January 2015 Good Tidings - Maitland Presbyterian Church

good tidings
341 North Orlando Avenue, Maitland 32751  407-644-3455  www.maitlandpres.org
Happy New Year, Friends!
We all (hopefully) have “high hopes” for 2015 as we
stand at its dawning. I know I do. And I also have
high hopes for Maitland Presbyterian Church. It will
be a good year.
John Killinger has written a short paragraph about
“Journey’s End,” and it speaks to us as we begin the
new year. He writes:
“At Notre Dame University, there is a great
The Pastor�s Pen
mosaic of Christ, several stories tall, on the
by Labert Altemose
side of the library building. He stands with
his arms outstretched and lifted, and is clearly
visible from the football stadium. The students long ago nicknamed
him ‘Touchdown Jesus.’ Touchdown Jesus! That’s the Gospel in a
nutshell, isn’t it? Jesus at the end of
our journeys, at the end of all our
struggles, ready to say ‘You made
it!’ And His being there makes all
the journeys different. Knowing He
is there, we can endure our seasons
of darkness, our times of pain,
our moments of loss, our days of
uncertainty. Knowing He is there,
but unseen we can continue our
journeys in the night for we are
confident that one day we will hear Him say ‘Well done, good and
faithful servant. You made it! Welcome Home!’ ”
One of the greatest learnings of my faith, says to me that God sticks by me
closer than a close friend. God stands beside us no matter what happens.
If God would become a human being and endure the embarrassment
and pain and agony on a cross for MY sake, then God would do anything
to stand by me. We know that in the end God will be there, just as the
three Wise Men journeyed to Palestine not knowing what they’d find,
but, in the end, found Christ. Obviously, at our journey’s end, we too will
find Christ. There’s a lot of faith in that statement and a lot of hope in it
as well. As we set out into this new year, we have got to know that God
walks with us. We don’t know what is ahead. We only know that God is
out there and will receive us when we arrive...
That speaks so loudly of our faith and hope in this world. I’m so glad we
believe in a God who acts on our behalf--always!
Again, Happy New Year!
Faithfully, Labert
Maitland
Presbyterian
Church
January
2015
MPC Financial Information
Operating Fund
Total Revenue
Total Expense
Net Total
Last Month
(November)
$ 73,787.22
$ 64,156.77
$ ( 9,630.45)
Year to Date
(thru NOV 2014)
$ 722,723.83 $
$ 687,567.23 $
$ 35,156.60 $
Capital Improvement Reserve
$ 114,55.28
Average Weekly Worship
Attendance (monthly-to-date)
243
Budget
732,328.29
751,583.33
(19,255.04)
Session News
On Tuesday, December 9th, the Session took the following actions:
• Tabled until January a proposal from the city of Maitland requesting an easement
from MPC for a storm drain - to determine what any loss of value may be to MPC
• Moved the January session meeting from the 20th to the 13th to allow session
members to attend Larry Selig’s session on prayer
• Approved the health coverage to be only for MPC employees - dependant coverage
to be paid fully by the employee
On Tuesday, December 16th, the Session took the following actions:
• Approved to receive Lynn Brown, David Lane and Rick Taylor as Session members
for the Class of 2017
• Approved to increase the 2014 budget of the COMG by $10K
(due to an MPC 2014 budget surplus)
• Requested that the Finance and Personnel Ministries review the service contracts of
MPC to allow for a budget item to have a Parish Associate
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Our thoughts and prayers are with those recently in the
hospital or who have undergone outpatient surgery:
Jon A. Bolander
Bill Kurtz
Louise Robertson
Christian Sympathy is extended to the friends and family of Royal
Mackey who died on December 5th and to friends and family of
Mary Lou Portilla who also passed on December 5th. And we send
sincere condolences to Aprille Miller on the passing of her brother in
December, and to Janet Vigilante on the passing of her father recently.
Homebound Communion to be served on Sunday, January 11th
If you know of someone who would be interested in receiving communion in their own home,
hospital room, or rehab facility; please contact Marjie McDonough:
Phone: 407-862-7407
Email:
[email protected]
Current MPC members are not the only focus of this effort. All those who
thirst for forgiveness, all those who hunger for hope and love, let us know as
we work to honor our service to God.
Remember to mail in or drop off your Pledge Card for 2015
We are at 92% of our goal!!!!
Make your pledge and make it
happen!!!
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A Note from Your MPC Session
2014 meant so much to so many. For many it was filled with the wonder
of new life. For many it was filled with heartache following the loss of a
loved one. Babies were born, children grew, relationships were created
and some came to an end. Through tears of joy, tears of frustration
and tears of sorrow, God was ever present.
At Maitland Presbyterian Church we persevered! 2014 was a year of
change. And through that change, we have grown, we have become
stronger, and we have continued to care for one another and those less
fortunate.
Dr. Radford Rader took us through the first months of this past year, using his messages to address our
concerns brought about by change, including the blessings of forgiveness.
Dr. Larry Selig led us through the Lenten season, grieved with us over the death of our Savior and
celebrated His resurrection.
Our beloved Labert returned to the pulpit with a commitment to walk the walk with us as long as needed.
Our staff stepped up to fill the void created by the retirement of Pastor Ron and went that extra mile with
smiles, commitment and compassion.
Our Pastor Nominating Committee devoted countless hours, resources and prayers to finding the person
God has in mind and they will continue their journey until our new Pastor is called.
As we end 2014 and prepare for the year to come, the Session of Maitland Presbyterian Church thanks
each of you for the opportunity serve God, His Church and this Congregation.
With love and gratitude,
Rusty Altizer, Judy Diaz, David Green, Debbie Horn, Doris Houck,
Jan Kiser, Hugh Miller, Pete Taulbee, Charlie West; elders
Labert Altemose, moderator
Bob Kortz, clerk
Reminder!
The deadline for the February 2015 issue of Good Tidings is Friday, January 16th.
Please drop off or email your news item or articles to Abbie VanDenBerg at:
[email protected]
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Saturday, January 31st
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
1655 Peel Avenue, Orlando
Workshops Available
(choose one from each session)
Session I: 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
____ I-A
____ I-B
____ I-C
____ I-D
____ I-E
____ I-F
____ I-G
____ I-H
____ I-I
____ I-J
____ I-K
____ I-L
Session II: 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
FOUNDATIONS OF PRESBYTERIAN POLITY & FORM OF GOVERNMENT
SERVING GOD AND THE CHURCH AS A COMMISSIONED RULING ELDER (CRE)
MOBILE BANKING: A NEW FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY CHALLENGE
HELP! I HAVE TO CHAIR A MEETING
WHAT IS REFORMED THEOLOGY ANYWAY?
AN INTERFAITH PERSPECTIVE ON
LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS
THE HOLINESS OF HAPPINESS
ENCOURAGING A CONGREGATION
IN MINISTRY AND MISSION
LISTEN UP!
MOURNING TO DANCING
REFORMED THEOLOGICAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS OF
OLDER ADULTS PT. 1
(TAKE PT. 2 IN SESSION II)
VITALITY IN A SMALL CHURCH
____ II-A
____ II-B
____ II-C
____ II-D
____ II-E
____ II-F
____ II-G
____ II-H
____ II-I
____ II-J
____ II-K
A BANNER DAY: INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF CONFESSIONS
THE ROLE OF CLERK OF COUNCIL
& MINUTES 101
HOW TO AGREE TO DISAGREE
WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE
WHERE ARE ALL THE YOUNG
PEOPLE?
WHY DOES MONEY MATTER TO
GOD?--A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
REACHING OUT TO YOUNG ADULTS
THE 101 ON 1,001 NEW WORSHIPING COMMUNITIES
HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS
PRAYER MINISTRY RE-VISITED
VOLUNTEERS: CALLING, ASSURING,
EQUIPPING, AND UPHOLDING
REFORMED THEOLOGICAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS OF
OLDER ADULTS PT. 2
(TAKE PT. 1 IN SESSION I)
Cost (including program and heavy snacks): $9.00
MPC’s Whole Health Ministry will pay for anyone’s fee
who wishes to attend from our church.
Please Register By Fri., Jan. 23, 2015.
Questions?
Contact Cheryl Carson at:
[email protected]
or (407) 422-7125 x. 204
Registration Packet and On-line Registration Available at:
http://cfpequip.weebly.com/
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Happy New Year
Around the World
From the American South to the hills of
Romania, how children ring in the new year
with their parents.
Kids Heart
given small gifts of money called otoshidamas.
At midnight, bells and gongs are rung 108 times
to chase away 108 troubles, and people laugh to
drive away the bad spirits.
Armenia
Mothers make a special bread for their family,
kneading luck and good wishes into the dough
before it is baked.
Portugal
In the north, children go caroling, singing old
songs called Janeiros from home to home,
where they are given sweets and coins.
Bahamas
People spend months creating elaborate
costumes for the Junkanoo parade. The strangest
and most beautiful costumes win prizes.
Puerto Rico
Children throw pails of water out the window at
midnight to rid their homes of evil spirits.
Bolivia
Families hang little homemade straw or
wooden dolls outside their homes for
good luck.
Romania
Children wish people a happy new year
by touching them lightly with a bouquet
called a sorcova, which consists of
twigs from an apple, pear, cherry,
or plum tree to represent fertility,
health, and purity. Traditionally the
twigs would have been placed in water
on November 30 so they’d blossom by
New Year’s Eve. Today people decorate the
twigs with flowers made of colored paper.
Denmark
The Danes throw old dishes at the
doors of friends’ homes for good luck.
Finding a big pile of broken dishes on
the morning of January 1 means you have
lots of friends!
Ecuador
Families celebrate “Año Viejo” by stuffing old
clothing with newspaper and firecrackers, much
like a scarecrow. At midnight, each family sets
its dummy ablaze, representing the departure of
the old year.
The Southern United States
Many Southerners eat black-eyed peas for good
luck. Round foods are traditional for the new
year in many cultures because circles represent
continuity. Black-eyed peas are considered
especially lucky because they contain two
concentric circles
Greece
Parents fill their children’s shoes with presents
at night. They tell the little ones the gifts are
from St. Basil, who was known for his kindness
and generosity to children and the poor.
Spain
When the clock strikes midnight, people eat 12
grapes, one for every stroke of the clock and for
good luck in each month of the new year.
Japan
The Japanese decorate their front doors with
pine branches and bamboo to bring health and
long life. They may also add fans, seaweed, or
ferns for happiness and good luck. Children are
Switzerland
The Swiss let a drop of cream land on the floor
on New Year’s Day to bring good luck.
By Emily Fromm, Parents Magazine 2002
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The Maitland Presbyterian
Please join the Maitland Presbyterian Book Club as
we bring in the New Year during our next meeting on
Monday, January 12, at 6:00 p.m., in the Library. We
will take turns talking about the books that interest us. Bring the books you have recently finished or
the ones you are currently reading (whatever the genre). Join us if you want to find another book to
read. Everyone is welcome! We will have coffee and a snack.
We will continue to meet on the first Monday of every month. Want to know more? Contact Gail
Fisher ([email protected]), Sims Sterba ([email protected]) or Hugh Miller (hugh.w.miller@att.
net).
E26 Youth Group
E26 is ready to take flight once again for the new
year in 2015! Some of our youth will be attending a
combined ski trip with All Saints Church in Winter
Park to Beech Mountain, NC over New Year’s day.
Michael Chiu
MPC Youth Ministry Director
[email protected]
When we return, it is already time to start prepping for Youth Sunday 2015!
• Be sure to join us for Youth Sunday either at the 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. service on February 22th!
• E26 will also be returning to our MLK Camping Trip after a break from 2014, and it will take
place at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. A big shout out to our super camping lady, Lynn Hupp,
for helping us set up the trip.
• Looking ahead, our Summer Mission Trips have been booked! High school students will take a
trip to Tampa, and middle school students will be going to Jacksonville. Staying closer to home
opens up the opportunity for bigger and better free day activities such as Busch Gardens, indoor
go-karting, and water parks.
• Be on the look out for E26 Youth fundraisers coming up over the next few months, especially our
March Madness for youth missions!
A special thanks to all the volunteers who serve in the E26 Youth Program. If anyone is interested
in volunteering or joining our snack rotation, we have a new online sign up sheet (email me at my
address above for a link/details).
Looking forward to another year of Christ-centered fellowship, fun and food runs with our students!
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Presbyterian Women
Prayer Brunch a Special Event!
Mr. and Mrs. Claus with organizers
Debbie Horn and Cleo Neal
The Buffet line - so good!
Mrs. Claus reads Twas the
Night Before Christ’s Birth
Mr. & Mrs. Claus with many members of
Miriam Circle, our new PW Moderator,
Robin Poole, and Rita Reid

Lots of happy kids!
Communion Table
Our next PW Council Meeting is Sunday, January 25th at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Room. 
In January Our Circles Meet:
Magdalene Circle 1: Tuesday, Jan. 13th, at 9:30 a.m. in the Gathering Place
Ruth Circle 2:
Saturday, Jan. 17th, at 7:30 p.m. at Starbucks Coffee Shop NEW CIRCLE!
Sarah Circle 4:
Thursday, Jan. 8th, at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Rebekah Circle 6:
Wednesday, Jan. 14th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Church Conference Room
Esther Circle 7:
Wednesday, Jan. 14th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Gathering Place
Lydia Circle 8:
Thursday, Jan. 8th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Gathering Place
Miriam Circle 9:
Tuesday, Jan. 13th, at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
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New Year Resolutions?
Check out the HEALTH Section of the MPC Library
Grow Younger, Live Longer: 10 Steps to Reverse Aging
by Deepak Chopra, M.D. & David Simon, M.D.
[613 Cho]
Your Mind At Its Best
by David B. Biebel, DMin, James E. Dill, M.D.,
& Bobbie Dill, R.N.
[613 Bie]
Spontaneous Healing
by Andrew Weil, M.D.
[613 Wei]
SLEEP: It Does a Family Good
by Dr. Archibald D. Hart
[613.79 Har]
Managing Your
Emotions
by Joyce Meyer
[615.8 Mey]
Love, Medicine and Miracles:
Lessons Learned about SelfHealing from a Surgeon’s
Experience with Exceptional
Patients
by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.
[615.5 Sie]
98
1
Thursday
New Year’s Day
Church Calendar of Events
• CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED •
4
Sunday
5
Monday
6
Tuesday

Worship Services - ONE SERVICE at 10:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m. Blood Pressure Screenings
1:00 p.m. Life Hoop Kings
10:00 a.m. Prayer Group
7:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal
7:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #205
6:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Men’s Bible Study
Staff Meeting
Chair Council
All Ministry Night
Property Ministry Meeting
Worship Ministry Meeting
9:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
MPP Music Class
Bridge Group
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Lifeboat Project Board Meeting
Bolar Basketball
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7
Wednesday
8
Thursday
11:00 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
10
Saturday
8:30 a.m. ACYS Basketball
12:00 p.m. Orlando Music Club
11
Sunday
12
Monday
10:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
13
Tuesday
6:00 a.m.
6:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
14
Wednesday
15
Thursday
Lydia Circle Meeting
Young@Heart Games
Pace Brantley Basketball
Park Lake HOA Meeting
Sarah Circle Meeting
Maitland Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal

Worship Services and Sunday School
1:00 p.m. Life Hoop Kings Basketball
9:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Prayer Group
MPP Staff Meeting/Luncheon
Praise Team Rehearsal
Boy Scout Troop #205
Men’s Leadership Essentials Meeting
Men’s Bible Study
Magdalene Circle Meeting
Staff Meeting
Bob Brumfield Small Group
Finance Ministry Meeting
Miriam Circle #9 Meeting
Children and Family Ministry Meeting
Session Meeting
MPP Music Class
Rebekah Circle#6 Meeting
Esther Circle #7 Meeting
Interim Pastors Meeting
Bridge Group
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Bolar Basketball
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
1:30 p.m. Young@Heart Games
6:00 p.m. Pace Brantley Basketball
7:00 p.m. Maitland Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal
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Epiphany
January 6
16
Friday
9:30 a.m. Dena Anderton Small Group Meeting
17
Saturday
8:30 a.m. ACYS Basketball
9:30 a.m. Orlando Music Club
7:30 p.m. Ruth Circle Meeting - at Starbucks
18
Sunday

Worship Services and Sunday School
1:00 p.m. Life Hoop Kings Basketball
1:00 p.m. Suzuki Studio
19
Monday
20
Tuesday
6:30 a.m.
6:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Men’s Leadership Essentials Meeting
Men’s Bible Study
Staff Meeting
Hospitality Ministry Meeting
Stephen Leaders Meeting
Stephen Ministry Meeting
21
Wednesday
9:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
MPP Music Class
Bridge Group
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Bolar Basketball
Deacon Meeting
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
22
Thursday
1:00 p.m. Young@Heart Games
7:00 p.m. Maitland Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal
24
Saturday
8:30 a.m. ACYS Basketball
25
Sunday

Worship Services and Sunday School
9:30 a.m. PW Council Meeting
1:00 p.m. Life Hoop Kings Basketball
26
Monday
27
Tuesday
6:00 a.m.
6:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Men’s Leadership Essentials Meeting
Men’s Bible Study
Staff Meeting
Bob Brumfield Small Group Meeting
28
Wednesday
9:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
MPP Music Class
Bridge Group
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Bolar Basketball
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
29
Thursday
1:30 p.m. Young@Heart Games
6:00 p.m. Maitland Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal
31
Saturday
8:30 a.m. ACYS Basketball
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19
10:00 a.m. Prayer Group
7:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #205
2015
10:00 a.m. Prayer Group
7:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #205
11

9:30 a.m. Contemporary
11:00 a.m. Traditional
The Beth Moore Bible Study group
is going to
tackle a different study in the new year. Karen Kingsbury, known
as an award-winning Christian novelist, has come out with a study:
The Family of Jesus. In her first Bible study, Karen guides readers
through the customs, emotions, and challenges of being a part of
the Family of Jesus. Through scripture and compelling storytelling
step into the days when He walked the earth
and get to know his closest relatives.
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
January 22 - February 26
Fellowship Hall
Sign up: Sun. Jan. 11 and 18 in the Narthex, Cost: $20
Contact Kathy McLain, if you have any questions, at jpkathy@att.
Current resident or
Phone:
407-644-3455
Fax:
407-644-2761
Web: www.maitlandpres.org
341 N. Orlando Avenue
Maitland, FL 32751
MAITLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
good tidings
NONPROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ORLANDO FL
Permit No.
51025

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