FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DELRAY BEACH TT hhee SS ppiirree The Community C hurch by the Sea March 2012

One Great Hour Holy Week Worship Opportunities

of Sharing Palm Sunday Worship Services plane), we have been told that we in the Sanctuary by Jeanne Heavilin Sunday, April 1st – 9 & 11 a.m. should be able to complete three Co-Chair, Mission Outreach houses in the week we will be there. Holy Week Music and Committee All of us are paying our own Meditation expenses, $700 for airfare, food and in the Sanctuary As of this writing, twelve of us lodging. Monday, April 2nd through (nine from this congregation) will These houses are approximately Friday, April 6th be traveling to Haiti next month to 10’ x 20’ (200 square feet) and cost Noon until 1 p.m. build houses. Not the houses you $4,000 to build, which computes to and I live in, but simple, Maundy Thursday Worship solid houses to replace the Service tents and tarps still being in the Sanctuary used by over 500,000 Service of Communion and Haitians as a result of the Tenebrae catastrophic earthquake in Thursday, April 5th January, 2010. 7:30 p.m. Two years ago, our One Easter Sunday Worship Services Great Hour of Sharing in the Sanctuary offering was dedicated to Sunday, April 8th – 9 & 11 a.m. purchasing tents for vic - tims of that earthquake. Through your generosity, Above: Old home Below: A new home a cost to build of $20/square foot. we were able to provide That is unheard of in this country! over 150 tents. But tents The average annual income for a are not meant to be perma - Haitian family is only $400 nent and the need now is (compared to $31,000 in the U.S. for housing that will with - according to USA Today). The stand hurricanes or even $4,000 is to purchase the lumber, earthquakes. cinder blocks, sand and gravel to Missionary Flights make concrete and to pay local International (MFI) is Continued on Page 3 coordinating this project. They have already built 35 INSIDE . . . houses near Port-au-Prince. With a work crew of eleven Easter Egg Hunt ...... Page 5 to fourteen members (the Concert and Dinner ...... Page 6 maximum that MFI can accommodate on their Mack’s Message C hurch S taff by Rev. Dr. Mack Sigmon Mack Sigmon, D.Min. Interim Pastor Interim Pastor Theodore A. Bush, Ph.D. The death of singer is a tragic reminder that no earthly Pastor Emeritus rewards can purge our inner demons. Houston had experienced a life that Aaron Janklow, M.Div. was a reflection of the world’s ultimate values – beauty, wealth, celebrity, Associate Pastor power and adoration. Yet, the hell of addiction destroyed everything Jo Garnett, M.C.E. Houston was and everything she could have been. Associate for Senior Ministries In an interview in 2002, Dianne Sawyer asked Houston the following Donald J. Cannarozzi, M.M., J.D. question in regard to her addictions: “If you had to name the devil for you, Organist / Director of Music the biggest devil among them?” to which she replied, “That would be me. James K. Poch, S.M.M. It's my deciding, it's my heart, it's what I want. And what I don't want. Associate Director of Music Nobody makes me do anything I don't want to do. It's my decision. So the Jen Buce biggest devil is me. I'm either my best friend or my worst enemy. And that's Children’s Ministry Coordinator how I have to deal with it.” Nancy Fine Houston’s answer was profound and insightful. It is also universally Office Manager applicable to the human condition. We are either our own best friends or our Christine Davis Paula Hare own worst enemies, and normally we bounce between the two. Houston’s Accountant Secretary answer reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s desperate cry of frustration in the Aaron Strippel Rita Avery Book of Romans: “So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is Head Custodian Custodian good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, First Presbyterian Church making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched 33 Gleason Street man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Delray Beach, FL 33483 “Who will rescue me?” All of us have found ourselves making that inner phone: 561-276-6338 plea in those times when we feel life spinning out of control. So many times fax: 561-272-8505 e-mail: [email protected] when we try to answer that question, it begins with the words, “If I only web page: www.firstdelray.com had… .” “If I only had enough money, my problems would be over…if I only had enough time, I would be satisfied…if I only had more power, I would be happy…” and yet those who have an abundance of these things he pire find that they cannot purge their inner demons. Why is this so? It is so T S because life is not about what we have, but who we are, and to change who EDITOR: we are we must begin life anew. Tim Knapp If Paul had stopped writing at his agonizing question, “Who will rescue LAYOUT: me from this body of death?” we would not be reading his words today, Bonnie Lallky-Seibert because his question is no different from anyone else’s, but he had an PROOFREADER: answer to his question – the only answer that generates the new life we Barbara Vanderkay need: “Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God SPECIAL THANKS: through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Printers Choice The inner demons that dwell in the darkness of our hearts flee from the light of Christ’s love, if we are willing to open our hearts to that light. The love of Christ can save us when all else fails. In Houston’s last public per - formance delivered just hours before her death, she reached back to her If you or a family member gospel roots and sang, “Jesus Loves Me.” Maybe that was the only song she are hospitalized, please could remember at the moment, but it was the right song to sing. When we notify the church office. have nowhere else to go and nothing left, Jesus loves us; when we have everything, Jesus loves us. Jesus loves us with no strings attached. Even if you give the name We are either our own best friends or our own worst enemies, but we are of the church upon not our saviors. There is only one Savior, and He yearns to give us a new admission, the hospital life grounded upon His grace and the Presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a new will NOT notify us. life available just for the asking – no strings attached. v 2 Dude Ranch Retreat by Rev. Aaron Janklow Associate Pastor

On our annual Dude Ranch Retreat we had 53 people gather together at the Circle F Dude Ranch in Lake Wales, Florida. The group was made up of children, youth, and adults, which made for a wonderful weekend of fun and fellow - ship. Thanks to Chris Del Mastro for helping to plan such a great retreat. In addition to opportunities of horseback riding, kickball, kayaking, basketball in the lake, a hayride, and great conversations around the campfire, we enjoyed worship. This year’s theme was “One Day”, adopted from the song of that title by the musical artist . Lyrics from this song include, “Sometimes in my tears I drown, but I never let it get me down. So when negativity surrounds, I know someday it will all turn around.” When I first heard this song, it was actually being sung by a group of elementary school students who were part of the PS22 Chorus at Public School 22 in , City. The song immediately filled me with a sense of hope. The messages that I delivered that weekend focused on how we need to find our center in Jesus Christ. Psalm 1:3 describes the person “... planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” When we are root - ed in God, yes, there will be challenges and struggles that might make us bend as a tree does in the wind. But when we are rooted in God, finding our center in Jesus Christ, we will be firmly anchored in solid ground, just like that tree planted by streams of water. No matter what challenges we face, and we all face them, we need to find our foundation in God. It is this foundation in God that can give us hope and optimism to live our lives rooted in Christ. v

Continued from Page 1 starfish into the ocean?" The ocean. As it met the water, he said, young man replied, “If I don't "It made a difference for that one." masons to work with us. throw them in, they'll die." This year, the Mission Outreach When I think of how many peo - The wise man commented, "Don’t Committee is dedicating the One ple in Haiti are still in tents, I am you realize that there are miles and Great Hour of Sharing offering to reminded of the Starfish Story: A miles of beach and there are starfish purchase the materials needed to young man was reaching down to all along every mile? You can't pos - build our three houses. So even the shore, picking up starfish and sibly make a difference!" with so many still living in tents, throwing them into the ocean. A At this, the young man bent we will make a difference – for wise man, upon watching him, down, picked up yet another three Haitian families and their asked “Why are you throwing starfish, and threw it into the community! v 3 One Day by Jen Buce you are here for a reason; you have had it any other way! Pranks were God to help you through the tough played between cabins. It was even Children’s Ministry times. Never lose the focus of your warm enough this year that many Coordinator faith; always surround yourself braved the lake swimming and with family and friends; life is canoeing. beautiful.” We ended the weekend with a serv - Our Annual Retreat to the Circle We had our annual camp fires, ice by the lake with each age group F Dude Ranch was January 20 hayride, kickball game and talent preparing a part of the service. We –January 22. Over 50 people show and do we have talent! We reflected on the serene weekend and attended to enjoy the fresh air, had a magic show, dancing, our theme of “One Day”. friendships and time with God. singing, saxophone playing, and a When the pressures of life are too This year’s theme was “One Day”. tribute to Rev. Aaron’s birthday much to handle, look to God for the “One Day maybe there will be no written by our very own Chris Del strength to get you through and for more war, no more negativity, and Mastro. I bunked with eleven that “One Day” when there will be never let life get you down because teenage girls; and wouldn’t have peace everywhere. v

Chery Family Update by Janelle Sloan graciousness of the Mission Outreach Committee helping these last few months, we have not had to I usually bring the Chery Brothers to First concentrate on finding rent money. We have had Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, the first time to work on helping the two oldest boys find Sunday of the month. During jobs. Now they are finally working. Our next goal is the rest of the month they go to to eventually help the father their Haitian Church. This find a job. helps them keep in touch with I write their story because their culture and community. the Mission Committee decid - Every time they do come to ed to help this family. The my church, our church, the Chery Family and I want to boys have mentioned that they thank the committee and the have never been to any place whole church. You, as a so beautiful. The boys all love church, have taken this family the way the music starts soft, under your wings; one family gets louder and builds. They of lovely boys, who I believe love the beautiful music. They will some day rise above their feel the peace of the whole circumstances. I know in my service. I feel prayers and love from the whole con - heart that this is a fine moment in the history of our gregation. I feel this wash over me from the whole church. Taking care of them is the Christian work we Sanctuary. have been taught to do. May the Chery boys grow They are a family going through a very hard time. and build as the music does in our Sanctuary. When I started helping them, I found eight people in Thank you also for giving them their first real one house with only the Grandmother’s Social Christmas; theirs was a home of Joy. May the church Security check for income. They were facing a dev - continue to reach those in need and do God’s work. astating future. The boys have been in this country Thank You. for three years. Slowly over the past six months, I The Chery Family: Virginie, Pierre, John Peterson, have given my time to help move them forward. The Wilkens, Duckens, Wedzer, Nomaider, John Fisher journey has been strewn with obstacles. With the and Janelle Sloan v 4 Church Improvement Attention all by Barbara Vanderkay even as she copes with all sorts of Easter Egg things, starting back in January. We don’t say, “Let George do it.” This year the Step-Above- It’s, “Nancy knows what to do.” Hunters Rummage Sale surprised every - And she does. Christine Davis, one, including the committee our Accountant helps us with the members, by setting an all-time banking; Aaron Strippel, our Head record for the money taken in, as Custodian, started on his own to well as for the number of get Fellowship Hall ready, to speed Presbyterian workers and their things up for the volunteer men. helpful friends. With dollars still Rita Avery, our custodian, helped coming in, we have over $23,000! to keep things as clean and tidy as That sum represents broken possible, given all that went on records anywhere you may check: before, during and after the sale. beginning with the number and As always, we appreciate hav - quality of the donations; the num - ing Reverend Aaron Janklow, our ber of our members who helped Associate Pastor, and Dr. Mack wherever needed, including, of Sigmon, Interim Pastor, joining us The Easter Egg Hunt will course, the stalwart men whose and being a part of the camaraderie be held on Palm Sunday, strength and long reach were that is a hallmark of this church. April 1st, immediately fol - invaluable; all the salespeople Our long-time leader, Regie doing their best to help the eager Moorcroft, was not well enough to lowing the 11 a.m. worship buyers, without whom there would be with us in person, but was service. Bring your whole be no sale. happy to consult when needed. family to this fun-filled event. We thank you all, and if we Her wonderful organizational abil - never break another record, this ity trained us all well, and things We need your help to sale can continue to stand as the were done in her style. The watch - make this a success for the symbol of what First Presbyterian word was “What would Regie youngsters in our congrega - Church members are capable of do?” And so it was done. Of doing. Bravo! course, she was missed, but we’ll tion. Please bring in bags of It is fitting for the church staff just say, “Wait till next year!” plastic eggs, individually to be singled out for doing so much Just for your calendar, the Step- wrapped candy or stickers, for us, even while carrying on all Above-Rummage Sale will be held their usual duties. Nancy Fine, our again in 2013, the second weekend tattoos or small toys for our Office Manager, keeps smiling in February. Don’t miss it! v Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Your donation can be put in the Narthex on Sunday Our Children Send Care Packages morning or brought to the by Jen Buce M&M’s, sprinkles, chocolate chips church office during the and red hots to put on the cookies. week, through March 28th. Children’s Ministry Coordinator Apples, pretzels, popcorn and first aid kits went into the care pack - If you have any questions, ages. Glitter and glue were used to contact Jen Buce (251-1945 On February 6th, the children decorate the cards. Eight care pack - spent over two hours baking and ages were sent out with love from or [email protected]) for decorating cookies, making cards our children’s program. A great big more information. v and putting together care packages thank you to all who helped during for college students of our church. the event and after! We could never What a fun time by all. There were have done it without you. v 5 Annual Spring Piano Concert and Golf Tournament Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser by Linda Prior On Sunday, March 4th at 3:30 p.m., Harold Brown, pianist, will present “Chopin, Ravel, Scarlatti & More” in The Annual Spring First the Sanctuary . Mr. Brown has enjoyed a performance career Presbyterian Church Golf across four continents and has played in solo recitals, with Tournament will be held on symphony orchestras and in chamber music and has been Sunday, March 11th at 2:30 heard both on radio and television. The concert is free and a p.m. at the Lakeview Golf goodwill offering will be accepted after the performance. Club on Dover Street. On Sunday, March 4th from 5 to 7 p.m. , the youth will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner in Fellowship Hall . The The cost for golf, including youth will provide a delicious dinner. Tickets are $5 in gratuity, is $20. Dinner will follow at 6 p.m. at advance and $6 at the door. Stop by the Courtyard after the the Lakeview Golf Club. A buffet of green service and make sure to pick up your tickets. This is a salad, pasta, meatballs and chicken will be avail - fundraiser to raise money for the youth mission trips. able for $12. People who do not play golf are Come any time between 5 and 7 p.m. Take out meals will welcome to attend the dinner, at which winners be available. will be recognized. Reservations will be taken Why not make it a “concert and dinner” evening on following the worship services on March 4th, or Sunday, March 4th ? Come at 3:30 p.m. to enjoy a concert contact Linda Prior (330-0245). Reservations and then stay for the Spaghetti Dinner at 5 p.m. , the pro - must be made by Tuesday, March 6th. v ceeds of which will go to our Youth Mission Trip Fund. v

Actively Change Tomorrow A.C.T. (Actively Change Tomorrow) Saturdays are volunteer opportunities sponsored by the Mission Outreach Committee, held on the third Saturday of the month. They need 15-20 volunteers for each event. The next event will be on Saturday, March 17th from 8:30 a.m. until noon. We will be teaming with Farmworkers’ Children’s Council to help complete small projects at one of their In The Pines After School facilities. Please make sure to contact Emily Schreck ([email protected]) or Jeanne Heavilin ([email protected] or 901-8714) to sign up. v A.C.T. Update On a beautiful Saturday morning in January, twelve of our members helped put roofs on two Habitat for Humanity homes in Delray Beach. This was one of our monthly A.C.T. (Actively Changing Tomorrow) projects. v

6 Another Opening, Remember the Church when Another Show Estate Planning

Our Endowment and Remembrance Funds are by Jim Poch two excellent opportunities for your giving consid - Associate Director of Music eration, be it your will, stocks, or as a named beneficiary of an insurance policy. This financially On Palm Sunday, April 1st, the wise method of stewardship helps ensure the children of our Sunday Church School long-term financial stability of the church and will present a short Chancel drama entitled, “Twas the provides a planned means for the church to Time Before Easter” at our 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship continue its role in the lives of our members and those to whom we reach out, in our community services. In narration, song, and dialogue they will tell and beyond. For more information on long-term the story of the first Holy Week, the sacred days from giving, call the church office (276-6338). v Palm Sunday through Easter. The production will be rehearsed on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m., starting March 4th, to allow participation by a greater number of our children. We welcome every child who attends Celebration of Eternal Life… at least four rehearsals, and commits to being present for both services on April 1st. (Missed Sunday Our Deepest Sympathy as a congregation is extended rehearsals may be made up on Thursday afternoons to the family of the following member upon the death of their loved one: 4:45-5:15.) v Beverly Roberson – January 22, 2012 Jim Poch Directs “Sounds of Promise”

by Linda Prior

Jim Poch, Assistant Director of Music at our church, will use his magic to present Sounds of Promise, a showcase of unique musical talent from ten interfaith congregations. We will host this fam - ily-friendly event on Sunday, March 25th, at 4 p.m. and traditional music, and the spiritual soloist, Katie to benefit Family Promise. Tickets are $20 per Gilmore, accompanied by Aksenika Lang. adult. There is no charge for children and students. Family Promise believes that every child deserves A sweet refreshment reception will follow in a home. It is a network of interfaith congregations Fellowship Hall. The exuberant Cantor Stephanie that provides temporary shelter and services to local Shore, from Congregation B’nai Israel, will be the families that find themselves in a homeless situation. M.C. She will also direct her 30-member choir and Twenty-four congregations have been participating in musicians as they perform selections of Hebrew Family Promise of South Palm Beach County. songs. Participating congregations also include During the three years it has been operating, it has B’nai Torah, First United Methodist Church of served 100 adults and 150 children as they have Boca, Glades Presbyterian Church, Unitarian journeyed from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Universalist Fellowship, and St. Gregory’s Their success rate is 90%. For more information Episcopal Church. The diverse musical production about Family Promise or to purchase tickets, go to the promises to tickle the taste buds of all. It will website, www.FamilyPromiseSPBC.org or contact include praise bands, chancel choirs, contemporary Linda Prior, 330-0245. v 7 Stephen Minister’s Program

at the Morey’s Manse for hot apple cider by David Fellows and cookies. The covered dish dinners we had in our former “Fellowship Hall” were It’s been a long time since Bob Moss always a treat. My Dad and Jean Toth, my invited my parents to attend First high school Sunday School teacher, took Presbyterian Church back in 1956. We had us on many memorable camping trips. previously attended Starkdale Presbyterian Mrs. Toth was also a very special person to Church in Steubenville, Ohio, so Bob’s fol - me during my high school and college lowing up on a Visitor’s Card was pretty years. Communicant’s class, receiving my much a “slam dunk.” church Bible and delivering the sermon on Things were a little different back then. Youth Sunday were more significant Our present Fellowship Hall was the Sanctuary. Rev. events in my church life. Robert Morey was the minister and his wife, Hazel, My parents and the church both had a great part in handled the music program. For air conditioning we molding me into the person I am today. My values, relied on open windows and “church fans,” remember interests and talents are in large part a reflection of the large cardboard funeral home ads attached to the their influence on my upbringing. However nothing in over-grown popsicle stick handles? (Not nearly as my church life has impacted me as strongly as the many parishioners fall asleep during the sermon now training I have received in the Stephen Ministry that we have the A/C.) Our “Youth Education Program. This program, more than any other, has Building” was a small two story house tucked in the helped me to learn how best to use my talents in serv - back corner of the parking lot directly in front of the ice to others, which, I believe, is our Christian calling. Church where Bill James faithfully executed his duties If you have not done so, I encourage you to decide to every Sunday in our cramped quarters. attend our Stephen Ministry Workshop on Saturday, I have many fond memories of those early days. March 10th. Pre-registration is not necessary. While Singing in the choir was a great joy as were the Hay the workshop is free, the benefits, as they say, could be Ride Christmas Caroling trips that always ended up priceless. v “Deacons’ Corner” by Siena Del Mastro Deacons’ Scholarship Program This month, on March 18 is Meet your Deacon Sunday. This event by Siena Del Mastro achievement. We want to see how marks the start of another Deacon you’ve impacted the church and year. Personally, it has been my first full year of being a Deacon and it Attention all church members how the church has impacted you! has really opened my eyes to how attending college this fall! The The amount of scholarship much the church impacts my life. church office is now accepting money to be given out is 1,200 Come after the 9 a.m. service applications for the scholarship dollars generously given from the and meet your Deacon from 10 to fund. You only have a limited congregation because we know amount of time to get your appli - 10:30 a.m. or after the 11 a.m. serv - how important it is for a bright cation in so try to get it in as ice from 12 to 12:30 p.m. There will start into adulthood and becoming be a banquet of food including lots quickly as possible. independent. of delicious finger food, sweets and The great thing about this pro - refreshments. gram is that we look more at your Get those applications in and We look forward to seeing outreach into the community and you might have a chance at start - everyone there and meeting some your mission work history rather ing your college career off right. new faces. v than the stereotypical academic God be with you all! v 8 Lenten Fasts

“It is much more difficult than giving up chocolate, but hopefully, more beneficial to our spiritual walk with God.”

Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them. Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; feast on patience. Annual FAU Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation. Memory And Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. Wellness Fast from discouragement; feast on hope. Fast from idle gossip; feat on purposeful silence. Seminar by Cynthia Rennick From Judith Blanchard’s Portland Hospital Ministry Newsletter about Lenten facts. Save the date. March 8, 2012 in Fellowship Hall at 9 a.m., the annual Memory and Wellness Breakfast Seminar will be presented by Glenda Connolly, MSW, LCSW, Coordinator of Family Support Services, Kathleen Valentine, Ph.D., RN, Director, and Michele Cooper, Presbyterian Women Event Social Work Intern, from by Miriam Kalett FAU Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center All Presbyterian women and Hall. Services such as their friends are invited to attend a Comprehensive Memory fascinating presentation by our own Evaluations, Mental Health and Laura Bukovsan on Friday, March 23rd at 10:30 a.m. in Aging, Caregiver Programs Fellowship Hall. She and her husband, Bill, are experienced and and Support, Counseling, knowledgeable travelers. Laura will bring her expertise and joy Research, Driving Evaluations, of discovery on the Galapagos Islands. This remote location, Community Education and home to many unusual species, is a much desired travel destina - tion. Come join us on this arm chair journey of magnificent Outreach, Adult Day Center and visuals and insights into visiting the Galapagos. Refreshments Volunteering, will be presented. will be served. The cost is $10. For more information, contact Plan to join us for this informa - the church office (276-6338). v tive presentation . v

9 NonProfit Org. U.S. Postage FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PAID West Palm Beach, FL CHURCH OF DELRAY BEACH Permit #3064 The Community C hurch by the Sea This newsletter is available online at www.firstdelray.com. If 33 Gleason Street, Delray Beach, Florida 33483 you are interested in receiving an electronic copy of this newsletter, please email Nancy Fine at [email protected]. Sunday Morning Worship Services

9 a.m. & 11 a.m. Please join us on Sunday mornings as we worship the Living God together.

Church School Adult Church School 10 a.m. Education Hour Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Hour Sunday School 11 a.m. Youth Fellowship 5 p.m.