Patuxent Presbyterian Church July/August 2022 eMagazine

Music brings people together and our Music Ministry is building bridges for the Gospel!

For the last 26 years, our Music Ministry has been nurtured and continues to evolve under the direction of the multi-talented Maureen Wysham from exclusively choir music to our current combination of traditional and contemporary, choir and praise, acapella and accompaniment. She has an abiding commitment to feeding the souls of our congregation, for the Glory of God, through music. Her husband, Geoff, is also a significant part of this musical journey as a singer, musician, and the Handbell Choir Director.

Maureen and Geoff joined the church in 1993, when Pax Pres still worshipped in the storefront, and three years later they joined the choir.

Within in a short amount of time, Maureen stepped in as the Music Director on a volunteer basis. And this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship! continued pg. 3

July/August 2022 eMagazine 1

A Note from Our Pastor Have you ever noticed those long lists of names in the Bible?

Like the end of some of Paul’s letters? It’s easy to skim (or skip!) those passages because we don’t know those people. But they are fellow saints in God’s global church, much like fellow saints I’m thinking of today…

On July 1st every year, a new class of PPC Elders, Deacons, and Trustees begins leadership for a 3-year term: Elders, Class of 2025: Rick Cooley (Finance), Bill Glotzbach (Outreach), Chris Harritt (Worship), Laura Rhodes (Christian Education) Deacons, Class of 2025: Jim Dixon, Stacey Fisher, Stephanie Thomson Trustees, Class of 2025: Jim Barton, Grant Graessle, Al Hastings, Kevin Smith Join me in praying regularly that God grants these sisters and brothers in Christ (and all our officers) “the Spirit of discernment” and the “mind of Christ” to lead us in building bridges for the Gospel (1 Cor. 2:12, 16).

Also join me in thanking God for the leaders finishing their terms.

Similar to one of Paul’s personal lists of fellow saints: Among our Elders, I’m grateful for Dave Smouse’s reliable, efficient leadership with Finance. I’m grateful for Caroyln Graessle’s thoroughness and thoughtfulness with Worship. I’m grateful for Beth Miller’s keen insight about people and healthy processes with Christian Education. I’m grateful for Becky Goodrich’s remarkable energy devoted to a baptism-by-fire one-year term with Outreach.

Among our Deacons, I’m grateful for Courtney Cuthbertson’s caring heart.

I’m grateful for Betsy Kebaugh’s heart to serve wherever a need arises.

I’m grateful for Kelly Tygrett’s enthusiasm for connecting people through events like the Christmas Walk. I’m grateful for Kevin Miller’s calm, steady leadership and sense of humor as Lead Deacon.

Among our Trustees, I’m grateful for Steve Brown’s quiet but steady ready-toserve spirit. I’m grateful for Paul Norton’s thoughtfulness about his faith and his ability to keep hundreds of building keys straight. I’m grateful for Sue Menthe’s faithfulness as a trustee especially through a hard year for her husband Phil’s health. And I’m grateful for Jamie Rhodes’ generous heart in the role of Lead Trustee.

Paul ends his list of names in 1 Corinthians like this: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

My life to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

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continued from pg. 1

MUSIC MINISTRY

It's one thing to state “I love music” and quite another to love it so much that it permeates every aspect of your life. This is the case for Maureen and Geoff. They met in college at (then) West Chester State College in Pennsylvania, both majoring in music education. Maureen sings and plays the guitar, bassoon, flute, and other woodwinds. Geoff sings and plays bells, mandolin, banjo, penny whistle, Irish drum, and other Irish instruments.

Talk about a duet! They have also raised two talented, musicloving children. Maureen and Geoff are both music teachers of Kindergarten through fifth grade in the St. Mary’s Public Schools at two different schools: Maureen at Greenview Knolls Elementary School and Geoff at Hollywood Elementary School.

“Think of our Music Ministry through the lens of our church mission statement – ‘bridges between God and people, one another in community, and our church and the world.’ Maureen selects songs with lyrics that bridge God’s gospel truths to our individual hearts,” said Rev. Matt Pooley. “Our musicians also build gospel bridges between one another in the community through the various musician groups like choir, praise team, and handbell choir. And while the pandemic curtailed some of this, Pax Pres has a rich history of our Music Ministry building gospel bridges to our wider community, too.”

Over the years, Maureen’s position as the Music Director has changed significantly. As the Choir Director, she leads the talented 18-20 sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses in song, guiding them to achieve the dynamic sound of worship. They lift their voices joyfully and reverently whether singing hymns or Gospel selections. Every December during Advent, the choir performs a Christmas Cantata which draws members of the congregation, as well as visitors from the community. This is truly one of the highlights of the season at Pax Pres, as we enjoy a different cantata theme each year.

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Maureen’s experience as a Praise Team Leader has been more free-flowing and collaborative. Because the contemporary praise music is ever-changing, the team wades through the music that is most contemporary, as well as classic contemporary, determining what will be best for worship. “Some contemporary music is not very singable, or it doesn’t seem to have much meaning,” stated Maureen. “We really like the Getty music we were introduced to at Sing! several years ago, because it’s hymn-like contemporary with more theological depth.”

Geoff Wysham brings another form of musical offering to worship as the Director of the Handbell Choir. Musically, the handbell choir truly has a symbiotic relationship with one another. “Having a group of, admittedly, amateur musicians pull off some fine handbell literature is very satisfying,” stated Geoff Wysham. “Imagine, if you will, having you and nine or ten of your closest friends each getting two notes of a piano piece and making music out of it! I know one accomplished musician who, as a pianist, simply cannot play handbells; they want to play all the notes!” Anytime people walk into the Sanctuary on a Sunday morning and see the table set up with the bells, you can hear the repeated exclamations, “Oh, we get to hear the handbells today!”

Maureen pours her heart and soul into what she does here at Pax Pres and to the many talented people she has the joy of working with week to week; she lovingly refers to the accompanists – Carolyn Graessle, Betsy Kebaugh, Diane Kleinschmidt, Norma Osterhouse, and Tina Watts – as her “pitching staff.” The choir is their own devoted small group, like a church family within the church family. The Praise Team has tremendous energy that shines through their music. Each of these musicians is devoted to sharing their God-given talents as a gift of gratitude to God and to each one of us.

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MUSIC MINISTRY

Maureen has successfully incorporated traditional and contemporary music into worship every Sunday. The biggest challenge is always choosing music for each worship service which will feed the souls of the 70-year-old and the 7-year-old alike.

With the arrival of Pastor Matt and his process of planning ahead, Maureen now has the freedom to select the music for each service after having the time to research and plan in a cohesive way.

Summer Musical Offerings!

Do you have a musical gift you would like to share during the musical offering?

Now is the time to let it shine!

If you have an instrumental or vocal musical selection to present during the summer months, please contact Maureen Wysham at: gwysham@md.metrocast.net.

“I love everything about my job as the Music Director – finding new ways to praise God, new songs to sing, feeding the souls of the congregation, and empowering the choir and the musicians,” said Maureen. “The job is the same every week, but the music isn’t – the music speaks to us where we need to be comforted, consoled, and reaffirmed.” Week to week, the Holy Spirit moves the Music Ministry in powerful ways, giving them the ability to communicate the love of God to His people both in the Sanctuary for worship or online.

MUSIC MINISTRY

“Author Mike Cosper says, ‘we should craft our worship services every week… to reorient ourselves around the greater story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation,’” stated Rev. Matt Pooley. “I appreciate Maureen’s heart for leading our Music Ministry in a way that helps all of us remember the deep truths of the gospel of Jesus week in and week out.”

Choir practices are held on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Choir Room. Feel free to show up and sing!

Praise Team practices are held on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Contact Maureen at: gwysham@md.metrocast.net.

Handbell Choir practices are held on Sundays at 4:15 p.m. in the Choir Room. Please contact Geoff at: gwysham@md.metrocast.net.

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YOUTH MINISTRY Vision for YG: Youth Group is a place for teens to grow the foundation of their relationship with Christ and to develop a community of Christian Fellowship.

Following a successful bonfire and Senior Send-off early in June, we are now on summer break. Youth Group on Saturday evenings and Youth Band will resume in August.

In June, the High School youth returned to the “Crossing” retreat at Skycroft for a second time, where everyone enjoyed the camp, facilities, message, band, teaching, and more. You can find photos of this year’s adventure on the church social media sites. To learn more about the camp, visit: www.skycroft.org/student-camp. This year’s theme, Resilient – Forging a Faith that Lasts, focused on important questions such as: how do we live with wisdom and remain faithful to God when we live in a culture that is hostile to God and His ways? Can we be resilient in the midst of fiery furnaces, too? We looked at how the prophet Daniel navigated the courts of the rebellious nation Babylon and learned that God is faithful to His promises, God is in control of both history and our individual lives, and God’s present invisible rule will one day result in a glorious and permanent rule. (Day 1: God gives wisdom – Daniel 1. Day 2: God is faithful – Daniel 3:16-18. Day 3: God is in control – Daniel 4:33-34. Day 4: God will rule – Daniel 7:13-14.)

In early July, the Middle School youth will attend the Wanted retreat at Summit Lake Camp in Emmitsburg, MD. We will join JD Garris’ (former Youth Leader at Pax) church, Covenant Life Church, for the retreat again this year. This camp, with a Western theme for decorations and games, will focus on God paying the price for our sins; paying our ransom because we are wanted by him. To learn more about the camp, please visit: www.summitlake.org.

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YOUTH MINISTRY Many thanks to the leaders: Robbie Romano, Amanda McKinley, Rachel Portillo, Tom Schumacher, Nick Grooms and Patsy Schumacher for their time and leadership at our retreats.

Over the summer, after the retreats, we expect to have some hangouts at the J-House and other locations and are working on setting up trips to the beach and Kings Dominion. Watch your email and the Youth Group Chat on Group Me for more info.

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 setup.

We are planning Youth Group Kick-Off on Saturday, August 20th. This will be a great opportunity for rising 6th graders, and anyone else new to Youth Group, to get to know other members of the Youth Group and to begin to forge the bonds of friendship that will help carry them through the occasional challenging times of middle school. We will have games, food, fellowship, Bible study time, and lots of fun! Please feel free to come in and meet the Youth Leaders during the drop off.

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 entertaining lightheartedness.

Regardless of the focus (and mood), we are all about community through fellowship, meaningful conversations, and lasting relationships.

During the school year we meet every Saturday from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, 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!

Please see the feature article in the May-June eMagazine for more information about the Pax Pres Youth Group. For questions, feel free to contact Tom Schumacher, Youth Director at: youthdirector@paxpres.org.

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CHURCH LEADERS PASTOR - Rev. Matt Pooley Email: mpooley@paxpres.org.

CORPORATE PRESIDENT - to be determined CLERK OF SESSION - DianeKleinschmidt Email: clerk@paxpres.org.

SESSION Administration Elders: Kathryn Rivers, Sarah Sutherland.

Email: admin@paxpres.org.

Christian Education Elders: Robert Wicker, Laura Rhodes Email: christianed@paxpres.org.

Congregational Life Elders: Cherie Crescini, Steve Correll.

Email: conglife@paxpres.org.

Finance Elders: Dean Farmer, Rick Cooley.

Email: finance@paxpres.org.

Outreach Elders: Patty Smith, Bill Glotzbach.

Email: outreach@paxpres.org.

Worship Elders: Paul Wolter, Chris Harritt.

Email: worship@paxpres.org.

Class of '23: Cherie Crescini, Dean Farmer, Patty Smith, Sarah Sutherland Class of '24: Steve Correll, Kathryn Rivers, Robert Wicker, Paul Wolter Class of ‘25: Rick Cooley, Bill Glotzbach, Chris Harrit, Laura Rhodes

THE DEACONS Email: deacons@paxpres.org.

Lead Deacon: Karin Stewart Cards: Stacey Fisher Coffee Break Lead: Cindy Robinson ePrayer: Stephanie Thomson Five Loaves and Christmas Walk: Katie Karlow Heavenly Hosts: Cherie Crescini (former deacon) Human Connection Ministry: Patsy Schumacher James Gang: John Dixon Secretary: Becca Sandusky Transportation & Communion, Nominating Committee: Barbara Abell Treasurer: Jim Light Class of '23: John Dixon, Jim Light, Becca Sandusky, Karin Stewart Class of '24: Barbara Abell, Katie Karlow, Cindy Robinson, Patsy Schumacher Class of ‘25: Jim Dixon, Stacey Fisher, Stephanie Thomson THE AUDITORS Lori Gallo Brian Karlow THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE Sarah Sutherland and Kathryn Rivers (Elders); Barbara Abell (Deacon Rep), Mary Anderson, Patsy Davidson, Jim Donnelly, Barbara Engle, Betsy Kebaugh, Jim Osterhouse, Tina Watts, (Trustee Rep to be determined)

THE TRUSTEES (for the complete list of contacts for specific areas, visit: www.paxpres.com/churchofficers) Email: churchoffice@paxpres.org.

Lead Trustee: Cindy Romano Nominating Committee Rep: Finance Ministry Liaison: HVAC/Plumbing: Inventory/Insurance: Grounds: Security: Events: Cleaning: Electrical/Lighting: Interior/Furnishings: Exterior: Kitchen/Kitchenette: Trustee Google and Zoom Administrator Class of '23: Dave Eschenbrenner, Jill Gaskin, Chris Lawrence, Cindy Romano Class of '24: Adam Mierzwa, Bob Portillo, Bill Posnett, Rita Reeves Class of '25: Jim Barton, Grant Graessle, Al Hastings, Kevin Smith

THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE Julie Correll, Cherie Crescini, Eliza Eschenbrenner, Doug Fraley, Samantha Graessle, Bob Hagan, Amanda McKinley, Laura Rhodes, Mark Strayer

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A Note of Thanks Thank you to each of you as you serve in worship services over the summer months. As people travel or take a break from school year routines, weekly worship services continue thanks to the continued efforts of all who serve in the many aspects of Sunday Worship. - Worship Ministry Elders An Ordinary Summer Over the summer, the church passes through what is liturgically called a period of “Ordinary Time.” Ordinary Time? What is that? You can see the season marked within the sanctuary by the green paraments, those small drapes that hang over the pulpit and lectern. Ordinary Time is the name for those seasons that fall between the celebrations of Advent & Christmas and Lent, Easter, & Pentecost.

WORSHIP MINISTRY

Summer seems anything but ordinary with a bit more opportunity for leisure.

While some revel in the beach or boating activities, others enjoy trips, vacations, family visits, or just a break from normal routines. Does ordinary time just mean that the church goes on vacation, too?

According to one denomination’s website, “ordinary time” does not mean “plain” or “nothing happening.” It notes the numbered or ordinal weeks between the seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter/Pentecost. Further reading informs that this season’s purpose “is to support new disciples and the whole congregation in living out the gifts and callings discerned during the Easter Season and commissioned on the Day of Pentecost.”

Hmm. If you recall, on Pentecost Pastor Matt preached the call that each of us should identify our “natural languages” in which we can share the gospel.

Within that context, Ordinary Time sounds more like the extraordinary life that comes from living out the Gospel within our daily lives and circumstances.

As Christians, this message is lived and affirmed when all we do is for the glory of God, no matter how “ordinary.”

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In June, we welcomed the communicants as members of the congregation.

Throughout spring we heard Pastor Matt preach and then learned to sing a song about “Building Bridges for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” This spring we were called to live out our gifts and callings, with a challenge on the Day of Pentecost.

So, as you look at the Chancel (front of the Sanctuary) this summer and notice the green paraments, consider that the green is a sign, asking, “Are your growing in your faith?” Or perhaps it might ask you, “How have you served your neighbor?”

While time is needed for breaks and rest this summer, it should be more than just “vacation time.” Over the summer we are called to support each other as we renew our faith, minister to those in need, or walk alongside those new to the faith. Should we not be reminded to use our gifts and callings, our “natural language” to live out the extra-ordinary Gospel of Jesus?

WORSHIP MINISTRY

Use this summer to pray, read the Bible, worship together, serve each other, and to watch for how God works in each of us - usually in plain, small, ordinary ways. ___________________________________________ The Rev. G. Wambugu’s thoughts on Ordinary Time: https://firstchurchtulsa.org/stories/ordinary-time-that-is-not-ordinary/2020-06-08 https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-ordinary-time

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We hope you all have a wonderful summer and continue to grow in your FAITH!

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OUTREACH

The Outreach Ministry collects 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.

July: Snacks (fruit snacks, granola bars, etc.)

August: Tuna

The 2022 Solomons Dragon Boat Race is coming up on Saturday, August 13th and we need 12 paddlers and a drummer!

This action-packed, fun-filled event raises funds for Southern Maryland Community Resources, Inc. (SMCR) and its members with developmental differences.

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

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

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OUTREACH Goal for 2022: More than 1500 Boxes Packed: 240 Shipping and Handling Donations: $1145 Christmas in July! Look for a donation bin and suggestions in the Narthex beginning July 1st.

Mid-July the bin will move to the Outreach table by the Fellowship Hall.

Are you interested in packing shoeboxes in July or August? 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.

Many thanks to Geoffrey Engle, Patty Smith, and Mitch Watts for volunteering at the West Virginia Workcamp in mid-June. You are a blessing!

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The “Belong” Neighborhood Picnics

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

on June 18th were enjoyed by 40 families at four host homes.

Many thanks to the “Belong” committee for organizing this fantastic event and for all who enjoyed this time of food, fun, and fellowship!

church family fellowship! summertime fun! great food! big laughs!

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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Young Professionals Pizza Party on Friday, July 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Joshua House! Bring your favorite pizza pie from your favorite pizza place to share (restaurant or frozen, just let Katie Karlow know if you need the oven). For dessert, we will serve up ice cream with toppings. Feel free to bring a friend! Contact Katie at: katiek85@gmail.com.

The College Group meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Joshua House. This group is for 2022 high school grads through 2022 college grads. Connect and receive encouragement through Scriptural truths, prayer, games, and healthy conversations! Please visit: www.paxpres.com/smallgroups and click on the "Join a Group" page or email Peter Schumacher at: thatpitter@outlook.com to register.

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Need a mid-week Recharge this summer?

Join us every other Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. (6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24) for a Drop-in Small Group in the Joshua House. No preparation is expected. Bring a Bible and notebook/journal for notes and prayer requests. Attend as often as your schedule allows. To be on the email list for leader and topic information, please sign up in the Narthex or visit: www.paxpres.com/smallgroups and click on the "Join a Group" page.

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 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