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."