Opportunities
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR GIVING — HAITIAN RELIEF EFFORTS
For an update on relief efforts in Haiti and other information on our denomination’s mission personnel there, check www.pcusa.org. Click on “Haiti” or enter “Haiti” in the search space. Presbyterian response to the earthquake in Haiti has been amazing and is much appreciated. To date, more than $2 million has been received to support the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. You can continue to donate money online; by phone at (800) 872-3283; and by mail: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
First Presbyterian Church received a designated offering during worship on Feb. 14th, which went directly to relief efforts already at work through our denomination and ecumenical partners. In addition, our church community will seek to be responsive as particular needs and opportunities become evident in coming months.
On Palm Sunday, March 28th, the youth of First Church will lead the congregation, following the tradition of children leading Christ into Jerusalem, in a drive to create much-needed “Hygiene Kits” for use by victims of the Haiti earthquake. Items that will be collected include: hand towels; washcloths; wide-tooth combs; nail clippers; bars of soap; toothbrushes; and band-aids.
ANNUAL LENTEN NOONTIME ORGAN CONCERT SERIES
A five-part Lenten organ concert series will take place in our sanctuary, beginning Feb. 24 with organist Andy Hoke, Second Presbyterian Church. The 20-25 minute concerts are followed by a soup/bread/beverage lunch, with a $5 donation going to Project S.H.A.R.E. All are invited. Dates and organists are:
FEB 24: Andy Hoke, of Second Presbyterian
MAR. 3: Shirley King, of First Church
MAR. 10: Richard Tritt & Arthur Thompson, of First Church
MAR. 17: Steve Middernacht, of First Evangelical Lutheran Church
MAR. 24: Brian Rotz, of St. John’s Episcopal Church
WORSHIP
The Service for the Lord’s Day–Worship at 10:45 AM Sundays (10 AM worship from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends,with no Sunday School)
During Lent, Wednesdays at noon: Noontime Lenten Organ Concerts and Soup Lunches; community organists perform; donations support a local charity.
During Lent 2010: Wednesday Evening Worship: 6-7 PM.
Ash Wednesday Service, with Communion: Noon and 6 PM, with a “simple meal” of soup at both services in the Gathering Room.
Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service, with Communion: 7:30 PM, Fellowship Hall.
Good Friday Children & Family Worship Service, led by Educator Debby Madden: 3:30 PM.
PRAYER
A Prayer Community is available, and meets following Sunday worship as announced. Prayer is part of each worship service, beginning with 9:15 AM prayer in the Sanctuary (except during summer months).
MUSIC
Adult Choir: Rehearses Wednesdays at 7:15 PM, except during June – August.
Children’s Choir: Rehearses following Sunday worship as announced. This Choir is for children age 3 and up.
PROGRAMS
CONNECTING:
Men’s Breakfast: Second Thursday of each month at 7 AM, October – May. Local locations are announced.
Book Club: Second Thursday of each month, 7 PM, church library (2nd floor). 2010 Reading List: Book Club Selections, 2010
Presbyterian Women / Faith Circle: Fourth Monday of each month, 2 PM, Fellowship Hall.
Fellowship and Service Events with Youth: As announced, throughout the year.
– A Lenten Service Project will be conducted. Youth will lead the congregation in a drive to create Hygiene Kits for use by victims of the Haiti earthquake. This is part of our denomination’s response to disasters, and follows PC(USA) guidelines.
– An Oral History Project was recently conducted by the youth. Taping of interviews with members who “grew up” at First Church was finished, with final editing yet to take place. A “premiere” of the finished product is scheduled for Fall ‘10.
– Summer 2010 at Camp Krislund, www.krislund.org. Applications are being accepted now for the 2010 camping season. Scholarships are available; see Debby Madden for info. Krislund brochures are available in Fellowship Hall.
EDUCATING:
Education Hour, 9:30-10:30 AM. There are classes offered to all ages (see below). Childcare is available during this hour. During Lent, there is a combined adult class, “Seeing the Word”" led by Rev. & Mrs Black and Debby Madden.
Brochure of 2009-10 Education Offerings: fall-educ-09-special-bulletin
EQUIPPING:
Project S.H.A.R.E.: Volunteers assist with monthly food collection and distribution, as well as with crop-gleaning. Call 249-7773 or visit www.projectshare.net for more info. This year, both offerings from the Christmas Eve services will go to Project S.H.A.R.E. Additionally, in March, a collection of items needed for the annual Easter Dinner Bags project, occurs.
Samaritan Fellowship: Volunteers assist persons in need. Call 243-3338 for more info.
Carlisle C.A.R.E.S.: Volunteers work closely with this local organization which meets the needs of the area’s homeless persons. For more info, call 249-1009; or visit their website: www.carlislecares.org.
“My Brothers Table”: Deacons serve meals at The Salvation Army, Hanover Street. In December, they also ring the kettle bells at a local mall.
Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers work with the Cumberland Valley Chapter. For more info, call 258-1830; or visit: http://www.habitat.org/cd/frame/frameset.aspx?url=www.cumberlandvalleyhfh.org
Gardening Angels: Volunteers help maintain the church yard and grounds through the year.
Mission Interest Group: Works to raise mission awareness.
Meeting House Springs Cemetery: Volunteers have refurbished the church’s 275-year old Meeting House Springs Cemetery, west of Carlisle. A re-dedication of the Cemetery was held on May 31, 2009. Photos of the ceremony are posted in the “PHOTOS” section. A new cemetery history book, titled Here Lyes the Body: The Story of Meeting House Springs, by First Church member Richard L. Tritt, is available for purchase ($22). You may contact the church at fpcarl@pa.net or 717-243-4612.
Lend-a-Hand Mission Trips: This ministry by the Carlisle Presbytery consists of volunteers who travel to sites ravished by disaster to help with rebuilding efforts. Learn more and get a schedule of trips at www.lendahandmissions.com; or by calling 1-877-211-0700.