Midweek Musings Newsletter
May 7, 2009
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10
Summer Office Hours
Reminder: Effective May 29 thru September 4, the NCP office will be
closed on Fridays.
Messages left on the answering machine after COB on Thursday
will be returned the following Monday morning.
Documents have been posted for the 801st Stated Meeting of NCP. Additional documents will be posted by no later than 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 8. Please visit the Docket page at:
http://ncpresby.pbworks.com/Docket+Packet
Download a VESSEL Registration form here: Vessel Registration May 19 2009 Final.doc
General Assembly Moderator to visit
New Castle Presbytery
The penultimate reminder that GA Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow will be visiting New Castle Presbytery for part of three days in less than two weeks. Here is the tentative public schedule:
Sunday, May 17, 4 p.m.: Participate in the dedication of the Mary Randall Center, a part of Meeting Ground in Elkton.
6 p.m.: Dinner at the Mary Randall Center. All presbyters invited to both events.
Monday, May 18, 8 a.m.: Breakfast with Cecil County clergy, Elkton Presbyterian Church.
10 a.m.: Town Hall forum with the moderator at the Elkton church. All “northern” presbytery clergy and elders invited and encouraged to attend.
3 p.m.: Similar Town Hall forum at the Georgetown Church for all “southern” clergy and elders.
Tuesday, May 19: Attend 801st Stated Meeting of New Castle Presbytery. Open forum followed by worship with Rev. Reyes-Chow delivering the homily and tri-officiating in the Lord’s Supper.
Midweek Musings by Reid Beveridge, Stated Clerk
One of the things I learned a decade ago in the early days of being the stated clerk of another presbytery was to guard against the danger of becoming a Pharisee. You remember them, don’t you. Here’s what Jesus had to say about the Pharisees:
“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees. You lock people out of the kingdom of Heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites. For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make a new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.” – Mathew 23:13-15. Etc. etc. You get the idea.
One of the tasks of any stated clerk is to follow and enforce the “rules.” In the case of us Presbyterians, the rules are the Book of Order. That means that any presbytery stated clerk is involved with two aspects of the “rules:” Working with administrative commissions and working with the entities involved with the Rules of Discipline.
In our presbytery’s case, there are three types of administrative commissions. The most common is the type created to install or ordain a minister of the Word and Sacrament. These come and go routinely, and their creation is accomplished in the motion to “receive” the person from another presbytery, or to approve a call.
A second type, unusual to us and a handful of other presbyteries, is our Speer Trust Commission. It was created more than 20 years ago to administer the will of Mr. and Mrs. George Speer, who left their estate to the Presbyterian Church in care of our presbytery. Nowadays, it is elected in three classes much like a presbytery committee and works more or less independently of everything else, including the presbytery itself.
The third type, which are relatively new to New Castle Presbytery, are those commissions created to work in a “troubled” church. I caveat “troubled,” because the presenting fact situation varies dramatically from case to case. We have five of these at work at the moment, with a total membership of 35 ministers and elders. As previously reported, the churches involved are Gunby/Makemie, West, Pencader, Church of Our Savior and Manokin.
The Manokin commission was created more than a year ago and is ongoing. The financial questions that were largely the cause of its creation have been resolved. No money is missing, although the commission took control of Manokin’s multi-million-dollar financial resources almost immediately. The commission now is focused mostly on Manokin’s viability into the future (it has 27 members), and on how to provide for pastoral leadership.
Two other commissions are nearing the end of their work. The report on the future of Gunby church was introduced at the March presbytery meeting and then deferred until May. Please go to the presbytery website, www.ncpresbytery.org, scroll down to “docket” and call up the commission’s written report, which unfortunately was not available to presbyters in May. A vote to approve this report is docketed for the May presbytery meeting in Salisbury.
Finally, the West commission has reported, and the presbytery has voted, to close West church effective the end of this April. The church building at 8th and Washington the west side of downtown Wilmington will revert to the presbytery’s Board of Trustees. The trustees are working with a property manager to secure the future of this real estate until the presbytery, through its various entities, can determine the future ministry there.
The other two commissions and judicial process are ongoing in quiet ways. Please pray with us that those of us involved with these activities do not “lock anyone out” of heaven nor make them “a child of hell.”
-- Reid K. Beveridge, Stated Clerk
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THE VESSEL AT PRESBYTERY
Got Kids? Worried About Money? Wanna be a techie? Then stay tuned for information on the VESSEL classes coming to the May 19th Presbytery meeting in Salisbury, MD!!
Download a VESSEL Registration form here: Vessel Registration May 19 2009 Final.doc
CLP CliP
Judy Adams is another fascinating member of the CLP cohort (as is her husband Buzz). She has been accepted as an inquirer under care of the Presbytery. Judy describes herself this way:
My birthday was April 13th of 1941 which was Easter. I am now waiting till I am 90 to have my next Easter birthday. Several things happened at both my birth and prior to my birth, which make my life a miracle. My Mother was forced off the road into a concrete abutment while she was pregnant with me. Then the cord was wrapped around my neck when I was being delivered. Miraculously the cord broke. I say that is the reason that I am not wrapped too tight. J
A native of Delaware, the Lower-slower Sussex County, my husband and I met when he was skating with another girl and soon it was love at second site. I attended one year of college at Boston Conservatory of Music and then transferred to Shepherd College. My major at Boston was ballet with a minor in drama.
My degree from Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV is BA in Secondary Education, English and Physical Education. Off and on I have taken classes for fun and for knowledge: Spanish, creative writing, audited some courses at Duke Theological Seminary and took a few credit courses at Westminster Theological Seminary. My required studies for becoming a Commissioned Lay Pastor were finished this winter with both my on-line courses with University of Dubuque and the Presbytery’s courses. Sally Cordrey and I both received Cinnabons with candles as part of the celebration of completing our studies. Of course, we will always be studying and growing in the spirit of the Lord Jesus.
My concern for those who don’t know the Lord is a call for all to live the Great Commission of Jesus, “Go into all the world.” As I visualize each person, I pray that something that I say will speak to their heart to make them love the Lord Jesus or even commit to Him.
My quest for lifelong learning prompted me to apply for entrance to the Dubuque on-line Masters of Divinity program. My acceptance was in the mail last week. And now, I wait for the Lord God’s provision.
My husband, Buzz, and I have been taking the Presbytery’s CLP classes together and the process has been a growing experience for both of us. We supplied the pulpit for the summer of 2007 at Manokin Presbyterian Church. Our main focus will be visitation of the people and the importance of the Gospel message to all of us. We also see the need in small churches, who cannot afford an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament, to still have a CLP.
We have two children who live close to us and we call it a commune. We have four lovely grandchildren, one that I keep teasing that she will become a minister also. She is the oldest and the one who was involved with our business and our church.
So, what does the Lord want of me? My leading seems to be as small church pastor or, with further training, to be a Chaplain in some facility. We will just have to wait to see what the Lord Jesus has in mind.
Judy and Buzz always have a lot to contribute in our classes and we are blessed to have them with us.
Have a blessed week!
- Carole Miles
NEW SIGNAGE AT CHESAPEAKE CITY PC
Chesapeake City Presbyterian has a new sign in the front yard designed and constructed by a long time elder of the church. It proudly bears the PCUSA logo and will be illuminated at night. This is evidence of vitality and life in the journey of First Presbyterian. Come by and see!
Limestone Musical: The Castaways on May 8th & 9th
Please email to your church members:
The Castaways Musical at Limestone Church This Friday and Saturday Night: Benefit for Meeting Ground
You are all invited to Limestone Presbyterian Church this Friday and Saturday night for a musical that will benefit Meeting Ground through an offering at the end of it. The church youth and children have done past productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, God, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Children of Eden. Our sanctuary has been transformed with a large stage, theatrical lights and more. The Castaways is about an hour long and will start at 7:00 p.m. Check out the web site for details: http://www.limestonepresbyterian.org/TheCastaways/index.htm
PENCADER PC
Be up-to-date:
This Saturday, May 9th, is First Planting Day at the Pencader Church Community Garden.
Coming This Sunday – May 10, 2009, 9:30 AM - Learning Adventures for Children, Youth and Adults
11:00 AM Worship Bob’s sermon, “Be Who You Are”. Be prepared: Mark 5: 21-24, 35-43
Next Sunday – New members will be received into Pencader Church.
Don’t miss this happy celebration!
Download flyer here for more information: Be Up-to-Date with Pencader.pdf
In Honor of Our 2009 Graduates
Baccalaureate service
Please join us for a Baccalaureate service
on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 pm.
Building and Maintaining a Strong Foundation Throughout Life
Rev Barry Gray, Pastor of Port Deposit PC and Vice-Moderator of New Castle Presbytery,
will be the speaker.
Janes United Methodist Church
213 N. Walnut Street
Rising Sun, MD 21911
(410) 658-6800
Open to all graduating seniors.
Following the service there will be a Senior Reception at the Best Western, Northeast, MD. Deserts and beverages will be available for the cost of $7.00 per person; children under three free. RSVP will be needed for the Senior Reception. Please contact Janes Church directly with the amount of your party attending.
The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with Justice and Righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times a rich store house of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. - Isaiah 33:5-6
Free Concert with Joe Holt
![[joe+from+newark+1-13-08+cropped.jpg]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iGUT02Ivetg/SOw-0NbQixI/AAAAAAAAAGw/boKiNlW6YhI/S220/joe%2Bfrom%2Bnewark%2B1-13-08%2Bcropped.jpg)
New Castle Presbyterian Church is proud to present Joe Holt in concert on Sunday, May 17th at 5:00p.m. Joe will perform a program of familiar hymns and songs along with Jazz and popular standards and entertaining demonstrations of musical improvisation.
Joe is an improvisational pianist, with a unique and diverse musical background. A graduate of Glassboro State College (NJ) in the 1980’s and a student of Yoheved Kaplinsky, he has built his musical expression on this classical foundation, with a commitment to his own improvisational performance. At hundreds of events each year, Joe performs primarily as a soloist, but has also performed with his own trio, and established jazz groups both in the Mid-Atlantic region and throughout the US in concerts and jazz festivals. In addition, Joe is a board certified music therapist (MT-BC), serving seniors in dozens of communities in PA, NJ, DE and MD. He has also served in the roles of musical director and producer (for theatre, performing artists, and in the recording studio) and in music ministry (most recently as Worship Arts Director for the Chestertown (MD) Church of the Nazarene, from 2003-2006). Joe lives with his wife, Carol, and family in Chestertown, MD. He is highly recommended by presbytery member John Ames.
Joe is active in recording, appearing on over 20 albums, 6 of which are on his own label. He also performs weekly for “Joe Holt’s Notes on the Radio” – heard (locally) on WKDI 840am, and through his website. For more information, including a schedule of piano concerts and performances, Joes’ on-line instruction program, and his video performance diary: visit www.joeholtsnotes.com. See him perform on:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8787E91FF768B418
Come join us in the New Castle Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall (25 E. 2nd St.New Castle, DE19720) on May 17th and enjoy the many talents of Joe Holt! Coffee, sandwiches and desserts will be served. For further information, call 302-328-3279.
Is Guatemala in Your Future?
It you have any hopes, thoughts or urges to travel to Guatemala or if you are acquainted with mission work in Guatemala, you may wish to sign up for an important upcoming workshop. The Guatemala Group of NCP, made up of five congregations collaborating on mission work to the indigenous people of the Mam Presbytery, is hosting a day long presentation on Mayan Spirituality. The language dialect of the Mam is Mayan based and not Spanish.
Dr. Bill Peck of Chapel Hill, NC, who was raised in Guatemala the child of Presbyterian mission workers, will be speaking at Westminster PC, Rehoboth, on Saturday May 30th.
Events begin at 9:00 AM and involve three presentation topics:
9:45 – 11:00 am Mayan Spirituality and World View before the Spanish Conquest.
12:00 n – 1:00 pm Mayan Spirituality during Five Centuries of Roman Catholic Hegemony
2:30 – 3:45 pm Mayan Spirituality in Conversation with Presbyterian Faith and Work
The cost for the day including lunch is $15.00. Come to one or all presentations. Please contact the Presbytery office at (302) 366-0595 to help with determining attendees for lunch.
Strawberry Festival
Please join friends and neighbors
Of the RichardsonPark Community Action Program at the Annual CAP
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
At Calvary Presbyterian Church
Saturday, June 6, 2009
9 AM to 3 PM
Calvary Presbyterian Church
Maryland Avenue at Boxwood Road
Flea market tables available: $15.00 to rent
Luncheon served
Fresh berries by the quart
Strawberry shortcake
CAP flea market tables – donations appreciated
Baked goods table – donations needed
Help wanted --- All are welcome and admission is free.
Please contact Sandy Ide (302) 798-8664 to volunteer, donate, rent a table or ask questions.
Prostate Cancer Screenings
Call (302) 765-4161 for more information
Wednesday, June 17 5 – 7:15 p.m. Christiana Care Health System
Adult Medicine Department
Wilmington Hospital, 2nd Floor
501 West 14th Street, Wilmington
Many men are afraid, or embarrassed to get checked for prostate cancer. But, a simple blood test and an exam only take a few minutes – a few minutes that can save a life.
Who should be screened?
- African-American men age 40 or older.
- Men over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer.
- White and Hispanic men over 50.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer testing and make a plan that’s right for you.
Download flyer for more information: Prostate.pdf
SonRock Kids Camp
Where Kids Build their Lives on the Rock: Jesus!
WHAT: Join us for Vacation Bible School
WHERE: Calvary Presbyterian Church
701 S. Maryland Avenue / Wilmington, DE 19804
Tel: (302) 994-4044
WHEN: June 22-26, 2009 from 9:00 am – 12:00 n
WHO: Everyone who will be four years old by August 31st through those that just finished
6th grade. The more the merrier!
WHY: To have fun learning that we are Accepted, Protected, Saved and Forgiven by Jesus and Living for Jesus through Bible Stories, Music, Games, Crafts and Snacks.
Registration is $5 per child. Please call for additional information. Hope to see you there!
Download SonRock Kids Camp VBS Registration Form here:Calvary VBS.pdf
Skin Cancer Screening & Awareness Program
Join us for a FREE
Skin Cancer
Screening & Awareness Program
Monday, May 18
Tuesday, May 26 or
Wednesday, May 27
5:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Christiana Care Helen F. Graham Cancer Center
Register today.
Call (302) 623-CARE (2273)
Download flyer for more information: Skin Cancer Screening.pdf
Featured Resource from the InterfaithResourceCenter
Interfaith Dialogue at the Grass Roots, edited by Rebecca Kratz Mays, (Ecumenical Press, Philadelphia) is one of the best and most practical books that I have read on the topic of interfaith dialogue. The compact 130-page book is teaming with insights from fifteen interfaith professionals with years of experience in all aspects of interfaith ministry. It examines what dialogue looks like, the keys to effective dialogue and mutual respect, and working with interfaith groups of all ages. Each chapter concludes with a number of questions appropriate to leading discussion in a small group. Don't let the challenges of interfaith dialogue hold you back. Here is a book that can provide inspiration and know-how.
Paula W Hartzell
Interfaith Resource Center
913 Wilson Road / Wilmington, DE 19803
302.477.0910 or 800.336.6152
www.interfaithresourcecenter.com
resource.ctr1@gmail.com or resource.ctr@dol.net
Camp Scholarships
The Leadership Development Unit will award a $100.00 scholarship to any youth under 18 who wish to attend a Christian-based camp or conference. A member congregation of New Castle Presbytery must be the sponsor of each applicant.
All recipients will be asked to provide a brief report on their experience, such as a few sentences and a photo or two, which may be used in Presbytery communications. Payment will be made to the sponsoring church or directly to the camp or conference. Scholarship applications are available on the Brochures, Forms & Other Downloads section of the Presbytery website, along with directions for where to send them. A total of 49 scholarships are available in 2009.
Click here for scholarship application: http://ncpresby.pbworks.com/Brochures,+Forms,+Other+Downloads
Camp Johnsosnburg
Catherine Gillette of Limestone Presbyterian Church wrote the following for LDU about her camp experience. She was able to do leadership training at the nearby Presbyterian Camp at Johnsonburg in the summer of 2007 because of an LDU scholarship. This summer she will serve again as a camp counselor before she starts her freshman year at the PCUSA-related College of Wooster.
I have spent time each summer at Camp Johnsonburg http://campjburg.org/ for the past ten years. Last year, I was on staff for the first time; this year, I look forward to spending another summer as a camp counselor. There are dozens of stories I could tell about my adventures at camp. As a camper, I did it all: clown camp, girl power, survival camp, the mystery unit, leadership training, etc. I enjoyed every minute of the camp activities: boating, swim lessons, free swim, lake swim, arts and crafts, archery, low ropes, high ropes, rock wall, hiking, theatre games, nature, music, meadow games, cook-outs, camp fires---you get the point.
Most importantly, Camp Johnsonburg helped me to grow in my faith. As a camper, I loved the counselor-led, informal, discussion-based Bible studies. As a counselor, I love having the opportunity to share my faith with my campers and peers, and I love those moments when a camper's comment gives me a new perspective. Camp Johnsonburg provides a safe, encouraging environment where campers and staff can continue or begin their faith journeys. So many aspects of camp life are faith-based, from the songs sung in the dining hall to the way people treat one another. At the same time, it is not at all the kind of environment that pressures people to believe a certain thing or "beats people over the head" with religion. It's an amazing, comfortable balance.
Camp Johnsonburg is like a family to me and so many others. Every summer, I reconnected with friends from years before and the staff members who left such an impression on me. At the same time, there were always new and exciting people to meet. It didn't matter if it was your first summer or fourth. Everyone was welcoming and all-around friendly.
I can not say enough amazing things about Camp Johnsonburg and the time I have spent there. One truly has to experience it in order to understand. Camp Johnsonburg has made me the person I am today, and I could not be more grateful. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone interested in a fun time and opportunity to grow in their faith.
BY CATHERINE GILLETTE
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Note: Catherine would welcome the opportunity to talk to Sunday Schools and youth groups about the joys of church camp. You can email her at mckeanwriter@yahoo.com
MOM Van
Dear Friends,
It is with a very heavy heart that I am informing you that due to budget constraints, the PCUSA Health Ministry office at our national headquarters has closed. The (MOM) Mission on the Move health van is no longer functioning. The MOM van will not be able to come to Delaware in November as we planned. We will have to make an alternative plan for our community efforts that centered around the work of the health van.
The Good News is that the passion, dedication and a new interest in health ministry is alive and well! Parish Nursing will continue under the (PHEWA) Presbyterian Health Education and Welfare Association. We just have to find a new way that we call can continue the cooperative work of wholeness and healing.
Please note that the Delaware Region Health Ministries Network is still alive and well. The Spring Gathering will be on May 7th (World Day of Prayer) at the HelenGrahamCancerCenter in Newark.
The work of health ministry is needed now more than ever. If you all have some ideas, would like information or would like to get together to collaborate ideas, please email me.
Yours in Christ,
Donna Bowers, RN, BSN, MDiv
(302) 682-8323
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