All Church Hayride, RSVP by Oct 5

ALL-CHURCH HAYRIDE AND HOT DOG AND S’MORES BONFIRE

• Saturday, October 17^th from 5 to 7 p.m.
• At Sugartown Farms in Malvern
• Cost: $5 per person

So that wagons can be reserved, we’ve been asked to give Sugartown a head count by Monday, October 5^th.

Please RSVP via e-mail or phone the Church Office at 610-642-6650

2009 Harvey Cedars Youth Retreat

It's time to think about the high school retreat at Harvey Cedars. The dates are December 4-6, and we have received an e-mail which tells a bit about this year's program. If you are interested in going, contact the Ardmore Presbyterian Church office, and we will make the arrangements.

Hello wonderful youth leaders,

It's once again time to think about our annual trip to LBI for High School Harvey Cedars which is December 4-6, 2009. I'm pleased to announce that this year my Sr. Pastor Rev. Bill Borror will be our keynote speaker, and our theme will be "Encounter." Bill was in youth ministry for about 15 years prior to his Ordination, and then even worked with youth ministries for the following 5 years. He was an Area Director with Young Life as well, and has an amazing passion for youth and young adults. He has been at Media Presbyterian for 15 years now, and is an Affiliate Professor of Church History and Pastoral Ministry at Palmer Theological Seminary. I'm also pleased to announce we'll have 4th Man Furnace back again this year as our worship team.

The cost for this year has increased a bit, but hopefully not enough to make it painful. The cost for the whole weekend per person is $125; $5 more than last year. I'll need your final numbers for the retreat Monday November 9th, but I need your guesses and deposit of $100 by October 1st. Please make your deposit check payable to Media Presbyterian Church, with the memo "HSHC Retreat."

I'd love to hear back from you prior to October 1st even if it's just to say, "Yes we're in," or "Sorry we can't make it." I'd also love to hear back from you if you're interested in helping with one of several areas, namely, the Prayer Room, and group games. We've scrapped the movie time this year which will add to some fellowship time for your ministries, and hopefully some mingling between groups as well. So the biggest change to our schedule is organized chaos, errr, organized games from 1-3 Saturday afternoon in the gym, and free time from 3-4:30ish in the pool and football field thereafter.

There will be far more to come in the next several weeks but please know that I have begun praying for this event long before now, and will continue to do so as our time together approaches. I hope and trust you'll do the same.

Blessings,
Mark Boyd
Director Youth and Outreach Ministries
Media Presbyterian Church

Moment for Ministry: Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Update

(Given in worship Sunday, September 13 by Elaine Giese)

I am speaking to you this morning on behalf of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. First I would like to reintroduce the members of the committee: Jim Dormond and Christian Terwiesch are co-moderators, Carol Shih is our clerk, and the other members are Will Wolverton, Curt Wilson, Barbara Simons and myself.

We have been meeting regularly this summer beginning in July and, thanks to the miracle of modern technology, we have been able to keep in touch even when some of us were on vacation. Our goal was to rewrite the Church Study and then to prepare information for the Church Information Form that is used to advertise the position of Associate Pastor for our church. The fact that a church study had been done very recently was of invaluable assistance and we
owe a debt of thanks to the PNC which called James Hodsden. Our work on that form included updating information and evaluating programs in light of the desires and talents of our new senior pastor. One of our meetings was devoted to having James share with us his interests and dreams for the church.

Both of these documents were presented to the Session at the August meeting. Their corrections and revisions have been included and the documents were approved as edited. The next step was to ask the Committee on Ministry of the Philadelphia Presbytery to approve both forms. That was accomplished in early September. We are now posting the Church Information Form on the national Presbyterian website, our website and have placed ads in Presbyterian Outlook and Presbyterians Today. The committee has devised a system for evaluating the resumes we will receive. If you would like to check out the documents, you can look at the church website or ask one of us for a copy.

We appreciate your prayers. We are also praying that we will feel God guiding us through this process to find the right person to call as our Associate Pastor.

The Other Carpenter: RSVP by Sept 24

Earlier this year, the Philadelphia Inquirer ran an editorial* about the poor condition of housing in the City of Philadelphia. The editorial cited the results of two studies that concluded that maintaining livable, low income housing for residents was possible simply by implementing the skills of “your average handyman”. Although the editorial’s focus was mainly on abandoned houses in the city and how to avoid those circumstances, a subtext of the editorial was that by applying basic maintenance skills, homeowners can prevent the conditions that lead to homes being abandoned and avoid conditions that cause health problems. (For example, in 2006, a survey showed that 8000 households in the city had no working kitchen or bathroom.)

During these difficult financial times, building new affordable housing is not feasible. However, by helping local homeowners apply basic maintenance skills, we can prevent health issues and keep homes from being abandoned. By preserving neighborhoods and strengthening our communities we all benefit. As a hands-on ministry, The Other Carpenter is part of the solution to the housing problem. Volunteers help with maintenance and home improvements for low-income and elderly families. By participating in Saturday sessions with The Other Carpenter (TOC), YOU CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.

The Mission Committee is sponsoring another event with The Other Carpenter (TOC) on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether you have skills or not. David Heaton, the Executive Director, and one of his technicians will coach and supervise the group.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the church office by Thursday, September 24, 2009 at ardpres@verizon.net or phone 610-642-6650.

*Editorial, “Falling Homes: Fixer-uppers”, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Friday, February 2, 2009.

Shine-Up Saturdays Announced

In the late 1980s, a church trustee, George Sargent, organized volunteers on a Saturday to help make repairs to the church property. Since that time, "Shine-up Saturdays" have provided several thousands of dollars of savings to the church. Also, the time together has been a wonderful way to build friendships and bonds within the church.

Since Ardmore Presbyterian Church will be hosting the Philadelphia Presbytery in November 2009, we need your help to get the church property "looking great." We have four opportunities in the coming weeks.

Shine-Up Saturdays scheduled for the Fall of 2009 are: September 26, October 3, October 31, November 7, and November 21.

Please email, ardpres@verizon.net, or phone, 610-642-6650, for your possible dates as soon as you can.

Oct 18: CROP Walk

Join others in the church family and larger community in support of the 31st annual Main Line CROP Walk for World Hunger on Sunday, October 18th. Leave from the Suburban Square Parking Lot at 1:00 pm. Last year $2,970 was raised at Ardmore Presbyterian Church to alleviate hunger worldwide and to provide disaster relief. Both walkers and sponsors are needed. For more information contact the church office.

Ardmore Community Food Cupboard

More and more folks are stopping by the Ardmore Community Food Cupboard housed at APC.

Currently needed: canned potatoes (white/sweet), Progresso soups, pork & beans, jellies or jams.

However, all non-perishable goods are welcome. Please leave items in the narthex on Sundays or in the church office. Our food cupboard is open to any in the surrounding area who for whatever reason are not able to get through the month on the resources they have. Some folks who come to the food cupboard are referred to us by ElderNet or other social service agencies.

New Class: "Galatians"

When people ask me what my favorite Epistle is I never hesitate to answer that it is the letter from Paul to the Galatians. It seems an unusual choice to some. In Galatians, Paul often writes in an angry tone, even grabbing the pen from his scribe at one point and writing in enormous letters. He rarely has anything kind to say to the subject of his letter.

What interests me about Galatians is the deep passion with which Paul writes to defend his own integrity as an apostle, his teachings on Christian freedom, his interpretation of the story of Abraham and Sarah, his insistence upon equality of people regardless of background, gender, or economic status, and his description of "The Fruit of the Spirit". I hope you can join me as we study the "wheres, whens, and whats" of Galatians this fall!

DATES: Weekly, Sunday, September 20 - Sunday, October 25
TEACHER: Sara Hodsden

New Class: "How to Spell Presbyterian"

Ask three Presbyterians for their opinion, and invariably you will get four or five perspectives. Sometimes it gets confusing as to what we believe and do. Every once in a while, it's nice to have a reminder of our foundations. A new Sunday School class will be starting on September 20 to explore what it means to be a Christian, a Presbyterian, and a member of the Ardmore Presbyterian Church. It's designed for people considering to join the congregation, but life-long Presbyterians might enjoy the conversation. We will be studying Scripture, reviewing our traditions, and asking lots of questions. The class will be six weeks long, and we will be meeting in the William Faulds Library starting at 9am. Please contact Pastor James for more information. Join us as we learn “How to Spell Presbyterian”.

DATES: Weekly, Sunday, September 20 - Sunday, October 25
TEACHER: James Hodsden

The Build-it Bus

The Build-it Bus web site: www.builditbus.com

The Build-it Bus is a traveling, creative workshop that operates out of a refitted SEPTA para-transit bus. The Bus is supported by Ardmore Presbyterian Church and run by APC volunteers. The bus travels to city school yards teaching skilled handicrafts to urban children. Students work on the bus itself, which is equipped with workbenches and manual tools re-engineered for use by children.
Urban children have very little opportunity to work with their hands. We are looking for volunteers to help students learn important and rewarding life skills. Last year students made drums and chess sets (and learned to play chess). This year the kids will take a basic woodworking course. A silk screen shop, a magic trick shop (designed to give kids practice with reading comprehension), learning how to use a sewing machine and learning needle work are also planned. This year the Bus will be traveling regularly to Rhoads Elementary and possibly Leidy Elementary, both in West Philly. Short term projects are planned for the John Gloucester House, the Barry School and other locations.


The Build-it Bus works with the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children. Volunteers go through WePAC’s volunteer training process (not difficult). WePACs’ training sessions are scheduled for September 23 or September 24.

Contact Sherina Poorman through the church office 610 642 6650

Sushi and Mission

Often when we think of Church, we are limited to the institutional church. We forget that the people are the Church. When we think of mission or ministry we focus too often on the structures of the church. This is the wrong approach. We should instead begin with the basics—love of God and the love of our neighbor. Our ministry should flow from those basic commitments. In a recent article for the Presbyterian News Service, Rev. Mark Lau Branson, a professor at Fuller Seminary, gives an example from his own church of mission which doesn’t begin with structures.

A woman at his church noticed that many people were homebound and in need of meals. His church is largely Japanese-American, but Meals on Wheels does not serve Japanese food. The woman got a group together to deliver sushi, not only providing cultural food but time for conversation. The church has no budget for this, but the women didn’t let that stop them — they just did it.

If you are a Christian, you are the Church. If you are the Church, you are involved in mission. This can be at your workplace, in your family, and with your neighbors.

Youth Triennium 2010

Please mark your calendar July 20-24, 2010. We will be joining over 7,000 youth and adults from around the world at the National Presbyterian Youth Triennium. Youth from the ages of 15-19 will gather at Purdue University for a time of fellowship, faith and fun. We will be traveling with other members of Philadelphia Presbytery. Since it only happens once every three years, every senior high youth will definitely want to consider it.

Check out these links...

• http://www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org/
• http://www.facebook.com/Triennium

Wednesday Bible Studies

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY/LUNCH
WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 16 AT NOON (Fellowship Hall)

Every week, we enjoy some home-cooking as we wrestle with the Scriptures. Good conversation, laughter and questions are always welcome. This fall we are turning to the Old Testament, specifically to the Book of Job. In our survey we will explore God's sovereignty, the limits of our theology and the problem of suffering in the world. That's a lot for lunch, but our men like challenges. Still, don't let the subject matter overwhelm. A desire to learn is all that our participants need. If you would like to join us, please contact Pastor James or just show up. Meetings end at 1:30 pm. Leader: James Hodsden

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 16 AT NOON (Library)

During the first half hour we eat a brown-bag lunch, catch up on each others’ lives and share the Hugs List. Bible study begins at 12:30 with prayer. Currently we are reading the book of Acts. Members of the group take turns reading a portion of the scripture. Since many of us have different translations of the Bible, we often begin our discussion by talking about what words may be different or where emphasis varies. We also share commentary that may be included
in our various Bibles. The historical context of scripture is often helpful in understanding passages that may seem strange to us in our modern world. We usually end the discussion of a passage by looking at the ways in which what has been read relates to our lives today. Although we read through the books from beginning to end, occasional visitors would have no difficulty dropping in on the group and sharing in that day’s discussion. We end our meetings at 1:30 pm. Leader: Elaine Giese

Helping the Homeless

BEING GOD’S HANDS...SHOWING GOD’S LOVE
CAN BE DONE RIGHT HERE IN ARDMORE BY HELPING WITH
THE INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

Volunteers needed on Saturday evening, September 12, 2009 to:

1. Prepare* and serve dinner (5:00 to 6:30 pm) at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
2. Host guests and/or children from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

A sign-up sheet is in the narthex or talk with Anne Foote, IHN Coordinator

*If it is not possible for you to serve dinner, food can be prepared and brought to APC beforehand and others can do the serving.

Pastor's Pen: We Get to Carry Each Other

In the U2 song, “One”, Bono croons “We get to carry each other.” In other words, we have the privilege and the honor to carry each other’s burdens. That’s not a bad vision for who we are as the Church. According to the Scriptures, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). With our various abilities, talents, and perspectives, we still are united in our faith.

In a way, every conflict or disagreement is an opportunity for the church. We can show the world a different way to treat each other. We get to love as God loves.


Grace & Peace,
James

-------------------------------


“One” by U2

Is it getting better?
Or do you feel the same?
Will it make it easier on you now?
You got someone to blame
You say

One love
One life
When it's one need
In the night
One love
We get to share it
Leaves you baby if you
Don't care for it

Did I disappoint you?
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without
Well it's

Too late
Tonight
To drag the past out into the light
We're one, but we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other
One

Have you come here for forgiveness?
Have you come to raise the dead?
Have you come here to play Jesus?
To the lepers in your head

Did I ask too much?
More than a lot.
You gave me nothing,
Now it's all I got
We're one
But we're not the same
Well we
Hurt each other
Then we do it again
You say
Love is a temple
Love a higher law
Love is a temple
Love the higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you make me crawl
And I can't be holding on
To what you got
When all you got is hurt

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters
Brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other