Fishermen's News

Take out a one dollar bill and look at it. This so-called paper money is in fact a cotton and linen blend, with red and blue minute silk fibers running through it. It is actually cloth fabric; "fabricated currency," if you will. We've all washed it without it falling apart. It is overprinted with symbols, starched to make it water resistant and pressed to give it that nice crisp look. A special blend of ink is used, the contents of which is a closely guarded classified secret. Not only is it much more than paper, but it is also much more than simply "currency." You are holding in your hands an historical record, a theological declaration, a symbol of virtue, strength and faithfulness, a pledge of honor and fidelity, and a valuable teaching tool to help preserve and pass on a great and godly heritage.

If you look on the front of the bill, you will see the United States Treasury Seal. On the top you will see the scales for the balance - a balanced budget. In the center you have a carpenter's T-square, a tool used for an even cut. That's all pretty easy to figure out, but what is on the back of that dollar bill is something we should all know. If you turn the bill over, you will see two circles. Both circles, together, comprise the Great Seal of the United States. The First Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson as the first committee to design a seal. Six long years (and two subsequent committees) later, the Great Seal was finally and officially approved.

If you look at the left hand circle, you will see a Pyramid, long recognized as a symbol of strength and duration. Notice the face is lighted and the western side is dark. This country was just beginning; we had not begun to explore the West or decided what we could do for Western Civilization. The Pyramid is un-capped, again signifying that we were not yet "finished." Inside the triangular capstone is the all-seeing Eye; the eye being an ancient symbol for divinity (and the triangle has long been a symbol of the Trinity, although inclusion of trinitarian symbolism may be "coincidental" rather than intentional). It was the designers' belief that men could not succeed in this grand and enduring undertaking unless blessed with the help and approval of God. The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means "He [God] has favored our undertaking." Below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means "a new order of the ages [has begun]." At the pyramid's base of the is the Roman numeral for 1776.

The affirmation "IN GOD WE TRUST" is emblazoned between the two circles. The right-hand circle is the "coat of arms" of the United States, and you will find it (among other places) at every embassy, consulate general, and consulate world-wide, as well as every national/memorial cemetery here and abroad. It is also the centerpiece of most heroes' monuments. One beautiful rendition can be found in stained glass in the prayer room of the U.S. Capitol. Slightly modified, it is also the seal of the President of the United States, and should be always visible when he speaks.

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for many reasons, two of which include: (1) he is not afraid of a storm, but is both strong and intelligent enough to soar above the storms, and (2) he wears no material crown; he is crowned ("endowed") by his Creator with a natural crown. Also, notice the shield over the eagle's breast (the location of the heart) is unsupported. This country can now "stand" on its own; specifically, in the words of the Seal's designers, this country will be supported and shielded by its own virtue. At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation. In the Eagle's beak you will read, "E PLURIBUS UNUM", meaning "from many (people) one (nation)." Above the Eagle you have thirteen stars representing the thirteen original colonies, "exploding" to roll away any remaining clouds of pessimism, misunderstanding, doubt and/or oppression. The Eagle holds in his talons an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will ever be ready to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch; in fact, he holds that olive branch in his right talon, the talon of greatest strength and use. In time of war, though, the eagle's gaze can turn toward the arrows. Some say that the number 13 is an unlucky number. You will rarely see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor. But think about this: 13 original colonies, 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 13 stripes on our flag, 13 steps on the Pyramid, 13 letters in the Latin phrases "Annuit Coeptis" and "E Pluribus Unum", 13 stars above the Eagle, 13 bars on that shield, 13 fruits, and if you look closely, 13 leaves on the olive branch, and 13 arrows. Obviously, our Founders didn't hold "13" to be unlucky.

Fewer and fewer people seem to know these things anymore. Is American History still taught with an emphasis on what it took to found this country and maintain our freedom, or on the moral underpinnings, courage, and religious conviction of our founders? The real story of the strong religious virtues of our founders, and what it meant to them to risk their lives and property to follow those beliefs, has been too often diminished, distorted, and perhaps dismissed as "non-inclusive." Too many veterans have given up too much to ever let that meaning fade. Many veterans remember coming home to an America that doesn't care. Too many veterans never came home at all.

Tell your kids and grand-kids what a dollar bill really stands for. Because if you don't, nobody else will.

I've been doing a ton of writing (we produce 3 major publications per month, and others on a periodic basis), and lots of conference work... summer is our busy conference season here... we had well over a thousand teens through here between June and August, so I really hit the ground running. In the fall, we scale back on the conferences, if

only because the kids are back in school, but we still keep running on weekends. We also have a pretty full schedule, usage wise, with DARE officers from all over PA doing their training here, and teachers in the Student Assistance Program likewise, but they bring their program with them, so it's not a whole lot of work for us.

The Rhode Island travel mindset has had to go pretty quickly... last weekend, for instance, we had a function in Pittsburgh, which we came and went to in one day, six hours each way with stops. I used to think nothing of it, but I was sitting in the car thinking, "This is 12 trips to Newport!"

I've settled into a nice apartment complex in the "bedroom community" of Mount Joy, PA, which is a rapidly growing residential area, from which folks commute to Lancaster, Harrisburg, and even Philadelphia. 10 years ago, there were more cows than people in this town, but that's changed now. It's about 4 miles from work, so no big deal there. My balcony overlooks the local cemetery, so I have REALLY quiet neighbors.

Not infrequently, when I'm out walking the dogs, an Amish horse and buggy trots by on the way to market (or wherever the Amish go, I'm not sure), and my beagle looks at me as if to say, "That's the biggest dog I've ever seen!"

I'm back in the land of Shoofly Pie, so I'm not exactly losing weight.

I have an interview tomorrow with the local high school principal and athletic director... the head swimming coach has decided not to return this year, so guess who's jumping in (no pun intended)... the team practices right on our campus, so I can leave the office 2 minutes before practice and be early -- a novel idea!

I'm attending one of the two Presbyterian churches here in Mount Joy, a community of perhaps 7000. Meanwhile, there's one Catholic church in all of Northern Lancaster County. Study in contrasts. The church I'm attending, Donegal Presbyterian, is a relatively small congregation for PA Bible Belt, a bit smaller than Greenwood. The building has been there since before the Revolution! It's a nice family

church with a good mix of ages, an active youth group and an adult education program... so it looks like I'll get to do some teaching. They've also got a good music program, though they're without an organist at the moment and looking to hire. Know anyone?

It's also nice to be close to Dad ... I get home every 2 weeks or so. Tal is not doing well, unfortunately... he just finished treatment at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, where he was part of an experimental group with a drug called Interleukin II. Alas, it was of no measurable benefit to him, and in fact, he had a violently negative reaction to it, landing in ICU with a blood pressure of 50/30... He's returned to treatment with his primary oncologist in NE PA, and they're trying new combinations of chemotherapy, 2 x every 3 weeks. He gets Cisplatin and another I'm not familiar with, along with a weekly dose of Interferon, an immune-enhancing drug -- he's on a nightly high dose of Thalidomide. Needless to say, he's horribly ill almost all the time, but he's not ready to quit fighting yet. Your continued prayers are appreciated.

Hope that brings you up to date a bit. I've really enjoyed hearing from some of you, and how things are going there. I was particularly excited at the rave reviews of the youth mission trip I've heard from a number of group members. Keep those cards and e-mails coming, and I'll try to do the same!

Still serving with you, Brent

read the Gospel, I think of this couple and can parallel it to Jesus and to His disciples. It often seems that there is no rest for the true disciples of Christ until that final day, and yet, as we work to serve Christ we find His peace and learn to hunger more and more for His righteousness.

Let us all continue to keep our missionaries in prayer as they continue to do their labor. And let us encourage them as they share their hardships with us in their letters. All of Paul's letters contained the names of several close male and female Christians. These friends were his (Paul's) only encouragement and joy. We at Greenwood are also a blessing and an opportunity to the Copelands. During Sunday mornings continue to read the letters and information of each of the laborers that we support at Greenwood. Some of you may wish to write them and pray for them and tell them a little about your own individual walk with Christ.

As a Presbyterian Christian, I can truly say I have an incredibly strong and clearly documented history to be proud of. John Calvin's experiences and writings had an incredible, major impact upon every denomination in the 18th-19^th centuries of this country and have had a far more dramatic impact than we realize on almost every aspect of this nation. In the year 2000, as we think about the great Commission, let us once again seek to make this our all-consuming purpose as the body of Christ.

Lastly, as we think about these things, let us be quickened in the spirit by taking on the scripture that Walter and Lou Anne are looking at for their desire: "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart" (Colossians 4:2).

Harry Curran, for the Mission Committee

July 5, 2000

Thank you so much for sending along Greenwood's check for $2000.00 from your One Great Hour of Sharing fund drive. I have been away for the past two weeks, so I only received the check today.

We are always so grateful for Greenwood's concern for the plight of the poor around the world.

The relief efforts in Mozambique have gone extremely well. Although the work will continue on for some time, thus far more than 26,000 families in three districts have received seeds and tools; more than 30 pastors are working closely with World Relief as we coordinate the rebuilding of homes; clothing has been given to refugees who had nothing more than the clothes they fled in; food distribution has saved countless lives; and vital health education is ongoing. These are just some of the ways your gift is caring for the very needy right now in Mozambique. And it's all being done through the church!

Thank you again for working with us. We appreciate your prayers and gifts. God bless you.

Grace and peace, Eric Hanson

In keeping with Greenwood's mission, we are starting our New Members Class for seekers and inquirers on Sunday, October 22nd promptly at 9:15 am in the Church Parlor. The first session will be led by Pastor Clark explaining just what it means to be a Presbyterian and where we fit into the larger "Church", the people of God. The following Sunday, October 29th, we will start a small, short Bible study in conjunction with the New Members Class entitled "Your Life in Christ." It is hoped that all seekers and inquirers will attend this study, which is centered on spiritual basics. The study will last four consecutive Sundays beginning promptly 9:15 am and ending at 10:00 am in the Adult Education classroom. At the conclusion of the four weeks, we will return to the church parlor for a presentation covering the history, programs, activities and organizations of the Greenwood Community Church, Presbyterian (Sunday, December 3, 9:15 A.M.). For those desiring church membership, the final class will be a meeting with Session on December 10.

We want to strongly stress that, although this Bible study is designed for the benefit of our prospective members, it is open to everyone. This study is designed for new Christians or anyone who wants to examine the Christian life. This 'Taste of Bible Study' is to help de-mystify Bible studies in general and to enhance our walk with Christ. Jesus didn't pick scholars for His disciples. He chose "regular folks" like you and me.

We want to invite all those who have never attended a Bible study (as well as those who have!) to take a 'taste' of our offering. We bet you'll find this light study so appealing, you'll want more and more. Don't miss out because you can't make them all - join us for as many as you can.

Faithfully,

Al Williams, For the Membership Committee

You may be preparing to offer your pledge during the November 5^th church services, or you may wait until one of our Stewardship volunteers pays a visit during the next couple of weeks. If so, we ask that you reflect upon the Stewardship Minute for Mission message delivered on October 22^nd , which outlined over 50 years of faithfulness that has sustained Greenwood Church.

In 1942 several women of Warwick's Greenwood community gathered to discuss the need for a local Sunday School. The Greenwood Christian Association was then formed in 1944 and began its association with the Presbyterian Church (USA) shortly afterwards. The church cornerstone was laid in 1949 and our first church services were held in Fellowship Hall that same year. The main Sanctuary and east wing construction began in 1957.

Later, successful building fund drives financed the west wing construction, paid off the mortgage and completely renovated the kitchen. This year, income from our Memorial and Endowment fund will help us to install a new boiler and fund essential safety and driveway projects in the near future.

Yes, faithfulness has sustained Greenwood Church for many years. With every member's commitment, we can continue to sustain our church's programs, ministry and mission by completing our pledges for 2000. Let us demonstrate our continuing support for the church and the Stewardship campaign by funding the 2001 goals as expressed in the proposed budget.

As we sit down and write our weekly or monthly checks to Greenwood Church, it should be with enthusiasm and joy as we celebrate God's bounty, and as we prayerfully thank Him for the opportunity to sustain His church in the Greenwood community.

Yours in Christ, Your Stewardship Committee

Presbyterian Women welcome November with thanksgiving for the many blessings that are ours - warm homes, ample food, loving families, and freedom to worship. We realize that all people are not so fortunate, and God calls us to help our sisters and brothers who are in need.

While we make individual contributions to projects, our major funding is from the Country Christmas Bazaar. We support many mission projects (locally, nationally, and worldwide), Greenwood Church projects, and leadership training for individuals with the proceeds from this event. We need your support on December 2, 2000 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Your purchases will accomplish more than you can imagine! Also, it is fascinating to see the wonderfully crafted items produced by the members of our church. Please join with us to make our big event a success.

Our November "Jubilee Woman" is Kitty Channell. She is a long-time Choir member, past moderator of PW (currently Program Chair), taught in Church School and Vacation Bible School, is an elder, and served on Mission and Personnel Committees. She is our "world traveler" (just back from France and Germany). We celebrate and give thanks for Kitty!

Jean Martin, for the Coordinating Team

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS DINNER

December 2 ~ Fellowship Hall

Mini-Bazaar Shopping, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Dinner, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Program, 8:00-9:00 p.m.

$8.00

Stuffed Roast Pork with Gravy

Candied Sweet Potatoes ~ Fresh Vegetable Medley ~ Jellied Salad

Cornbread ~ Cranberry Bread ~ Apple Bread

Dessert ~ Coffee ~ Tea

Sign up for dinner at the November Circle meetings. It is a great night of fellowship and preparing ourselves for the holiday season!

"Blessing-Counting Time" is here again and that means our annual Thank Offering will be taken at our Circle meetings and dedicated in church on November 19^th. Many of our members save for this during the year when special blessings are received. Our other thrust for November will be the Bazaar. All of us (even if we are not endowed with great creative abilities) are working on this gigantic effort - which really supports our two-year budget and mission giving. We also will be involved with our Christmas outreach projects. Several Circles are adopting families. Because of Bazaar projects, all of our Circles will be meeting at church this month. Here is the run-down:

CIRCLE I Will meet on Wednesday, November 15^th at 9:30 am in the Church Parlor. Childcare is provided.

CIRCLE II Will meet in the Kindergarten Room on Tuesday, Nov. 14^th at 9:30 a.m.

CIRCLE III Will meet in the Kindergarten Room on Tuesday Nov. 14^th at 7 p.m.

CIRCLE IV Will meet in the church parlor at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14^th. They may expand to Fellowship Hall following refreshments and agenda.

CIRCLE V Will be meeting with the MS Key Club Nov. 1^st at 10:30 am. The Key Club will be in the Kindergarten Room and Circle V across the hall in the 5-6 Room.

CIRCLE VI Will meet in the church parlor on Nov. 14^th at 1 p.m. - dessert and project.

CIRCLE VII Will be meeting at church this time -- on Nov. 14^th at 7 pm.

Perhaps you are asking: "Is this a good time to visit a Circle?" The answer is most definitely YES, and you would be more than welcome. Come find out about our Christmas doings! Perhaps you have other questions? Please call:

Circle Coordinator, Angie D'Albora

Susan Berry on the loss of her father.

Peg Angell whose husband, Vernon Angell, passed away on September 30^th.

Shirley Kingston on the loss of her brother, Robert Farrell.

Occasionally we come across a disaster in the making. For instance, a certain food editor for a newspaper received a call from a woman who wondered how long it took to roast a turkey. Reaching for his chart which would tell him how long turkeys of various weights should be cooked, the editor said, "Just a moment." The woman on the phone said, "Thank you" and hung up.

Please Come to a special musical presentation of Works by composer Felix Mendelssohn

Given by the Greenwood Chancel Choir

November 5, 2000, 5:00 p.m.

Greenwood Church Sanctuary