Christmas Barrels of Fun

Just a reminder: this Sunday is the last day to drop off Christmas presents (unwrapped) for Liberian orphans. For a list of items requested, click here.

Free stairglide available

A free working stairglide is available for someone who can no longer do steps. It has a seat and track and two remotes. There is also a 8-10' metal ramp for someone who needs that for their wheelchair. It is in Frazer. If you can use it, please contact Linda at H—215-646-5065 or C—215-880-5548.

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission

(As mentioned in the early posting under Food Collection, we will again be given opportunity to collect food for the work of Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. The following information is from that ministry.)

What the Homeless Really Need

We have all seen the forlorn beggar on the city streets. Perhaps you gave him some change, or maybe you looked the other way. But did you ever stop to think that what he really needs is Jesus?

Feeding and clothing the homeless creates a special opportunity to share the love of Christ. Filling empty stomachs and clothing naked bodies makes a person feel human again. It allows him to think about other aspects of his life. And it makes him particularly receptive to the message of the gospel.

The food that is collected for Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission will be used to provide meals and hope. The meals that you provide could be the occasion for someone to hear about God’s love for the first time. That’s an eternal impact!

To learn more, please visit our website or view this video.

Erica Bucey
Director of Development
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission

Real Mountain Climbing

I just put down Three Cups of Tea. Over the years, I would hear of stories of mountain climbers and other adventurers who braved all manner of physical hardship for the goal of simply of saying "I did it." Perhaps it's because I shy away from physical hardship (walking in subzero temperature with little air - please!), but the thought I would have is that their mountains did not compare to the "mountain" of working among the needy. Such workers are the real adventurers.

Here is the story of a mountain adventurer who became a real adventurer, climbing greater mountains than he had ever intended. His story is a challenge to us who have the great cause of Christ's mercy to bring to the world. His faith is in the power of education; what should our faith in the power of the gospel lead us to do?

Narnia Chronology

I saw copies of this Narnia Chronology book for kids at Borders in Liberty Place selling for $5.

Best New Talent

Sylvia Duggan sent this in:

In case you missed it in his many facebook status changes or weren't in Baltimore of the Comic Book Convention we have reason to be rejoicing with Bryan Glass. Over the weekend he recieved the Harvey Award (comic book industry awards) for Best New Talent. See the last 4.5 paragraphs of this article to see how Bryan handled this great honor and to join him in the joy that comes from persevering in your work and using your gifts and finally being recognised for them! Way to go Bryan!!!!

3 Devotional Thoughts...

Last week in our full staff meeting, Marion shared his reflections on Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson during our opening devotions.

Mortenson grew up in Tanzania, where his father, Dempsey, worked as a medical doctor and helped local found the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dempsey predicted that within 10 years the medical center (hospital and school) would be staffed by all African doctors. He was mindful that the work of healing people and training physicians belonged to the Tanzanians and that he was simply an instrument in getting the process started.

Marion reminded us that an important, but often overlooked, aspect of our ministry as Tenth staff is facilitating and supporting the ministry that our members carry out, both locally and around the world. Good words to mull over when the copier breaks down yet again!

Curtis Recital Series

Student
Recital Series
October 12-May 14
Field Concert Hall
Free; no tickets required.

The 2009-10 Student Recital Series launches with its first recital Monday, October 12 at 8 p.m. Come often to hear a widerange of composers and works, and experience the quintessence of Curtis: extraordinarly talented musicians.

Find out who's playing what:
Call (215) 893-5261 or read This Week at Curtis online.

Food Collection

Bags for the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission food collection can be picked up at their table in Reception Hall or at the Delancey and Spruce Street doors after services this coming Sunday. Food can be dropped off in Reception Hall on November 1 only. Thank you for participating in this outreach.

Institute on Biblical Preaching

The 2009 Institute on Biblical Preaching will be held on Westminster’s Philadelphia campus October 27-28, 2009 on John Calvin & Ministry.

Dr. Derek Thomas, the John E. Richard Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, will be our Keynote Speaker. The Seminars will be given by Dr. Carl Trueman, Dr. William Edgar, and Dr. Timothy Witmer.

There is no fee to attend but registration is required.

Childcare Assistant / Van Driver

Childcare Assistant needed to provide care to infants/toddlers placed in daycare at our Girls Academy in Ft. Washington. This is a full-time position (24 or more hours per week), benefits included. Two years related experience, min. high school diploma or GED, great work ethic and are dependable, kind, caring, nurturing, cheerful and have a natural love for children! Will also make daily van runs to bring students to and from school. Valid driver's license with clean driving record necessary. Criminal, FBI and Childline clearances required as well as a signed Physician's Affidavit.

Please send resume to Joyce Hofer-Medina or fax to 215-654-9523. EOE

Little Memorial Service

The memorial service for Barbara Jenkins Little, the mother of Kevin Little, will be held this Saturday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodland Presbyterian Church, 401 S. 42nd Street. Sister Little died September 23.

Singing the praises of Three Cups of Tea

You don't have to be an opera singer to enjoy Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson, our Global Outreach Conference book for 2009. But here's what our own Sheryl Woods Olson had to say about the book:

I read the book a couple of years ago and think everyone should. In my opinion, Mr. Mortenson has a much better understanding of the culture and people of that part of the world than an overwhelming percentage of Westerners.

His way of relating to people in their own cultural context - willingness to meet them on their own terms, to listen and ask questions, to work with their ideas instead of paternalistically imposing his own, openness to receiving from them - are ones that many effective global workers will attest to finding gracious and effective in opening people's hearts to the Gospel. While this is not seemingly Mortenson's primary purpose, his respect and compassion for these people, as well as his practicality and hard work on their behalf, are exemplary to those for whom it is.

[Three Cups of Tea] is a tremendous challenge to anyone who wants to be a vessel for the servant-love of Jesus. How terrific that you're offering it as recommended reading for the conference!

Staff Retreat

The staff will be out today for our annual staff retreat. Please pray that it be a profitable time together. Frank Harder will be joining us to give a report on the capital campaign projects.

25 Years

Paul and Jane Reimold are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary today. Paul and Jane, we rejoice with you!

Sandy White Memorial Service

The Memorial Service for Sandy White will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 12:00 noon at New Life Dresher. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to either New Life Glenside or Harvest USA.

Darlene Ellis

Click here for an obituary of Darlene Ellis, a Tenth regular attender who died October 3 after a long illness.