PLEASANT PROCLAMATIONS                  Newsletter of Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church

September-October 2009                                            670 Pleasant Hills Road, Wexford, PA 15090

                                                                                     Church Telephone:  724-935-3316

                                                                                     Website:  www.mtpleasantchurch.org

                                                                                     Email:  mpcwxfrd@consolidated.net

PASTOR’S PONDERINGS.                                                                                September 2009

Our Mission and Vision statements are printed below.  From time to time it is good to revisit those statements to see how we are doing as a church and to what degree we are fulfilling what we understand to be God’s purposes for us.  In the midst of our renovations this summer, I helped to move a plaque and a banner containing these statements.  They are posted outside the church office and in a hallway.  What we do and how we do it, should be oriented toward these statements.  Being faithful to that commitment, the information in this newsletter should help you to fulfill your part in living out our mutual mission and vision as a church. 

To that purpose as your pastor, I will be preaching about relationships this fall.  I invite you to come and hear what God’s word tells us about our relationships.  I know that you will be asked to consider our educational program, especially for our children and youth and how we can make it better.  And I know that everyone is invited back to church as we begin our fall program.  Worship resumes on Sept. 13 at 9 and 11 am.  I invite you to return and celebrate the God of life at Mt. Pleasant Church.  

Mission and Vision Statements of Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church

Our Mission:  Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church is a friendly, caring congregation which exists to:  Proclaim God’s Word.  Show God’s Love.  Inspire Growth in faith and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Our Vision:  To fulfill our mission before God, we will:

Proclaim God’s Word through:

            Celebrating dynamic worship.

            Teaching God’s word.

            Addressing Spiritual needs.

We will:  show God’s love through:

            Worshipping, praying, and working as a team,

            Supporting, celebrating, and nurturing,

            Reaching out with friendship and compassion to others.

We will:  Inspire growth in faith and a deeper relationship with Christ through:

            Providing opportunities for all ages to deepen their understanding of scriptures,

            Challenging personal growth through educational opportunities,

            Being faithful stewards of the gifts God has given to us.

WORSHIP AT MT. PLEASANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IS AT 9:00 & 11:00 AM BEGINNING SEPT. 13.  All residents, members, friends and neighbors are invited to attend worship and participate in the activities, events and mission of the church. 

SEPT. 13.  National Back to Church Campaign Sunday.   

Scripture:  Ephesians 5:15-6:4

Sermon:  Bonds of love 

            All are invited back to church as we commence with our fall program and schedule.  A new schedule for a new season!  The Sanctuary Choir will return to lead us in worship and praise.  Dr. Corll will preach on the theme of relationships as we begin the fall season.    

SEPT. 20.  Theological Education/Seminary Sunday.  Sarah Ott preaching.

            Dr. Corll and Family will be attending their son, Eric’s wedding in Columbus, OH.

SEPT. 27. 

            Scripture:  John 2:1-11 (12).

            Sermon:  There was a wedding…

                        “Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.”  John 2:2

2 PM.  Dr. Corll preaches at Sherwood Oaks. 

OCT. 4:  WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY.   Sacrament of Communion celebrated. 

            Scripture:  I John 4:7-16

            Sermon:  God’s love letter. 

“God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us”  I John 4:12.

OCT. 11:

Scripture:  Genesis 2:18-24.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. 

Sermon:  Helpers and Soulmates.   

“When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.”   Author unknown. 

NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH CAMPAIGN. 

Recent studies indicate that a personal invitation to return or resume church attendance is a great incentive for people to attend church.  Mt. Pleasant Church is participating in this campaign to extend the opportunity to all to worship at Mt. Pleasant.  It is an effort to reach out to those who previously attended a church but have left, and to encourage current worship attendees to engage in worship and to invite those who have never attended a church to try worship. 

            Our goals and values at Mt. Pleasant are similar to those stated in the Back to Church Campaign, to provide a loving, welcoming, hospitable place where everyone who attends finds God’s truth, love, help and hope. 

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it…O give thanks to the Lord; for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!  Psalm 118:24, 29.

CHURCH IMPROVEMENTS OVER THE SUMMER!

A number of significant improvements have occurred or are in process as we enter into fall. 

Painting brings a fresh, new appearance to our hallways, stairwells, Narthex, and Quiet Room.  New flooring has been placed in the office hallways, Narthex, Quiet Room, and Stairway landings.  Doors and trim has been painted.  New coverings are scheduled to be installed on the stairways.  Fellowship Hall floor and downstairs classrooms have been cleaned and resurfaced.   Bulletin boards have been refreshed, old handrails painted and a new handrail installed at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall.

Most of the furnishings are in place in the Conference Room (table top and credenza glass and wall hangings).  The antique oak cabinet holding historic items was moved into the room and the church quilt from the mid 1900’s was placed in the cabinet to preserve it.  The room provides an available space for persons and groups to meet, including Session for its regular meetings and for small groups and Bible Studies, etc.    

Continued plans are underway for shelving and cabinets to relocate the church library in the Quiet Room.  Additionally, we want to furnish the room as a friendly and comfortable space for families during worship and it will additionally serve as a small meeting room. 

With Memorial Funds and special gifts received, new sanctuary doors are being built to the interior entrances to the sanctuary.  An exterior door needs to be replaced off the parking lot as it is rusted at the bottom.  Painting is scheduled for the flag pole in the church yard.  Other regular maintenance and improvements have been accomplished according to schedule. 

Thanks to those who have assisted in the projects with ideas, planning, coordination of contractors, or doing special projects to accomplish these improvements to our facility.  Weeding and attending to flower gardens has been an ongoing challenge, some further assistance and work will continue there.  Significant savings have been accomplished by repair and painting of some doors, work equity, and completing some particular projects.  

In the process of our renovations and improvements, several items needing attention came to the forefront.  In the process of a floor repair from the handicapped ramp into the sanctuary, it was discovered that continual leaking across the threshold had resulted in a deteriorated floor.  Flooring will be replaced and the threshold strengthened.  A couple of other leaks were discovered and action will be taken to correct them. 

Several other projects will be considered for budgeting purposes which include a covering over exterior door entrances, refurbishing exterior signs, additional paint and trim work as needed, repair of some balisters, cleaning and sealing of handicapped ramp. 

Family Development Preschool staff and parents, the first week of September, washed interior and exterior windows in the downstairs rooms and cleaned some other areas which they use in the church.  Should you and your family members wish to assist with our improvements by donation of time, energy, skills or funds, please call the church office to determine your specific task. 

SEEKING COLLEGE STUDENT AND YOUNG ADULT ADDRESSES.

The church office and the Deacons are seeking the addresses of college students and young adults in our congregation.  Please send your addresses to:  Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 670 Pleasant Hills Road, Wexford, PA 15090, or call the church office:  724-935-3316. Or send an email to the church:  mpcwxfrd@consolidated.net   We want to stay in touch with you and encourage you in your endeavors and activities. 

NEW ADDRESS:  Martha Fithian sends her greetings and love to the congregation.  She has moved to Georgia to be closer to her children.  Her new address is:  Martha Fithian, 2904 Village Lane, Roswell, GA 30075.  Telephone:  678-682-8552. 

CONGRATULATIONS AND COMMENDATION

Nathan Koble has been selected by the Peace Corp and presented a two year assignment in Tanzania, Africa, effective September 21, 2009 through November 2011.  He will be teaching computer literacy and promoting educational development in one of the poorest countries of the world.  As a member of Mt. Pleasant Church, we rejoice in his commission with the Peace Corp and pray for God’s blessings and guidance throughout his term of service.  Nathan was recognized at worship on August 23 with prayers and announcement of his work.  During his term of service he can be reached via email at: nathankoble@hotmail.com.  Regular mail can be sent to him at his parent’s address:  P.O. Box 67, Girard, PA 16417.    

CONGRATULATIONS:

Josh Fortuna and Kayla Gordon were married in our sanctuary on August 22, 2009.

IN MEMORIAM

“I am the resurrection and the life,” says the Lord.  John 11:25.

Dale Clifford Forrest

July 9, 1929-August 26, 2009

A Memorial Service was held at Mt. Pleasant Church on Saturday, August 29, 2009.

Jean Forrest and her family would like to express their heart-felt gratitude for the generosity of spirit and support of their Mt. Pleasant church family concerning the recent passing of Dale Forrest.  Your prayers, love and kindness are much appreciated at this difficult time in our family.

ELMO’S WISDOM!

PBS Stations will air a special TV program on dealing with economic hardship, job loss and income decline on September 9 featuring Elmo of Sesame Street!, Al Roker and Deborah Roberts.  The program is designed for families, especially those with children aged 2-8 years old. 

In the face of the recession, the program is intended to enhance communication, and present strategies for dealing with issues related to the recession.  While intended for families and smaller children, the program is expected to provide assistance to all who watch.  Check for local air time on your Television System. 

PRAYER CHAIN.  The Prayer Chain ministry is a spiritual ministry of intercession for joys and concerns of the church and community.  Call the church office to start the prayer chain. 

AROUND TOWN DINING GROUP.  The Around Town Dining Group is a fellowship group which periodically, every six weeks or so, meet at a local restaurant for good food and fellowship as a means of getting to know each other better.  Details on the next event will be provided in the church bulletin. 

TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP.  Saturday, September 26 from 8:30 am-3:00 pm at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Theme:  Connecting with God in the Scriptures.  Keynote speaker, Karen Tye, Professor of Christian Education at Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO.  Three workshops times to choose from.  Registration forms are available in the church office and information posted on the bulletin board outside the church offices. 

OFFICE DISCIPLES:  Office volunteers are welcome each Friday to assist with bulletin printing and folding.  Call the church office to leave a message indicating which day you can help.  Periodically special projects come up and Claudette, our secretary welcomes assistance.  Contact her to indicate other times when you can assist.    

FLOWERS FOR THE SANCTUARY:  Chancel flowers for worship may be ordered at a cost of $40.00 (including delivery) for two vases.  Or you may select to provide flowers from your yard or garden, or purchase flowers on your own.  The bouquets may be taken with you after worship.  A sign-up chart is available at the back of the Sanctuary to reserve your special day.  Let Claudette know of your special intentions that it may be noted in the bulletin. 

GREETERS AND USHERS:

Greeters and ushers are being recruited for participation in this ministry of hospitality.  At the recent Big Tent Conference for elders a speaker indicated that the welcome offered and the helpfulness extended to first time worshippers and repeat worship guests is one of the best means to help people feel welcome in church.  Based upon first impressions, gathered within the first seven minutes of worship, visitors and guests determine whether they will return!  And the pastor hasn’t even started to preach!  This indicates the importance of creating a welcome and winsome atmosphere for worshippers.  When in worship make sure those around you have a bulletin, offer a handshake and a smile, extend a greeting where you exchange names and issue an invitation to return again. 

CHURCH MINISTRY AND SERVICE:  The Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee will soon begin its work to secure nominations of individuals for the office of Elder, Deacon, Cemetery Committee, Auditor and next year’s Nomination Committee.

Nominations from church members are welcomed as an aid to the committee and in recognition that “all ministry in the Church is a gift from Jesus Christ.  Members and officers alike serve mutually under the mandate of Christ who is the chief minister of all.  Jesus’ ministry is the basis of all ministry; the standard for all offices is the pattern of the one who came ‘not to be served but to serve.’ (Matthew 20:28).” (Book of Order, PCUSA G.6.0101)

The committee consists of representatives from the Elders, Deacons and congregation and is responsible for nominating persons to service and ministry in our church prior to the annual meeting held on the second Sunday of November each year (November 8, 2009). 

            Persons nominated must be active members to be nominated.  Contact the church office, Dr. Corll or Clerk of Session:  Gayle Mayes with your nominees or for further information. 

WHO IS MT. PLEASANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH? 

We are a congregation with roots back to 1848.  You are an important part of this church, but our reach goes far beyond our community. 

Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church is a member of Pittsburgh Presbytery, one of 148 congregations and 4 new church developments consisting of 38,391 members.  The presbytery supports 26 mission agencies, operates Crestfield Camp and Conference Center in Slippery Rock, PA.  

On a larger geographic scale we are members of the Synod of the Trinity, which is composed of 16 presbyteries in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  Those presbyteries are composed of 1,281 churches with 245,587 members. 

Expanding further, we are members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) which is constituted by all the congregations in the United States.  There are about 1,100 congregations with a membership of approximately 2.5 million members.  As a denomination we support 200 missionaries serving in 60 countries.  Thirty new missionaries were commissioned in 2009.  There are six ministry area supported by the Presbyterian Church:  Compassion, Peace and Justice; Evangelism and Church Growth; Racial Ethnic and Women’s Ministries/Presbyterian Women; Theology Worship and Education; Office of Vocation; and World Mission. 

To conduct the work of the church, Pittsburgh Presbytery meets approximately 6 times per year.  The Synod of the Trinity meets twice per year.  The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) meets every two years, with the next meeting in 2010.  In 2012 the denomination will meet in Pittsburgh for its meeting. 

Ever wonder where your mission dollars go in the Presbyterian Church?  For every dollar for Unified Giving, 69 cents supports mission work of Pittsburgh Presbytery; 9 cents supports mission of the Synod of the Trinity; and 22 cents supports mission work of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  In many ways, in many places, through many people the mission and ministry of the church is carried out.  Thanks for your regular giving supporting the mission of our denomination reaching, saving, helping, and giving hope to the world! 

FESTIVAL IN THE WOODS:  Our neighboring church friends at Bradford Woods Community Church will be holding their 19^th annual “Festival in the Woods and 5 K Race” on Sept. 12, 2009.  The 5K race will be held in the morning, with a festival on church grounds complete with food, games, Chinese Auction and a pet parade.  At 5 pm a Community Spaghetti Dinner will be held, followed by 50-50 cash bingo at 7 pm at the Bradford Woods Fire Hall.  Proceeds benefit Bradford Woods Community Church and its ongoing missions.  More information can be found by calling Bradford Woods Church at 724-935-3135 or email bwcc@nauticom.net.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul and do not forget all his benefits…                                                                              Psalm 103:1-2.

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FAIR:  A Christian College Fair will be held at Orchard Hill Church, 2551 Brandt School Road, Wexford on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.  Admissions representatives and financial aid professionals from over 30 Christian Colleges will be in attendance.  This opportunity is only available to colleges who are members of either the National Association of Christian College Admissions Personnel or the Council of Christian Colleges and Universites.  A financial aid session will offer strategic information that will guide parents as they consider financing their students education. 

REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED:  The North Hills Community Outreach, one of the mission agencies we help support, in its People Helping People organization is having an informational meeting and tour of their main service site and food pantry at 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park.  The meeting is Thursday, Sept. 24 at 10:00 am.  If you would like to go and represent our church, please call the church office at 724-935-3316. 

MUSIC MINISTRY AT MT. PLEASANT CHURCH.

We are blessed with a dedicate and wonderful choir which has returned from summer break to lead our 11 am worship service.  All interested persons of church and community are invited to the choir.  Contact our Music Director, Dolores Roscoe at 724-869-7961 for information.  The choir resumes its ministry on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the 11 am worship service.  Rehearsals are on Thusdays at 7:30 pm. 

Benefits of singing in the choir include: the best seats in the church, fellowship with other dedicated singers, and the joy of offering God praise. 

In October our Hand Bell Choir will begin rehearsals for the autumn season.  This group, likewise has great joy and fellowship, in their gathering and presentation of music.  Rehearsals are normally held on Wednesdays at 7 pm.  Contact Dolores for information about the Hand Bell Choir. 

OUR MINISTRY OF EDUCATION:  Parents, youth, tweens and children, we want to provide a full fledged educational and fellowship ministry for adults, families and children of the church.  Watch for information of some new educational endeavors we expect to launch this fall!  Share your ideas with Dr. Corll about what you would like to see at Mt. Pleasant Church and how you’ll help it happen! 

OOPS!  We are blessed with very capable church staff….when I left for Presbytery on Sept. 3, I gave the newsletter copy to our secretary, Claudette Shord and told her to run it…then, I got to thinking that there were some things I left off and I wrote the items on this page and on its back so it could be included as well, which makes the page count off…  She did what she was to do…I didn’t…and added to the work.  But I hope you have been enriched by the content of these two pages and encouraged in your faith and in the life of worship, fellowship, education and service at Mt. Pleasant Church. 

NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH CAMPAIGN—SEPTEMBER 13, 2009.  9:00 & 11:00 AM.

            Why return or resume your worship experience?  There are four main reasons why people worship or return to worship: 

1) to feel closer to God.  God is working in your soul.  A religious experience, including the regular worship of God fulfills emotional and spiritual needs of our souls.      

            2)  A weekly worship experience brings you closer to God, not just physically, but spiritually.

            3)  Worship attendees want to share the same moral standards and values as others in the congregation. 

            4)  Worshippers are seeking an uplifting, biblically-focused worship experience which engages them in realistic dialogue about God and life. 

PLEASE RECEIVE THIS AS AN INVITATION TO WORSHIP AT MT. PLEASANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, THIS FALL, BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 13 AND ONWARDS.