Dear Church,

For the past six months I’ve used this pastor’s corner to lay out how the Biblical church in Antioch really models my vision for us here on Court Square. We’ve explored the way the church in Anti-och was incredibly Christ-centered, so much so that it was the first place believers were called “Christians.” We saw that they were radically innovative as it was the first place to evangelize Gentiles. We explored the way they developed leaders and were a sending church. We saw they were a church that was amazingly diverse in terms of ethnicity and socio-economics. We looked at the way they practiced spir-itual disciplines. Today, to wrap things up, I want us to consider the way the church in Antioch was a humble church.

C.S. Lewis says humility is not thinking less of ourselves so much as it is thinking about ourselves less often. It seems to me that the church in Antioch was so about Jesus and His mission that it spent very little time thinking about itself. Despite being the larger and more powerful church, it willingly submitted to the church in Jerusalem, both in terms of welcoming any envoys the church in Jerusalem sent and by deferring to the church in Jerusalem on the question of whether Gentiles needed to be circumcised. Another interesting observation about the church in Antioch that points to its humility is that it never received a letter, at least not one that made it into the New Testament. Looking at the letters that were written to other churches, like the one in Ephesus or Colossi, I would argue that Antioch didn’t get a letter because it was doing it right and didn’t need to be corrected. Yet the church in Antioch never called attention to itself. In many ways they lived into Je-sus’ command in Matthew 5:17— they let their light shine before men in such a way that others praised God rather than the church.

This is what I want for us. I’d love for us to be the church that is having a huge impact for the kingdom, but which nobody outside of our immediate context has really heard about. I want it to be all about Jesus, not about us. I want us to do things that are so amazing that people realize it could only have been done by the Holy Spirit, and they end up talking about and praising God rather than us. The only way we do this is by being so focused on God that we become secure in our standing in Him and get after His mission out of sheer gratitude. May God help us be as impactful and as humble as the church in Antioch, for His glory. Amen.

In Christ, Jon

Piping Along News of Interest

JUNE 2017 THE PIPER

We are planning a fun week of Bible, recreation, music, and activities! Summer JAM Camp is just a few weeks away, so don’t miss out! To register your children, grandkids, friends, and neighbors, go to our church website www.firstpreshbg.org; once you see the Summer JAM Camp banner at the top, click it. At the bottom of that page you will see a link to “Click here to sign up your ch ild!”

We also REALLY need volunteers to help make this a great week of ministry and outreach to children, showing and sharing the love of Jesus! Please go to the same Summer JAM Camp page on our website (at the bottom “Click here to sign up to volunteer!”) to find the different ways you can help before and during the week of Summer JAM.

Be sure to join us in praying that God will do amazing things in the lives of the kids who participate, as well as, leaders and helpers! If you have questions, be sure to contact one of our dedicated Co-Coordinators – Liz Corder, Keri Davis, and Hilary Irons; call the church (434-6551); or email rkingston@firstpreshbg.org.

We thank you in advance!

Scholarships Available First Presbyterian administers two scholarship funds that offer tuition assistance to individuals closely tied to our church who wish to

further their education. The Robert and Maxine Amos Scholarship Fund and the Rollin N. and Ruth L. Wampler Education Grant Scholarship Fund offer need-based scholarships. Applications are available at the church office. Completed

applications must be received in the church office by Monday, June 12. Application information will remain confidential.

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Meet some of our new Covenant Partners... Carl Larsson & Kelsey Rockey

Carl is an assistant professor and Kelsey is a dentist. They live in the Townes at Blue Stone. Carl says that he watched online sermons of FPC before visiting; he liked the sermons and then says, “The friendliness of the people kept us coming back”. Kelsey also liked the friendly atmosphere and “people who remembered our names”. Carl says he came to faith in Jesus while taking a theology course at Boston College. His favorite scripture verse is 1 John 4:19, and he enjoys fly fishing. Kelsey’s favorite verse is 1 John 4:8, and she enjoys travel and food.

John and Linda Myers

John’s faith story: I was raised in the Church of the Brethren and have worshipped as a Methodist and Presbyterian as well. I believe in the power of God, Jesus and the Bible’s teaching. My favorite scripture is Psalm 23. In my activities of interest include family, golf, reading, and going to the beach.

Linda’s faith story: I was raised in a Christian home and have always been involved in church life. After deciding to change churches this past year, it became clearer to me how important my faith and being part of a “church family” is. My favorite scriptures are Psalm 23, Psalm 46 and Romans 8:26-27. I enjoy reading.

Patricia Copper

Patricia’s faith story: I grew up in a family where church attendance and participation was a priority. At age 12 I was baptized in the Church of the Brethren. Attending church camp in the summer and singing in the choir were important. In-depth study of the Bible began at Massanutten Presbyterian Church.

Congratulations to our High School graduates!

Molly Bauhan - Harrisonburg - Randolph-Macon College Molly Campillo - Harrisonburg - Appalachian State University

Jonathan Krauss - Spotswood - VMI Thomas Lam - Spotswood - UVA

Erin Layman - EMHS - Anderson University Will Lenhart - Woodberry Forest - UVA

Clarissa McIntyre - Spotswood - George Mason University Layne Miller - Spotswood - JMU

John Niland - Harrisonburg - Virginia Tech Rebekah Ramsey - Black Forest Academy - gap year

Cade Templeton - Harrisonburg - plans to attend college Jack Werner - Edina - Normandale Community College

Meghan Zumbro - Homeschool - Blue Ridge Community College Graduation is a pivotal point in one’s life so we asked some of our graduates what their thoughts were at this time.

“Most high school graduates have at least an idea of where they want to go to college, what kind of job they want, and an overall blueprint for their future. All I've got is a semi-certain plan to go to Blue Ridge Community College for at least a year, other than that I have no clue what I want the rest of my life to look like. That’s both terrifying and exciting!” Meghan Zumbro

“I’m looking forward to attending the University of Virginia. While I’m not exactly sure what the future holds for me beyond UVA, I’m incredibly excited for the near future, the mission to Cuba .” Will Lenhart

“I feel overwhelmed and excited, but definitely more excited! Now that I’ve chosen a college and have a specific intended major, I’m able to make a few more definite plans for myself. I can’t wait to meet new people and grow over the next few years!” Molly Campillo

Almost all of them asked for prayers, that they be able to walk well in their faith and stay focused on God! Please remember to pray for our graduates!

Congratulations to our college graduates!

Andrew Krauss graduated from Jefferson College of Health Sciences, B.S. Emergency Sciences, and is now working Fire-

Rescue full-time with Rockingham County.

Maggie Siciliano graduated from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University with a B.S. in

Television, Radio & Film. She plans to relocate to New York City at the end of the summer to begin a career in the film industry.

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Inspiration from those before us… Maxine Heneberger By Gary Edlind

At 101 years old, Maxine lives in her family home in Harrisonburg. She walks slowly with a cane but is always happy to talk with any visitor who comes by including her meals-on-wheels volunteer. She enjoys her Bible, daily prayer and Daily Bread Devotional. Her son Randy visits every Sunday after church for dinner, and Carolyn Edlind visits every Saturday to talk, pray together and care for her garden and bird feeder. On Thursday, an aide comes to clean and bring groceries.

Her father’s name was Hugh Kimble, and her mother was Lena Siple Kimble. Her moth-er was born April 22, 1891 and stayed home on the family farm in Upper Tract, WV, lovingly caring for her three daughters and household. Her daughters always had chores to do, including planting and weeding in their huge garden – everyone pitched in. Public school and Upper Tract Presbyterian Church were their social activities including prac-ticing for performances and holiday celebrations. The girls walked to their two-room school house, and when you finished fourth grade you went to the second room. One Christmas Eve, their mother thought they were all asleep, but they saw her carrying the presents to the Christmas tree. During planting and harvest times, crews of 30 men would be hired to do the labor – mother would have to cook for everyone with the daughters assisting. During the Great Depression, de-spite the poverty, their family always had food on the table and was able to share some. One night a commotion was heard in the chicken coop. Father said to let the man be because he knew he had to be hungry.

At age 19, Maxine attended Shenandoah College in Dayton for one semester until there was no more money for tuition. She was accepted into the nursing school at RMH and graduated in 1937 (she is on the far left of the second row). Then she passed a two-day test in Rich-mond and 6 months of probation before she was officially presented with her white nurse’s cap. She worked as a nurse at RMH, Sunny-side and in private duty nursing. She was married in 1941 to Grymes Heneberger, the Harrisonburg city auditor. They joined FPC and had 2 children. She successfully balanced a nursing career with being a good mother. The family summer-vacationed in Eastville, VA on the Eastern Shore when a ferry was the only way there. Randolph now lives in Verona and Barbara in Richmond. Her friends have included Bobby & Beverly Miller, Charlotte Cole, Audrey Smith, Mary Bradshaw, Mary Bryan and Neva Melhorne. Every morning she enjoys her morning devotions with Jesus Christ, her Savior and Lord.

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE By Judy von Seldeneck

On June 24th, Roger and I will celebrate 50 years of marriage. Wow, it’s hard to believe. A few marriage tips I would share are:

Keep the harmony, marriage is a joint duty, be a good listener, always communicate, and give, give, GIVE your marriage to the LORD – He does direct our paths!

A few of our favorite Biblical passages are as follows: “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV)

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)

So many more passages pertaining to marriage are found throughout the Bible. I hope for all to experience a successful meeting of the minds in their marriage!

Thank you so much for letting Valley Home Educators borrow your beautiful church for our high school graduation ceremony. It was such a blessing! Your staff at First Pres is first rate. They are lovely to work with in every aspect. Thanks again for your amaz-ing hospitality! VHE

I am writing to thank you for supporting Young Life this past year. So many students have been impacted by the gospel of Jesus, and this church helped to make it possible. Not only have you support-ed us financially, but you have donated office space, provided space for teen moms, and kids with special needs to meet weekly! You are a vital part of our ministry and we are so grateful. Thank you!! In Christ, Dave Sloop

Session Highlights – May 2017

The following confirmands were welcomed into membership as covenant partners: Isabel Campillo, Grace Edwards, Madison Floyd, William Grayson, William Harrison, Nathan Henderson, Zach Kiser, Andrew Landes, Caleb Landes, and Andrew Moomaw.

Additional funds of $165,000.00 from the Morrison/Bruce estate were designated for the Seed Money Fauls Building fund.

Reroofing of the Sanctuary and Showker Hall is in progress.

Local Missions will host a meeting of area meals providers to share ideas and plans for better serving those in need in our area.

The church’s redesigned website is much more up-to-date and user-friendly. Instagram and Facebook are included at the site. All sermons are archived and available also.

A complete set of minutes for the previous month’s meeting are available at the Welcome Desk.

June Birthdays

June 1 – Barbara Harkins, Seth Hill June 3 – Jonathan Krauss June 4 – Joshua Briggman June 5 – Dot Spicer, Shu Street, Camden Langridge, Sawyer Lemn June 6 – Margie Robison, Richard Haxton, Mary Decicco, Cathy Slusher June 7 – Jack Darrah June 8 – Nancy Fletcher, Gene White June 9 – Mary Jane Gregory June 10 – Jody Pugh, Stephanie Pence June 11 – Rich Ours, Deborah Roberts, Mark Obenshain, Avery Craig June 12 – Bee Heitz June 13 – Owen Robinson June 14 – Kate Davis June 15 – Carolyn Hopper, Phyllis Branner, Meredith Hendricksen, Ava Rosson June 16 – Brianna Zumbro, Benjamin Larson, Ryan Larson June 17 – Lorna Morris, Marshall Price, Karen Whetzel, John Siciliano June 18 – Dot Arehart, Don Voas June 19 – Melanie O’Leary, Will Thompson June 20 – Val Kaylor, Emily Depoy, Bryan Rosson June 21 – Mark Whetzel, Jason Bales June 22 – Gayle Phillips, Laura Lee Conklin, Margaret Hart June 23 – Janet Thompson June 24 – June Hosaflook, Jackson Fendley June 25 – Thomas Wong, Matthew Ford June 26 – Nan Sowers June 27 – Jo Ann Raines June 28 – Jerry Simmons, Craig Smith, Joe Grandstaff, Joshua Craig June 29 – Betsy Jarvis, Sandy Shomo, Russ Gregory, Jean Hylton, Mitch Depoy, Andrew Krauss June 30 – Doris Joecks, Steve Joseph, Dan Logan, Jennie Cerullo, Emily Larson July 1 – Mac Hutson, Dan Clements, Lisa Moomaw, Kyle Brown July 2 – Mary Neff, Wilson White, William Westwood, Vic Smith, Jeanie Dunham, Kitty Cline, Cathy Meyerhoeffer July 3 – James Henderson July 4 – Donn Meyerhoeffer, Sam Pyles, Clarissa McIntyre, Levi Berkey

WE EXPRESS OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO:

Charmaine Detrow in the loss of her father Herbert Weaver, who passed away April 30, 2017.

Nancy Deputy in the loss of her mother-in-law, Hazel Deputy, who passed away May 1, 2017.

Carolyn Wetsel in the loss of her brother Don Huffman, who passed away May 4, 2017.

Nan Sharpes, Melinda Beam and Brad Wetsel in the loss of their uncle Don Huffman, who passed away May 4, 2017.

John and Kappy Barnes and family in the loss of John’s father, John V. Barnes, Jr. who passed away May 30, 2017.

I appreciated being the TLC person of the week in April. The flowers and cards have been pretty and thoughtful. I am so thankful for these remem-brances from my church family. Eleanor Canter

We are grateful to God for our dear church family! Our last few weeks have been eventful, and at times, very difficult. You have shown us the love of Christ through your prayers, texts, calls, cards, and many expressions of love. Thank you for embracing our family. We have been overwhelmed by your support. We thank you especially for your prayers for Will and for making our other five children feel so special while Will was in the hospital. God has sus-tained us moment by moment and we are so thankful for His faithfulness! The Craig Family

June 6 — John and Jackie Buchanan celebrate 58 years June 8 — David and Lisa Grayson celebrate 20 years June 8 — Shu and Robin Street celebrate 15 years June 8 — Richard and Kimberlee Hartzler-Weakley celebrate 15 years June 10 — Joe and Sallie Funkhouser celebrate 50 years June 10 — Brent and Karen Holl celebrate 44 years June 10 — Tom and Cherylen Martin celebrate 39 years June 11 — Fred and Carole Bates celebrate 52 years June 12 — Tiny and Lo Palmer celebrate 71 years June 12 — Kelley and Totsie Zirkle celebrate 63 years June 12 — Reccy and Wilma Thomas celebrate 41 years June 13 — Taylor and Laura Pence celebrate 2 years June 14 — Richard and Donna Williams celebrate 59 years June 15 — Kale and Norma Barb celebrate 54 years June 15 — Steve and Anne Zumbro celebrate 26 years June 15 — Mike and Kristen Ramsey celebrate 21 years June 16 — Rob and Carolyn Frank celebrate 37 years June 18 — Bob and Cynthia Hill celebrate 29 years June 19 — John and Gwen Sloop celebrate 47 years June 19 — Ed and Debbie Price celebrate 41 years June 19 — Mac and Debby Hutson celebrate 41 years June 20 — Joe and Kay Grandstaff celebrate 18 years June 20 — Wilson and Evelyn White celebrate 54 years June 21 — Jack and Mary Broaddus celebrate 48 years June 22 — Patrick and Amy Werner celebrate 9 years June 23— John and Kappy Barnes celebrate 38 years June 23 — Tom and Bethany Kuster celebrate 5 years June 24 — Roger and Judy von Seldeneck celebrate 50 years June 25 — Don and Janet Thompson celebrate 57 years June 25 — Mal and Maureen Lane celebrate 51 years June 25 — Lee and Paula Corder celebrate 41 years June 25 — Dale and Wendy Lam celebrate 29 years June 26 — Bill and Janice Callender celebrate 29 years June 26 — Tom and Becky Templeton celebrate 24 years June 27 — Myron and June Hosaflook celebrate 47 years June 27 — Tom and Jennifer Sowers celebrate 25 years June 28 — Bob and Mary Sease celebrate 42 years June 28 — Michael and Loretta Clark celebrate 40 years June 28 — Thomas and Lisa Moomaw celebrate 20 years June 28 — Mike and Amanda Houston celebrate 14 years June 29 — Walt and Judie Wine celebrate 54 years June 29 — Pat and Glenda Rooney celebrate 49 years June 29 — Adam and Tonia Campillo celebrate 21 years