Midweek Musings Newsletter
October 7, 2009
NEWSFLASH: Effective October 7, 2009, the Midweek Musings Newsletter will be posted to the website every Wednesday by 3:30 pm instead of Thursday afternoon. Please make sure items for inclusion are emailed to Michelle Woodson by no later than 10:00 am each Wednesday. Thank you!
The Presbytery office will be closed on Monday, October 12th in observance of Columbus Day. Messages left on the answering machine after 4:30 pm Friday, October 9th will be returned on Tuesday, October 13th. Thank you and have a happy and safe holiday weekend!
Midweek Musings by Jim Moseley, Executive Presbyter
Presbyterian church members and clergy can be found participating in all kinds of community efforts to help others and build solidarity across social, racial and religious lines. One prime example of this is our participation in the annual CROP Walk held across the country.
The Newark CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, October 18, and is mentioned in the following article. We can encourage more Presbyterians to walk and boost our visibility in our communities by showing up and showing off. By that… I mean wearing a hat, T-shirt or logo advertising ourselves as caring Presbyterian folk who work together to make a difference. Get creative and “festoon” a painter’s hat, “flout” a bright bandana, hand out peppermints along the way… or how about singing a round or two of Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s new hymn, “Our God, You Send Us Out to Walk?” Those who can’t walk can surely pledge. Best wishes to all walkers!
CROP Walk for New Castle Presbytery is October 18th
All New Castle Presbyterians are invited to join a Presbytery-wide CROP Walk on Sunday afternoon, October 18th. Registration will be open from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Newark United Methodist Church’s parking lot located on Delaware Avenue in Newark. This CROP Walk has options for two walks, a 1.3 mile walk or a 5 mile walk. Volunteers are needed as walkers, crossing guards, to help at water stations and/or to sponsor walker(s). CROP Walks seek to overcome poverty, to feed the hungry, to shelter the homeless, to cloth the naked, to care for and provide medicine to the sick, to provide water to the thirsty and hope to the needy. Church World Service provides all these services and more to thousands of God’s children in the USA and in hundreds of impoverished nations. The money raised during this walk will go to support Church World Service’s efforts, with 25% going to four local charities: the Delaware Food Bank, Newark Empowerment Center, Community Kitchen and Hope Dining Room. This is an intergenerational event for children, youth, adults and seniors. Rich Lapointe is the CROP Walk Chair (office phone: (302) 366-7040, home phone: 292-0539 and email: rlapointe@newark.de.us
Promotional Packets for churches with the walkers’ registration forms are available from the Presbytery Office.
In addition to the Newark Walk, there are other Crop Walks happening the same day. Nancy Rowland shares the following information with us.
New Castle Area
CROP Walk
Sunday, October 18
1:00 p.m.
On Sunday, October 18th, New Castle area churches will join thousands of communities around the country in sponsoring a fundraising walk to fight hunger and poverty. You may choose a 1 ½ or 3 miles walk. The Walk will begin at New Castle United Methodist Church parking lot at 1:00 pm.
Funds will support Church World Service’s national and international emergency relief programs, with 25% of locally raised funds going to help the Food Bank of Delaware and the Emmanuel Dining Room. This year dogs are welcome to walk, and you can even sponsor your favorite pooch!
For information on walking or sponsoring a walker, please call Chair Joan Skilton @ (302)658-9991 or the New Castle Presbyterian Church office (302)328-3279.
New Castle Presbyterian Church
CROP Walk Hymn
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Pastor at Limeston PC, has written a new hymn for CROP Walk entitled "Our God, You Send Us Out to Walk." The hymn is also posted on the Presbyterian Hunger Program Blog and Facebook:
BLOG - http://presbyterian.typepad.com/foodandfaith/2009/10/a-hymn-for-walkers.html
PHP FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Louisville-KY/Presbyterian-Hunger-Program/11586835518?ref=ts
Download hymn here: Our God You Send Us Out to Walk _CROP hymn_.pdf
Eco-Justice at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Due to your interest in the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, and as a part of the Council, we thought that you might be interested in learning about some programs of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that are related to eco-justice concerns.
In April the Environmental Ministries Office re-opened to implement the 1990 General Assembly policy “Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice” and to serve as a resource for presbyteries, congregations, and church members who are interested in care for creation issues. To learn more about the PC(USA)’s programs on environmental issues and ways that you can get involved, please visit the website, subscribe to the e-newsletter, or read the blog.
The Presbyterian Washington Office is the public policy information and advocacy office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Its task is to advocate, and help the church to advocate, the social witness perspectives and policies of the Presbyterian General Assembly. The church has a long history of applying these biblically and theologically-based insights to issues that affect the public — maintaining a public policy ministry in the nation's capital since 1946. This fall, the Washington Office will be engaging in, and inviting Presbyterians to participate in the national debate on climate change legislation. To learn more and to subscribe to the e-newsletter “Witness in Washington Weekly,” visit the Washington Office website.
The Enough for Everyone Program calls Presbyterians to live as global disciples by evaluating our lifestyle choices both as individuals and as congregations in order to help create better lives for those living in injustice. Enough for Everyone sponsors programs to help individuals and congregations make these lifestyle changes, such as Just Living, Presbyterian Coffee Project, Electric Stewardship, Sweat-Free T-shirts, Oikocredit, Eco-Palms, and the Global Marketplace. To learn more about Enough for Everyone, go to their website. There you can subscribe to the e-newsletter and link to the Enough for Everyone blog.
Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) MRTI implements the General Assembly's policies on socially responsible investing (also called faith-based investing) by engaging corporations in which the church owns stock. This is accomplished through correspondence, dialogues, voting shareholder proxies and recommending similar action to others, and occasionally filing shareholder resolutions. To learn more, visit the MRTI website.
We hope that these resources are helpful to you in your environmental ministry. The journey to restoring creation inspires us to work in community. Join us!
Katie Holmes
Program Assistant, Environmental Ministries
General Assembly Mission Council - Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministry
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
100 Witherspoon Street, Room 3221Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-569-5624 / Toll Free: 888-728-7228 x5624 / Fax: 502-569-8116
Email: katie.holmes@pcusa.org
CLP CliP
This week we have the thoughts of a very special Commissioned Lay Pastor who is completing her three commissions at Coolspring Presbyterian Church – Linda Williams. She writes:
I can't believe that it has already been three years since I was commissioned to Coolspring. I am leaving at the end of my term, October 31. The Session is ready to move forward with an ordained minister although I don't think it will be a full-time position.
I have enjoyed everything about my experience there! Planning worship, choosing music, and thinking of creative ways to proclaim the scripture was one of the main focuses. There was always such energy on Sunday mornings that I was inspired and felt very blessed.
I have had many wonderful times of sharing with families of the congregation and others in the community. Funerals are a special time of celebrating the life of someone that I may or may not have known, and I appreciated being involved in them. It felt like such an honor to speak words of hope to the families and friends of the deceased. Also, I performed one wedding and two baptisms - events that I will never forget. Getting to talk to people prior to such important milestones is a gift and something I enjoyed. Sharing faith stories is always a highlight.
The biggest challenge that I faced along with the congregation, was the building of a new community hall. It went smoothly, was relatively "painless", and has now been dedicated to the Glory of God. The future is very bright and I'm sorry to be leaving, but I learned a lot and (I hope) taught a lot as well.
Being a CLP was everything I thought it would be and even more! The hardest part for me was preparing a sermon every week. After three years, it seems like I've already used all the words I know and all the theological thoughts I have. I guess that is why I have never felt called to be a Minister of the Word and Sacrament, but I still feel strongly about the ministry of the laity and the priesthood of all believers!
I don’t think Linda could have said it any better. It’s a fantastic description of a Commissioned Lay Pastor.
Until next time, God bless!
- Carole Miles
The Visitor Remix
Present a gift or an info pack to visitors. They’ll remember you when they drink their morning joe!
Got a suggestion for the Visitor Remix? Send it in tojtaylor@ncpresbytery.org!
Smyrna PC Rededication
The Smyrna PC Rededication has been rescheduled to November 8th. Stay tuned to the Midweek Musings Newsletter for more detailed information. Hope to see you there.
Limestone Presbyterian Living Water Concert
Free Concert
Saturday, October 10, 2009
7:00 pm
Featuring Contemporary Christian Music
By Limestone Presbyterian Church's
Living Water Ensemble
Download flyer for more information: LW Free Concert Flyer2.pdf
Open House
PCUSA@UD invites you to an Open House on
Sunday, October 11th from 1-2 p.m.
Download flyer for more information: PCUSAUD Open House Oct09.pdf
Concert Celebrating Diversity
CONCERT Sunday, October 11, 3 p.m. at Hanover Presbyterian Church celebrating diversity and the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. Free and Open to the Public (an offering will be taken). Performers include the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware; Patrick Evans, baritone (Yale Institute of Sacred Music); Frank Voltz, harp (recording artist and popular national jazz clinician); Krystal Rickard, lyric soprano and conductor, University of Delaware Music Department; Hanover Presbyterian Choir; readers from AIDS Delaware, Delaware Pride, Just For Youth, Hanover Presbyterian Church; Yale Institute of Sacred Music. The concert will conclude with members from multiple choirs singing two numbers together: Beethoven's Hallelujah from his oratorio Mount of Olives, and "I Will Make a Difference" by Moses Hogan. A reception will follow. For further information about the concert, contact Larry Peterson, Hanover organist. (peterson_larry@hotmail.com)
Congregational Care Providers Training
JoinPastoral Services at Christiana Care Health System as we present three evenings of continuing education for the faith community. Directed toward lay persons providing pastoral care within their congregations, this is a basic skills development program for Stephen Ministers, Deacons, Congregation Visitor Program participants and other lay people. Topics will include: the Pastoral Visit; Barriers to Caregiving; Listening and Responding; Loss and Grief Issues.
Registration and fee information: The fee is $45 per person for the series. Congregations that enroll five to eight participants may submit one check for $200, which will cover up to eight registered participants. Please call Nancy Miller at 302-733-1280 for registration information.
Dates: Wednesday October 14, 21, and 28 7 PM - 9:15 PM
Christiana Hospital John H. Ammon Medical Education Center Rooms 4, 5 & 6.
Note: Advance registration is required for attendance.
Timothy D. Rodden, BCC
Director, Department of Pastoral Services
Christiana Care Health Services
302.733.1227
Health Care Rally
Interfaith Bridge to Health Care Reform
October 15th
Health Care Reform Insert: health reform insert.pdf
Health Care Reform Poster: health care reform poster2.pdf
Last spring, with generous support from the Presbytery, four Hanover members attended the Sojourner’s Mobilization to End Poverty in Washington, DC. Over the course of the summer we worked to educate our congregation about the issues, and this fall, Hanover’s Faith in Action decided to take action on an issue that affects many people and correlates strongly with poverty.
Join us Thursday, October 15, and voice your commitment to health care access for all US citizens. Hanover is inviting people from all faith traditions to a day of solidarity to support health care reform. The event does not endorse a specific plan or type of reform. We seek to shed a spiritual, moral light on the obligation to care for the sick and the poor, and to speak on behalf of those who are unable to speak for themselves.
Keeping Watch for Health Care Reform with display of signs, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. People or congregations can take a one- or two-hour shift on the bridge at any time during the day.
Location: The WashingtonStreetBridge in Wilmington
Rally For Health Care Reform - 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Speakers on health care reform, including people who have been affected because they lacked insurance.
Location: The north end of the WashingtonStreetBridge and BrandywinePark near the old Sugar Bowl (adjacent to the Bridge).
Candlelight Vigil - 6:15 to 7 p.m.
Leaders representing a variety of religious traditions and participants will hold a candlelight vigil with readings, prayers and songs on behalf of health care justice for all. Bring a candle or other small light to show your support.
Location: BrandywinePark near the old Sugar Bowl.
Above are two documents: one can be used as a bulletin insert (print on legal paper), and the other is a flyer you can distribute or post to get the word out about the event.
For more information or to sign up for a shift on the bridge on Oct. 15, please call Alice Davis at 429-0607 or email alicewilm@gmail.com
Hymns of the Reformation
First Presbyterian Church – Newark, seeking to know Christ and to make Him known, announces a special worship service, “Hymns of the Reformation” on Sunday, October 18th, at 10:30 AM. The First Presbyterian Church Choir, Bell Ringers and Brass Ensemble will focus on the great hymns of the faith from Martin Luther, Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, and John Calvin.
First Presbyterian Church, 292 W. Main St., Newark, is ½ mile west of the University of Delaware on State Route 273. Parking is available, and the church is handicapped accessible. For more information, contact the office (fpchurch@firstpresnewark.org or 302-731-5644).
The Phantom of the Opera
Join us for an unforgettable “Movie Night” at Westminster PC:
The Phantom of the Opera
Friday, October 30th at 8:00 pm
The 1925 silent movie classic, starring Lon Chaney
with live organ accompaniment by Paul Fleckenstein
Download flyer for more information: phantom flyer.pdf
Youth Reflections on Conference Experience
Each year the Leadership Development Unit (LDU) provides scholarship funds for youth and adults who wish to attend a Christian-based camp or conference. Below are some reflections from youth who received 2009 LDU scholarships:
Kaitlyn Raker – New Castle Presbyterian Church
I want to be a part of the environmental movement because God created humans to live on the earth and take care of it. However, we have failed in this. I believe that since we only have one earth it’s important to honor God’s creation and preserve it.
Zach Dobson – New Castle Presbyterian Church
Montreat set my heart on fire this week. It showed me that the world has a lot of problems. It is up to us to help people who are hungry, homeless, sick and troubled by war. It is up to us to distinguish the negative fire and light a positive fire.
In Liberia, there has been plenty of gun violence through war. The streets are covered in bullet shells. To make good from bad, citizens started an organization to create crosses from the bullet shells and sell them. They are witnesses of God’s fire in bad times.
Jaclyn Cobb – New Castle Presbyterian Church
All the kindness and smiles that have been sent my way this week have just brightened me up. Every time I received some form of a kind gesture I was eager to return it to someone else.
I have seen the fruits of God through many of my friends at Montreat, the small group leaders and conference leaders. It seems like going to Montreat makes everyone look at life differently and you see the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit come out more clearly through people.
Danielle Knox – New Castle Presbyterian Church
Montreat this year reintroduced me to old friends and helped me make new relationships with new people.
Amber Simmons – Hanover Presbyterian Church
My heart was set on fire when I saw the talent show Thursday night. When I saw everyone and their amazing talents it showed me that there are still good things left in the world. I have been transformed because I am more open and ask more questions about people so I can get to know them and their stories better.
Bethany Dixon – Easton Presbyterian Church
This week helped me realize that right now my calling is suicide prevention. It helped me focus on how I want to help stop teen suicide and prepared me to do what I will need to do.
My parents have always supported me, and my friend Sarah has just become a Christian. She’s transformed so much that it’s inspired all of our friends.
Jenny Brumbaugh – Seaford Presbyterian Church
Montreat this week has been a wonderful experience. I’ve made some amazing new friends and rekindled my relationship with God. Sometimes I forget how important your faith and belief in the Lord can be, and Montreat has helped me to remember just how powerful God’s love really is.
Hiring for Christmas Kiosk in Christiana Mall
Christmas spirit is ready to embrace all of us again ... We hope, 2010 will be a fortunate new year!
Christmas kiosks will be open in Christiana Mall end of October, and we are looking for righteous and hardworking seasonal, FT and PT team members.
All positions require retail experience, great interpersonal skills, being able to work nights and weekends.
Appropriate training will be provided.
Please let us know, if any one is ready to share Christmas blessing with us.
Please send your resumes to: christmasjobs@hotmail.com
Social Security Corner
Keep up-to-date on Social Security with the Midweek Musings Newsletter
Social Security Column
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES WITH LIMITED INCOMES
By Sharon Kuczak
Social Security Manager in Salisbury, Md
Most Medicare beneficiaries who did not enroll in a Medicare drug plan by the May 15, 2006 deadline will need to wait until the next annual enrollment period (November 15 - December 31, 2006). But if you are eligible for the extra help that is available under the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, you can join a Medicare drug plan at any time without paying a penalty in 2010.
The extra help can pay for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program, and it could be worth an average of $3,900 per year. Basically, you may qualify for extra help if your income is below $16,245 a year as a single person or below $21,855 a year if you’re married and living with your spouse. Your total resources must less than $12,510 if you are single or $25,010 if you are married and living with your spouse. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds, but do not include your house and car. And resources can be slightly higher (an additional $1,500 per person) if you will use some of your money for burial expenses.
Also, if you first become eligible for Medicare in February 2010 or after, you can enroll in a drug plan during your initial enrollment period of seven months — three months before and three months after the month you become eligible for Medicare.
If you think that you might qualify for the extra help, you can complete an online application at www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and a representative will assist you in filing an application over the phone. For more information about the prescription drug program itself, you can go to www.medicare.gov.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR - READ YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT: DO YOURSELF A FAVOR READ YOUR STATEMENT.pdf
A Mission Fair Celebration
DOWNLOAD MISSION FAIR APPLICATION HERE: MISSION FAIR APPLICATION 2009.pdf
Interest in Mission Initiatives is growing across New Castle Presbytery. More churches are involving more people in a greater number of projects than ever before. Indeed Christ compels us to love one another and to express that love through hands on caring and sharing.
At the November 17th meeting of Presbytery hosted by Lewes Church a Mission Fair will be staged in the fellowship hall of the church to celebrate the many mission activities of the congregations of New Castle Presbytery. During the regular speakers time the presbytery will instead meet, greet and learn about the multitude of mission endeavors our churches sponsor locally, nationally and internationally.
We are asking all of our congregations and fellowships to participate. Table top displays, hand outs, posters, pamphlets and assorted “treats” are all welcome. This will be a great time for clergy and lay leaders to learn more about one another’s ministries.
Every attempt will be made to accommodate those churches wishing to make presentations with the use of PowerPoint software or to report on travel trips and group events by using classroom spaces. The larger fellowship hall will be reserved for individual displays and mingling activity.
Of course, the number of groups participating will affect display space. Churches should think creatively. A table top display on a smaller card table and upright posters would be a good start. There will simply not be enough electrical outlets to give everyone media capability on the floor. However, individual rooms with this capability may be available. (Contact the NCP office to discuss specifics regarding this request.) To confirm a space an application must be mailed or faxed into the office. To register and reserve space congregations may download a reservation form posted on the NCP website at www.ncpresbytery.org and mail or fax to the office ASAP.
We welcome suggestions and input to help make this event an exciting one. Perhaps your church has hosted such an activity and you might share your recruitment and planning process with staff. Let us hear from you! Should you have any questions please contact the presbytery office at (302) 366-0595.
- Jim
Attention Session Clerks
The new calendar year format for the Review of Session Minutes and Church Registers is in progress.
Reviews for all churches in the Presbytery will be in the Spring of 2010. You will need to have all records through December 2009 complete and in the traditional metal peg minute book with leather covers and the register when you come for the review. What you include will not change in any way for the minutes or register.
So we accomplish this change “decently and in order” it will be VERY important that you keep me informed of who your clerk is with an E-mail address, home mailing address and phone number.
Nora Andresen, Presbytery Record Clerk
circle15@comcast.net - 610-388-3620
Angel Food Program
The Angel Food Program is open to anyone and everyone who would like to stretch their food dollar. Menus are available after the last Saturday of every month. You may pick one up at Hanover PC or from Becky (302) 584-0356. Orders must be placed with Becky by the second Saturday of each month. The food will be delivered to Hanover PC on the last Saturday of the month around 9:00 am. We will try to make other arrangements if this is not convenient. Due to the lack of storage space we cannot hold orders for more than 24 hours. If food is not picked up it will be given to the Food Pantry to distribute.
Please call Becky at (302) 584-0356 if you have any questions.
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