From the Pastor’s Desk
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
1 Peter 2:21
As I write this article, I have had two disturbing events happen that cause me to wonder how much of an example I have been in my life. The first was the shooting in Sandy Hook Elementary school. The second was a You Tube article sent to me from a friend. You might wonder how those two could have anything in common.
Both events had to do with kindergarten children. The horrible slaughter of so many innocent children seems more than we can bear. Having lost a child, my heart has connected with the parents of those lost. Parents of the little children and the adults have a heavy cross to bear. It doesn’t matter how old they are, they are still your babies.
Of course, the question we have all been asking is, “Why?” What could have triggered such a senseless crime? In the life of that young man, what happened to cause so much anger? We have no answers, but certainly somewhere, somehow his belief system failed him.
Which brings me to the second event the incident on You Tube? It was absolutely adorable with little four and five year olds answering questions that were asked of them. The questions were about the birth of Jesus. Even though I laughed at the answers that were given with such authority, it was obvious that only a couple of children actually knew the story.
One question was: “How did Mary and Joseph get to Bethlehem?” One little girl answered, “The fairy came and they flied there!” Another was, “What was Jesus’ daddy’s name?” Mike, Adam, Noah were some of the answers.
Well, you see what I mean. I know that little ones don’t always get the facts straight, but it was sad that they knew so little about this important occasion in the life of us as Christians.
I couldn’t help but wonder, “Did the shooter ever hear the story of such wonderful love?” Was it ever explained to him how much God loved him to come in such a way to one day save him?
I have 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Only two of the grandchildren have any connection with church or religious upbringing. What example have I failed to set that the beliefs that I hold so dear have not passed from generation to generation?
I pray that God will give us answers as to what our example should be so that those with whom we meet will know that they are loved more than they can imagine. That no matter how hard life might be for them; they have a Savior who knows their every need.
In this year of 2013, when we celebrate our 200th anniversary, let us thank God for those saints that have come before us and have given us this wonderful legacy. May God see fit that someday someone will say thank you for the legacy that we have left.
Pastor Marilyn
The Church Owl
Heretics: Persons who teach or maintain opinions contrary to the doctrines of a church.
Though these persons were vilified by historians, they played a crucial role in the church.
For example: Martin Luther (1483-1546) His father, a peasant and coal miner, wanted him to be a lawyer. Martin disappointed him and became an Augustinian monk. Emperor Charles V and Pope Leo X threw him out of the church and put a price on his head, but Luther continued serving the poor, preaching and living the Bible, and sharing hospitality at the family dinner table.
-The Presbyterian Handbook
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Wednesday at 4:00pm
Pastor Marilyn : You can reach her at 607-222-8261. If anyone needs to meet, or need a visit or counseling, be sure to call. Winter Address: Rev. Marilyn and Ray Barnard, 5201 W. Camelback Rd. Lot B 31, Phoenix, AZ 85031
Tuesday, January 1st – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Sunday, January 6th – Epiphany
Sunday, January 6th – Coffee Hour in the Community Building after Worship Service.
Thursday, January 10th – Prayer Shawl Ministry Group Meets at Carolyn W. – 7PM
Saturday, January 19th – Family Supper – 5:30PM in the Community Building.
Tuesday, January 26th – Newsletter Deadline
Don’t forget our card ministry – If you would like a card sent to a particular person to give them a lift or let them know they are missed or offer encouragement, etc. etc., just give the name and address to Joyce. Cards, envelopes and postage will be provided and placed on a table in the Community Building the first Sunday of each month. As we file past the table on our way to the coffee pot, we will be able to sign each of the cards and Joyce will address the envelopes and mail them.
Coffee Hour - There is a new sign up sheet in the foyer for 2013. Starting in January, we still need a couple people to sign up and you would need to see that the coffee is made and the juice is out and that things are set up. We are then asking that each family bring something to share. Homemade is great, but it does not need to be, and let’s try to bring healthy foods, such as little finger sandwiches, fruit, veggies, healthy snacks and maybe a few sweets for a treat. Let’s all try to help each other for this monthly time of fellowship and let’s keep it simple and healthy. If you have any questions, please see Ella Darrow.
Souper Bowl of Caring:
In Romans 12:13 we are told: Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. This congregation certainly obeys that command.
As you are probably aware, Sunday February 3rd is the FOOTBALL Super Bowl. Our church will also have our S-O-U-P-E-R Bowl (of Caring).
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a grassroots, faith-based crusade against hunger. We are joining other churches, schools, organizations and individuals across the country to fight hunger and poverty by collecting money and non-perishable food later in January. What is collected stays in the community to help fight hunger, but we report our total to the Souper Bowl of Caring headquarters so that they can come up with a grand total.
In 2012, over 8,000 groups raised nearly $10 million for soup kitchens, food banks and other helping charities. Since the Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990, over $81 million has been given to help those in need. The Souper Bowl of Caring most often benefits local food banks and soup kitchens, but world hunger organizations, denominational missions and other international ministries have also been recipients of Souper Bowl of Caring dollars.
Our collection will go to directly to people in need in our community. May God bless our gifts.
Thank you to Everyone who helped make the following projects a success and bring joy to many:
Santa’s Gifts for Sandys Kids: A total of $1256.30 was collected for the Brick Township PTA, for the children and families of that community in New Jersey, who were affected by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. (see letter attached).
Women’s Resource Center:
This it a note received from the Women’s Resource Center Staff.
To the Franklin Hill Presbytery Women and Church:
On behalf of the Women and Children we serve, THANK YOU! Your continued support and generosity touches the lives of many.
We appreciate your kindness and hope your holidays are beautiful and filled with joy.
Kindest Regards, Anne, Melissa, and Shirley
Bill’s Kids: A total of $853.00 was collected from our church family and forwarded to Rev. Bill Townsend for Bill’s Kid’s for this Christmas Season.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Group: A total of 2 mittens, 3 slipper socks, 30 hats, 34 scarves and 11 cloth purses were delivered to Rev. Bill Townsend for Bill’s Kid’s for Christmas. Also, prayer shawls were delivered in December to two people on our prayer chain.
Soles for Souls: Over 100 pairs of shoes were collected for Esther Darrow’s granddaughter’s project.
Feed a Friend Program: We collected $50.00 for that and a total of 49 dessert items.
Christmas Joy Offering: We collected $295.00. This money goes to support the unmet needs of families who have devoted their lives to the mission of the PC (USA).
Poinsettias: Approximately 25 poinsettias decorated our sanctuary that were purchased in memory and in honor of loved ones:
Jim and Janice Kessler in Memory of Loved Ones
Jeff Wildoner, Mim and Kids In Memory of Bob & Nora Wildoner
Sandy & Cathe Parks In Memory of Albert, Doris & Gary Wells in Memory of Vie Mary Parks
Roger & Clara Singer – In Memory of Loved Ones
Bob & Carolyn Pratt in Memory of Loved Ones
Tom & Diane Docherty – In Honor of Bill & Kathleen and Docherty, Bill & Irene Tullo
Pastor Joe and Bonne Travis – In Memory of Doris Gumaer, Pete Travis
Pauline Stevens and Family In Memory of Marion Leo Stevens
Ken Post in Memory of Ann and Judy Lynn
Dave and Debbie Stalker In Memory of Darlene Henneforth & In Memory of Wilfred & Aleatha Stalker
Bill and Joyce Printz in Memory of their Fathers
Bill & Carolyn White in Memory of our Parents and Brothers
Jim & Marcia Perkins In Honor of Robert & Evelyn Jordan & In Memory of John and Minnette Perkins
Bob and Ella Darrow in Memory of their Daughter Patti, Betty and Elmer
Dave Clemens and Family in Memory of Carol and Mike Dennis
Rolland and Janice Hawk in Memory of their Daughter Cindy and Sister, Ann Estabrook
Janice Wayman Memory of Harvey and Daughter Carolyn
Makosky Family and Madison in Memory of Gary Makosky
For those who would like to send Christopher Ralston a card or note, here is his address that will be good until the second week of February 2013:
Ralston, Christopher J.
326 TRS/FLT 165 (Dorm B1)
132 Truemper St Unit 361002
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-6096
Loose Change Offerings
1st Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s Fund
2nd Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s
3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malaho
4th Sunday – Building Maintenance
5th Sunday – Habitat for Humanity (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church – 200th Anniversary Celebration
Mark Your Calendars: Our 200th Anniversary Celebration will be held on September 8, 2013. We will start the day with Sunday School and Worship in the morning followed by a noon meal. In the afternoon we will have a celebration of the 200 years of the church followed by an ice cream social.
We will be looking for contacts for people who have moved from the area to invite back for the day. Of course we will be building up to the celebration and welcoming visitors all year if they cannot come on the 8th. Joyce Printz will plan the Worship Service with lots of music. Ken Post will coordinate a float for the 4th of July parade in Montrose. Esther Darrow has been sending in old photos and memorabilia. If you have any old photos or anecdotes to share please send them to Jim Perkins.
We will need volunteers to accomplish an unforgettable celebration. See Jim Perkins, chair or Pastor Marilyn. Bob Pratt and Esther Darrow are co-vice chairs.
Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church History
During recent years, improvements have been made to help the congregation meet the needs of the community. In 1946 when the schools of the Township were consolidated, the school on Franklin Hill almost opposite the church was put up for sale, and while Rev. Charles B. Smith was pastor, it was purchased by the church with money furnished by the Ladies’ Aid Society, to be used as a social and recreation hall. In 1952 under the gentle prodding of the Pastor, the Rev. Mr. Grottenthaler, a kitchen was built on the back of the hall. The lumber for the project was donated by Mr. Albert Wells, from material of the demolished Kerr House, which was on Mr. Well’s property. The Ladies’ Aid Society provided the money for such fixtures as well as the sink and other items. Mr. Frank Lewis built the cabinets and counters.