be in writing and submitted to the office (email preferred) by that day. Please keep in mind it may be necessary to edit due to space limitations.
Greeters
5 9:00 Ginny Davenport
10:30 Denise Ott
12 9:00 Dottie McCaffrey
10:30 Frances Weir
19 9:00 Jo-ann Weller
11:00 Shirley Smith
26 9:00 Loretta Metz
10:30 Olga Davies
Lay Assistants
5 9:00 Karen Muldoon
10:30 Dawn Duran
12 9:00 Scott Sabo
10:30
19 9:00 Joan Nale
11:00
26 9:00 Gayle Ackerman
10:30
Head Ushers
5 9:00 Elaine Risley, Bob Wilkenloh
10:30 Joanna Howell
12 9:00 Carol & Jan Jorgensen
10:30 Mary Bew, Betty Lloyd
19 9:00 Vic & Rita Abelson
11:00 Denise Ott, Shirley Smith
26 9:00 Don & Deborah Wong
10:30 Ron & Joyce Pfeiffer
Collection (9:00)
5 Edith Budd, Ginny Davenport
12 Joan Nale
19 Joan Pattky & Don Mills
26
Deacons Guest Book
5 9:00 Carol Thomas
10:30 Mary Bew
12 9:00 Carol Jorgensen
10:30 Mary Bew
19 9:00 Irene Hunter
11:00 Mary Bew
26 9:00 Jo-ann Weller
10:30 Mary Bew
Acolyte (9:00)
5
12
19
26
Nursery (9:00)
5 Fran Tanner
12 Jennifer Platt
19 Gloria Achamizo
26 Alice Malfi
Van Drivers
5 John Channell
12 Barbara Hughes
19 John Harvey
26 Vic Abelson
Refreshment Hosts
5
12 Dawn Lewis
19 Join us for Brunch
26
Breakfast Club Kitchen Crew
5 Set-up – Edith Budd
Cook – John Harvey
Clean-up – Joe Marshall
12 Set-up – Bob Wilkenloh
Cook – John Channell
Clean-up – Bill & Ginny Davenport
19 No Breakfast – Join us for Brunch
26 Set-up – The Little Family
Cook – Ed Little
Clean-up – Olga Davies
Sink or Swim
“With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.” ~ Psalm 119:10
The Unexamined Life is not worth living. – Socrates
As we sink into the heart of winter I must confess that my mind drifts to the warm south and places where there is no responsibility for budgets, programs, annual meeting, presbytery issues, etc. Maybe that’s why I like cruise ships. You get on board and they take you to a warm place. They feed you, entertain you, clean up after you, and tie your towel into animal shapes. It’s nice to get up and know you are under way and somebody else has charted the coarse and responsible people are taking care of everything. Not to worry.
That all changed with the Costa Concordia, the Italian cruise ship that ended up on the rocks while the captain ordered dinner with his girlfriend. The waiter says he stayed to order dinner even after the boat crashed. It appears he had given the ok to sail close to shore so one of the crew could wave to his family who lived on the island. Instead of going down with the ship he was one of the first to get off – saying he “fell” into a lifeboat. When ordered to get back on the boat to direct the evacuation he refused. The disoriented crewmembers were telling people to return to their rooms just twenty minutes before the order to abandon ship was given. The 4,200 passengers all have stories, and many will sue. They had assumed the ship was on course and the captain was at the wheel. But this captain was known for not following the course. He wanted to enjoy himself like the passengers. Well, many of the passengers say they will never sail again. One lady who loved to cruise said, “I have to find something better to do with my life.” The late night accident was terrifying and made her ask herself “What am I doing here?”
There are times in life when we must ask ourselves “What am I following?” “Are we on course?” “Do the people in charge know what they are doing?” “What am I doing here?”
This is the time of year we do that. It started with our spiritual life conference on January 22 when we asked “What is God’s Word asking me to do?” and “Am I living a life style that is healthy and smart or lazy and undisciplined, especially in regard to food!? It continues at our annual meeting when we ask “What have we been doing in 2011?” and “What do we need to be doing in 2012?”
By the time you receive this the annual meeting will probably be over. Then it’s time to ask “Lord, what is my part in your kingdom here in Absecon?”
These are not easy questions, and we avoid them because we know the answers will require us to get involved in some way.
Clearly, the people on the Costa Concordia assumed the ship was on course and the captain was following the route. Some didn’t even know why they were on the ship. Now that they have gotten shipwrecked they are starting to ask the right questions.
Hopefully we won’t have to experience shipwrecks to start asking the right questions.
See you on the bridge.
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