Vol. 45 No. 6 June/July 2008
“Why We Do
This”
First, let me thank all of you for the amazing time we had in our “pre-dedication” service on May 4. What a gift it was to experience God pouring out his faithfulness as we received the Lord’s Supper in the new sanctuary. Thank you for your commitment to this great work. We still have a way to go. Every gift that each of us makes is SO vital to our finishing with NO MORTGAGE. As of this time we have NOT YET had to draw on our line of credit. Thank you for being SO generous. YOU really make a difference as you let God use who you are and what HE has given to you.
I’m just back from another amazing time in our spiritual home, Israel, where we had the privilege of visiting sites that commemorate that Jesus of Nazareth really lived and changed the world forever. As profound as these places are, it is equally moving to me that our fellowship; this part of Christ’s body, speaks the same timeless message to the world.
Here’s an example of what I mean – many of you have had people say to you, “Your church building is really coming along. It is really exciting!” People are noticing that God is doing something. They may not be sure what it is, but they realize it. I hope YOU know why we do what we do here. I’m convinced we are quite aware of what God is doing or it wouldn’t be happening as it is. A house of worship is being completed. People are being welcomed into life-saving, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. People are healed. This is why we do all we do in and through this part of Jesus’ body. We are becoming a congregation that is powerfully aware that if people don’t have Jesus Christ, they are missing all that life is about. If they don’t know his love, it is our calling to invite them to experience this good news.
This summer is a great opportunity to be inviting people to come and experience the Gospel of Jesus Christ in worship and various forms of Christian fellowship. The ice cream social is July 26. Invite a friend. There are so many people around us who are not hostile to the Christian faith, but they just don’t have a “connecting point”. YOU may be the person to invite them to experience a connection they have been missing. Why should we do this? Because someone did it for us; because JESUS did it for us ALL. If someone wants to know why we would invite them to come with us, simply tell them, “Because someone did it for me and it is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.”
Besides, an invitation to an ice cream social with a band concert thrown in is pretty non-threatening. And YOU are great people that other people trust and love because you love other people. I think sometimes we can overlook the gift God has given us in being welcoming people that others are open to trusting. Let’s use our gift this summer and see who we can seek for God’s kingdom.
Thank you for all you are doing to make the new sanctuary a debt-free project. Gifts continue to come in as the building is progressing. If you have any questions about how things are going or how YOU can be a part of finishing this great event, please let me know. I am so grateful to be part of this adventure with you and want to help you make this a spiritual growing time in your life, just as it is in my own.
That’s why we do all that we do here at the First Presbyterian Church; because just like in Galilee in Jesus’ time people really do need to know THE ONE who can make them whole. It is to Jesus that we seek to point with every action and prayer here together. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Have the BEST summer of realizing why we do what we do for Christ,
BruceJUNE/JULY sermon titles and scriptures
June 1 – "Please Be Me" Matthew 7:21-29
June 8 – “The Perfect Ten – No Other Gods” Exodus 20:1-17,
June 15 – “The Perfect Ten – Idols That Destroy” Exodus 20:1-17
June 22 --“The Perfect Ten – Honoring God’s Name” Exodus 20:1-17
June 29 – “The Perfect Ten – Learning To Sabbath” Exodus 20:1-17
July 6 – “The Perfect Ten – Honoring Parents” Exodus 20:1-17
July 13 – “The Perfect Ten – Murder, NOT!” Exodus 20:1-17
July 20 – "Oh Boy!" Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 27 – “The Perfect Ten – What Is Adultery?” Exodus 20:1-17
Alan's Associate Page - Summer, 2008
By now, all of us have heard or read some of the commentary on the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. of Trinity United Church of Christ on the south side of Chicago. He is the (former) pastor of presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Now, I am looking forward to the discussion and proximity of my studies at McCormick Theological Seminary this June with the recent and continued controversy and discussion over Reverend Wright, so some of my views may change by the time I return in July. However, this situation brings many layers of public/private and church/state discussions to the forefront of our consciousness. I will touch on just a couple in this article.
First, how much should our faith play a part in politics? As Christians, we are to live out our faith on a daily basis. We are to be Christ’s hands and feet and witnesses every day. So, this means if one is a Christian and happens to be running for or serving in public office, their faith should provide a framework and ethic for their lives, just as it should if we are a teacher, a lawyer, an engineer, a parent, a pastor, etc. Of course, how often and to what degree said person should talk about their faith or potentially bully it over others is debatable, but for a brief discussion here, I think it is ridiculous to try to force one to separate faith from their public lives. As Jim Wallis points out in his book God’s Politics, faith is personal, but never private. This means that each of us does have a personal faith. It is uniquely understood by each of us. We read the same Bible, hear the same sermons, come together to fellowship, yet we process, internalize, and grow in our faith differently. Yet, we live in a public sphere. People see us and interact with us. And we, as followers of Christ, are to live our faith out in the world. This is hard. We make mistakes and we may disagree with each other, let alone others, over certain issues. We witness through actions as much as words to those around us everyday. By necessity, as Christians, we will be asked, even without us knowing it, about our faith and judged by it everyday. This means that those who are running for public office or who are serving, will need to address and talk about their faith or their lack thereof.
So, what role do pastor’s and congregations play in this discussion? Should we be judged or measured by our pastor’s and congregations? If we take Reverend Wright’s recent plunge into this question and apply it to our context, do you want to be judged at all times by Bruce and my actions, words, and witness? On some level, the answer is yes. Bruce and I are called to be representatives of this congregation, as best and as faithful as we can, to the larger community. This means that at times, when Bruce and I are in the paper and a co-worker finds out that you attend the church were we serve, if they agree or disagree with the comment or article, you will be associated with us whether you like it or not. However, at other times, the answer is no. You do not want to be automatically linked to a stand, a sermon, a Bible study discussion, or a quote in the paper by your pastors. We (Bruce and I) understand this and it is okay. For instance, we all know that I have opinions about homeless issues and concerns. If you were to agree with a part of a sermon about this topic, then you would not mind being associated with me or standing up for our church if this became a touchy subject in the local media. If, on the other hand, you disagreed with the same part of the sermon, you would try to distance yourself from that radical pastor or justify the comments with your friends by saying that was just one sermon and not representative of my whole body of work. I know this is being simplistic, but the point is that we are linked in the positive and the negative at times.
So, what are we to do then? I don’t know. We are the body of Christ and that means at times we get dirty and present a smelly witness. At other times, we work so well and seamless that the message is hit right out of the ball park. We are the body of Christ, not a family. We can ignore people our family or call them crazy or excuse them for certain actions, but we need each other (all of our greatness and our faults) to function as a body. We may disagree or not care for the actions of another, but as a faithful Christians, we work together, submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Christ, and balance as best we can our faith in this world. Grace holds us all. Looking forward to learning and growing this summer.
Peace, Alan.
The Youth Page - June 2008All the Information You want to have!
Youth Group Schedule
June 1st Youth Group 6pm; Summer BBQ
June 8th Youth Group 6pm
June 15th Youth Group 6pm
The Rest of the Summer - To Be Announced
Keep your eyes open for more information as we have a great plans for adventures and growth in our faith this summer.
Calvin Crest 2008
Are you ready for summer camp?!? We are going to have a great time at Calvin Crest this summer for both junior and senior high. If you are not signed up, please contact Pastor Alan yesterday. If you are attending, specific information will be coming shortly. Please keep in prayer the youth attending Junior High Camp from June 22-28 and the Senior High Camp from August 3-9.
Magical Mission Trip 2008
We are going to have a great mission trip leaving Carson City on Sunday July 13th in the afternoon and returning on Saturday July 19th. We are going to be serving in Fresno at a refugee center called FIRM. We will be helping with language classes and doing small construction projects. Then we will be heading to the coast to work with other various mission projects as well as camping along the coast. The cost is only $200 for a great week. Please let Pastor Alan know if you are going ASAP and please turn in half of the money by Sunday June 8.
GO and BE
We need adults to heed our mission statement to “Go and Be” with our youth this summer. We need help with rides (up to Reno for go-kart racing or lazer tag, movies here in Carson), food (BBQ on June 1 and other eating opportunities), prayer (we all need it), and just being with the youth (the more the merrier I always say!). If you are feeling God’s tug at your heart to learn more about the awesome youth in our midst, please join us for youth group or talk to Pastor Alan or Sandy Norris about how you can be involved. Thank you!
THE KING’S KIDS – JUNE & JULY
“…Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me…for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
Luke 18:16
IMPORTANT! PARENT HUDDLE
June 8th: 4:00 – 5:00
p.m. (in the
church library)
Come hear plans for new King’s Kids!
Bring ideas for Family
Nights!
Bring ideas of how we
can help YOU as a Christian parent & family!
(Childcare will be
provided!)
FAITH FINDERS (Summer Sunday School)
Starts June 8th
2 Junior Detective Agencies:
Agency A: Kids: 4 years
through entering 2nd grade
Agency B: Kids:
entering 3rd – 6th
grades
WE NEED YOU to teach ONE Sunday during the summer!
(2 & 3 year old
class will continue to meet in Childcare Room downstairs)
SCUBA
(Super
Cool Underwater Bible Adventures)
VBS --- June 16-20 (evenings)
Leaders’
Meeting – Sunday, June 1st: 3:00-5:00 p.m. (Church Library)
Items we need: socks (any color); oatmeal boxes (round ones); Thanks!
“kids
can help (build the new church)!” –
KEEP BRINGING IN ALUMINUM CANS!
Keep
bringing your cans to the red bins in your Sunday School classroom!
Adventures in Odyssey: fun adventures take place at the Imagination Station
Auto
Be Good Series: In the style of Disney’s movie “Cars”, these ½ hour segments
teach good Christian character).
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HAVE A GREAT
SUMMER!
DON’T LET SUMMER ACTIVITIES KEEP
YOU FROM GROWING IN JESUS!
See you on Sundays and other Summer Church Fun
From Your Mission
Committee
QUARTERS FOR MISSION
During the month of April you
gave $177.50 in the Mission cans. This went to CASA (Court Appointed Special
Advocates). The
money collected during May and June will go to our Ethiopian Partnership. The July collection
will help support our youth mission trip this summer.
ETHIOPIAN
PARTNERSHIP
ENGLISH FOR ETHIOPIA
The Ethiopian Partnership still
has openings for English tutors to help high school youth in Ethiopia this
July. If you
want to have an exciting and rewarding time in Ethiopia, see Dave Phillips.
This is another project of the Ethiopian Partnership. The Mission Committee will sell bottled water during the coffee hour to support this project. Be sure to read the label on the bottle.
Update from the
Building Committee
May 2008
As you can
see, progress on the Sanctuary is happening on many fronts. In setting up the
concrete pours for the sidewalk(s), we ran into some discrepancies on the plans
versus the field surveying which had to be addressed and resubmitted to the
Building Department. We don't have much of an elevation difference to work with
so every inch of elevation is important when King Street becomes a river. This
is why the excavation has been open for so long. I'm sure many of you are
familiar with the term "tailgate engineering"; and although it is usually very
effective, it doesn't fly on such a project as this. All the t's must be crossed
and the i's dotted.
On communion
Sunday I'm sure you noticed the echo, but now with most of the insulation in
place the room has a much different sound. It will probably become more echo-y
again after the sheet rock is installed, but the sound and acoustician
consultants are working to give us a pleasant experience for worship.
The
beginnings of a revamped entry from the Nevada Street side are taking place; you
can see the new sidewalk leading up to the Choir warm-up room. This door will
become a double door which opens up to a hallway leading into the Narthex. The
walls forming the beginning of the hallway are already in place making the Choir
room a bit smaller. Eventually, the wall between the Choir room and Karen's
current office (Pat Hardy's previous counseling office) will be removed
providing for one large room for the Music Department. The sidewalk has two
steps in it on the Nevada Street end because we don't want to risk trauma to the
tree by cutting the roots. The entry is not required to be ADA compliant but if
it becomes a desire of the congregation, we can add a wheel chair ramp to the
side. Let us
know if you think it is necessary.
Well, progress is a daily occurrence now, so anything I
write here will fast become old news. Hopefully, I have explained some of the
more unusual things we all see going on.
It
was unanimous, the annual picnic of the Desert Schooners will return to Grover
Hot Springs State Park in Markleeville. This year's date is Saturday, August 2. How can we beat the
gorgeous weather, beautiful setting and the deer parade.
The coals will be hot around 11 AM, so bring your meat for cooking and a
side dish to share.
Water and iced tea will be provided.
Everyone is invited to share the scenery, the food, and best of all, the fellowship. For details see Jan or Dave Brees, or call them at 530-694-9509
Sunday, June 15, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Here is an opportunity to unite with the membership of this congregation
and grow into a deeper understanding of WHO God is calling us to be as servants
of Jesus Christ.
This can also be a great way for current members to reacquaint themselves
with what it means to belong to Christ's body and our Presbyterian
tradition.
This is an informal and informative session led by our pastors. If you would like to participate in this time, please call the church office to sign up. 882-1032
ANNUAL CHURCH
REMEMBER YOUR TITHES
AND OFFERINGS THIS SUMMER
As you make your vacation plans, please remember to be as consistent as you can in your giving to our Lord’s ministry at First Presbyterian Church. While you are away, our church bills do not take a summer vacation. You may mail your offering to First Presbyterian Church, 306 W. Musser Street, Carson City, NV 89703. Steady and regular giving greatly assists our ministry. Thank You.
Congregational
Giving-General Budget
Needed
Given Difference
May 18
$ 7,812
$ 7,592
$ - 220
Yr to Date
$ 163,240
$ 166,627
$ + 3,387
Per Capita
$
11,383
$ 6,154
$ -
5,229
Thank you for your gifts
toward Per Capita!
Recycled Cans Total
$3,461
Pennies Total
$150
Copper Total
$150
E-Bay Sales Total
$8,111
Thank You All and Keep Them All Coming!
CANS FOR THE
KINGDOM
Please bring your aluminum cans to church. They will be redeemed for cash to help build
the new sanctuary.
There will be barrels at each door for dropping off cans.
PENNIES FOR
HEAVEN (or at least a new sanctuary). We are saving pennies or any scrap
copper. There
are jars at the doors.
Sunday, June 15, 3:00 – 5:00
PM
Here is an
opportunity to unite with the membership of this congregation and grow into a
deeper understanding of WHO God is calling us to be as servants of Jesus
Christ. This
can also be a great way for current members to reacquaint themselves with
what it means to belong to Christ's body and our Presbyterian
tradition.
This is an informal and informative session led by our pastors. If you would like to participate in this time, please call the church office to sign up. 882-1032
LOST AND
FOUND
1.
If you or your children are missing any clothing, take a
look at the coat rack in the downstairs hallway. Winter is over now and you may have forgotten
that you left a jacket there.
2.
If you have sung in the choir or other music group in the
last few years and still have music at home, please return it now to Karen.
3. A few years ago one of our large handbells was misplaced. As you are in various places at church or even at home, keep your eyes open and let's see if we can find it. It must be someplace! If you find it at home and are too embarrassed to hand it to Paul or Karen, just leave it someplace where we can't miss it! It will cost over $600 to replace and we can think of better uses of those $$$.
REMEMBER YOUR TITHES
AND OFFERINGS THIS SUMMER
As you make your vacation plans, please remember to be as consistent as you can in your giving to our Lord’s ministry at First Presbyterian Church. While you are away, our church bills do not take a summer vacation. You may mail your offering to First Presbyterian Church, 306 W. Musser Street, Carson City, NV 89703. Steady and regular giving greatly assists our ministry. Thank You.
GOODSEARCH.COM
You say that you are trying to find a way to give money to the church, but just don't have any? If you use a computer to look at or buy things on the internet consider this. If you will use GOODSEARCH.COM to find things instead of Yahoo or Google, the church will get a penny for every search you make.
Just enter GOODSEARCH.COM as an address. When the screen comes up, fill in the blank for where the money is to go with: FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Carson City. The computer will recognize that name and the next time you use it will fill it in automatically. Below that blank space you will find ways to make your browser put a search space on the browser so you can quickly do all of your searches with GOODSEARCH.COM.
Now if you really want to
contribute more, and buy things at online stores consider using GOODSHOP.COM. If
you will go to GOODSHOP.COM first you will see that some percentage of your
purchases will go to the church. When you get to GOODSHOP.COM, scroll down on
the page to see all of the stores you can shop at and the percentage they will
contribute. Lots of them are low percentages but it all adds up.
GIVE IT A TRY. If you need help call Dawn Berger or Paul Weaver or some other computer geek you know!
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THE TRUMPET Published by the First Presbyterian Church N. Nevada & W. Musser Sts. Goodwin Memorial Building 306 West Musser Street Carson City, NV 89703 775-882-1032 fax 775-882-8095 Pastors The Rev. Bruce Kochsmeier The Rev. Alan Dorway The Rev. Pat Hardy Worship Services Family Life Center 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Webpage New
Hope Counseling ------------------- Articles for publication should be in the
Administration Office by the
15th of each month. Articles may be edited to fit space. |