Third Sunday after Pentecost

9:15 AM - Sunday School

10:00 AM - Fellowship Hour

(Coffee Time at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall)

 10:30 AM - Worship

Scriptures: 2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14 
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 
Galatians 5:1, 13-25 
Luke 9:51-62 

Sermon: “The Spirit of Freedom” 
Ruling Elder Sam Ewing

Liturgist: Mark Smith

Music: Men’s Ensemble

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

9:15 AM - Sunday School

10:00 AM - Fellowship Hour

(Coffee Time at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall)

 10:30 AM - Worship

Scriptures: 2 Kings 5:1-14 
Psalm 30: 1-12 
Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 

Sermon: “The Spirit of Freedom” Ruling Elder Sam Ewing

Music: Brass Musicians

1 I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.

4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
7 Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

8 To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
9 “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10 Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.”

11 You turned my wailing into dancing you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Starting a new thing is usually exciting and sometimes a little scary. Even if you have years of experience, nothing is exactly the same. Suddenly it’s like a new adventure. That’s where we find ourselves. Eighteen months ago we retired from “fulltime active ministry.”  That’s what the Board of Pensions calls it. Now we have begun part-time service with First Presbyterian Church of Salem. As we begin, we want to get to know you and we want you to get to know us.  

Here’s what we did before we came to Salem.

We were full-time active ministry for forty-one and a half years.  Trina was the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chester, WV, for 33 years; interim for three different congregations in and around Wheeling; and co-pastor with Frank of two small congregations for five years in East Tennessee.  Frank moved around a little more. The last almost four years were with Trinity Parish PC in Chester.  Before that, twenty-something years serving First PC, New Cumberland, WV; three years as associate for First Westminster, Steubenville.  

That covers about 30 years, during which time Frank also served Cross Creek (Tent) UPC. Before that there was a year as interim for Bloomingdale PC, OH; three years at Powhatan Point, OH, and presbytery staff; and then (whew) co-pastor with Trina in East Tennessee.  Oh, yeah; Frank was also stated clerk of Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery for the last eight years of his career.  So much for work history.  

Trina grew up in Marietta, OH, and graduated from Muskingum College (now University). Frank grew up in Huntington, WV, and graduated from Marshall University (yup, that Marshall).  We met and married at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.  Before graduating, we took an internship year (honeymoon?). We served a small Presbyterian/Methodist Federated Church in Spearville, Kansas, and as student assistants at the First Presbyterian Church of Dodge City (yup, that Dodge City).  It was their 100th anniversary when we were there 45 years ago.  

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We have two grown children.  Caitlin is married to Steve Dawson. They live in Pittsburgh. She works with international students at the University of Pittsburgh.  Isaiah lives in Atlanta and is starting a new job, working for L’Arche, a home and safe space for developmentally challenged persons.  Many of you already know Frank’s parents, John and Sue Lewis, who live here in Salem and are members of FPC.  

As we begin this new ministry together with you, we want to explain a little bit about what to expect. First, a couple of notes on what we are not. First, we are not FPC’s interims. Eastminster Presbytery has a wonderful phrase that suggests what the session wants us to do: the phrase is “bridge pastor.” Bridges make getting from one place to another easier and safer. We hope that is what we can do together. The other thing Trina and Frank are not is full-time. We are not coming out of retirement. We are offering our gifts and experience for a short time, and a limited workweek (five hours for Trina and 15 for Frank). Here’s what we will be doing.  Frank will be preaching and resourcing the worship and educational ministries. Trina will provide pastoral care, including hospital and nursing home visits.  We will officiate weddings and funerals together.  

First Presbyterian Church of Salem is a solid congregation. Your previous installed pastor provided strong, wise and loving leadership.  She left firm foundations.  You continue to have dynamic lay leadership. You have the strength and backing of Eastminster Presbytery.  Most importantly, you are a community of the Body of Christ in the world. This is the firm ground upon which rests the bridge into FPC’s future ministry to the glory of God.  

Trina and Frank are excited to be part of this bridge work. Together with you we will show the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ and the dynamism of the Holy Spirit.

Shalom, Trina and Frank 

Starting a New Thing

Denise’s Big Backyard Kick Off
Wednesday, June 29 • 6-8pm 

Come join us for food, fun, and fellowship!  Jody Karmazin is the coordinator with help from Cheryl McDevitt, Grace Smith, and Lynn Zocolo.  Programs will be held rain or  shine except in the case of a thunderstorm or tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service.  

Other Wednesdays are July 6, 13, 20, 27, and August 

Legendary Sports Event

Sunday, August 7  •  2-6pm

Join us this August at Sebo Stadium for an Adult Huddle. It is
for anyone interested in Adult Bible Study.  A meal will be served. 

(Registration Forms at Sanctuary entrances)