A Forty Day Bridge to God A Forty Day Bridge to God A Crossing Through
The Psalms A Crossing Through The Psalms
This Lent, Lower Providence Presbyterian Church invites you to join us for a special sermon series titled, "A Forty Day Bridge To God: A Crossing Through The Psalms." As we journey through this sacred season, we’ll explore the deep, rich prayers and praises of the Psalms, learning how they can help us connect more deeply with God. Each Sunday morning, we’ll discover how these ancient prayers speak to our lives today guiding us through the challenges of life, the joys of faith, and everything in between. Whether you’re new to the Psalms or have known them for years, this series will offer a fresh perspective on how we can use them as a bridge to draw closer to God. Come be a part of this meaningful Lenten journey with us.
Worship Worship
Sacred trailS Sacred trailS
Join us every Wednesday during Lent at 4:00 pm for a time of connection with God through the beauty of nature. We’ll meet and begin with a prayer and a Psalm reading led by Pastor Ted, then choose your own path whether walking, hiking, running, biking, or finding a peaceful spot to sit and reflect. Bring your Lenten Devotional and experience a deeper connection with God amidst the outdoors. These gatherings are for all ages!
Upcoming Monthly Events
Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, March 1 at 8:00am at LPPC - RSVP to Linda Hobbs in the church office (lhobbs@lppcmin.org). Cost is $10.
NAMI’S Family Support Group: Monday, March 3 from 7:00-8:30pm in Rowland Parlor - This is a confidential support group for loved ones of people living with mental illness and is led by trained family members. Contact: Ann McFalls (ibike38@comcast.net)
Club 45: Sunday, March 9 from 5:00-6:30pm - Fourth and Fifth graders are invited to this gathering for Bible Study, games, and dinner. Contact: MaryAnn Alderfer (malderfer@lppcmin org)
Men’s Lunch Small Group: Thursday, March 13, from 12:00-1:00pm in the Library - Bring a lunch and come for a time of Bible study. Contact: Ron Jobson (jobson.ron@gmail.com)
Mom’s Small Group: Thursdays March 13 and 27 from 6:30-8:00pm at Pastor Cara’s houseMoms of kids or youth are invited. Contact: Pastor Cara (ccavicchia@lppcmin.org)
Dad’s Small Group: Thursday, March 20 from 6:30-8:00pm at Dennis Spark’s house - Dads with kids or youth are invited. Contact: Dennis Sparks (dennisbsparks@gmail.com)
Mosaic Friends - Sunday, March 16 at 12:00pm. This is a small group for adults with disabilities and their friends. Contact: Nancy Care (ncare@lppcmin.org).
Days for Girls - March 11, 12, 25, and 26 at 11:00am and March 23 at 12:30pm. Come help to prepare washable period supplies for women and girls around the world. Contact: Bobbie Monaco (bobbiemonaco@gmail.com).
Empty Nester’s Small Group - Sunday, March 23 at 6:30pm. Contact: Cara Cavicchia
Women’s Circles
Circle #2: March 13 at 1:30pm - Coordinators: Vicki Rahmer, Janet Azzara
Circle #3: March 18 at 10:30am - Coordinators: Debbie Heckman, Pat Reiche
Circle #5: March 14 at 12:00pm - Coordinators: Linda Horoho, Bev Shaeff
Circle #6: March 10 at 7:00pm - Coordinators: Jill Rule, Tina Sawyer
Upcoming Weekly Events
Prayer Ministry - Tuesdays @ 10:00am in the Library
Men's Basketball - Wednesdays @ 7:30pm in the Gym
Zumba - Mondays and Wednesdays @ 7:00pm (Williams Hall), Saturdays @ 8:30am (Gym)
Youth Huddle - Sundays at 5:00pm for middle school and 6:00pm for high school (schedule varies, check calendar for details)
Summer 2025
Vacation Bible School
June 23-26, 6:30-8:00pm
Middle School
The Great Escape July 3-6
Intergenerational Mission Trip Morgantown, WV
July 27 - August 1
High School Trip Deep Creek Lake, July 24-27
Upcoming Special Events and Programs
Pastor Cara’s Book Club: March 2 at 6:30pm in Rowland Parlor - We will be discussing the book The Narrow Path by Rich Villodas.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Begins Wednesday, March 5 and meets weekly through April 9 from 12:30-2:00pm. Contact Nancy Care to sign up.
Deacons’ Spring Blood Drive: Saturday, March 22 from 8:00am-1:00pm - Sign up at redcrossblood org, using sponsor code LPPC $10 Amazon e-gift card to everyone who donates!
The Church has Left the Building: April 26 and 27 - Watch for sign-ups for this exciting weekend of service Choose the date, time, project and location that work best for you
Youth/Confirmation Sunday: May 18 at 9:45am - During this service our Confirmands and 12th Graders will be recognized and the youth will help to lead in worship
The Chosen: The Last Supper
A Five Week Adult Sunday School Class Beginning March 9
Join us as we journey to the cross, watching clips from The Chosen that highlight Jesus’ meals with others. Through these powerful moments of fellowship, we’ll reflect on the deep significance of communion, grace, and the relationships Jesus built leading up to His ultimate sacrifice.
Lower Providence Presbyterian Church Preschool
The 2024-2025 school year is flying by for the 3, 4, and 5 year-olds attending LPPC’s preschool program. The kids are always busy learning, playing, and making new friends
Several important visitors have also stopped by the preschool. They learned about fire safety from the Lower Providence Fire Department and toured a fire truck. A local dentist talked with them about oral health. Officer Friendly from the Lower Providence Police Department explained his role as a community helper. The preschoolers also enjoyed field trips to Merry Mead Farm and Arcola’s Mallon Planetarium.
Parents love seeing what their children are up to, and the kids’ Halloween and Christmas programs were the perfect opportunity for the preschoolers to show off their skills.
One of Director Sandy Messner’s favorite parts of the preschool program is “Kids helping Kids.” Each month families bring in items to donate to a specific charity, such as food for Methacton’s backpack program and Collegeville Daily Bread food pantry, pet supplies for the SPCA, or winter clothing items for Christ Church Ministry in Norristown. This is a great way to teach the kids about helping others.
Would you like to be part of the LPPC Preschool family? Registration for the 2025-2025 school year is now open. Click here for more information about the preschool, or contact Sandy Messner at smessner@lppcmin.org. You can also support the preschool by purchasing Wawa hoagie coupons, on sale year round. Pick up an order form in the atrium.
Advent and Christmas at LPPC
You may see daffodil buds soon, but it was just a few short months ago that we celebrated Jesus’ birth! Here are some of the ways LPPC worshipped and served during the month of December.
Home
Our Advent theme was HOME, and congregation members had the opportunity to decorate an ornament shaped like a home. Pastor Cara Cavicchia sent out a weekly email with an Advent devotional, and the Advent sermon series helped us to reflect on what it means that
story of Carols
n Wednesday, December 11, LPPC members and ends gathered at Old Norriton Church for a special istory of the Carols” program. Guest organist Matt unczk, soloist Mary Ann Rutkowski, and song leader ancy Care helped fill the lovely chapel with the
Special Worship Services during Advent
On December 15 LPPC’s congregation gathered for our annual Lessons and Carols service. This service featured readings from both the Old and New Testament, and music that highlighted God’s plan for redemption through Jesus Christ. The adult choir, along with the brass players, bell musicians, youth, and children’s choirs, and organ and piano players all came together to create a wonderful time of worship. Thank you to Mary Ann Rutkowski
for her work in arranging this service!
“The Longest Night” is a special service at LPPC that takes place on the eve of Winter Solstice, December 21st, our darkest day of the year. Christmastime can be an especially difficult season for many, as their losses of the past year or anniversaries of losses revisit them. On Saturday, December 21, we took time to be in God’s presence together to honor our griefs and seek solace and comfort for our pain and loss in all its forms. Liturgy, music and messages were brought by Nancy and Allan Care, Pastors Ted and Cara, Jim Raudenbush and Barb Logsdon. sounds of Christmas from the Middle Ages onward. The stories behind some of our most beloved carols came alive and we worshipped through song, call and response, and prayer. Lori Cook assisted with readings and preparations at Old Norriton, and Lori Jackson shared her long-compiled history of Old Norriton with us, as well. Betsy Heegard assisted at the organ with the ancient foot pump!
The Children’s Christmas Eve service was full of fun and laughter, as the congregation enjoyed a skit about Mary and Joseph trying to find a home in Bethlehem. In the end, we all remembered to be thankful because Christmas is about Jesus making his home with us. The traditional Christmas Eve service provided an opportunity for worship and reflection that reminded us of God’s great love for us.
Serving Others During Advent
Three “Sunday Give Back” service opportunities took place following the worship service. Participants made cards for the homebound, created “hunger buster” bags for the Norristown Hospitality Center, and decorated mugs for people moving in to transitional housing.
Volunteers provided food for a Christmas dinner served by the Cecil and Grace Bean Soup Kitchen in Norristown.
LPPC supported the Royer Greaves School for the Blind by attending their open house and providing snacks. A thank you note from Director Vicky Mayer says, “Thank you for the yummy delicious treats, and most importantly thank you for lifting up our spirits at RoyerGreaves. Your support and interest in our mission means everything to our staff, children, and adults.”
362 toys were donated for the Hope Prison Ministry Toy Collection. Toys were distributed to local children who have a parent who is in prison.
Deacon Flower Delivery
After Christmas, the Deacons delivered 100 poinsettias to members of LPPC’s congregation who are homebound or who have been sick, hospitalized, or experienced the loss of of a loved one during the last year.
Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for the beautiful poinsettia that was delivered to me It is a real pick me up to those of us who don’t get out too much. Last year my flower from church lasted quite a long time. I was thinking perhaps I have a green thumb, so hopefully this one will be long lasting also. In God’s Care, Dottie Jamison
All Church Retreat
On the weekend of February 14-16, a group of 60 adults, kids, and teens traveled to Black Rock Retreat Center for a weekend getaway. Participants enjoyed spending time by the large fireplace, as well as the many activities offered at the retreat center. One thing people quickly noticed is how much easier it is to get to know people on a weekend trip compared to during the fellowship time at church. “I spent more time talking to church members this weekend than I have in all the years I’ve known them!” said one attendee. Speaker John Chaffee addressed a range of thought-provoking topics during our meetings. On the first evening, we explored the parable of the Prodigal Son. Saturday morning, we delved into the story of Adam and Eve, examining our discomfort with being human. That evening, we reflected on the task of faith how it calls us to listen and remember. Finally, on Sunday morning, we contemplated the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection and how, through Christ, all that is sad will be made untrue.
Lazer tag, sledding, dodgeball, table games, and visiting the nature center were all great ways to spend some free time
The kids had their own Bible time during part of the teaching.
During the large group time we played games, worshiped, and learned together.
Deacon Easter Flower Fundraiser
On Easter we come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and one of the great joys of the day is seeing the Sanctuary adorned with beautiful Easter lilies. Many of you may not know that the Easter flowers, along with the Christmas Poinsettias, are the Deacons' largest fundraisers. The money raised allows them to complete their missions and services for the church. Church members are asked to donate money to cover the cost of the flowers (whatever you’d like to donate) “in memory of” or “in honor of” a loved one. After Easter, the Deacons distribute the flowers to those in our church family who are ill, homebound, had a death in the family, or are in need of cheering up. If you prefer, when you order you can designate who you’d like to receive the flowers. If you would like to order Easter flowers to honor a loved one and bring joy to a church member, please complete the order form below and return it to the Church office by Sunday, March 30, 2025. Printed booklets will be available on Easter, April 20. Deacon Easter flower order forms are available in the atrium or click here to download/print the form. Donations can also be made online by clicking here.
DeaconSpotlight:CongregationalBreakfastMinistry
This quarter we are featuring the breakfast ministry. The ministry was the brainchild of Deacon Sue Ryan. Covid-19 brought much isolation and Sue was looking for a creative way to bring the congregation back together as a community following the pandemic. These breakfasts, which are prepared and served by the Deacons are held for special occasions as well as just for fellowship, enabling us to enjoy good food, laugh, smile and love together. Four big breakfasts along with some smaller breakfasts are hosted during the year. If anyone is willing to help the Deacons in preparation, serving, or clean up please contact Sue at drsusanzryan@gmail.com. The next church breakfast will be on Children’s Sunday, March 2.
Thank You Notes
Dear Church Family, Thank you all so very much for the beautiful flowers You have no idea how much they have brightened our days. Most of all, thank you all for your love and caring and prayers. May God bless you for your goodness.
Thanks again, Lint and Betsy Christman
Hello LPPC Church Family,
Dear Church Members and Staff, I want to thank you for the love and concern poured out to me during my recent illnesses. All the cards, prayers, phone calls and flowers are much appreciated and I am continuously grateful. With much love and blessing, Linda Hottenstein
During my past 2 surgeries I want to sincerely thank you for the prayers, phone calls, emails, cards, meals, peanut butter pie, flowers and visits from Deacons Brenda Bell & Carla Skuchas. It is such a wonderful comfort to me & my family to have been so blessed by such a loving & caring Body of Christ. You have truly made our hearts sing. Love & Blessings, Vicki Rahmer & Family
New Members
On February 2 LPPC welcomed new members David Flanagan, Noelle JulianoFlanagan, Linda Frank, Heather Brooks, and Kalieh West. Congratulations are also in order for Kalieh, who recently chose to be baptized. We are so thankful you are part of our church family! Check out their photos on the bulletin board near the elevators or click here to read their new member bios!
March Birthdays
March 2
Katsuko Root
March 3
Clint Bean
Andrew Heck
Kris Sedlak
Tracy Williams
March 4
John Heyser Sr.
Marian Rebuck
March 5
Ross Dalton Jr.
Michelle Scandle
March 7
Hayden Tewell
March 8
Joan Boytim
Pat Grant
March 8
Landon Donoghue
Dan Potteiger
Chris Wentz
March 10
Chuck Horoho
Sandy Messner
Sarah Stewart
March 13
Sandra Rittenhouse
March 15
Leanne Wentz
March 16
Meghan Smith
March 17
Rusty Rahmer
Kate Schreiber
Bob Smull
March 19
Dave Beach
Bev Jones
March 20
Rick Stogdale Jr.
March 21
Rachel Rood
Lorraine Schoneker
Allison Stogdale
March 22
PJ Benesky
Melissa Hawtin
March 24
Dee Richards
March 25
Anna Klyce
Madeleine Lowery
March 26
Julie Stiefel
March 27
Beckie Eckert
Andy Rebuck
March 28
Lane Shearer
March 29
P.J. King
Barbara Nocton
March 30
Amy Hydock
Jeralyn Romano
March 31
Matt Dwyer
Abby Rice
Joyce Webber