The Eagles are Coming - Wabash Presbyterian...

The Presbyterian Church, 123 West Hill Street, Wabash, IN 46992-3049 www.wabashpresbyterian.com | [email protected] | 260-563-8881

Rearranging our living room the other day, I came

across one of my most beloved possessions, one I

thought was lost. It is a copy of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of

the Rings trilogy given to me by my wife when we first

began dating.

I found myself flipping through its pages and recalling

one of the moments in the story that has always

perplexed me. At the end of the story, after casting

the ring of power into the fiery chasm of Mt. Doom,

the unlikely heroes of Middle Earth (Samwise Gamgee

and Frodo Baggins) are marooned on a rock

surrounded by a flow of volcanic lava. Just when it

appears that hope is lost, in swoop the eagles—

rescuing them and flying them to safety.

Wait! Why didn’t Frodo and Sam just fly to Mordor on

the backs of the eagles in the first place?

This, after all, would have saved them all kinds of

trouble by not having to face the armies of Orcs, Trolls,

Gobblins, and Sorcerers. Why send in the eagles to

PASTOR’S DESK

The Eagles are Coming

Birthdays & Anniversaries Announcements

Stewardship Sermon Series

Christmas Jubilee Scripture Verse Enrichment Class Schedule Prayer List

Church Calendar Laugh Whenever

Possible

rescue them at the end of all things, if they weren’t

there to prevent all this hardship from happening in the

first place?

Or did Tolkien simply mistakenly leave this gaping hole

the plot? A hole large enough for an Oliphaunt to walk

through?

Not likely.

The eagles appear out of the blue from time to time in

Tolkien’s elaborate stories. They swoop in to rescue

those who are in the direst of need. But they never

show up on command, as if they’re on retainer.

Eagles follow no one’s schedule. They aren’t the Middle

Earth version of Southwest Air.

It’s more accurate to see the eagles as something like

divine intervention. The heroes have tried everything

within their own power, but tragically their efforts have

fallen short. All is lost.

Then suddenly, and seemingly out of nowhere, grace

arrives. And all is found.

November 2014

By Rev. Jonathan Cornell

Please continue on page 2.

Stewardship Sermon Series

Rooted and Built Up

The best gifts in life come when they are least expected. The element of surprise is something that God uses

every day. Whether it is an unexpected phone call from an old friend, having just enough to cover all of one’s

expenses and have a little left over, or the unexpected encounter with the grace of Jesus Christ. Throughout

November, we will examine God’s amazing generosity and how it grounds our daily living, as well as the daily

response of gratitude.

Colossians 2:6-7

Nov 2nd …as you received Christ Jesus

Nov 9th …so walk in him

Nov 16th …rooted and built up

Nov 23rd …just as you were taught

Birthdays: 1st – Linda Gabel 1st – Dessie Sturgeon 1st – Ware Wimberly 3rd – Bernice Grover 8th – Kari Lee Otto 9th – Sydney Gabel 14th – Patty Fulwider 14th – Jo Wood 14th – Sue Rose 17th – Ray Chowning 19th – Amy Cornell 19th – Bill Gabel 21st – Jack Miller 24th – Robert Beauchamp 25th – Shari Kaltenmark 30th – Peter Jones Anniversaries: 9th – Oliver & Mary Jane

Garrison 30th – Tom & Janet Haupert

The Eagles are Coming (con’t)

Tolkien himself had a term for such an unexpected happy ending. He

called it a eucatastrophe, a disaster that becomes a blessing because

God was present and at work all along, even though out of sight.

Time and again God intervenes; as we are faithful in following the

invitation into God’s good work in the world, God provides at just the

right time. I think this is clearly true of our congregation. You don’t

have to look far to see the evidence of God’s faithfulness. But you do

have to look; you do have to accept that invitation into the

remarkable journey.

Even if it requires more than you’ve got right now, don’t despair. At a

time and place of God’s own choosing, the eagles are coming.

Pastor Jonathan Email: [email protected]

Loving people

with the heart of Christ

in the heart of Wabash

It is quite a feat for a church to sustain a particular

benevolence project for 27 years. Our loving and caring

congregation has done that with our Christmas Jubilee. Our

church family has heartily embraced and strongly supported

the Christmas Jubilee from day one.

Our 28th Christmas Jubilee will be held on Saturday,

December 13th at 9am in the Fellowship Room. It is time to

start our preparations in earnest for this year’s Jubilee. Those

who have taken part in this project in the past know that it is

a large undertaking, and its success depends upon the

participation of many church members.

Your mission committee is seeking your help once again. The

type of assistance that is needed is listed below. Please

indicate your area(s) of interest, and return this form to the

church office or to a mission committee member ASAP.

For the Mission Committee

Jim Kaltenmark

Your Name _____________________________________

Please check the areas in which you are willing to help: _____ Pray that our Christmas Jubilee is successful, and

that our thoughts and actions demonstrate Christ’s love to those we serve

_____ Donate money to be used to purchase toys and food SCRIP for the Christmas Jubilee

_____ Provide transportation for guest families _____ Prepare and serve breakfast to our guests _____ Provide child care for our guest children in the

Christian Education Building _____ Serve as a host for one of our guest families _____ Clerk at our toy store and help our guest parents

make gift selections _____ Help our guests wrap gifts

Christmas Jubilee

Enrichment Classes Short-term Classes on

Long-term Matters

Sundays, 9am, Fellowship Hall

Childcare available

Right Now: Body & Soul: Reclaiming the

Heidelberg Catechism

Taught by Pastor Jonathan Cornell

November 2nd

– December 7th

Ever wonder, “What

exactly do Presbyterians

believe, and why?” You

are invited to a short

course in Reformed

Teaching through the lens

of one of our classic

documents, the

Heidelberg Catechism. We will read Craig

Barnes’ book Body and Soul: Reclaiming

the Heidelberg Catechism (cost $13).

Coming Up Next: Soul Keeping

Taught by Kari Lee Otto

December 14th

– January 18th

Learn how to take care of the most important part of you: your soul. What is the soul? What does it need? How does it impact the way you live? We will go through John Ortberg’s DVD & book study, Soul Keeping.

November Church & Community Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2

Body & Soul class (9am)

Worship (10am)

& Pastor Appreciation

(11am)

Amy’s Ordination (4pm @ White’s)

3 1st Corinthians

Study (9am)

4 ELECTION DAY

YMCA’s Learn

with Me (10am-noon)

5 Life Together

Community Meal (6pm)

6 YMCA’s Learn with

Me (10am-noon)

Choir Practice (6pm)

Shekinah (7pm @ Northfield Jr/Sr High

School)

7 Church

Women United (9am @ Wabash

Christian Church)

Study at Modoc’s

(noon)

8

9 Body & Soul class

(9am)

Worship (10am) & Fellowship Hour (11am)

10 1st Corinthians

Study (9am)

11 VETERANS DAY

YMCA’s Learn

with Me (10am-noon)

ROMEO

(12:30pm @ Ugalde’s)

Missions Team

(6:30pm)

12 Life Together


Come & See |

Dessert & Coffee (7pm)


Me (10am-noon)


Buildings & Grounds (7pm)

14 Study at Modoc’s

(noon)

15 Thanksgiving

Dinner @ Access (6pm)

16 Body & Soul class

(9am)


Come & See |

Dessert & Coffee (4pm)

17 1st Corinthians

Study (9am)

Helping Hands (2-7pm)

18 YMCA’s Learn

with Me (10am-noon)

19 Life Together



Me (10am-noon)


Session (7pm)


(noon)

22


(9am)


Stewardship

Dinner (6pm)

24 1st Corinthians

Study (9am)

25 YMCA’s Learn

with Me (10am-noon)

26

27 HAPPY

THANKSGIVING!

Church Office Closed


(noon)

29


(9am)


Daylight Savings ends on Sunday,

November 2nd. Get an extra hour of sleep

and show up to services right on time!

Sunday Wednesday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Loose Offering | Wabash Campus Life

The Loose Offering that is collected on November 2nd

will be donated to Wabash Campus Life. Campus Life is

a high school ministry that combines healthy

relationships with creative programs to help young

people make good choices, establish a solid foundation

for life, and positively impact their schools. For more

information, visit http://www.yfc.net/campuslife/.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Access

Saturday, November 15th

, 6pm

Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up, making

food, serving, and organizing the day. Contact Dan and

Carol Early or sign up in the Fellowship Hall.

Because some news is so good,

it has to be sung!

This Advent, we will

look at four songs

written to celebrate

our Savior’s birth: the

Prophet’s Song,

Zechariah’s Song,

Simeon’s Song, and

Mary’s Song.

Weekly Devotional provided in your bulletin.

Christmas Cantata

Sunday, December 14th, 7pm

Family Christmas Service

Sunday, December 21st, 10am

Christmas Eve Service

Wednesday, December 24th, 11pm

Financial Report

Sept Total 2014 Income: $13,976 $200,586 Expenses: 22,897 246,949 Balance: -$8,921 -$46,363

God’s tithe and our offering support the ministry

programs and outreach ministry of our congregation.

May your faith lead your giving.

Feed Our Community

You are always encouraged to bring canned/dry goods

for the FISH food pantry and drop them off in any of

the boxes throughout the church. This month, we are

collecting rice, canned vegetables, and dish soap.

SCRIP Gift Cards – Great Christmas gifts!

Buy your gift cards from us at the normal price, and we

receive a portion of the proceeds. It’s that easy!

October Session Notes

Committee chairs are preparing budgets for the

new year.

The Preschool Board has provided a wish list of

projects they’d like to see completed.

The sidewalk on Miami Street is scheduled to get

fixed.

Jonathan will be on vacation February 4th-11th.

Job Opening | Housekeeper

We are looking for a part-time (6-8 hours a week)

Housekeeper. For more information, contact Judy

Waggoner or the church office.

Life Together Community Meals

Wednesdays, 6pm, Fellowship Hall, through Nov. 19th

Come for a light meal, fun, and conversation. Freewill

donation accepted. Childcare provided.

Daylight Savings

Don’t forget to “fall back” on Sunday, November 2nd. You’ll get an extra

hour of sleep and arrive to service right on time!

Amy Cornell’s Ordination Service

Sunday, November 2nd

, 4pm, White’s Residential Chapel

All are invited to the Service of Ordination to Word and Sacrament of

Amy Cornell. Reception to follow.

Pastor Appreciation Sunday

Sunday, November 2nd

, 11am, Fellowship Hall Let’s show Jonathan how much we appreciate him! We’ll have a special reception after service. Please bring a card or note of appreciation.

Church Women United

Friday, November 7th

, 9am, Wabash Christian Church

Speaker Laura Helm will share on “Through God

Our Hands Can Protect.” In keeping with the

theme for the year, “We are in God’s hands, We

are God’s Hands,” attendees will be using their

hands to prepare boxes for Operation Christmas

Child.

Those attending are asked to bring shoe boxes and/or items for the

boxes. (Learn more at www.operationchristmaschild.org.) All women in

the Wabash area are invited to attend.

1 Chronicles 29:9 (NLT)

The people rejoiced over the

offerings, for they had given

freely and wholeheartedly to

the LORD, and King David was

filled with joy.

Reflection:

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Prayer List Hank Decker

Bernice Grover Mary Henderson Lois Smith Jane Christy Nancy Chowning Lois Dickinson Mildred Paullus Elmer Myers Ron & Faith Rider Kevin Gearhart Mary Leland Dessie Sturgeon Connie Squires

Joy Beery Shari Kaltenmark Terry Tyner Senator Jim Banks Mike Street Debbie Phillips Alex Plummer Jim Hughes Ari Halderman Jack Crosby Dick Reynolds Jack Francis Amy Turner Oliver & Mary Jane Garrison

Helen Shanks Community:

Wabash Presbyterian Church

Access Youth Center

City of Wabash

85 Hope Medical Clinic

Hands of Hope

CASA

Meals on Wheels

Announcements (con’t)

Have a prayer request?

If you have a prayer request, please email Kari Lee Otto at [email protected]. Please respect the privacy of others and share their concerns only with their permission. You can also email Kari if you’d like to receive the prayer list via email.

It was the first time it had ever happened. Even

now, I can’t believe it. It was so bizarre.

I woke up laughing.

Night terrors naturally startle us awake with our

hearts thumping like overworked water pumps and

our lungs gasping for the oxygen that will calm us

down. When our dreams enter Drama Land,

perhaps we wake up weepy or sad. Our emotional

response is real, even when the visions behind our

eyelids are not.

But to wake up laughing? I can’t even remember

the dream to verify if it was indeed hilarious or if I

just ate some whacked out food before bed.

However it happened, it put a smile on my face.

I must admit, Emmalee and I enjoy a good giggle.

One night last week, we were both lying on the

couch falling asleep. It was quiet, calm. Then I quite

unexpectedly feel these tiny fingers tickling my

neck. Guess she wasn’t asleep, after all! I burst into

laughter. Which made her laugh. Which made me

laugh even harder.

Sunday night, we went to the Hymn Fest. We both

enjoy music, and it’s always fun to see our friends.

In the middle of the service, I glance down at

Emmalee and she’s making faces at the ladies

behind us. Not typical behavior

unless she’s playing with her

cousins. I couldn’t help it; I

laughed. (Yes, I told her

to stop, too!)

DIG DEEPER

By Kari Lee Otto

It is my goal to celebrate ― to sing, to

dance, to laugh ― as a praise offering to

God for what He has done.

Kari Lee Otto Email: [email protected]

Not all moments in our house are lighthearted.

Some nights, one of the two of us is just plain

grumpy. I’ve learned to take a deep breath and do

something silly that will get us both laughing. We

sing, we dance, we talk to each other in funny

voices. And the stress and heaviness of the day just

melts away.

A sign in our living room says, “Laugh – A Smile

That Bursts.” It reminds me to laugh whenever

possible. Because life is just too crazy not to.

Scripture tells us that the Israelites liked to laugh,

too. “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for

joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing

things the Lord has done for them.’ Yes, the Lord

has done amazing things for us! What joy!” (Psalm

126:2-3).

The Israelites celebrated what God had done in

their lives. And this month, it is my goal to do the

same: to look back over the past year and celebrate

― to sing, to dance, to laugh ― as a praise offering

to God for what He has done.

What will your praise offering look like?

Come & See | Coffee & Dessert Wednesday, November 12th, 7pm or

Sunday, November 16th, 4pm

Come and see what God is doing at and through WPC. This time will showcase various ministries and the impact they are having in our congregation and in our community. Please RSVP with the church office or sign up in the Fellowship Hall.

Stewardship Dinner Sunday, November 23rd, 6pm

You are invited to an evening of celebration

and fun as we dedicate our 2015 pledges.

We will bring our commitments forward to

place on God’s table, then enjoy a catered

dinner and evening of entertainment and

fellowship provided by your WPC friends

and family.

Wabash Presbyterian Church 123 West Hill Street Wabash, IN 46992

Phone: 260-563-8881

Office Hours: Mondays-Fridays 8:30am-12:30pm

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.wabashpresbyterian.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wabashpresbyterian

Loving people with the heart of Christ in the

heart of Wabash

Wabash Presbyterian Church 123 West Hill Street Wabash, IN 46992

The Eagles are Coming - Wabash Presbyterian...

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