First Presbyterian Church NON-PROFIT ORG.

300 South Main Street, P. O. Box 1038 US POSTAGE

Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601-5038 PAID

Phone: 724.832.0150 fax: 724.832.0152 GREENSBURG, PA

Email: fpcgreensburg@comcast.net PERMIT NO. 428

Website: www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE Sunday School at 9:00 a.m.

Worship 10:00 a.m.

Nursery Care provided

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR JUNE ISSUE: MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019

Email submissions to fpcgreensburg@comcast.net or mail to church office.

The Coulter Society asks that you please consider remembering our church in your will!

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum, Pastor / Head of Staff

Rev. Nicole C. Atkinson, Associate Pastor for Youth and Educational Ministries

Dr. John B. Salveson, Minister of Music / Organist

Jill Linsz, Children’s Music Assistant

Lu Ann Peters, Financial Secretary

Kimberly A. Stoner, Executive Secretary

Keith L. Huey, Sexton

Shannon M. Reid, FPC Preschool Supervisor

Wendy H. Matchett, FPC Preschool Teacher

Wendy McCann, FPC Preschool Teacher

Ron Vorel, Housekeeper

Richard P. Fabery, Assistant Sexton

Matthew B. Cohen, Assistant Sexton

Arianne Winkleblech, Nursery Care

Mr. Edgar B. Highberger, Minister of Music, Emeritus

May 2019

FIRST NEWS: A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

This prayer from DAILY PRAYER ( supplemental resource 5 1987) speaks to me:

Eternal God,

Give us such grace and generosity

That this day we may bring your love and peace and joy

to the lonely, the troubled, the grieving.

Help us by your Spirit

To recognize your presence with us throughout the day,

that we may do what is good

In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer. Amen.

This prayer touches the essence as we seek to follow Christ, nourished by Christ’s love and

reflecting that love to those in our church family here at FPC and the community around us.

I am impressed by the love and respect among session members dealing with boilers, deficits,

the nitty gritty things involved with worship, serving those in our congregations and beyond who are

lonely, hungry, homeless, grieving, needing of clothes, seeing that our members are educated.

Although we come from many different backgrounds, I am impressed that everyone listens to each

other and in a decent and orderly manner reach consensus.

It takes lots of love and time for our Sunday school teachers and pastors (Martin, Niki and all

you other wonderful folks) to prepare for classes where we learn from the teachers and each other as

well. Prejudices are challenged. Brains are enlightened. We can go forward into the outside community

encouraged with the love found here.

And now the choirs who help us to “Sing once and pray twice”, aptly overseen and led by John

Salveson. It takes much time to choose the appropriate music for worship, to teach little children to

sing, to practice weekly. If you have never participated in a choir, you should try it. The love and the

message that comes through song can speak to our hearts deeply. Again in the choirs you find love,

humor and good fellowship.

Not the least of these acts of love is the support of our church family…you! As we walk on our

journey: you welcome the stranger on Sunday. You invite neighbors to attend services. You drive folks

to church. You feed the hungry. You champion the disadvantaged. You comfort the sick and grieving.

You financially support all of these activities with your offering. You go and serve the Lord.

Allen Pote, a composer of sacred music wrote these prayerful phrases, “Take our many ways of

working, blend the colors of each soul into the beauty of a rainbow, Give us life, Lord. Make us whole.

And we are blessed. Janet McNerny

OUR CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

PRAYER LIST: Linda Anderson, Rona Beluschok, Raeann Berger, Dorcas

Brown, Lisa Bulger, Carolyn Carr, Paul Carr, Edna Mary Cox, Michelle

King Cushey, George DeCaro, Chris Dieck, Anna DiPalato, Gregory

Dolan, Janie Dowdy, Joanne Doyle, Laureen Earnest, Richard Enterline,

Elizabeth Felice, Joseph Folino, Maryland Folino, Ruth Hershey, Edgar

Highberger, Grace Howard, George Hritz, Hubie, Jody, Juniper, Anna

Kostrick, Ray Kuyat, Jake Manallo, George Maser, Beverly Ross

McClung, Ed Murphy, Alex Noel, Bill Noel, Bill Ofcansky, Denise Ohr,

Kathleen & Norbert Piekut, John Pollins IV, Marcia Remaley, Mark Rubino, Ron Russell, Nico

Salvio, Rich Schall, Sean, Liz Sember, Pat Sheridan, Suzanne Slaugenhaupt, Dave Stucker,

Janet Sutherland, Linda Turin, Lynda Turin, Elsie Vanetta and Gealy Wallwork.

BIRTHDAYS: Each month we observe the VIP and fourscore or more birthdays: If you are 80 or

older, and would like to be listed in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church. May

birthdays are: Betty Davis, 536 Santone Dr., Gbg (04)

Ed Bunting, 219 Washington Street, Locust Grove, VA 22508 (17)

Art Caramella, 108 Kilowen Square, Gbg (19)

Lois Ann Watson, 8 Garden Center Dr., Apt. 201, Gbg (30)

Doris Weinert, P O Box 760, Gbg (31)

CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES – If you don’t receive contribution envelopes and would like a set

or if you currently receive envelopes for yourself or a family member and do not wish to receive

them please let me know. Lu Ann Peters, Financial Secretary.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS since April 3 – Redstone Management LLC

Stewardship Report

Total Disbursements through 03/31/19 $175,215.32

Total Receipts through 03/31/19 $146,596.02

Total Income over/under Expense ($28,619.30)

If you would rather receive an electronic version of the First News, please let us

know at fpcgreensburg@comcast.net and we’ll add you to our email list and

remove you from the paper copy list. Then you will receive the First News through

your computer rather than the mail box, but you’ll have to let us know!! A copy of

the latest First News can also be found at our website:

www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com

VIPS ARE MEMBERS of our congregation who are unable to attend church services on a short-

term or long-term basis. The Board of Deacons, along with the pastors, provide these members

with visits, phone calls, cards and reminders of their connection to our congregation, including

the sacrament of communion, as requested. Please contact the church office (724-832-0150)

for more information and/or to request to be added to our list.

A NEW ARRIVAL in the family is amazing, exciting and can be overwhelming. The Deacons

are offering a meal for the family on a busy day with appointments, etc. The new mother, or a

family member, can contact Darlene Nagrosky (724-837-4157), Gretchen Lowry (724-838-

9726) or the church office. We do not have a formal network to know of births at the regional

hospitals; however, the church office will forward information as received. Anyone wishing to

provide a meal may also contact Darlene or Gretchen. Thank you for your help with this

ministry.

THE PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE of the Board of Deacons is asking church members with

family or friends who are hospitalized, have health conditions that have changed, and/or have

other concerns that you wish the church to know about, please inform the church office at 724-

832-0150 and your concern(s) will be directed to the proper person(s).

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED SPONSORING A COFFEE HOUR? Provide your own cookies, muffins

or pastries or underwrite the refreshments for $35. Use the sign-up sheet on the Dining Room

bulletin board. Your contributions and participation are greatly appreciated.

STEPHEN MINISTRIES AT FPC: Is there someone you know or you yourself who could use a

little encouragement? Our Stephen Ministers have been trained to be a good listening ear and

caring heart. If you would like to suggest someone to the care of our Stephen Ministry, please

see either Sandra Beauregard or Rev. Atkinson.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR This past week, our Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study group

encountered the story of Philip and the Ethopian Eunuch. The

narrative is related in the eighth chapter of the Book of Acts and

speaks to the Christian’s faithful apprehension of scripture.

If we are to truly learn of God in this life, we do best to turn to scripture to grow in faith. It is not enough

to contemplate the reality (or possibility) of a Creator in a spectacularly beautiful sunset. It is not enough

to make one’s way through all eighteen holes of a manicured course and think somehow that this would

constitute an adequate encounter with the Almighty. It is not enough to gaze into the eyes of one’s first

born and think that a real and certain knowledge of God can really come from such an encounter no

matter how much love that gaze inspires in us. True revelation of God’s love and mercy must come to us

rather than just through our encounter with the natural world.

Therefore, we turn to scripture. Calvin calls scripture “the spectacles of faith,” by which we might

apprehend the world through the lens of God’s Word to us and see it all a bit differently. The trouble

comes for many of us in our actual attempts to read the Bible. Many folks start off with good intentions,

but fail to stick with it because they become confused, bored or begin to feel less-than-competent to

comprehend the truth of the Bible. The story of the Ethopian Eunuch and Philip has something to offer

us.

In the story, Philip encounters the eunuch reading from the Book of Isaiah and enquires of him if he

understands what he is reading. To this, the Ethopian answers: “How can I unless someone guides me?”

Here’s the answer to our attempts to read scripture: We need each other!! We need one another as

Christ’s community of faith to rightly understand and comprehend the love of God expressed in the words

of the Bible. But, we need, as well, the help of the Holy Spirit, whom we believe does enlighten our

hearts and minds in our reading.

John Calvin wrote: And just as the seed lies hidden for a time under the ground where it has been

cast, so the Lord, by the illumination of His Spirit will cause a reading, that is sterile, unfruitful and

producing nothing but boredom, to take on the clear light of understanding. … Until the time of

full revelation arrives, let it be a sufficient rate of progress for us, that a very small taste of

knowledge instills in us the fear of God and faith.

So keep at it … keep reading the Bible to hear of God’s love and call for your lives and keep listening

together for the very Word of God … This process is certainly more sure than a beautiful sunset, well-

played (or merely endured) round of golf or even in the eyes of a loved one. All of these surely are gifts

from God and speak to us of God, but it is only God’s Word that can proclaim to us the very direct mercy

and love of God found in Jesus Christ! Keep reading …

Grace and peace,

-mra

Laird Memorial Library

The following books were recently added to the church library. They are either on display in

the library or on Sundays on the book cart in the dining room.

Ackroyd, Peter Blake [biography of the poet]

Barclay, William The Lord’s Prayer

Dyer, Wayne Wishes Fulfilled

Henke, Linda Making Time: Christian Rituals for All Our Days

Kalanithi, Paul When Breath Becomes Air

Keating, Thomas Divine Therapy and Addiction

Knutson, Lois Understanding the Senior Adult

O’Collins, Gerald The Lord’s Prayer

O’Hea, Eileen Woman: Her Intuition for Otherness

Miller-McLemore, Bonnie In the Midst of Chaos: Caring for Children As Spiritual Practice

Speight, R. Marston God Is One: the Way of Islam

Swan, Laura The Forgotten Desert Mothers: Sayings, Lives, and Stories

of Early Christian Women

Taylor, Barbara Brown Holy Envy: Finding God In the Faith of Others

For Young Children

Punter, Russell The Easter Story

Wilkerson, Bessie My Friend the Rain

*************************************************************

NURSERY CARE ATTENDANT NEEDED…Do you know someone who is great with kids and

looking for a little extra money? We are in need of a new nursery care attendant for our littlest

members on Sunday mornings from 9am-11am. Contact Niki for more information or to

submit a resume. revnicoleatkinson@gmail.com

SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER – A note of thanks for all those who came to assist on Sunday, April

14, 2019 at our Second Sunday Supper. The Sunday School Group “Faith and Family”

prepared a wonderful Easter themed meal of fresh garden greens salad, ham, macaroni and

cheese, mixed vegetable then finished with apple pie. Also assisting this month were many of

the children of the Faith and Family Group. As always, we were grateful for the help of FPC’s

church members who assisted in both the dining room and the kitchen. The support shown by

the congregation is a blessing and continues to stir the hearts of many. Thanks again for all

you do! (Interested in helping? Contact, or see, Scott Sucke)

Scott Sucke, Ruling Elder and Mission Committee Chair

Notes from the Loft

“Peace be with you.” Those are the words Jesus keeps

greeting people with after the resurrection. A seemingly simple

phrase that I find myself quoting quite a bit. A Colleague’s father is

diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and my response is

“peace be with you.” A friend is estranged from church and family

and I say “peace be with you.” We gather in worship, and I see

someone I’ve had an issue with and I say, “peace be with you.”

Somehow, those words have always seemed the right ones to say,

and I know when I’ve been on the receiving end of those words,

they’ve been a gift – but I’ve never thought to wonder why. After

all, Jesus’ greeting of peace didn’t change the storm the disciples had

been through. Jesus’ greeting of peace didn’t suddenly grant the

disciples wealth, power, or status. My greeting of peace didn’t take

away the cancer, restore my friend to his previous fellowship, or take

away the wrong that I had done (forgiveness did that!).

I begin to wonder if the point of “peace be with you” is not a supernatural delivery from all that

ails us, but rather a witness to Christ’s presence right where we are. Those words not only

acknowledge our situation, but remind us that in the midst of life, Christ is our hope, and in that

Christ we can surrender. It reminds us that we can have the courage to fall into the arms of God,

remembering that God holds us fast. It reminds us that peace isn’t the absence of suffering, but

rather a hope that shines in our midst – a hope and a light that the Gospel of John tells us “no

darkness can overcome.”

I am reminded of a song we used to sing at Bible camp that began “I don’t know what tomorrow

holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.” As we journey through the Easter season, we will be

challenged and blessed by that blessing of peace. Challenge to witness the risen Christ – right

here, right now, in the midst of life as it is. Blessed to know “the peace of Christ which passes

all understanding.”

Peace be with you – and the hope of Christ be with you as together we continue our celebration

of the resurrection.

John Salveson, Minister of Music and Organist

WANT TO IMPACT THE LIVES OF OUR KIDS? How about helping them grow in faith!? In this

format, a Bible story is taught for 3 weeks using a variety of methods (art, drama, cooking,

music, games, science, & video.) Our kids love it, teachers enjoy the flexibility, and most

importantly, our children are growing in their faith! Want to help out next year? Talk to Niki!

OUR CHILDREN ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME GROWING IN FAITH! We’ll be finishing our

program year of Sunday School with our children learning about “Doubting Thomas.”

K-2nd

Grade 3rd

-5th

Grade

April 28

“Doubting

Thomas”

Gathering Storytelling Room (3rd

floor, Room 1)

May 5 Art (1st Floor, Room #2) Art (1

st Floor, Room #2)

May 12 Games (Fletcher Room) Games (Fletcher Room)

May 19

*choir rehearsal

9:40am

End of Year Gathering

Storytelling Room (3rd

Floor, Room 1)

WE NEED YOU! Yes…YOU! VBS can’t be done with just one person,

five people, or even ten people…we need lots of great volunteers to make

sure this week goes well. We need some actors, crafters, decorators,

shepherds (of children, not actual sheep), and a photographer! Talk to

Niki to sign up or head to the VBS board at Coffee Hour after worship to

learn more! Whether you can do one day or five days, anything is

awesome! Join our team! Contact Niki at revnicoleatkinson@gmail.com

or at the office.

NEW MEMBERS CLASS

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2019

11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Have you been considering joining our congregation? We will

meet in the Dining Room and discuss membership. Those who wish will then join the

following Sunday (May 12) during worship. If you have any questions, please contact Dr.

Ankrum. If you wish to attend, please RSVP the church office (724-832-0150).

AUGUSTINE ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - SUNDAY MORNINGS

AT 9 A.M. On the Christian Life is a well-attended Sunday

morning adult education class that seeks to provide a greater

understanding of the Christian faith through examination of

the life and thought of a great theologian. Our group has

studied Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards

and Martin Luther in the past. This year, we will be reading

about and discussing the faith of one of the earliest

theologians, Augustine of Hippo. Dr. Ankrum leads this

class.

THRU THE BIBLE … Look for more information in the

weekly First View about a May meeting to discuss I & II

Samuel!! Due to Memorial Day, we will need to find an

alternate date.

LAST TUESDAY BOOK CLUB is always looking for readers of fiction willing to discuss what they

find in the novel assigned for the month! We are a very friendly group who enjoy getting

together to talk about the meaning and significance of good literature and Christian faith. Dr.

Ankrum usually leads our discussion. We will meet on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 7 p.m. when

we will discuss A Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

THE MEN’S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY meets at Eat’n Park on Rt. 30 E. each Wednesday

morning at 7:45 a.m. for a time of fellowship, study and, of course, breakfast. We are now

studying the Book of Acts under the leadership of Dr. Ankrum.

THE FAITH & FAMILY GROUP meets on the third floor of the CE Wing at 9 a.m. every Sunday

during the academic year (Sept. – May) to discuss topics related to our faith and family

relationships. The group is composed of young couples, singles and any in the church who are

concerned about issues related to faith and family. Join us!

OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE will be taking part in a

retreat together on Saturday, June 8 from 9am-1pm at Westminster

Presbyterian Church (Rte. 819.) Our topic will be the purpose of

Christian Education, how it’s been done, how it’s being done, and

how we might do it differently. If you have a heart for our Christian

Education ministry and would like to participate, please speak with

Rev. Niki or Jerry Cumer (our CE Chair.) Thanks!

Congregational Activities from the

Membership & Evangelism Committee

THE LUNCH BUNCH - TUESDAY, MAY 14 – 11:30 A.M. – This month we will head back to The

Boulevard and then you may attend a movie of your choice. Make your reservations soon at

coffee hour or by calling the church office or Sandy Beauregard. All are welcome.

CORNERSTONE GATHERING: ALL ARE INVITED! - SATURDAY, MAY 11, 6 P.M.: Cornerstone

is a gathering of folks from FPC on a monthly basis for dinner and conversation. We will meet

at Road Toad, 2726 Route 30 W, Latrobe. Sign up during coffee hour, call Sandy Beauregard

or the church office before May 8. See you there!!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please join your church family and friends after morning worship

on Sunday, June 16 for our second annual Strawberry Festival.

The event is free and there will be plenty of cake and strawberries

for everyone. Come meet and greet old friends and make new

friends. Reminisce about the days of no air conditioning. Reflect on the wonderful years of

growth, struggle, and God’s ever-present hand in all we do. And did we say there would be

strawberries??!!

Please join your church family and friends on Sunday, August 18

following the morning worship service for our annual Church Picnic at

the Mt. Odin Park, Greensburg, just off Route 30. The Church will

provide hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments, and paper products.

Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. If you are not a cook,

no worries!! We always have plenty of food and your presence will make

the event a memorable one! Come meet and socialize with family and

friends from the congregation. Events for the kids are being planned. If you can bring along

food to share, stop by the sign-up table at coffee hour following the morning worship service

each week until the picnic. See you there!!

SAVE THE DATE - FALL BUS TRIP – Saturday, September

28, 2019. We will be going to Sight and Sound Theater

in Lancaster to see Jesus and then dinner will be held at

Hershey Farms Restaurant. Sign-ups will start May 5

during coffee hour. Watch the First View for further

information.

PRESCHOOL HAPPENINGS… Check us out at

www.fpcgpreschool.weebly.com and

www.facebook.com/fpcgpreschool. The website

contains lots of information about our preschool,

including upcoming events, our education methods,

and more! Our Facebook page has photos from recent

class fun and family nights! Know someone looking

for a preschool next year? Open Enrollment is

happening NOW! Recommend us to a friend!

PRESCHOOL ALUMNI PICNIC – MAY 11 @ 12:00 P.M. Join us for our Preschool Alumni Picnic

for those who attended our church preschool! We’ll have a grand time at Pavilion 1 - Twin Lakes

Park. We’ll provide the hot dogs and hamburgers and drinks; please bring a side dish or salad to

share! The picnic will go on until 4:00 p.m. We hope to see many of our alumni stop by to say

hello!

BELOVED PRE-K PRESCHOOL TEACHER RETIRES AFTER 21 YEARS

“Don't act your age in retirement. Act like the inner

young person you have always been.” – J. A. West

Mrs. Wendy Matchett has been teaching our pre-

kindergarten students for 22 school years here at First

Presbyterian Preschool of Greensburg. From polar

bears to bats to butterflies to her Magic Hat, Mrs.

Matchett has loved teaching children about the world

through music, animal videos on YouTube, and

science experiments. Wendy has loved all of her pre-k

kids and being a part of this preschool program:

“It has been my greatest privilege to work in this

beautiful space with such supportive and wonderful

people. The friendships made with families, children, and staff are my fondest memories and fill

my heart. I know God has blessed me and though I am looking forward to new things, a piece of

my heart will always be here.”

Thank you for all you’ve done for our preschool and its children and families, Wendy! We are so

blessed to have had your excitement and joy as a part of what we do here!

Circle Meetings for Presbyterian Women

ABIGAIL CIRCLE MEETS WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 @ 10:30 A.M. Our Bible study this year is

God’s Promise – I am With You. We meet in the Refectory (the small dining room just off the

Dining Room). If you have any questions, please see Peg Carpenter, Circle Chairperson or call

the church office.

REDSTONE HIGHLANDS CIRCLE –MAY 9 @ 10:00 A.M. The members of the former Lois

Circle are reconvening as a new circle to be held at Redstone Highlands in Greensburg on the

second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. The circle will meet in the Highlanders Room and

will be led by the Rev. Bobbie Hineline. You do not need to be a resident of Redstone to

participate. If you are interested in this new circle, please call Linda Turin or the church office.

AN OPEN INVITATION to members and friends of First Presbyterian Church to join the Monday

Morning Sewing Circle that meets at 9:00 a.m. Monday mornings in the Fletcher Room. You

don’t have to be an expert tailor to hem the cotton flannelette baby receiving blankets or to sew

the “little dresses for Africa”. If you are interested, please contact Sylvia Carlson at 724-755-

2288 for information. Membership at this church is not a requirement. Anyone is welcome.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE – Annual Blanket Offering will be held on Sunday, May 12. Your

support of CWS Blankets helps families around the world recover from disasters and

displacements. Presbyterian Women sponsor this offering each May and would be very

grateful for your generous support in honor of all mothers. Donations may be given anytime

through June 30, 2019.

A Report on the Capital Campaign Pledges totaling $729,913!

Donations received $647,428!

LOOKING FOR US ONLINE? Not only do we have a Facebook page

(facebook.com/firstpresbyteriangreensburg) but we also have a BRAND NEW website! Check

it out and let us know what you think! You can find it at

www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com.

ATTENTION!!!! When sending mail to the church office, please be sure to include “P. O. Box

1038” on the address line to assure delivery. Though we have had this P.O. box for many

years, new policies at the post office have enforced the use of this designation.

May 5 @ 12 p.m. - Y-Fi is continuing its weird journey in our series “THAT’S IN THE

BIBLE?!” You thought you knew all of the stories in the Bible from Sunday School? Think

again! In addition to our last weird story (certainly not the last of all the weird stories in the

Bible), we will talk more about our summer plans!

*Last one of the season!* May 19 @ 12 p.m. – Games w/Geoff…are you interested in learning

how to play role playing games? Come and join with this group to make up a character and solve

problems with a group of your friends! Bring your own snacks, your imagination, and a sense of

adventure!

Save the Date! – Our Y-Fi Fun Bash will be at the Atkinson home on Sunday, May 19th

,

4:30pm – 6:30pm. Join us for a cookout and fun!

THIS SUMMER…JOIN US FOR ICE CREAM

OUTINGS, MISSION DAYS, GAMING FUN, AND

VBS HELP! KEEP UP WITH OUR FIRST NEWS,

FACEBOOK PAGE AND REMIND LIST FOR

DETAILS!

STIRRED HEARTS MOMENTS FROM THE FIRST VIEW

RUMMAGE SALE What stirs my heart about the Rummage Sale is how our church family comes

together, donating “stuff” and their time to make each sale successful, and that the proceeds from the

sale are used to support local charitable organizations. -Lynne Rain

SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER: Our church’s free to the public Sunday Supper on the 2nd

Sunday each

month always makes me think. I see 40 to 50 people enjoy what for many might be their best meal of

the month. The people appreciate it. Many say ‘thanks’. Not all who attend are near destitute, but some

likely are. Many might be lonely. Most enjoy talking to each other and with those serving. Seeing our

guests enjoy those couple of hours likely makes our members and others who volunteer realize how

lucky we are with what we have. Second Sunday is evidence that our Mission committee and our

church is doing something very meaningful to help those less fortunate and those who may be hungry

and lonely among us. - Scott Brown

WORSHIP What stirs your heart? It’s an interesting question and one that poses many questions when

asked. It makes us think about what is in our hearts and what the things are that cause that feeling deep

within, not unlike the times we look at our grandchildren and think about the amazing blessing they

are. In First Presbyterian Church, there are so many times similar feelings reach out and touch our

hearts, from watching the wealth of strength and commitment showered on the children and youth of

the church to the recognition of those who have given so much over many years. Of course the physical

structure is in itself an awesome thing with its stained glass windows

and sense of standing the test of time representing the foundation of

our beliefs and community of fellowship. But for us, the church is

much more than a stone structure. It is a place that allows us to hear

the Word of God, through scripture, sermon and music and leave

with that deep feeling renewed within our hearts that God is good

and we are truly blessed to be a part of FPC.

-Richard and Cheryl Baker

A STIRRED HEARTS MOMENT …. Accompanying these brief

remarks appears a copy of a rather artistic representation of our

sanctuary’s chancel. This was done on Easter Sunday by a young

man who is a member of our congregation. It certainly stirred my

heart to receive this little, but impressive rendering. It reminds me

of the ability of great architecture, dedicated to the glory of God, to

stir the human heart with awe and wonder. Our church building, as

magnificent as it is in providing a space for our congregation, also

serves the double purpose of bearing witness to God’s great majesty

and causes anyone who passes by to contemplate, for at least a

moment, the wonder and mystery of God in this world. That, among

other things, stirs my heart. -Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum

Join us for another epic week of Vacation Bible School!! Journey to

ancient Athens and talk to Paul about his missionary journeys to tell others

about Jesus. Create beautiful treasures out of clay and leaves, learn

about Olympic sports, and play the lyre (don’t know what it is? Come learn!) We hope you’ll join

us for this fun & exciting part of our ministry!

When Registration Cost June 17-21 One child/family - $10 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Two children/family - $15 Three+ children/family - $20 Register online https://www.firstpresbyteriangreensburg.com/pauls-journey-to-athens-vbs.html. Where First Presbyterian Church 300 South Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 Contact Rev. Niki Atkinson 724-832-0150 revnicoleatkinson@gmail.com

Graduation Sunday

June 9, 2019

Join us on Sunday, June 9 at 10 a.m. to recognize & celebrate the

achievements of our graduates.

Please complete below & return to church office by Wednesday, May 29!!!

Name of Graduate________________________________________ School / Degree _________________________________________ Name of Graduate________________________________________

School / Degree __________________________________________________

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GREENSBURG, PA.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CHURCH OFFICERS

Our Congregation's Church Officer Nominating Committee invites you to suggest names of

congregational members (men and women) who are qualified to serve as Ruling Elders (the Session) or

Deacons. These offices are open to all members of First Presbyterian Church. As you make your

suggestions, please review the duties of each office and use the following guidelines to prayerfully

consider the qualifications of those you suggest for nomination. We request that you do not contact, or in

any way inform, the individuals whose names you are suggesting. Please return this form to the church

office or the committee chairperson on or before May 19, 2019.

CHURCH PARTICIPATION: Public Worship, Church Activities

CHRISTIAN LIVING IN DAILY LIFE: Within the Family; at Work; and in the Community

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS: Wisdom, Commitment, Openness to New Ideas,

Discretion, Honesty, Maturity of Judgment, Leadership, Willingness to Learn, Compassion, Dedication,

Ability to Follow Through on Assignments, Cooperativeness

CHURCH OFFICER NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Gregg Martinko, chair, Bill Markle, Darlene

Nagrosky, Betsy Hoeldtke, Sandy Beauregard, Jean Hurst, Karen Manning, Sharyn Sekora & Chris Sherman

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF OFFICES

RULING ELDER-TRUSTEES A Ruling Elder-Trustee is a member of the Property and Finance Committee of the Session. They have

the power to receive, hold, encumber, manage, and transfer property, real or personal, for the church; to

accept and execute deeds of title to such property; to manage any permanent special funds for the

furtherance of the purposes of the church--all subject to the authority of the Session.

RULING ELDERS The office of Ruling Elder is the highest position of lay leadership in the local church. Ruling Elders

serve on committees of Session and are responsible for the programs and mission of the church. They

exercise leadership, government, discipline, and have responsibilities for the life of our church, the

church-at-large, and ecumenical relationships. Those duties which all Christians are bound to perform by

the law of love are especially incumbent upon Ruling Elders because of their calling to office and are to

be fulfilled by them as official responsibilities.

DEACON The office of DEACON is one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Duties

of our Deacons include ministering to those who are in need, the sick, the friendless and the distressed. In

addition, our Deacons are involved with ushering, delivering flowers and gifts, and helping with special

projects.

YOUR SUGGESTIONS

RULING ELDER-TRUSTEES:

RULING ELDERS:

DEACONS:

CURRENT OFFICERS

THE BOARD OF DEACONS

Class of 2020: Robert Ashbaugh, Carol Behun, Edward Bridges, Ann Eicher, Holly Hallman, Elizabeth

Hoeldtke, Deanne Huczko, Kathy Martinko, Darlene Nagrosky, Linda Wagner & Linda Wineman

Class of 2021: Barbara Burchill, Alex Caterson, David Cook III, Erin Hresko, Nancy Nemeth, Steve

Ross, Alicia Sestilli, Roxie Sumner, Chris Terrill, Sue Trafford & Terry Wansor

Class of 2022: Lisa Douglas, Karol Elmore, Nancy Golden, Deborah Herman, Frank Lewis IV,

Gretchen Lowry, Deane Markle, Lynne Rain, Crystal Stone, Douglas Stone & Amy Templeton

THE SESSION

Class of 2020: Judith Breon, Vance Booher*, Joseph Pallitta, Sally Rager, Scott Sucke, Nancy Wallace

& Donna Wetzel*

Class of 2021: Jerry Cumer, Jill Gaetano, James Kellam, Dave Kemp, Gregg Martinko*, David

McMunn, & Richard Terrill*

Class of 2022: Nick Fazi, Bill Markle, Tracy Marschik, Lee Matchett*, Jan McNerny, Paula Purnell &

James Sumner*

*denotes Ruling Elder-Trustee