"Relationship Status"

Note: The Annual Congregational Meeting will be this Sunday, February 12, at 10:00am, between the two services. During this meeting, we will also elect new officers for 2018.

This Sunday's gospel text is Matthew 5:21-37:

“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one."

Wow - there's an awful lot of stuff going on here, and to be blunt, Jesus' words are unsettling to many of us, and likely on several different fronts. Anger? Insult? And I mean, really, if I'm going to hell if I've ever called someone a fool, then I might as well just give up now and start shopping for asbestos underwear.  And then we get Jesus' thoughts on divorce, and remarriage after a divorce. This is a teaching that strikes deep within both pew and pulpit alike. Frankly, it affects church attenders even more than the general public since, statistically speaking, we're slightly more likely to get divorced than is the public at large (in all fairness to us, that doesn't mean we're worse than the general public at making marriages work; it's more because church attenders are slightly more likely than non-churchgoers to get married to begin with).

As we think about Jesus' words here - and they are blunt, to be sure - it can be helpful to recognize that when Jesus uses the kind of extreme, over-the-top hyperbole as he's doing here, it should be a signal to us that the core issue underlying whatever he's talking about is a very important issue to him. That makes sense - aren't we ourselves likely to speak the most stridently about something that we're very passionate about? 

Given that, I invite you to carefully read through Jesus' words again, at least momentarily setting aside any personal discomfort that you might feel in the words, and trying to get "underneath" the specific issues he mentions. Go ahead, re-read it; I'll wait for you...

...OK, are you back? Great. As you read that again, did you see any underlying commonality in these comments? Based on these warnings, what is it that Jesus seems to be driving at, that prompts him to speak so harshly, and that must be of such vital importance to God? 
 
I'll offer some thoughts about that on Sunday. Hope to see you then.

Grace and peace,
Dwain

Music This Week:
(please follow the links provided to hear these if you aren't familiar with them)

9:00
 
Gathering Song - Come, Now Is the Time to Worship

Opening Song - Come As You Are

Response - Hymn #654 In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful

Sermon Song - All Who Are Thirsty

Offering Music - Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)

Communion Song - Hymn #530 One Bread, One Body

Sending Song - This Is Amazing Grace


11:00

Prelude - Here I Am, Lord

Opening Hymn #628 - Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord - According to the notes found in Glory to God, this song came out of a morning devotional for a group touring through the Alps. It was later incorporated into the programs and soon spread throughout Europe and the world as a favorite of many. Here's a link to an a capella version of the song. Can't you just imagine the simple beauty of this song carrying through the air at daybreak on some Alpine mountaintop? 

Response Hymn #624 - I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art (stanza 3) - possibly the most Presbyterian of hymns, as it may - or then again, may not - have been written by John Calvin. 

Anthem - Lord of Our Life

Sermon Hymn  #693 - Though I May Speak - This short but beautiful hymn, set to a traditional English folk melody, first appeared in our 1990 hymnal and quickly became a much-loved favorite of many. 

Response - Hymn #4 Holy God, We Praise Your Name (stanza 4)

Sending Hymn #320 - The Church of Christ in Every Age

Postlude - Spirit Song
 

 
Assisting in Worship This Week:

Liturgists
Greg Nickels (9:00)
Debbie Martin-Herrell (11:00)

Sound
Tim Hagan (9:00)
Mike Coomes (11:00)

Run Slides
Anne Locke

Prepare Slides
Anne Locke

Coffee Host(s)
Bernie & Becky Backert

Ushers
Larry & Cathy Weishaar (9:00)
Ed & Nancy Lewis, Tim Banerjee, Dennis McNulty (11:00)
 
Greeters
Lynne & Trent Browne (9:00)
Scottie Theiss, Frances Moore (11:00)

Welcome Desk
Sarah Abraham (9:00)
Donna Sheffer (11:00)


Announcements

Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting and Meeting to Elect New Officers
Our annual congregational meeting will be held this Sunday, February 12th, at 10:00am - between the two services. At this same meeting, the congregation will elect new officers for 2018. 

Kentucky Council of Churches Prayer in Action Days
Te KCC is sponsoring gatherings for prayer and social witness at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, 9:30 am, every Tuesday through March 14, 2017, regarding a particular topic/issue each week. Those gathered will pray for government officials to act on behalf of Kentucky's most vulnerable citizens.  The next three Tuesdays: 

• February 14: Gun Violence
• February 21:  Healthcare / Disabilities
• February 28: Death Penalty

More information is available online at http://bit.ly/2iUdITD.  
 
2016 Giving Statements
Several members have already picked up your 2016 giving
statements but many have not. They are located in your mailbox!  Please pick yours up today and save us the cost of mailing them.
 
Dementia Wise Family Caregiver Support Group
A support group can help people cope with their unique situation.  This free support group will meet every Tuesday at Springdale Presbyterian Church for five weeks from 6 - 8 PM.  The next meeting is February 14.
 
New Hot Topics Book Club (Fiction & Non-Fiction)
Hosted by Springdale Presbyterian, meetings begin Tuesday February 21 at 1 PM in the library and the 3rd Tuesday of each month thereafter.  Please call 502-425-1760 to register.  The first book we will read is The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.
 
NO SPIRITUAL NURTURE THIS WEEK because of the Annual Meeting
Childcare is provided during the Annual Meeting, at Grace Place in Rooms 204/208 on the main level, across from the Choir Room.
 
Children and Youth are encouraged to participate in the Annual Congregational Meeting.  (Youth Worship Folders will have additional  materials for elementary age
students.)
 
Second Sunday Youth TONIGHT  6:00-7:30 PM in the Youth Room. Supper is provided.  Dwain will join us as we begin he conversation about what Springdale’s
ministry with youth can be.  Bring your hopes, concerns and ideas.  
 
 
Knitting for the Needy
A group of knitters have decided to get together the last Tuesday of each month from 1:00-3:00 PM to knit hats and mittens for kids and adults who are in need.  These women are asking for yarn to be donated to this group.  If you are able to donate yarn or would like to join them on their     project, please call Terry Gillespie at 270-576-8398  or Frankie  Moore at 615-512-2545.
 
Hymn Sing
Get your singing voices charged up and join a group who will go to the Forum at Brookside Senior Living facility in Middletown to sing hymns for residents, some of our own members are living there.  This will take place February 17.  See Allan Podbelsek.

Campfire Worship with Innova
Our friends at the Innova Worshiping Community have invited us to take part in their monthly “Campfire Worship,” a way to build community around the ancient practice of gathering around a fire which, over the years, has provided light, warmth, protection, a way to cook food, and a place to share stories. The event is scheduled for Sunday, February 19th, from 5-6pm, at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve. Wrap up warm, bring your dogs, your family and friends, and let’s join our Innova friends for a time of fun, fellowship, warmth around the campfire, and s’mores.
 
The 2017 Card Care Ministry 
Lists will be available in the Gathering Area before and after church.  See Dayle Darby.
 
Sanctuary Flowers
If you would like to sponsor flowers in recognition of a special person or event, there is now a sign up sheet in the Gathering Area.  Please feel free to pick a date and sign your name.  On the form, you can indicate whether the flowers are placed in memory of, in honor of, or in  celebration of someone, or something.  The flowers are yours to bring home following the 11:00am service.  The cost is $35.00.  Questions?  Contact the church office, by phone at 425-1760, or by email at mjablonski@springdalechurch.org.
  
Online, Direct Deposit, and Online/Mobile Giving
Options for financially supporting the church other than dropping something into the traditional offering plate are quickly becoming the norm for many people. In order to make your stewardship efforts as easy as possible, Springdale offers online giving on our website and automatic transfer of funds. For an authorization form or information, contact the church office - 425-1760. An even easier option is to simply set up a regularly scheduled automatic payment to the church, as you might do for your cable/internet service or other recurring charges, through your bank's online/mobile banking feature. 

Support Springdale’s Mission by Supporting our Endowment Fund
The SPC Endowment Fund, currently valued at over $150,000, is maintained to provide for the ongoing upkeep of the church. In addition, an annual distribution is used for general purposes of the mission of the church that would not ordinarily be possible to accomplish through the regular offering. Please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund as part of your overall financial and/or estate planning. Gifts such as cash, appreciated securities, real estate and life insurance policies can provide you with immediate tax deductions. Other gifts can provide you with an income for life, and the residual value goes to the church. You may also want to consider a gift through  your will or revocable trust, or naming the church as a beneficiary of your retirement assets or investment accounts. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information about these opportunities to support Christ's mission in the world.

NEXT WEEK’S SERVERS - February 19, 2017
Liturgist (9:00a): Sarah Locke (11:00a): Barbara McClain; Audio (9:00a): Trent Browne (11:00a): Loren Hincker; PP Presentation: Larry Weishaar;  Prepare Slides: Jane Jones; Hosts:  The Coomes Family; Ushers (9:00a): Jenny Pritchett, Stacey Webb; (11:00a): Rae Guernsey, Milt Tyree, Jane Jones, Leslie Carmichael; Greeters (9:00a): The Locke Family (11:00a): Marcia Jumblatt, Ruth Wilder; Welcome (9:00a): Dottie Willis (11:00a): Joy Cashman; Flowers:  None  
 
 

 
 
Click Here to View/Search our Church Calendar for This Week and Beyond
​

A group of Pacific Telephone operators routing telephone calls, circa 1965, when there was still a big difference between local and long-distance calling

Special Note: In addition to this week's and next week's volunteers listed at the end of this email, please also scroll down to see the 2017 schedules for Communion Preparers and Communion Servers. These schedules will also be mailed out, but here's an advance copy.

In a time when there's no longer any distinction between local and long-distance telephone calls - a time when we're not sure that the person calling us is even in the same hemisphere as us - I realize that this Sunday's sermon title will date me a bit, as if the receding grey hair didn't do the job well enough. Ah well, it is what it is. I am old enough to remember, as a very little boy, my grandmother's party line, and making local calls by rotary-dialing just four digits; and even in college making sure I called home after 11pm, and even then for short durations, because long-distance calls were expensive, even during those discounted hours.

Our gospel text this week, Matthew 4:12-23, deals with calls of a different sort - calls that are, in a way, simultaneously "long-distance" and quite local: Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

We in the Reformed/Presbyterian tradition have had a lot to say about this idea of God's calling us - most notably, that God calls us all in some way or another; that being called by God isn't something reserved for some supposed "priestly class" of clergy, or only those whose daily work is for the institution of the Church. We believe that we all have some "vocation" - literally, from the Latin, that we have been "called" - to something particular in our lives in service to God. Today, when we think of that word, we tend to think of it in a strictly secular sense, and only with regard to some particular subset of the full variety of things that people may do as daily work (for example, we tend to distinguish "vocations" from "professions," etc.). I think that's unfortunate on both counts. Both the scriptures, and certainly the theology that we've inherited from John Calvin, would say something very differently, and something that's quite relevant to us in our own daily lives. This may be even more relevant to us in the current social turmoil that we find ourselves experiencing in our country these days.

What do you think - do you see what you do to earn your daily bread as something inherent in, and important to, your life of faith as a follower of Christ? Yes, no, somewhere in between? And if you see your "job" in terms of it being related to your "vocation" from God, what does that mean? If you're locked into an awful job for whatever reason, does that mean that God is simply "calling" you to be locked in your miserable state? Or does it mean something else? And if it means something else, what do you think that might be?

John the Baptist, who shows up "offstage" in this Sunday's text, had a "vocation," was called by God, to some particular way of being God's servant. Similarly, Jesus called those first disciples to a particular  vocation, a particular way of being servants of God. Have you ever considered how God may be calling you? I invite you to think about that, in advance of this Sunday. Hope to see you then.

Grace and peace,
Dwain

Music This Week:
(please follow the links provided to hear these if you aren't familiar with them)
 
9:00

Gathering Song - Hymn #705 You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)

Opening Song - All to Us

Response - Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone

Sermon Song - 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

Communion Song - Hymn #510 We Gather Here in Jesus’ Name (Come, Share the Lord)

Sending Song - Hymn #741 Guide My Feet


11:00

Prelude - O Day of Peace

Opening Hymn - #388 Come, All You People (Uyai Mose) - This simple but beautiful song, originating in Zimbabwe, began as a children's favorite and has become very popular with people of all ages and faith traditions. This Sunday, we'll sing through it several times - sometimes all of us, sometimes men & boys, sometimes women & girls, sometimes in English, and sometimes in Shona, its original language. 

Response - Hymn #625 O Lord My God (How Great Thou Art) - A classic traditional favorite in American churches - but did you know that it was originally a Swedish song, and was translated into German, andd then Russian, before making it into English. Hmm, I didn't know that, either. 

Anthem - With Our Voices Praising God

Sermon Hymn: #450 Be Thou My Vision - This much-beloved hymn is based on a traditional Irish folk tune. The Gory to God hymnal points out that the lyrics are taken from a 20th-century version of an ancient 10th-century Irish monastic prayer. So if you've ever wondered where the lyrics came from, now you know.

Response - Hymn #390 Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord - Another piece of global Christian music, this song of praise originated in Cameroon. Here's a link to a fun version of the song, being used as a processional for a choral group. We won't be doing the dance steps this Sunday, but if you feel led to step out in the aisle and do them, I don't suppose anyone would stop you.

Sending Hymn - #307 God of Grace, and God of Glory - This hymn was written in 1930, while the United States was in the throes of the Great Depression, by the Rev. Harry Emerson Fosdick, a strong proponent of the social gospel, a movement that recognized the plight of the poor and marginalized. 

Postlude - Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty

Assisting in Worship This Week:

Liturgist
Ellen Parks (9:00)
Greg Cohen (11:00) 

Audio
Mark Sterrett (9:00)
Mike Coomes (11:00)

Run Slides
Anne Locke

Prepare Slides
Jane Jones

Coffee Host(s)
Carol Snyder

Ushers
Weldon & Sue Maisch (9:00)
Bob & Shirley Mendell, Roxane Hincker, Tim Banerjee(11:00)
Greeters
The Martiny family (9:00)
Sandy Gillespie, Lynn Shea (11:00)

Welcome Desk
Dottie Willis (9:00)
Carol Hyatt (11:00)

Announcements

Dementia Wise Family Caregiver Support Group
A support group can help people cope with their unique situation.  This free support group will meet every Tuesday at Springdale Presbyterian Church for five weeks from 6 - 8 PM beginning February 7.
 
New Hot Topics Book Club (Fiction & Non-Fiction)
Hosted by Springdale Presbyterian, meeting beginning Tuesday February 21 at 1 PMin the library and the 3rd Tuesday of each month thereafter.  Please call 502-425-1760 to register.   The first book we will read is The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.
 
Spiritual Nurture - at Church
Please join us for age-appropriate, thought-provoking learning opportunities most Sunday
mornings. 
 
Adults
"Love in the Human Condition:"
January 22: Love in a Time of Dissing Others  - Milt Tyree
"Don't believe everything you think: A discussion about prejudice, unconscious bias, and influence of expectations.”

January 29: Love in a Time of Blues -  Jean Podbelsek
"What I Feel I Can Heal: Taming Depression"

Children and Youth

Childcare is provided during Spiritual Nurture time, at Grace Place in Rooms 204/208 on the main level, across from the Choir Room.
 
CONSTRUCTion (Pre-K through 4th grade) and CONNECTion (5th-6th grade) - Room 108 downstairs

InFORMATION (Grades 7-8) and QUESTion (Grades 9-12) begin in the sanctuary with Denise Whittington to work on songs for PYC Sunday - then to youth rooms.
 
Spiritual Nurture - at Home
Taking time at the beginning and end of the day for prayer is an important spiritual discipline. You can find some sample morning and evening prayers that you can use this week, in a
holder on the counter of the welcome desk. You’ll probably tweak them to make them your own, but they’re a good start for you in your own personal devotional practices. (I promise, new weekly prayer sheets are coming soon - DL)

"Breaking Bread for Social Justice" 
Louisville's Muslim Community is hosting "Breaking Bread for Social Justice," a gathering to foster dialogue and collaboration among various faith and other community groups. The event will take place on Saturday, January 28, from 2-5pm, at the American Turkish Friendship Association Center at 4711 Progress Boulevard. Drinks, snacks and sweets will be provided. The event will explore how we can work together in the face of increasing Islamophobia, racism, homophobia, transphobia, attacks on poor and working class people, immigrants, and women. The event is free of charge, wheelchair accessible and child-friendly. If you are interested in on-site child care please call Keith 502 835 8063. Find out more about the event at http://bit.ly/2jRaIrG

Knitting
A group of ladies have decided to get together on a regular basis to knit hats and mittens for kids and adults who are in need.  These women are asking for yarn to be donated to this group.  If you are able to donate yarn or would like to join them on their project, please see Barbara McClain.
 
Sanctuary Flowers
If you would like to sponsor flowers in recognition of a special person or event, there is now a sign up sheet in the Gathering Area.  Please feel free to pick a date and sign your name.  On the form, you can indicate whether the flowers are placed in memory of, in honor of, or in  celebration of someone, or something.  The flowers are yours to bring home following the 11:00am service.  The cost is $35.00.  Questions?  Contact the church office, by phone at 425-1760, or by email at mjablonski@springdalechurch.org.
  
Online, Direct Deposit, and Online/Mobile Giving
Options for financially supporting the church other than dropping something into the traditional offering plate are quickly becoming the norm for many people. In order to make your stewardship efforts as easy as possible, Springdale offers online giving on our website and automatic transfer of funds. For an authorization form or information, contact the church office - 425-1760. An even easier option is to simply set up a regularly scheduled automatic payment to the church, as you might do for your cable/internet service or other recurring charges, through your bank's online/mobile banking feature. 

Support Springdale’s Mission by Supporting our Endowment Fund
The SPC Endowment Fund, currently valued at over $150,000, is maintained to provide for the ongoing upkeep of the church. In addition, an annual distribution is used for general purposes of the mission of the church that would not ordinarily be possible to accomplish through the regular offering. Please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund as part of your overall financial and/or estate planning. Gifts such as cash, appreciated securities, real estate and life insurance policies can provide you with immediate tax deductions. Other gifts can provide you with an income for life, and the residual value goes to the church. You may also want to consider a gift through  your will or revocable trust, or naming the church as a beneficiary of your retirement assets or investment accounts. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information about these opportunities to support Christ's mission in the world.

This Week's Servers -  January 22, 2017
Liturgist (9:00a): Ellen Parks (11:00a): Greg Cohen; Audio (9:00a): Mark Sterrett (11:00a): Mike Coomes; PP Presentation: Anne Locke;   Prepare Slides: Jane Jones; Hosts:  Carol Snyder; Ushers (9:00a): Weldon & Sue Maisch; (11:00a): Bob & Shirley Mendell, Roxane Hincker, Tim Banerjee; Greeters (E): Martiny Family (11:00a): Sandy Gillespie, Lynn Shea; Welcome (9:00a): Dottie Willis (11:00a): Carol Hyatt; Flowers: None
 
Next Week's Servers - January 29, 2017
Liturgist (9:00a): Cathy Hagan (11:00a): John Fischbach; Audio (9:00a): Trent Browne (11:00a): Loren Hincker; PP Presentation: Larry Weishaar;   Prepare Slides: Anne Locke; Hosts:  Leslie Carmichael; Ushers (9:00a): Greg & Angela Nickels; (11:00a): Dan & Ann Botula, Eddie & Judy Riddle; Greeters (E): Trent &  Lynne Browne (11:00a): Marilyn Neel, Marcia Jumblatt; Welcome (9:00a): Cathy Hagan (11:00a): Ed Shadburne;     Flowers: None
Communion Preparers Schedule
Team 1: Marilyn Neel, Mary Pace
Team 2: Lynne Browne, Susan Cohen
Team 3: Donna Sheffer, Ellen Parks

February 5, 2017 - Team 3
March 5, 2017 - Team 1
April 2, 2017 - Team 2
May 7, 2017 - Team 1
June 4, 2017 - Team 2
July 2, 2017 - Team 3
August 6, 2017 - Team 1
September 3, 2017 - Team 2
October 1, 2017 - Team 3
November 5, 2017 - Team 1
December 3, 2017 - Team 2
December 24, 2017 (Christmas Eve, 9pm) - Team 3
January 7, 2018 - Team 1
February 4, 2018 - Team 2

Communion Servers Schedule (11am service)
 
TEAM 1 TEAM 2 TEAM 3 TEAM 4 
Angela Nickels Sarah Abraham Tim HaganLora Coomes
Greg Nickels Lynne Brown Cathy HaganSusan Cohen
Wendy Mullins Barb Link* Marcia JumblattLisa Hebert
Bruce Bunger Anne Locke Greg CohenMark Hebert
Dayle Darby* Stan Hankins Kenny PritchettMark Holsclaw
Loren Hincker George Sherrard* Scott Furkin*David Martin 
Shannon SwartzentruberCathy Longstreet Debbie Martin*Dennis McNulty
Jane Jones Vacant/new installWeldon MaischLeah Link-Ulrich*
February 5, 2017 - Team 4
March 5, 2017 - Team 3
April 2, 2017 - Team 2
April 16, 2017 (Easter) - Team 1
May 7, 2017 - Team 4
June 4, 2017 - Team 3
July 2, 2017 - Team 2
August 6, 2017 - Team1
September 3, 2017 - Team 4
October 1, 2017 - Team 3
November 5, 2017 - Team 2
December 3, 2017 - Team 1
December 24, 2017 (Christmas Eve, 9pm) - Team 4
January 7, 2018 - Team 3
February 4, 2018 - Team 2

 
Click Here to View/Search our Church Calendar for This Week and Beyond

This Sunday, just in advance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., many Presbyterian (and many other) churches recognize Dr. King and consider the broader issue of race and racial reconciliation in our society - and how the gospel speaks to these issues. This Sunday's sermon, titled "Where Are You Staying?" will examine race and racial reconciliation, in church and society. The sermon will be based on the gospel text for the day, John 1:29-42: 

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!”

The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Throughout the history of our faith, we Christians have struggled with any number of issues regarding change - particularly, issues that have required us to reassess theological positions that we've held as the norm, but which new or additional information has caused us to reconsider and revise our understandings. This continual testing and reassessment of the faith goes back to the very earliest days of the church. If you've got a moment, read Acts 15:1-29. The first of Jesus' followers were members of the Jewish faith, and after professing Jesus as Lord, continued to live in accordance with Jewish regulations and observances. However, as the church spread into the Gentile world, many questions arose regarding whether a Gentile believer in Jesus first had to become a Jew, and adopt Jewish practices; or whether the longstanding scriptural requirements for Jews - which until then, had also been requirements for followers of jesus - were not applicable to them. The church at Jerusalem met, and led by James, the brother of Jesus, the church reassessed its theological positions based on the leading of the Holy Spirit in the midst of new circumstances. 

Similar reassessment and adjustment has occurred over scientific issues - most notably, revising our beliefs to accept the scientific realities that the earth revolves around the sun, and the evolution of species, in the face of scriptural texts written in pre-scientific times which would indicate otherwise if read literally.

Certainly, in our country and in our churches, we've also had to go through this same sort of problem with regard to matters of race. Virtually every aspect of our national history has had a racial component. We all know that many in the past (and sadly, even some extremists in the present) have pointed to scripture and supposed Christian faith to try to justify separation of the races and the superiority of the white race over others. 

Many of these historical theological adjustments seem to be an "asked and answered," over-and-done-with thing that doesn't arise ever again. Others seem to be resolved, or at least partially resolved, only to crop up at other times, just in different forms, indicating the underlying problems and theological error still exists. Unfortunately, I think it's clear that issues of race fall into this category. We can't seem to fully grasp the beautiful words found in Paul's Letter to the Galatians, that "There is no longer Jew nor Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 5:28). Also, history teaches us that another constant found in past times where we've had to theologically reassess and revise - and this is certainly true regarding matters of race and racial justice and reconciliation - that those advocating the needed adjustment are seen as troublemakers, or outside agitators, or too pushy, expecting change too quickly, versus longer, more drawn-out change, or using tactics that don't seem acceptable or civil to those who are not part of the group being discriminated against.

Given that, and where we stand in this particular moment of history in terms of questions around race, how should we live as followers of Jesus, and proclaimers of God's good news for all people? What should we believe? What should we be doing? What should we not be doing? What happens when people advocate action that discomforts us? And just what does all this have to do with the day's gospel text, and how is this all going to come together in Sunday's sermon? I guess, to borrow Jesus' phrase, you'll just have to come and see. :)

Grace and peace,

Dwain

Music This Week:
(please follow the links provided to hear these if you aren't familiar with them)
 
9:00

Gathering Song - Strong Tower

Opening Song - God Is Great

Sermon Song - Hymn #637 O Sing to the Lord

Communion Song - Hymn #505 The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast is Ready)

Sending Song - Hymn #721 Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore


11:00

Prelude - Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service

Opening Hymn - #311 Here, O Lord, your Servants Gather - this gentle tune, composed by Tokuo Yamaguchi in Japan in 1958 and making its first appearance in the 1990 hymnal, is a beautiful reminder of the global nature of Christ's sovereignty and Lordship.

Sermon Hymn: #301 O Sing to the Lord - Another beautiful song appearing in both our 1990 hymnal and Glory to God, this Latino hymn originated in Brazil and was first translated into English in the 1980s and, like the Opening Hymn, gives witness to the reality of the equality of all races under the single Lordship of Christ. 

Sending Hymn - #339 Lift Every Voice and Sing - This hymn, along with We Shall Overcome, was heard often during the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Like the other hymns selected this Sunday, this selection was in both our past and current hymnal. Its text and tune has gained national recognition and appreciation not only within the African-American community, but also among all who seek liberation from oppression. If you aren't familiar with the song, please follow the link to hear an excellent rendition of it, set to a stirring video montage.

Postlude - O God, our Help in Ages Past

Assisting in Worship This Week:

Liturgist
Katherine Rich (9:00)
John Fischbach (11:00) 

Welcome Desk
Sarah Abraham (9:00)
Ralph Holsclaw (11:00)

Greeters
The Locke family (9:00)
Ainsley & Megan Jones (11:00)

Ushers
Colleen Ehrig, Stacy Webb (9:00)
Peggy Murphy, Hester Haick, Milt Tyree, Dennis McNulty(11:00)

​Audio
Mark Hebert (9:00)
Philip Swartzentruber (11:00)

Video
Larry Weishaar

Coffee Host
Joyce Shipley

Announcements

Offering to Feed Hungry People - "Cents-ability"
The "Cents-ability" Offering is collected the third Sunday of each month. The children collect the change they and members of the congregation have saved and/or collected during the month for the cents-ability offerings. Remember to pray for the hungry as you give.
 
Grace Place
Grace Place is the new name for our nursery/childcare area, which is lovingly coordinated by Anita Perez. Children age 4 and younger are welcome in Grace Place whenever it is open (normally every Sunday beginning 15 minutes before the first scheduled service or class through the end of the last scheduled service or class and other times as requested). Children ages 7 and younger may come to Grace Place following the Time for Young Disciples during the Worship service. 
 
Spiritual Nurture - at Church
Spiritual Nurture at Springdale Presbyterian 
Please join us for age-appropriate, thought-provoking learning opportunities most Sunday mornings. 
 
Spiritual Nurture:  LOVE IN THE HUMAN CONDITION
January 15        Love in a Time of Co-dependency      Becky Backert
     "Understanding how control freaks came to be - codependency explained"

January 22      Love in a Time of Dissing Others    Milt Tyree
"Don't believe everything you think: A discussion about prejudice, unconscious bias, and influence of expectations.”

January 29      Love in a Time of Blues   Jean Podbelsek
 
Children and Youth
Childcare is provided during Spiritual Nurture time, in Rooms 204/208 on the main level, across from the Choir Room.
 
CONSTRUCTion (Pre-K through 4th grade) - Room 108 downstairs  
CONNECTion (5th-6th grade) - Room 107 downstairs  
InFORMATION (Grades 7-8) - Younger Youth Room downstairs
QUESTion (Grades 9-12) - Older Youth Room downstairs
 
Spiritual Nurture - at Home
Taking time at the beginning and end of the day for prayer is an important spiritual discipline. You can find some sample morning and evening prayers that you can use this week, in a
holder on the counter of the welcome desk. You’ll probably tweak them to make them your own, but they’re a good start for you in your own personal devotional practices.
 
Newsletter  Deadline
Remember the newsletter deadline is midnight on January 15.  If you would like to include something in the newsletter, please submit completed, written articles by email to
mjablonski@springdalechurch.org by that date and time.

Annual Reports Due Soon 
To all Officers, Staff, Ministry Team Leaders, Trustee Leaders and Groups: 
Annual Reports are due in the office by Friday, January 20.  This year, we are requesting each report by submitted as follows:
              Word Document; copy ready; no more than 2 pages; 12 point Times Roman font;
              1.5 line spacing; with 1 inch margins. 
Submitting reports in this format will greatly ease preparation of the reports, which will be available prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting. 

Knitting
A group of ladies have decided to get together on a regular basis to knit hats and mittens for kids and adults who are in need.  These women are asking for yarn to be donated to this group.  If you are able to donate yarn or would like to join them on their project, please see Barbara McClain.
 
Disabilities Ministry 
Just a reminder that the Disabilities Ministry, which hasn't met lately, is meeting this week, January 17 at 7 PM in the upstairs Classroom.
 
Sanctuary Flowers
If you would like to sponsor flowers in recognition of a special person or event, there is now a sign up sheet in the Gathering Area.  Please feel free to pick a date and sign your name.  On the form, you can indicate whether the flowers are placed in memory of, in honor of, or in  celebration of someone, or something.  The flowers are yours to bring home following the 11:00am service.  The cost is $35.00.  Questions?  Contact the church office, by phone at 425-1760, or by email at mjablonski@springdalechurch.org.
  
Online, Direct Deposit, and Online/Mobile Giving
Options for financially supporting the church other than dropping something into the traditional offering plate are quickly becoming the norm for many people. In order to make your stewardship efforts as easy as possible, Springdale offers online giving on our website and automatic transfer of funds. For an authorization form or information, contact the church office - 425-1760. An even easier option is to simply set up a regularly scheduled automatic payment to the church, as you might do for your cable/internet service or other recurring charges, through your bank's online/mobile banking feature. 

Support Springdale’s Mission by Supporting our Endowment Fund
The SPC Endowment Fund, currently valued at over $150,000, is maintained to provide for the ongoing upkeep of the church. In addition, an annual distribution is used for general purposes of the mission of the church that would not ordinarily be possible to accomplish through the regular offering. Please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund as part of your overall financial and/or estate planning. Gifts such as cash, appreciated securities, real estate and life insurance policies can provide you with immediate tax deductions. Other gifts can provide you with an income for life, and the residual value goes to the church. You may also want to consider a gift through  your will or revocable trust, or naming the church as a beneficiary of your retirement assets or investment accounts. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information about these opportunities to support Christ's mission in the world.

Next Week's Servers - January 22, 2017
Liturgist (9:00a): Ellen Parks (11:00a): Greg Cohen; Audio (9:00a): Mark  Sterrett (11:00a): Mike Coomes; PP Presentation: Anne Locke;   Prepare Slides: Jane Jones; Hosts:  Carol Snyder; Ushers (9:00a): Weldon & Sue Maisch; (11:00a): Bob & Shirley Mendell, Roxane Hincker, Tim Banerjee; Greeters (E): Martiny Family (11:00a): Sandy Gillespie, Lynn Shea; Welcome (9:00a): Dottie Willis (11:00a): Carol Hyatt; Flowers: None
Click Here to View/Search our Church Calendar for This Week and Beyond
Copyright © 2017 Springdale Presbyterian Church, All rights reserved. 

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.  - Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV)
​
Christmas greetings to all of you! We hope that you will be part of our worship services this weekend. As we've done in the past, there will be two Christmas Eve services. Both services will include the following congregationally-sung Christmas favorites:
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
A Communion Hymn sung to the tune of "It Came upon the Midnight Clear"
Silent Night, Holy Night
Joy to the World!
The format and liturgies of the two Christmas Eve services are the same, except as noted here:

Early Christmas Eve service 
As we gather to worship, our Praise Team will offer "Sounds of the Season," a selection of contemporary Christmas-themed music beginning at 5:45pm, with the service beginning at 6:00pm.

In addition to the congregationally-sung Christmas music mentioned earlier, this service will also include additional contemporary Christmas musical elements. Communion will be served via intinction at this service, where attendees receive the bread and cup by coming forward. The service will also include a candlelight singing of "Silent Night."

Late Christmas Eve service
This service will also be preceded by "Sounds of the Season," but this time with a more traditional flavor, and including our Belles and Beaux Handbell Choir as well. "Sounds of the Season" will begin at 8:30pm, with the service beginning at 9:00pm.

The late service will include the same traditional congregationally-sung Christmas hymns and carols as the earlier service, along with additional more traditional musical offerings as part of the service. Communion will be served in the late service as well, using standard tray distribution to attendees as they are seated in the pews. This service will also feature a candlelight singing of "Silent Night."

Christmas Day service
Our Christmas Day service will be a "casual traditional" service. We will include a number of additional favorite congregationally-sung Christmas hymns and carols, including:
Away in a Manger
Angels We Have Heard on High
The First Nowell
Joy to the World!
Go, Tell it on the Mountain
Whether you join us for Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day, or both - or who knows, maybe even all three services - let's all experience the warmth and light of God's love, and the love that we have for one another, as we come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ at this most special and holy of seasons. 

Grace and peace,

Dwain

Assisting in Worship Sunday, December 25th:
(one service)

Liturgist
Milt Tyree

Welcome Desk
Hester Haick

Greeters
Leslie Carmichael, Ruth Wilder

Ushers
Judy & Eddie Riddle, Barbara McClain, Rae Guernsey

Audio
Tim Hagan

Video
n/a

Coffee Host
Tom & Ginny Darrah
Announcements
Call for Volunteers!
We need volunteers to serve as greeters and ushers for both the 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve services and communion servers for the 9:00 p.m. service. If interested please call Debbie Martin-Herrell immediately if you are able to serve in one or more of these opportunities.

Grace Place!
"Grace Place" is the new name for our nursery/childcare area which is lovingly coordinated by Anita Perez. Children age 4 and younger are welcome in Grace Place whenever it is open (normally every Sunday beginning 15 minutes prior to the first scheduled service or class through the end of the last scheduled service or class and other times as requested). Children ages 7 and younger may come to Grace Place following the Time for Young Disciples during the Worship service.  This Christmas Day and New Year’s Morning children of all ages are encouraged to be with their families during worship. Grace Place will reopen with caregivers on January 8.
 
Request for Assistance for Refugee Family
A former refugee family of ours has fallen on hard times.  This is a family of Mother, father, son & 2 daughters. The son is autistic.  They were moved out of their apartment a month ago because of a serious plumbing problem.  They were told to take clothes and food for a week.  It has now been 1 month & no work was done.  Their apartment  was broken in to.  Their TV, DVD player, checks & $100 were stolen, their kitchen table and couch were broken.  They are trying today to get anything else left into another apartment. The husband has a low paying job, they are doing their best...if anyone could help, perhaps if anyone has extra they could donate, please  contact Hester Haick at  502-425-0211
 
Spiritual Nurture - at Church
Please join us for age-appropriate, thought-provoking learning opportunities most Sunday mornings.  There will be no Spiritual Nurture classes on December 25 or January 1. Spiritual Nurture classes for all ages will resume on January 8.
 
 Coming in January:

Issues Class: January 8
Dr. Martin Huecker, an emergency medicine doctor in Louisville, Kentucky, will talk about the heroin epidemic in Louisville.

Spiritual Nurture:  "Love in the Human Condition"
January 15: Love in a Time of Co-dependency, led by Becky Backert
January 22: Love in a Time of Dissing Others, led by Milt Tyree
January 29: Love in a Time of Blues, led by Jean Podbelsek
 
Spiritual Nurture - at Home
Taking time at the beginning and end of the day for prayer is an important spiritual discipline. You can find some sample morning and evening prayers that you can use this week, in a holder on the counter of the welcome desk. You’ll probably tweak them to make them your own, but they’re a good start for you in your own personal devotional practices. (Note: we'll be updating these daily prayer sheets with new prayers early in the coming year)

Holiday Office Considerations
As a reminder, the church office will be closed all day Monday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday.  Also, note that both MB and I (Dwain) will be on vacation December 26 until January 3.  The church office will also be closed Monday January 2  in observance of the New Year.

Sanctuary Flowers
If you would like to sponsor flowers in recognition of a special person or event, there is now a sign up sheet in the Gathering Area.  Please feel free to pick a date and sign your name.  On the form, you can indicate whether the flowers are placed in memory of, in honor of, or in  celebration of someone, or something.  The flowers are yours to bring home following the 11:00am service.  The cost is $35.00.  Questions?  Contact the church office, by phone at 425-1760, or by email at mjablonski@springdalechurch.org.
  
Online, Direct Deposit, and Online/Mobile Giving
Options for financially supporting the church other than dropping something into the traditional offering plate are quickly becoming the norm for many people. In order to make your stewardship efforts as easy as possible, Springdale offers online giving on our website and automatic transfer of funds. For an authorization form or information, contact the church office - 425-1760. An even easier option is to simply set up a regularly scheduled automatic payment to the church, as you might do for your cable/internet service or other recurring charges, through your bank's online/mobile banking feature. 

Support Springdale’s Mission by Supporting our Endowment Fund
The SPC Endowment Fund, currently valued at over $150,000, is maintained to provide for the ongoing upkeep of the church. In addition, an annual distribution is used for general purposes of the mission of the church that would not ordinarily be possible to accomplish through the regular offering. Please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund as part of your overall financial and/or estate planning. Gifts such as cash, appreciated securities, real estate and life insurance policies can provide you with immediate tax deductions. Other gifts can provide you with an income for life, and the residual value goes to the church. You may also want to consider a gift through  your will or revocable trust, or naming the church as a beneficiary of your retirement assets or investment accounts. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information about these opportunities to support Christ's mission in the world.
 
Serving in Worship Sunday, January 1:
Liturgist: Milt Tyree
Audio: Mike Coomes
Host: Lynne Browne
Ushers: Shirley & Bob Mendel, Stan & Sue Hankins
Greeters: Eddie Riddle, TBD
Welcome Desk: Donna Sheffer
Click Here to View/Search our Church Calendar for This Week and Beyond
Copyright © 2016 Springdale Presbyterian Church, All rights reserved. 
We send this weekly email to members, friends, and mission partners of Springdale, as well as others who may be interested in what our church is up to. We hope that this information is interesting and helpful to you. 

Our mailing address is: 
Springdale Presbyterian Church
7812 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, Ky 40241
​

Springdale News for Sunday, October 16th
 
This Sunday's Gospel Text is Luke 18:1-8:

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

How many of us have had children who had a highly developed talent for asking, begging, whining, pleading for something they wanted, until we, as parents finally caved in to them just to obtain some peace and quiet? How many of us remember actually being kids ourselves, and using the same tactic with our parents? i suspect we've all experienced at least one of these. This text from Luke describes a similar situation with a widow who wasn't lobbying for the hottest new toy or a trendy looking pair of jeans, but rather, she was demanding justice of some unspecified type, from a judge who didn't want to waste his time with what he must have considered her petty problem - and she had no intention of letting him ignore her.

Jesus tells this story as part of his teaching to his disciples to pray to God continually, and to keep hope that their prayers would be answered. The story certainly works on one level, but on another, it can lead to a misperception that the purpose of prayer is to wear God down, getting God to answer our prayers out of annoyance and the intention to just shut us up. I certainly don't think that was Jesus' intent, and story notwithstanding, I don't believe that's an accurate way of understanding God, or prayer, or us, for that matter.

But when you get right down to the bottom of it, what exactly do you think about prayer? How does it work? Are we just trying to be "squeaky wheels," trying to wear God down until we get a "Yes" answer to our prayers? And what about those things that we pray for day after day, maybe year after year, but seemingly to no avail? How do you personally reconcile the recognition that we obviously pray for many things in your life in great earnest without receiving our desired outcome, with Jesus' message here? I'm sure that we've all heard the expression that God answers all prayers, it's just that sometimes the answer is "No." Is it actually just that simple, or is there more to it than that? In any case, those are some things to think about in advance of Sunday morning. I hope to see you then.

 
 
Music This Week:
(please follow the links provided to hear these if you aren't familiar with them)

9:00 Service:
Gathering Song - Come, Now Is the Time to Worship

Opening Song - Come As You Are

Sermon Song - Cornerstone

Communion Song - #527 Eat This Bread

Sending Song - Every Move I Make

11:00 Service
Prelude - For the Beauty of the Earth - This Sunday morning, we get to hear a beautiful arrangement of this classic hymn performed by our Bells & Beaux Handbell Choir! Here's a link to a handbell ensemble performing the hymn - probably not the same arrangement, but very nicely done.

Opening Hymn - #267 Come, Christians, Join to Sing

Sermon Hymn - #39 Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Sending Hymn - #746 Send Me, Jesus

Postlude - Choral Prelude on Rejoice, the Lord Is King 

 
Assisting in Worship This Week:

Liturgist
Rob Locke (9:00)
Barbara McClain (11:00)

Welcome Desk
Sarah Abraham (9:00)
Ralph Holsclaw (11:00)

Greeters
Trent & Lynne Browne (9:00)
Lynn Shea, Ruth Wilder (11:00)

Ushers
Vacancy due to illness - need a volunteer! (9:00)
Barry & Joy Cashman, Peggy Murphy, Susan Revell (11:00)

Audio
Trent Browne (9:00)
Mike Coomes(11:00)

Video
Sabrena Martiny

Coffee Host
Carol Snyder

Announcements

Spiritual Nurture This Sunday

• Adults (Klein Chapel, 10:00 unless noted otherwise):
  • This Sunday: Charles Wiley, The Crusades
  • October 23: Wayne Willis, Reformation: Catholics Protest Excesses
  • October 30: Charles Wiley,  Revival: Cane Ridge, KY to Azusa Street 
• Youth (Youth Area): PYC 12:15
• 5th and 6th Grade (Room 107 downstairs) - Echo the Story with MB McCandless
• Pre-K through 4th Grade (Room 108 downstairs) - Grace and Gratitude with Martha Long

Child Care is provided for children ages 3 and under during Spiritual Nurture time.

Changes to Church Master Calendar & Building Use Scheduling
We are currently revamping the process for scheduling events and space here at the church. At the present time, all requests for meeting space, changes to ongoing events and requests for new events should be submitted via calendar@springdalechurch.org.
 
Stay tuned for continuing transformation!

Another Hole in the Road...
If this announcement affects you, you're probably already aware that KY Hwy 22 is currently closed between Goose Creek Road and Hurstbourne Parkway, to replace a deteriorating culvert. The work is currently expected to take approximately two months. Please take note of the closing and adjust your routes/time accordingly. 

Murder under the Big Top
Our second annual Murder Mystery Party is Friday, November 11, from 7-11pm. As with last year, proceeds will benefit the PYC. The cost is a bargain - a mere $15 per person for a full evening of fun, entertainment, mystery, and.... murder. :) Childcare will be provided that night as well. 

We will need help with setup, cleanup, decorations and food, so please contact Laura Hagan at lhagan7@gmail.com

In-service Recognition of June Dean November 6th
We will be recognizing June for her many years of dedicated service to our congregation in our single service on Sunday, November 6th. We hope as many of you as possible will be there to offer June a heartfelt thank you and farewell!

"Springdale 101" - New Member Class Coming
Thinking about becoming a member of Springdale Pres? We're offering another round of "Springdale 101" classes geared to people wishing to join the congregation. There will be two classes, held on Sunday, November 6th and 13th. More details will follow. Stay tuned...

"Beloved Community" - Upcoming Presbytery Workshop
The Mid-Kentucky Presbytery is sponsoring the workshop "Beloved Community: Working Toward Racial Reconciliation," On October 22, 9:00 - 12:00, at Fourth Presbyterian Church. This should be a very good presentation and conversation. Registration is $5.00, which would be cheap just for the information and discussion, but that includes lunch, too! If you'd like to attend, you can register online by following this link. 

Pastor Meet & Greets - Still Meeting & Greeting...
Just a reminder, there are still a few Pastor Meet & Greets - and it's in these gatherings, in addition to routine committee meetings and such, that I actually get to know you all more than in any other setting - so I really encourage you to take part in these if you haven't. This Sunday is a Meet & Greet at the Botula's, so here's a reminder if you're signed up for that one. Others are scheduled for October 23rd, November 6th, and November 13th. 

Online, Direct Deposit, and Online/Mobile Giving
Options for financially supporting the church other than dropping something into the traditional offering plate are quickly becoming the norm for many people. In order to make your stewardship efforts as easy as possible, Springdale offers online giving on our website and automatic transfer of funds. For an authorization form or information, contact the church office - 425-1760. An even easier option is to simply set up a regularly scheduled automatic payment to the church, as you might do for your cable/internet service or other recurring charges, through your bank's online/mobile banking feature. 
 
Food Pantry Donations
Springdale is glad to be a supporter of the Portland Avenue Presbyterian Church's Food Pantry. Look for the shopping cart in our Gathering Space, which is where we collect items to contribute. Currently, there is a need for: canned fruit/vegetables, peanut butter, tuna, cereal, rice, or macaroni and cheese; and personal items such as shampoo, toothpaste, dish soap, deodorant, laundry soap, DIAPERS, etc. Also needed: clothing for children and men, and especially linens and bath towels. We hope you'll be a part of this important part of our mission efforts.
 
Food Truck Fridays!
What a neat idea! Our friends at Harvey Brown Presbyterian, 311 Brown's Lane, are currently holding monthly events called Food Truck Fridays. The final one of the year will be October 21. Food from six or more food trucks, beer, soft drinks, and live music are available from 6-9pm. If you've got some spare time on those dates, you might want to swing by and check it out. 

 
Springdale Calendar This Week

Sunday, October 16
*  9:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Communion
* 10:00 a.m. Spiritual Nurture
* 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
* 12:15 p.m. Presbyterian Youth Connection (PYC)
*2:00 p.m. Pastor Meet & Greet @ Botula Residence
             
Monday, October 17
*  1:30 p.m. Life Review group
 
Tuesday,  October 18
*  5:30 p.m. Growth Ministry Team
*  6:30 p.m. FOSSIL Club
*  7:00 p.m. Praise Team
 
Wednesday, October 19
*  7:00 p.m. Personnel Ministry Team
*  7:00 p.m. Adult choir
 
Thursday, October 20
*  6:00 p.m. Communications Ministry Team - offsite: El Nopal, 9451 Westport Road
*  6:30 p.m. Finance Ministry Team
*  7:00 p.m. Disability Issues Ministry Team
 
Sunday, October 23
*  9:00 a.m. Informal Worship with Communion
* 10:00 a.m. Spiritual Nurture
* 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
* 12:15 p.m. PYC
 
Copyright © 2016 Springdale Presbyterian Church, All rights reserved.
We send this weekly email to members, friends, and mission partners of Springdale, as well as others who may be interested in what our church is up to. We hope that this information is interesting and helpful to you.

Our mailing address is:
Springdale Presbyterian Church
7812 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, Ky 40241

Springdale News for Sunday, October 9th
 
There's a story about a young child who heard this Sunday's Gospel Text and thought it was a story about Jesus and the Ten Leopards. I suppose that would make for an interesting story, too, but this Sunday we'll stick with the original version - Luke 17:11-19 - of Jesus and the Ten Lepers:

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”

Expressing thanks for God's blessings, and God's work within our lives, is a big part of what we do in worship, and in our own personal lives of faith. Expressing thanks for something, obviously, first requires that a.) we recognize that we've actually been the beneficiary of something good; and b.) we know who's responsible for it and deserving of thanks. I don't know about you, but in the day-to-day rush of things, I can sometimes not take the time to consider those two things. Mind you, it isn't that I'm completely unaware, or even ungrateful, for whatever the blessing or benefit is. It's just that, like the nine leopards - I mean, lepers - my attention ends up being directed somewhere else and I may not follow up on actually acknowledging and giving thanks the way that I should.

I suspect we've all had moments like that. As unintentional as it is, it's something that over time can rob us of an awful lot of the joy of our faith, and can even make the deepening of our faith more difficult. In order to avoid this from happening, I know someone who commits five or ten minutes at the end of each day to update a "Gratitude Journal." In it, he takes the time to review the day and writes down the things in his day that he's grateful for, and then he takes the time to give thanks to God for those things. I think this is a very helpful spiritual discipline. 

How do you recognize the goodness in your life that God has provided, and give thanks for it? And what, specifically, is it that you're thankful for? I invite you to think about that in the days between now and Sunday, when we'll look at this passage. As you think about that question, I'll challenge you to try to go deeper than the top three or four things that first come to mind. What would the eighth, or ninth, or tenth, thing be on your list tonight if you were keeping a nightly Gratitude Journal of your own?

And maybe, if you're like me and you realize that you could make concrete efforts to express that gratitude more readily and consistently, you might want to ask yourself: can a leper - I mean, leopard - change its spots? For all of our sakes, I hope so. Hope to see you Sunday. 

 
 
Music This Week:
(please follow the links provided to hear these if you aren't familiar with them)

9:00 Service:
Gathering Song - Let God Arise 

Opening Song - God Is Great

Sermon Hymn - Give Thanks

Communion Song - You Are My Strength When I Am Weak

Sending Song - Ancient of Days

11:00 Service
Prelude - Now Thank We All Our God - Here's a video that shows how a classic traditional hymn can have a much different and current sound based solely on instrumentation.

Opening Hymn - Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Sermon Hymn - #647 Give Thanks

Sending Hymn - #295 Go to the World!

Postlude - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - here's a video of Queen Elizabeth and a few of her closest friends offering a simple, unpretentious version of this classic hymn. 

 
Assisting in Worship This Week:

Liturgist
Paul Hibberd (9:00)
John Fischbach (11:00)

Welcome Desk
Cathy Hagan (9:00)
Joy Cashman (11:00)

Greeters
The Locke family (9:00)
Wendy & Lauran Mullins (11:00)

Ushers
Greg & Angela Nickels (9:00)
Stan & Susan Hankins, Eddie & Judy Riddle

Audio
Mark Sterrett (9:00)
Loren Hincker (11:00)

Video
Anne Locke

Coffee Host
Lynne Browne

 

Announcements

Spiritual Nurture This Sunday

• Adults (Klein Chapel, 10:00 unless noted otherwise):
  • This Sunday: Cliff Kirkpatrick, East/West Christianity
  • October 16: Charles Wiley, The Crusades
• Youth (Youth Area): PYC 12:15
• 5th and 6th Grade (Room 107 downstairs) - Echo the Story with MB McCandless
• Pre-K through 4th Grade (Room 108 downstairs) - Grace and Gratitude with Martha Long

Child Care is provided for children ages 3 and under during Spiritual Nurture time.

Another Hole in the Road...
If this announcement affects you, you're probably already aware that KY Hwy 22 is currently closed between Goose Creek Road and Hurstbourne Parkway, to replace a deteriorating culvert. The work is currently expected to take approximately two months. Please take note of the closing and adjust your routes/time accordingly. 

Follies Are Upon Us!
This Sunday evening, enjoy a potluck chili supper at 6:00 in the Fellowship Hall, followed by the Follies at 7pm in the sanctuary. Come on out and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and frivolity!

Murder under the Big Top
Our second annual Murder Mystery Party is Friday, November 11, from 7-11pm. As with last year, proceeds will benefit the PYC. The cost is a bargain - a mere $15 per person for a full evening of fun, entertainment, mystery, and.... murder. :) Childcare will be provided that night as well. 

The theme is the circus - Murder Under the Big Top! Please RSVP yes if you're free to come that night (and invite your friends!) We need to get an idea of how many are coming by late September to send out parts for the night of! 

If you can't come or don't want to play along, we will need help with setup, cleanup, decorations and food, so please contact Laura Hagan at lhagan7@gmail.com

"Beloved Community" - Upcoming Presbytery Workshop
The Mid-Kentucky Presbytery is sponsoring the workshop "Beloved Community: Working Toward Racial Reconciliation," On October 22, 9:00 - 12:00, at Fourth Presbyterian Church. This should be a very good presentation and conversation. Registration is $5.00, which would be cheap just for the information and discussion, but that includes lunch, too! If you'd like to attend, you can register online by following this link. 

"Springdale 101" - New Member Class Coming
Thinking about becoming a member of Springdale Pres? We're offering another round of "Springdale 101" classes geared to people wishing to join the congregation. There will be two classes, held on Sunday, November 6th and 13th. More details will follow. Stay tuned...

Pastor Meet & Greets
There are still some dates open for the ongoing pastor meet & greets, which will run through mid-November. If you haven't been part of one yet, you're encouraged to do so. See the sign-up sheets in the Gathering Space during the fellowship time.

Online, Direct Deposit, and Online/Mobile Giving
Options for financially supporting the church other than dropping something into the traditional offering plate are quickly becoming the norm for many people. In order to make your stewardship efforts as easy as possible, Springdale offers online giving on our website and automatic transfer of funds. For an authorization form or information, contact the church office - 425-1760. An even easier option is to simply set up a regularly scheduled automatic payment to the church, as you might do for your cable/internet service or other recurring charges, through your bank's online/mobile banking feature. 
 
Food Pantry Donations
Springdale is glad to be a supporter of the Portland Avenue Presbyterian Church's Food Pantry. Look for the shopping cart in our Gathering Space, which is where we collect items to contribute. Currently, there is a need for: canned fruit/vegetables, peanut butter, tuna, cereal, rice, or macaroni and cheese; and personal items such as shampoo, toothpaste, dish soap, deodorant, laundry soap, DIAPERS, etc. Also needed: clothing for children and men, and especially linens and bath towels. We hope you'll be a part of this important part of our mission efforts.
 
Food Truck Fridays!
What a neat idea! Our friends at Harvey Brown Presbyterian, 311 Brown's Lane, are currently holding monthly events called Food Truck Fridays. The final one of the year will be October 21. Food from six or more food trucks, beer, soft drinks, and live music are available from 6-9pm. If you've got some spare time on those dates, you might want to swing by and check it out. 

 
Springdale Calendar This Week

Sunday, October 9
*  9:00 a.m. Informal Worship w/Communion
* 10:00 a.m. Spiritual Nurture
* 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
* 12:15 p.m. PYC
*  6:00 p.m. Chili potluck supper
*  7:00 p.m. Follies program
             
Monday, October 10
*  5:30 p.m. Presbyterian Women Evening Circle
*  7:00 p.m. Belles & Beaux hand bells
 
Tuesday,  October 11
*  7:00 p.m. Praise Team
 
Wednesday, October 12
*  7:00 p.m. Adult choir
 
Thursday, October 13
*  7:00 p.m. Communications Ministry Team
*  7:00 p.m. Mission Ministry team
 
Friday, October 14
* 10:00 a.m. Bridge group
 
Sunday, October 9
*  9:00 a.m. Informal Worship w/Communion
* 10:00 a.m. Spiritual Nurture
* 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
* 12:15 p.m. PYC
 
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Springdale Presbyterian Church
7812 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, Ky 40241