An Invitation to Keep a Holy Lent

Beloved in Christ:

The season of Lent is upon us!  The forty days and forty nights of Lent have begun yet again with the words "remember you are dust and to dust you shall return."-- Haunting words that force us to reflect upon our mortality.  Challenging words that remind each one of us that we are not in control of our destinies.  Calling words which invite us to lose our lives that we might find life: life as God would have us know it.

While a somber time, Lent is also one of the most moving and powerful seasons of the liturgical year. It is a season of remembrance in which we are called to remember God's saving acts in the past that we might discover God's saving power in the present.  Many of the hymns speak of suffering and loss, yet they resound with hope: "For us baptized, for us he bore his holy fast and hungered sore; for us temptations sharp he knew, for us the tempter overthrew!"

The early church saw Lent as a time for getting our lives back on track with God and one another.  Our forebears in the faith understood Lent as a time to let the power of the gospel take hold anew.  Ultimately, Lent is a time for taking on the gifts of the Spirit, even as we take off the ways of the world.  It is a time of nurture and care that we might bear the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and living. 

So what will you give up this Lent?  Scripture invites us to set aside emnity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, envy and the like.  For then there will be room for the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Together, let us journey to the cross this Lent.  Together, let us commit ourselves to this season of penitence, prayer and service as we shed those ingrained habits that hold us apart from the love of God and neighbor.  May we never forget that death precedes resurrection!

With love in Christ,

Debbie Rundlett

General Presbyter 

Holy Habit: Create a Pilgrim's "Coat"

In each of us dwells a wanderer, a gypsy, a pilgrim.  What makes a pilgrimage sacred is the longing behind the journey.

One of my favorite works by artist Jan Richardson is a pilgrim's coat that she created inspired by Isaiah 40:1-11: "Comfort, comfort you, my people" (Viewable in full size by clicking on this link.)

The idea came from the coats worn by Buddhist pilgrims, which bear the stamp of each monastery that the pilgrim has visited.  As Richardson reflects: "The coat of a pilgrim who had been traveling for some time would have looked like a cross between a passport and a prayer book."  

It made me wonder what "stamps" I would want inked onto my pilgrim's coat.  What verses of scripture?  What holy habits?  What signs and symbols of my journey?  This, in turn, got me pondering the Lenten journey now upon us, and my deep hunger to abide with God in this season.  

In each of us dwells a wanderer, a gypsy, a pilgrim.  What makes a pilgrimage sacred is the longing behind the journey.  For what do you long this Lent?  What kind of pilgrimage is God inviting you to embark on this season? 

A Note Regarding Statistical Reporting for 2013

from Candice McMath 

Twin City Community Chorus presents Haydn's "The Creation: An Oratorio"

From Mark Unrue

All are invited to attend the Twin City Community Chorus performance of Haydn's "The Creation: An Oratorio."

When: Sunday, March 9, 2014

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 633 N Main Street, Uhrichsville, OH

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: Freewill offering

Save the Dates!

Upcoming Thai Folk Drama Performances

Esther Wakeman, our missionary, will be traveling to three churches in the Presbytery with her dance team from Thailand.  You can catch these performances at:

• Christ Presbyterian Church, Canton Ohio on Sunday, March 23
• First Presbyterian Church, Wooster Ohio on Sunday, March 23
• and Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Zanesville Ohio on Saturday, March 29

"Believing Out Loud: Finding Your Preaching Voice" training for Lay Preachers in March!

"How can they call on him unless they believe in him? How can they believe in him unless they hear about him? How can they hear about him unless someone preaches to them?" 

(Romans 10:14 NIRV)

Save the date! 

On March 15, 2014, we will be offering "Believing Out Loud: Finding Your Preaching Voice," a one-day training session at the Mission Center for lay people who might serve as pulpit supply.  This is an excellent opportunity for those who may consider the Commissioned Lay Pastor transformation track in Fall 2014, as well as other church leaders, elders, and/or deacons.

Preaching is a physical activity where mind, body, spirit, voice and passion are engaged. In the process of preparing for and practicing sermons out loud, this seminar will provide the practical basics of preaching and aims for your discovery of and gaining confidence in your preaching voice.

• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2014
• Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
• Location: MVP Mission Center, 109 Stonecreek Rd NW, New Philadelphia, OH
• Cost: $25 (includes materials and lunch)
• RSVP to Candice by email or phone (330) 339-5515 before March 11, 2014.

Spring Lantern Fellowship 2014 Women's Retreat

From Tara Mitchell

All ladies are invited to attend the 2014 Spring Lantern Women's Retreat in April.  

Annual Maple Syrup Open House at PHOC

March 2, 2014 at 10:00 am

Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp will be hosting their annual Maple Syrup Open House on March 2, 2014 from 10am-3pm.

Come and enjoy free pancakes and sausage and then take a tour to see their Maple Syrup Operation underway.

Last year, Dick Wiles and his volunteers bottled more than 400 gallons of syrup. Throughout the year, we sell the syrup to raise money for our Summer Camp Ministry. During the Open House, we will be accepting donations to apply toward our Summer Camp Scholarship Program.

Come out and learn more about this ministry we call camp!

Penny Swindall

Office Manager

Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp

4654 Pleasant Hill Rd.

Perrysville, Ohio 44864

Office: 419-938-3715

Fax: 419-938-3714

Email: info@phoc.org

Web: www.phoc.org

An Update from the Presbyterian Women

From Sandi Butterbaugh

Attached is the winter 2013 newsletter for the Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Covenant.  Enjoy!

Winter 2013 Newsletter

An Update from the Synod of the Covenant

From Janet Fehlen

The synod is in the process of sending (via mail) the attached Thank You Letter and Synod Annual Report for 2013, which also includes opportunities for 2014 to all churches within the synod.

Thanks!

Janet C. Fehlen

Executive Assistant

Synod of the Covenant

419-754-4050

From Massillon Central Presbyterian Church

Seeking an Organist

Central Presbyterian Church of Massillon has an immediate opening for a quarter-time organist and accompanist. Instruments are a 2002 Allen Renaissance 80-stop, 3-manual digital organ with MIDI and a Steinway six-foot grand piano.  The individual filling the position will be responsible for one Sunday morning worship service, weekly rehearsal (September-May) with a twenty-five voice chancel choir, special liturgical services, weddings, and in-church funeral services.  

Position reports to the Director of Music Ministries. Compensation will be negotiated and based upon commensurate experience.  A full position description is available upon request. 

Interested persons are asked to contact Larry Lalama at 330-832-7455 or cpcp@sssnet.com.

2014 PW Gathering: "Radical Hospitality"

From the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Covenant 

The PW in the Synod of the Covenant wish to announce their 2014 Gathering, "Radical Hospitality."

• Date: July 18-19, 2014
• Location: Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 5151 W Lennon Rd, Flint Township, MI 48507

Details on breakout sessions, cost, and speakers can be found in this brochure.

Save the Date: May 1, 2014

Re/Entry: Rebuilding Productive Lives, Post-Incarceration

A Policy Coordination and Training Symposium for Professionals

Please see the attached news release announcing the Exploring a Call to Seminary Conference at UDTS 

An Exciting Choral Opportunity for Our Youth