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Saturday, March 22. 2008
The adult Sunday School class will not meet tomorrow, but I received these tidbits in my lesson. I thought it would be fun to pass along. See how well you do with the quiz (you know I love quizzes...)
Easter itself is the big news for Christians today. So you might be interested in giving your class the True or False Quiz we've prepared below to see how much your members really know about this special day, and then letting the Bible verses we listed with the answers guide your discussion.
Easter is also news this year in that it occurs so early. We noticed the following being circulated in e-mail:
Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare.
This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives. And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early before (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here are the facts:
· The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
· The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
For more, see: http://www.godweb.org/easterdate.htm
Easter: True or False?
1. After Jesus was resurrected, he was seen only by a few close followers.
2. Jesus was the only one raised on Easter.
3. Jesus time in the tomb was compared to Jonah's time in the great fish.
4. Jesus appeared only twice to his disciples after the resurrection.
5. Jesus submitted to death expressly to take his life up again.
6. Paul thought the resurrection of the Messiah was a new idea.
7. Christ's resurrection is for all people.
8. The resurrected Christ had a flesh-and-blood body.
9. After the resurrection, Jesus remained on earth 70 days.
10. The resurrection of Christ was not inevitable.
11. It was impossible for death to hold Jesus.
12. Jesus defeated death with his resurrection.
13. Christ's resurrection does not ensure the resurrection of others.
14. Christ's resurrection is the central truth of Christianity.
Answers
1. False. There were many eyewitnesses to the resurrected Jesus: Acts 1:22; 10:39-40; 1 Corinthians 15:4-7
2. False. Many dead saints were also raised, though it is not clear whether they remained alive for long: Matthew 27:52-53
3. True. Jesus himself made this comparison: Matthew 12:40
4. False. Jesus appeared at least three times to his disciples after the resurrection, but probably more than that: John 21:14
5. True. Jesus submitted to death expressly to take his life up again: John 10:17-18
6. False. Paul viewed the Hebrew Bible as predicting the Messiah's resurrection: Acts 13:34-35 (cf. Psalm 16:10)
7. True. Christ's resurrection is for all people: Acts 26:22-23
8. True. The resurrected Christ had a flesh-and-blood body: Luke 24:39-40
9. False. After the resurrection, Jesus remained on earth 40 days: Acts 1:3
10. False. The resurrection of Christ was inevitable: John 20:9
11. True. It was impossible for death to hold Jesus: Acts 2:24
12. True. Jesus defeated death with his resurrection: Revelation 1:18
13. False. Christ's resurrection does ensure the resurrection of those who trust him: 1 Corinthians 15:12-15
14. True. Christ's resurrection is the central truth of Christianity: Acts 4:2, 33; 17:2-3; 1 Corinthians 15:17
Saturday, March 22. 2008
Good Morning, Friends!
Don't forget, worship is at 7 and 11 tomorrow. A light breakfast will be served after the sunrise service. There will be Sunday School for toddlers and elementary children in the Church House at 10 AM.
It will be glorious to share the resurrection with you tomorrow, but for today we still wait. I've been receiving daily lenten emails that have really helped my lenten journey. I thought today's devotion was great. "We are not in control here" -- How comforting.
May you be blessed in your preparation for Easter.
Stephanie
The Day of No Preparation
John 19:38-42
Martin B. Copenhaver
This day is so different from those on either side. The Good Friday cries of "Crucify Him!" have receded, but they have not yet been replaced by the "Alleluias" of Easter. So this day can have a kind of eerie quiet about it. According to this passage from John, the day before Easter falls on the Day of Preparation, that is, a holy day when Jews ritually prepare their homes to celebrate the Passover by cleaning out every trace of yeast because the Passover meal is celebrated with unleavened bread. And Nicodemus makes a return visit in this passage to prepare Jesus' body for burial, another ancient ritual. This day before Easter we may be involved with our own kind of preparations, as well--perhaps beginning preparations for Easter dinner or even preparing an Easter sermon. The delicious irony of this day before Easter is that nothing can prepare us for what follows. The resurrection is an event without precedent, so it thoroughly confounds expectations. Even the disciples of Jesus were not looking for it. And the resurrection is a divine act, not a human one, so we cannot prepare for it. We are not in control here. When Easter arrives tomorrow we will receive the joyous reminder of who is.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to take our rightful place in the story of this week, as people who await a gift we do not deserve and cannot fully prepare to receive. Surprise us again by your grace. Amen.
Monday, March 10. 2008
ROBERT EMERY*
Robert "Bill"
William Emery, III.
Passed away peacefully on March 7, 2008.
Professor Emery was a well known organist and choir director his entire life. He studied at West Chester University, Columbia University and Catholic University. He retired in 1989 as the Chairman of the Music Department of Lincoln University. Since 2000, Mr. Emery served as a substitute organist at numerous churches in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland; previously he served for 16 years as the organist and choir director at White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church. Bill was well known for volunteering his time and talent at varies organizations including the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Newark Senior Center, Evergreen Center and the Newark Manor Nursing Home. Mr. Emery served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church USA. He was a member of the Newark Senior Center, AARP, The American Guild of Organist and served as treasure of the Newark Symphony Society for many years; he was a lifetime patron of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mr. Emery served our country in the US Army in North Africa during WWII and was a life time member of VFW Post 475.
Mr. Emery is survived by his son, Robert William Emery IV; a daughter, Jane L. Emery; a granddaughter, Tess C. Emery; a brother, L. Warren Emery and wife Pearl; sister-in-law, Jane Harvey and his faithful friend Darby. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and countless friends. Mr. Emery is preceded in death by his wife, the light of his life, Emma Keech Emery.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, March 12, from 6-8 pm, in the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark DE 19702. Friends and family will gather for a service in memory of Bill on Thursday, March 13, in First Presbyterian Church, 292 W. Main Street, Newark DE 19711 at 11 am. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Emery can be sent to either: the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Chapter, 2306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805; or Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810.
To express an online condolence please visit www.strano-feeley.com.
STRANO & FEELEY
FAMILY FUNERAL HOME
& CREMATORY
302-731-5459
Wednesday, February 6. 2008
Grace and peace!!!
Paul and I are sitting here enjoying the last some soda as our last drinks before Lent begins tomorrow. The coffee isn't set and we are ready for the caffeine headaches! If you haven't heard, Rock is challenging you to take on the Water Challenge for lent this year. We are asking you to drink only water for Lent and put aside the money you would have spent on drinks to donate to One Great Hour of Sharing. Some folks might start tomorrow but you can find more about it in the newsletter or in church on Sunday.
Also, remember that tomorrow evening is the Ash Wednesday service at 7pm at St. John's UMC in Lewisville. Going towards East (toward Newark) on 273, turn left onto Rt. 213 N. St. John's is about a half mile up the road on the right. It will be a very meaningful service with communion and ashes. Pastor Dave Rash and I have a running friendly competition about who will have more there.....
I spent some time with HS today who is back in Union Hospital with more fluid in his lungs. It is indeed Congestive Heart Failure and the doctors believe that they can put something in to stop the fluid build up. Please keep him in your prayers.
Pictures from last weeks scrapbooking event are in the Photo Gallery and sermons and articles are available on the web for all of you!
This Sunday is our Friendship Sunday -- bring a friend to Sunday School and/or church. There will be a small party during the Sunday School hour and light refreshments after church. If you are willing to donate some cookies that would be fantastic!!!
It is also the first Sunday in Lent. We will have communion and the opening of our focus on "Sharing, Simplicity, and Sacrifice." There are many great things planned so come ready to receive what God has to offer you!
A note for meetings -- the trustees will meet NEXT Wednesday due to Ash Wednesday and the deacons will meet next Monday.
I think that's all!!! Blessings. Rest well knowing that God has you cradled in the palm of his hand...
Stephanie
Thursday, January 24. 2008
Greetings Friends!!!!
I hope "hump day" brings you one step closer to a great weekend! I know my day was eventful when my sweet dear son locked me in the bathroom accidentally (the lock is on the outside!) and I found myself climbing out a VERY small window! It was actually humorous to me but my poor little man was beside himself because it took me so long! The joy of toddlers...
So.... I have a few notices, updates for you.
HS is still in the the PCU unit of Union Hospital. He went in last Saturday with fatigue, trouble breathing and just feeling weak. Today they drained some fluid from his right lung but he hasn't heard much. He feels strongly that it is pneumonia. Friends, I urge you to visit him if you can - he is pretty lonely!
MP is home from AI DuPont after his bout with pneumonia and CM is still struggling with her breathing. Please keep their family in your prayers.
This Sunday we will move into Paul's feelings on church unity and explore how we can become a stronger body before Christ.
The Mission Interpretation Committee and some elders will meet Sunday before Sunday School at 9AM to plan One Great Hour of Sharing.
The Long Range planning committee will meet after church. A quick lunch will be provided but then we will head out for a mini-field trip. Please plan on attending if you are a member of this group.
We are working diligently on the website as we speak and there are a few additions:
There is now a mini-feed on the Bible Study page with daily articles and bits of wisdom for you to be enlightened by. Some pictures and information have been updated. The big change is that a page has been added under the section "what we're made of" called members. On this page you will now have access to the Directory and the Annual Reports. These pages are password protected to ensure that our information is not public. I am providing you with the password now and can do so again upon request. If we find that someone has hacked into the system we will change it at some point.
To request the password, please email rev stephanie.
I have also just received the directory photos to organize so the directory will be out and also online within a month or so.
A few other things:
If your newsletter items are not in, please send them NOW!
Elders -- please remember to mark on your calendar that March 15th is our retreat
Everyone -- please mark that February 6th is Ash Wednesday and services will be held at St. John's at 7pm. We are hoping for 30 people from each church.
Scrappers -- February 2nd is an all day Scrapbooking Outreach -- Rock, Paper, Scissors. For $15 you get a table to scrap at, lunch, dinner and snacks. Pass the word to all your crafty friends! And if you've never tried before, come anyway! See Yaz Waters for more info.
February 10th is Friendship Sunday -- think about a friend you can bring to church that day!
As always, remember to keep your pledges current even if you miss a week. We are working diligently to stay on budget this year and we need every person to be committed to the work of the church in order to move forward.
Blessings, Peace, Grace and Love!
Stephanie
I think that's it for now! I'll let you know if I think of anything else.
Thursday, January 10. 2008
Grace and peace to you!
You won't want to miss this Sunday! The adult class will focus on the
Mormon Faith and Mitt Romney's campaign (it's what the curriculum is! I
didn't pick it!). Worship will be uplifting and inspiring as always,
but this week we learn about Jesus' baptism and how each one of us is
God's beloved -- how awesome!
This Sunday is also our annual congregational meeting following worship.
A light lunch will be provided, but please feel free to bring a side
dish, salad or dessert. The meeting will review our financial
information, committee reports, and also take a look toward 2008. A new
phone directory will also be available for each family. If you haven't
handed in your reports, this is your LAST CALL. Please submit them
ASAP!
Several of us will be attending the New Castle Presbytery Annual Retreat from Jan 18-19th at Dunes Manor
Hotel in Ocean City. We will be learning about how to attract people to
our church and how to revitalize stewardship.
The following Sunday, January 20th, we will install the elected officers
during worship. If you are a newly elected officer, please plan on
attending worship on the 20th.
Young Adult Fellowship will meet for dinner and the Cecil County Extreme
Home Makeover show at Rev. Stephanie's house on Sunday, September 20th
at 5pm. Bring a friend!
Elders, please reply about March 15th and whether that date is good for
the session retreat.
Watch for some new items on the web. As we speak, Paul and I are
updating photo albums, tweaking pages on the website and we will be
adding more items and changes in the next few weeks.
Mark your calendar -- Feb. 2nd will be an all day Scrapbooking Day at
the Church House. Lunch and snacks to be provided. Don't miss this fun
event! More information to follow.
And, from an article on ChristianityToday.com about The New Veggie Tales
movie coming out this week (entitled "the Pirates who didn't do
anything"). Read an honest interview from the CEO of the company who
had to let it all go in order to let God move. Some quotes I liked:
The more you preach, the fewer you reach.
What I'm saying here is that apart from Christ, I cannot save the day.
I'm no good thing. We want our kids to hear that they can accomplish
anything if they set their minds to it or if they follow their heart.
But Christianity says, "You can do no good thing on your own and your
heart is wicked."
the article is at:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/philvischer.html
Be blessed,
see you sunday.
Thursday, January 3. 2008
Happy New Year!!!!
What an exciting time for us as God's people! Another chance to start
fresh and realize that we are a new creation in Christ! I pray that you
are enjoying these new days and remembering to write 2008! Blessings to
you this year!
I have a few items of note for you:
This Sunday: Join us for an incredible Epiphany worship. We have some
great music lined up for you including Bob Castaldi joining us on the
snare drum for the anthem. We'll journey with the Magi to see the
Christ Child and we won't return the same road... a new start for each
of us!
As I was studying the scripture I was reflecting on the three gifts that
the magi brought and their significance. The gold was meant for a king,
the frankencense for a priest and the myrrh for a prophet. But as I was
reading this it jogged my memory to an old song I used to love by
Smalltown Poets -- Prophet, Priest and King.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiuTZHeXJpk) (lyrics at the bottom). I
searched for the song and included this link for you. How good it is to
be reminded that the prophets, priests, and kings we seek and follow in
this world will let us down, but our God will always be all that we have
hoped and dreamed of. Take some time and listen to the song and pray
asking God to be your prophet, priest and king!
A few announcements: Please get all annual reports into the office
ASAP! Carol is eagerly awaiting them to put together the information
for you. The meeting will be next Sunday, January 13th following
church. Lunch will be provided. Please attend and find out what's
happening at your church!
How about making a new year's resolution to attend adult Christian ed?
We are having a great time at 10 AM on Sundays in the Church house (with
donuts and coffee) and with the news! Yes, we are trying to integrate
our faith with the news and it is awesome to see how we can plug our
faith into everyday things. Join us!
Next week we'll be back to our regular schedule with meetings and bible
study, so check your calendars!
Many blessings to you this week... See you Sunday!!!
Stephanie
Prophet, Priest and King
Smalltown Poets
Put down my thoughts in a letter to the president
Penciled and packaged with all due respect
Elvis commemoratives just for effect
Never heard back: you think you know a guy
Wired my congrats to chuck and di some time ago
All my love to the queen
My invitation was lost in the mail
But i know i was missed
When they kissed 'neath the veil
I sent a nice gift; never got a note
But my closet's a shrine to and old friend of mine
Here i talk all the time with a prophet priest....
I pull out boxes and brooms
And i gush like a groom
For it's here i commune with
A prophet, priest and king
If i indeed am misperceived
By some heads of state.
Hey, that's great
'cause i talk to a prophet who tells me the truth
And i dine with a king at my home in duluth
Better yet i'm in touch with a much needed friend
Who hears my confessions and pardons my sin
Thursday, December 20. 2007
Do not be afraid!
Ok, there's nothing to be afraid of! but it seems that the angels that are speaking keep saying that!
A few items for you to know:
Newsletter items are due NOW! please get them in to the office asap.
This Sunday we will be blessed by a great play to honor the story of Christ's birth entitled A Knock Knock Christmas. We will sing all your favorite songs and enjoy a great morning of worship together! There will be no Christian Ed for the adults at 10AM . The children will rehearse in the sanctuary at 10AM. The worship service with play is at the 11 AM Service.
Monday evening we will celebrate the coming of the Christ child with an incredible service. Mr. Emery will start early with an organ recital, we will worship with a beautiful O Holy Night Solo, a great choir Anthem and our traditional Silent Night candlelight music. The service is at 11pm. If you volunteered for the Shelter Meal on Christmas eve, please remember what you signed up for!
Committee Chairs -- please begin work on your annual reports -- due in the office by Jan. 6th. Please mark your calendars for the annual meeting on January 13th following worship.
Phew!
I think that's it! Take a deep breath with your 11th hour preparations and carve a place for Christ in that big heart of yours! Blessings and peace! and Do not be afraid!
Stephanie
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