The Pisgah Post
Pisgah Presbyterian Church
Woodford County, Kentucky
October 2008
Thoughts from Ground Level
E
very week as part of my welcome and
announcements on Sunday morning, I extend an
invitation to all who are visiting to consider uniting
with Pisgah Presbyterian Church. So in light of that
invitation, what does it mean to be a member of a
Presbyterian Church?
At its basic level a person becomes a member of a
Presbyterian Church through faith in Jesus Christ as
Savior and acceptance of his Lordship in all of life. That
is all that is required. Our baptism and public profession
of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord become the visible,
public signs of our entrance into the active membership
of the church.
There’s no secret handshake to learn, no
membership review committee, no dress code, no
waiting for an open enrollment period, and
above all no expectation that you must join
as a polished, sin-free, everything-in-order,
super-faithful person.
So what are members of a Presbyterian
Church supposed to do? We are called to
be involved responsibly in the ministry of
Christ’s Church. In that sense membership
is a call to active and responsible ministry.
Active in the sense that Christ’s call is
ongoing. Responsible in that Christ’s call
requires us to match our gifts for ministry
with the ministry we do. We also celebrate
that Pisgah Church has a lot of friends who
are committed to Christ and His church,
though they have not chosen membership
as an expression of that commitment.
These folks are a critical part of what we do here. So
how will we be involved in the ministry of the church?
Cynthia Woolever, a church leader who focuses on
congregational dynamics, writes that a church becomes
important to us when it demands our time, energy, and
creativity. Healthy, effective groups and organizations,
she writes, communicate three messages that
differentiate them from average, ho-hum groups:
o This organization is worth belonging to.
o This organization has set high expectations for
its members.
o This organization thinks enough of me to ask
for my unique contribution.
As a Presbyterian church, I would like to think that
we communicate these messages. What do you think?
What about that high expectation part? Our church
constitution puts it like this: a faithful member accepts
Christ’s call to be committed to Christ’s Church on earth.
This commitment includes:
Our Mission: to worship God,
Study the Scripture, practice the
teachings of Jesus.
• Proclaiming the good news
• Taking part in the common life and worship of a
particular church
• Praying and studying Scripture and the faith of the
Christian Church
• Supporting the work of the church through the
giving of money, time, and talents
• Participating in the governing responsibilities of the
church
• Demonstrating a new quality of life within and
through the church
• Responding to God’s activity in the world through
service to others
• Living responsibly in the personal, family,
vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships
of life
• Working in the world for peace, justice, freedom,
and human fulfillment
Doesn’t that list sound like we
Presbyterians take membership seriously? We
also believe that it is between each person and
the Holy Spirit to determine how these
membership responsibilities take shape. As
this year’s stewardship season begins, I want
to reflect on these high expectations. I know
the price of gas is high, and financial markets
are up one day and down the next and for
many the days ahead are not completely clear,
but I want to encourage everyone who is a
part of this community of faith—whether
member or friend—to live into what it means
to be a faithful part of the mission and
ministry of Pisgah Presbyterian Church. Such
faithfulness means time, talent, and treasure.
In some ways the future is not so certain, but that
only means the future is uncertain to us. It is completely
certain to God. Our calling then is to do the work of
today, which means being active in the life and work of
Pisgah Church. Jesus said, do not worry about
tomorrow, today’s trouble is enough for today. Here’s
how I hear that: Be active today in the matters of
today—mission and ministry in Christ’s church. In this
way we are stewards of the work we have been given. As
one who knows Jesus’ words and still sometimes
worries, I wish you…
Grace and Peace, Jon
 2
Greetings from Mission and Evangelism
Leaves changing color, cool crisp evenings, brilliant
blue skies and the harvest of bountiful crops remind us
of God’s many blessings upon us. We share his many
blessings from Pisgah this month with the following
organizations: The Faith Pharmacy located at the corner
of East 7th St. and Elm Tree Lane in Lexington, KY
(fills prescriptions for people who otherwise would be
unable to purchase their medications), Buckley Wildlife
Sanctuary in Woodford County, the Red Cross USA for
hurricane relief funds, and we are supporting two
missionaries working in Ethiopia, Gwen & John
Haspels.
The Haspels have been serving as mission
coworkers since 1974, first in Ethiopia, then in Sudan,
and now again in Ethiopia.
During their tenure in
Sudan, the station where
they worked was attacked
and John was held hostage
for 16 days by rebels
attempting a military coup.
“It is the truth which has
brought us here and enables us to keep going. It is the
truth which keeps all the hunger, violence, hatred, and
pain in perspective. If Jesus had not risen, then indeed
there would be little hope for the starving,” write the
Haspels as they witness the dynamic growth of the
African church amid adversity. They often write of the
baptism of a hundred people at a time or of churches so
vital and crowded that they expanded to four services on
Sunday only to have worshippers stay for all four
services. To learn more about the Haspels and many
other missionaries in the field you may go to
www.pcusa.org/missionconnections.
Your generous August Fifth Sunday donation of
$678 will be happily received by the music ministry at
Olivet Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We
were excited to learn from Pastor Jon that another
central Kentucky church has been active in helping them
also. Jim Stewart, the pastor at the Danville Church, said
that they had made a trip in July and are planning a
second trip to Cedar Rapids next month to help with
flood clean-up. Jim had been the Stated Supply Paster at
the Olivet Church several years ago! We plan to work on
ways to partner with the Danville Church to increase our
support of their efforts to re-build Olivet Presbyterian.
God is Great.
Peace and blessings be with you,
Pisgah Mission and Evangelism Committee
From the Administration Committee
As of September 15th our checking account balance
was $5,549 and our investments totaled $90,594. This
includes a CD for $35,923 which will be used for church
roof repair later this year. Through September 15th our
income was $143,592 or 63.8% of budget and our
expense total was $154,853 or 68.7% of budget. Our
pledge income is about $13,000 short of expected total
for this point in the year.
As we start the stewardship season our bookkeeper
will be sending pledge status letters to all who made a
financial pledge for 2008. This is as a reminder after the
summer vacation season and to help you plan for 2009.
Please give prayerful consideration to Pisgah’s financial
needs during the coming stewardship season.
As always, if you have budget or budgeting process
suggestions or questions about Pisgah’s finances please
talk to me or any member of the administration
committee.
Don Schmidt
Budget Presentation
The Administration Committee will be making a
presentation of the 2009 Asking Budget on October 19.
Copies of the budget will be available on October 12 in
the narthex and at the church website.
Worship Committee
The Worship Committee would like to explore
interest in opening the Church for prayer during the
week. If you would be interested in using the Church
for prayer during the week, please let us know what days
and times would be most convenient to you so that we
could arrange to have the Church open during those
times. The Worship Committee is also planning to have
an Advent Booklet for this Advent Season and is seeking
people who would be willing to compose a page for it.
The Committee would also like to thank all who took
part in the Peace and Unity Service on September 21.
Stewardship Fall Event
Fall brings thoughts of Stewardship to Pisgah. For
the next several Sundays, you will be hearing brief
“Stewardship Moments” during the Worship hour.
Fellow congregants will share personal thoughts about
what it means to volunteer time,
commit to giving, or share a talent
with their church family.
Mark your calendar and plan to
attend the Stewardship Fall Event on Sunday, November
2. We invite you to participate in the annual chili cook-
off. People of all ages are invited to participate in the
brownie baking contest. Come join us!! Don’t miss the
fun!!
Stewardship Committee
Abe Fosson, Lindsey McHatton, Becky Wilder
 3
Christian Education Committee
A New Season Has Begun
Our Sunday school program got off to a great start
with Rally Day on September 7. This year, we have
several dedicated volunteers leading our students each
week. Please take a minute to thank our teachers when
you see them.
Downstairs in the preschool through 5th grade
classes, we have 7 children being taught by Tamara
Cassidy (preschool), Lesley Kindred (lower elementary),
and Shelia Baker (upper elementary).
Upstairs we have 8 middle-schoolers being taught by
Katie Burrier and Jennifer Chandler, and 6 senior high
students being taught by Cathy Johnson.
Our two adult classes (whose ages we won’t
discuss!) are also well attended. Ann Ortenburger and
Jon Martin lead those classes.
Several substitute teachers are on stand-by each
week, in case a teacher can’t make it. Thanks go out to
Lisa Johnson, Janet Lake, Todd Cassidy and Julie Lacy
for being on-call.
And last but not least, Aimeé Baston works with all
of the younger classes, introducing them to the
fundamentals of Christian music.
The Christian Education Committee is fortunate to
have so many dedicated and talented volunteers working
to keep our Sunday school program running smoothly.
Please join us in showing your appreciation to our
teachers.
Bible Trivia and Trunk or Treat at Pisgah!
Q1: Who climbed a tree to see Jesus?
Q2: Who gave Samson a really bad hair cut?
Q3: What kind of wood was Noah’s ark made of?
If you know the answers, you could win a prize!
Come to the Stewardship Fair on November 2 and try
your hand at Bible
“Trivia.” Answer
an easy question
(more challenging
for the big kids...)
and win a pass to
the TRUNK OR TREAT sponsored by the Christian
Education Committee. Car trunks will be decorated for
the occasion and will be overflowing with goodies.
Children are encouraged to wear Halloween
costumes or dress as Bible characters. Adults who want
to participate should decorate their trunk and bring loads
of yummy treats to share with our children.
To find out how you can get involved, call Jennifer
Chandler, Becky Prater or any member of the Christian
Education Committee. Help us make it a Spooktacular
Stewardship Fair on November 2.
(A1: Zacchaeus; A2: Delilah; A3: Gopher)
Youth Group
Here’s what Youth Group did in September:
~Bowling
~Prayer Meeting
~Melissa’s Birthday Party
~Canned Food Drive
~Regular Meetings
Youth Group in September was busier than usual.
We had a lot of extra events this month, not to mention
a large group most weeks. Some of the activities we did
this month included bowling, a prayer meeting, Melissa’s
birthday party, the canned food drive, and all of our
regular meetings! We also welcomed three new sixth
grade members to “A Light in the Attic” youth group.
They are Kendall Johnson, Taylor Johnson, and Hunter
Baker.
Youth leaders Cathy Johnson and Melissa Scott have
decided that every month the youth group is going to
have a day where we go out, called “Fun Friday.” The
fun days will always be on the third Friday of each
month, and the youth will always go somewhere away
from the church. The first “Fun Friday” that the youth
group had generated a large number of participants; over
seventeen kids showed up!
The next special activity that the youth group did
was they went to a prayer meeting at the church. One of
their own youth members spoke before the church and
they all went in support. The youth group also celebrated
the birthday of Melissa Scott this month. They had a lot
of colorful cupcakes to celebrate.
Another important event this month was the canned
food drive. All of the high school youth who were at
Sunday school the morning of the food drive helped to
make posters. The truck that was going to be filled with
the canned food that the members of Pisgah brought
was decorated by the youth with streamers, balloons, and
posters.
On top of all of this, the youth group still had their
regular meetings every Sunday. These meetings usually
have a decent attendance, and there are always fun
games, time to reflect and pray, and delicious food. We
would like to thank all of the families who volunteered
to prepare dinner for the youth group this month.
Overall, youth group in September was busy, enjoyable,
and interesting.
The youth group will be doing a lot in October. Find
out more from the weekly bulletins, check the Church
News column in the Woodford Sun, or call Cathy Johnson
at 806-1574. A calendar will also be mailed to youth
homes at the beginning of the month.
Submitted by Lucie Chandler
 4
week is for the whole family. I also appreciate the
DCE NOTES
willingness of Troop 1784 to come and assist with
setting up tents, and cooking for our opening of bible
camp each year.
I would like to thank Jennifer Chandler and the
The new curriculum in the children and youth
Education Committee for the reception on my last
Sunday schools seems to be well-liked. I am also glad
Sunday, September 28. It was nice having people stay
that the Middle School and High School youth have had
after worship as well as the friends who returned for the
separate classes since my arrival as their needs are so
day to show their love and support. It was a lovely day
different. Second Graders now receive the Adventure
and I truly appreciated the hugs, your kind words, the
Bible which includes age-appropriate notes throughout its
cards and gifts you gave to me.
chapters.
During the reception, people thanked me for things
I have appreciated being part of the Confirmation
that were meaningful for them during my time here. I
classes led by Jon and feel that youth always get more
also wanted to share some of the things I considered to
out of the experience when it is pastor led. I will always
be highlights over the past three years. They say that
remember how Madeline
imitation is the greatest form of flattery and so I hope
Clark was able to join our
that some of these things spark a memory for you and
weekly class an internet
continue after I leave. (I do understand that the Christian
connection from Germany.
Education Committee is going to use the Trunk or Treat
And just as Confirmation is a milestone in the life of a
idea I brought to them last year!).
young person, I hope that the Graduation Open House
I came to Pisgah in 2005 during the holiday season
and Recognition will also continue along with Youth
and started singing with Jon and Chuck Martie at the
Sunday.
early worship service. One of the first collaboration of
Loved By God, Mary Magdalene, Living the Psalms, John
ideas generated between Jon and me was a glass globe
3:16, Preparing My Heart for Easter. These five women’s
ornament the church gave to everyone who was in
Thursday evening bible studies have to be toward the
church on Christmas Day. The next year, the children
top of the list. The first three studies averaged between
did a traditional Christmas pageant and last year we
17 and 28 women of all generations. We enjoyed the
presented the play, Christmas Windows, I wrote for the
fellowship as much as the study itself as we shared
Church Christmas program.
thoughts and got to know one another better. I am glad
For the Easter season, the youth made the Flowering
that we were able to meet that need of the women at
Cross and we raised butterflies to release—
Pisgah and think it is nice that the current Beth Moore
once outside on the cross and once in the
study group is imitating that evening format.
church! It was out of a study in the Mary
I have also enjoyed taking part in the Mary Shepherd
Shepherd Circle, Jon and I were able to put
studies and having the opportunity to have taught the
together a Friday night Tennabrae Service of
January Adult Sunday School class each year.
Darkness. The Easter Egg Hunt now also
I leave with so many more memories of events, such
includes a breakfast provided by the youth. Its original
as our Pisgah Baby Boom Shower, Taylor Manor,
purpose was to help fund a mission trip.
sending out pocket sized bibles to those on our military
Stressing mission has been a focus of my ministry
list, picnics with the Community Club—but mostly, I
here. The children and youth involvement in Heifer
leave with memories of the people of Pisgah.
Carnival is a highlight. They studied the benefits of
Let me end with a story from Children’s Church.
various animals to families in need as well as made the
Last year, the children started the Word and Song Bible and
personalized offering envelopes. The whole church
have been hearing at least one story from EVERY book
supported their efforts. Kids of the Kingdom focused
in the bible. They are almost through this and I am
on mission as they learned about other children their age
proud that they have stuck with it and have asked some
that had nothing and put together Christmas shoeboxes
very good questions along the way.
with great love and thought. The children also had a
There is a saying that God reveals his great love for
“stone soup” activity where they acted out the play of
us through our friends and so I thank those of you who
giving and brought in their vegetables to make and
have truly shared your friendship with me.
donate soup to the food kitchen. Some of the members
also benefited from homemade apple turnovers made With love and appreciation,
and delivered. Sue
Changing the format of Bible Camp to evening the
past three years has allowed
working parents to have an
active role in participating. And
the addition of the Adult section
of Bible camp seems to have
been well accepted so that the
 5

On Sunday, November 2, 2008, Remember

to…

Happy Birthday to You in October

2 Libby Jones
3 Wendell Harris, Sara Thauburn Welch
5 Jennifer Chandler, Marlin Yawn, Steven Hayes
6 Todd Cassidy
7 Sandi Bromagen
8 Stuart Brown, Ruth Miller
10 Aimeé Baston, Amanda Rose Holt, Laura
Mancuso
12 Jeff Davis, Larry Jones
14 Pam Stilz, Bobbi Sweeney
15 Barbara Orr, Garrett Shropshire
18 Zjelko Ulm
19 Garrett Shropshire, Jr., Tavner Dunlap
21 Johnnie McClanahan
22 Ward Crowe, Ann Hayes, Jadranka Ulm, Jimmy
Van Meter
23 Bob Berryman, Mary Dan Raider
24 Hunter Baker
25 Betsy Fishback
26 Sarah Howard, Jack Pryor
28 Tony Raider, Anna Rachael Cullen
29 Levon Kadamyan
30 William Andrew Cullen
31 Ed Harris, Dale Wolfram

And in early November…

1 Mary Louise Quisenberry
5 Sarah Cox
6 Frank Snipp
8 Sandy Marting, Annie Stilz
9 Pam Stokes

Please help us keep this list up to date!

The Pisgah Post is published monthly by the Pisgah

Presbyterian Church, 710 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY
40383. The deadline for the November 2008 issue of
the newsletter is October 24. Please submit signed
articles to the church office or email them to
office@pisgahpresbyterian.org.
 6

Sundays at Pisgah Church

9:45a.m. Sunday School
11:00a.m. Morning Worship

The Staff Email

Jon: pastor@pisgahpresbyterian.org
Lynn: office@pisgahpresbyterian.org

Presbyterian Web Sites:

Presbyterian Church (USA): pcusa.org
Transylvania Presbytery: transypby.org
Synod: synodoflivingwaters.org
Montreat: http://montreat.org
Presbyterians Today: pcusa.org/pcusa/today

Pisgah Church Staff

Jon Martin, Pastor
Linda Jones, Organist
Lynn Davis, Secretary
Ted Bendis, Bookkeeper
Bob Keller, Groundskeeper
Rhonda Ball, Nursery Worker

The Pisgah Post

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October 2008
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Web: www.pisgahpresbyterian.org, Voice and fax: (859) 873-4161, email: office@pisgahpresbyterian.org