February 2010 Newsletter

Pastor’s Corner: by Rev. Ron Horn

Children of God Leading Worship

 Last week, our congregation was truly blessed when the young people of our church led worship. Scotty Hansen played the piano with Hunter Badgley and Luke VanMarter on guitars. Hunter opened with the Call to Worship, then Serena Badgley gave the Prayer of Praise. Felicia Hansen led the Prayer of Confession, then puppeteers, Luke VanMarter and Dan Siau, taught us during the Children's Message. Rebekah Green gave Prayers of the People, and Zak Little invited the offering. Hunter brought a heartfelt message about not worrying and then closed our service with the Benediction.

 Before the service, I was somewhat anxious about the youth leading all of it. I wanted them to do well, and prayed for them. God certainly answered my prayers! All of them exceeded my highest expectations. I felt like a proud parent; watching “my” kids do really, really well. I suspect many in our congregation felt the same way, as our youth brought us into the Presence of God and helped us worship Him.

 Upon reflection, my parental pride is misplaced. During the sermon, Hunter reminded us that if we believe in Jesus, we are all children of God. These young people are not “our kids;” they are our sisters and brothers in Christ. And they showed us how God can use any of us in His work, if we simply say yes to His prompting. Do you think Serena, Felicia, Rebekah, or Zak were nervous when they went up to that microphone? Of course they were. And I cannot imagine how scared I would have been at 16 trying to preach, but Hunter trusted God to deal with his apprehension, and so he was able to bring God's message to our congregation.

 We can learn a lot from our younger sisters and brothers in Christ. Despite our fears, despite our anxiety, despite our feelings of inadequacy, if we simply trust in God, and rely on His Empowering Spirit, He can do so much through us, if we just allow Him to. We do not have to be afraid, we do not have to worry, God has made us all part of His family. Because we are children of God, nothing else matters - nothing can separate us from His love. And as children of God, we can help lead others into His Presence, and help them worship Him.

 So, on behalf of the entire congregation, we say a big THANK YOU to our sisters, Serena, Felicia, and Rebekah, and to our brothers, Scotty, Hunter, Luke, Dan and Zak. You all did very well and you blessed us. And with your actions, you demonstrated the truth of Hunter's sermon, that we do not have to worry when we trust in God. Thank you for your courage, thank you for your willingness to serve, thank you for your faith, and thank you for trusting God to enable you to do things you might have been uncomfortable doing. May your faith grow as you continue to follow Christ. God bless you all, Ron.

Bell Choir Rehearses Specials

 The Bell Choir is learning music for Easter and other new pieces. Ringers are Crystal Badgley, Darlene Bolick, Jacque Horn, Martha Mackowiak, Rebekah Green, Sasha Mackowiak, Serena Badgley, Shannon Green, Sue Waterhouse, and Tod Sebens. You qualify to join if you are willing to learn a new skill, have some music reading ability, a good sense of rhythm, commitment ot attend rehearsals regularly, and can laugh at yourself (we all make mistakes).

 Call Diana Pyle, if you’re interested. She will work with you individually ahead of your first rehearsal to make you feel comfortable.

Haines Christian Center Plans Retreat

 Haines Christian Center announces a Greater Things Women’s Retreat in Haines Mar. 12-14, with speaker the Rev. Renee’ Duncan, Alaska A/G Women’s director and associate pastor of Peninsula Christian Center. Registration is required by Mar. 5. For more information call Jane Cowart at 907-767-5606.

God’s Man

Tom Jackson, A Willing Servant

 Tom Jackson, 86, died of pulmonary fibrosis following cancer surgery in Seattle Jan. 20. He was surrounded by family and friends whose support started long before.  Tom was a pillar in this congregation, and his quiet strength carried many of us over rough spots. His spirit continues to do so.

 His sweet tenor voice is missed in the choir; his twinkling smile is missed wherever he was; his uncanny way with mechanics is missed every time something stops around here. He is missed next to Arlene up front. His humorous take on life buoys us because we know what lay beneath his strong spiritual center.

 Tom served in the U.S. Navy where he learned to fly, and he joined his brother the late Dick Jackson in Alaska after World War II. He and his first wife Olive and three children moved from Ketchikan to Haines in the early 1960s, and they ran various businesses here. When that marriage ended, he married Arlene Tibbles, whom he known in Ketchikan, in 1980. He became an active member of Haines Presbyterian, and volunteered with the fire department and ambulance team. He was a charter member of Haines Elks, charter member of Pioneer Igloo #34, and a founder of KHNS.

 Surviving are his wife Arlene, former wife Olive, 3 daughters, a son, 3 step-children, 13 grandchildren and 7 greats, and countless friends in Alaska and Outside. A tribute was given to Tom in our worship service Jan. 24, when Arlene returned. A memorial is planned for the spring. Donations to Tom’s memory may be made to Haines ambulance service.

Lent Devotionals Ready

 Preparation for the Holy Easter season begins with the Ash Wednesday service Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. Devotionals in The Sanctuary for Lent are available in the entry book rack. Easter Sunday is April 4 this year.

With All Our Heart, It’s Tea Time

  Haines Presbyterian Women invite community women to the traditional Valentine’s Day Tea at our church Feb. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m.  Planners are gathering tables, serving pieces, and antique cups and saucers for the event that started with an idea Miriam and Bob Cameron brought with them when they came to pastor in 1970. Delicious finger foods, and background music of Bill Annis and Bill Lehman will be offered in a setting of red decorations for the beautiful fellowship hours. Thanks to all who help Deacons, who make treats, who set up, serve, and clear away. You serve with heart.

Make a Note: WCF Moves Meeting Time

 Women’s Christian Fellowship accommodates our Valentine’s Day Tea by scheduling its monthly meeting to Feb. 20, instead of the regular second Saturday, at Haines Christian Center at 1 p.m. Wife of their pastor, Jane Cowart, will speak. Jacque Horn will demonstrate her sugarfree raw dessert concoctions, and more refreshments will be served. Take a friend with you.

Young Adults Examine Bible, Life

 If you are in your 20s or 30s, you are invited to join a group studying the Bible on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. They use the NOOMA video series, developed by pastor Rob Bell, using every day scenarios to help examine their faith life. Each video covers a different topic, so you can join the discussion any time. They meet at the home of Lindsey Moore.  Call Lindsey or Kate Maxwell.

Session: Moment for Missions

 HPC responded to a request from our Sudanese pastor Saphano Riak Chol to help a church member who needed surgery for injuries he received when murdering terrorists burned his church. We thank those who give to mission work, and pray for Christians who suffer for their faith.

Remember Pastor’s Pantry

 Non-pershiable items are handy in the Pastor’s Pantry for those who need staples to see them through rough times. Bring macaroni, dried beans, rice or cans. Ron has a list of preferred donations.

Sermon Topics: Study Ahead

Feb. 7, Romans 1:1:17----Good News For You

   14, Romans 1:18-32, Swapping Glory for Foolishness

   17, Ash Wednesday

   21, Romans 2:1-17---God Is Impartial

   28,  Romans 2:18-29--It’s the Heart that Matters

Loss of Loved Ones

 Suzi Butz, 68, died Jan. 17 in Grants Pass, Ore. Daughter Jeannette may be reached at 713 NW C Street, Grants Pass OR 97526

 Gloria Morey, 85, died in New Port Richey, Fla., after a long illness. She and late husband Vern Morey ran the Bamboo Roombefore she retired to Florida. Daughter Sue Meacock lives here, and son Gary Sampson is in San Francisco. Her ashes will join her husband’s here on May 22.

 Thanks to readers who let us know change of address. If the Bell is returned, we may not be able to forward it and have to remove your name from our mailing list. We want everyone who wants the Bell to have it. Keep in touch. ED.