The Ashland Press

NEWSLETTER
Available in both electronic & print versions

facebook.com/AshlandChurch

AUGUST 2013

33 E. EVESHAM ROAD, VOORHEES, NJ 08043

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 6

A Commitment to Children & Youth

Recently one of the young teens in the church said to me, I used to like coming to the church because my friends were there. I still like that my friends are there, but now, I also just love the church. When he said that, it brought joy to my heart, because it so much reflects what we want to be about here at Ashland Church. We dont want to just provide outstanding opportunities for children and youth to explore and learn about the faith, we also want them begin to see the faith as their own, and know what it means to have a genuine relationship with God and a home in his church. Our Lord Jesus once said, Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them. (Mk 10:14-16) From these simple yet profound words and actions, Jesus shows us something from His heart; that children matter to God. He did not want anyone hindering them from coming to Him for His blessing. Children really do matter to Him, and so also children matter a great deal to us here at Ashland Church. This is why you will see so many efforts and resources of our church focused toward to the important ministries of children and youth. God has given us so many great opportunities to minister, and we never want anything to hinder His children from coming to Him. One way you see this in August is the transformation that takes place in our facility as Vacation Bible School gets underway. The building will be transformed into the Old West, and our people take on the roles of removing any hindrance from children receiving the blessing of Jesus. I want to thank all of you who through your volunteer work, giving of resources, and prayers have supported the important ministry toward Children and Youth. I also want to give special thanks to our Youth Planning Committee who has been so prayerfully and diligently seeking the next steps for the leadership of our Youth since the departure of our Youth Director to lead a church in Central Jersey. It is such a blessing to be a part of a church that sincerely embraces its role to minister to our Children and Youth. Its great to be your Pastor,

Womens Ministry Fall 2013

Crisp, cool nights, baskets of apples, brilliant leaves, orange pumpkins. All right around the corner as we look forward to another fall schedule after Labor Day. Here is what Womens Ministries has planned. September 6-7: Friday night and Saturday: Women of Faith Conference In Philadelphia. Theme: Believe God Can do Anything. We have many ladies attending and I know you will be blessed and inspired. Please see Jenn Riddle for last minute details. Email theriddles619@hotmail.com September 8th: Sunday after church. Ministry Fair. Visit different stations to find out where you might fit in the many outreaches of our church. Please stop by the Womens Ministry booth/room and find out more about this ministry and upcoming events. October 6th: Sunday after church @ 12 Noon. Ladies Covered dish luncheon. We invite all of our ladies from high school on up to come and relax for a while and chat with friends over lunch after the morning service. Bring a main dish, side dish, or dessert to share and hear about our upcoming schedule through January. Look for a sign up sheet near the kitchen hallway late September so we know roughly how many to prepare for. Childcare provided. December 6th: Friday night 6:30 PM. Our annual Ladies Christmas dinner featuring a bell choir after our dinner. Look for reservation cards and more information in November. January 2014: Please look for info about a Sunday School class the first quarter that is just for women and a prayer breakfast at the end of the month. Please join us for as many of these activities as you can. We look forward to growing together! In the meantime please savor these last weeks of summer and come back refreshed. ~ Karen Witt, Director of Womens Ministries 856-627-1334 or wittkj@dca.net

Fall Outreach
This Fall Ashland Church will once again have a table at Cherry Hill's Fall Festival on October 20, 12pm - 4pm. We are looking for volunteers to man the table, do crafts with kids, meet families and also to volunteer for Cherry Hill. For more info contact Janine Fleming or Sarah Johnson.

~Jamie

Youth Group
It is hard to believe that summer is over. It seems that we say that every year and every year it seems as though summer is the season that always passes so quickly. For our youth it has both been quick and full of events. Summer began with our annual summer camp at Velocity. During the summer we had our regular meetings, movie nights, game nights, and pancake breakfasts. We also assisted Urban Promise with their summer camps and we provided dinner for their interns during their time of worship in August. Of course we prepared our specialty, pancakes. Now we are looking forward to what the new school year brings. It is common to speak of programs and students when writing for the newsletter but I would like to take this opportunity to speak of something else, people. After all, when we speak of the body of Christ, the church, we are not speaking of property, programs, and members, we are talking about people. This summer was a great opportunity for me to see people, some maybe for the first time. Many times I found myself in uncomfortable circumstances or in situations I was ill prepared to deal with. I am a planner and over and over, this summer, I saw my plans fail. Yet, it worked out because of people. It was for my good, because I saw people. It is hard not to be proud of our youth but when I saw how God used them, I had to remind myself that they were indeed just youth. Here were persons who took risks to help and to make things better. By watching them deal with rain and injuries and illness at Velocity, I saw the importance of sharing in our relationships and asking for help. When I saw them worship and reveal their hearts to God and each other with voice and action and when I stood in a roomful of teenagers lifting their spirits and hands in praise to God, I saw the benefits of sharing our selves in joyous times. And there were other times. Some one once said that we go to Velocity to come back, not to leave our spirits there, and that is true. Back home, I didnt see students any longer, I saw people who helped and cared. They reached out and over to those that were not like them and became a community in and of themselves and as part of the community we call the church. I count myself fortunate to know them as people for the example they set and the way they care for me. It is very humbling to think that I may be getting more from working with them then they get from me. It wasnt only the youth I saw as people this summer. This church became sharers of my place this summer. To be totally honest, they always were but I am not sure I always saw it. I saw new volunteers step up and take their places in various activities. I saw those whom I knew as youth being the adult leadership. I saw those who had always been the foundation of Ashland encouraging me and, most of all, praying for me. In fact I am sure that I could probably tell you time and day for each prayer because God was so real. I saw relationships deepen as well as develop and I came to understand the words, I belong here in a whole new way. This is why I am excited for this next school year. Youth Group is about community and relationships. Certainly we will continue to see our activities this year that we have always seen and we will see some new things happening also. However, first and foremost we will be looking to build and care for the relationships God has given us. I am extremely grateful for what God has done in my life through all you people who are around me. (I know God has worked in your lives also but this is my article.) I look forward to what God is going to do with us. ~Joe Carty

Ashland Art Ministry

Held a silent auction on June 9th during the community picnic to benefit Eagles Wings, a residence for orphans in Albania. A nice variety of art and craft pieces were donated for this event, revealing hidden talents of some donors. There were drawings, paintings, Tee shirts, ceramics, quilting, basketry,crocheting, wood carving, and jewelry. Some artists took advantage of extra hours of open studio time to work together on their art, and others found stolen moments at home to provide beautiful creations especially for this event. Many thanks to all who participated in this fundraiser. We had lots of help setting up and manning the display. It was great to see the generosity of those who made purchases. The final bids on items totaled over $800, and proceeds from the sales are being handled by our treasurer. These funds will be sent to Eagles Wings after all payments have been received. Since this is our first attempt at a fundraiser like this, any suggestions for improvements are welcome. We hope to continue these efforts in the future. ~ Linda Tait for Ashland Art Ministry

Ashland Art Fall 2013 Schedule

Kids Classes 9/21 - 11/23
The fall session of Saturday kids art classes will begin September 21st and run through November 23rd. Each week we will explore different elements of art with 2D and 3D expressions, using various mediums that include paint, pastels, collage, clay and recycled items. Projects are inspired by our changing seasons and current cultural events. Last spring we also studied figures and proportion, and this fall we will study fun ways to do portraits. The process of creating is stressed more than the final product so students may gain confidence in their own abilities. We will have one combined class for grades K-8 meeting 1-2 pm. This can be expanded to a second class if there is sufficient interest from upper elementary students. A donation of $10 for supplies is suggested.

Teens and Adults Mondays 7-9 PM

This is a relaxed open studio time where you may work on projects of your choice. Beginners are welcome! Sessions will not be held August 12th & 19th, or September 2nd. A donation of $10 for supplies is suggested. Any questions contact me at 856-889-1271 or ljtait@comcast.net ~Linda Tait
Ashland Press August 2013 page 2

A New Outreach/ Ministry in the Works ...

Together with Bethany Christian Services, Ashland hopes to partner to raise awareness of the children who have been orphaned or are in the foster care system. Though it is not within everyone's realm of abilities to be able to foster a child or adopt, we are encouraging you to take some time and meditate on a way in which you can help the orphaned, as God has called us to do. Whether this means prayer, a monetary donation, volunteering within Bethany, or other ways of awareness, we are grateful. In November, Janine Fleming and Emily Dempsey (as well as some possible others) will be attending a Bethany fundraiser and awareness night. After that meeting, we will be equipped to bring more ideas to the table for ways in which you can get involved. Until then, we thank you for your support and prayer as we begin this exciting new partnership! ~ Emily Dempsey Thank you to all our fantastic summer Children's Ministries Volunteers! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We cannot begin to thank you enough for giving of your time to invest in the children God has given us. Whether you volunteered for summer Sunday School, Kids Church, PreSchool Playgroup, Sports and Arts Camp or SonWest RoundUp VBS, your contribution of time is greatly appreciated. What a way to spend your time, through God's plan you are helping to not just make an impact on kids lives but on their eternity!

Dennis Cesare, M.A., LPC Some Encouraging Words Charles Swindoll, in his wonderful book Parenting: From Surviving to Thriving, entitles the seventh chapter Affirming and Encouraging Words to Parents. Perhaps this is a good time to share words that will lift our spirits as we strive to be the parents our children deserve. In reading the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, we encounter an example of a godly parent guiding a difficult child. Jesus is revealing the parenting skills of His own Father, and we can find qualities of an ideal parent if we seek them. It has been said that loneliness is the penalty of leadership, and that can certainly be true of parenting. After all the father had done for his prodigal son, the young man chose to leave. Dad was left with his hopes, a lonely feeling, and the possibility that he may never see his son again. How would God have us react when the difficult times come? They become opportunities to show the qualities He Himself models when His children are in need. 1. The father created a comfortable, nurturing, grace filled environment 2. He was approachable and gracious 3. He knew his child 4. He was willing to listen and risk 5. He released him completely 6. He was willing to wait to see change 7. He was willing to accept, forgive and restore Children have wills of their own, which means we can do everything correctly and not have the result we hoped for. Yet, be assured that your investment is not made in vain. God is never surprised by what happens, and is ready to do the impossible as we continue to seek Him. May He show us how to love our children as He loves and cares for us. In the words of Charles Swindoll, Thank you for fulfilling your role with such devotion and faithfulness, even when youve run out of hope, energy, and ideas.

Parents In Touch

"...but Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

Youth Update

Sunday, September 1st - Youth Clean-Up Night, 5-8:30 PM Because lots of families may be out of town for the holiday, those who are around will be getting together to clean the youth room and other parts of the church. Then we'll head to Rita's to get some water ice for our hard work! Friday, September 13th - Youth Kick-Off Cookout, 7-9 PM Lot's of fun and food will be served-up as we kick-off the new school year and welcome in our newest middle schoolers. Friday, September 27th Game Night Sunday, September 29th - Pancake Breakfast, 10 AM - The youth will be serving pancakes during our fellowship time and should arrive by 9 AM to get things setup. Donations will go toward supporting the youth group. Saturday, October 5th - Youth Car Wash and Bake sale, Come out and support our youth as we work to raise funds for missions trips, camps, and retreats. Friday, October 11th Movie Night Friday, October 25th Game Night

Food Pantry
Park Avenue Community Church
The food pantry continues to serve approximately 225-265 families a month with new people applying for food assistance every month. May ~ 260 families with 541 adults & 320 children June ~ 236 families with 509 adults & 335 children July ~ 226 families with 472 adults & 269 children As always, we thank everyone who contributes in any way to the food pantry! If there is anyone available to help with food deliveries it would be greatly appreciated. Food deliveries are usually the 3rd week of the month. To volunteer or for more information please contact Park Avenue Community Church at (856) 435-0309 and ask for either Jeannine or Angel. Thanks for all of your help. ~Elaine Mackner

Ashland Press August 2013 page 3

Small Groups at Ashland

~Chris Slone

In our culture the church is often seen as just a once a week gathering of acquaintances who believe in Jesus. They grab some coffee and maybe a donut and then sit down for the main event, the sermon. Then the people head off for the rest of their weeks, maybe awkwardly engaging in some small talk, but ultimately having completed their religious duty and meeting their spiritual needs for the week. However, the church is much more than that. While the instruction and learning we get from a sermon is important, the community of the church is perhaps the primary manner by which God most blesses and challenges us. One of the ways we seek to build such relationships with each other at Ashland is through our small groups. If youve never been to one before, dont hesitate to check one out. If you're interested in joining one of the groups listed below, feel free to get in touch with their leader or fill out one of the forms found in the pews on Sunday. If none of these times or locations work for you, please let us know as know so we can look into starting additional groups.

Tuesday mornings at Ashland Tuesday evenings in Stratford Saturday evenings in Marlton Saturday evenings in Cherry Hill Sunday evenings at Ashland

Elynor Smith (856)429-8089 Kevin Gallagher (609)828-6743 Barry & Sonja (856) 810-7596 Greg Goss(856) 313-4452 Darrell Proctor (856) 783-7472

Hello Everyone, I just want to begin by saying thank you on behalf of UrbanPromise for all of your support and prayers. It was so great seeing Ashland youth out providing ice cream sundaes and water games for our fourth graders and I'm excited for these friendships to continue to grow. This summer has been such a blessing and definitely a testimony to God's faithfulness. Everyday is filled with challenges such as lack of resources, extreme heat, and having enough patience for children who are super creative when it comes to coming up with new ways of bending the rules. But along with the challenges, everyday is such a blessing filled with moments when we get the chance to sit with children and pray with them in the midst of tears that God would help their uncle stop drinking so much, or even times when we pray thanking God that their puppy that was lost is now found. UrbanPromise continues to be a place where the children in this city of Camden eagerly wait at the doors at 7:30 AM even though camp doesn't start until 9, because this is the place that they know they will feel safe and loved. So please continue to keep Urban Promise in your prayers that God continues to use this ministry to serve the city of Camden. ~Ashley Holmes

ABC Ministry Update

Last Call for Donations - The ABC Committee plans to ship on Monday, August 19 a container-load of all the material donations received for distribution to the children at Kwabeng, Ghana. We are still in need of used laptops and desktop PCs as well as new and used sneakers. Please, drop off your donation at the church by Sunday, August 18 and be sure to attach a note with your name. Sponsors for ABC Scholars - Special thanks to our Ashland Church family and others from our local community for making it possible for ABC to award full scholarships to thirteen, smart youth from very poor families at Kwabeng to enable them attend various High Schools in the country. Praise and thanks be to our God for the successful graduation of seven of the students last month. The ABC Committee is appealing for new sponsors for the 2013 applicants, who are expected to report to their High Schools in October. The annual cost per student is $600 which can be paid in installments. You may also choose to co-sponsor a student for $300 a year or simply donate any amount to the Scholarship Fund by using the ABC envelopes at the back of each pew. If you have any questions about the award, please contact Fred Acheampong blackstar932@gmail.com or 856-534-9565. ABC Library Update - The new ABC Library at Kwabeng, Ghana, which our congregation funded and donated to the people of the town is reportedly being patronized extensively by the students and teachers. The library is the first and only one in the town and also within 25 miles radius from the town! The ABC committee will continue to rely upon our congregation for the librarys monthly operating expenses of $150.

Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday School
Join us for our Fall Kickoff on Sunday, September 8 at 9 AM. Meet your child's Sunday School Teachers. Children & Youth entering 1st grade or Middle School will move up into their new classes.

Wednesday Night Choirs Children's Programs

and

Will resume Wed, September 11. Every Wednesday our children meet for choirs at 6:30 followed by our Children Program where Preschool and Elementary children enjoy fun Bible lessons, games and snacks, and 4th - 6th grade students dig deep into God's word, have fun and eat some delicious snacks at FougCrew.

Children's Ministries Training

There will be a brief children's ministries training Sunday, September 15 following the service as we kickoff the new ministry year. All Sunday School, Kids Church and Wednesday Night Volunteers are requested to attend. Parents are also welcome to come and here what will be happening this coming year.

Thank you so much for helping to make a difference!

Ashland Press August 2013 page 4

Adult Education Plans

9 AM Sunday Mornings

Winter 2014 ~
For Women Only...What would it mean to embrace a lifestyle of gratitude? What would it mean if we were more aware of Gods abundant gifts and less focused on our fatigue, our disappointments, our discouragement and grief. Based on Ann Voskamps best selling book One Thousand Gifts we invite you to attend a Bible Study, just for women, that explores this very subject during our Sunday School Hour. Come see how a life infused with thankfulness can bring more peace and joy into your life. The class will be held at 9 AM for 13 weeks starting January 5th. Hope to see you there! ~Karen Witt

Fall 2013 ~ Christianity Explored Session one - Sept 8 - Oct 20 ~ This Course takes us on a journey through the Gospel of Mark, exploring three questions that cut to the heart of Christianity: Who was Jesus? Why did He come? What does Jesus demand of those who want to follow Him?

Ephesians - Sept 8 - My Christian faith is really all about my

personal relationship with Jesus. I can have church anywhere. I dont need to go to a building or be with a lot of people. My friends and I do church at our favorite coffee shop. Why should I join a local church? Im a Christian so Im part of the universal body of Christ. Isnt that enough? Paul however shows us a radically different view of church in his letter to the Ephesians. Christianity is far more corporate and public than we might expect. We are redeemed individually, but we are placed in a family. Living out the Christian life means living together with others who love the same Lord. It means actively participating in the church, for the church is Gods only plan to raise us to full maturity in Jesus Christ. The ten sessions in this Good Book Guide will help us, as groups or individuals, to discover from Pauls letter the richness of Gods grace in His church, and to grow as part of the body of Christ Also meeting Sunday evenings at 7 PM.

Christianity Explored ~ Session Two Spring 2014 ~

Parenting Class ~ Instructing a Child's Heart From interaction with their peers to the instruction and correction that they receive at home, Children interpret their experience from a worldview that seeks to answer their fundamental questions: Who am I? What do I exist for? Where can I find joy? We need to provide our children with a consistent, persuasive, biblical framework for understanding the world God has made and their place in it.Instructing a Child's Heart is essential to Shepherding a Child's Heart. The instruction that you provide for them not only informs their mind; it is directed to persuading their hearts of the wisdom and truthfulness of God's ways. Impress truth on the hearts of your children, not to control or manage them, but to point them to the greatest joy and happiness that they can experience delighting in God and the goodness of His ways.

Begins October 27

New Members Class

Service Opportunities
Voorhees Pediatrics ~ The 2nd Sunday of every Month we do a Sunday School Class for the children there. Contact Janine janine@ashlandchurch.org if you would like to serve. Brightview Assisted Living ~ on Cooper Street in Woodbury is starting an intergenerational craft time, once a month. If you plan on coming, and need the date, please contact Stephanie Wiley at (856) 625-4125 or swiley4124@gmail.com. UrbanPromise ~ We are in the process of scheduling fall work days and will provide a meal for their Summit. Dates TBA Park Avenue Community Church Food Bank 431 Hilltop Avenue, Somerdale Tues. 11AM-12:30 PM; Thurs. 2-3:30 PM
Ashland Press August 2013 page 5

Worship Arts...
Instrumental music Vocal music Video or Audio production Scripture presentation Dance Art What is your gifting and passion? As fall is approaching, please begin to consider how you might contribute to the worship arts ministry at Ashland. As you can see, worship arts ministry does not stop during the summer months; but, the new season does bring new opportunities to share your talents. Please talk to me about the possibility of serving Ashland by sharing your talents this fall. ~ Carol Holmes

HARVESTAMERICAN.COM

PRAY
33 E. Evesham Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043-1168

What is HarvestAmerica?
September 28-29 Wells Fargo Center Harvest America is a live nationwide event, streamed from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to thousands of participating locations across the countryincluding churches, theaters, businesses, and living rooms. Featuring performances by top Christian artists and a clear gospel message by Greg Laurie, the goal of Harvest America is to impact a nation desperately in need of hope.

Write down the names of five people you want to see come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. FAMILY: FRIEND: NEIGHBOR: CO-WORKER: OTHER: Go to the website and add them to the prayer cloud at HarvestAmerica.com

PRAY
For an opportunity to invite them. That their hearts will be prepared for the gospel That they will say yes to the invitation to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

MERCYME KIRK FRANKLIN JEREMY CAMP NEEDTOBREATH LECRAE THE KATINAS

September 15, 2013

INVITE
Whom will you invite? Pray for them and invite them!

BRING
facebook.com/AshlandChurch
Dont come alone. Ask them if you can bring them. Most people who respond to the invitation are brought by a friend.

Our Mission
To seek the lost and grow disciples who worship and enjoy our Lord.

Our Vision
To be a Covenant Family in our community which is transformed by the Gospel, empowered by the Spirit, and focused by our Mission.

Sunday Mornings at Ashland Church

Sunday School 9 AM (infants to adults) Age appropriate Christian Education for everyone Fellowship time 10 AM 10:30 AM Worship KIDS Church Elementary children are dismissed during the Worship Service for a multi-media, Biblical and fun lesson during the sermon time of the worship service. Nursery While their parents worship service, infants through Pre-K have a fun playtime and lessons at their level.

Weekly at Ashland Church

Sunday: Middle School Sr. High School Youth Group 6:30 PM Monday: Blanket Making/Knitting ~2nd Monday at 9:30 AM
Art Class 7 PM Set Free 7 PM Youth Lounge Tuesday: Mens Prayer Group 6:15 - 7 AM ~ in the pastors office Women In Ministry Meeting - 2nd Tuesday at 7 PM Worship Team 7:30 PM Wednesday: Youth Bible Study (6th - 12th grades) 7 PM Adult Choir 7:10 PM Thursday: Set Free Addictions Recovery Group 7 PM Saturday: Mens Breakfast 2nd Saturday at 8 AM @ Stratford Diner Dance Class (Details to follow!)

August 2013

Ashland Press

Ashland Church 33 E. Evesham Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043

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