Patuxent Presbyterian Church May/June 2022 eMagazine

Our YOUTH Ministry is building bridges for the Gospel through relationships at Pax Pres, in the local community, and beyond!

The Pax Pres Youth Ministry, as part of the Christian Education Ministry, encompasses several important areas for middle and high school students: Youth Group, Youth Worship, Youth Band (part of the Worship Ministry), and Youth Sunday School. The main purpose is for every student to grow in their relationship with Christ and to develop a community of Christian Fellowship. In short, it’s about doing life together.

Youth Group invites students - those who attend Pax Pres, as well as friends from other local churches - to gather weekly during the school year to connect with each other, recharge for the week ahead, and, most importantly, to seek God through scripture, discussion, and prayer. Some weeks we focus on serious subjects; other times, we enjoy lighthearted entertainment. Regardless of the focus (and mood), we are all about community through fellowship, meaningful conversations, and lasting relationships. continued pg. 4

May/June 2022 eMagazine 1

A Note from Our Pastor “Two-by-Two” Who is your apprentice? Who is your teammate? Who is your “partner in crime?” Who is shadowing you in some kind of work you do?

These questions could lead to many different answers depending on the context. Depending on what you think I mean by these questions, maybe you think of your spouse… or a sibling… or a close coworker or friend. But I’m specifically thinking about ministry through the shared mission God has for us as a church.

Two days before I wrote this piece, I had ministry meetings on the first Tuesday evening of the month with many of our church’s teams and committees. This was the first Tuesday since the pandemic and since my arrival that we started having all the committees meet together for a brief time of announcements. Then we dispersed to separate committee work.

One of my challenges and encouragements to everyone at that joint meeting is a challenge I offer you as well. Whether you are an Elder, Deacon, Trustee, a member of a team or committee, or an occasional volunteer for specific events and needs, who is your apprentice?

With whom are you sharing that ministry?

First, Jesus himself modeled ministry to be this way: he sent the Twelve out two by two (Mark 6:7), essentially cutting in half the number of villages he could’ve reached in equal time.

But, clearly, ministry in community was more valuable to Him than a ministry of efficiency.

The second reason I challenge everyone to identify someone who’s a “teammate,” “apprentice,” or “partner” - no matter what role(s) you have at church - is a practical reason: at some point, you will sense God inviting you to step away from that role. To rest, to pursue other ministry, or other reasons. When you do, instead of having been the solo source of knowledge on a task, you’ll have someone ready to whom you can pass the baton. Then, encourage them to identify someone to shadow them too.

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A Note from Our Pastor And conversely: who are you shadowing? Who can you “come beside” and “come behind” to enjoy fellowship with them and alleviate their load? Don’t just think of someone you already know well, although that’s a fine place to start. Jesus’ Twelve included individuals who, without His grace, would’ve literally been at each other’s throats. You don’t have to start by going to that extreme, although it is something to keep yourself open to! But just think,“Who is someone ministering somewhere at Pax Pres with whom I wouldn’t naturally or normally connect? If you say, “I don’t know,” start reading and listening to the church communications more to find out. Or maybe as you listen to the needs at Pax Pres, there’s a total vacancy in some ministry. Whereas the thought of stepping up to it alone feels daunting, ask a friend if they would take it on with you. As one example, I’ve watched two friends, Janice and Amy, step up together to be new VBS Co-Coordinators, and they’re much more excited to minister two-by-two than to handle it solo!

I also share this model of two-by-two ministry with you as our Session continues to refine a position description for an associate pastor, and as our Nominating Committee discerns who God is calling to serve on an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC). As your pastor, I already have so many personal relationships growing with many of you, as we minister twoby-two and in community (3x3, 4x4, and more!) together. I love the partnerships I’m forming across the church on a variety of ministries and projects. But additionally, it will only enhance our shared mission if God is gracious to call to us an associate pastor with whom I can minister “two-by-two.” Please continue to pray for every aspect of the search process as it gets moving.

Pray even now that God would be preparing someone to respond to His call to serve humbly and faithfully alongside us in our mission to make and grow disciples of Jesus by building bridges for His Gospel in Southern Maryland and beyond.

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continued from pg. 1 Every Saturday from 6:30–8:30 p.m., students meet at the Fellowship Hall, the Joshua House, or outside on the back field. Each week the Youth Leaders lead different games and activities. Everyone enjoys playing dodgeball, Murder in the Dark, Chicken in the Hen House, Sharks and Minnows, and Gatekeeper. If you’re curious about these games, ask a student!

This past year, the Youth have discussed topics such as the Book of Job, relationships, and a Christian worldview. Students listened to Gospel presentations encouraging them to have a relationship with Jesus Christ in a real, personal way that leads to salvation. Many of the talks blend Bible Study with group discussion in either one large group or smaller groups for a more intimate discussion.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Throughout the year, Youth Group holds several special events: Friendsgiving is a full-on, delicious Thanksgiving meal! Over the years, this has become a great outreach opportunity as our youth are encouraged to bring friends who don’t attend church at Pax Pres or may not attend church at all. For those who belong to another church family this is an opportunity to grow their understanding of the Church (with a capital “C”), seeing that while the particulars of practicing our faith may be different, we are seeking to serve the same God. This last year we had nearly twice as many youth in attendance than we usually have on a Saturday evening! (Many thanks to the adult volunteers who prepared the delicious feast of three turkeys, one ham, many sides, and several desserts. The table decorations were incredible and enhanced the festivities!)

Our annual Christmas Scavenger Hunt is a way to make the season special.

We’ve been mixing it up the last several years with a list of different items to hunt and encouraging the participants to document the successful find with photos or videos. Two hilarious examples from past scavenger hunts included team pictures with a live animal and team videos of caroling outside of Pastor Matt’s house! (Many thanks again to the number of parents who volunteered to chauffeur, keeping everyone safe while making some fun memories.)

This past February, we were finally able to once again have a Lock-in! This was just another back-to-normal event since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. As you can imagine there was A LOT of energy throughout the night, until we all dropped from lack of sleep.

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Every Fall we hold the Fall Youth Group Kick-off, a special Youth Group where we invite rising 6th graders to come and get to know other members of the Youth Group and to begin to forge the bonds of friendship that will help carry them through what can be challenging times of middle school and through high school. Returning students always enjoy moving up in the ranks and welcoming new friends.

In recent years, we have held a Halloween Costume Competition, which is a blast! The Youth Leaders decide on ridiculously fun categories and everyone (including the leaders) gets creative.

The Youth Band includes students who create worship experiences for the congregation on Sundays, as well as for the Youth Group on Saturdays. Coordinating with the Director of Music Ministry, the Youth Band provides the special music monthly during Sunday worship; they also play all the service music every few months on Youth Sunday, which are youth-led worship services.

A few times a year, we go on retreats together to deepen our relationship with Jesus and other like-minded teens. These trips are a great way to get to know each other and to experience Christ-centered worship, solid Gospel teaching, intentional church group times, exciting recreation, incredible adventure, new mission opportunities, and more! The schedule can be intensive and somewhat challenging, but it’s a great time to focus on growing in Christ - expecting to be challenged as we encounter God and to leave the retreat changed!

After many years of not quite finding a fit for our high school students, our group went to Crossings at Skycroft last year and really had a blast; the plan is to return again this year. For years, our middle school students went to The Great Escape (part of Youth Conference Ministries) held at the Johnstown campus of University of Pennsylvania. Due to COVID-19, The Great Escape camp was cancelled again this year. God did provide though, as last year we joined Covenant Life Church, where our former Youth Leader JD Garris is working, as they hosted three churches at their campus in Rockville. This year we are joining with them again at Summit Lake Camp in Emmitsburg, MD. 5

YOUTH MINISTRY

Throughout the year, members of the Youth Group stay connected by getting together for movies, summer picnics, hikes, or games outside of regularly scheduled Saturdays.

YOUTH MINISTRY

“Working with both the youth and the Leaders is a blessing in my life. It is amazing to me that God put me in this position to participate in what He is doing in these lives. Being a leader has spurred me to pursue growing in my personal walk with the Lord in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I really enjoy seeing the smiles and laughter mixed with great questions and observations about faith.”

– Tom Schumacher, Youth Director

In the background of all of this are the Youth Leaders who work in direct contact with the students and the many volunteers who help out with different aspects of the Youth Ministry. Without their dedicated efforts, large and small, these events wouldn’t be successful. They help with full-on dinners to simpler things like snacks or s’mores. At times they chauffeur and chaperone. Other times, they lead a particular aspect of an event such as preparing and making a bonfire, orchestrating food or snacks for an event, or driving a car full of teens to and from camp. This is an area where it helps to have a deep bench of folks willing to lend a hand to this ministry. If you are willing to help, even if just once a year, please contact Tom Schumacher.

What a true blessing it is to have a group of amazing Youth Leaders to welcome, encourage, guide, support, teach, and share the love of Christ with our youth. This year, we have had Tom Schumacher leading the group of Youth Leaders: Amanda McKinley, Robbie Romano, and Victoria Godfrey.

In addition to the incredible amount of time and energy they give to this ministry, Amanda is a manager at Pet Smart while pursuing her teaching certification; Victoria is attending college and pursuing her BA in Education; and Robbie Romano and Tom both work on base for the Navy. All four believe that working with our youth is a truly rewarding experience. Serving as mentors and spiritual leaders, their goal is to be servant leaders who seek to be examples of Christ.

The Youth Ministry uses Group Chat to communicate, which can be set up on the Group Me app for phones and computers. It is the fastest way to get the word out about changes or event planning and is also a forum for youth to share, chat, encourage, and pray for one another. We can change the membership of the group very easily, only needing the cellphone number or email once the Group Me App installed and set up.

For questions, please feel free to reach out to Tom Schumacher, Youth Director at: youthdirector@paxpres.org.

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“Being involved in Youth Ministry and YG is really amazing. Our goal is to lead the youth to grow in their faith and, in turn, that grows our faith. Spending so much time with the Youth Group has really brought into focus how important it is to build the body of Christ. From my fellow leaders to our youngest middle schooler, we all are a part of the same Body. Sharing God’s grace and love with the youth emphasizes how great God’s love has been for me throughout my life.

Being involved in youth ministry was exactly what I needed to grow in my faith after college and I had no idea how God was going to use me when I first started helping. My favorite thing about Youth Group would have to be seeing everyone smiling while being there. Nothing beats seeing how invested the youth are in learning, worshipping, and having fun and fellowship with each other.”

– Robbie Romano, Youth Leader

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YOUTH MINISTRY

“I absolutely adore working with the youth. This is my third year in the role, and it’s also been the most challenging. Between starting school and working full time, it’s been one of the most stressful times of my life - but week in and week out our kids are there to bring a smile to my face and remind me what it’s all about. Anyone who has ever spoken to me about Youth Group knows I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it a million times - I learn way more from these guys than they’ll ever learn from me! It’s truly the biggest blessing in my life and I could not be more grateful that God called me to serve in this way.”

– Amanda McKinley, Youth Leader

YOUTH MINISTRY

“Youth group changed the way I connect with God. I feel a lot closer to Him and that I could simply chat with Him like a roommate. Being in this community sharing a faith in God brought me a lot closer to Him. One of my favorite things in YG was playing drums for worship.”

- Tommy McDivett, Youth Group participant

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YOUTH MINISTRY

“Youth Group brought me to church camp, where I learned about God’s love. Eventually it led me to want to follow His word and treat His people with love and compassion as best I can.

I love that in Youth Group, there is a community of people who share my faith. We always have a chance to share and ask questions about our faith and God.” – Ashley Smalley, Youth Group participant

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Worship’s Helping Hands Have you ever heard a comment about the beautiful Sanctuary at Christmas?

Perhaps you have wondered who prepares the Communion bread and juice each month? Or possibly you are thankful while watching live-streamed worship service from home, or consider who waters all the plants on the Chancel or coordinates the Worship Leaders each week? Yes, each of the myriad tasks associated with worship services is coordinated and accomplished by many volunteers. We thank all the dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents to serve the Patuxent Presbyterian Church congregation and the worship ministry.

WORSHIP MINISTRY

Some roles are evident, such as the Ushers who assist everyone entering the Sanctuary each week. All of these volunteers are coordinated by our two dedicated Usher Coordinators, Barbara Engle and Genie Posnett. They schedule weekly Ushers to distribute church service bulletins and collect the offering.

Additionally, for Communion on the first Sunday of each month, they coordinate extra Elders and Deacons (past and present) as Communion Servers. Are you interested in serving as an Usher? Contact Barbara or Genie.

Our Sound Team manages the sound quality and volume for all worship service elements from readers to musical instruments, singers, and the Pastor’s sermon.

Tom Schumacher and Geoffrey Engle make the sound happen and coordinate volunteers for each service. Similarly, each service includes a PowerPoint slide presentation integrated into a livestream managed by an AV/IT team. Dedicated volunteers make sure the slide presentations are coordinated with the church service and that the Livestream video captures all aspects of the service for those watching from home. Training is provided for anyone interested in serving in this technical role. Paul Wolter and Pastor Matt Pooley currently coordinate these volunteers and training while we seek out a dedicated Worship AV/IT Coordinator. Please speak with them if you are interested in training to become a Livestream controller, a slide show turner during the service, or a slide show creator.

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Do you love to sing hymns, praise music, and contemporary songs?

Do you enjoy the many musical offerings presented by singers and instrumentals?

Do you want to get involved?

• Contact Maureen Wysham, our Music Director, who coordinates all aspects of the blended worship service music. Our all-volunteer Adult Choir and Praise Team lead congregational singing while also providing musical offerings throughout the year.

• The Handbell Choir, directed by Geoffrey Wysham, has resumed rehearsals and seeks more ringers!

• The Youth Band, coordinated by Tom Schumacher, enables youth to lead in praise and worship with a monthly contemporary musical offering.

• Maureen welcomes individuals and groups to provide musical offerings during the summer months while the regular groups take a break.

Other lesser-known roles are those that are performed “behind the scenes.”

Kathy Mazur coordinates teams of “neateners and straighteners” that neaten and tidy up the Sanctuary each week prior to the worship service. Cindy Romano and Kristin Lawrence ensure the Chancel banners and elements match the season or sermon message, while Barbara and Darwin Engle coordinate bread and juice preparations for Communion. The many plants are cared for by Kristin Lawrence and Glenda Lytle, while Carolyn Huff schedules flowers and flower arrangement donations for special seasons and weekly services. Each of these teams are in need of a few more volunteers to share the responsibility of these tasks that provide a welcoming worship space each Sunday.

The Worship Ministry is blessed with many volunteers who are willing to share their time and God-given talents to make worship at Pax Pres a wonderful experience. We thank God for all of them and are grateful to have such a dedicated group of people. If you have a desire to serve worship, but are not sure where you might best fit, please contact Carolyn Graessle or Paul Wolter with questions.

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WORSHIP MINISTRY

Perhaps you appreciate those who provides Scripture readings or the Time for Young Disciples (TFYD) messages?

Jim Osterhouse coordinates the weekly Worship Leaders and provides reading information; Sarah Lorek coordinates and provides guidelines for the TFYD messages.

Children learn by observing, but they learn more by participating. Please join us each week for Sunday School and “Catch the Excitement!”

High School/College Graduates First of all, congratulations on the upcoming high school or college graduation of your son/daughter! We would like to get some information from you so we may recognize his or her accomplishment at the end of the school year. Please email the following information by May 29th to Luann Smouse at: llsmouse19@gmail.com.

High School Graduates: 1. Student's name 2. Parents' names 3. Name of high school 4. Future plans College Graduates: 1. Student’s name 2. Parents’ names 3. Name of college 4. Degree earned

Thank You, Teachers!

Teachers are such a blessing and are a vital part of the church fulfilling the Great Commission: “Therefore, go and make disciples… teaching them to obey.”

We would like to thank the following people for their dedication in teaching our children and youth. Throughout the year they helped their students stay connected, keep growing in their faith, and continue learning about God’s Word.

We truly appreciate their time and effort!

PK/K: Janice Dixon, Bridget McLellan, Scott McLellan, Diana Pooley 1st/2nd: Bonnie Farmer, Laura Landreth, Laura Rhodes 3rd-5th: Jill Gaskin, Cindy Romano, Julie Tracy 6th-8th: Diana Harritt, Robbie Romano, Kaiti Wicker, Robert Wicker 9th-12th: Don Blottenberger, Melanie Ledig, Tom Schumacher, Jeannette Wolter

A teacher is ordained by God to educate His children.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 12

S.H.A.P.E.- Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life begins April 24th (8 weeks) Facilitators: Rachel Portillo and Cherie Crescini Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Classroom: Room 108/109 Not sure how to best use your gifts to serve God? Discover God’s unique purpose for your life based on the way He has “shaped” you. Learn how your Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences work together to equip you to carry out your Kingdom Purpose.

Biblical Themes: Covenant begins April 24th (7 weeks) Facilitator: Jim Osterhouse Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Classroom: Conference Room There are various themes that run through Scripture from beginning to end, themes such as Deliverance, Kingdom, etc. This seven-session class will trace the theme of “Covenant” through the Bible. What is a covenant? Who are the parties in a covenant? What are the signs of a covenant? Beginning with the Old Testament covenants in Genesis, we will march forward to the New Covenant in Jesus. We will conclude with an emphasis on what it means for us to be a part of the covenant people of God today.

The Book of Titus begins April 24th (7 weeks) Facilitator: Steve Kays Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Classroom: Virtual Zoom: 831 7513 1395 Passcode: 403577 In this Book of the Bible series on RightNow Media, Chip Ingram unpacks the book of Titus. He challenges us to display the Gospel in our lives through doing good. We do good works not to earn God’s favor, but as a result of God’s favor. When the Gospel has truly taken root in our lives, it produces the fruit of Godliness. As we pass these things on to future generations, the Church stands in bright contrast to the darkness of the world.

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Vacation Bible School!

June 27th - July 1st (Monday - Friday) 8:45 a.m. to noon Pax Pres 2022 Vacation Bible School where kids will learn a grand-new perspective!

Calling all Explorers! Go off-road for a “Monumental” adventure through the colorful canyons and sunbaked trails of the Southwest. By exploring God’s awesomeness, kids form a rock-solid faith for the road ahead.

Open to children ages 3+ (by 9/1/2021) through finishing 5th grade.

VBS mornings will be filled with fun Bible-learning adventures, imaginative experiences, team-building games, unique treats, and cool faith-building songs … all exciting standout activities that will help their faith grow by leaps and bounds!

Too old to participate? That’s okay … we need tween and teen volunteers to help our young explorers in their adventures to learn about God’s incredible awesomeness. Grown-ups and students (who have completed 6th grade or higher) are encouraged to join the Pax Pres VBS Team. It takes a village to pull off this huge outreach endeavor so please consider volunteering your time and talents to help make this another smashing success for Patuxent Presbyterian VBS outreach!

Registration is now OPEN! For online CHILD REGISTRATION and VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION, please visit: www.paxpres.com/vbs AND… we are super excited to expand our Admin Team by two - CHEERS to Janice Dixon and Amy Collins for joining Sarah and Jena to make “Monumental” amazing! Thanks and we'll see you this summer as we explore our awesome God and how He can provide us with a rocksolid foundation for all of life’s ups and downs!

For questions, please contact: paxpresvbs@gmail.com

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OUTREACH

The CareNet of SOMD Baby Bottle Blitz will run from Mother's Day (Sunday, May 8th) to Father's Day (Sunday, June 19th).

This is a fundraising opportunity to fill a baby bottle with change to support the efforts of CareNet of SOMD. Baby bottles will be available to pick up in the Narthex on May 8th and 15th. Drop off will be in the Narthex on June 12th and 19th.

(Additional baby bottles will be available anytime from May 22nd to June 5th located on the Outreach table in front of the Fellowship Hall.

Do you want to learn more about the amazing things happening with the missionaries and the local ministries we support?

Stop by the Outreach table in the Outreach Zone in front of the Fellowship Hall for news and updates!

The Outreach Ministry is collecting a specific food each month as part of the "Food of the Month" campaign in support of the S.M.I.L.E., H.O.P.E., and St. Mary's Caring food pantries.

Place donations in the food bins.

May: pasta June: cereal

Not sure how to best use your gifts to serve God? Discover your S.H.A.P.E. in an Adult Sunday School class this Spring semester.

This 8-week class will begin April 24th after worship from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Discover God’s unique purpose for your life based on the way He has “shaped” you.

Learn how your Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences work together to equip you to carry out your Kingdom Purpose.

Look for opportunities to sign up in the Narthex after worship and on our website, beginning April 3rd.

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OUTREACH Come and join us to learn how you can help God's people on Tuesday, May 3rd (after the 7:00 p.m. Outreach meeting) in Room 108. Sally Harwood will share about the work being done at the Ministry of Hope in Lilongwe, Malawi in Africa.

MINISTRY OF HOPE LESOTHO is a home for infants, children, and youth in Maseru, capital city of the Kingdom of Lesotho, in southern Africa. The Ministry was created in 2009 to nurture the quality of health for impoverished and orphaned children. We have cared for more than 150 children in our first decade, providing a home and a future for this country’s most vulnerable citizens.

Ministry of Hope Lesotho was co-founded by Mamonyane Mohale, a nutritionist and public health nurse, and Nancy Dimmock, a former mission co-worker with the Presbyterian Church (USA). In 2010, the national government shut down a poorly run orphanage in Maseru and asked Ministry of Hope to take in the children and help them find homes, either with relatives or with adoptive families. Ministry of Hope took on the work of nutritional and developmental rehabilitation, as well as family reunification research and adoption placement. Ministry of Hope Lesotho cares for children of varying ages, all needing love, guidance, schooling, counseling, discipline, encouragement, and plenty of food. They need responsible relatives to care for them or a plan made for their long-term futures. This is the work we do every day. I invite you to read more about our work (including the latest updates on the kids) at: www.ministryofhopelesotho.org.

My name is Sally Harwood, and I’m fortunate to have been involved in this ministry since its beginning. I initially handled the finances, but now also serve as the board president and usually (pre-COVID) visit at least once every year. I became involved as a volunteer when I lived in New York City, where I served on the Mission Partner Committee of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. A little over five years ago, I married my husband, Ed Rule, who has a DoD contracting business in southern Maryland. We’ve been blessed with getting to know many of you at the church and becoming more involved in all the offerings for service.

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OUTREACH Goal for 2022: More than 1500 Boxes Packed: 150 Shipping and Handling Donations: $900 (Covers 100 shoeboxes)

Donations Needed: Filler items including balls, frisbees, Playdough, jump ropes, marbles, small cars, magnifying glasses, small gardening tools, flashlights, small plastic animals.

Are you interested in packing shoeboxes in May and June? Want a tour of our donations room?

Please contact Rachel Portillo at: Rachel.portillo@paxpres.org to share your availability. Small packing parties are scheduled as needed. Larger packing parties are scheduled in the fall.

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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Mary Martha Circle End of the Year Gathering Please join us for our last gathering before we break for summer. Come and meet the wonderful ladies in this group and share in a time of music, refreshments, ice breaker activities, laughter, and discussion. Get an overview of the history of this group and the vision for next year.

All women are welcome!

Childcare can be arranged if needed.

Bring a light snack to share.

When: Thursday, May 12th Time: 9:45 a.m. (arrival) and begins at 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Where: Room 108 (Lower Level, Fellowship Hall Entrance) RSVP: Rachel.portillo@paxpres.org

National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 5th The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to 18

Announcing the next Pax Pres "Belong" event: Neighborhood Picnics!

Neighborhood church picnics are coming your way! Our gatherings will take place at Pax Pres members’ homes on Saturday, June 18th starting at 4:00 p.m. Fun and fellowship await you: hamburgers, hot dogs and other picnic foods? Check! Lawn and board games? You bet! Getting to know your brothers and sisters in Christ even better? Absolutely! Several individuals and/or families are needed to host. Please SIGN UP HERE to participate using the link below, or sign up in the Narthex if you prefer, and indicate if you’re willing to have a picnic at your home. If you have questions, then please see Cherie Crescini or Julie Correll.

You belong at this event–don’t miss it! pray for the nation. The Deacons invite you to join others across our nation on this day to pray for not only the church and our government but other areas including education, media, business, military, and family. Join us in prayer either here in the Sanctuary from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. or at home/work at a time of your choosing.

Resources to assist you in how to pray for each of these areas can be found at: www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Welcome Spring and Summer! Easter services found our church yard looking spiffy due to the hard work of your dedicated Garden Club members plus a whole bunch of helpers at Mulch Day on April 2nd including Drew Banko, Gloria Brady, Jim, Janice, Jaclynn and John Dixon, John Dixon (Big John), Laura Guido, Betsy Kebaugh, Kirsten Kitt, Kristen Lawrence, Edward Lorek, Cindy McCreary, Robert Miller, Rita Reeves, Cindy Robinson, Patsy Schumacher, and Tim Unangst. What a great crew! Thanks to all who helped us out!

The sprinkler system has been turned on and will hopefully continue to keep our lawn looking nice and green. It takes a lot of help from others to keep everything beautiful – we have contactors who mow and edge the lawn, a service for fertilizing the lawn, and the sprinkler company that manages the opening and winterizing of the sprinkler system as well as any repairs. These services cost money, but your loyal Garden Club members work FOR FREE! It’s part of our dedication to the glory of God that we show up, work, sweat, get dirty, and feel grateful to be outdoors!

Praise God for His abundance!

We also praise God for Ken Reamy’s improving health and look forward to scheduling his retirement lunch/dinner. Stay tuned for future announcements!

Every Tuesday from now on, as we move into late Spring and then Summer, we will meet on Tuesdays starting at 8:30 a.m. and do our best to keep the weeds at bay.

It’s a never-ending chore, but it can be a wonderful time of fellowship, quiet meditation, or an excellent way to work out frustration (pull those nasty weeds!).

You can even reach back to your childhood and enjoy playing in the dirt! Whatever your motivation, we appreciate all the help we can get! Kids are welcome, too!

Community service hour letters are available, as well. And if you can’t come on a Tuesday, feel free to pull weeds on any other day! Questions? Please contact Patsy Schumacher at: helopatsy@yahoo.com.

Random thought: The Garden of Gethsemane wouldn’t have been a garden without gardeners.

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TRUSTEES

• If you observe problems with the church building (lighting, plumbing, etc.), please inform the church office staff so the problem can be resolved as quickly as possible.

Email: churchoffice@paxpres.org.

Lead Trustee: Jamie Rhodes Co-Leader: Paul Norton Back-up: Steve Brown Nominating Committee Rep: Jamie Rhodes Finance Ministry Liaison: Rita Reeves HVAC/Plumbing: Adam Mierzwa Inventory/Insurance: Bill Posnett Grounds: Steve Brown Security: Adam Mierzwa Events: Sue Menthe Cleaning: Dave Eschenbrenner Electrical/Lighting: Jill Gaskin Interior/Furnishings: Chris Lawrence Exterior: Paul Norton Kitchen/Kitchenette: Cindy Romano Trustee Google and Zoom Administrator: Cindy Romano 20

FINANCE The 2022 Per Capita donation for Presbyterian USA is $42.67 per member.

Giving Envelopes include a special envelope for Per Capita donation. For those giving

by ACH or credit card, you can send a check marked “Per Capita” to the church office or place it in the offering plate. You can also make your Per Capita donation online through our website: paxpres.com/online-giving or you can email Grace Debbink at: Treasurer@paxpres.org to increase your ACH allotment to include Per Capita.

If you are unable to attend in-person worship, please feel free to mail your giving envelopes to the church. Online donations are accepted at www.paxpres.com.

Our website is now offering the opportunity for you to include the credit card fees incurred by the church with your online offering if you wish to do so. Thank you for your continued support to Pax Pres as we continue to meet the needs for the church and community during this time.

If you would like to use monthly automated giving through ACH or credit card withdrawal, you may fill out the automated giving form to initiate these types of contributions. The forms are available in the Narthex or at www.paxpres.com/onlinegiving. If you have any questions please contact the Church Treasurer, Grace Debbink at: 301-863-2033 or Treasurer@paxpres.org.

Let us walk and work together as we seek to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, at home, abroad, and to the ends of the earth!

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BUILDING BRIDGES for the GOSPEL Pax Pres is called by God to make and grow disciples of Jesus Christ by building bridges for the Gospel in Southern Maryland and the world.

We seek to build bridges for the Gospel of Jesus between God and people, between one another in community, and between our church and the world.

23421 Kingston Creek Road | California, MD 20619 paxpres.com | 301-863-2033 | churchoffice@paxpres.org Rev. Matt Pooley, Pastor