PASTOR'S MESSAGE AND HERITAGE HAPPENINGS FOR MARCH 17

  
This Sunday we read a strange and eerie story that will have the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.  No, we are not reading from a Stephen King novel but the Holy Bible in Genesis 15 where a very ancient ceremony takes place and involves the slaughter of animals to make a bloody passageway.  Stephen King only wishes he came up with the plot of this story but the copyright belongs to God.  This was the first step in covenant-making and one that bound the two covenant-makers in blood.  Not something one would walk into lightly.  

 
This is a story you won’t want to miss on this Second Sunday of Lent as we journey to the cross together.  It will open your eyes to see the stars in the sky even on a starless night.  It will give you peace when your life or life around you keeps you awake at night.      

 
Be blessed. 

 
Pastor Karen

NEED HELP TO FILL THE COOKIE JAR for fellowship time.  The Deacons are asking for help to fill the cookie cupboard with packages of cookies for the congregation to enjoy during fellowship on Sundays.  Please no cookies with nuts.

ADULT EDUCATION continues the Lenten series, Dying Well. See the insert in this week’s bulletin for more information on each class.  This week is “Planning for After the Death” led by Pastor Karen.

THE WIRED WORD meets at 10:45 a.m. to discuss current events alongside the Bible.   

LOST EARRING? It’s been found.  Call the church office to claim it. 

DAILY DEVOTIONALS for March/April/May are now available on the information table in the Narthex.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING collection will be held on Palm Sunday. OGHS is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world.

PITTSBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY is offering their 2019 Lenten Devotional online. This free resource provides a devotional for each day of Lent based on the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s daily lectionary. The devotionals are written by the Seminary’s Class of 2018 with additional contributions by students and alumnae and can be accessed in various ways: receive daily emails by going to www.pts.edu  to subscribe, follow on Facebook or Twitter, download the free app, or request a printed copy by calling 412-362-5610.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, a grief support group meets the first Thursday of the month.  The next gathering is Thursday, April 4th at 11:30 a.m. in Heritage House.  Bring a dish to share for a light potluck lunch.

WHAT’S ON TAP TUESDAY?   Men’s fellowship meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Dubina’s Brewery, 67th Ave., just north of Bell Rd.  Bring your Bible.  Next meeting is April 9th. 

BIBLE & BRUNCH meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Next meeting is April 10th  at 10:00 a.m. Bring a dish to share.  All are welcome.

THE PRAYER SHAWL GROUP meets at PuraTea Water, 3515 W. Union Hills Dr. #101 every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to knit, crochet items for those who need to be wrapped in prayer.  Beginners are welcome.

TUTOR COORDINATOR needed to oversee tutoring program at Heritage including students, adult tutors, and materials.   See Pastor Karen for more information. 

CPR/FIRST AID CLASS being offered at Heritage.  Cost is $65.00 and includes the 4 hour class, book, mask kit, pocket mask and certification card.  Indicate if you are available days or evenings on the sign-up sheet in the narthex.

H.A.R.T. (HELPING AT RISK TEENS) have the following items on their wish list: canned soup, ramen noodle packs, oatmeal packets, hot chocolate mix, fruit cups or applesauce. 

PER CAPITA is the first envelope in your offering box. Per Capita is a set amount of money (apportionment) per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for their Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly operating budgets.   Your contribution to Per Capita helps Heritage to pay it’s per capita apportionment of $5,365.00 in 2019. This year per capita is $36.25 for each member.  

CHARITABLE TAX CREDIT contribution forms for HABITAT FOR HUMANITY are on the table in the narthex. You no longer need to itemize your charitable contributions to be eligible and the credit reduces your overall Arizona state income tax liability.  Married couples can contribute up to $800 and single taxpayers up to $400.  Send your check with the form or write “Heritage Presbyterian Church” in the memo line so your contribution goes toward our next build with the Presbyterian Coalition.  

WORSHIP ASSISTANT sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex or call Kathy Jones if interested.

TUTORING is held at 10:45 a.m. Tutors are to gather in Heritage House after worship.  

COFFEE sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex to order JUSTO CAFÉ from a coffee farm co-op in Mexico to support workers and their families.  Each bag is $10.00 and includes cost of shipping.  

EYEGLASSES NEEDED for the Lions Club Foundation Eyeglass Program. Look for the box in the Narthex to make your donation.  

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