Gary Platts Obituary: Gary Platts’s Obituary by the Courier Press.

Gary Platts

HUNTINGBURG, Ind. — Gary R. "Tree" Platts, 52, died Nov. 13, 2009, at The Waters of Huntingburg.

He worked various jobs in several states and was a member of First Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are his daughter, Arianna Kane; parents, Donald and Patricia; sister, Laura; and brother, Kenneth.

Services 2 p.m. Wednesday at Marcum Funeral Home in New Castle, burial is pending. Visitation is 3 to 8 p.m. today EST at Nass & Son Funeral Home and 10 a.m. to services at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society .

Published in Courier Press on November 16, 2009

 
 

Inserted from <http://obits.courierpress.com/obituaries/courierpress/obituary-print.aspx?n=gary-platts&pid=136023270>

The Courier Times - New Castle, IN | David Nelson Ford

Monday, November 09, 2009     David Nelson Ford     Monday, November 09, 2009         David Nelson Ford, age 72, resident of rural Springport, passed away Sunday at Henry County Hospital.     He was born October 30, 1937 in New Castle, a son of the late Frederick and Rosemond Pride Ford.     He was a resident of Henry County most of his life, and was a graduate of Cadiz High School. He served with the United States Air Force for 8 years and was stationed in Japan and Greenland.     Mr. Ford was retired from General Motors after many years of service, and was assigned to Delco Remy and Magnaquench Factories. He was a member of United Auto Worker's Union #662.     He loved sharing time with his family, and enjoyed fishing, nature, outdoors, and working on his farm. He attended the 1st Presbyterian Church.     He is survived by: wife, Edith Rouse Ford whom he married April 15, 1967; 1 son, Matthew David Ford (companion Ramona Ritchey and son Andrew) of Higginsville, Missouri; 3 siblings, Rodney Ford (wife Dixie), Fred Ford (wife Patty), and Teresa Ingle (husband Grant) all of New Castle, Indiana; also, many nieces, nephews, and cousins; brother-in-law, Dennis Rouse (wife Rose) of Rushville, Indiana; sister-in-law, Patricia Parmley (husband Charles) of Somerset, Kentucky.     He was preceded in death by: his parents and 1 son, Andrew Nelson "Andy" Ford.     Visitation will be 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in New Castle, Indiana. Funeral Service will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at the 1st Presbyterian Church with Rev. Rex Espiritu officiating. Burial will be on a later date at Raleigh Cemetery in Rush County. Military Honors will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.     Memorial contributions may be made to: the Diabetes Association, New Castle Animal Shelter, and the Henry County Heart Association.     Arrangements are being handled by Macer-Hall Funeral Home with Funeral Directors: Sam Hall, Gary Hall, and Mike Ragan conducting the services.     Online condolences may be sent to www.macerhall.com     Nov. 8, 2009
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PC(USA) - Presbyterian News Service - The Discernment journey

 
 

 
 

 
 

Home > News Service > The Discernment journey

 
 

09967

November 9, 2009

The Discernment journey

A monthly column for the PC(USA) by the General Assembly Stated Clerk

by the Rev. Gradye Parsons

PC(USA) General Assembly stated clerk

LOUISVILLE — Folks often wonder how an overture makes its way to a General Assembly. It is not a speedy process, but it's an effective one that involves discernment through prayer, the study of Scripture, and careful listening to others.

An overture generally starts with an individual idea or inspiration. From there, one of the foundational understandings of our polity is lived out: Decisions are made not by one person, but by people discerning together the mind of Christ.

Often, an overture's first step involves members of the session of a congregation discerning together whether the issue on their hearts should be addressed by the whole PC(USA). In my experience, this is rarely done at one meeting, but over time.

The session sends the overture to the presbytery, where it is considered by a committee. The committee members prayerfully discern together the mind of Christ about the issue, listening to the voice of the session and to one another, as well as their own understanding of Scripture. The committee then sends the overture to the full presbytery, where elders and ministers discuss its merits and answer the critical question: Is this an issue for the whole church?

If approved by the presbytery, the overture goes to the General Assembly, where it will carry the presbytery's name and require the presbytery's support.

General Assembly commissioners and advisory delegates consider the overture in committee, discerning together by listening to voices with wider experiences, to different understandings of Scripture, and to the Spirit speaking through prayer. The item then goes to the whole assembly where, again, listening and seeking are the primary discernment actions.

If the overture passes, its journey continues as congregations, presbyteries, synods, and General Assembly agencies discern what it means for their ministry and witness.

The journey of an overture involves the entire Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It travels the long distance through our discernment as the whole church, listening for what God is calling the church to be and to do.

Let us all be ready to listen.

 
 

Inserted from <http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09967.htm>

Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So

As we celebrated in this season of homecoming with our sisters and brothers in Christ through anointed worship and praise led by Buchanon Unity ministering in music with us last Sunday, I am continuing to be filled, basking in the afterglow of the Holy Spirit's blessing upon our offering as the Lord leads us anew in the journey of faith. One of the sayings we shared in song together was the saying, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…" Having sung and said that, let me say a thing or two here about "sayings" so….

 
 

Have you ever stopped and wondered how often certain witty sayings may come to mind given various situations one may encounter on a given day?

 
 

In my own experience, the thought was brought on recently upon noting John Wooden's 99th birthday as reported by the L.A. Times in which one article listed 99 things about this former UCLA basketball coach. A significant portion of the Twitter-verse (as the universe of Twitter is sometimes referred to) was, on that day last week, all a-Twitter with many a wise quote shared by fans and admirers of this legendary man. Even now, a week or so later, a search on Twitter reveals many social media network users sharing their favorite quotes of his with one another and a whole world of other followers.

 
 

It is worth noting here that our own C.L.A.S.S. (Christian Living At Sunday School) offering on Sunday mornings at First Presbyterian Church includes a group led by John Lansinger in gleaning from John Wooden's life as they read through his book, "A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court" together. His lifetime of observations and reflections are not only to be applicable in the game of basketball, but they hold treasures of wisdom and insight to be savored beyond the world of sports, with lessons to be learned and applied for his whole life to be lived well. And not just for himself, but for others' lives as well.

 
 

All this got me thinking further this week as we approach the sometimes so-called "Stewardship season" and how that kind of language reflecting a particular sort of narrowed mindset is in need of reformation. How we refer to certain notions of living faithfully in the world can reveal a lack of understanding on our part of the bigger picture, showing an aspect of our lived theology that is in need of correction.

 
 

The following two corrective sayings come to mind: "Stewardship is not a Sunday. It's a lifestyle." "Reformation is not only for a time. It's an ongoing process." That is, stewardship is a transformative way of living from day to day. It is, in effect, responding with love and care for others, in gratitude of heart, for and by the grace we have abundantly and extravagantly been given in Christ. And reformation is, really, a continual changing of heart and mind to become more and more like Jesus. As the Latin saying goes from the time of the great reformation, "reformata et semper reformanda". We are, as Christians in the Reformed tradition, reformed and always reforming according to the Word of God.

 
 

The last Sunday of October is marked on our church calendar as a time when we celebrate, recognize and observe the Reformation. As I shared with our confirmation class a few weeks ago, this year is especially significant in that we are remembering the 500th birthday of the one regarded as the father of Presbyterianism, the venerable reformer, John Calvin. Let us celebrate well by continually, ever more so, living into the lives God has called us to live with one another. Not just for ourselves, but for the world around us in desperate need of the sure hope we have in the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 
 

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so in new ways with sayings that reflect God's glory and which effect His redeeming grace in Christ for the world. Amen. --Pastor Rex

Revive at 6:15!

Come to worship Wednesday night!

Join us in this Homecoming season as we

sing to the Lord at our midweek Revive! service of prayer and praise on

October 14 at 6:15 p.m.

 

 

Come join with us on Wednesday evenings!

for

A Fall Festival of Celebrations in Praise and Worship

NEW TIME - 6:15 p.m.

 

Inserted from <http://newcastlefpc.org>

PC(USA) - General Assembly Mission Council - October 2, 2009, letter from the Executive Director

 
 

 
 

Home > General Assembly Mission Council > Letters from the Executive Director > October 2, 2009

 
 

October 2, 2009

Give, act and pray

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Anytime a disaster hits, whether it leaves a home burned, a community flooded or an entire island flattened, full recovery is a long-term process.  We ask you now for churchwide call to prayer for all those affected by disasters, especially for those who — in just the past two weeks — have experienced flooding in the southeastern United States, a typhoon in the Philippines, earthquakes in Indonesia or earthquakes compounded by a tsunami in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, using funds from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, has already begun to respond, either directly to the presbyteries here in the United States or through our mission partners around the world.

This week alone two earthquakes rocked areas of Indonesia.  In West Sumatra, more than 10,000 homes and businesses have been affected and 1,000 lives lost, with this count expected to rise. PDA has been in contact with our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Indonesia, Rebecca Young. Becca works with the Jakarta Theological Seminary and is also a PDA liaison for disaster situations that strike the region. PDA is also working with our partners Yayasan Tanggul Bencana di Indonesia, Yakkumm Emergency Unit, Church World Service and Action by Churches Together (ACT). Once assessments of the damage are reported, we will have a better understanding of the funding needed for long-term recovery.

Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam just days ago, with the Philippines being the worst affected. Mandatory evacuations have been issued, as a second typhoon is expected in a matter of days.  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance will be supporting relief efforts through our mission partners, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and through a broader appeal by ACT.

A tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake has devastated Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. More than 32,000 people are displaced, with the death toll rising daily. PDA has been in communication with CWS, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency as it relates to American Samoa. Once assessments begin to be reported, PDA will be ready to respond with funding.

And let us remember our brothers and sisters here in the Southeast that experienced massive flooding last week.  PDA is responding to needs in three  presbyteries — Cherokee, Greater Atlanta and Northeast Georgia.  Six PDA National Response Team members responded, and five are still on the ground assessing the damage and assisting with response coordination. Twelve churches in Greater Atlanta Presbytery have requested assistance.  PDA has responded by sending $40,000: $10,000 to support the initial response by the presbytery for needs in the community and $30,000 as a fund for the presbytery to use in support of the 12 effected churches.  In addition, $10,000 has been sent to Cherokee Presbytery to help with immediate relief and $10,000 is being sent to Northeast Georgia Presbytery.  All of these funds have come from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.  We take this opportunity to thank you for those gifts.  PDA will continue to be in communication with these presbyteries and is prepared to respond to further requests.

We encourage you to pray for all those suffering from these tremendous natural disasters.  We anticipate large appeals for funding.  If you are called to give, please do so through PDA account number DR000148.

Almighty and everlasting God, You are strength to those who suffer and comfort to those who grieve. Let the prayers of your children who are in trouble rise to you.

We claim your promises of wholeness as we pray for those who are ill or are suffering loss and long for your healing touch.

Make the weak strong, the sick healthy, the broken whole, and confirm those who serve them as agents of your love.

Yours in Christ,

Linda Valentine, executive director, General Assembly Mission Council

Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator of the 218th General Assembly

 
 

Inserted from <http://www.pcusa.org/gamc/letters/100209.htm>

Response to flooding in Georgia and Philippines

Subject	Response to flooding in Georgia and Philippines
From	Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN)
To	NewCastleFPC
Sent	Tuesday, September 29, 2009 1:46 PM

 
 

You are receiving this email because you signed up to get critical bulletins about Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) relief efforts.

Who we are | Current responses | Volunteer opportunities | Your gifts at work | Give now

Georgia Flooding

Torrential rains falling on saturated soil has caused flooding throughout parts of Alabama, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina and Georgia. Most affected in Georgia where at least 3,000 homes have been damaged. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue issued a state of emergency for 18 counties and has asked President Barack Obama for an emergency federal disaster declaration. Four PC(USA) presbyteries are affected, Cherokee, Greater Atlanta, Northeast Georgia and Flint River.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is responding and has sent One Great Hour of Sharing funds and members of the PDA National Response Team to help the affected presbyteries in their response and recovery efforts. The Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rome, Georgia is serving as a distribution point for relief items and Gift of the Heart kits. The church is certified to serve as a shelter for people and pets should the need arise.

Gifts to DR000015 strengthens PDA's ability to response to disasters in the United States.  Also consider making Gift-of-the Heart kits to replenish those sent to help in the response.  Read the full report.

Philippines

Typhoon "Ketsana", locally known as "Ondoy", swept across metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon on Saturday, September 26, 2009, and brought a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours. The waters rose so fast that people living in low lying areas were caught unaware and had to stay on the roofs of their houses to avoid being swept away by the floods. At least 140 died from the storm, and more than 450,000 people have been displaced and have sought shelter in schools, churches and other evacuation shelters.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding through with our partners, The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP). Local churches in the affected communities have been opened their premises as evacuation and relief centers to provide a safe haven for the displaced families. They are helping to provide the families with basic humanitarian assistance of food, drinking water, non-food relief items, basic medicines and personal hygiene necessities.

An international appeal by Action by Churches Together (ACT) will be forthcoming and PDA will support the appeal for addition relief items with One Great Hour of Sharing funds.

Gifts to DR000012 will help PDA's response to Tropical Storm Ketsana in the Philippines. Read the full report.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is now on Facebook.  Please sign-up as a Fan of the PDA page.   Sign in to Facebook, search for "Presbyterian Disaster Assistance" and become a FAN.

Who we are | Current responses | Volunteer opportunities | Your gifts at work | Give now

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