The Supplement

A publication of Supplee Presbyterian Church From the Pastor

Metaphors April 2021 During this Easter season, many things are happening in nature that (see inside for details) remind us of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Caterpillars are changing into butterflies. The swallows are returning to Capistrano. Robins are back Thursday, April 1 establishing a sign of spring. The paraments have become white signifying 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Communion Service Eastertide has arrived. It is a season of change. Even the pandemic has been affected by the arrival of spring, as we can now again gather outside Friday, April 2 in the warmer weather. 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Tenebrae Service So here are my questions for you. Are you open to change? Are you open to God doing something new in your life? Sunday, April 4 Undoubtedly you recall that once the resurrection had taken place, the Easter Sunday 9:30 Easter Sunday Service disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, went about sharing the promise of eternal life. As a result, they would establish the church of Jesus Christ. Saturday, April 17 If you take the opportunity to read through the book of Acts, you cannot 9:00 a.m. Blood Drive help but notice why their experiment in discipleship worked. Men like Peter Sunday, April 25 - Saturday, May 1 took the gospel to many areas of the world while at times he was Week of Service shipwrecked, put in prison and ultimately gave his life for the Lord. Perhaps God is not calling us to the depths of sacrifice that Peter experienced, but we are called on to risk being unpopular. Here is how Peter’s willingness to risk all for the sake of the gospel applies to us in our day and age.

1. Read the Bible regularly so that you will be in a position to share its message with others. 2. Learn to be effective at using the window of opportunity when it becomes available for sharing your faith. 3. When you share your faith with a neighbor, colleague or relative pray that God’s Holy Spirit will speak to them, using what you have shared about God’s love.

Lent can be like money in the bank. No deposit. – No return.

Celebrating the empty tomb with you, Pastor Don

April 2021 | 1 Adult Education Opportunities

Sunday Mornings Reflections

Pastor Don continues with "Sermon Reflections" every Sunday immediately following worship (approximately 10:30 a.m.) until 11:00 a.m. This is a chance for you to ask questions or reflect on this week's sermon with Don. Those who attend in person will join Don in the parlor, and those at home can join virtually via zoom We will have the same link every week. (Meeting ID 723 6140 6706; Password: Supplee) Click here to join meeting.

The Gospel of Mark: How Jesus Changes Everything

Have you ever wondered what were probably the first accounts of the life of Jesus ever written? The answer is in the Gospel of Mark. Mark describes Jesus as a purposeful, powerful man who quickly moves from place to place, from person to person, teaching, healing, training disciples. You will find action in the book of Mark: amazing miracles, brilliant teaching and argument, plots to get Jesus killed, and the triumph of the empty grave. The Gospel of Mark was written as a means of presenting the message of salvation. It was also written as a “pamphlet for suffering” to encourage Christians in their faith in spite of persecution. Mark stresses the heroic qualities of the Christian life and emphasizes the pattern of discipleship. He addresses these questions: How should one respond to the call of Christ? What are the expectations of the Christian life? Why do people suffer? In this course you’ll discover for yourself who Jesus is and how he can speak directly to you through his Word. You don’t have to know a lot about the Bible, just a desire to know more about Jesus and how His life affects your life. This class will meet Sunday mornings at 11 AM on Zoom beginning April 11. Check the church website and emails for the link. It will be taught by Jay Eibner, Russ Hensel, and Chuck Wormington.

Thursday Evenings

Unafraid!

We certainly are living in uncertain times! For over a year we have struggled with a pandemic, the real threat of serious illness to ourselves and those we love, economic pressures, racial tensions, isolation, separation, and the disruption of our normal lives. It is no wonder that we experience fear and anxiety. Beginning April 8, we will be offering a five-session DVD study: “Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.” Adam Hamilton explores very common worries and fears such as crime, loneliness, change, finances, aging, and illness. In short video segments he presents an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions on how our faith can support us during these challenging times. The class will focus on discussion rather than lecture regarding how these insights and solutions can be applied in our daily lives.

Who? Everyone is invited. The sessions will be led by Chuck and Jan Wormington, and Russ Hensel Where? On Zoom, check the church website for the link. We will also send out the link before scheduled classes. When? Thursday nights from 7:30-8:30, April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6

Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of the 25,000-member United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in the Kansas City area, cited as the most influential mainline church in America. He is a master at explaining questions of faith in a down-to-earth fashion. He is the author of many books including Faithful, Moses, Creed, Half Truths, The Journey, The Way, 24 Hours That Changed the World, Enough, When Christians Get It Wrong, Forgiveness, Love to Stay, and Making Sense of the Bible.

We hope you will join us!

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Maundy Thursday Communion Service Good Friday Service Thursday, April 1st at 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 2nd at 7:00 p.m. In the Sanctuary and on YouTube Reservations required for On YouTube in-person worship He is Risen

Easter Sunday Service 9:30 a.m. Easter Morning Sunday, April 4, 2021 Join us in the Sanctuary or on YouTube Note: Please go to our website (suppleepc.org) to sign up to attend in-person any of these services Reservations required for in-person worship

April 2021 | 3 April Mission of the Month

Dan and Rebecca Gregoire Kasárenská 1 Spišská Nová Ves 052 01 Slovakia [email protected] Organization: Mission to the World

Dan and Rebecca Gregoire are serving in Slovakia with Mission to the World. (Dan was an active member of Supplee's youth group throughout high school.) Their ministry is twofold. They are working with a local church to revitalize it, help it to grow, and restore a gospel ministry to the community. Their other ministry is to the Roma people (formerly called Gypsies) in the community. The Roma are outcasts so the Gregoires are ministering to them, teaching them skills they need, showing them what Christians are like, and leading them to a knowledge of Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for them. Here is their latest update written in mid February:

Slovakia has been in lockdown since December 22, 2020. Nationwide, ongoing testing reveals an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 despite the lockdown. Many families in our Roma communities have tested positive and are subject to quarantine. I have helped Roma leaders purchase and deliver food, vitamins, cleaning supplies, and even firewood. Shut-in families have no support system to access these items while they are required to quarantine. In some cases, the families are quite sick. Our Roma leaders wanted to reach out to families in their community and extend to them the love of Christ. Two weeks ago, I picked up Roma leaders at the grocery store and made deliveries. We were all wearing masks. The next day several of the leaders tested positive. Our Roma leaders experienced typical symptoms for Covid-19, headaches, coughing, fever, etc. They were grateful for our pastor, who delivered food and supplies to them during their time of need. Under the current rules and because I was in close contact with a person who tested positive (even though I had no symptoms), I was required to quarantine myself for 14 days. I isolated myself in one bedroom in our house. On day 7, I took a PCR test which came back negative. I isolated in some of our daughters’ bedroom. They were excited to have a sleepover with mommy for two weeks. I am now out of quarantine. I look forward to once again being able to meet safely with neighbors, our church family, and Roma friends. Yesterday Rebecca dropped off medicines and supplies. Today I am meeting with our pastor to buy food and deliver it to our Roma leaders. What they were doing to bless those in their community we are now, in turn, doing for them. They are experiencing the benefit of being part of the body of Christ. They are growing in maturity and in their love of Christ and others. It has been two months of lockdown, and we are growing weary. We are concerned for the economy in Slovakia. At present, there is no talk of when older kids (5th grade and up) might return to in-person school. It is difficult for us to know how to make plans for both the near-term (when will we meet for in-person worship?) and the long-term (will we have an English camp this summer?). Thank you for reading our newsletters and praying for us. Thank you for the responses we receive to our newsletters. We are thankful for your community and partnership in our gospel ministry.

Serving together,

Dan and Rebecca, Isabel, Ezra, Rosie, Eliza, Mazzy, Hosanna, Zoya, and Linzi

Looking Ahead

As you drive into our parking lot you will notice banners that say WORSHIP, INVITE, SERVE and GROW. The purpose of those banners is to remind us of our collective ministry priorities for Christ’s church at Supplee. Beginning Sunday, April 11th, we will consider how crucial it is for us to have certain ministry priorities as a faith community, and then act upon them. Our goal is to see our faith priorities come alive as we work together on behalf of Christ. So, plan to take advantage of hearing some parishioner and pastoral reflections as to how we can best respond to the call of discipleship.

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Lenten Mission Offering

Every year we collect a special mission offering during Lent. This year we will be donating the offering to HOPE International. Their mission statement is: At HOPE we invest in the dreams of

families in the world's underserved communities as we National Day of Prayer proclaim and live the Gospel. We share the hope of Dear Supplee Family, Christ as we provide biblically based training, savings

The National Day of Prayer will be celebrated on Thursday, services, and loans that restore dignity and break the May 6th. I want to encourage you to set aside some time that cycle of poverty. The love of Jesus Christ motivates us day so that you can be a pat of this important ministry. to identify with those living in poverty and be His hands and feet as we strive to glorify God. We are delighted to National Day of Prayer History be a part of this ministry: the Lenten Mission Offering In the early 1950’s, an evangelical movement called for Congress and goes to this organization. A number of people from the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer. The movement grew Supplee have gone on Mission trips with HOPE. and a young leader, Evangelist Billy Graham, led services for Here is how you can help: approximately 20,000 on the steps of the Capitol on February 3, 1952. -If you would like to mail your Lenten Mission offering Later that year, Congress proclaimed a joint resolution for a National please use the Lent Offering envelope you received in Day of Prayer President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a National Day of the mail, or mark your envelope or note in memo section Prayer to be observed on July 4, 1952. Each year since that date, of the check “Lenten Mission Offering” Americans have observed the day in their own way. The observance -If you attend the service please mark the envelope or was moved to the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan note in memo section of the check “Lenten Mission and has been proclaimed each year since. Offering” As a nation, presidents and government officials have called for - If you give online, you can enter the portion amount national days of prayer for thanks intermittently since before the country’s under Lenten Mission as part of your donation existence. Thanks in advance for helping us help others by July 20, 1775 - The Continental Congress issued a proclamation contributing to this worthy cause! recommending “a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer” to be observed.

In 1795 George Washington proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving and prayer

May 9, 1798 - John Adams declared this day as “a day of solemn humility, fasting and prayer.”

March 3 1863 - Abraham Lincoln signed a Congressional resolution, during the Civil War, which called for April 30, 1863, as a day of fasting and prayer.

Praying with you, Don

Y.A.C.H.T Group Bible Study

Our Bible Study continues every other Wednesday

April 7 & 21 at 8:30p.m. via Zoom

We will be reading and discussing the book, “Why Do You Believe That?” by Mary Jo Sharp. How confident do you feel in talking about matters of faith? Do you wish you could express your beliefs with more effectiveness? Join Mary Jo in this practical seven-session study and gain understanding and skill to share Jesus effectively with others, and you’ll better understand your own faith.

Answer your doubts, build your confidence, and start changing lives. Click here to join Zoom study Meeting ID: 851 7897 1706 Passcode: 196632

April 2021 | 5 Notes From Supplee Youth Group: By Evan Lehman

This past Lenten season has had me reflecting on something I am referring to as “Communal Christianity.” The past month one of my college roommates and I have been putting together what we have called “Evan and Sean’s Lenten Adventure.” Simply put, we are actively participating in Lent and making videos to go with it. All of this is so that others are able to participate with us and be encouraged in their own Lenten disciplines. I have seen the most growth in myself through this season of Lent than any other time I decided to observe the discipline. Upon reflection, I came to the conclusion that the reason why I am learning and growing so much is that making the videos has forced me to take my Lent public. Christianity and religion have become very private matters in recent years. I think one unfortunate side effect of keeping religion private is that as humans we think we can easily lie to God about where we are at in our faith. When religion is kept inward, there is no outward accountability. One of God’s many amazing attributes is he doesn’t inform our pastors or friends when we skip devotions or prayer. Christian disciplines become very easy to gloss over when there are no physical repercussions. When Sean and I elected to take our Lent public it immediately put me into a place of accountability. 40 days of Lent is long, I think even the most pious of us drop off in the 20 – 30 day ranges. Knowing that each week I had a video to shoot kept my honest and active in my pursuit of Lent and time with God. This is my personal feeling, but I would love for you to reflect on it as well and then let me know how you feel about it. I think that Christianity needs to be lived more openly and publicly in order for us to grow in our faith and love of God. If we move Christianity into more of a communal activity we are given opportunities to actively live our faith as well as opportunities to actively fail in our faith. Practice and failure are the best ways to get better at any activity. As I muse more on Communal Christianity, I think that failure and practice might be great ways to grow in our faith as well.

News from Supplee April has come at last, allowing us more and more time Nursery outside. Windows, kept partially opened all through this school year, will be now opened wide allowing the fresh air to wash over School our classrooms. Of course, we continue all of our COVID By Karen Kohler protocols to keep everyone safe and healthy. We hope that by the time this article is printed, our staff will be vaccinated, and we are so incredibly thankful that we were given this opportunity. The positivity rates in our township and state continue to fall, giving us the hope that this year will not be replicated, that the protocols will eventually be lightened and life will go back to the “new normal.” But we might need to open in September with some of our safeguards still in place as we continue to follow the guidance of the CDC, State of PA and Montgomery County DOH. For now, the Nursery School curriculum in school bursts into new life, hatching chicks, morphing butterflies, planting gardens, and focusing on all of the new growth of flowers and trees around us. Each spring is a new miracle, coming so quickly out of the depths of winter’s grey and snowy (especially in February!) days. We celebrate Easter with bunnies, eggs, baskets and flowers. We make crosses to take home to hang as decorations and reminders of God’s love for us. The Easter Bunny quite secretly “fills” our baskets with a few sweet treats, even though we never catch sight of him! Hooray for spring! ! This season is welcomed with open arms, open windows and smiles all around! Registration continues for 2021-22. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our happy school, please have them call for information or for an after-school tour! 215-646-4135.

April 2021 | 6 Fellowship News by Faye Kolos

Get out your calendar and post these fellowship events for May 9 and June 13. As barriers to social gatherings are relaxed we are excited to get the Supplee family back together for fun and fellowship. All the details and sign- ups will be on the Events page of the church website, suppleepc.org. The sign-ups are to help ensure there is enough food for everyone. If you decide at the last minute you can make it, come on and join us even if you didn’t sign up on the website. You can also call the church office to sign up.

May 9 – Hike and Campfire. 1 p.m. No reservations needed. Join us for an afternoon outdoors at Fort Washington State Park. The fireplace pavilion at the Flourtown Day Use Area on Mill Road has been reserved for us. The parking area and trail head are nearby so you can come at 1:00 for the hike or come at 2:30 for campfire songs, hot dogs and, of course roasting marshmallows. The hiking there is not strenuous; all ages will enjoy this trail. Guests are welcome. Everyone can bring friends along.

June 13 – Church Picnic. Noon. Come and celebrate that we can gather to visit and enjoy each other’s company again. Activity stations, group games, and plenty of great food will ensure there is something fun for everyone.

We welcome ideas for future fellowship events. What would you enjoy? Also, our committee is open to all who would like to join in on the planning. Don’t forget the cheerful staff in the office will help you with any contact information or specific details. 215-646-4123

Thursday, April 22 The Next Supplee Earth Day Blood Drive is Saturday, April 17 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Donors will be eligible if they have not given whole blood since Saturday, February 20, 2020 or double red cells since December 26, 2020. If you have questions about giving blood, please call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. To schedule an appointment to donate visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code SUPPLEE; or call Roger Fingerlin at (215) 646-7866.

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Deacon Updates Please remember that the Supplee prayer chain is always available and ready to take any prayer requests. Just call the church office during business hours 215-646-4123 or Pastor Don after hours at 215-872-9582. We have some very faithful volunteers on the prayer chain and all requests remain confidential. If you would like to join our prayer team please contact Linda Lutz at 267-261-6495. There are some beautiful prayer shawls that are available to any friends or family in need of some extra prayers or comfort during difficult times. It is a wonderful reminder that they are loved and prayed for by Supplee Church. Please contact Loretta Wiktorski at 215-674-9289 for more information.

April 2021 | 8 Scouts BSA Troop 542 (Boys) News Scouts BSA Troop 541 (Girls) News

Troop 542 traveled to Camelback Mountain Resort in March was a busy month for Troop 541. In addition to our weekly Tannersville, PA on Saturday, February 27. There, 54 Scouts took meetings on Zoom, we had four outdoor events. The first was a day part in activities that included skiing, snow tubing, and rides at an at Fort Washington State Park that had been planned for February but indoor water park. All scouts and leaders wore masks and was postponed due to rain. We took a hike, built a campfire, cooked followed COVID prevention guidelines. our lunch, and worked on some outdoor requirements for our next The first service project of the year was a highway cleanup on ranks. It took the place of what would have been a February Saturday, March 6. That morning, 17 Scouts and 10 adults braved weekend in a cabin. snow and wind to clean up Fort Washington Avenue from Limekiln The big event in March was a day trip to Gettysburg. Because of Pike to the 309 overpass. COVID-19, each Scout had at least one parent along to transport On Sunday, March 14, Scouts from Troops 541 and 542 joined them. We went through the visitor’s center, cyclorama, and Supplee church members online to observe Scout Sunday during cemetery. Then we took a four mile hike through the battlefield on its 9:30 a.m. worship service. The prelude to the service included the “Johnny Reb Trail.” Those activities allowed the Scouts to earn a prerecorded video of Scouts playing various musical selections. two segments of the Gettysburg Historic Trails award. We wrapped Troop 542 Senior Patrol Leader Andrew Wang served as worship up the day with a delicious dinner at the outdoor tables of a restaurant assistant and led the Scouts in the recitation of the Scout oath. in Gettysburg before everyone headed home. The Scouts BSA Celtic Cross Award for service to youth was The other two events were ceremonial. We took part in Pack presented to Jennifer Fountain, Dante Murphy, Cheng Wang, and 405’s crossover to welcome a new girl to our troop. Then, a week Jeff Weir. Mike Gipson and Daniel Johnson also earned the later, we had a picnic at Fort Washington State Park where she and award but were not able to attend the service. Dr. Arland another new girl were invested into 541, and other girls received Hotchkiss, committee chair of Scouts BSA Troops 541 and 542, awards they had earned over the winter. led the presentation of the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem award Now, for the spring, we’re going back to in-person meetings at the for youth of Roman Catholic faith to Scouts Jacob Sowdon, Ryan church. Our next weekend event will be a campout in tents at French DiFulgo, Alicia Gushue and Thomas Kohler. Troop 541 Creek State Park at the end of April. Scoutmaster Jay Eibner then shared his reflections on his Troop 541 meets at Supplee on Wednesday Christian faith and his many years of scouting. evenings, and we welcome new members. Girls Scouts BSA Troop 542 meets every Monday who are 11 years old, or who have finished 5th during the school year at 7:30 p.m. Check out our grade and are not yet 18 are eligible to join. Visit web site at www.troop542.com if you are our website https://troop541.com or talk to interested. Boys who have finished 5th grade and Scoutmaster Jay Eibner to find out more. are not yet 18 are eligible to join.

Card Care Connection

Each month we select members to receive greetings from the Supplee Church family. These are people who are temporarily unable or no longer able to attend church. This is an opportunity for us to let them know we think of them and miss their fellowship. You do not have to know the person to send them greetings. Please send a card, sign your name, and Supplee Church. This is a wonderful way to remind them that God cares and so do we. Elizabeth DeVries Marion Kopp 1004 West Welsh Road Neshaminy Manor Room D 050 Ambler, PA 19002 1660 S. Easton Road Warrington, PA 18976 Communication Hints

COME SEE US VISIT US 855 E. Welsh Road www.suppleepc.org Maple Glen, PA 19002 Here you can view Supplee Presbyterian Church and Supplee

CALL US Nursery School information, the church calendar, Sunday (215) 646-4123 bulletins, the Supplee Supplement Newsletter and listen to each Sunday worship service FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

April 2021 | 9 Holy Week Schedule

Thursday, April 1 - Maundy Thursday Communion Service at 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 2 - Tenebrae Service at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 4 - Easter Sunday Service at 9:30 a.m.

Please join us!

Supplee Presbyterian Church 855 E. Welsh Road, Maple Glen, Pennsylvania 19002 Tel. 215-646-4123 Fax 215-646-8895 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.suppleepc.org

Donald Hoagland, Pastor, Ext 11 Email: [email protected] Janice Brunner, Dir. of Children & Family Ministry, Ext 21, [email protected] Evan Lehman, Student Ministry Director, Ext 14, [email protected] Nancy DeHaven, Business Administrator, Ext. 15, [email protected] Matt and Janice Brunner, Directors of Music Susan Bishop, Organist Karen Kohler, Nursery School Director, Ext 16 Julie Alexander, Erin Wilkinson, Administrative Assistants, Ext 10 Bob Lee, Sexton

SUPPLEE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 855 E. Welsh Road Maple Glen, PA 19002

Phone: 215-646-4123 Fax: 215-646-8895 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.suppleepc.org

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