Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church

2012-03-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

Attention Families withBoys in Kindergarten through Grade 5:

Comesee what Cub Scout Pack 80 has to offer by visiting our Spring Sign-up meetingon Sunday, April 1 at 4:00 pm. For moreinformation, call Cubmaster Rich Heinick at 805-5498 or Committee Chair ReneeBreen at 737-5739.

OGHS

2012-03-06T19:57:00.003-05:00

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering is being received during Lent.

This fund is to aid in disaster relief and for the self-development projects. Envelopes for your contributions are in the pews or your envelope packets.

We will dedicate the offering on Palm Sunday.

Holy Week

2012-03-06T19:41:00.000-05:00

Ushers and Greeters are needed for each of the following Services;
Maundy Thursday, April 5th - Good Friday, April 6th - each of the three Easter Services, 8AM, 9:30AM and 11AM on April 8.

There is a sign-up list on the desk in the Gathering Area for you to volunteer your services.

Thank you.

Time Change

2012-03-06T12:24:00.000-05:00

Set your clocks Saturday night. Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 11th.

AARP Tax-Aides

2012-03-03T13:32:00.000-05:00

AARP Tax-Aides are available in Fellowship Hall
every Thursday from 9 AM through 1 PM.

No appointments. Clients will be seen on a first come-first serve basis.

New Hire

2012-03-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

Matthew Shaul is our new Assistant of Music .

Welcome to MPC Matt!

Our youngest members need your TLC

2012-02-25T12:30:00.003-05:00

Volunteers are desperately needed in the nurseries.

Sign-up sheets are available on the desk in the Gathering Area and nursery wing for you to sign-up to help in the 8:15 AM, 9:35 AM and 11:00 AM toddler nurseries.

Thankyou.

Margie's Love Sunday

2012-02-25T12:21:00.001-05:00

The Deacons would like to thank the congregation for their generous response to Margie’s Love Sunday. 1,083 pounds of food was delivered to New Hope Ministries this week.

Thank you!

Easter Sunday

2012-02-25T12:15:00.003-05:00

Ushers and greeters are needed for the three Easter services
– 8 AM, 9:30AM and 11 AM on April 8th.

There is a sign-up list on the desk in the Gathering Area for you to volunteer your services.

Lend A Hand needs Your Help

2012-02-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, Feb. 22 - Jim Davis and Pete Feil will be leading a team at the 65S. Hornerstown Rd, Hummelstown residence. They can use your help for a full or half day. Work will start around 8:30.

Thursday, Feb. 23 - no work planned for the day at present. Stay tuned.

Friday, Feb 24 - Pete Feil will again be at the Hummelstown residence and can use lots of helpers. Work will start around 8:30.

Saturday, Feb. 25 - Dan Flint is willing to lead a team. Stay tuned for place and time.

February 22nd @ 7 pm

2012-02-17T18:38:00.000-05:00

We will begin our Lenten observance with worship and we will take part in the imposition of ashes and Communion.

Please come as we enter into Lent; a time of reflection on our own life and a time to prepare ourselves to receive the promise of new life through Christ.

Krislund

2012-02-17T17:06:00.002-05:00

Brochures are out!!

More details.

"MPC week" will be the week beginning July 15th.

Opportunity

2012-02-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

MPC is fortunate to be able to offer scholarship assistance to members of MPC who are continuing their education. Each year in the spring, those graduating from high school and those already in college have the opportunity to apply for this money.

* Application deadline NO LATER than April 22, 2012 *

Click to find more information and application forms.

Hoss's and New Hope Ministries

2012-02-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend of New Hope Ministries:We are excited to team up with Hoss's Steak and Sea House for a fundraising day. We ask that you consider visiting any of the Hoss's locations listed below on February 20th to aid us in raising money to benefit New Hope Ministries.

Download this form and present it on Monday, February 20th at Hoss's in Mechanicsburg, West York or Enola, and Hoss's will then donate 20% of your total check paid to New Hope Ministries.

Lend a Hand Needs you

2012-02-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

Lend A Hand Work Week

Monday 2/13 - no crews working

Tuesday 2/14 - George will lead a team to 100 Millwood Drive, Hbg. to remove drywall in a room to a height of 4', then sanitize the area. This work should take only half a day.
Directions; Take the N.Progress Avenue exit from route 81 and turn left toward the mountains. Go 1 mile to Paxton Church Road and turn left. Go to the second right onto Reichert Road for .3 miles, to the second left onto Bradley Drive. Go .1 mile to the
second right and turn on Millwood Drive. 100 Millwood Drive will be on the left.

Wednesday 2/15 -Bill Charron and Pete Fiel could use your help at 65 S. Hoernerstown Rd. Hummelstown - there area a wide variety of tasks to be preformed at this job site.

Thursday 2/16 & Friday 2/17 - Jim Davis will be at the Hoernerstown home continuing the work there. There is much work to be done at this location.Join him if you can.

Saturday 2/18 - This day (weather permitting) will be dedicated to cleaning up the exterior of the Hoernerstown home and taking the wrinkles out of the carpeted field where he teaches field hockey and soccor. Trucks will be available to load with the refuse the Swatara left behind during the flood. This should be a great day of fun and fellowship. this days activities will be lead by the homeowner and his friends. (65 S. Hoernerstown Rd. Hummelstown)

Margie's Love Sunday - February 19th

2012-02-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

Margie’s Love Sunday was named in honor of Margie F. Wolfe, who cared enough to get the church involved in helping to keep the shelves filled at the Ecumenical Food Pantry.

Grocery bags will be handed out by the Deacons Sunday the 12th with a list of needed items attached for New Hope Ministries and the Ecumenical Food Pantry.

Bring your grocery bag to Church Sunday the 19th.

Souper Bowl Final Score!

2012-02-11T15:32:00.000-05:00

Souper Bowl of Caring Final Score:

Patriots $271.88
Giants $453.12
For a total of $725!

Thank you for your donations. And thank you for helping to fight hunger in our area.

Penn State University Choir

2012-02-06T10:59:00.002-05:00

Thursday, March 29th Directed by Dr Tony Leach

The 80 voice University Choir is the oldest mixed voice choir in the School of Music at Penn State University. Under-graduate and graduate students from every college at the University Park campus perform sacred and secular music.

Put March 29th on your calendar and come and enjoy the beautiful music of the University Choir.

Inquirer's Class

2012-02-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

An Inquirers’ Class for those interested in finding out about church membership will be held Thursdays, March 1 and 15. The class will meet at 5:30 PM and begin with supper.

New members will be received into membership March 18 at the 11AM service.

All interested persons are welcome. Please speak with one of the pastors or call the office (697-0351) if you plan to attend. Childcare is available.

49 attended the Women's Retreat

2012-02-04T09:36:00.000-05:00

Saturday January 28, 2012

Our guest speaker was Georgia Shaffer, who is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and a certified life coach with over 19 years of experience.

We began the day with worship lead by Suzi Souder then broke into groups for discussion. In the morning Georgia spoke on "Living with Shattered Dreams". After lunch we again had group discussions followed by Georgia speaking on "Living with the Messiness of Your Emotions."

You can view a slideshow of the day's activities at our website.

2012 Flower Calendar - Chancel Flowers

2012-01-29T16:13:00.000-05:00

March 18 remains0pen, among other dates. Sign-up on the calendarin the breezeway. Prior to your week, you willreceive a reminder in the mail regarding thewording for the bulletin and reclaiming the flowers.

Flowers are $15 a vase. More details.

Women's Retreat this Saturday January 28

2012-01-25T23:58:00.001-05:00

There is still time to register for the MPC Women's Retreat which is this coming Saturday. Call or email the church office to reserve your spot. Don't miss Georgia Shaffer, Psychologist, Author and Christian Life Coach. You'll find more details on the MPC website, www.mechpresby.org.

Job Opportunity

2012-01-25T13:08:00.001-05:00

Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church (MPC) is seeking an individual trained in piano, organ, and choral directing to serve as our part-time Assistant Director of Music.
More details.

Year End Financial Statements

2012-01-21T11:58:00.001-05:00

Please pick up your statement in the Gathering Area.

2012-01-10T11:12:00.001-05:00

Georgia Shaffer will be our presenting “Say Yes, and Give God Your Mess!” following the title of one of her books, Taking Out Your Emotional Trash – Face Your Feelings and Build Healthy Relationships.

Still thinking if you want to attend the MPC Women's Retreat? Take a look at Georgia' moving personal testimony on YouTube. And, you can download this Event Brochure with registration form for more information.

Harrisburg Singers

2012-01-10T11:00:00.002-05:00

Today you can begin to reserve your tickets for the Second American Composers' Choral Festival to be held on March 10, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill. Tickets are expected to go quickly. Dr. Mack Wilberg, the Artistic Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will direct the local participants in the voice choir and instrumentalists from the Harrisburg and Lancaster area.

2012-01-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

The annual meeting for the members of the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church has been called by Session for January 22, 2012, and will take place during the two worship services. We will use our mission statement to both celebrate the past and look toward the future as we reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of 2011 and the goals of 2012. The pastors' terms of call and the review of the 2012 budget will take place during the 11:00 am worship service.

O Come Let Us Adore Him

2011-12-23T08:31:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve Services

5 PM Family Service (bring bells)

7:30 PM Lessons and Carols

11 PM Lessons and Carols

Christmas Day at 10 AM (come as you are)

2012 Mission Year Books are available!

2011-12-19T10:33:00.001-05:00

Find them in the Gathering Area.
If you would like to contribute towards the cost of this book, it is $8.

2012 Offering Envelopes

2011-12-19T10:19:00.001-05:00

Your envelopes are available for you topick up in Fellowship Hall.
If you can’t find a box ofenvelopes with your name and would like them,please call or email the church office (697-0351csutton@mechpresby.org).

Las Posadas Rehearsal

2011-12-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

Final rehearsal for the Sunday School Christmas program was held this morning. Come join us this evening at 6 PM for "Las Posada" and learn about this Mexican celebration of the birth of Jesus. Following Las Posadas, we will have a fiesta, complete with pinatas.

Alternative Gift Shopping

2011-12-06T12:19:00.001-05:00

This is one of the many activities that is happening at MPC during the Advent and Christmas season that we would like to highlight.

Alternative Gifts Christmas Shopping allows you to make a charitable donation to one of our mission organizations in honor of a friend or loved one and in return receive an ornament and gift card. A meaningful gift that is given in the true spirit of Christmas is sure to be appreciated and remembered. Stop at the Alternative Gifts table in the Breezeway on December 11 or 18 after each worship service. A Mission Committee member will be on hand to answer any question and to assist you with your order.

You may also make a donation to help defray the cost of 2012 Youth and Young Adult Mission Trips to Honduras, New Castle, PA, and Camp Krislund. More information may be found on our website.

It was a good day at MPC

2011-12-04T23:19:00.001-05:00

Today was In-Gathering Sunday.

Thanks to all who took tags from the Giving Tree and brought in presents for those less fortunate neighbors and showed MPC = More People Caring

We welcome these folks who joined the MPC family this morning.

Have you picked out your ornament?

2011-11-26T16:54:00.001-05:00

The Christmas trees will be available for decorating beginning with the second Sunday in Advent. The Worship and Music Committee would like to invite each MPC member and their families to bring in ornaments to help decorate the two Christmas trees that will be in the front of the Sanctuary. Ornaments can be hung on the trees at any time before or after each worship service.

Ornaments can be angel, dove, nativity or Chrismas themed or just a plain ornament (no Santa, football team, or secular related ornaments please). Ornaments should not be family heirlooms or the most treasured of your ornaments as the church cannot be responsible for lost or broken ornaments.

All ornaments will be available for return to each family by pickup from the front pews after the trees are taken down in early January.

Thanksgiving Day Dinner

2011-11-25T00:26:00.001-05:00

We served a delicious turkey dinner to 225 people on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks to all who made this possible - the people who; donated gift cards and money, did the planning and shopping, scrubbed and peeled potatoes, chopped onions, cut celery, baked turkeys, made desserts, set up Fellowship Hall and decorated it, prepared the food, served the food, bussed the tables, and cleaned up. It was a wonderful day.

For more pictures go to MPC Photo Gallery scroll down to Thanksgiving Dinner and click on the blue writing in the bottom left corner.

Fall Yard Clean up - Sunday November 13, 2011

2011-11-15T19:07:00.001-05:00

We had a beautiful day. Thanks to the Fellowship Committee for a delicious lunch. After lunch over 50 people helped with the yard clean up. It was amazing to see how quickly the leaves and pine needles were raked up and dragged to the street, dead limbs were taken down, bushes were trimmed, and old flowers were cut out. A special thanks to all who helped including Troop 80. Well done, the yards look beautiful. Take at look at the MPC photo gallery. (You need to scroll down to see the Yard Cleanup Album)

New Hope Ministries - Hoss's Fundraiser

2011-11-13T14:21:00.001-05:00

Support New Hope Ministries and enjoy a great meal by taking advantage of their Benefit at Hoss’s on Monday, November 21. Be sure to take a certificate so New Hope Ministries receives credit from your order.
Visit Community Fundraisers if you need a source to print the certificate.
Enjoy your meal!

Lend A Hand Schedule - November 6, 7, 9

2011-11-05T08:55:00.000-04:00

Sunday, Nov. 6. 1PM to 6 PM. Volunteersto clean out two homes in uptown Harrisburg.
Louise and Rick Sis, crew chiefs. 602-3515. Call if you plan to be there.

Home 1 Shirley Simmonds, 1315 Fenwick Drive, Harrisburg.17110

Home 2. Sharon Ellyse, 201 Estherton St., Harrisburg, 17110

Report to House 1 and then move to house 2 if time permits.

Monday, Nov. 7. 9AM to 5 PM. Bring a lunch.Three volunteers needed to assist with power washing and sanitizing threehomes.

Russ Weer, crew chief, 512-6475. Call Russ if you are available.

Home 1. Beverly Jones, 3604 N. 2 nd Street, Harrisburg,17110.

Home 2. Albina Reed, 6717 Lehigh Avenue, Harrisburg

Home 3 Jonathan Ellsworth, 1133 East Caracas Ave, Hershey,17033

Report to the address of home 1 at 9 AM

Wed., Nov. 9, 9 AMto 5 PM. Bring a lunch. Six volunteers needed to clean out one home in Middletown and finish anynot completed on Sunday or Monday.

Jim and Deb Davis, crew chiefs, 443-4475 or 379-5859.

Home 1. Judith Russell, 7655 Catherine St., Middletown, 17057

The Rev. Mr. Mark A. Allio

2011-10-30T20:28:00.000-04:00

The Service of Ordination and Installation for Mark A. Allio as Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults at MPC was held this afternoon. Mark is a recent graduate of The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and joined our staff on September 1, 2011. We are blessed to have Mark, his wife Carrie, and son Asher as a part of the MPC family.

Bring on the Warmth

2011-10-25T16:47:00.001-04:00

Remember!

The collection for Tree of Warmth items ends this coming Sunday October 30th. Bring your new hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for the tree.

Heartfelt thanks from the Board of Deacons.

Lend A Hand - Weekend of October 22

2011-10-21T09:42:00.001-04:00

Anyone who can be a partof the weekend work October 22nd should report to the Zembo Templeparking lot, 2801 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA, not later than 8:15 AM onSaturday morning. We have two houses that need to be mucked out,so the workwill be dirty. Wear a pair of boots, clothes that cover legs and arms and areused for dirty work. If you have a favorite hammer and wrecking bar that fitsyour hand perfectly, bring those too. LendA Hand will supply masks and gloves and other necessary tools/equipment forthis work. Your team leader for this work will be Dan Flint.

CROP Walk 2011

2011-10-19T11:27:00.000-04:00

Sunday October 16th was a beautiful day for the Mechanicsburg Area CROP (Community Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk. MPC was the host for this 40th annual event. The Mechanicsburg High School Wildcat Cheerleaders got the event off to a rousing start. 174 people walked the 2, 4, or 10 mile course to raise money for this worthy cause. Kudos to Jo Lotz, Kiera Richards, and Kathy Wells who walked the 10 miles.

Lend A Hand and Hoss's

2011-10-14T15:12:00.001-04:00

Lend A Hand has partnered with Hoss’s Steak and Sea House as part of their Community Fundraising Program, the following locations are participating - Mechanicsburg, Enola, Carlisle, Annville, Chambersburg, Gettysburg and Hanover. If you visit any of the listed restaurants on Sunday October 23, 2011, during the hours of 11am and 9pm, and present the official coupon, Hoss’s will donate 20% of your check total to Lend A Hand! Please visit the Lend A Hand website (www.lendahand.net) to obtain a copy of the coupon.

Hoss’s will also contribute 20% to Lend A Hand from the sale of gift cards at checkout on October 23rd. The holidays are right around the corner. Gift cards from Hoss’s Steak and Sea House would make great stocking stuffers!

Lend A Hand work schedule

2011-10-14T09:21:00.001-04:00

With much regret Lend A Hand will be unable to have work teams over the weekend of October 15 and 16. Our site supervisors are either on vacation or have pledged time to other organizations. If anyone feels qualified to be a job site supervisor, or want more information on what this job entails, please call George Elliott at 717-443-0020.

We have ten more muck-out/cleaning jobs to complete, have two homes in the reconstruction process, and expect to assess then start others in the near future. Everyone's help is needed and appreciated.

We expect to have teams working during the week, Oct. 17-23. If you are available to help on any or all of those days, please contact George Elliott about your availability. He will contact you with work sites. If anyone is available to assist in the office with phone calls and other jobs, please contact George.

The Community Garden

2011-10-09T08:42:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated and contributed
to the Community Garden this summer. We grew over 115 pounds of fresh produce that went to New Hope Ministry families. Over 30 people chipped in to grow fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, broccoli and swiss chard. What a way to share God's blessing with our community!

Deacons - Tree of Warmth

2011-10-03T10:51:00.001-04:00

The Tree of Warmth will be at the back of the sanctuary from October 16th through the October 30th. The Deacons ask that you decorate the tree with the following new items; hats, scarves, mittens and gloves. Knowing the generosity of the members of this congregation, we expect to see many "ornaments" on the tree.

Heartfelt thanks from the Board of Deacons.

Church Directory Update

2011-10-03T10:44:00.000-04:00

We will be publishing a new church directory in the fall. If your address, phone number or email address has changed, please notify the church office, 697-0351 or csutton@mechpresby.org.

New Member Class

2011-09-25T15:16:00.002-04:00

Third Grade Bibles

2011-09-19T00:34:00.001-04:00

The third graders were presented with Bibles at the 11 AM worship service yesterday by their teachers Amy Zullo, Vickey Wood, and Director of Christian Education and Mission, Kathy Wells.

Reflections on 9/11

2011-09-07T05:00:00.004-04:00

SCRIPTURE
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
(Romans 12:17)

REFLECTION
In response to the adage “an eye for an eye,” Jesus said, “Do not resist an evildoer” (Matthew 5:38). What does this mean?

Is there such thing as “necessary evil”? Are there times when a terrible sacrifice might be necessitated by a greater good?

What do you think Paul had in mind by “what is noble in the sight of all”? Where have you witnessed great nobility or moral character?

ACTION
Find an opportunity to resist the temptation to “repay … evil for evil,” or counsel someone else to do the same.
Look for an opportunity to lift up, celebrate, and give thanks for something that is “noble in the sight of all.”

PRAYER
Gracious God, out of your great love for the world you sent your only Son to save us. Teach us to give ourselves for others, freely and without reserve, so that all may know your saving love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reflections on 9/11

2011-09-06T08:20:00.005-04:00

The PCUSA has offered us a resource for reflections during this week leading up to the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

SCRIPTURE
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. (Romans 12:16)

REFLECTION

What does it mean to "live in harmony"? When have you experienced people of different faiths or divergent worldviews living in harmony with one another?
Who are "the lowly" in your community, or in the larger world? Why is it important to "associate with the lowly"?
Where have you seen examples of real wisdom in the response to September 11, and in subsequent events?

ACTION
Read an article or book or watch a documentary about another culture or faith. Try to learn more—and challenge your own assumptions—about another group of people.

PRAYER
God most high, you lift up the poor and lowly, scatter the plans of the proud, and confound the wisdom of the world. Help us to live in harmony with one another and with your whole creation, joining our voices with the song of saints and angels; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hurricane Irene didn't stop us!

2011-08-30T15:58:00.002-04:00

Dodging downed wires and trees plus dealing with power outages, MPC members filled the church to hear Mark Allio's candidating sermon.

During the Congregational Meeting the slate of Deacons and Elders for the class of 2014 was approved. Their term begins in January 2012 and we look forward to their leadership.

It's official! MPC voted to accept Mark as our Pastor for Youth and Young Adults. We look forward to him joining the staff on September 1st. He will be examined by the Presbytery of Carlisle on September 27th and ordained at the end of October. Introduce yourself to Mark, Carrie, and Asher. Family members McKinley might appreciate an XXL Milk Bone and Bun-Bun some carrots.

Thanks to the APNC for their time and hard work searching candidates and selecting Mark.

The Web Team

Malaria Nets

2011-08-24T12:55:00.014-04:00

So little from you can go a long way to help others. The Send a Net & Save a Life spare change drive for Malaria Nets is ending soon. Bring in your change for the mosquito jar!

The Web Team

Associate Pastor Candidate

2011-08-16T12:39:00.003-04:00

Look for your letter in the mail to learn more about our candidate for Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults.

We are excited to meet Mark Allio, his wife Carrie and son Asher. We look forward to his ministry with us.

Come to hear Mr Allio's candidating sermon August 28th during 9:30 AM worship. Plan to attend the Congregational Meeting that will follow.

The Web Team

Farewell to Main St.

2011-08-12T19:36:00.000-04:00

Well, today wrapped up our time on Main St with the word on the street Faithfulness. Faithfulness is using what we've been given to serve God every day. I don't think a better word could end the week. We have been so blessed with committed volunteers that have demonstrated their love and devotion to Jesus and to the children that came to learn how Jesus can make a difference in their lives.

Heidi Claire, Chef Pierre and Justin Time finished up and said farewell to our group and I think we will miss these characters. They really helped teach the words and concepts along with Mission Mania, Parable Productions, the Brown Bag Bistro, Main St Melodies and even games.

The picnic tonight had a huge turnout and is always a fun and festive way to end VBS. It gets the families talking and back on track as fall is just around the corner with all the commitments of school and sports. Hopefully as our busy lives get busier and our time is eaten away by the everyday our kids will help remind us to have gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, faithfulness and to accept the grace we are offered by Jesus and let him make a difference in our lives.

Jenn & Jess

Vacation Bible School - Happening Now !

2011-08-10T00:51:00.008-04:00

First day - 110 students. Wow, such energy from all the volunteers to make this time fun and memorable for all our children. Kathie spent several hours at Vacation Bible School on Monday and look at all the wonderful photos that she posted on our Church's web site. <http://www.mechpresby.org/christian-education/vacation-bible-school.html>.

Below is just one of the collages that you will find at our web site.

The Web Team