Dear Friends,

Welcome to the season of Lent, when we all slow down and take stock, right? Slow down? This week alone I have 11 meetings or special events! Who can slow down? Yet that is what this time of year is about. As we welcome warmer and longer days, we also need to "fast" from some of what drives us. I've felt the need this Spring to let go of one of my favorite tools: self-pity. There are times I just want to sit in a corner and cry, but I've felt that distancing me from God, and now is the time to draw closer, not further. So, I'm doing my best not to indulge myself, even though I did a little even in this letter. Try to do the same for yourself, even if we are midway through Lent. Fast >from a habit or behavior that keeps you apart from God's glorious kingdom and the family, friends and co-workers around you. Take time for introspection, for starting a new spiritual discipline, especially now that the sun rises earlier and it's a little easier to get out of bed for some quiet meditation before the household erupts into full chaos.

Included in the newsletter this month are some resources to help you do just that, either on your own or with a group. Check out Boundaries if you, like me, don't know how to say no, or The Bible Book of the Month if you need to bone up on your Biblical literacy. But above all, take time to cultivate your friendship with God. It may be the best thing that comes out of Lent this year, aside from our risen Lord! Keep in touch.

Go in peace,

Leslie

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GOOD NEWS! Got some? The Presbytery would like to hear. We're reviving the Presbytery newsletter, so tell us what is happening in your church: a new house for Habitat, a youth participating in a national event, what you are doing with your Peacemaking offering. Send us negatives and we'll publish photos as well. Please include your church name and a contact. Thanks!

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The Big Ole Bag o' Books is Here!

It's new! It's crammed full of goodies-- books, videos, curriculum samples and more, ready to help you enhance your church's educational and spiritual life! Courtesy of the Resource Center Committee, every Presbytery month, one church will receive a bag packed with resources targeted toward the membership of that church, as well as the approaching church season.

In March, you might find Vacation Bible School ideas, samples of the new Presbyterian curriculum, Covenant People, a video series, a Bible study or two, some youth resources and something for the Ordinary season. A sign-out sheet and complete instructions on how to use the Big Ole Bag will be in the side pocket. The Pastor can take the resources to her or his church and hand them to the appropriate persons. Everything is due back at the next Presbytery meeting, where we'll have a similar bag waiting for the next lucky church.

If your church would like to be the next recipient, simply contact me (e-mail, phone, fax, letter) and we'll set you up. Enjoy it!

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NEW RESOURCES FOR MARCH

BOUNDARIES: WHEN TO SAY YES, WHEN TO SAY NO TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE At times my mother accuses me of being the "girl who can't say no" to anything, whether at church, at my son's school or to a social occasion. I'm a deeply curious person, but I'm also the easily fatigued single mom/elder/employee/friend/daughter . . . This video series is for those folks who wish to be God's servants, but find themselves always on the giving and rarely the receiving end of service. Church leaders can find tools to make their ministry and personal lives more efficient and fruitful, to be better Christians and human beings. Zondervan, 1998. This video series was purchased jointly with the Geneva Church. VC 13.6A21

BEYOND THE NEWS: IMMIGRATION At times it seems there is an unprecedented flow of people into the US, both legally and illegally. While more people seek asylum in this country for economic, social or political reasons, we as Christians need to understand how to help these Strangers, whom Christ has commanded us to help and love. One segment focuses on Vive and Journey's End, resettlement and refugee aid services in Buffalo. Though this video is meant to be used in six segments, there is a condensed 20-minute segment. Beyond the News, a Mennonite video series, is consistent with hard-hitting, principled presentations on controversial topics. Call for other topics. Mennonite Media, 1999. This video was purchased jointly with the Geneva Church. VC13.

THE GENTLE DARK: NIGHTTIME POEMS & PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN My son, like so many kids, wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to snuggle up with me against the fearsome dark. This lovely book helps children and those who love them dispel that fear, and replaces the concept that equates dark and evil with one that paints dark as gentle, majestic, beautiful and powerful. One poem reminds me of Wallace Stevens' "13 Ways of Counting Blackbirds"; others make me grin in recognition: "This isn't dirt, it's a memory!" My almost 9-year old isn 't too big yet for these poems and prayers, and his mom will enjoy the whimsical paintings while reading them with him. ParseNip Press/United Church Publishing, 1999. PR3.2C6

THE BIBLE BOOK OF THE MONTH. James Davison, who wrote The Year of the Bible, offers a new approach to Biblical literacy: focus on one book or part of the Bible for one month, either individually or with a group. As in his previous work, he offers a daily reading schedule and some exposition on the book, but then follows with several thought-provoking questions. Books covered are Genesis, Matthew, Exodus, Acts, 1 Samuel, Psalms, Letters of Paul, Proverbs, Luke, Some Minor Prophets, Isaiah and John. Bridge Resources, 2000. PR4.1A68

104 PREGUNTAS QUE LOS NIÑOS HACEN ACERCA DEL CIELO Y LOS ANGELES. Yes, I admit I bought this book for myself. However, if you've ever thought about learning Spanish, and you'd like to have a snappy answer for those Questions Kids Ask about Heaven and Angels, this book serves a two-fold purpose! For example: "Why did God create Satan if God knew that Satan was going to create sin?" A key verse follows the answer, along with related verses and questions. It's a fun way to expand your mental and spiritual prowess simultaneously. Editorial Mundo Hispano, 1998. PR4.1C63

RURAL MINISTRY: THE SHAPE OF THE RENEWAL TO COME. In a Presbytery such as ours, we are vitally concerned with the shape of rural America to come. If the economy goes south, will our towns-- and our churches? How can we revitalize churches, bring in families, children and singles? The nine authors are all associated with the Center for Theology & Land: Rural Ministry Program at Wartburg Seminary in Iowa, and come from a variety of Christian backgrounds. This book offers not only hope for the rural church, but practical suggestions for renewal. Abingdon, 1998. PR1.4-64

WAKE UP AND LIVE YOUR LIFE! and LIFE IN BALANCE. These two new Bible studies are from the RealFaithRealLife series, written for young adults in the Reformed tradition who want to apply their faith to their daily lives. Each study is scripturally based and contains four to six sessions. Bridge, 2000. PR4.1A69(a,b)

HOME IS WHERE I LIVE Camilla Warrick was a reporter for The Cincinnati Post for roughly two decades, so when she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, it was natural for her to document her thoughts and spiritual journey toward God and healing. Her home where she lives is that place with God she discovered through writing in her journal. Bridge, 2000. PR13.6A102

FIT TO BE A PASTOR: A CALL TO PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPIRITUAL FITNESS. Before you sneak a copy of this book onto your pastor's desk, be aware: this book is not just for revitalizing her or his fitness, but that of the congregation as well. Not long ago, my pastor preached a fine sermon on fitness, and covered the three intertwined areas that constitute fitness (remember the Greek mantra "a sound mind in a sound body") -- body, mind, and spirit, which author Lloyd Rediger shortens in this book to BMS, which, amazingly enough, God has woven into us in a beautiful way. Rediger presents nine chapters of information and research, and even offers a three-year plan to incorporate long-range goals. Even if you already have a regular fitness plan, this book is worth a look. WJKP, 2000. PR13.6A103

THE NEW TESTAMENT: A TRANSLATION BY WILLIAM BARCLAY. This tome, first published in 1969, had two goals: to bring the New Testament to the laity, and to offer a translation with enough scholarship that a commentary wouldn't be necessary for a pastor. Considered to be one of his most important works, Barclay's New Testament is a tremendous study aid for pastors and lay persons alike. WJKP, 1968, 1999. PR4.3-3A58

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Church Educator's Corner

Christ is risen-- are you ready? One of the most exciting times in the Christian year is Lent through Easter. It's also hot on the tail of Christmas and usually contains some fine weather that takes our minds off programming. To help you out this year, since Easter is almost as late as it can possibly happen, here are some great resources for that most wondrous of days!

DEATH-DAY LIFE-DAY. An Easter presentation proclaiming the good news of Christ. D4.3-2Y3

THE GOD PLAY. A choral reading for Easter based on Psalm 146. D4.3-2Y4

THE GLORIOUS RAINBOW OF EASTER. A short drama suitable for an Easter sunrise service. One objective is to involve as many youth as possible (min. 7 + one narrator). No memorization is necessary. The conclusion of this Scripture-based drama focuses on God's promise of eternal life for all. D4.3-2Y16

EASTER PARABLE. The question-answer technique is divided between two groups of singers, with flexible possibilities to express the parable of growth of bulbs and plants as a symbol of rebirth and resurrection. PM4.3-2A2 (17)

GLADLY, GLADLY. Avery and Marsh.  For solo and SATB choir. This anthem parallels how God's people have celebrated joyfully and exuberantly after surviving terrible ordeals with the celebration that Easter calls for. PM4.3-2A4

IMAGES OF EASTER. This piece for unison voices with handbells (3 octaves), organ and narration affords an interesting way to teach children about the symbolism of the Easter season. Spoken textual material is interspersed with the music. This festive celebration includes parts for a narrator (an adult or older teenager is suggested) as well as a number of shorter spoken parts for individuals and groups. Choristers Guild. PM4.3-2A8

GOD'S STORY. The Easter Story on video. VC4.3-3C1(f)

TEACHING AND CELEBRATING LENT AND EASTER. Teachers, educators and parents will find many ways to teach and celebrate the season of Lent, the days of Holy Week and Easter. A special feature of this book is a beautiful story for younger children, "A Story About Jesus." PR4.3-2C1

A TIME OF HOPE. Family celebrations and activities for Lent and Easter. PR4.3-2C7

PREPARING FOR EASTER. Designed to affirm Christ's work on earth and hear the call to responsibility. The packet includes reflections on the Lenten Gospel texts, household activities for Lent, a Passover Seder, an Easter Seder, a poster and a sample bulletin insert. PR4.3-2A4

VBS ALERT: We have two preview copies of 2000 Ark Avenue, the ecumenical Vacation Bible School curriculum, sponsored in part by the PCUSA. Also, for those who love The Chronicles of Narnia, we have a preview copy of the VBS Aslan Is on the Move! based on the magical C. S. Lewis series. Though it might require a little more work than some programs, it would be a memorable experience for your church's children.

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What to Do?

Are you looking for something to do? First, come to the Camp Whitman Open House & Barbeque on June 4, and while you're there enjoying our beautiful camp, stop by the Resource Center tables and say hello! Borrow resources from our displays and get a balloon for you or your children. Find out more about what we have here in the Resource Center, which is supported by your mission dollars!

Then, mark your calendar for a trip to Mexico, when the Presbytery sponsors a trip to the Presbytery of Caribe in the Yucatan Peninsula: on February 17-25, 2001. All folks from the Presbytery, age 15 and up, are invited to apply to go on the 6th annual trek to Mexico (those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent). We plan to work in a Guatemalan refugee village near Chetumal. Costs in recent years have averaged $1200-1300, including airfare, accommodations, meals and even a little sight-seeing. Come see what all the fun is about!

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Upcoming Events

Don't miss out on what's happening in the Presbytery! Please contact the Presbytery Office for more information on all events.

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Relay for Life in Bath

On Friday evening, July 14, 2000, people from all walks of life will join together at the Steuben County Fairgrounds in Bath for an American Cancer Society sponsored "Relay for Life, " a twelve-hour walk to raise funds for Cancer" research. One part of the evening is the "Survivors' Walk", a single lap honoring and celebrating survivors of all ages. If you are a survivor and would like to be with us to help celebrate life and hope, please call Gordon Vonderlin at (607) 776-3004. Your victory is hope for others.

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