Midweek Musings Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

 

 

The Presbytery office will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

 

 

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New documents have been posted to the docket page

for the 802nd Stated Meeting of New Castle Presbytery

Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at Trinity PC at 4:00 pm

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Acts 16:5 Initiative

 

Download Acts Initiative and hotel brochure here:  Acts Initiative and Hotel Brochure.pdf

Also available on the Brochures, Forms and Other downloads page

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Midweek Musings by George Hall, Moderator

 September Is Here

 

September is here and almost all of us are preparing to switch from summer activities to fall and winter activities.  Our God has put the seasons in operation and as mortals, we marvel and enjoy them.  In the New Castle Presbytery, we have some very special opportunities to show our appreciation for the wonders of nature and the changing seasons as we keep our Covenant with God.

 

The first such opportunity is in committing ourselves to helping persons that are involved in the schooling process.  We can tutor, substitute-teach or mentor someone.  This can be done in many churches and in all of the private and public schools.  When we look at the achievement of students, we can see that we are truly needed and are doing one of the things God calls us to do.  It is truly Godly when we help give someone else the opportunity to realize their full potential and chance to live a productive life.  In fact, it is well worth reading From Scotch and Irish Seeds in American Soil by Rev. J. G. Craighead.  This works supports the rich legacy that Presbyterians have as earnest advocates and patrons of general learning.  It is almost inherent in the very nature of our church system.

 

A second opportunity we have to keep our Covenant with God is attending the September 22, 2009 Presbytery meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 4:00 pm.  We will feature the Rev. Bill Somplatsky-Jarmon who is Head of Mission Responsibility at PCUSA, Louisville.  We will also hear from Dr. Chad Tolman who is a research scientist and minister.  Both of these speakers will be available during a dinner forum following worship.  They are both well versed in being wise stewards of all that God has created; especially the earth.  They have done extensive research germane to the environment and the global warming issue.

 

The third opportunity for us to do something exciting for our church during and after the September equinox is to attend the Acts 16:5 Initiative.  This will be held at Lewes Presbyterian Church, October 25-26, 2009.  The Acts 16:5 Initiative is intended to launch and help us define some strategy for growing and strengthening our individual congregations via a tried and proven system.  The strategy will be presented over a three-year period pending the results of the initial sessions in Lewes.  The sessions will be presented by Rev. Stan Ott and the Vital Churches Institute.

 

Finally, let us commit ourselves to making a renewed and positive effort to effectuate change in the world around us.  Let’s see that our church, our schools and environment become a part of that up-tick that we are beginning to see in our global economic picture…optimism, enthusiasm; hard work…it is a part of our Covenant with God.

 

Blessings,

 

George Hall 

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Deepest Condolences

 

 

It is with deep regret and sadness that we inform you that Howard McFall, former pastor at Red Clay Creek PC, died on August 22nd. Red Clay Creek is planning a memorial service for in October.  Details will be forthcoming.  Please keep the McFall family in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you and God Bless.

 

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CLP CliP 

 

This week Cindy Joseph, one of the CLP students reports on some exciting events coming up at Georgetown Presbyterian Church.  She says:

 

            At Georgetown Pres. we have been celebrating our 150^th Anniversary all year long.  Presently, I’m working on a 5k run/walk to be held at our park on October 24^th, 9 AM.  100% of all proceeds will be given to Emerg. Housing Repair (our congregation has been working with them for some time now).  We also will have an Alex Lemonade Stand in the park to benefit the Foundation of Childhood Cancer.  We will have registration on the day of the run/walk but encourage folks to sign up prior to receive a t-shirt of the event!  Please spread the word, come on out, exercise, and get a drink of lemonade!

 

            Prior to this event, October 18^th, GPC will have our Homecoming.  The Rev. Mike Williams has a special guest speaker coming out to give the message, the Rev. Dr. Pete Peery, President of the Montreat Conference Center.  We are all very excited about all this is going on at GPC.  Join us in worship on this very special day of celebration.

 

Another special event was the first meeting of the CLP/Leadership Team by conference call on Tuesday evening, September 1.  Present were the Rev. Jim Moseley, the Rev. Billie Brightwell, CLP graduate and Inquirer Judy Adams, and CLP students Nancy Day, Lee Johnson and Carole Miles.  Among the topics covered were the next class (Reformed Theology) and its dates; the proposed schedule of 6 classes per year to allow for possibly completing the program in 3 years; tuition and scholarship procedures and costs; the need for an annual review of students and evaluation protocol; a Polity class for the Jan./Feb. 2010 class period; the procedure for putting students on the Supply Pastor roster; and the possibility of internships for CLP students in the future.  It was decided to meet monthly by conference call, with the next meeting to be September 10, when there will be further discussion of the evaluation protocol; course cycle and the fall class on Reformed Theology.  It was a lively discussion and the consensus was that a lot was accomplished.  Please keep the CLP/Leadership Team in prayer as we go forward in planning the CLP Program.

 

Until next time...

 

Carole Miles  

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The Visitor Remix 

 

Update your pew cards with adequate space for visitor information.  You never know who might want a call!

 

Got a suggestion for the Visitor Remix?  Send it in tojtaylor@ncpresbytery.org!

 

 

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White Clay Creek PC Receives 2009 Best of Newark Award

 

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

 

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church has been selected for the 2009 Best of Newark Award in the Presbyterian Churches category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

 

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

 

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

 

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

 

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

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A Simple Mission Support Alternative

 

Are you looking for a way to boost mission support without impacting your church budget? Regardless of whether you are struggling with a limited church budget and/or agonizing over cutting mission giving, Alternative Giving can help you increase mission support.  An Alternative Christmas Gift program offers an opportunity for your members to continue mission support as part of their Christmas gift shopping.  Medical Benevolence Foundation can help.

 

What is an Alternative Gift?  An Alternative Gift s is a shopping solution for people wanting to give meaningful Christ-centered gifts.  It addresses the dilemma of what to give the person who doesn’t need or want more ‘stuff’.  Alternative Gifts can also honor someone whose gift preferences are unknown or when material gifts seem trivial or inappropriate.

The giver selects a mission project to support in honor of their family, friend or colleague.  The gift supports mission and the honoree receives a card with an insert telling them of the gift made in their name.  Medical Benevolence Foundation has free materials to help you promote Alternative Gifts, including a list of suggested gifts and Christmas cards and gift inserts to give to honorees.

For more information on including MBF in your Alternative Christmas Giving or to find out more about promoting Alternative Giving in your church, contact Molly Wyenberg, Alternative Giving Coordinator, mwyenberg@mbfoundation.org, 800-547-7627, ext. 120 or visit the Medical Benevolence Foundation website at www.mbfoundation.org.

Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) is a PC(USA) validated mission organization and supports PC(USA) medical mission personnel and the health-related programs of Presbyterian partner churches worldwide. 

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SAVE THE DATE

 

Sunday, October 11, 3 p.m., Hanover Presbyterian Church in Wilmington

 

A concert celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender diversity.  Performers include the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware; Patrick Evans, baritone (Yale Institute of Sacred Music); Frank Voltz, harp (Winston-Salem, NC, recording artist); Krystal Rickard, lyric soprano and conductor; Adult Choirs from NewarkUnitedMethodistChurch and Hanover Presbyterian Choir; readers from AIDS Delaware, Delaware Pride, Just For Youth, Hanover Presbyterian Church; Yale Institute of Sacred Music.  A reception will follow the concert. For further information about the concert, contact Larry Peterson, Hanover organist.

 

The concert is part of Hanover's month-long series of worship and study in connection with National Coming Out Day on October 11.

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Career Insights For Teens

 

Interfaith Career Counseling for Youth*

 

Upcoming Programs

FALL I: (2 Sessions)

• Saturday, September 12  (9:30 – 12:30) and
• Saturday, September 19  (9:30 – 2:30)

Trinity Presbyterian Church -1120 Darley Road

 

Call Sue Crump at (610) 558-5680 or check www.careerinsightsforteens.org for information and application.

 

FALL II: (2 Sessions)

• Sunday, October 18  (1:00 – 5:00) and
• Sunday, October 25  (1:30 to 6:00)

Congregation Beth Shalom - 18th & Baynard Blvd.

 

Call Bob Stoddard at (302) 571-1691 or check www.careerinsightsforteens.org for information and application

 

* CIFT is an interfaith youth program of New Castle Presbytery 

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Small Church Choir Workshop a Huge Success

 

"Come on sister, Come on brother, let's go down to the water to pray" sang the enthusiastic voices of the massed choir now representing nine congregations. Gathered to enjoy fellowship in singing and to provide resources for choirs in smaller congregations, we are hearing such comments as "It's inspiring to sing together while making new friends.” "I never had the nerve or the voice to sing in a choir, but Dee has made it easy for me." "This is fun!" Below are some photos of the choir workshop.  Yes, there is still room for more singers so we invite you to join us.  The final Workshop will be held next Saturday, September 12 and the massed choir will lead a worship celebration on Sunday afternoon, September 13, 5:00 at Pencader Presbyterian Church. Save the dates, and come.  "Come on sister. Come on brother, let's all gather to praise God."

Bob Undercuffler

www.pencaderchurch.org

 

                         

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You're Invited

 

Coolspring Presbyterian Church

is pleased to invite all Presbytery members and friends

to attend the

Dedication Service of our new Community Hall.

Sunday, September 13, 2009 - 2:00 pm

 

Coolspring Presbyterian Church

28843 Log Cabin Hill Road

Lewes, DE

Phone:  302-703-2545 / Email:  CoolspringChurch@comcast.org 

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Organ Concert & Dedication

 

Rudy Lucente Organ Concert and Dedication

Sunday, September 13 - 3:00 p.m.

 

Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church

101 Old Kennett Road, WilmingtonDE  19807

(across from Winterthur)

 

Download flyer for more information:   Rudy Lucente Organ Concert and Dedication.pdf

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Presbyterian Women

 

Presbyterian Women in New Castle Presbytery

 

2009 Fall Workshops and Gathering

 

September 16, 2009 – Ocean View Presbyterian Church 

September 17, 2009 – St. Andrews Presbyterian Church

 

Download flyer for more information:  Gifts of Women flyer II.pdf

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Wonderful Wednesdays

At Pencader Presbyterian Church

2303 Glasgow Avenue – Newark, DE 19702

 

Pencader Presbyterian Church will be conducting a “homework help night” beginning Wednesday, September 16, 2009 in the church’s Fellowship Hall.  The format for the evening will be a combination of games, fun, dinner, help with homework and a character lesson. There will be teachers available to assist or students may just want a supervised area to complete their work.  The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7:00 p.m. with dinner served about 6:00 p.m. for $2.00.  Computers will be available as needed.  The first session will run every Wednesday for ten weeks (September 16 through November 18) with additional sessions to follow.  Initially assistance will be offered for students in grades 3-8 with possible expansion to other grades as the program progresses.  Please visit our website www.pencaderchurch.org or call Don Keister at 302 834-7688 for more information. 

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Community Yard Sale

 

 

It's a yard sale!  It's more!  It's West Nottingham's 2nd Annual Huge Community Yard Sale on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 7:30 a.m. until noon on the corner of Firetower Road and Tome Highway.  Space is available to rent for $10 for a 10' x 10' space.  Vendors wanted!  Please contact WNPC at 410-658-6366, x21 to reserve your space.  Payment must be made at the time your space is reserved.  Checks can be made payable to West Nottingham Presbyterian Church.  Please include your name, phone number, how many spaces you want reserved, what you are selling, and any special requests.  Hope to see you there!

 

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Workshops for Children's Ministry Leaders

 

Retreat Day

Ministry Leaders for Children & Youth

Presented by The LOGOS Ministry

 

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church

Odenton, Maryland

 

Download flyer here for more information:  Powering Up Retreat flyer.Odenton.pdf 

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Social Security Corner

 

 

Keep up-to-date on Social Security with the Midweek Musings Newsletter...

 

Social Security Column

 

SPOUSES CAN APPLY ONLINE, TOO

  

By Ben Shamburger

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Dover, De

  

You probably already know that when it comes time to apply for retirement, you can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.  But did you know that spouses can apply online, too?

 

That’s right.  If you are a spouse applying for benefits based on your husband’s or wife’s record, you can do it online from the convenience of your own home.  It’s so easy!

 

Wonder whether you may qualify to apply for spouse’s benefits?  If you are a spouse who has not worked or who has worked for very low wages, you could be entitled to a benefit equal to as much as one-half of your retired spouse's full benefit.  Even if you are divorced, you may be eligible for benefits based on the employment record of your former spouse. 

 

To get benefits on your spouse’s record, you must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in your care — a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.

The amount of your spousal benefit depends on your age at retirement.  If you begin receiving benefits before full retirement age, your benefits will be permanently reduced in most cases.

You also may be eligible for a retirement benefit based on your own earnings.  If that benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, Social Security would pay you the higher benefit.  We compare which of the two benefits would be more beneficial to you, and discuss the options you have.

 

If you have reached your full retirement age and are eligible for a spouse's benefit as well as your own retirement benefit, you may choose to receive the spouse's benefits only in order to continue accruing delayed retirement credits on your own Social Security record.  You may then file for benefits at a later date and receive a higher monthly benefit based on the effect of delayed retirement credits.

 

Remember that if you are a spouse who is taking care of a minor child (16 or under) or a child who is disabled and gets Social Security benefits on your or your spouse’s record, you can receive a benefit, regardless of your retirement age.

 

Read more about Social Security Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html.

Ready to apply for benefits right now?  You can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. 

 

If you do not have access to the Internet, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).  Otherwise, visit www.socialsecurity.gov to learn more about Social Security. 

 

Next issue - Social Security Q&A. 

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New Resource at the Interfaith Resource Center

 

(www.interfaithresourcecenter.com)

 

Effective Stewardship: Doing What Matters Most, hosted by Dave Stotts and written by Jonathan and Amanda Witt, is a five-session study on 5 critical aspects of stewardship: talents; the environment; our neighbor, our church and families, and our treasure. Raising thoughtful questions about all of these issues and not providing easy answers, these sessions are sure to spur discussion in your group. Reasoned, but conservative in its approach. Contact the IRC staff at 800.336.6152 (302.477.0910) or email resource.ctr@dol.net.

 

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