We offer our Deepest Condolence and Sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Frank D. Peel who joined the church triumphant on Thursday, May 27th, 2010.  Particularly to his brother, Dr. Malcolm Peel, and his family who attend Heritage Presbyterian Church.   A memorial service was held at noon on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church of the corner of Walnut and Chestnut Streets in Jeffersonville, In. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Frank’s memory may consider a donation in his name to the First Presbyterian Church, 222 Walnut Street, Jeffersonville, In. 47130.  Click on obituary to see the one published in The Courier-Journal, May 28, 2010.

Our deepest sympathy and condolence is offered to the friends and family of Mrs. Charlotte Dotzlaf.   A time  visit with the family  is scheduled at 10:00am, Saturday, June 26th at Heritage Presbyterian Church.  A memorial service for Mrs. Dotalaf will start at 11:00am in Heritage Sanctuary.  (More information will be posted soon.)

Mrs. Margaret Hooper Joined the Church Triumphant on Monday, May 17.  We send our deepest sympathy to her family.  Particularly to her sister, Mrs. Edna Scott, who is a charter member of Heritage Presbyterian Church. (More Information to Follow.)

During the course of an ordinary day, coincidences happen. A friend of mine identifies a coincidence as God acting anonymously. Another friend calls the phenomenon synchronicity. Recently, I have come to refer to them as God moments… such as the time I drive past the Open Door High School baseball field on my way to the office from Elyria Memorial Hospital.

One of our members, Kris Hudson, pitches for that high school team. Turning in to see what’s going on I discover Open Door is concluding its first winning game and Kris is the winning pitcher. Also, the owner of the Amherst Deli where I ate my lunch happens to be there watching the game.

Fast forward to Tuesday evening, May 25, at a gas station on the corner of Oberlin Ave. & Meister Rd. I am there to fill a container for our lawnmower. Out of the blue I hear someone say, “Hi, Rev. Smucker.” I turn and there are Kris and his mom just coming home from their school awards banquet. This “chance meeting” gives us an opportunity to get caught up.

For me these types of meetings are God moments for which we can be thankful. They are like icing on top of the cake and they are something for us to offer up thanksgiving and praise to God.

Have you had a “God Moment?” Let me know if you have and give thanks to God for those moments.

Sincerely,

Jim Smucker

Signs of Spring have caught my attention more than usual this year.   It began with a group of more than 20 robins feasting on decorative bushes at the entrance to Borders Book Store at Croker Park.  A few days later with piles of snow still on the ground, I open my car door in the First Federal Savings parking lot and there at my feet is a fly trying to warm itself in the radiant heat of the sun  shining on the parking lot. 

            Following the first robins and the first fly is the first yellow crocus, the first night crawler, the first beetle, pussy willows, maple trees in flower, and surprise visitor in our church parking lot on St. Patrick’s Day. 

            In our Heritage parking lot I looked down at my feet and saw the first caterpillar.  I have never seen a caterpillar this early.  It must have been Irish.  It’s colors were brown green on top with a dash of green on the sides.  You can see it by going to the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9lWzPvt9Kw .

            What an appropriate symbol for St Patrick’s Day and the Lenten/Easter Season.    In Spring there are many signs of new life and transformation… the caterpillar transformed into a butterfly is one of the best!  Sometimes we have to crawl before we can fly.  May God’s transforming power continue to be at work in you and in me.

Common interests can knit friends together in service to the community.  Check out this link:  Knitting Friends Together

February 17, 2010

Soup & Sandwich Meal

in Heritage Hall,

at 6:15 p.m.

 

Worship Service in Sanctuary,

at 7:00 p.m.

 

(Dinner for choir members begins at 6:00 p.m.

Choir warm up begins at 6:40p.m. Brief rehearsal

in music room following worship.)

 

 

CHILDREN ARE WELCOME!

Hello! Hope everyone is staying warm.

This past week, we started a new session of children’s church, which is now held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Sunday in the Sunday school wing. We are focusing on Lent, spring, Mardi Gras and Easter, exploring how they tie together and discussing the symbols attached to each.

Last week, we talked about the butterfly and how it is a symbol of transformation. How will you transform yourself into a more loving person during this season of Lent?

We invite the children of our church to join us this Sunday, as we learn more about the special seasons about to start. They will participate in music, make crafts and much more!

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is responding to the earthquake in Haiti through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and its partners. Presbyterian World Mission is gathering information on the safety and status of our mission personnel and ecumenical partners in the area. For updates on the earthquake and the church’s response, please visit PDA. Initial reports indicate a large number of casualties and widespread damage especially in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

You, too, can be part of God’s answer to prayer for those affected by this disaster. Information on the situation and prayers and worship resources are available through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Funds from One Great Hour of Sharing are already helping with the initial response. You can give to the ongoing relief through PDA account number DR000064. Gifts can also be made by phone at (800) 872-3283 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (EST) and checks can be mailed to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA  15264-3700.

We pray for Haiti

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:

God of compassion
please watch over the people of Haiti,
and weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
with a sense of your present love,
and hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
may they find you and be comforted.
Guide us as a church
to find ways of providing assistance
that heal wounds and provide hope.
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers
we all suffer;
through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.
(Adapted from Book of Common Worship)

—Bruce Reyes-Chow, Gradye Parsons and Linda Valentine