"I want to extend an invitation to anyone who is searching for meaning in life, a connectedness to something bigger than self, or a desire to have fellowship within a church family. Come join us, we welcome you and will value you. As the pastor of this church I am reminded daily of the importance
of each individual within our church family. "
Rev. John Shedwick
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
WOODBURY HEIGHTS
MY BLOG FOR FEBRUARY
The Hallmark Hall of Fame had a great presentation in January. Called "A Smile as Big as the Moon," it was the true story of a special education teacher from Michigan who wanted to take his class to the world famous Space Camp in Alabama. He knew that the camp only took the most capable students, but he also had the courage to believe that his class, with a smorgasboard of learning disabilities (from dyslexia to ADD and ADHD to Down's Syndrome to Autism) could handle the camp. His aide wasn't sure; his wife doubted; his principal flat out said 'no.' And the leaders of the camp wouldn't even talk to him, much less read his proposal for his class.
But he didn't give up. He believed in his class.
And he convinced the Space Camp director to open up the camp for his students.
Which also meant that he had to teach his students advanced math, physics, and astronomy, as well as give them physical training. Plus, he had to raise $50,000. None of it was easy. But he had the courage to believe what many thought was impossible.
Well, you probably can guess what happened. His students not only survived; they excelled. They even beat out in several competitions a lot of the 'normal' kids.
All because their teacher had the courage to believe.
Do we? Can we?
Jesus told us that with God, nothing is impossible. We're not always confident of that. We too often look at the glass as half-empty. But with God, the glass isn't just half-full; it's running over (see Psalm 23!).
We just have to have the courage to believe.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Millie Shaw, home from Manor Care
Mike Culbert @ Shady Lane
Ed Elder @ Lakeland
Millie Shaw
Gary Kuehnapfel,recovering from surgery
Congratulations to Judy and Dana Milio, both retired from the Guardian Adult Medical Day Care Center.
Prayer for February
Lord Almighty,
give us the courage
to believe that we can move mountains. Give us the courage
to believe that we can dream
bigger dreams
than the world thinks we can.
Give us the courage
to believe that no obstacle
is greater than you and us
walking together.
And give us the courage
to believe that the impossible
is just something
you haven't shown us yet
how you are going to accomplish.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
FAITH CHALLENGE:
Do I live too much
in fear of the odds stacked against me
that I miss out on the victory God
has in store for me?
ADULT SUNDAY SCHHOOL
Please join us on Sundays
at 9:45 in the Annex.
This year we will be discussing
"WHAT PRESBYTERIANS BELIEVE."
CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW PARENTS, Steve and Heather Antosky,
Haley Mae- born Thursday, 1/5
DID YOU KNOW that we have a support group that meets here in the Annex?
Come join us, a faith based, non- denominational behavioral health discussion group.
We meet at the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbury Heights, 335 Elm Ave., from 7:00 to 8:30 pm , every third Sunday of the month, starting October 16, 2011.
We discuss issues such as mental health, addictions, family matters that relate to those, and others. We lend a supportive ear to anyone who needs it.
We are not professionals, just people who are on the same journey.
Trivia Question:
Answer to last month's: The two books of the Bible that begin with the three words "In the beginning" are Genesis and the Gospel of John
How many books of the Bible are named for women? What are they?
January Sermon Titles
January 8: "Were They Just Naive?"
January 15: "Yes! Rewards!"
January 29: "Treading Water"
FEBRUARY SERMONS
February 5: "He Just Couldn't Get Past It"
February 12: "But What Can We Do?"
February 19: "Looking Back"
February 22: ASH WEDNESDAY
A Taize Service
February 26: First Sunday in Lent
Service Led by Our Youth who will have completed their 30 Hour Famine
ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM OUR PASTOR:
February 12th - a meeting of the congregation will follow the 11am worship service and informal luncheon. The purpose of the meeting is to review the Annual Report, receive the report of the Auditing Committee, elect the Auditing Committee and at large members of the Nominating Committee, elect a Deacon to fill an unexpired term, and transact any other business as may properly come before the congregation.
Ash Wednesday - We will have our traditional Meager Meal of soup and bread at 6:00 pm. (Call the church office to let us know that you are coming.) Our service will commence at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. It will be a Taize service, with meditation, silence, and centering choruses. Even if you can't make it for dinner, join us for the service.
Looking ahead: The Deacons will be sponsoring a spiritual growth retreat on Saturday, March 10th from 9:30 to 2:00. We will have time to pray, do Bible study, interact, and discover where God is leading us. Our focus will be on the passage about the dry bones from Ezekiel 37. More information will be forthcoming.
