Peace
Presbyterian Church
Peace Presbyterian Church
4210 East Indian Trail
Louisville, KY 40213
ph: 502-964-1402
peacechu
“The Mirror”
“The Mirror”
Reflections of Peace Presbyterian Church
3rd & 4th Quarter Edition-2011
Rev. Wayne A. Steele, Sr.
“Be Encourage”
Brothers and sisters let us not fool ourselves-- we are living in perilous times. The American people, Christians and others all over the world are left to suffer, be in danger, make some very hard decisions and live in some unlivable conditions. The middle class is eroding and the rolls of poverty and joblessness are expanding. Parents and grandparents who live on fixed incomes are paying mortgages and bills for their children and grandchildren. Grandparents have to decide between purchasing food or medicine. Foreclosures are continuing and homelessness is reaching unbelievable numbers as many who were once considered middle class are now homeless or one paycheck away from living on the streets. Church offerings and collections are down. Unfortunately it is going to get worse before it get better.
But, and there is a big but, The God we love, serve and believe in, “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” In this newsletter, as pastor of the church, I want to encourage you and to tell you to encourage yourself because the world view and the outcome is not as bad as it seems.
Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Mass Choir has a song that says,
Sometimes you have to encourage yourself,
Sometimes you have to speak victory during your test,
And no matter how you feel,
Speak the Word and you will be healed,
Speak over yourself, Encourage yourself in the Lord.
Someone asked the question, how to encourage yourself?
There are several helpful steps:
- Always think positive
- Try to look at your situation, circumstance and predicament in a different way
- Pray, read scriptures and praise your way through
- Encourage yourself if no one else does
Let me leave with you some bible verses:
Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10, Zephaniah 3:17, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Psalm 9:9, Psalm 23:4
“Be not dismayed what ever be tide, God will take care of you
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you
Lean weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you.”
Let me take this opportunity to say Thank You for all that you do here at 4210.
Rev. Wayne A. Steele, Sr.
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Come out on Wednesday evenings
at 6:30 P.M. to participate in our weekly
“Prayer Vigil” event.
Sponsored by the Deacon Board
Upcoming Events
September
17th “ When Friends Meet” – 5:00 P.M.
18th Women’s Day – 11:00 A.M.
24th Dare to Care Warehouse food sorting – 9:00 A.M.
October
26th-28th Fall Revival, Rev. Kilen Gray – 7:00 P.M.
29th Retreat @ Camp Cedar Ridge – 9:00 A.M.
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Come out and join us for these weekly activities!
SUNDAY 9:30 A.M. - Sunday School
11:00 A.M. – Morning Worship Service
MONDAY 5:00 P.M. Kids Café & Family to Family Visitation
TUESDAY 5:00 P.M. – HopeMinistry & Family to Family Visitation
WEDNESDAY 5:00 P.M. Kids Café & Family to Family Visitation
7:00 P.M. – Bible Study
THURSDAY 5:00 P.M. –HopeMinistry
SATURDAY 4:00 P.M. – Youth Ministry
VOLUNTEERS & FINANCIAL SUPPORT ARE URGENTLY NEEDED FOR OUR OUTREACH PROGRAM
JESUS TRUTH SEEKERS: "MISSION POSSIBLE”
“With men this is Impossible; But with God All Things are Possible”
Matthew 19:26
August 1st – August 5th proved to be an informative, inclusive, adventurous and exciting event in the life of Peace Presbyterian Church; our annual Vacation Bible School!
Under the direction and leadership of Bible School Superintendent Rosemary Steele, fifty-two young participants and fifteen adults learned and were reminded that with Jesus, we have a MISSION THAT IS POSSIBLE! Mrs. Steele worked tirelessly to insure that all VBS teachers and assistants had needed materials and supplies for their classes. She patiently helped all of our participants master memorable crafts that will remind them of their informative and fun-filled VBS experience.
Kudos to Sheraline Browning, Sarah Johnson, Sandra Tucker and Liz White for preparing and serving delectable, nutritious meals. A special thanks to our hall monitor, Michael Anderson, Sr. and to Wayne Steele, Jr. for his assistance with our arts and crafts.
Gloria Moorman, our Music Director, provided our participants with music and encouraged them to enthusiastically praise God with song. Dedicated instructors: Charlinda Anderson, Maisha Anderson, Kimberly McGruder, Efia Binford, Jason Overstreet, Roxanne Steele, Lee Kennedy, Elaine White, Robert Charles, Cynthia Lusco, Stella Miller and Rev. Wayne Steele, Sr. shared teachings that will enable us to make the MISSION POSSIBLE as we strive to do God’s will.
Our closing ceremony, on Friday, gave us the opportunity to come together as a family in celebration and praise for an informative, joyous and safe 2011 Vacation Bible School.
M. Lena Porter
PEACE 51ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
“Restoration and Renewal: the Joyful Heart and Steadfast Spirit”
After our Golden 50th Anniversary with all the celebration, the many homecomings, all the remembering, all the reminiscing, how could we maintain the level of enthusiasm and exuberance of such a mountaintop experience? Recognizing that to sustain its vitality and to grow, the church, (as well as its individual members), has a need for continuous refreshing and renewal. We based our 51st Anniversary theme on Psalm 51: 12: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me”. The commemoration itself, on Sunday August 14th, was truly joyous and refreshing.
Our speaker for the day was Reverend Robina Winbush, Office of General Assembly, Associate Stated Clerk, Director Department of Ecumenical and Agency Relations, PCUSA. Peace is blessed to have Reverend Winbush worship regularly with our congregation. As she has on many other occasions, Reverend Winbush encouraged us to continue to be agents of change; to work for righteousness and justice, gaining inspiration from the “cloud of witnesses” from the Peace congregation who went before us. The sermon title was “Continuing the Race;” Scripture, Hebrew 11: 1-3; 39, 40 and Heb.12: 1 & 2. Reverend Winbush always exudes love, joy, and enthusiasm in her person as much as her sermons and she was truly an inspiration and blessing on this day.
Throughout the year we have been lifting up the sustaining power of “Praise,” and this day was filled with praise songs including “High and Lifted Up,” How Great is Our God,” and “Hallelujah, He’s Worthy to Be Praised.”
Speaking of “praise,” the church bulletin featured some praiseworthy events which took place in 1960, the year the Peace Mission became the Peace United Presbyterian Church, including the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1960, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
This memorable celebration concluded with a special, leisurely summertime meal where food and fellowship was in abundance.
It was a good day. To God be the glory!
Rose Packer
YOUTH MINISTRY
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he shall not depart from it. (KJV; Proverbs 22:6)
This is the third year in a process where Peace Presbyterian Church is investing its time, talents and tithes in the youth that come to the Peace Youth Ministry sessions. In the first two years, 2009 and 2010, the youth gatherings primary focus was on fun and games. In 2011 a transition has taken place in the Youth Ministry. As part of this transition, the youth gatherings have moved from Sunday to Saturday. Sister Toinette LeMaster and Elder Gloria Moorman are participating as co-facilitators, while Sister Kimberley McGruder and Brother Greg Ford lend parental support.
The Youth Ministry now has a structure where more programmatic instruction and interaction are taking place. In January 2011, Candice Johnson of the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, (KHEAA), conducted a workshop atPeaceChurchfor middle school students, discussing preparing for college, grades, financial aid and access to other resources.
During the Summer, from April through July, the youth participated in discussions about self-respect, respect of others, peer pressure, hygiene, grooming, and other topics. There were 10 to 12 youth attending the Saturday gatherings on a regular basis. As a culmination for the summer youth gatherings, the youth were featured with other young people from the Four African American Churches in the Mid-Kentucky Presbytery during a joint worship service.
Fun and games have not been totally abandoned; in February; Peace fielded its second boys and girls 9-12 year old basketball team to defend their championship title from 2010. Many family members and church members attended the games.
In 2011 the youth also attended:
- U of L Women’s basketball games;
- Arts Reach Performing Arts Showcase 2011;
- Louisville River Bats baseball game;
- The Men of Peace sponsored Camping Trip at Camp Cedar Ridge; and,
through Kid’s Café participated in field trips to:
- The BlackAcreNature Preserve
- TheNationalUndergroundRailroadFreedomCenterinCincinnati,OH.
- LouisvilleScienceCenter
In the Fall and Winter of 2011 the youth gatherings will focus on gratitude and giving back to the church and the community. Presently, the youth are sponsoring a Sickle Cell walk and hope to organize a walk for Dare to Care.
A big THANK YOU!!! to thePeaceChurch members who have worked hard behind the scenes getting tickets, uniforms and organizing activities for the youth. You are reflecting God’s Love for all by caring for the children in our midst. God is watching and he knows who you are.
Robert Charles
Peace Youth Ministry Director
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The Holy Alphabet
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting, (exalting), God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
KIDS CAFÉ
With forty-one registered children and twelve adult volunteers, (at various times), our summer program was extremely busy, yet fun. Thanks to “behind the scenes efforts” of our Pastor; we were able to take three field trips; and, our kitchen staff made sure that our nutritional needs were met.
Our first field trip, to the Blackacre Nature Preservation, located inJeffersontown, provided our enrollees with a first hand look of an original plantation setting, while learning about the lifestyle during that era. Our next trip was to theLouisvilleScienceMuseumand the participants were able to visit the IMAX Theater and experience the life of the African lion. Our “little people” participated in hands-on activities specific to their age group during this trip. Our final excursion was to the National Underground Railroad Museum inCincinnati,Ohio. We spent an entire day touring the facility, viewing videos on the slavery experience, participating in a story-telling venture and obtaining a wealth of information from our tour guides.
In addition to our field trips, we had on-site visits from the Louisville Zoo, in which several small animals met our participants face to face; and, the Raptor Group, whose mission is to heal and return injured “raptors” to their natural habitant; bought several raptors to our facility and provided information on each, to our participants; this visit ended in a question and answer session for all. We were paid a visit by the Okolona Fire Department, who arrived in one of their large trucks. The fireman allowed our children to actually climb upon their truck, after providing them with an instructional overview on the fire fighters’ role and the equipment being stored on the truck. Lastly, two highly informative members of the Louisville Metro Police Bomb Squad provided us with information on their role within the police department. They not only demonstrated the bomb suit required, but also a miniature robot programmed to safely dismantle a bomb; while stressing the importance of education and encouraging our youth to stay in school.
A special THANK-YOU to our most faithful, non-Peace member volunteer, Amy Parker from Second Presbyterian. Amy has been a tremendous asset to our program and we sincerely appreciate her service.
Our regular homework/tutoring assistance program began upon the start of the new school year.
N. P. Maddox
Presbyterian Women
We have been blessed to experience a bright 2011 thus far. The Women of Peace have met monthly, as scheduled, and upon completion of our Father’s Day Event, have been in the process of preparing for our upcoming When Friends Meet/Women’s Day weekend.
On Saturday, October 17th @ 5:00 P.M. we will be celebrating our annual When Friends Meet event in the Miller/Edwards Fellowship Hall. Attendees are being invited to select a female character from the Bible, share the attributes of your selection and perhaps try to incorporate some of the female’s attributes in your own life. You may dress as your chosen character and/or bring any “props” which will help you to depict your selection. We will have an afternoon filled of sharing, games, prizes and good food! On Sunday, October 18th, during regular church service, Rev. Rhashell Hunter, PCUSA, will be our guest speaker. Light refreshments will be served after the completion of the services.
In addition to our 2011 mission project of collecting personal hygiene items, we have started a group discussion on the Horizons Bible Study: “Confessing the Beatitudes”! Annual election of officers will be held during our October meeting.
All women are invited to become involved with our PW!
Sandra Tucker-Moderator
CAMPING TRIP 2011
Well, well, well camping trip 2011 is now history and everyone should be happy. This year’s event was one of first and last historical significance. There are very few individuals still at the church that can remember the reason for establishing the camping trip and how much fun the youth had on that very first one. The first trip was held on a farm that belonged to theFranklinfamily’s relatives, around the Cave City, KY area. We had no knowledge of how to set up a camp site or the tendencies of cows. You are probably asking, “What do cows have to do with anything?” Well, the first camp site was set-up in a cow pasture and in the morning the cows go to the pond to drink water; and, our campsite was between the cows and the pond. The cows had no intention of changing their routine and we had to scurry to avoid being trampled. This was a fun and enjoyable trip and fun was all that was intended. The youth, at that time, worked hard during the year on youth group activities and earned the right to just have some fun. All of these youth were children of the Men’s group and discipline was administered in the manner of physical exercise and there was no resistance.
We went to the farm for several years and eventually incorporated female youth into the event. Once the men started getting older it became apparent that the drive toCaveCity, was easy, but the drive back toLouisvillewas difficult. The camping trip took a break for a while and then Camp Cedar Ridge became the place to go. We still had a majority of youth that belonged to church members and the event was still fun and enjoyable with numerous men and women helping out. We roasted pigs, went swimming, put up tents, fried fish, (do not tell anybody but some were caught in the on-site pond), baked fish and teased each other about their inability to cook. The significant part, for most of the men, was sitting around the campfire, late at night, peeling potatoes for breakfast on Saturday and telling lies to each other. Eventually the trip changed as our youth got older and some men left the church.
The change was significant because we still wanted to provide the experience for the youth, but started recruiting youth from the community. The membership of the Men’s Group changed and the event, for obvious reasons, had to become more structured. There were still fun activities, but no tents, (we began to stay in cabins), swimming was done at both Camp Cedar Ridge and Tom Sawyer, we established the annual kick-ball game that the older youth ALWAYS LOST, water balloon fight, scavenger hunt and some engaged in pranks, i.e. shaving cream spraying, fish heads in bed just to name a few. However, discipline became a problem and adult supervision began to decrease. This one time, fun filled event now became hard work.
Camping Trip 2011, now, in this author’s opinion, has become historical and significant because it possibly is the last of a long standing tradition. It was a first because we were able to partner with one of our sister churches, (Shawnee), and introduced their youth to the camping experience. Also, for the first time the youth participated in archery. We went swimming at the “Bubble” and enjoyed the discussion with youth at the campfire. We left late on Friday, but still had an interesting Friday night. Breakfast was the traditional sausage, scrambled eggs and fried potatoes and onions. There are pictures available upon request and some will be posted within the next few weeks.
However, it is important to note that this year the adult supervision was provided by as many non-Peace members as actual church members. Dr. Shanklin has provided funds to help off-set the event, making it financially feasible; but, the lack of adult, (both male and female), participation make it not feasible. People say change is inevitable, but some good things do not need to change, just because. The adults of the church do not seem to have the same commitment level of the old youth advisors and the men of the church no longer view the event as something they can continue without stronger support from some of the younger males.
Camping can be fun and provide an interesting experience for even today’s youth. It does impact the lives of our youth in a positive manner--just ask some of the past youth participants who still talk about how they stayed up all night playing cards in their tents, exercised for misbehavior, went canoeing for the first time, learned to swim, enjoyed hiking at night, got scared at the campfire while ghost stories were being told, climbed to the top of the high ropes course, shot a pistol-rifle-shotgun & crossbow, saw farm animals, learned to lasso, rode a horse, were introduced to Marshall Art disciplines, learned Black history from a board game, discovered that cow patties should not be eaten’ and. ask when you meet them on the street --are you going camping this year? Then say, “Can I be a counselor?”
There are a lot of fond memories, but change does happen and all that can be said is: Well, well, well.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael W. Foree Sr.
Mechanized Newsletter!
Due to the high cost of reproduction and postage, our newsletter committee would like to send your copy of our publications via email, whenever possible. If you would like to receive future copies of our newsletter, via email, please provide your email address to npmaddox@aol.com, with a subject line of “newspaper publication
Thank-you!
Members and/or friends who would like to submit article(s) for our next publication should send their information to npmaddox@aol.com. Articles for our 4th quarter publication are due to the committee by December 1, 2011. The newsletter production is sponsored by our Christian Education Committee.
Rose Packer, Chairperson
PEACE CHURCH HAS AN ACTIVE VAN MINISTRY. TO GET A RIDE TO SUNDAY SCHOOL OR MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE AT (502) 964-1402 OR CALL (502) 905-1487.
Peace Presbyterian Church
4210 East Indian Trail
Louisville, KY 40213
ph: 502-964-1402
peacechu
