Presbyterian Church of Havre De Grace

THE RENEWAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HAVRE DE GRACE 551 Franklin Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 Church (410) 939-3611 - Fax (410) 939-3581

July 2015

From the Pastor. . .

As I listen to comments from people on the street and read through articles and posts on the internet, I am troubled by how our world has become so divided – not so much more in ideas and words (we have always been diverse in our thinking), but in spirit. More and more if one disagrees with someone else one is seen as an “enemy.” What happened to honest debate? What happened to community discernment? Jesus allowed people to discuss their ideas. Often he would ask questions and let others find the answers within themselves. The only people he outright criticized were the ones who claimed to “know it all.” For the most part, he was kind and gentle and compassionate of feelings. His command to us is found in Matthew: Matthew 7: 12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 12 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; . . .”

No one enjoys being told that his/her ideas are wrong or evil. Especially, if in his/her heart of hearts, he/she believes that the idea is correct. When each side thinks it is right and the other is wrong, the best thing to do is concentrate on being the best person God created you to be. In the church community, this is doubly important. People are watching to see how Christians act toward one another. If we can’t get along with each other whom we profess to love and with whom we share ideals, how can we love the world?

So God put some other scripture on my heart.

First is Romans 12. Space prohibits me from re-printing the whole chapter but I urge you to read the entire chapter. Paul gives us the closest thing to an instruction book on how to be a Christian that you will find. I share these verses:

Romans 12: 10; 15-18 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser 1 than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Just as it hurts us when our children hurt, so it hurts the body of Christ and God. Empathy is understanding the pain of others without actually having the pain ourselves. Try to show empathy to those who differ in opinion from you. If your ideas are right, God will eventually show them this. If your ideas are wrong, God will eventually show you and you will desire empathy and understanding from them. Live in the moment as a child of God. Live in peace doing as our Lord commanded us to do.

Finally, I share 1 Peter: 1 Peter 2:12-14 New Living Translation (NLT) 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

As long as something is the law of the land, we must uphold the law. This does NOT say that we cannot work to change the law if we truly believe it is wrong. But it does NOT give us permission to break other laws in the process or hurt others in the process. My rights end when they infringe on yours. Who if anyone is infringing on whom right now is under debate so see Matthew 7 above.

Let us show Jesus to the world. Let us love one another even if we disagree. In the end, God alone knows what God is doing in the world. Let us trust God to sort out the things we cannot. God is working God’s purpose out. Let us be one body of Christ and show LOVE instead of hate and bitterness.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Susie

2 NEW WITNESS CARDS have been produced from pictures and church information on our website. Pick up some cards and spread them around Havre e Grace. Anytime you can share the wonderful work of our church and the family feeling of the congregation, it helps folks find us. THANKS for your help!

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Thought to Ponder The church is not made up of people who are better than the rest – but, of people who are trying to become better than they are!

3 JULY 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4

Independenc e Day

th 14 Sunday in Ordinary Time 6 7 8 9 10 11 5

Worship - 10:00 a.m.

Immigration15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 Committee Trustee’s Communion Sunday Meeting meeting Lew’s S.S. – 9:45 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Worship – 11:00 a.m.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 The Vine’ August food pantry Newsletter 10–11:30 Lew’s S.S. – 9:45 a.m. Session Deadline a.m. Worship – 11:00 a.m. packet info due & Used Book exchange/sal 17Smallerth Sunday Membership in Ordinary Church Time 27 28 29 30 31 e 26 Session Lew’s S.S. – 9:45 a.m. meeting Worship - 11:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m.

Metropolitan/Urban Ministry

Office Hours Monday – 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday – 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday – 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday – Office closed

4 CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

07/02 – Ellianna Andreen 07/13 – Scott Kirkendall 07/03 – Logan Pentz 07/17 – Elizabeth Saenz 07/07 – Priscilla Mathias 07/19 – Joyce Copenhaver 07/11 – Ed Matthews 07/21 – John Immel 07/12 – Taylor Brown 07/30 – Adam Datesman

07/05 – Larry & Becky Dobson 07/08 – Dustin & Tara Werkheiser 07/10 – Paul & Renee Stratton 07/19 – Ryan & Kimberly Andreen 07/31 – Ed & Sandy Matthews

DUTY ROSTER

Liturgist Deacons Trustees Usher-Tellers

07/05 Adam Datesman Sandy Matthews Ron Mathias Team #2 Bill Kietzman (capt.) 07/12 TBD Tara Werkheiser Greg Smith Team #3 Scott Pentz (capt.) 07/19 Logan Pentz Bill Atkinson Paul Stratton Team #4 Greg Smith (capt.) 07/26 Pat Allingham Kimberly Andreen Ryan Andreen Team #5 George Deibel (capt.)

Communion Schedule Childcare Schedule 7/05 – Carolyn Mathias 07/05– TBD - Bill Atkinson 07/12 – Stephanie 07/19 - Stephanie 07/26 – Stephanie

5 H a rf o r d

County Council presented a Harford Living Treasure Award to Madelyn Shank and Mitch Mitchell (sister and brother) for their outstanding contribution to Harford County. A well-deserved award! — with Pat Vincenti, Jessica Hartmann Shank, Mitch Shank, Beulah Campaigns, Mitch Mitchell, Barb Hiob and Michael Hiob at Harford County Council Meeting on June 2, 2015.

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THE VINE FOOD PANTRY Card of Thanks

A friendly smile, a casual touch, these are the things that mean so much. To know you are with

us in our time of sorrow, sharing our prayer, today and tomorrow. God gives us comfort in the

form of good friends, may His peace be with you, and His love never ends. On behalf of the James Rudolph family, we are eternally grateful for the beautiful flowers, the cards, the calls and your love during this difficult time.

6 The food pantry was open on Saturday, June 27th from 10-11:30 a.m. - 15 families were served at this time with 4 new families registering.

The Book Sale was open from 9 to noon with several individuals purchasing books.

Ralph and I wish to thank Sandy Sapp, Ed & Sandy Matthews and Amy Weitzel for their help in distributing the food. Thanks also to those who donated food and/or money to purchase food. The next food pantry will be on Saturday, July 25th.

EVERY 4TH SATURDAY FROM 10 - 11:30 AM

YOUR MONETARY OR FOOD DONATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. WHAT YOU GIVE WILL MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO REAL PEOPLE. THANK YOU!

‘ The Vine Food Pantry’ Schedule for 2015

July 25 August 22 September 26 October 24 November 21 December 19

*In November and December, our food giveaway is on the Saturday prior to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Respectfully submitted, Lew Mason

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Miles of Pennies

Donations for June and July will be announced in the August newsletter.

Our total to date is $465.76 for our fifth Mile of Pennies which started in August 2009. It took us 23 years to complete four miles. A Mile of Pennies consists of $844.80 or 84,480 pennies. The Mile of Pennies originated in 1986. The basket for your contributions (any loose change) is located on your left as you enter the Narthex and ‘thank-you’ for your participation in this mission of our church. The money is used by the Deacons to purchase cards and stamps for mailings to members and friends of the congregation. “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift”. ~2 Corinthians 9:15

George Deibel III Miles of Pennies Chairman

7 8 Anyway (Author Unknown)

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies: Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It never was between you and them anyway.

9 THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HAVRE DE GRACE 551 Franklin Street Havre de Grace, MD 21078-2899

Happy 4th of July

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HAVRE DE GRACE Pastor – Rev. Susie Atkinson [email protected] Church phone - 410-939-3611

July Newsletter