PLEASANT PROCLAMATIONS                          Newsletter of Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church

November 2008                                                          670 Pleasant Hills Road, Wexford, PA 15090

                                                                                   Church Telephone:  724-935-3316

                                                                                   Website:  www.mtpleasantchurch.org

                                                                                    Email:  mpcwxfrd@connecttime.net

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MT. PLEASANT CONGREGATION-Nov. 9 at 10 am.

A meeting of the congregation and corporation of Mt. Pleasant United Presbyterian Church, is called according to the bylaws for November 9, 2009 at 10:00 am at Mt. Pleasant Church, Fellowship Hall for the purpose of acting upon an operations budget for 2009, approving the pastor’s terms of call, electing a Nominations Committee for 2009, Cemetery Committee, Audit Committee member for 2011, Elders and Deacons to respective offices, and such other business as may come before an annual meeting of the church.  All members are requested to be in attendance.  Copies of the proposed budget are available in the church office to church members prior to the meeting and on the day of the annual meeting.  Light refreshments will be served.  This meeting is scheduled for this time, so that members can attend the worship service of their choice and still fully participate in the annual meeting. 

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSALS BEGIN. 

Our Annual Christmas Pageant will be held December 7 at the 11 am worship service.  Rehearsals for the pageant began on Sunday, Nov. 2 during Children’s Church at the 11 am worship service.  The rehearsals will continue each Sunday until Pageant Day on December 7.  A dress rehearsal is scheduled for December 6 from 11 am – noon. 

            Our pageant will take us in a walk back in time to the birth of Christ and invite a reflection upon the gifts of faith found in our Lord Jesus Christ.  All children are invited to attend.  Parent Helpers are needed to assist with pageant rehearsals.  Pageant direction is led by our Seminary Intern, Sarah Ott, and members Debbie Walker and Michelle Hosack. 

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Worship each Sunday at 9 or 11 am. 

Nov. 9:  Dr. Corll preaching.

Nov. 16:  Dr. Corll preaching. 

Nov. 23:  Christ the King Sunday.  In the liturgical calendar this is the end of the Christian year. 

Nov. 30:  First Sunday of Advent.  Communion Celebrated. 

Dec. 7:  9 am worship:  Meditation and Sermon by Dr. Corll; 11 am Worship:  CHristmas Pageant.  Coffee Hour follows the 11 am worship service. 

LOOKING AHEAD TOWARDS CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR!

Music Recital:  Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 pm.  The music students of Sandy Ramsey will hold a Christmas concert and recital in our sanctuary.  Dr. Corll will present a Christmas meditation.  A free will offering will be received for the mission outreach of Mt. Pleasant Church.  The program is open for all to attend.   

Christmas Eve at Mt. Pleasant Church, 8:00 pm.   Our Christmas Eve service will focus on the joy and mystery of Christ’s birth as we celebrate with candles, carols, and a Christmas message.  All are invited to attend this wondrous celebration. 

Holiday Worship on Sunday, December 28 will consist of one worship service at 11 am. 

We will return to two worship celebrations at 9 am and 11 am on January 4. 

WORSHIP PREPARATIONS:

Sanctuary decoration:  Dec. 6 at 9:30 am our sanctuary will be transformed for the holidays into a colorful and decorative worship center.  All are invited to come and assist with decorating the Christmas tree, hanging garland, putting up wreaths, and attending to the facility to make it bright and cheery for the holiday season. 

Pageant Practice:  Children and adults are invited to come to the church decoration on Dec. 6 at 9:30 am.  At 11 am a dress rehearsal for the Christmas Pageant will be held.  All participants in the Christmas pageant are encouraged to be present for the dress rehearsal. 

SANCTUARY POINSETTIAS:  Beautify our sanctuary for the holidays.  Flowers may be placed in honor or memory of loved ones.  Additional recognition may be made to our Memorial Fund or the General Fund of the church for those preferring to make a cash donation rather than ordering flowers.  Place your order today.  Order deadline is December 7.  Color choices are noted on the order blank attached to this newsletter.  All flowers are in a 6 ˝ inch pot with 5-8 blooms.  Cost is $6.50 each.  Flowers may be taken with you following the Christmas Eve Service or left in our sanctuary for the remained of holiday season.      

NOTES AND NEWS ABOUT OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Dan and Debbie Corll are pleased and honored to announce the engagement of their son, Eric Corll to Elizabeth Lapka.  The wedding nuptials are planned for late summer or early fall 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. 

NEW ADDRESSES:

Eric Corll has moved to: 1395 Iowa Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.

Wil Parker is serving in Iraq.  His military address is:

PFC Parker, William

D/52 IN, 1-25BTB

1-25 SBCT

APO AE 09336

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WEDDING CELEBRATIONS:  Dr. Corll officiated at weddings on October 4 and 11.

Dale Spurk and Janis Swayne were united in marriage on October 4.

Kevin Busick and Heather Gentile were united in marriage on October 11.

IN MEMORIAM

Elizabeth Hood

November 11, 1909-November 7, 2008

(Arrangements under the direction of Syka Funeral Home, Ambridge.)

Dollie Margaret Neely

September 15, 1920-October 2, 2008

Carl Morgan Layton

(relative of Bob and Gloria Bush, Milt and Claudette Shord)

August 11, 1920-October 23, 2008

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

MINISTRY ANALYSIS:  Dr. Corll has been chosen to participate in CREDO, a ministry and life skills and goals analysis offered through the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church in 2009.  Participants are randomly selected from a pool of eligible clergy.  Criteria for participation is to have served the church for at least seven years and be between the ages of 40 and 55.  There are six conferences held in 2009, with a limit of 32 attendees at each conference. 

            Dan has selected the conference at Wooded Glen Conference Center in Henryville, IN from April 20-27.  The 8 day conference, plus travel time, will serve as an opportunity for Dan to examine significant areas of his life and vocation as a minister.  CREDO has as its premise that responding to God’s call is a lifelong process of practice and transformation for ministry and personal development.  During the conference, Dan will focus on spiritual, financial, health, and vocational areas of his life.  The Board of Pensions sponsors the conference and funds approximately 90% of expenses, including travel, meals, lodging, and materials for assessment and analysis.  The remainder of expenses is paid through the continuing education funds of the pastor’s congregation. 

            Shortly after the first of the year, Dan will be working on pre-conference surveys and reviews to be used during the conference. 

PERTINENT DATES FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Deacons meet on the first Sunday of the month at 10 am.  Coffee Hour is held after the 11 am worship service the first Sunday of each Month.

The Session meets normally on the second Tuesday of each month from 7-9 pm.  Regularly scheduled meetings until the end of the year are:  November 11 and December 9.  

The We Care Food Pantry Collection is on the Third Sunday of Each Month.  The We Care Food Pantry is located at Second United Presbyterian Church, Wilkinsburg.  Over 50 families are served each month.  As the only food pantry open evenings in the area, it serves working families who still need some food assistance.  Canned food, dry goods, paper products and other food items are welcomed to assist the outreach into this community.  Items are collected in the green bin at the entrance to the sanctuary. 

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP:

Membership in The Presbyterian Church is by profession of faith in Jesus Christ.  One joins a congregation by Confession of Faith, Reaffirmation of Faith, or Letter of Transfer from another church.  New members will be received in the near future.  If you, a family member or a friend are considering church membership, contact the pastor, Dr. Corll, for further information and a conversation about membership at Mt. Pleasant Church.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH:

The Church’s Constitution identifies active membership as participating in the church’s work and worship.  One becomes an active member of the church through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and acceptance of his Lordship in all of life.  While a simple definition it assumes a life of spirituality, discipleship, stewardship, and fellowship with the people of God.  Members are encouraged by the Session, in its leadership and spiritually supportive role, to regularly review and evaluate the integrity with which they are involved in the ministry of the church and to consider ways in which their participation in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful. 

SESSION TO REVIEW MEMBERSHIP ROLLS AND ROSTER.

As part of its annual obligation for governing and leading the church and to encourage and commend members to active membership to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Session (our governing body of Elders), will at its November meeting review the membership roster and rolls to determine active status of members.  Members should participate actively and regularly in the life of the church to build up and create a deep spiritual life.  As the community of faith, we seek to do that.  Those who do not participate regularly in the life and worship of the congregation miss the experience of the community of faith in praise and service to God.  The Session, years ago, determined that members should attend and/or contribute at least once per year to remain on the active rolls of the congregation.  This is a very grace-filled and benevolent consideration which all members are encouraged to recognize and respond by their participation.  Following the Session Review, members who may be considered inactive will be contacted to encourage their continued participation in the life of our church. 

AVERAGE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE FOR BOTH WORSHIP SERVICES:

                        September 2008:  81              October 2008:  81

DEACON OUTREACH FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

The Deacons are preparing for Holiday Outreach and will be providing a remembrance to those members who are homebound or shut in.  Dr. Corll is always willing to bring communion to those who desire it.  Call the church office to request a particular day for Dan to visit. 

MISSION OVERVIEW

Our next newsletter will feature a mission overview.  Mt. Pleasant Members and friends have been active with mission involvement.  For Advent, the congregation participates in the Christmas Joy Offering, providing assistance to retired and needy church workers and for minority education scholarships and grants.

FACILITY UPGRADE AND REMODELING CONTINUES FOR THE CONFERENCE ROOM.  Carpet is scheduled to be installed and furniture delivered by mid November.  Watch the bulletin and the next newsletter for detailed information on this project.

PASTOR’S REFLECTIONS                                                                               November 2008

In mid October I hosted a national conference for pastors at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Most of the participants had not been to Pennsylvania, let alone Pittsburgh.  Their observations were eye opening.  Julie marveled at the color of the leaves because autumn was in full color then.  Alan, who lives where the land is flat, found the terrain of hills and valleys fascinating.  These are all things I, and maybe you, take for granted.  This place where we live is filled with variety, an intriguing landscape, and a wonderful portrayal of God’s marvelous creation.  Sometimes in the fall, I am caught by surprise, when encountering the turning color of leaves on a tree and it causes me to pause and reflect on God’s creation.   Has that ever happened for you?  Have you been stopped—caused to pause—in a special moment that God seemed to reach to you and caused you to give thanks? 

It seems that we need these special moments to call us back to realization that God is in control.  In a world that pulls us in many directions we need to pause and give thanks.  This month as we celebrate festivals and responsibilities let us give thanks to God for the opportunity to vote, as a congregation to commit to budgets and ministry, to recognize and remember veterans, to gather for thanksgiving with family and friends, and to begin Advent. 

Primary among the celebrations will be Thanksgiving Day for most of us.  It is important to remember the day of feasting commemorates the thanksgiving the Pilgrims offered for God’s protection and confirmed presence through the first harsh winter in this new land.  As we celebrate, thanksgiving is to be an ongoing attribute of believers.  Paul, the apostle and missionary, said to always give thanks—for everything!  That can be a challenge.  It is a call to rely on God and to believe in God’s promises.  It is to have the faith that God will lead us through any and all circumstances.  This November give thanks to God in all things.  Celebrate the season in a true pilgrim spirit. 

“…give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ for you”

               (Ephesians 5:20; I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

A few months before his untimely death in 1944, Archbishop William Temple, broadcasting over a BBC station, made the comment:  “The world will be saved from political chaos and collapse by one thing only:  That is worship.”  Then he gave a definition of worship:  “to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to free the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination with the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”    Discover how worship will help overcome the chaos and challenge of your world.  Come and Worship at Mt. Pleasant Church, Sundays 9 and 11 am. 

Among our mission outreach opportunities is the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.  A collection box is located in the Narthex.  The most recent contribution was $35.31 from the burgundy collection box.

COKESBURY BOOK STORE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AND SALE is Thursday through Saturday, November 20-22.

THE OLIVE BRANCH GIFT SHOP is located at Salem United Methodist Church, 350 Manor Road, Wexford, PA.  Hours are Saturday 10 am-3 pm.  November 15-December 20.  This little shop offers unique, beautiful handcrafts made by artisans in some of the poorest nations of the world.  People’s lives are improved and economic justice promoted through this Fair Trade project.