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“2011” MISSION TRIP IDEAS – SUN, AUG 22 If you have ideas or suggestions for a 2011 summer mission trip, contact Pastor Dave. We will begin to put ideas together (and maybe make decisions?) during the August 22 “outdoor worship and potluck” about “where,” “when,” “how” and “who.” Start thinking – and start praying as to where God might have us go to be “the hands and feet of Jesus.” “PORTAGE CHURCH DAY CAMP 2010” “Thank you God for the day.” “Thank you God for the food.” “Thank you God for our friends.” “Thank you God for the fun.” “Thank you God for the singing.” “Thank you God for the leaders.” “Thank you God for the tye-dye t-shirts.” “Thank you God for the weather.”
These are some of the comments made by the young people who participated in the “Portage Church Day Camp 2010” during June and July. “Thank you God for the young people.” We had a total of 14 young people who worked on craft projects, engaged in Bible study (we made our way on the Exodus and found ourselves in a “big fish’s belly) and “re-created” for 6 weeks on Tuesdays from 10:00-2:00.. “Thank you God for the leaders.” Among the leaders who participated were: Sarah Hankins; Parker Roundy; Samantha Harvey; Lindsey Harvey; Samantha Ballard; Brittany Ballard; Kayla Ballard; Nick Hankins; Alex Harvey; James Bennett; Julie Gerner; Liz Bellmore; Mary Heinze; Jen Martens and Pastor Dave. “Thank you God for those who helped to provide meals.” One young person’s remark sums it up – “the meals rock!” “Thank you God for the good weather.” How wonderful that we were able to be outside for all 6 of our day camp days. With the way our weather has been this summer, we were truly blessed. “Thank you God for the day at the circus” (and for the anonymous donor who made this possible.) What a great way to complete our Day Camp experience than to run away and join the circus (at least for a day). “Thank you God for the Portage Church Day Camp 2010.” God is good – all the time!!! Yeah, God!!!
PD’S “MOVIE NITE” – IN SEPTEMBER!!! Just a “heads up” - You will have another opportunity to share “Pastor Dave’s Favorite Movie Nite” in September. Watch the September newsletter for details.
"BREESE FUND FOR THE NEEDY" Over 30 years ago, the Llewelyn Breese Fund for the Needy was established with a bequest. The will specified that the fund ".. shall be held in trust and used for the benefit of any underprivileged children of the church." The administration of this fund is entrusted to Elders Jane Considine and Jim Armson, who have been appointed by the Session, along with the Pastor Dave, who serves as the Chairperson. If you are in need or have a suggestion of someone from the church who may need assistance of this type, please contact a committee member. All contacts are held in strictest confidence.
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JOHN KNOX’S “PRESBYTERY DAY” “Reaching In, Reaching Out: Freeing the Spirit”
September 24-25, 2010 Beginning at 5:00 p.m on Friday Through 3:30 p.m. on Saturday
@ Sugar Creek Bible Camp Ferryville, WI
You may come and stay over Friday night … or you may just come the Saturday
Cost: $10.00 per person (each day) $20.00 maximum per family. (fee includes picnic supper, campfire activities, overnight lodging, continental breakfast, workshops and lunch)
The “leaders” will be …. Kim Hatz / Aaron Considine who will bring their faith as lay leaders and their skils from directing at Camp Wyoming to the fun and fellowship of the evening activities
Sandra Zahn, who is an award winning educator, artist and consultant. She has served the Milwaukee public schools for 24 years and now works as an art therapist, breathworker and rhythm facilitator. She will lead an “interactive workshop.”
Cindi Beth Johnson, who is from United Theological Seminary in the Twin Cities where she serves as the Director of Community Programming In the Arts, Religion and Spirituality and is an ordained ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She will speak about “Evangelism through the Arts” and conduct an interactive workshop on creativity for your church.
If you are interested, contact the church office for more information, to get your name on a list – and about “carpooling options.”
GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRAYER PARTNERS This July several thousand Presbyterians will attend the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Minneapolis. But there are many more who would like to be at the Assembly, but can’t attend because of time, distance or other commitments. There is however, a way for all to participate. While local Presbyterians will serve in ministries of hospitality during the Assembly, showing commissioners and visitors alike the neighborliness that is characteristic of Presbyterians, others can help through prayer. The Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA) is looking for about 1,000 people who are willing to serve as prayer partners, said Lois Potter, a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Long Lake, MN, and coordinator of the committee’s Prayer Partner Work Group. Each prayer partner will be given the name of a commissioner or advisory delegate and asked to pray for them throughout the Assembly. All are welcome to become a prayer and can volunteer to be one by registering as a volunteer on the COLA Web site and selecting “prayer partner.” Those who are not able to register online can contact Potter at (763) 497-1601 or the COLA office at (612) 871-2617.
“SOUP &SANDWICH” - 4TH SATURDAYS On the 4th Saturdays, a group of caring Christian folks from the Portage area are organizing and serving a “soup and sandwich” meal at PPC for anyone in the community that would like to come. If you would be interested in helping out with this meal by serving, set-up, clean-up, etc, please contact the Church Office or just show up on the 4th Saturday. Desserts are always welcome! The meal is served from 11:30-1:00 in the dining room. This is another ministry in which PPC is involved with is helping to make a difference in the lives of those around us. MAKING A LIST Two “List of Supplies Needed” sheets have been posted at the church; one on the cupboard in the kitchenette off Parry Hall and the other on the door leading into the kitchen from the downstairs dining room. Please help to keep these kitchens fully stocked by listing any supplies you see that are running low. Also, please date and sign your name where indicated. Kathy Mittelstaedt will check these lists every Monday and make sure supplies are ordered. Thank you for all your help in the work and ministry of PPC! You are appreciated!! FUNDRAISERS/EVENTS The Event’s Committee is looking for ideas for fundraisers/events to raise money to help off-set the budget deficit of the church. We would like ideas from the congregation and people willing to coordinate the activities. If you have ideas etc., please contact Nancy Schaper. EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY @ PPC * Sunday mornings @ 9:30 a.m. – Birth – 3 year old Class (Nursery) Elementary Age Class (West. Ctr - Upstairs) * Wednesday evenings @ 6:00 p.m. – Elementary Age Class (West Ctr - downstairs Grade 6&7 / Pre-Confirmation (West Ctr – Upstairs) Older Youth/Adult Study (Parry Hall) “WED NITE @ PPC” “Wed Nite @ PPC” continues to be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, study and eating together. The Handbell Choir will meet for rehearsal at 4:30 p.m. in Parry Hall / Sanctuary. We will continue to come together for a meal at 5:30 p.m. Then, at 6:00 p.m., we will go to our “educational ministry classes” (an adult Bible study in addition to our Pre-Confirmation and Elementary age classes). At 6:45 p.m., the Chancel Choir will have their rehearsal in the Dining Room. So, in summary, Wed Nite looks like this: 4:30 p.m. – Handbell Choir rehearsal 5:30 p.m. – Meal 6:00 p.m. – Education Classes Elementary – West Ctr (down) PreConf – West Ctr (up) Older Youth/Adult – Parry Hall 6:45 p.m. - Chancel Choir rehearsal
“WED NITE MEAL” INFORMATION Our “Wed Nite Meal” has become a vital part of our “Wed Nite @ PPC” ministry – an opportunity for folks to sit and visit, to be fed physically, spiritually and socially. A big THANK YOU to all who have provided our meals. We continue to seek volunteers who would like to help provide a meal for this ministry. Sign-up sheets are on the kiosk in Parry Hall for those who would like to participate in this special ministry by providing a meal for an evening. A “free-will” offering is collected each evening to help reimburse costs for the meal. If you would like to help with a meal, or if you have questions, you can talk to Pastor Dave or indicate on the sign-up sheet on the kiosk in Parry Hall.
PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH TRIENNIUM INFO On July 20th about 4,000 young people (those entering high school in 2010 to age 19) and their adult advisors will head to Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana for one of the most exciting weeks of their lives at the 2010 Presbyterian Youth Triennium. The event begins on Tuesday, July 20th and concludes just before noon on Saturday, July 24th with worship. The theme for the Youth Triennium is “For Such a Time as This”.
Here is what the participants can expect: · Time and space to deepen your faith, your passion for Jesus Christ and your commitment to the church · A great college campus – Purdue University · An interactive Prayer, Mission and Friendship Center · A college and seminary fair · Free time with LOTS of new friends · An event created for you · Amazing worship – people actually stand in line to get in, it’s that great! · Engaging small groups with people from all over the place · A youth friendly schedule
Application forms are available in the Church Office. The application form must be endorsed by the local session. The John Knox Presbytery has reserved 60 individual places for the event. The coordinating team will fill these positions on a first come first serve basis. The deadline for receiving presbytery applications is Monday, February 1, 2010. The total cost to attend the event is $600.00 per person. This includes the cost of registration, housing and meals, transportation by bus and other conference expenses such as a Presbytery t-shirt, mementos and songbook. The John Knox Presbytery through its mission budget will pay $200 per youth.
LOOKING AHEAD – G.A. 2010 In July of 2010, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will be meeting in Minneapolis. This is the biennial meeting of the largest governing body in our denomination. As is true of all levels of our church government, the General Assembly is comprised of equal numbers elders and clergy from each of the 171 presbyteries. In addition, staff people from the Presbyterian Church national offices provide support for the meeting. Since this is about as close to Portage as the G.A. may come, we are inquiring as to the interest you may have in attending part of this national church meeting (the opening worship service, for example). If this is something in which you may be interested, call the Church Office and let us know. We need to start our planning as soon as possible.
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