Batzig baby born!

Nick and Anna are rejoicing over the birth of Elijah Alexander Batzig.

Lecture and book signing

Robert Morris Skaler and Thomas H. Keels, authors of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, will be at a free lecture and book signing on Sunday, September 14, 2:00 pm, at the Art Alliance, 251 South 18th Street, Philadelphia.This new release in the Images of America series from Arcadia Publishing chronicles how Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood and its environs changed from an isolated district of brickyards and workers’ shanties into one of the city’s most elegant and elite neighborhoods. Tenth is featured on pages 58–59 in the chapter on churches, and two members appear in a photo elsewhere (can you find them?). For more information, check the Art Alliance website.

Service Sunday, September 21, after both morning services

This event gives ministries the opportunity to recruit volunteers early in our fall season. Ministries who participate will have tables in Reception Hall after both morning services. This is not a general ministry fair but an opportunity to sign up for service opportunities.

If your ministry has not already planned for this, please contact Dot.

Vanity of Vanities!

We are sending Phil's sermons to the Jacksonville Jaquar team in an effort to restore hope in their meaningless existence and get back to playing football. Watch this video to see what happened. Philadelphia fans, this could happen to you!

Picnic and Frisbee Tournament Details

It looks like God is giving us a nice window of good weather for our picnic tomorrow, so be sure to come out and enjoy it! The picnic starts at 11 am, with the Frisbee Tournament beginning promptly at 11:30. There are still slots open on several of the teams, so come ready to play even if you haven't already joined a team!

We have Picnic Site Numbers 18, 19, 20, and 21 at FDR Park, but we'll put posters at the park to help you find your way. Look for the Tenth Presbyterian Church banner.

Please remember to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

See you tomorrow!

Passing Examination

Congratulations to Chris Seah who passed his ordination exams Wednesday night at presbytery. We have scheduled his ordination service to take place during the evening worship service, September 28. This has been a momentous year for Chris and Robin - ordination, the birth of their first child (Elijah), and moving to their first pastorate next month in Singapore. We are grateful for Chris' ministry at Tenth as an intern and as Director of Tenth International Fellowship.

CCEF Conference

CCEF’s Annual Conference, "The Addict in Us All," is on November 14 –16 at the Valley Forge Convention Center, PA. The conference brings practical, gospel centered teaching that will deal with every aspect of addiction. General Session speakers include the CCEF Faculty and Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, with worship by Keith and Kristyn Getty (composer of “In Christ Alone”). You can attend the conference for free if you register a group of 10 people. To register and for information, please go to www.ccef.org and go to Annual Conference. You can also register by calling CCEF Customer Service at 1800-318-2186.

KUC's 40th

This coming Sunday, Korean United Church, our sister PCA church near Cheltenham is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a 10:00 a.m. service at Cardinal Dougherty High School. I will be attending to give a greeting from Tenth Church.

Here it is:

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The congregation of Tenth Presbyterian Church celebrates with Korean United Church on your 40th anniversary of being a church. We give thanks for the goodness of God shown to you over these years. This morning, in our worship services, we are offering up prayers to our Lord in thanks for you, praying that he will continue to bless you and make you fruitful in the service of his Kingdom.

You have been an encouragement to us as a sister church in Philadelphia that has stood firm on the foundation of God’s Word. We give thanks that you have not wavered in teaching the Scriptures and proclaiming the gospel. Surely God has blessed your work, as seen by your growth and by establishing a new daughter church, Gracepoint Church.

In Acts 13:36, the Bible says that King David served the purpose of God in his own generation. Dr. Philip Ryken, our Senior Minister, has reminded us that we should have the same ambition: to serve God as well as we can in the time that we have. He notes that his predecessor, Dr. James Boice loved to describe Tenth Church as “this people” in “this place.” And so we pass on the same word of encouragement and exhortation to you. For a generation you have served God well as a people in this place. Now, as you begin another generation in the life of your church, may God grant you grace and strength to serve his good purpose so that another generation shall rise and call upon the name of the Lord.

Anticipation

Did I say plan to come at 7:00 for Friday night's 7:30 recital? The doors will open at 6:30. With the article in The Inquirer, I anticipate a packed out crowd.

September 11 Prayer

Let us remember this day, September 11, in prayer. I don't know if I will be able to do it, but I am going to try and webcast today, at noon a time of prayer.

Pray for the families and friends who lost loved ones on that day. Remember our troops, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pray for our government officials and for our country's servants who are diligently working to protect us from terrorism.

No Gluten, No Problem

A food event just for gluten-free diet consumers.

From a Budding Master

"The musical world will be all ears when an organ work Samuel Barber wrote as a Curtis student is given its modern premiere here..." Read more from this opening line of a feature article in The Inquirer about Samuel Barber and the recital to be held at Tenth Friday night. The concert begins at 7:30. I would plan to get a seat at 7:00.

Dear Marion

Phil responded to my letter, "Dear Phil," posted on Tuesday. Check the comments section.

Party in the 'hood!

Don't forget that Tenth's First Annual Fall Kickoff Picnic is this Saturday from 11-3 at FDR Park in South Philly! The park is close to the Broad Street line, and parking is available. "Why FDR Park?" you ask.... it's the closest park to Tenth that allows large groups to have picnics, and we wanted it to be easily accessible by public transit.

As a reminder, burgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided; but please bring the following to share--
If your last name begins with A-L, please bring a side dish (pasta salad, potato salad, etc.)
If your last name begins with M-Z, please bring a dessert.

There will be an Ultimate Frisbee Tournament as well; come to play or to cheer the other players on!

Email Anne (adavies@tenth.org) if you have any questions.

E-vite Your Friends!

The Harvest Crusade is making it easy for you to invite your friends to this evangelism event on October 3, 4, and 5. Just visit http://www.harvest.org/crusades/2008/philadelphia/get-involved/send-an-evite.html to send out an e-vite to your unsaved friends.

A Simple Way to Serve

The Harvest Crusade with Greg Laurie is coming to the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia on October 3-5, and they need your help! Usher Training will be offered in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 3:00 pm. This is a great-- and easy!-- way to get involved with this evangelistic event.

Email Jonathan (jolsen@tenth.org) if you have questions or are interested in volunteering as an usher.

Volunteers Needed for Fugitive Safe Surrender Program

Volunteers are needed to help with the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program, held at True Gospel Tabernacle Church (1606 Mifflin Street in South Philly) on Sept. 17-20, 2008. The goal of this program is to give a second chance to those who have committed a non-violent crime and are ready to take responsibility for what they have done. It will allow them to surrender and speak with an attorney and a judge at the church. To make this possible, however, help is needed in the following areas—

• Volunteer Registration
• Hospitality/Greeters
• Floaters
• Surrenderee Escorts
• Parking/Premises Security
• Food Service
• Housekeeping
• Maintenance
  
• Daycare Workers
• Media Support
• Transportation

If you are interested in helping with any of these areas, please contact True Gospel Tabernacle Church: 215.334.3343. Volunteer Training will be held on Monday, Sept. 15.

Coca-Cola Delivery in Morocco

"This is going to be a long day."

Prayer Sunday

The Prayer for the Persecuted Church group will meet this Sunday from 4:00-5:15 pm in the toddler area off Reception Hall. Clara Hernandez will present the focus on Colombia.

Wedding Bells

How Bob Yang and Jessie Bible (and a bunch of friends) spent a rainy Saturday. Congratulations!

WOW! They Did It!

Last Sunday night the W.O.W. kids exceeded their goal of earning 800 passport stamps. Through the generosity of some anonymous donors, those stamps translate into $800 for the purchase of a commercial oven for Hogar La Providencia, the children's home we support in Colombia. You can read about the project here. Each stamp represents a child's effort to expose himself to other cultures by reading a biography of a cross cultural worker or making an international food or doing research on a country. You can see the list of activities here. The kids worked hard. The picture shows our top two stamp earners with Dr. Ryken presenting an $800 check to Dr. McDowell, who will insure the money reaches Colombia. And if you're straining to read the blackboard behind them, that's the doxology in Turkish!

Open House?

There are a couple families who work with Narrow Road Ministries (http://www.nrministries.org/) in Central Pennsylvania who are planning to attend the CCEF conference in Valley Forge, PA from November 14-16. They would love to stay with a family or families in the area; if you would be willing to open your home, please contact Anne at adavies@tenth.org.

CCA Principal

I don't think we ever announced the new principal of City Center Academy. He is Owen Davis, who had already served several years on the faculty. Owen's biggest distinction is that his hometown, Sumter, SC, is forty minutes from my hometown of Kingstree. What are the odds of two South Carolina boys in nearby towns serving as principal of the same small urban school in Philadelphia?

Welcome, Elijah!

Chris and Robin Seah are pleased to announce the birth of Elijah Christopher on September 7.

Anniversary Letters

I've posted the letters given to David Apple, Carroll Wynne, and me during the worship service on August 31. Check them out at the Tenth Messages blogsite on the right hand column.

Going Public

I am working on a personal website, "Onto the Road." Check it out. The home page will be updated daily with online articles, poems, etc.... whatever suits my fancy for that day. I'll also be adding personal material - sermons, devotions, and articles.

Dear Phil

Dear Phil,

Thank you for your inspiring sermons on the meaninglessness of pursuing wisdom and pleasure. I see too that work will also be included in the list. But what about sports? I mean, wouldn't winning the World Series or the Super Bowl or just ANY championship for a Philadelphian provide meaning in life?

Sincerely,
Marion

Presbytery Meeting

The Philadelphia Presbytery meets Wednesday night. We will be meeting at Renewal Presbyterian Church in West Philadelphia. Renewal is a daughter church of Emmanuel Korean Church, composed mostly of English speaking members from that congregation.

Of particular interest is the examination of two men from Tenth - Chris Seah, who presently serves as the Director of Tenth International Fellowship and Maranatha Chung, a Tenth member who is now planting a church in Northeast Philadelphia in the Chinese community.

Childcare Workers Needed

Tenth's Women's Bible Study in University City needs childcare workers on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11:45am. Paid position. Please call Lori Kempen with references: 215-222-1933.

Deaconesses in the Church

Phil has posted on the church website a presentation of Tenth's position on deaconesses, a subject that has become a matter of debate in our denomination. Check here for the article.

Foster Care Case Aide

Bethany Christian Services Employment Opportunity
Foster Care Case Aide (Elkins Park)
Serving Phila. & Surrounding Counties

This part-time position assists caseworkers or other designated individuals by providing transportation, assisting with supervision of agency visits, and monitoring aftercare visits. Qualifications: High school diploma, strong organizational skills, ability to relate well and work with others. This position would be ideal for students considering a degree in Social Work or Human Services or candidates with previous volunteer experience with children and families.

Email your letter of interest & resume to Jeane Kim: jkim@bethany.orgor call 215-628-0202.

Qualifications: High school diploma, strong organizational skills, ability to relate well and work with others.
Supportive work environment
Position requires computer literacy, driver’s license and car.

Ruth Naomi Floyd Concert

Ruth Naomi Floyd is presenting a concert Saturday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 17th & Sansom Streets.

The concert celebrates the Ruth Naomi Floyd Ensemble's 15th Anniversary with an evening of new music.

Special Guest: James Newton, Composer & Flautist
Tickets: $20.00 in advance ($25.00 at the door)
Buy advance tickets online.
Ruth Naomi Floyd Music Website: www.ruthnaomifloyd.com

That day will include a symposium, the 1st Annual Jazz, Church and Community Symposium: The historical roots of jazz and its relationship to Christian faith.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Keynote Address given by Rev. Dr. John Nunes
Featuring a Panel Discussion of distinguished guests including Musicians, Composers, Musicologists, Theologians and Educators.
Buy advance tickets online.
Concert and Symposium Information:

Nusery Care for Friday Night

Lisa Ryken is looking for 4-5 volunteers to help with nursery the evening of the organ concert, September 12. Workers are needed from 7:15-the end of the concert and will be paid. If interested, contact Lisa Ryken at lryken@tenth.org

What Sounds Can You Make?

The next generation of organ fans.

Artists in Residence

Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church is using its facilities for an artists-in-residence program. Two Tenth attenders are part of the program - Keith Crowley and Matt Sepielli. Click here for more information and bios.

Needs for Trip

Some folks going to India in early October have been asked to bring as supplies/gifts for their hosts the following things: 1) Two gently used digital cameras 2) Several gently used Christian or family fare DVDs. Please contact Laura Layer (llynnlayer@cavtel.net) if you can help out with these items.

Lessons on Prayer

I would like to reflect upon what I have learned as an elder who was directed by Session to head the Spiritual Formation Committee...more

Organ Recital

The Capital Campaign blog (see right hand column) has a piece on the organ recital to be held Friday night at 7:30. I suggest come early. It should be a big draw for a number of reasons. It will feature the first concert of our new organ and with the intention of displaying all the qualities of our organ. Dr. C. Everett Koop will be present, as the organ is given in memory of his wife and son. A rare piece of music will be presented (the Prelude and Fugue in B Minor, an unpublished prelude and fugue for organ by Samuel Barber). And then the organist himself is an acclaimed musician, Paul Jacobs. So I anticipate a good attendance from the community, as well as Tenth members.

Now, what would really be cool. The organ is on wheels. What if they rolled the organist around on the organ as he played like they used to do on Lawrence Welk! Paul Jones, I hope you are reading this.