Friday, May 08, 2009

A Sabbatical Rest

This Sunday you will read in the Tenth Press article a piece by Phil reporting on the sabbatical he is about to take. Pastoral staff are allowed a three month sabbatical for every seven years of full-time service to the church. This year makes number 14 for Phil. Cora took one about a year ago. Bruce is lined up to take one by the end of the year.

Anyhow, I encourage you to respect this period that Phil will be off duty (May 11-August 31; he's adding family vacation). The purpose of a sabbatical is to provide rest from one's normal duties and to provide time to focus on one or more projects that one normally would not be able to. (The Tenth Press article will give in Phil's thorough way a detailed report of what he plans to do.)

I ask then that you exercise restraint in your normal communications with him. Whereas now you might send an interesting article or catch him up on an activity or ministry, try to hold off until September. If he has been the pastor you normally turn to for counsel or prayer, know that any of us on the pastoral staff would gladly fill that role for you. If you are not sure if you should send him an email or call him, you can run the email by me or check with me. Be mindful, as well, of speaking to him on Sundays about church business. For the Sundays he will be here, he will be attending as a worshipper, not as a pastor nor as the Senior Minister dealing with church issues.

Those of you outside of Tenth and who may need to make requests or get information, check first with either me or Phil's assistant Robert Polen (rpolen@tenth.org).

I am not trying to keep you from Phil or him from you, but I do know that as your pastor it will be difficult for him to let go of his normal ministry to you. He will need help from you to truly be on sabbatical and to gain the rest and fruitfulness intended.

Author! Author!

I have racked up the last two weeks. Last week, I received Paul Tripp's new book of meditations on Psalm 27 titled A Shelter in the Time of Storm. Then Phil just gave me his two volume commentary on Luke titled Luke (he's got to work on his titles). Did he really preach 112 sermons on Luke?

Welcome, Abraham!


Philip and Joy Kirkland are pleased to announce the birth of Abraham Lampiris this morning, May 6, at 1:25AM. He was 7lbs 10oz and 22 in long.


Spring Festival Booth Location

We just found out that Tenth's booth will be on the 1800 block of Walnut for the Spring Festival tomorrow (12-5)-- stop by to say hello or hang out!

The event will take place rain or shine. Hope to see you there!

Smishing and Phishing

Joe Brydges sent me this helpful article on yet another scam to watch out.

Welcome, Alexis!

Cyndi Hunt is proud to announce the birth of granddaughter Alexis, born to Matt & Diana yesterday, May 7.

Going Up

Postage rates go up Monday. First class stamp will be 44 cents.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Esprit de Corps Award

Linda Schmucker (proud mom) sent this in:
hi marion. here's an item about the DC High School Concert Band. (Tenth kids involved were Nathaniel Schmucker, Josiah Cohen and Ethan Mitchell)
HS Concert Band Rocks Music in the Parks Festival
The High School Concert Band had a fabulous tour, performing two concerts on Friday, April 24 and competing at Music in the Parks on Saturday, April 25 in Hershey, PA. They received an Excellent rating, and a first place trophy in their division. Best of all, they were awarded the coveted all-around Esprit de Corps trophy: The Music In The Parks Esprit de Corps Award offers the opportunity to recognize participating organizations which display an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior. Unlike other trophies that focus on musical achievement based on the scores of the adjudication panel, this coveted prize spotlights the performance of the students throughout the festival as they demonstrate their highest level of responsible behavior. Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence and a spirit of cooperation serve as the cornerstone qualities if the Esprit de Corps Award.
Congratulations!!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Spring Festival This Saturday!

The annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival will take place this coming Saturday on Walnut Street from 12-5 pm. Tenth will have a booth, but we still need a few people to help set up (11 am) and to tear down (5 pm). Please contact Anne (adavies@tenth.org) if you are able to help!

Connection Training Services Open House

Connection Training Services, 2233 West Allegheny Avenue , Philadelphia , PA 19132, is having an Open House for its Prisoner Re-entry Initiative Programs on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at 7:00 pm. We invite all interested members of the community: prospective employers, ex-offenders and any interested parties to join us in this evening of discussion to learn more about our programs and how we can serve you. RSVP: 215-430-0381 x5552.

Mother's Day Flowers

If you order your Mother's Day flowers (May 10) through The Bouquet Shop of Bryn Mawr, mention Amnion, and 15 percent of your purchase will go to support the work.

Bible Study Hour Booklets

For years, The Bible Study Hour published monthly Bible study booklets featuring Dr. Boice's sermons. We have a number of copies that I have placed in the Delancey lobby. Check them out the next time you are in church and feel free to take as many as you like.

Learning from Scandals

Scandals of religious leaders engaged in sexual misconduct hurt the church's witness. According to Michael Oh, they have an added danger teaching the possibility of being fruitful without being pure...more

Northeast Church Plant

Introduction to Northeast Church Plant
by Rev. Maranatha Chung

Northeast Philadelphia is the most ethnically diverse area in Philadelphia. Apart from more than 250,000 Anglos/African-American in the area, there are 20,000 Chinese, 10,000 Albanians, and a growing number of Hispanics, Indians, Brazilians, Russians. People in the area struggle because of the economic downturn and the language barrier. However, we believe God has done an amazing missionary work here and He will do more. The Lord has brought the world to us in this city...more

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Happy day, happy meal, happy kids!




Oh, happy day! Our impoverished children in Colombia, who will go to school at Los Olivos Neighborhood Center, recently celebrated Children's Day.

Oh, happy meal! The highlight of their day? Their first McDonalds Happy Meal!

Oh, happy kids! Imagine eating your first hamburger AND getting a toy in the same day!

Ode to Ryan

"Oh no!" came the groan
From the Ryken family home.
To Phil's chagrin Ryan did it again
As he hit the ball into the unknown.

Phillies 6 Cardinals 1

Monday, May 04, 2009

Prayer for Milo

Chad and Jamie Fenley are pleased to announce the birth of Milo this past Saturday. However, your prayers are requested as Milo is receiving heart surgery today. Indeed, he just went in a few minutes ago. He is at Dupont Children's Hospital.

PJonesMusic.us

In my very resourceful Tenth Press article about Tenth resources, I listed the wrong address for Paul Jones' website. The real website address is www.pjonesmusic.us. The site is okay. You'll see a picture of the back of Paul as he conducts the choir. I think it would be cooler if there were bubbles floating up and Paul is facing the viewer in a conducting motion. But does he listen to me?