the PRES October 2018 DECISION - MAKING vs. DISCERNMENT I have been thinking about the differences between decision-making and discernment. Discernment is a spiritual practice of trying to figure out where God is calling us to go, what God is calling us to do, and who God is calling us to be. One of the practices that helps me cultivate discernment is the Prayer of Examen from Ignatius. Typically practiced at the end of the day, the prayer is a chance to review the day with God. I name before God where I experienced joy in the day and ask God to show me where I was moving in rhythm with God’s Spirit. Then I name before God the places where I felt discouraged and ask God to show me the places I missed the movement of God’s Spirit. I journal about these reflections and over time, I notice the patterns that emerge in my life. Developing this habit of reviewing each day with God also helps me to be more attentive to the movement of God’s Spirit throughout the day. Of course, not every choice needs to be discerned. I simply make decisions about which route to take to work or which brand of bread to buy. But for the weightier matters in life and in ministry, we would be wise to take our time to discern God’s movement in our lives. Blessings, The Bread of Life and the Abundance of God's Grace The Bread of Life and the Abundance of God's Grace We began exploring the Gospel of John on Rally Day, September 9. In John 6:1-14, Jesus feeds the 5000. Our focus has been on how God shares his grace with us. Our communion table was filled with many different loaves of bread for Communion. Following the service, we used the remaining bread to celebrate that abundance during an enhanced Lemonade on the Lawn. Due to inclement weather, we waited until the following Sunday to write and share with the community what God's grace meant to us on our street sidewalks with sidewalk chalk. Young and the young-at-heart joined in. The image of the Bread of Life continues throughout September. We will culminate by celebrating World Wide Communion with various loaves of bread that we ask you to bring from home. After the service, you are welcome to take the remaining bread to share God's Grace within your homes. Oct 7th —— World Wide Communion Nov 4th —Celebrate All Saints' Sunday Book Study Led by Pastor Kari Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Evans. This book is a helpful guide and discussion, started for those us who seek to take the Bible seriously, but not literally. Evans looks at the different genres in Scripture and how that impacts our interpretation. The Book Study will have two date/time options for those who wish to attend: Sunday Mornings from 9:00 to 10:00 am OR Monday evenings from 7:00 pm -8:00 pm NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT On Sunday, September 30, 2018, Naomi Davis and Victoria Cowley will accompany the piano on the Offertory song, “My Friend”. Naomi will be playing the alto xylophone and Victoria will be playing the triangle. Dianne Kiddy donated the beautiful alto xylophone to our church several years ago in memory of her dear mother. Our goal is to include its use along with other percussion instruments in upcoming months and provide all our youth an opportunity to perform with them. We are grateful to Naomi and Victoria for getting it all started by playing on September 30th.
Do you know our Chancel Choir members by name and voice classification? Sopranos: Linda Duttera, Sheila McCaffrey, Jessica Richardson, Jean Rust (guest) Altos: Bethany Mandes, Carolyn Wallace, Jane Wilson Tenors: Brad Collins, Sean Duffin Basses: Bob McClenahan, Dave McClenahan, Aaron Richardson, Randy Shupp It would be wonderful to add a few more women to our choir, so if you are interested in singing soprano or alto, please let Brenda know. East Falls Presbyterian Church is fortunate to have so many talented Members of our Congregation that supports our Wonderful Church Choir. Our gratitude goes to Brenda Browne SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR THE CHURCH YOUTH IS BACK IN FULL SWING! The Godly Play group is for youth 3rd grade and older, led by Cathy Michini and Rebekah Davis. This group meets in the youth room downstairs across from the nursery. They delve deeper into bible stories, discussing their meanings and how the youth can put God’s word into action in their lives. Our early learners class, for ages 3(ish) through 2nd grade, meets in the upstairs Sunday School room, and is led by Jeff Goddard and Bethany Mandes. In this class, the children are introduced to bible stories using a Montessori-style, story telling program, which focuses on asking the children what they think of a story and how it makes them feel, rather than telling them what they should think and believe. The children then do an art response to help them further their understanding of the story. We welcome members of the congregation who want to learn more about our youth programs and wish to help nurture our youth. Please speak with Kari or one of our teachers for training and security clearance requirements. Submitted by Bethany Mandes Noelle Wilson! An East Falls native, currently a student at John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School and a member of St. Bridget's Youth Group. She brings 5 years of residential babysitting experience and has spent the last two summers as a recreational assistant for the summer children's program at McDevitt Rec Center in East Falls (has child clearances). Noelle will be staffing our nursery weekly starting at 10 am; back up care will continue to be provided by Ashley Harley and Stephanie Valucci. The nursery is focused on the <3 years of age children, but Noelle is happy to accommodate bigger kids as well. Please stop down to the nursery and welcome her to our family! PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIASaturday October 13, 20189:15 am—3:00 pm
This event is open to all church members! Workshops will range from developing creative ministry strategies, to the role of the local church. Morning Workshops: · From Pulpit to Pavement: The Preacher as Relevant Voice in Church and Society · Growing-Up the Next Generation: Emerging Movements in Youth and Children’s Ministry · Transforming the Ordinary into the Holy: Reimagining Sacred Spaces for Worship Just a “Lay Leader?” Reclaiming the Call and Vocation of Elders and Deacons
Afternoon Workshops: · Prophet, Priest, and Pastor: The Complex Call of the Church for a Time Such as This · Understanding Ourselves as We Lead Others: the Enneagram is more than a Number (this session counts as two workshops) · Finding Partners for Mission and Ministry: Expanding the Reach of God’s Kingdom We Never Did It That Way Before (famous seven words): ‘Nurturing Entrepreneurial Spirit within Established Structures’ Carmel Presbyterian Church, 100 Edge Hill Road, Glenside, PA 19038 Sponsored by the Presbytery of Philadelphia through our Ministry & Leadership Incubator. The October 2018 Newsletter will be available & in the Narthex on September 30th 2018 |