Loch Raven Press: January 2016

L o c h R a v e n P r e s s J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

The Pastor’s Page— Our 2016 Worship Focus:

The Heidelberg Catechism

Keeping Christ

Pre-eminent

In All Things

Capital Fundraising 3

Missions 4

Deacons 5

Evangelism & Outreach 6

Christian Education 7

Friendship Dinners 8

Women’s Ministries 9

Calendar

Inside this issue:

Loch Raven Press L o c h R a v e n P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h , P C A

Continued—page 2

As Pastor Milligan was away as this edition of the newsletter was being put together, Clerk of Session, Elder Michael Kersten, steps in to tell us about Session’s worship focus for the coming year.

In 2016 we will confess our faith during each worship service using the Hei-delberg Catechism. This article provides a brief re-introduction to the Heidelberg Cat-echism and explains why we are using it this year. The Heidelberg Catechism originated in what is now Germany during the Reformation. A regional ruler named Frederick III wanted a tool to better instruct his people in true Christian faith and repentance. As Kevin DeYoung wrote in his excel-lent book, The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Cen-tury Catechism: “A new catechism would serve three purposes: (1) as a tool for teach-ing children, (2) as a guide for preachers, and (3) as a form for confessional unity among the Protestant factions in the Palatinate.” While a team of theological profes-sors and ministers was commissioned to draft the new catechism, its chief architect and author was Zacharias Ursinus, a professor at the University in Heidelberg. The Catechism was first published in January 1536, and was quickly translated into Latin, Dutch, French and English. As Kevin DeYoung wrote: “Besides the Bible, John Bun-yan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and Thomas à Kempis’ Imitation of Christ, the Heidelberg Catechism is the most widely circulated book in the world. Since its publication in 1536, the Heidelberg Catechism has been used in scores of languages and is widely praised as the most devotional, most loved catechism of the Reformation.” The catechism is structured to reflect the pattern of salvation: Questions 3-11 deal with our sinful condition (guilt); Questions 12-85 deal with God’s deliverance (grace); and Questions 86-129 deal with our response (gratitude). (Questions 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to the overall catechism and summarize the character of our salvation and our response to God as a result of his saving grace.) This pattern of Guilt, Grace and Gratitude is an outline of the Bible’s over-arching message of re-demption. It is the pattern of the gospel itself. The Catechism’s organization also aids our study. The 129 questions and answers are divided into 52 Lord’s Days, making it convenient for both preaching and for personal and family devotions every week of the year. So why are we using the Catechism? In the original introduction to the Hei-delberg Catechism, the writers provided reasons for its use, which apply to us just as much as they applied 450 years ago. Two of the reasons are as follows:

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Special Events

Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, January 14

Deadline for submissions for the Annual Report and nominations from the floor for new church officers.

Friday, January 29

7:00 PM

Congregational Meeting:

Annual Reports and

Election of New Officers

1. They knew that our “inborn wickedness,” and its deceptive pull upon our hearts, would “get the upper hand and then pervert churches” unless we were equipped to counter such deception by knowing and study-ing the truths of Scripture given to us by God himself. 2. They “had the express command of God in Exodus 12 and 13 and in Deuteronomy 4, 6 and 11 where the Lord says ‘and these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart and you shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.’” Why does God repeatedly command us to have his law “upon our hearts”, and to “teach them diligently” throughout each day? Because of reason number 1! Sin is constantly working to remove our trust, hope and confidence from God’s Word, and to follow instead our own understand-ing, which conforms so conveniently with the way of the world. We contin-ually need our minds and hearts to be re-formed according to God’s Word, to be reminded daily of our sin and desire to find life apart from God, to be shown the amazing grace that God has granted to us through the life and death of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and to be encouraged to live lives of gratitude and obedience to Him. Only a profound familiarity with the rich truths of the Bible, which “show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7), will keep us faithful when doubt and temptation confront us, when grief and frustration overwhelm us, when Satan temps us with the same words he tempted Eve and continues to tempt all those who trust in God: “Has God really said?” Thanks be to God that he has spoken clearly through his prophets, and then finally and fully through His Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ himself. May the Holy Spirit bless the Word to each one of us and to our congregation as we commit to study and confess it together, as summarized in the Heidelberg Catechism. Suggested resources: The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Cen-tury Catechism, by Kevin DeYoung. Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Heidel-berg Catechism, by Starr Meade The Heidelberg Catechism, by G.I. Williamson.

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Phase III of the construction project passed by the congregation

on December 12, 2015 by a vote of 73%

Samue l a it Ebenezer ‘ Lord has

things us

1.

2. The

3.

4. goal is raise

5.

6.

7.

freely

Joanne Stevenson, Frank Insley, Karl Mangels, Jim Fox and Nadim Warsal

4


MISSION POSSIBLE January , 2106

China Outreach Ministries—University of Maryland

Ms. Iris Maurer is now serving as COM’s leader on

the campus of University of Maryland since Simon Shi

left to plant a church for Chinese people who live in

the greater D.C. area.

When she met with the

Missions Committee

in August, she shared

the following infor-

mation about her call-

ing and experience.

“I was called to China

when I was 14. But

China was already closed, so I had to wait many years

to go. Finally, with the Open Door Policy in 1978, Chi-

na wanted English teachers. She wanted Western sci-

ence and technology, but most of the literature was

written in English, and most is not translated. There-

fore, she decided that her people would have to learn

English and so declared English as China’s second lan-

guage! Since I was already a college English teacher

(I had taught at Washington Bible College 1968-78),

after finishing my Ph.D, in British literature, I first

went to China in 1981.

“After 28 years in the country, I had to leave China in

July 2013 because the government in recent years has

been imposing an age limit of 65 for expat workers all

over the country. But I see now this was God’s timing.

When I got home, no college teaching jobs were avail-

able in my home area. But God has opened up an excit-

ing new ministry for me!

“In January 2014, I began working with COM (China

Outreach Ministries) in campus ministry to Chinese

students and scholars at University of Maryland, Col-

lege Park—PTL! Since I have been screened out of

serving long-term in China, I view working with COM

as a strategic opportunity to continue following my call

to China by helping reach Chinese studying in the US,

many of whom will become China’s future leaders….

“ In addition, although I’m glad I went to China (many

Chinese can’t go abroad and some Chinese in Heaven

will be there because I went), I consider that with

COM I have even greater opportunities to reach Chi-

nese than I had in China. Consider the great numbers

of them who come here to study. The US now has at

least 287,000 Chinese students and scholars, and this

doesn’t count family members who come. About one-

third of the scholars bring their child. Also, parents

frequently come for a month or several months. (In

2014 in our fellowship, three parents received Christ!)

At the University of Maryland alone, each year we are

getting about 700 new students and scholars! While

many scholars are allowed to stay only one year, other

scholars and students may stay for several years.

“Also, when Chinese come here, away from their coun-

try with its strong atheistic influences, they’re open to

Christianity. Chinese students and scholars, compris-

ing 30% of all foreign students in the US, are said to be

the most open group among them. I remember a year

ago hearing a scholar say,’Now that I’m in America, I

want to learn about Christianity’! COM has a vision to

win, disciple, train, and send back Christian Chinese as

active witnesses in China. Of those that COM has thus

ministered to in two recent years, nearly 300 Chinese

Christians have returned to China as active witnesses.

I find that very exciting! Would that the Lord would

increase that number to thousands!

“Besides the great numbers of Chinese coming to the

US to study, their openness to the Gospel, and the fact

that China’s future leaders are coming, working in the

US with COM has two other important advantages.

For one thing, in China we had to do ministry very qui-

etly and carefully because of the restrictions; China

doesn’t want any foreign influence in religion, much

less missionaries! On the other hand, I can work

freely here without any restrictions. Also, in China we

all had to have some other occupation and do ministry

mainly on the side. But in the US, I can minister

fulltime. Regular giving and prayer make my ministry

possible.

“As you know, prayer is a strategic way to partner with

us in ministry….How I appreciate the partnership of

daily prayer partners!...I need many reinforcements!

Please pray that the Lord will increase the number

praying for me.…”

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USHERS—THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR SERVICE IN 2015

On behalf of the Board of Deacons, I would like to thank all the men who have served as ushers this past year and those who will serve in 2016. Your service to our church is always appreciated as you are the initial contact each Sun-day morning with our members and visitors. Each Sunday and for special services you have always been helpful and more than willing to assist in any way requested.

As has been our custom for the past several years a master list for 2016 has been prepared and appears in the Janu-ary issue of the LRPC Press. The church secretaries will continue to notify the men who will serve during the upcom-ing month by mail or email as a reminder. In addition the last page of the weekly church bulletin will provide the ush-ers schedule for several upcoming months.

Once again, thank you for your faithful service to our church members and visitors.

Charlie Lewis for the Board of Deacons

Usher List 2016

January – Bob Fagan, Mark Bronakoski, Pete Robinson, Tedd Stastny

February – Brian Sweeney, Charles Lewis, Tom Feazell, Karl Mangels

March – Michael Kersten, Paul Lee, John Bronakoski, Jim Fox

April – Keith Wawrzyniak, Bill Eaton, Austin Kenly, Michael Donofrio

May – Jeff Ficek, Ken Goon, Jerry Beck, Wayne Maddox

June – Frank Insley, Justin Sweeney, Jack Royce, Nadim Warsal

July – Bob Fagan, Mark Bronakoski, Pete Robinson, Tedd Stastny

August – Brian Sweeney, Charles Lewis, Tom Feazell, Karl Mangels

September – Michael Kersten, Paul Lee, John Bronakoski, Jim Fox

October – Keith Wawrzyniak, Bill Eaton, Austin Kenly, Michael Donofrio

November – Jeff Ficek, Ken Goon, Jerry Beck, Wayne Maddox

December – Frank Insley, Michael Sisson, Jack Royce, Nadim Warsal

DEACONS’ ENVELOPES

Deacons envelopes can be found alongside the boxes with 2016 offering envelopes in the narthex. These have

been put out on an ’as desired’ basis to save on the cost of inserting 12 Deacon’s Fund envelopes in every offering en-

velope box. You can pick up a pack of 12 or as many as you think you will use this year.

The Diaconate of LRPC carries out our mercy ministries. The envelopes marked DEACON’S FUND help them

meet genuine needs in our body and in the immediate community. If you can make a gift over and above your tithe,

you may place it in the envelope and put it into the offering plate as it is passed on the last Sunday of the month. The

Directory for Worship encourages us to use Communion Sundays for this kind of giving when it says: “An offering for

the poor or other sacred purpose is appropriate in connection with this service…” (BCO_DFW 58:7) Additional Dea-

con’s Fund envelopes will be available in the narthex throughout the year. Deacon’s Fund envelopes are appreciated

any time you feel led to contribute.

If you currently are not using offering envelopes and would like to be assigned a number, please contact the church

office.

6


Twenty Cans of Success For 2016

Taken from Victory Over The Darkness , page 115

By Neil T. Anderson

Someone has said that success comes in “cans” and failure in “cannots.” Believing you can live a victorious Christian

life takes no more effort that believing you cannot. So why not believe that you can walk by faith in the power of the Holy

Spirit, that you can resist the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and that you can grow as a Christian. It is

your choice. The following “Twenty Cans of Success,” taken from God’s Word, will expand your knowledge of our faith ob-

ject: the almighty God. Building your faith by internalizing these truths will lift you from the miry clay of the cannots to sit

with Christ in the heavenlies. Submitted by the Evangelism and Outreach Committee of LRPC & edited by Chuck Holzman.

1. Why should I say I can’t when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)?

2. Why should I worry about my needs when I know that God will take care of all my needs according to His riches in glory

in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)?

3. Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim

othy 1:7)?

4. Why should I lack faith to live for Christ when God has given me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)?

5. Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and

take action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?

6. Why should I allow Satan control over my life when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?

7. Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in victory (2 Corinthians 2:14)?

8. Why should I lack wisdom when I know that Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me gener -

ously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)

9. Why should I be depressed when I have hope and can recall to mind God’s loving-kindness, compassion and faithfulness

(Lamentations 3:21-23)?

10. Why should I worry and be upset when I can cast all my anxieties on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?

11. Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is freedom where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3:17)?

12. Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans

8:1)?

13. Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew

28:20; Hebrews 13:5)?

14. Why should I feel as if I’m cursed or have bad luck when the Bible says that Christ rescued me from the curse of the law

that I might receive His Spirit by faith (Galatians 3:13,14)?

15. Why should I be unhappy when I, like Paul, can learn to be content whatever the circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?

16. Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin for me so that I might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthi -

ans 5:21)?

17. Why should I feel helpless in the presence of others when I know that if God is for me, who can be against me (Romans

8:31)?

18. Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His Spirit who lives in

me (1 Corinthians 2:12; 14:33)?

19. Why should I feel like a failure when I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loved me (Romans 8:37)?

20. Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world

and its problems (John 16:33)?

7


The Sunday School Scoop

There is a book that I’d like to share bits and pieces from with you. It is The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich

Tobias. Whether you are a professional teacher, a mom, or even ‘just’ a Sunday School teacher, hopefully you will

gain a few pointers on how to work with different learning styles. (While we are all in the human race, we ARE made

to be unique by God.)

“Learning how to recognize and appreciate learning styles can help you identify the natural strengths and

tendencies each individual possesses.” (p.9) One of the most effective models for understanding learning style differ-

ences comes from the research of Dr. Anthony F. Gregorc. There is Perception—concrete and abstract. And there is

Ordering—sequential and random. We are all a mixture of these four basic characteristics.

Concrete perception affects our senses, dealing with the here and now. We are not looking for hidden mean-

ings or making relationships. On the other hand, abstract perception allows us to visualize, conceive, understand or

believe what we can’t actually see.

Sequential ordering helps us to put information in a step-by-step manner. It involves a logical train of thought;

to have a plan and stick with it (my proverbial ‘ducks in a row’). But random ordering puts information into chunks

without a strict sequence. We might skip steps or start in the middle or work from back to front. These folks tend to

be labeled impulsive.

In real life, each person will have each of these qualities—just in varying degrees. The four main combinations

are Concrete Sequential, Abstract Sequential, Abstract Random and Concrete Random.

We as teachers need to see our own learning style before we can see a student’s style in order to help them

see Who our Savior is, why He came, what we need to respond and how to grow in the Word. I will pick up next

month with more details on the four learning styles. (If you are really interested, you might find a copy in the public

library to read ahead.) ~ Jo Beck

New Adult Elective begins January 3 in the Choir Room

A Book for Married People . . .

. . . A Book for Unmarried People

A Book About the Bible

Read the Introduction

http://g.christianbook.com/netstorage/pdf/sample/952473.pdf

Available from https://www.christianbook.com and amazon.com

http://g.christianbook.com/netstorage/pdf/sample/952473.pdf

https://www.christianbook.com

8


It’s time to sign up!

Winter Friendship Dinner Club

The friendship dinner club is a great way for adults of all ages, single or married, in our congregation to meet

and get to know each other. We share a meal and enjoy fellowship, fun, and good conversation around the

dinner table. Sign up now for our winter dinners. Please sign up again even if you participated in the sum-

mer and fall dinners.

Participants gather for one dinner between January and March. You can sign up as either a host or a guest.

Hosts are given a list of 4-6 guests and are responsible to contact the guests, set a date, and provide the

main dish and drinks. Guests provide the side dishes (salad, vegetables, dessert). It can be as casual as a

brunch or as fancy as a dinner party. Be creative!

We encourage those who are interested in joining these fun evenings to complete the form on the back.

Please indicate whether you would like to be a host or a guest for the winter dinner. Please turn in forms to

Elaine Eaton, Magda Warsal, or Carol Morrison or place them in the basket located in the narthex by Decem-

ber 20. Hosts will be contacted and given the names of the guests. We hope you join us.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

I/We would like to be included in the Friendship Dinner Club for Winter 2016.

Name(s): ____________________________

Address: ____________________________

_____________________________________

E-Mail Address: ______________________

Phone: ______________________________

I would like to be a: Host ___ Guest____

Friendship Dinner Club 2016

9


Group Date & Time Circle Leaders Hostess/Location Book

Elizabeth 9:30 a.m.

January 22 Debbie Soukup

TBA What’s So Amaz-ing About Grace?

Esther 1:00 PM

January 18 Joanne

Stevenson Church Library Abiding in Christ

Hannah 7:15 PM

January 14 Magda Warsal &

Eileen Royce TBA

Live a Praying Life

Lydia 5:30 PM

January 22 Kathy Fagan Kathy Fagan

Jesus Outside the Lines

Rebekah 10:30 AM

January 14 Sharon Mariani

TBA Judges

Ruth 10:00 AM

January 14 Janet

Whitekettle TBA Abiding in Christ

Young Women 7:00 PM

January 25 Sue Milligan TBA Lamb of God

Women’s Ministries

January Bible Studies

Letters Dear Friends at LRPC,

Thank you very much for your Christmas cards, prayers and expressions of concern for my

recent diagnosis. I’ve been telling people that each time someone offers to help or tells me

they’re praying for me, it’s like some of my burden is lifted. It’s a wonderful feeling!

May God bless you with this kind of support when you need it as He is blessing me!

Kathy Fagan

10


January 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4 5 1PM

Prayer Meeting

1:30 pm

Missions Com. Mtg

6:15 PM

TOPS

6 7 PM

Prayer Meeting

7 7PM

Praise Team

7:45 PM

Choir Practice

8 9

10 11 7 PM

DEACONS &

TRUSTEES MTGS

12 1PM

Prayer Meeting

6:15 PM

TOPS

7 PM

Men’s Bible Study

13 7 PM

Prayer Meeting

8PM

Young Men’s Bible

Study

14 7PM

Praise Team

7:45 PM

Choir Practice

15 16

17 18 19 1PM

Prayer Meeting

6:15 PM

TOPS

20 7 PM

Prayer Meeting

21 7PM

Praise Team

7:45 PM

Choir Practice

22 23

24 25 26 1PM

Prayer Meeting

6:15 PM

TOPS

7 PM

Men’s bBble Study

27 7 PM

Prayer Meeting

8PM

Young Men’s Bible

Study

28 7PM

Praise Team

7:45 PM

Choir Practice

29 7 PM

CONGREGATION

ANNUAL

MEETING

30

31 COMMUNION

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Loch Raven Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God and make known His eternal and unchanging purpose,

fulfilled through a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

LOCH RAVEN PCA

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lochravenpca.org

Office Phone: 410-661-5777

Fax: 410-661-0065

Rev. W. David Milligan

Pastor

Ms. Cynthia Tsai

Accompanist

Mr. Austin Kenly

Church Treasurer

Mrs. Lee Goon

Asst. Treasurer

SUNDAY WORSHIP

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School

11:00 a.m. – Worship Service

PRAYER MEETINGS

Sundays at 9 and 10 a.m.

Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m.

Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Church Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

9:00 to 3:00

The Office is closed on Monday and

Friday.

Ms. Kathy Fagan, Mrs. Brea Duty

Administrative Assistants

Loch Raven Presbyterian Church

9318 Old Harford Road

Baltimore, MD 21234

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.lochravenpca.org

Documents

Loch Raven Press: January 2016