Pastor's Pen: Catch a Glimpse

Autumn is taking her bows.  The season has lasted longer than usual which has been quite a blessing for me.  I always enjoy the fall.  I take pleasure in the early sunsets, the warmth of sweaters, and the smell of gingerbread baking.  Nonetheless, the best part of the season for me must be the colors of the leaves.  Soon they will be completely gone, but for a time we certainly have enjoyed glorious golds and radiant reds.  In the spring and summer, we don’t see those colors.  They are always there but hidden.  When autumn comes, the verdant curtain is opened, and we catch a glimpse of glory. 

On the last month of the year, we prepare to celebrate Christmas.  Our mind turns toward a small town in Judea, and we think of a babe lying in a feeding trough surrounded by loving parents.  The circumstances are unusual, but they don’t seem earth-shattering.  The Christmas carol asks, “Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?”  The question assumes a great deal.  We ask it from our side of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  However, on that day in Bethlehem, the question might be, “Why not?”

In the story of Jesus’ birth, we don’t have to answer the question.  The heavens themselves declare God’s glory.  An angel announces, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).  The angels pull the curtain aside, and we catch a glimpse of glory.  Like those trees in the background whose revealed colors capture our notice, the angels’ herald brings us to the manger.  This Christmas season, I pray that the good news of God’s love and salvation may receive new attention in our hearts.  At worship and fellowship together, let’s catch a glimpse of glory.

Merry Christmas,

James

Main Line CROP Walk and World Food Day

MAIN LINE CROP WALK

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Beginning at 1 pm from Suburban Square

Pick-up packets ahead of time in narthex or register on-line at www.cropwalkonline.org

Questions? Talk with Alan Abel or Ralph Miller, APC coordinators

What is CROP WALK?
The CROP Hunger Walk is Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty in an annual event that combines fun and fundraising to raise money to help feed hungry people throughout the world. Walkers invite friends to sponsor them with a contribution of $5, $10, $20, or more.

Who walks?
Anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of hungry people is invited. Walkers come from religious communities, schools, businesses and non-profit agencies. Over 120 people walked in the Main Line CROP WALK last year and raised $10,453.

Why walk?
Hungry people in developing countries typically walk as much as 10 kilometers (six miles) each day to get food, water, fuel, and to take their goods to market. CROP WALK provides an opportunity to WALK WITH THE WORLD. We walk to be in solidarity with their struggle for existence. We walk to make a difference.

Where do the contributions go?
Contributions go 90% to the international work of Church World Services and 10% to local hunger relief – specifically half of this to the Presbytery of Philadelphia (work overseen by the Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel, Hunger Action Enabler) and the other half to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese (their hunger work is entitled “Nutritional Development Services”), since Presbyterians and Roman Catholics are the top two participating faith backgrounds in the Main Line CROP Walk.

CELEBRATE WORLD FOOD DAY 2010

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Ardmore Presbyterian Church (Fellowship Hall)

Sunday afternoon, October 17

3:00 to 5:00 pm

3:00 – 4:00 pm Visit tables of anti-hunger organizations

(Below are some of the organizations that might have tables)

• Bread for the World
• Jubilee USA
• CARE
• MANNA
• Church World Service
• Nutritional Development
• Services
• Greater Philadelphia Coalition
• ONE Campaign
• Against Hunger
• Pennsylvania Hunger Action
• Network
• Philabundance
• Philadelphia Jobs with Justice
• Presbyterian Hunger Program
• SHARE

4:00 – 5:00 pm - Join in conversation about “What Can I/We Do, To End World Hunger”

Light Refreshments to be served!

RSVPs Welcome! Questions Welcome! 

Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel, Hunger Action Enabler, Presbytery of Philadelphia, 

215-242-1400, SSteinnagel@presbyphl.org.

Pastor's Pen: "Ich habe genug."

Recently, I came across a Bach cantata which is based on the story of Simeon and Anna found in Luke 2.  In the Scriptures, Mary and Joseph in compliance with the Hebrew law make sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem.  Father and mother with the infant Jesus in tow encounter the older Simeon and Anna.  Both were faithful followers of God, and both were awaiting the coming Messiah.  The Spirit of the Lord came upon these prophets, and they recognized Jesus as the promised Savior.  Bach begins the story here, and Simeon sings as he holds the baby.

“I have enough.
I have the Savior, the hope of the faithful,
In the eager embrace of my arms.
I have enough.”

I was surprised that Bach’s reimagining of the biblical story struck me so profoundly.  Poetry and music have long relied upon unfulfilled desires as their muse.  We certainly understand the pain of loss and loneliness.  We long for something more, but here Simeon sings of comfort and satisfaction.  I have enough because I hold the Savior in my arms.  Our restless wants and desires finally find Sabbath in the love that God gives to us in Jesus Christ. 

In a month, the church will be discussing stewardship, specifically financial stewardship.  Perhaps, this is a strange time to declare, “I have enough.”  However, we must remember that all generosity flows from this confession.  Because I have enough, I freely give.  We share precisely because we know that there is no limit to God’s grace.  God freely takes care of the flowers and the birds, and God will take of us as well.  We don’t hide behind walls.  We share with a world unable or unwilling to see.

In times of political and economic uncertainty, these are radical words:  “I have enough.”  However, our Savior is not far from us.  By faith, we hold him in our arms.  We see the joy of the life to come.  In God, we ultimately have peace. 

In Christ,
James

Peacemaking Offering, October 3

Next Sunday, October 3, Ardmore Presbyterian Church will receive donations for the Peacemaking Offering. The Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering supports the efforts of Presbyterians through their congregations, presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly to work for peace by tearing down walls that divide. Congregations receive the Peacemaking Offering as part of World Communion Sunday, when Christians around the world celebrate our unity in Christ. As we receive bread and cup, we celebrate our unity in Christ, our peace, and are renewed to pass Christ’s peace to those around us and across the world.

The Bible witnesses to the centrality of peacemaking for Christian discipleship in three ways: first, the word “peace”—shalom in Hebrew and eirene in Greek—is widely used in the bible and has a wealth of meaning. It is through exploring the uses of the word “peace” in the Bible that we come to an understanding of the meaning of peace and peacemaking. Second, the visions and stories of the Bible offer models for the transformation of individuals and communities into peacemakers. It is through wrestling with these stories and making them our own that we grow as disciples of the Prince of Peace. Third, the entire biblical story shapes our calling to be peacemakers. It is through reflecting on the themes of the biblical witness as a whole that one is confronted by the significance of peace and peacemaking for thinking about God, God’s work in the world, and God’s intention for human persons, communities, and creation.

The Peacemaking Offering supports a variety of peacemaking efforts at all levels of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Twenty-five percent (25%) of the offering will be retained by our congregation and the Mission Awareness Committee has elected to have these funds go to St. Luke’s Hospital. Ardmore Presbyterian Church has supported St. Luke’s Hospital for a number of years. It is located in the West Bank of Palestine and provides vital health services without discriminating against patients’ nationality, religion or ability to pay. As a Christian organization, St. Luke’s is a very visible testament to Christ’s love and care for us.

Some examples of what the Peacemaking Offering provides at the General Assembly level are the following:

• Sponsors the Peacemaking seminar “Peacemaking: Still the Believers’ Calling”
• Helps lead workshops on living together in the diversity God creates
• Offers opportunities to work to end the use of children as soldiers
• Organizes and implements the International Peacemakers Program, which brings church leaders from other nations to the United States to share peacemaking concerns
• Creates worship resources on addressing gun violence, working for a nuclear-free world, stopping torture, and other issues of peace and justice.

In 2009, more than $2 million was received through the Peacemaking Offering. Promotional expenses amounted to $261,621 so over 98% of the offering was used for Peacemaking efforts.

I hope you will consider a donation to this important mission on World Communion Sunday, October 3.

Ardmore Presbyterian Church in Center City

The Ardmore Presbyterian Church is not a building, but a community belonging to God. Wherever you are, there's the church. As a result, for many during the week, APC is at work in Center City. Come join us as we take APC on the road.

James Hodsden, Nan Clarke, and Jen Herbst will be hosting a luncheon for APC's Center City commuters (and any other interested folks) at Arch Street Presbyterian Church at Noon on September 23rd.

We will be joined by the Arch Street pastors -- Rev. Carmen Goetschius, Rev. Bill Golderer (also of Broad Street Ministries), and Rev. Becky White Newgren. Lunch (sandwiches, salad, beverage, dessert) will be provided by Arch Street ($5 donation requested).

We are only asking for one hour (12pm - 1pm). A rough schedule is as follows:

• Meet in the Arch Street Presbyterian Church sanctuary at 12pm.
• Greetings by Rev. Bill Golderer (10 minutes)
• An elder of the Arch Street Church shares the history of the congregation (10 minutes)
• We retire to the Social Hall for lunch.
• Conversation led by James and Nan about APC's presence downtown.
• Closing Prayer at 12:55pm.

We see this partnership with Arch Street Presbyterian Church as the perfect opportunity to have a conversation about vocation. How does our faith impact what we do from day to day? Does Jesus have anything to do with our careers?

In case you're not familiar with the church downtown, Arch Street is one of Philadelphia's most majestic worship spaces ‐‐ a 1850's‐era massive, domed sanctuary next to the new Comcast Building at 18th and Arch. Throughout the 19th and early 20th century, Arch Street was one of the most prestigious pulpits in the country ‐‐ and it played a big role in the fundamentalist‐modernist controversy that rocked American Protestantism in the 1920s. You might recall that Prince Charles visited the place on the royal visit to Philadelphia several years ago, in homage to the church's Welsh tradition.

You have probably passed Arch Street Presbyterian Church countless times while driving or walking around Center City and may have assumed it was a shuttered church. Actually, it never closed, but in recent decades, the congregation had dwindled to a "faithful remnant" of a few dozen. In 2009, the Philadelphia Presbytery made a major commitment to resurrect this church, with new staff, a new administrative body that replaced the former session (of which Jen is a member), and a midweek ministry to the thousands of souls in the surrounding office buildings. In the past year alone, Arch Street has welcomed over thirty new members and Sunday worship attendance has grown in leaps and bounds. The church has a midweek lunch/Bible study (12:10 to 12:40 pm on Wednesdays), midweek services during Advent and Lent, and has sponsored the "Why Series" ‐‐ a breakfast series providing conversations with inspiring artists, activists, and business leaders. Check out the church's website.

Join us for lunch at noon on September 23rd. Please feel free to forward this to any members or other friends who may be interested. Let me know by e-mail by Friday (9/17) if you are coming.

(Philly Skyline by Massimo Catarinella)

SAVE THE DATES!!

The new school year has begun, and we find our calendars filling quickly. The Fellowship and Outreach Committee wants all of our young adults and families to know about the great things being planned this year at APC. Save the dates! Place them in your calendar!

Also, check out the APC website at http://ardmorepres.org/calendar.html . You can look ahead and see what the church is planning.

10/16 - Hayride w/ Pumpkin decorating (Families)
11/6 - Adult Social (Adults)
11/21 - Community Outreach (Families)
12/5 - Advent Night (Families)
1/9/2011 - Churchwide Birthday Party & Games (Families)
Feb 2011 (TBD) - Couples Workshop (Adults)
3/5 - Dinner for 10 w/ dessert at church (Adults)
3/18 - Family Movie Night (Families)
4/16 - Easter Egg Hunt (Families)
May (TBD) - Minor League baseball game outing - i.e. Reading Phillies, Camden Riversharks or Wilmington Blue Rocks (Families)
May (TBD) - Prepare dinner at Ronald McDonald House (Adults)
June (TBD) - Pool Party (Families)
July (TBD) - Canoeing on Brandywine River (Families)

Pastor's Pen: Homecoming 2010

As the calendar turns from August to September, there is often a bit of sadness. Summer vacations are over. The nights get longer. The weather turns colder. Labor Day comes and goes, and we offer a sigh in honor of those great days at the shore. Thankfully, the melancholy doesn’t last. Suddenly, we are in the middle of the excitement and bustle again. We see new opportunities and look at old ones with new eyes.

With all respect to Dick Clark, I always thought that the New Year started in September. Maybe, it’s all those years of schooling. For some reason, brand new spiral notebooks and unsharpened yellow pencils have always inspired optimism in me. Maybe I’m weird, but new pencil boxes, new scissors and a new bottle of glue suggested that life had limitless possibilities. The slate was wiped clean, and life began anew.

We are poised at the start of a new program year at the Ardmore Presbyterian Church. There is a spirit of anticipation, as we prepare for a new year of worship, study, service and stewardship together. Already I’ve seen many of the committees working hard to get ready. The leadership and staff of the church are excited to get things started.

On September 12, we celebrate Homecoming. It’s an annual event which culminates in a picnic at South Ardmore Park, but homecoming begins much earlier in the day with worship. We come before God and acknowledge that “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm127:1). All of our enthusiasm and excitement rests on God’s love and grace for us.

Ardmore Presbyterian Church desires that everyone be a part of the excitement. Following worship, we will gather on the lawn to learn about the various ministries of the church. Peruse the tables and think about your own time and talents. Choose a ministry or find inspiration to develop another. With your participation, APC can continue to be a faithful and vibrant community.

Join us on Sunday, September 12 beginning at 10:30 am. God has some wonderful things planned our church.

Grace & Peace,
James Hodsden

Pastor's Pen: Ordinary Time

Presbyterians don't talk much about the liturgical calendar. That's not a bad thing. Our Puritan forefathers thought special days or seasons could easily lead to distraction. Our focus would be on rituals instead of God. In fact, many Puritans jettisoned Christmas and Easter along with the rest of the calendar in the name of faithfulness.

We don't go so far. Instead, we seek compromise. We keep the seasons and the holidays (holy‐days), but we remain completely unaware of the overall drama told by the calendar. Every year the Church rehearses the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, continual presence, and the eventual return of Jesus Christ.

Even with this outline, there remain times in the calendar which are unclaimed. The Church
has traditionally named these misfit days and seasons, "Ordinary Time." Here in August between Pentecost and Advent, we are in the middle of Ordinary Time.

Personally, I like Ordinary Time. It may not have the bustle of Holy Week or Christmas Eve. Still, I like to know that God is at work even in the ordinary. Cutting the lawn, commuting to work, or enjoying a quiet lunch with my wife are times that Jesus has redeemed. When nothing is written on the day‐planner, a Sunday is always the Lord's Day, and the Church will always be gathering for worship.

Ordinarily we must deal with the stuff of life, and our salvation means that God is with us even there.

Pastor's Pen: Freedom in Christ

“…proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.”
Leviticus 25:10

One of the exciting things about living in Philadelphia is the history. Growing up as an Ameri-can in the 1970s, my understanding of civics was less inspired by my schoolwork and more by Saturday morning cartoons like Schoolhouse Rock. Philadelphia was a magical place where Franklin, Washington and Jefferson once walked. In the movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washing-ton, Jimmy Stewart’s character will stop mid-sentence pointing and declaring, “The Capitol Dome!” Sometimes, I feel like doing the same and announcing, “Independence Hall!” to the unfortunate Philadelphians around me.

Freedom, liberty and independence are words that every American knows. They form our outlook, demeanor, and attitudes. We long to be free from all constraints, and we desire to make our own choices. Embracing Thomas Jefferson, we make the pursuit of happiness our greatest end. Even if we're unsure exactly what that looks like. Even if we don't yet know precisely how to get there.

As Christians, we also speak about freedom. As Jesus himself says, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Jesus Christ declares our own independence. How-ever, this freedom looks a little different. The Apostle Paul writes, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another” (Galatians 5:13). Are Jesus and Jefferson talking about the same thing?

This summer, Nan Clarke, Sturge Poorman, and I will be preaching through the book of Gala-tians exploring what it means for the Christian to be free. What does the temptation of slav-ery look like for us? How does freedom affect our relationships with God and each other? Join us this July 4 and throughout the summer as we proclaim our liberty in Christ.

Grace & Peace,
James Hodsden

Pastor's Pen: Wild About Harry

"Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."
--1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Plans are well underway for the Ardmore Presbyterian Church’s 2010 Vacation Bible School. The games, the crafts, the stories and the music have been a wonderful tradition at our congregation. Both volunteers and the children have great fun. For a few hours each day, the participants escape into the world of imagination. They might step into a wild West town, a space station, or a medieval castle, but the setting never detracts from the important lessons about the good news of Jesus Christ.

If you haven’t heard by now, this year we will be exploring our faith using the stories of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. Recreating a school for wizards in our Fellowship Hall might seem a strange way for the church to teach about the faith. When the books first arrived on the scene, some Christian groups condemned the stories as invitations to the real world of the occult and witchcraft. Since then, positive reviews of the books and movies have shown up in Christianity Today. Other authors such as John Granger have explored the Christian themes and symbolism found in the tales of Harry. Rowling, herself, has acknowledged that her own Christian faith has influenced the writing of the books.

We do need to acknowledge that magic is condemned in the Scriptures, and it is true that the occult seduces many into a spiritual bondage. However, the magic of Harry Potter is instrumental, not supernatural. Harry Potter does not call down spiritual forces. Instead, his magic is a tool or an ability that works in his world like technology does in our own. In that way, the magic of Harry Potter is similar to the force of Star Wars, the x-ray vision of Superman, or the magic of Cinderella’s fairy godmother.

Rowling has created a world where choices have consequences. The courage to stand with the right is honorable, and wickedness is condemned. Love and friendship are celebrated, and the theme of resurrection echoes throughout the books. G.K. Chesterton once praised fairy tales because they give children the idea that evil can be defeated. He writes, ”The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon.” Soon we realize that the fairy tale is reflecting the light rather than generating it, and we open ourselves to the true source of light.

Join us June 28 through July 2 for this year’s “A Journey in Faith with Harry Potter”. More information and registration is available on our website at ardmorepres.org.

Financial Safeguards at APC

It is helpful to know that APC has for years maintained financial procedures that are intended to keep the monies you donate safe from theft and loss. At least two people count the offering each Sunday and cross-check each other’s work. The Financial Office on the ground floor has its own lock, and the pastor cannot access it. Financial records in the office are maintained on a password-protected computer. The pastor, church treasurer, and financial secretary do not have signature authority on the church’s bank accounts. A church member who has no other role in the church’s finances signs all checks. The pastor, church treasurer, and financial secretary have no authority to sign contracts; only two designated elders can do so. All contracts involving an expenditure of over $5,000 must be approved by the Session. As required by the Book of Order of the PCUSA, financial records are reviewed each year and an accountant’s review report is submitted to the Session. The church has always maintained fidelity, forgery, and crime coverage as part of its insurance.

--Bob Hoelscher, Church Solicitor and former Treasurer

Thursday at Noon: Anne Lamott's "Traveling Mercies"

The San Francisco Chronicle writes that “Anne Lamott is walking proof that a person can be both reverent and irreverent in the same lifetime. Sometimes even in the same breath.” During this summer, a small group will be reading Lamott’s Traveling Mercies where she recounts her reluctant “lurch” into faith. The book is certainly not for the faint of heart nor for the easily offended, but some might argue that neither is the Christian faith. We will be beginning this Thursday, June 10th, at noon for lunch in the Fellowship Hall at the Ardmore Presbyterian Church. Please RSVP at admin@ardmorepres.org

What’s Happening in the Weekday Preschool?

Take a look at the “Gallery” under the Preschool Link on our APC website – www.ardmorepres.org. These pictures show happy children enjoying a wide variety of activities.

Family Fun Day, our annual fund-raising event, was a giant success. Games, prizes, face painting, food, entertainment for children and a silent auction for adults raised over $6,000 to be used for new preschool equipment – i.e. recent Rainbow Room improvements, a new merry-go-round on the playground and special programs. Our parents are amazing, creative and supportive.

Preschoolers hopped in a Hop-A-Thon for Muscular Dystrophy. Lessons on differences, disabilities and judging by people’s appearances were incorporated. We raised $800 for MDA.

The 3 and 5 day classes traveled to Rolling Hill Park for a River Ramble, which included wading in Mill Creek exploring stream life. This nature walk is presented by the education staff of Lower Merion Conservancy.

Safari Parties, a live animal presentation enthralled the 3 and 5 day children as they saw at close range 15-29 different animals – reptiles, birds, amphibians and mammals. They gently petted most of the animals and the brave ones wore a live python.

We followed the complete life-cycle of the butterfly and released them on the church lawn.

A program on Burn Prevention and Safety was presented by the Burn Foundation of
Philadelphia.

An appreciation All-School Picnic was held at South Ardmore Park. Teachers and parents were acknowledged and honored in a fun community event.

See you in September,
Anne Foote

Morgan Schreiner 1945-2010

From the Philadelphia Inquirer...

Morgan Reese Schreiner of Wynnewood, PA, died on Thurs., May 6, 2010 at the age of 64. Beloved husband of Sarah M. Schreiner and devoted father of Benjamin M. and Catherine M. Schreiner. He is also survived by his sister, Marybeth Bynon.

His Memorial Service will be held on Mon., May 10, 1:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore, Corner of Montgomery Ave. and Millcreek Rd., Ardmore, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that contributions be made in his memory to Presbyterian Children's Village, 452 S. Roberts Rd., Rosemont, PA 19010 www.pcv.org

From "A Declaration of Faith of the Presbyterian Church USA" (1977)...

Death will be destroyed. In the death of Jesus Christ God’s way in the world seemed finally defeated. But death was no match for God. The resurrection of Jesus was God’s victory over death. Death often seems to prove that life is not worth living, that our best efforts and deepest affections go for nothing. We do not yet see the end of death. But Christ has been raised from the dead, transformed and yet the same person. In his resurrection is the promise of ours. We are convinced the life God wills for each of us is stronger than the death that destroys us. The glory of that life exceeds our imagination but we know we shall be with Christ. So we treat death as a broken power. Its ultimate defeat is certain. In the face of death we grieve. Yet in hope we celebrate life. No life ends so tragically that its meaning and value are destroyed. Nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

2010 Confirmation Retreat

The 2010 Confirmation Class finished their requirements with a two-day retreat, May 7-8, on the shore at Sea Isle City in New Jersey. A big thanks to the adult leaders, Scott, Nan and James. We also thank Sally for lending us her house on the shore. We had a great time, and the youth showed that they had learned a lot over the 12 week class.

Some excerpts from the work of the youth...

"Holy Father, thank you for giving us joy and laughter, and help us to feel these gifts throughout our lives."

"Dear God, let us break away from merely practicing and let us apply our faith to the real world. Help us to succeed in your name. Amen."

"Dear God, help guide me to make you number one in our lives. Help us to put nothing else before you. Amen."

"God, Sometimes it's hard to be always the good friend. Help us to make the right choices."

"Lord, help me to be brave enough but also to be meek like your son, Jesus. Amen."

"Dear Father, we pray that you will guide us to victory. We choose the path of faith over drugs to show our love and trust in you. We do not share you, Lord. You need to be first in our lives. Use your strength to help us always make the right decision for you. Amen."

Service of Healing & Wholeness May 16th

Each Sunday we include in our worship service the Prayers of the People. As believers, we know that the world is not as God created it to be, that it is broken because of the effect of sin. We too experience that brokenness in our lives and in our relationships. However, we believe that in Jesus, God has begun the work of restoring all creation, of bringing healing and wholeness.

On May 16, at 3:00 pm, we will have a service of healing and wholeness. This will be a worship service that will focus on prayer for healing and wholeness in every part of our lives through the laying on of hands and anointing with oil. In so doing, we will join a long line of Christians throughout history who have responded to God’s Word in this way.

Spring Adult Sunday School Classes

Please join us for our new Sunday School offerings, "The Book of Confessions" and "Dreams of God's Faithfulness", starting May 9th.

THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS
Sunday, 9:00 am in the Blue Room

Each Sunday as part of our Worship Service we respond to the reading, singing, and preaching of God’s Word in our Affirmation of Faith, the public declaration of what we believe. Most of us are familiar with The Apostle’s Creed, but you may have noticed that this is not the only creed we use to affirm our faith. We often use sections of other creeds and confessions of faith. These beliefs are rooted in Scripture and represent the church’s desire ever since the days of the early church to articulate what we believe Scripture teaches.

Join us in studying the eleven creeds and confessions of faith that make up our Book of Confessions as we seek to learn how the church has wrestled with the truths of Scripture and how they have sought to apply them in their particular cultural and historical context.

DREAMS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
The Life of Joseph: Genesis 37‐50 ‐
Sunday 9:00 am in the Mill Creek Room

Joseph was a dreamer. Ultimately, his dreams would bring about the redemption of his people. In the meantime, they were a source of trouble. Join us for eight weeks as we explore a story of arrogance, jealousy, deceit, political intrigue, sexual tension and redemption. Joseph’s narrative from the book of Genesis is a messy story, but it speaks about God’s actions in a messy world. As Joseph learns, we also learn the difficulty of being chosen by God.

Pastor's Pen: Sleepers Awake!

Matthew 25:1‐13

Every morning, people arise ready to face a new day. They make the coffee, read the newspaper and make their morning jog before the darkness turns to light. Then there are the rest of us. The morning comes as an unwelcome intrusion into our rest. When the alarm sounds, we amazingly complete complex mathematical calculations to determine if we have time for ten more minutes of sleep. Even the most chipper morning person that I know occasionally reaches for the snooze bar. Simply put, waking up is hard to do.

At least once a year, we change alarm clocks in our house. We get accustomed to the bells and whistles of one and need another. Thankfully, there are plenty of inventors who are not content to let sleeping dogs lie. I read recently about a clock which launches three puzzle pieces into the air when the alarm sounds. The sleeper must locate the pieces and place them in the correct order before the snooze bar will end the annoying sound.

Why do we have so much trouble awaking? The difficulty has something to do with being so busy. All of us have become productivity mavens over the years, learning to do more with less time. Personally, that’s not my main problem. I’m like that little kid who doesn’t want to go to bed. I think I might miss something exciting. I greedily hold onto yesterday, trying to stretch it out.

Some of us do the same thing in our spiritual lives. We want the love of God. We desire a life motivated by hope. We have experienced the grace found in Jesus Christ. However, we still hold onto our former desires and priorities. We are not ready to be transformed. We cling to old behaviors and attitudes not consistent with our new lives in Christ. When the call comes on Easter morning, we reach for the snooze bar, exhausted.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This does not mean that we add a religious category to an already busy “to do” list. Instead our list becomes transformed. We leave behind those things unpleasing to our Savior, and we do everything from this day forward to the glory of God in Jesus Christ.

Quarterly Reports and Saving Quarters

Numbers are not ministries. Numbers, such as attendance or budget dollars, do not determine the faithfulness of a congregation. Numbers are tools. They help us evaluate our priorities and our impact. The primary function of the numbers is descriptive, and we believe that those descriptions are helpful to the entire congregation.

This month we are providing even more numbers than in the last newsletter. The statistics for our first quarter of 2010 are available. Reading through the numbers, you will probably notice that we are ahead in our income. This is primarily from several annual one‐time payments.

Income and expenses remain a bit ahead of what has been budgeted. The reader will notice that expenses relating to Worship and Music are higher than expected. This is related to hiring guest musicians for Easter. These expenses are seasonal, and the budget will come into balance in the later months.

Meanwhile, your staff is saving the church money. Recently, Pearlie Diesinger noticed that we spend a lot of money on paper. With worship folders, newsletters, and educational materials, the Ardmore Presbyterian Church acts as a small publishing house. Examining our printing costs, Pearlie has found some substantial savings.

Over the years, we have used a very special paper for our worship folders. The company that produces it must cut it to meet our specifications. It has a great quality, but each page cost us 29¢. Our paper expenses were huge, especially for something that was used for only an hour each week. Stacks of orphan worship folders in the recycling bins were stacks of money. Pearlie found a substitute which maintains high quality but costs only 3¢ a page. We save over a quarter each worship folder. At the end of the year, the quarters add up to thousands of dollars in savings.

Every person who gives to the church gives out of finite funds. We desire to be responsible with those funds in order that God may be praised even more.

Looking for God in Harry Potter

The Ardmore Presbyterian Church is pleased to present John Granger in the Chapel on Sunday, May 2nd at 7:00 pm. Mr. Granger will be speaking about faith in the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling.

While considered children’s literature, many adults have greatly enjoyed reading the “Harry Potter” books, but few are aware of how the books speak to our faith. Mr. Granger is a classics scholar, who has written extensively on the Christian themes that run throughout the “Harry Potter” series. Some of the books he has written include Looking for God in Harry Potter, How Harry Cast His Spell, and The Deathly Hallows Lectures.

Mr. Granger's lecture will begin a Harry Potter focus for the next few months at the Ardmore Presbyterian Church. The Christian Education Committee is planning a Vacation Bible School this year using the stories to help teach the truths of the faith.

We invite adults and teens to learn how the “Harry Potter” books are filled with Biblical parallels that can help all in navigating their own lives. We hope you join us in listening to John Granger.

See you on May 2nd!

Butterflies and Bunnies are Not Enough

The Apostle Paul says it in the clearest language possible, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). During Easter, the Church celebrates explicitly what we celebrate implicitly every Lord’s Day‐‐Jesus Christ is risen. Trying to articulate our faith, we often resort to metaphor and analogy. The spring reminds us of new life after the death of winter. Bunnies and eggs, associated with renewal and fecundity, dominate our Easter decorations. Even butterflies that no longer lie dormant in their cocoons now grace our bulletin covers, vestments and banners.

Although helpful, metaphors also limit us. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not about the “Circle of Life” from some Disney movie. Death is real and terrible. Jesus Christ’s death was particularly horrific. Nailed to a cross, Jesus bled, suffered, and died. For all practical purposes, death was the final solution. All of the hopes inspired by Jesus should have been crucified with him. Mortality means that everything we love is fleeting, temporary. By definition, nothing should survive death.

Then, something incredible happened. Jesus rose from the grave. God shattered the power of death. The way the world had always worked was no more. That empty tomb where the women gathered that first Easter was completely unprecedented. Bunnies and butterflies just cannot do justice to the reality of the resurrection. In case we missed it the first time, Paul reiterates, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). With Jesus Christ alive today, God proclaims that hope is more than wishful thinking. We are freed from the bondage of every day leading to an inevitable demise. Breaking away, God offers forgiveness and grace unto life everlasting.

Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed.

2010 Holy Week and Easter Services

2010 HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES

AT ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION & WORSHIP

• Sunday, March 28 ‐ 10:30 am (Sanctuary)

LENTEN VESPERS AND COMMUNION SERVICE

• Wednesday, March 31 ‐ 7:30 pm (Memorial Chapel)

MAUNDY THURSDAY AGAPE MEAL AND COMMUNION

• Thursday, April 1 ‐ 6:30 pm (Fellowship Hall)

GOOD FRIDAY MID‐DAY SERVICE

• Friday, April 2 ‐ 12:15 pm (Memorial Chapel)

GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE

• Friday, April 2 ‐ 7:30 pm (Memorial Chapel)

RESURRECTION OF THE LORD EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4

• 8:30 am ‐ Memorial Chapel (First Service led by Youth)

ALL-CHURCH EASTER BREAKFAST, APRIL 4

• 9:15 am ‐ Fellowship Hall (RSVP to 610‐642‐6650 or admin@ardmorepres.org)
  

Organ, Brass and Timpani Musical Prelude

• 10:00 am ‐ Sanctuary

CELEBRATION OF THE RESURRECTION, APRIL 4

• 10:30 am ‐ Sanctuary

Please remember to bring fresh or silk flowers on Easter Sunday for the “Blossoming of the Cross”.

Palm Sunday with the Grove City College Touring Choir

The Grove City College Touring Choir will be joining us on Palm Sunday, March 28, during worship (10:15 a.m. prelude)

Grove City College is a four‐year, fully accredited liberal arts and sciences college north of Pittsburgh. Its solid reputation is based on a strong academic program, a Christian environment conducive to learning, and a commitment to operate virtually debt‐free.

The Touring Choir was organized in 1959, and has toured annually since then. Directed since 1981 by Dr. Douglas A. Browne, the choir has visited virtually every state east of the Mississippi River, and has appeared at various music educators’ conferences. The choir will sing before (10:15 a.m.) and during Palm Sunday worship. Selections will include Byrd’s “Ave verum corpus,” Gretchaninoff’s “Holy Radiant Light,” Martin’s “When I Survey,” Clausen’s “Hosanna,” and Hogan’s “My Soul’s Been Anchored.”

As a sample of what they sing, here is a modern piece entitled "Vieni Nel Mio Cuore" by Jonny Priano. The text translates...

I'm lost in this wasteland.
Love me,
Guide me,
Christ come into my heart.

Pastor's Pen: Lenten Observations

While growing up, the season of Lent was a puzzlement to me. Beyond the sale of Filet‐o‐Fish sandwiches at McDonalds, there was little to suggest that the season was different from any other. The older I got, the more misunderstandings grew. From the popular culture, I knew more about Mardi Gras than the season that followed. In fact, Lent, for me, was the opposite of that celebration on Bourbon Street. Instead of indulgence, Lent was about denial. Instead of Dixieland jazz, Lent was about funeral dirges. For forty days, people gave up chocolate, caffeine or fried foods. They sat quietly with their hands folded thinking pure thoughts.

Unfortunately, I always enjoyed Dixieland jazz. As a result, I never truly observed Lent. The only problem is that Lent is really not about denial. Lent is an invitation to turn to God. We remove distractions to concentrate on Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Repentance is less about rejection and more about embracing the God who loves us. Yes, we are sinners, and our lives need to change for the better. Still, God’s grace is not dependent on our acts of piety. The cross of Christ ends in triumph, not tragedy.

Whether we observe Lent or not, the time before Easter is a wonderful opportunity to renew our faith. Come to worship, pray together, and read the Scriptures. Examine our lives and remove those things that distract us from living abundantly. Listen to the blues, but let them melt into joyous sounds of the band.

SNOW CLOSINGS - February 11, 2010

The Ardmore Presbyterian Church Preschool will be closed for Thursday, February 11, 2010. Due to the Presidents' Day weekend, the preschool will also be closed on Friday, February 12 and Monday, February 15.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, and we look forward to seeing your children on Tuesday, February 16.

Mark Your Calendars: Bach Festival

While you are home watching the snow, please MARK your calendars for the upcoming BACH Festival. All our choirs (and those of Overbrook Presbyterian and St. Paul's Lutheran) have been working hard in preparation for this big event.

DRESS REHEARSAL -

SAT, MARCH 20, 2:00 p.m.

(children should be done by 3:15)

at St. Paul's Lutheran Church

BACH FESTIVAL SERVICE -

SUN, MARCH 21, 4:00 p.m.

(service should be done by 5:15)

at St. Paul's Lutheran Church

The program will mark the 325th anniversary of J.S. Bach, one of the most revered composers of all time, and one of the most influential in church music (he has been called "the fifth evangelist," e.g. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, JSB).

The children are doing well with all the music, especially "Wir eilen mit schwachen." To listen to this one, I recommend the following site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YdPGxcHTwI

(our choirs will sing the first 2:00 and the recap, then soloists will sing the middle section).

Gary G

SNOW CLOSINGS - February 10, 2010

• The ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL will be closed for February 10, 2010.

• The CHURCH OFFICE will be closed for February 10, 2010.
  

• The MEN and WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY and lunch will be canceled for February 10, 2010.

• WEDNESDAY PLUS and YOUTH FELLOWSHIP will be canceled for February 10, 2010.

• Just as a reminder, we have no WEDNESDAY PLUS and YOUTH FELLOWSHIP on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010. So we will see you in two weeks.

To everyone please be safe and warm. May God's blessings be upon you this day.

Souper Bowl of Caring

Sunday, February 7th the Youth Group will join forces with our Fellowship & Outreach committee to partake in the 2010 “Souper Bowl of Caring”.

The Souper Bowl of Caring is a nationwide fundraising effort taken on by churches and schools alike. It was started in 1990. On Super Bowl Sunday, the youth collect funds in soup pots to raise money for an organization of their choice that has to do with hunger. Throughout the US, youth have raised millions of dollars each year. In 2009, 10 million dollars was raised in funds and donated food.

This year the youth have chosen Covenant House, an organization that helps homeless youth, to receive the funds collected.

In addition to what the Youth collect during the service, the Fellowship & Outreach committee will be sponsoring a soup lunch immediately following worship. A $3 per person donation is requested and will go directly to Covenant House. Please plan to join us!

Thomas Brookshier Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 8 at 2 pm at the Ardmore Presbyterian Church at 5 W. Montgomery Ave in Ardmore, PA. The family will receive guests from 12:30 pm until the time of the memorial service. Out of respect for the family and our desire not to distract from the worship, please do not take flash photography or video.

TRAVEL
We are encouraging everyone to use the R5 train. The church is only a short walk from the Ardmore Station.

For those traveling by car, the church is located at 5 W. Montgomery Ave, Ardmore, PA. For a map and directions, please follow this link.

PARKING
Suburban Square will be providing parking across from the church. There will also be parking from 12 pm to 3:30pm at the Ardmore YMCA at 100 Saint Georges Road, Ardmore, PA. There will also be some spaces available at the Bridal Bijou on 102 E. Montgomery Ave, Ardmore, PA. We would like to thank each of these folks for their gracious generosity.

Finally, Ardmore has various metered parking areas near the church. Please note the map.

WEATHER
If the weather forces a change in the memorial service, we will be in contact with radio station AM 610 WIP.

OUR HOPE AND COMFORT
The Ardmore Presbyterian Church is praying for you as we mourn and remember our loved one and friend, Tom Brookshier. In this difficult time, please remember that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God In Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37-39). God bless you.

Pastor's Pen: When Philosophies Fail

No matter what we profess, most of us share a simple philosophy. We believe good things happen to the good, and bad things happen to the bad. We choose to do the right thing, and we expect to be rewarded. When we do wrong, we expect the consequences. We teach this philosophy to our kids, and for the most part, it’s true. However, occasionally reality doesn’t fit our expectations.

Bad stuff sometimes happens for no apparent reason. The rules that we once trusted don’t seem to apply. When faced with a situation that we cannot explain, it can be scary. To cope, we even try to force the evidence to fit the analysis. In the book of Job, his friends cannot understand why Job is suffering. Why would the righteous be punished by God? The friends assume that Job must be guilty of some secret sin. They fabricate sins and condemn Job so their philosophy remains intact.

A few weeks ago, the earth shook in Haiti. Some reports estimate the dead as numbering around 200,000. The ticker on the cable stations run a constant stream of bad news. We see the pictures, and we wonder why. The devastation in Haiti does not make sense. Like Job’s friends justifying their own philosophy, I recently heard a minister tell a television audience that Haiti was being punished because of a deal with the devil made many years ago. The story is outlandish and pure fiction, but some hold onto it because it fits. What goes around, comes around.

Our philosophy falls short. As Christians, we know that we are broken by sin, and the world is broken as well. All the explanations in the world will not take away the pain. What we really want is comfort in the midst of an uncomfortable world. The suffering of this world will be redeemed by God in Jesus Christ. We have hope because of Christ’s death and resurrection. We have comfort, and we must be a comfort.

The earthquake in Haiti is not a time for recriminations. Instead, it is a call to action. When explanations are not available, we need to hold onto the comfort of Jesus Christ. Take the time to offer comfort in a world where our philosophies fail.

Help For Haiti

Ardmore Presbyterian Church will continue receiving offerings to be directed to Haiti relief through PDA. Please make checks out to APC and memo: Haiti Relief.

With gratitude,
The Mission Awareness Committee.

Want a more “hands on” way to help?

We need your help to make one or more kits to send to Haiti through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Hygiene Kit

1 hand towel- approx. 16” x 28”
(no fingertip or bath towels)
1 washcloth
1 wide-tooth comb
1 nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards)
1 bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
1 toothbrush (in original packaging)
6 Band-Aids or other adhesive bandage strips.

Please do not add toothpaste. Toothpaste which has an extended expiration date will be added to Hygiene Kits just prior to shipment. Seal all items in a one-gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure.

Baby Kit

6 cloth diapers*
2 t-shirts or undershirts (no onesies)
2 washcloths
2 gowns or sleepers
2 diaper pins
1 sweater or sweatshirt
2 receiving blankets (one can be a knitted or crocheted baby blanket)

All items should be new and under 12 months in size. Wrap items inside one of the receiving blankets and secure with both diaper pins.

*Note: While cloth diapers are not as commonly used in the United States, they are a necessary part of the layette. 12-packs of cloth diapers can be purchased at Target and Kmart stores or may be purchased online at one of the following sites: CottonBabies.com, ClothDiaper.com, BabyBestBuy.com, ThanksMama.com.

PLEASE BRING COMPLETED KITS TO THE CHURCH OFFICE

Thank you!!!

Help For Haiti

Ardmore Presbyterian Church will continue receiving offerings to be directed to Haiti relief through PDA. Please make checks out to APC and memo: Haiti Relief.
With gratitude,

the Mission Awareness Committee.

Want a more “hands on” way to help?

We need your help to make one or more kits to send to Haiti through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Hygiene Kit

1 hand towel- approx. 16” x 28”

(no fingertip or bath towels)

1 washcloth
1 wide-tooth comb
1 nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards)
1 bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
1 toothbrush (in original packaging)
6 Band-Aids or other adhesive bandage strips. Please do not add toothpaste. Toothpaste which has an extended expiration date will be added to Hygiene Kits just prior to shipment. Seal all items in a one-gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure.



Baby Kit

6 cloth diapers*
2 t-shirts or undershirts (no onesies)
2 washcloths
2 gowns or sleepers
2 diaper pins
1 sweater or sweatshirt
2 receiving blankets (one can be a knitted or crocheted baby blanket)

All items should be new and under 12 months in size. Wrap items inside one of the receiving blankets and secure with both diaper pins.

*Note: While cloth diapers are not as commonly used in the United States, they are a necessary part of the layette. 12-packs of cloth diapers can be purchased at Target and Kmart stores or may be purchased online at one of the following sites: CottonBabies.com, ClothDiaper.com, BabyBestBuy.com, ThanksMama.com.



PLEASE BRING COMPLETED KITS TO THE CHURCH OFFICE
Thank you!!!