Pastor’s NoteOn the last Sunday of May we are ordaining and installing elders and deacons. It is an occasion to celebrate the practice of shared ministry. One of the reasons I’m glad to be a Presbyterian is that God calls people to all sorts of ministries both inside and outside the church. The office people hold in the church do not form a hierarchy, rather its people are called to different functions of the church. We all have a part. We have different gifts that build up the body of Christ in various ways. The writer of Ephesians says, “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” It is impossible to consider the challenges of the past year without the prayers and compassion of our committed deacons. This last year has demonstrated the imagination, resilience, and trust of our ruling elders as they have tried to faithfully discern where God is leading us. I am grateful for these leaders and servants of the church, and I hope you are too. Here is a prayer for our deacons and elders: God of love and compassion, you poured out your life in service in Jesus Christ. By word and example he taught us to find fulfillment in giving ourselves and greatness in serving others. Bless those called to be deacons, who lead us in service and caring. Empower them by the grace of your Spirit, that your whole church may give its life for the sake of the world. Bless those called to be elders that they may govern wisely and fairly. Give them full measure of your Spirit, that they may refresh your people along the journey of faith, discerning, teaching, and sharing the Word of life. Amen. -Michael Isaacs Session NotesCOVID-19 UpdatesSession continues to work diligently to be safe, responsible, and faithful to God and neighbor. After discussion, reflection, and prayer, here are the recent updates for our COVID-19 response. Masks are encouraged for the full participation of children and people who are immunocompromised in worship. Physical distancing measures will continue in the Sanctuary. We will resume responsive and unison readings and prayers. Worship may include vocal ensembles of up to eight singers. While we are eager to sing together again, we will wait to resume congregational singing.
Session appreciates everyone’s diligence and patience. Sunday Morning Building SecuritySession has been reviewing building safety and security. At our May meeting we approved a policy that only doors that open directly into the Narthex and Gathering Area will be open after 10:10. On Sundays, the front sanctuary doors and Door A (Gathering Area) will remain open. Door C (Circle Drive) and Door H (Side Sanctuary) will be open until 10:10. All other doors will only be suitable for exiting the building. Worship & Music NotesUpcoming WorshipThis June we will be following the Revised Common Lectionary, Year B. Summer MusicIt is time for a summer of wonderful and varied music. The Summer Music Program is a work in progress so not all of the dates are filled due to waiting on responses from musicians. We are fortunate to have two instrumentalists in June. Suzanne Edwards will grace our service with her flute on June 6 and Audrey Schmidt will delight us with her trumpet on June 27. We look forward to The Razor’s Edge Barbershop Ensemble and handbells in July. The Sanctuary Octet and the Phil DeGreg Trio will help lead worship in August. We will be graced with the Liturgical Dancers on a special Sunday this summer and also look forward to hearing Tom Sobieski on his violin.
Please “stay tuned” for further announcements as the Summer Music Program progresses. Fall ChoirsWe anticipate getting all of our choirs started again in the fall. Please watch for announcements about the choir you want to participate in. Christian Education NotesStories of God at HomeThe Purple Table is offering resources for you to share Godly Play stories at home! Email Lisa (lisa@fpcmiddletown.com)to sign up to borrow a story kit. Story videos are easily accessible online (https://www.storiesofgodathome.com/events). Stay connected on June 9!Join our online gathering via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, for a time of fellowship and activities. (Zoom Meeting ID: 357 756 9746) The Purple Table is a pop-up welcome space, online and in-person, that builds community, affirms, and supports healing. Let us encourage one another as we play, share stories, listen, and find a way through, together! Connect instantly with The Purple Table by visiting the website: https://the-purple-table.mn.co Compassion Camp: Changing the World with Loving KindnessBeginning July 7, join us each week in July as we explore what it means to have compassion for others, ourselves, and the world. Activities for all ages will be available online each Sunday and we’ll connect online via Zoom each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Sign up for Compassion Camp, so we can send you more detailed information about receiving weekly content and participating in online gatherings. Contact Lisa Kaufer for more information (lisa@fpcmiddletown.com). Summer Theology StudyThis July Michael is planning on leading a reading discussion group on Diane Glancy’s collection of poetry titled Island of the Innocent: A Consideration on the Book of Job this July. The poetry is from the perspective of Job’s wife and the Native American experience. If you are interested, please let Michael know along with the times that work best for you. Read the book review from the Christian Century. Stewardship NotesOur practice of stewardship at First Presbyterian Church includes providing scholarships to active members to help defray the cost of post-secondary education at a college, trade school, or other educational institution. Applications for these scholarships are available from the church office and must be returned by July 1. Recipients may reapply for these awards in subsequent years. Ida Zecher Memorial – Established in 1999 by Jack and Karen Zecher in honor of his mother’s life-long commitment to encourage young people to pursue their education and follow the Lord, Jesus Christ. This scholarship is awarded based upon financial need and participation in Christian and public service activities. Robert Nossokoff Memorial – A scholarship established in 2003 by Norma Nossokoff to honor her late husband’s life-long commitment encouraging young people to follow the Lord, Jesus Christ, in all areas of their life and work. This scholarship is awarded based upon financial need and active participation in the life and mission of First Presbyterian Church. Jim Curry, Jr. Memorial – A scholarship established in 2005 by Linda Curry in honor of her late husband. The scholarship is awarded based upon financial need and active participation in the life and mission of First Presbyterian Church. Odds & EndsOnline CalendarThe church calendar is now online! Go to https://www.fpcmiddletown.com/calendar.
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