A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE �1

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AUGUST 2018

Invitationthe

Fall Into Place @ Providence

Falling Into Place A USA Today Magazine Article Excerpt (03/16)

by Terry Barnett-Martin

We are all connected by a common thread of spirit and humanity that runs through our souls. We each hold a piece of the big puzzle of life, and all of us are needed to complete the picture. God is both intimately close to us, and beyond measure in reach and love. We are extensions of God's own love, and we each have a specific reason for being here. Put simply, our common purpose is to love ourselves and others to the best of our abilities. Our paths all are different, as are the gifts and talents we have to offer. When each of us aligns with our unique purpose, things tend to fall into place.

Join us at Providence, August 26, and find your purpose.

A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE �2

L a s t m o n t h f o u r o f o u r fellowship: Denise Burford, Ben Schroeder, Ashley Schroeder, and myself left home to serve God at the Elkview, West Virginia Workcamp with Group Mission Trips. Kevin Daley was there the week before making

sure that all the materials needed were at the homes slated to be worked on and that the directions to each home were accurate.

We were reminded the most important step we could take was to anchor our hearts in Jesus, and begin to recognize his heart FOR us. We were reminded that Jesus sees something in us, and wants to energize our life and commitment toward service. So we drove in the morning hours looking forward to meeting old friends, making new friends, and working on the homes of the residents we’d be assigned to.

The overall theme of the Workcamp experience this year is one particular word: GRIT.  Grit is the engine that drives perseverance in life—it’s the core strength that helps us face and overcome challenges and obstacles. And it’s the essential characteristic that sustains our lifelong journey with Jesus. 

Without grit, our faith wavers, distractions derail us, and our focus blurs. Every person of great impact in the world—people who have lived for Jesus in world-changing ways—needed grit to do it. It’s personal—GRIT allows us to participate in Jesus’ epic mission.

Now, the path into a life characterized by GRIT begins with a willingness to give ourself in service to others. It’s a decision we make to serve which requires humility and courage—and because we’ve made that choice, we’ll have many opportunities to grow through different experiences and new friendships.

In fact, during one epic week, we learned, grew, and served. And people in need received the gift of our service and an opportunity to grow in their hope. 

On behalf of the four of us, thank you for allowing us to step out of our comfortable places—to see where Jesus wanted us to travel.

Jeffrey Bell, PastorMY OPEN DOOR

For the past few years, Providence Men have gathered at a large home in Corolla during a fall weekend for a retreat (a time of rest, relaxation and reflection). During the retreat, most of us find ourselves with no yard work, no Honey-do list, no kids to take to a game, no work, etc. Only a real time to retreat and focus on our families and our faith.

From Friday, October 19 through Sunday, October 21, we’ll continue the tradition. Over the course of our weekend together, we’ll have three conversations based on Andy Stanley’s book “How To Be Rich.” This study is based Andy’s thought that most of us are richer than we believe. Ever stood in front of a closet full of clothes trying to find something to wear? Ever traded in a perfectly good car for another car? Ever killed time talking on your cell phone while standing in line to get a newer version of the same phone that you currently have?

If your answer to any of these questions was “yes,” you might be richer than you think and could benefit by attending this retreat. We’ll also enjoy an abundance of free time designed to allow us to simply take it easy!

In an effort to minimize the cost of the weekend and to get to know each other a bit better, we will break into teams to handle meals. Each team will sponsor one meal (purchase, prepare, serve and cleanup).

The cost for the rental of the home will be $100 per person for the entire weekend. Please know that there is some flexibility regarding payment which will allow you to pay as early or late as needed. We also have scholarships available. Let a pastor know if we can be of help in that area.

The home has 7.5 bathrooms; a recreation room with pool; a gas fireplace; multiple TVs; (2) full sized refrigerators and a hot tub. We will only have room for (12) retreat participants. With limited room, spaces will fill up quickly. Please sign up on the hallway signup board at the church starting on August 5!

MEN’S FALL RETREAT

A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE �3

THIS MONTH AT PROVIDENCE

BIRTHDAYS

Wednesday, AUGUST 1 4:30pm Prayer Ministry 6:00pm Wonder-Filled-Wednesday Sunday, AUGUST 5 10:00am Worship & Communion 11:15pm Key Leader Huddle Monday, AUGUST 6 7:00pm Committee Chairs Meet 7:00pm Boy Scouts 7:30pm Committee Meetings Wednesday, AUGUST 8 4:30pm Prayer Ministry 6:00pm Wonder-Filled-Wednesday Friday, AUGUST 10 JCOC Meal Day Sunday, AUGUST 12 10:00am Worship

Monday, AUGUST 13 7:00pm Session Meeting 7:00pm Boy Scouts Wednesday, AUGUST 15 Newsletter Deadline 4:30pm Prayer Ministry 6:00pm Wonder-Filled-Wednesday 7:30pm Chancel Choir Thursday, AUGUST 16 7:00pm Care Team Saturday, AUGUST 18 8:30am Courtyard Graces Sunday, AUGUST 19 10:00am Worship 11:15am Ice Cream Social 11:15am PPWCT Monday, AUGUST 20 7:00pm Boy Scouts Wednesday, AUGUST 22 4:30pm Prayer Ministry 7:30pm Chancel Choir

Sunday, AUGUST 26 10:00am Worship 11:00am Exploration Sunday Monday, AUGUST 27 - Meals on Wheels - 7:00pm Boy Scouts Tuesday, AUGUST 28 - Meals on Wheels - Wednesday, AUGUST 29 - Meals on Wheels - 4:30pm Prayer Ministry 7:30pm Chancel Choir Thursday, AUGUST 30 - Meals on Wheels - Friday, AUGUST 31

- Meals on Wheels -

08/01 Tom McMahan 08/01 Wesley Barham  Wesley Barha

08/02 Catherine Harker 08/02 Johnny Miller 08/02 Sherry Wood 08/03 Anne Cluverius 08/03 Steve Shinn 08/04 Dave Carré 08/08 Norman Dean 08/08 Sue Miller

08/10 Beverly Lichtman 08/11 Reed McMahan 08/15 Barbara Collins 08/15 Alice Freeberg 08/17 Robin Dortch 08/20 Chris Bauman 08/20 Connie Maifield 08/21 Jim Fry 08/21 Beverly Lehm 08/21 Kim Whitaker

08/22 Mary Stein 08/25 David Cole 08/26 Charles Cohick 08/26 Shirley Dimmick 08/28 Patricia Ferguson 08/28 Kat McCubbin 08/29 Ann Wilkins 08/30 Gloria Bell 08/30 Connie Salter 08/30 Becky Walter 08/31 Marie Tuttle

A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE �4

It’s difficult to look at modern church congregations on a Sunday morning and not ask the question “Where did the younger adults go?” Many of them (18 - 34 years old) grew up as active participants in the life of the church. They (and even their parents) might say that their participation in church youth ministry was a very important part of their lives. Then, where are they?

According to a 2018 Barna survey, church attendance and impressions of the church are the lowest in recent history and most drastic among millennials, where:

• Only 2 in 10 Americans under 30 believe attending a church is important or worthwhile (an all-time low).

• 59% percent of millennials raised in a church have dropped out. • 35% of millennials have an anti-church stance, believing the church does more harm than

good. • Millennials are the least likely age group of anyone to attend church (by far).

Polls show that millennials are saying:

• Nobody’s listening to us • We’re sick of hearing about your values & mission statements • Contrary to what you say, helping the poor isn’t a priority for your church • We’re tired of you blaming the culture • We don’t like the “you can’t sit with us” affect (the church is cliquey) • We distrust your allocation of resources • We want to be mentored, not preached at • We want to feel valued • We want you to talk to us about controversial issues (because no one else is doing it) • Stop talking about us (unless you’re actually going to do something) • You’re failing to adapt

Congregations of all shapes and sizes are seeking solutions to return this group to the church community. When in doubt, why not try being the church that Christ calls us to be?

Starting in August, we’ll begin praying for young adults who are affiliated with the church; some we see regularly and some that we almost never see. We’ll identify a few each week and ask the congregation to begin to pray for the well-being and future of each young woman or young man in our database. Additionally, we’ll ask the congregation to personally sign a card for the young adult that we’re focused on for that week just to let them know that they’re on our radar screen.

Let’s start to reach out and let young adults know that God and the Providence congregation cares about them and their future. For more info on this process, please contact Pastor Billy at “familylife@provpres.org."

WHAT ABOUT THE YOUNG ADULTS?

A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE �5

PROVIDENCE WOMENThank you to everyone who contributed baby items for the Acts Movement Baby Shower. The response was overwhelming and the new single moms were excited to receive so many gifts of love. Thank you to all the volunteers who also helped set-up and sort items. Thanks again for helping us share Providence love.

A great time was had by all at the Providence Women’s Pool Party. We had a very slight and quick shower to kick us off... but it cleared up and we had a great time with friends, food and fellowship. Thank you for all the Beach Bag items we collected for the new school year. The cupboards are stocked.

We will soon be kicking off our 2018-2019 PW Bible Studies. Mark your calendars for the second week of September. The Dorcas and Mary & Martha Circles will study Horizon’s, God’s Promise: I am with you, by Amy Poling Sutherlun. Our PW Bible Study will study Church of Small Things by Melanie Shanley. Check out the Women’s Bulletin Board for dates and times of meetings. We are looking forward to you joining our circles/small groups!

SAVE THE DATE! PEVA PRESBYTERIAN

WOMEN’S

Fall Gathering Women in MissionWomen in MissionWomen in Mission

Saturday, October 6, 2018 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Suffolk Presbyterian Church Hear from PEVA’s International Peace-maker along with other mission-related breakouts.

Participate in a book discus-sion of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown. Read the book before the gathering and come to continue our conversation on race.

Save the date, and watch for more details!

A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE �6

MEN’S FELLOWSHIPCHRISTIAN LIFEProvidence’s Christian Life committee is a small group of believers who have a passion for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The current committee consists of two ruling elders, Dianne Stockmeier and Karen Moore, our Pastor of Family Life Ministry, Pastor Billy Ricketts, as well as participants from our church family. It is the mission of the group to provide lifelong opportunities to experience God’s love and grace and to encourage a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ and fellow believers.

On August 26 Christian Life is hosting E x p l o ra t i o n S u n d ay, a ch u rch - w i d e in t roduct ion in to the coming year ’s opportunities to serve and connect with Christ and others.

Our Kirk Night (Scottish for Church night) program will begin Wednesday, October 3 and run through November 14.

Welcome to the Providence Men’s Fellowship!We hope everyone is having a great summer and enjoying some much needed vacations.

In September, Men’s Fellowship will return to our regularly scheduled meetings. Make note and mark your calendars because our meeting day has changed. Beginning in September we will meet on the Second Thursday of each month at 6:30pm. Doing so aligns our schedule with the Women’s Bible Study which streamlines family scheduling. If child care is needed please contact the Men’s Fellowship Moderator, Kevin Daley, well in advance, so arrangements may be made.

Our next Men’s Retreat is scheduled for October 19-21, in Corolla, NC. A sign-up sheet is posted on the Sign-Up Bulletin Board. A great time was had by all who attended the past retreats. If you need assistance in attending please contact Men’s Fellowship Moderator, Kevin Daley.

We look forward to seeing you all in the Fall!

Upcoming Men’s Events

September 13, 6:30pm Dinner at Providence

Kevin Daley, Coordinator

September 29, 4:30pm BBQ dinner

Tracy Gilbert, Coordinator

October 11, 6:30pm Dinner out

Jeff Bell, Coordinator

October 19-21 Men’s OBX Retreat in Corolla

Billy Ricketts, Coordinator

Join us for the Presbyterian Men Fellowship & Conferences

A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE �7

Hello everyone from the Workcamp Committee!

Last month 64 Workcamp crews, made up of 413 volunteers and staff from eighteen states and sixteen churches, descended into the Hampton Roads community to bless 58 homeowners with the love of Christ and home repairs. There were over 11,670 man hours of labor with a 100% completion of sites, although there is some minor work that needs to be finished. The campers also donated 3323 canned goods to St. Marks Food Pantry and 1260 toiletries/clothes to the homeless.

As the Workcamp Coordinator, I want to personally thank my Providence family for supporting this tremendous ministry. Thank you for the monetary donations, ladders, snacks, water, and volunteer hours given during the entire process, especially camp week, set up week and for the pre-site reviews. Stay tuned in the bulletin for a Post-Camp Presentation to be hosted in the Fellowship Hall. Without your help we would not have been able to have such a successful Workcamp.

Also, a special shout out to the Providence crew of Jeff Bell, Ashley Schroder, Ben Schroder, and Denise Burford who traveled to Workcamp in Elkview, West Virginia to work on homes in that area. They completed decks, mobile home skirting, and painting.

Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and continued prayers for these great events. Kevin Daley, Workcamp Coordinator.

We would like to share some of the exciting work that the committee has been doing and to inform you of our purpose and recent activities. Monthly there is a review of the Treasurer’s report covering expenses and income of the Church; this allows us to monitor the finances of the church and among other things make recommendations to committees about staying within their allotted budgets.

In May we reviewed and made recommendations to PPC’s Scholarship Committee on the Bylaws of Butterfly Scholarship Committee. Items included in the bylaws are things such as the appointment of committee members, types of scholarships, and eligibility. We are eager to see the scholarship come to fruition in the near future.

In accordance with Providence’s Building Use Manual, we reviewed the terms of the lease agreement for the Bow Creek Presbyterian Preschool. The purpose of the lease is to support the use by the Preschool in the building. Items such as signage, parking, entry, utilities, and insurance are just some of the areas covered in the lease.

Did you know that the church has agreements, Memorandum of Understandings, with all organizations that use the building? These documents are reviewed annually and updated, as needed.

Lastly, the church received notice of the donation of an iPad-mini for use with a Square device that will allow committees and church organizations to take credit cards for purchasing.

WORKCAMP COMMITTEE

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

A CARING CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP REACHING OUT IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE �8

Ever heard the saying, “you can’t fight city hall?” Of course you have. It usually means that the city powers that be are the ones in control, and there’s nothing you can do to stop things from happening or move things along. Such is not the case, however, with the establishment of the Providence Preschool. While we’ve experienced a few unanticipated bumps in the road, the city is working with us to expedite the arrival of the Preschool and make our dream a reality sooner rather than later. Providence is in the process of applying for a new “Conditional Use” for our facility - one that allows for a Preschool on our property. We’re not currently zoned for that sort of activity. And usually this is a long and painful process that takes months - from application to hearings to votes by the Planning Commission and then by the City Council. But the Planning Commission has agreed to “double advertise” our Conditional Use application which means that they’ve assisted in our application process, will consider it on September 12 and when approved send it to the City Council on September 18. Once approved the Preschool opens it’s door (our doors, really) to their program September 19. A few weeks later than hoped for, but months ahead of when the process would normally allow. It’ll be the start of a whole new ministry operating out of Providence Presbyterian, and will bring young families into our facility to enjoy a clean facility and a loving congregation. God is so good!

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Opening Soon!

2019 OBX COUPLE’S RETREAT

SAVE THE DATE! March 22-24, 2019

PPC Couples (especially those with young children l i v i n g a t h o m e ) a r e encouraged to put the dates for the annual couple’s retreat on your calendar. We’ll be staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Corolla and will be studying Bob Goff’s wonderful book “Everybody Always…” The cost for this wonderful opportunity to get away for the weekend will be $210 per couple. If you could use a deep breath in your life, save the date now!

Contact Pastor Billy (familylife@provpres.org or 289-9763) if you have any comments or scholarship/childcare questions.

MISSION, OUTREACH AND EVANGELISM (MOE)MOE will be looking for volunteers as we move into the community to make a difference. A sign-up sheet will be posted soon for repair work on a few homes, to make visits to police /fire stations, Fairfield Elementary and singers to visit nursing homes and let’s not forget our cookie bakers.

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Did you know that volunteering is a key element to living a happy life?  The school year will begin soon and so will the programs we support as a Partner in Education with Fairfield Elementary School.  Please consider being a part of this very important ministry!   The Reading Café meets every Monday for two hours, 11:00am–1:00pm.  The program is designed to provide students with a positive experience with reading and a little extra individual attention.  They

may read to you, you may read to or with them, talk about the book they have chosen, etc.  The objective is to share a love of books and reading.  The Media Specialist (aka Librarian) feels that this is such an important part of a successful reading program that she will devote this time slot every week to Reading Café participants only.  It will begin September 10.  Look for information about an organizational luncheon in an upcoming Friday Blast.  

Lunch Buddies is a program where you simply share your time and presence with designated students during their lunch period.  Many students live in single parent households, have military parents who are deployed, or simply do not have good adult relationships.  Volunteers become “buddies” to these students in need of an adult mentor willing to share time and conversation.  The dates have not been planned, but it will be once a month only, usually on a Wednesday.  It may begin in October, or not until November, since it takes time for the teachers to identify students in need and obtain the required parental permission.  More info will follow when it is received.   Please continue to save and turn in Box Tops for Education, found on many grocery items, for redemption.  Place them in the bin in the church Information Hall.  Other shopping programs may be utilized to benefit the school as budgets dwindle.  Information will be provided as received. 

As summer winds down, excitement starts to build for the upcoming program year! Is this the year you will actively participate in our music ministry at Providence? You would be so welcome. Chancel Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:30 and start up again after a summer break on August 15. Bells of Providence will resume after Labor Day, and our program for our youngest musicians, Kirk Musik, will begin with the first Kirk Night, which is October 3.

Thank you to our "summer choir" and these folks who provided special music during the weeks when the Chancel Choir took a break: Gary Reese, Linda Baker, quartet with Robin Birdwell, Donna Zamorski, Jonathan Hyslop and Jeff Bell, and a quartet with Susan Ayers and friends.

Enjoy the rest of summer, and see you in church! Valetta

MUSIC NOTES FROM VALETTA

Community Service Opportunities at Fairfield Elementary

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH5497 Providence Road Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-420-6159 ・ www.provpres.org ・ office@provpres.org

Please e-mail newsletter items no later than the 15th of each month for the following

month’s edition to: office@provpres.org

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

Providence Presbyterian Church 5497 Providence Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

757-420-6159 ・ www.provpres.org ・office@provpres.org Church Staff

Pastor Rev. Jeffrey S. Bell Pastor of Family Life Ministries Pastor Billy Ricketts Director of Music Valetta Fellenbaum Organist John Dixon Administrative Assistant Lisa Nixon Nursery Supervisor Michelle Wofford Treasurer Carolyn Knowles Financial Secretary Ted Salter Sextons Gus and Mary Ann Villies

*committee chair

The Session

Moderator: Rev. Jeffrey S. Bell ・ Clerk of Session: Gary ReeseAdministration *Mike Schroeder Glynn Rogers Christian Education *Dianne Stockmeier Karen Moore Congregational Care *Ashley Veraque Ray Hall Fellowship *Susan Ayers Chris Bauman

Mission/Outreach/Evangelism *Cecilia Daley Nick Bolton Property *Riley Hensly Tracy Gilbert Worship *Rich Lindgren

June 24 through September 2, 2018

10:00 am Sunday Morning Worship

Discipleship Classes Suspended until September