Rehoboth Beacon November 2016 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may

see your good work and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

From the Pastor’s Desk . . .

The Family that Prays Together

I would like to thank you all for extending me such a warm welcome here at Rehoboth. I realize that it’s only been a few weeks, and I barely know you yet, but I feel very welcome here and I’m enjoying the opportunities to get to know you folks even better.

In my column last month, I highlighted two concepts that I believe are fundamental to ministry: relationships and reconciliation. As I said, in this time of transition, we need to strengthen the existing bonds of love for one another that already exist within this congregation. We also have the opportunity to forge new bonds within the congregation, and also to act upon that love in the community at large. And in a sermon I might even have put forth the crazy idea that we’re called to participate in Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world.

Wow! That’s an enormous challenge! How do we do this? Where do we start? With prayer! The Book of Order reminds us:

Prayer is at the heart of worship. In prayer, through the Holy Spirit, people seek after and are found by the one true God who has been revealed in Jesus Christ. They listen and wait upon God, call God by name, remember God’s gracious acts, and offer themselves to God. (W-2.1001)

In November we’re going to see some small changes in the worship service, during the Prayers of the People. At that time in worship, we will pray, as a congregation, for the joys and concerns of the entire community. I will continue to ask you to share your joys and concerns as before. After one of you voices a prayer concern, I will restate it as a prayer, and then I will say, “This is our prayer.” The congregation will respond by saying, “God of mercy, hear out prayer.”

This isn’t very different than what we have been doing in worship. But in doing this, we acknowledge that the joys and concerns of each member of this community are the joys and concerns of the entire congregation, and we are doing this intentionally, as a congregation. I be-lieve this will move us more fully into an ancient Christian tradition of offering prayers for sup-plication, intercession, and self-dedication during worship:

In supplication we plead for ourselves and the gathered community. In intercession we plead for others, on behalf of others, and for the whole world. In self-dedication we offer ourselves to the purpose and glory of God. (W-2.1002)

I believe that offering the Prayers of the People as a corporate prayer—that is, prayers that are offered intentionally and by the entire congregation—this invites us into the lives and concerns of all the members of this congregation. In hearing and actively praying for the joys and con-cerns of the entire congregation, we become aware of the ways in which each one of us can work toward the wholeness and reconciliation that God intends for all of us. That is also the es-sence of self-dedication. Furthermore, as we do this, as we become more aware of one another’s joys and concerns and actively pray for those joys and concerns, we draw closer to one another. I believe that is crucial during this time of transition.

Pastor Alan

Rehoboth Presbyterian Church 442 Rehoboth Road

Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania 15012 (724) 929-7020

www.rehobothchurchpa.org

News Articles 1. Vendor/Craft

Show on Nov 5 2. All Saint Day

Service on Nov. 6 3. Harvest Dinner

on Nov. 13 4. Stewardship Sunday - Nov. 13 5. Session Minutes 6. Deacon Bench 7. Holidays house

Tour on Dec. 4

November Worship

Schedule

November 6

th – All Saints’ Day with Communion

Time: 11:00 a.m. Sermon: given by Pastor Alan Olson Greeter: Chris & Becca Reeb Worship Leader: Carol Lewis Acolyte(s): Jason & Jocelyn Chapman Children’s Sermon: Pastor Alan Olson Youth Sunday School: Dean Rippel & Carolyn Smith Ushers: Ed Moore, Doug Zundel, Frank Thomas, Dave Blacka, & Dave Smith Counters: Ed Moore & Doug Zundel

November 13th

– 33rd

Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2¢ A meal & Harvest Dinner and Stewardship Sunday Time: 11:00 a.m. Sermon: given by Pastor Alan Olson Greeter: Audrey Rankin Worship Leader: Beverly Reeb Acolyte(s): Andrew Foringer & Olivia Saxon Children’s Sermon: Pastor Alan Olson Youth Sunday School: Rachael & Ava Zenobi Ushers: Bill Strickler, Debi Buza, Amy Flower, Colleen Ress, & Louetta Hayden Counters: Luanne Zundel & Kristie Russell

November 20th

– Christ the King Sunday & Communion Time: 11:00 a.m. Sermon: given by Pastor Alan Olson Greeter: Nikki Samoda Worship Leader: Sandy Stratton Acolyte(s): Brendan & Brianna Krall Children’s Sermon: Pastor Alan Olson Youth Sunday School: Nikki Samoda & TBA Ushers: Frank Thomas, Carolyn Clark, Kevin Huebner, Al Freet, & Doug Zundel Counters: Frank Thomas & Sandy Stratton

November 27th

– 1st Sunday of Advent Time: 11:00 a.m. Sermon: given by Pastor Alan Olson Greeter: Carol Zundel Worship Leader: Paul Stratton Acolyte(s): Ava Zenobi & Sarah Zundel Children’s Sermon: Pastor Alan Olson Youth Sunday School: Chris Stasicha & Randy Foringer Ushers: John Zenobi, Ed Moores, Dave Blacka, Dave Smith, & Bill Strickler Counters: Paul Stratton & John Zenobi

November Birthdays

1 – Wayne Lewis 2 – Nikki Samoda Ashley Selembo 3 – Sarah Zundel Benjamin Burnsworth 4 – Jennifer Walsh 5 – Dave Blacka Jacob Harris 7 – Andrew Zundel 12 – Eleanor Lee 15 – C. Jeffrey Lee 16 – Elaine Phillips Marilyn Bradley 17 – Jim Fowler Audrey Rankin 18 – Keith Volk Jocelyn Chapman Jason Chapman 19 – James R. Fowler 21 – Beverly Reeb 26 – Debi Buza 27 - Nathan Mankin

November Anniversary

1 – Allan & Debi Buza 8 – Nikki & Ken Samoda 11 – Jeff & Kim Fleming 20 – Jerrid & Jennifer Chapman 29 – Marianne & Dave Turcheck

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIMES

ENDS ON SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 6 AT 2 AM

TIME TO TURN BACK THE

CLOCKS 1 HOUR

Church News

Rehoboth Nursery School

November 2016 Our new school year has begun! We are very pleased to welcome our new Teachers Aids, Mrs. Terri Evans. Terri lives in Belle Vernon with her husband and 4 children. She has a BA Degree in Early Elementary Education from Waynesburg University. We are very blessed to have her! Liz, Karen, and Terri

Deacon’s Bench

The Deacons met on October 4th, at 6:00 pm. Carolyn read the minutes and then Al gave us a copy of the Treasurer’s Report for us the dis-cuss. All Saints Day will be on Nov. 6. The order for candles has been put in the Sunday bulletins by Kathy Smith for us. We will be honoring the passing of members of our congregation on this Sunday. We want to say Thank you to everyone who purchased candles for this occasion. The Vendor/Craft Show that will be on Saturday, Nov. 6. We agree to purchase yard signs to ad-vertise this show Colleen will place the order and place them in the community for all to see. Carolyn has send the Vendor/Craft show ads to the Valley Independent - Grape vine, Herald Standard community calendar and the Mon Val-ley Messenger for November. The tables will be setup on Friday evening for the vendor, bake sale and Chinese auction. The Harvest Dinner which will be celebrated on next Sunday, Nov 13. The Deacons will provide the Baked Chicken, potatoes, gravy, rolls, and drink. A sign-up sheet will be placed on the bul-letin board for people to list there covered dish item and the number of people attending. Every-one is invited to join us for dinner after worship service. Help is needed in preparing and clean-up for this event. Our October donation of $100.00 is to the Blackburn Center and $100.00 to Rostraver Food Bank. The mitten tree will be setup by November 27 for the start of Advent so we can decorate it with mitten, hats, scarfs, socks, etc. Our next meeting will be held on Nov. 8th at 6:00pm. Please pray for the Deacon’s as we have a very busy schedule for November. The Deacons

Annual Harvest Dinner Sunday Nov. 13th

Our annual Harvest Dinner will be after wor-ship services on November 13. Baked Chicken Breast, Chicken nuggets, whipped potatoes, rolls and beverages will be provided by the Deacons. It is a covered dish event. There is a sig-nup sheet in the Smith Vestibule for side dishes and desserts that you would like to bring. We hope everyone will be able to attend this special dinner for some good fellowship!. If you would like to help us in any way please contact one of Deacons. We will set-up the tables and prepare the social hall for the dinner on Saturday the 12th.

The Deacons

Church News

THANK YOU NOTE

Thank You to everyone who helped in anyway with Pastor Klein’s retirement dinner. It was a wonder-ful evening celebrating his 29 years of service to us and our community. Thank You Again !! Rehoboth Program Committee

Special Sunday Events for November and December 2016

SUNDAY EVENTS

Nov . 5 Deacon’s Vendor / Craft Show

Nov. 6 All Saint’s Day & Communion

Nov. 13 Harvest Dinner & Stewardship

Nov. 20 Christ the King Sunday, and Communion

Nov. 27 First Sunday of Advent and Mit-ten Tree will be ready to be decorated

Dec. 4 Second Sunday of Advent

Dec. 11 Third Sunday of Advent

Dec. 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services at Rehoboth

7:00 p.m. - Family Service 11:00 p.m. - Candlelight Worship and Communion

Dec. 25

Christmas Day Sunday Worship

Women of Rehoboth

The Women of Rehoboth will not met in November for dinner. Since the Thanksgiving holiday is so close. We might make plans for December. Jannine Blacka.

Stewardship Sunday

Stewardship Sunday will be November 13. We are asked each

year that you make a commitment to our church. We will dedicate our

financial commitments during worship.

Annual Mitten Tree

The Deacons will have annual Mitten Tree setup by Nov. 27. Everyone is ask to help decorate the tree

with mittens, gloves, socks, hats, and scarves and gifts from the Salvation Army Tags. This is our mission project for December.

Church News

Rehoboth Presbyterian Church Highlights from October 13, 2016 Session Meeting

Approved budget for 2016/2017 school year

Approved the 2017 Stewardship Campaign consisting of a mailing to members of the con-gregation the week of October 23, 2016. Pledges will be dedicated during the service of worship on November 13, 2015

Closed line of credit at PNC Bank so that we can cash in our CD there

Approved 2017 budget

Gave a 2% increase in salaries to lay employees

Donated $200 to St Sebastian's for the use of their social hall for Pastor Klein's retirement dinner

Allowed the Home Tours group to hold a 50/50 raffle at the church as part of the Home Tours event in December. Proceeds will go to a local charity.

CRAFT / VENDOR SHOW

BAKE SALE AND CHINESE AUCTION

AT

REHOBOTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SATURDAY, NOV 5, 2016

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

This is a great event and we hope everyone will come out and

join in the fun.

For any questions please contact:

Jannine Blacka @ 724-929-4922 or Colleen Ress @ 724-326-4170

Tables are still available at a cost of $25.00 each or with Electricity $30.00

Church News

The Stewardship Corner

Thoughts about Stewardship and Giving at Rehoboth Church

Money Can Last Forever

“A three-year-old girl said to her father on his way to the gro-

cery store. ‘Daddy, bring me something that

will last forever.’ The girl’s request is a fine definition of

stewardship. The giving of money, time, and talent

brings a sense of meaning, purpose, and spiritual relatedness

to God that lasts forever.” [The Vital Congregation,

Herb Miller]

The Antidote for a Serious Sin

“In the Bible, unbelief is the only sin that receives more warnings than covetousness. The Ten Commandments, which

conclude with ‘You shall not covet’ (Ex. 20:17), include at least one other commandment which would be unnecessary

except for covetousness, ‘You shall not steal’ (Ex. 20:15). The well known words of Paul are applicable: ‘For the love

of money is a root of all kinds of evil’ (1 Tim. 6:10). Jesus gave advice against covetousness to two brothers who were

having strife over the dividing of an inheritance. ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life

does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’ (Luke 12:15)

The most effective antidote to covetousness is the recognition that we are stewards.“. . . When property and

possessions are viewed in this way, they do not become our master; we become their master.”

[Partners With God, Bobby L. Eklund & Terry Austin]

That allows us to claim one of Jesus’ richest promises: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Giving Builds Soul

“Philanthropic leaders of the past took issue with emphasizing the distribution of assets after death rather

than during one’s lifetime. Josiah Strong warned his hearers that it was easy to accumulate wealth with the

intention of later sharing it. ‘That is the pit in which many have perished. If a man is growing large in wealth,

nothing but constant and generous giving can save him from growing small in soul.’” [Behind the Stained Glass

Windows, John and Sylvia Ronsvalle]

That is one of the principle benefits of offering a portion of our money to God. Building strong stewardship

habits also builds strong souls.