Markham Messenger - Markham Woods Presbyterian
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Markham Messenger
By: Rev. Joe Wendorph
“Deja Vu All Over Again”
Many folks today know little about the 5-foot 8-inch man with only an eight-grade education; however, “Yogi” is fa-
mous for two reasons. Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra was a three-time MVP, and according to most sports historians,
he was perhaps the most dangerous lifetime .285 hitter in baseball history. He played in an unthinkable 75 World Se-
ries games with a base hit in an amazing 71 of them. Later, as a manager, he took both the New York Yankees and
New York Mets to the World Series.
Aside from all of Berra's accomplishments on and off the baseball diamond, he may be as well known for his wit as
for his Hall of Fame baseball talents. His "yogi-isms" are some of the most well-known quotes around, even if you
didn't know they came from Yogi.
"When you come to a fork in the road.... take it."
"You can observe a lot by just watching."
"It ain't over till it's over."
"We made too many wrong mistakes."
"No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded."
"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there."
"The future ain’t what it used to be."
"If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."
"Ninety percent of the game is half mental."
"Never answer an anonymous letter."
"I never said most of the things I said."
Of all the great "yogi-isms" which have made it into the American lexicon, possibly the most famous is, “It’s déjà vu all
over again.” I know, redundant, but that’s what made it funny. According to webster and wikipedia, Déjà vu is the
illusion of remembering scenes and events when experienced for the first time or feeling that one has lived through
the present situation before. The origin of this phrase comes from the French and translates literally to "already
seen".
As the summer began, I believe many of us felt a renewed sense of life pulsing in our community. The church began
to fill and the dynamics in worship came alive. Small growth groups once again began to meet, and the food returned
to our fellowship gatherings. Speaking for myself, I started to feel more “normal.” Then, in late spring, the Delta vari-
ant was sprung. Delta is the name for the B.1.617.2. variant, a SARS-CoV-2 mutation that originally surfaced in In-
dia. Now it’s beginning to feel like “It’s déjà vu all over again!”
If your worry is on the rise, remember, "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because
you might not get there." The dynamics of worship is a vital part of the community of Jesus Christ, His church. I’ve
seen the change in-person worship has made to people in their mental outlook and energy. As variants come and go,
I want you to know a few things about our church. The entire staff of MWPC has been vaccinated. And some have
been tested as recently as the past several weeks. All tests came back negative.
We will continue our diligence in individual communion packages, no passing of offering plates or sign-in pads.
Masks and sanitizer remain available. In fact, you may see some of our staff wearing masks again. Although vac-
cinated, some of our folks have medical histories, and as an extra precaution,
they wear a mask.
For people of faith, we have “already seen” as well. We have seen the work of
Christ through the Holy Spirit change the world and change our lives. As Yogi
said, "It ain't over till it's over." We still have much to do right here! Christ has
not returned yet, which means our ministry continues, expands, and over-
comes. If "Ninety percent of the game is half mental," then Philippians 4:13 is
your memory verse for the day, “I can do all things through Him who strength-
ens me.” August 2021
2 The Markham Messenger
By: Finance Committee
Financial Report
MWPC cash flow year-to-date through June 30 remains positive thanks to strong pledge support and
overall lower expenses which have offset reductions in other income. The church has experienced sever-
al unusual maintenance expenses but the costs have been managed. Additionally, capital reserves
have been used to cover some unexpected capital costs, such as a new fire alarm control panel (to meet
code requirements) and repair of a fire system isolation valve (to pass the 5-year fire system inspection).
Session continues to monitor the overall cash flow to ensure all commitments remain supported. Sum-
mer months will be monitored closely as that is the time of lower overall income. Overall campus cash
flow dropped by $10K in June which aligned with expectations. Church cash position increased by $1K.
Heathrow Christian Academy cash flow remains positive with support of higher enrollment during the
early months of 2021, grant money, and second draw on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
Sufficient cash flow now exists to cover costs during the summer months.
Following is a summary for the church portion of the campus budget. Overall cash flow remains the key
measurement for Session’s attention.
MWPC Budget Actual
Church Income $360,900
Church Expenses $347,300
Overall (Income less Expenses) $13,600
Session Notes By: Bryan Southard
Session approved the following:
Baptism of Grayson Michael Venezia, child of Michael and Sara Venezia (daughter of the Gierach’s) on
July 25 at 11:00 a.m. service.
Session approved baptism on August 22, 2021 of Blake and Payton Orinski, children of Mike and Jenny
Orinski, and grandchildren of Darla and the late David Lanier.
Approved modifying the previously approved single service at 10 a.m. for re-connection Sunday from
August 22 to August 29.
Approved discontinuing the disinfection of the pews.
Approved participating in the prosecution regarding the stolen checks. Church office to work with state
prosecutor.
By: Pastor Joe
Summers End...
Each year, as summer comes to a close, we begin to focus on a new season in the church. The leader-
ship, guided by our vision and sense of how God is moving, plans months in advance to offer paths for
our church community to join with God in connecting. Traditionally, we present an opportunity on a partic-
ular Sunday, to showcase the multiple small groups, service ministries and missions where we can coop-
erate with God in His connecting purposes in our disconnected world.
I want you to begin thinking and praying now so you may be prepared to link up together with each other
and with God through one or more of the multiple connecting opportunities. There is so much to be
gained, yet there may be some in our church family who have yet to experience what God is doing right
now, right here. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines of life when Jesus is calling you to get in the game!
To prepare, just think about this and pray.
3 The Markham Messenger
An August Reflection By: REV. JODY MASK
Can you believe August is here already? Where did the summer go? It seems like it just started the other
day with our Vacation Bible School!
Though astronomically summer doesn't end until late September, our internal social calendars consider
summer to be the time between school years. That's too short a time, in my opinion! I love the "downtime"
that summer brings. It's a time to recharge your batteries, so to speak. It's a time to rest, reflect and re-
new.
As such, I spent my vacation time in July largely at home, just catching up on some things. Ellen and I
would walk a few miles every morning, but other than that, the days were mostly unstructured. We might
run some errands or visit with friends and family here or there. One day we went to the beach and hung
out with the crabs. But by and large, we were practicing downtime, just enjoying each other's company
without a hectic schedule.
Of course, we love to go places like anyone else does. Vacationing away from home has its own benefits.
And I expect we will take such a trip before long. Given the chaos of air travel these days, we may drive
instead of fly. And we will keep an eye on the resurgence of COVID-19 due to the Delta variant.
But for now, it is August. A month when life roars back as we start to fill our calendars again, send the
kids back to school, and firm up plans for the fall (and maybe for the rest of the year!).
You may know that "august" is a word defined as "marked by majestic dignity or grandeur." When used
this way, you emphasize the second syllable, not the first. It comes from Latin augustus, meaning
"consecrated" or "venerable." A deeper dive into the origin of the word reveals that in 8 BCE the Roman
Senate honored Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, by changing the name of their month
"Sextilis" to "Augustus."
And as I researched this background, I remembered that our whole calendar comes from Rome. Only
May has a Greek rather than Roman name origin. The Julian calendar, so-called since it was established
by Julius Caesar, was tweaked by Pope Gregory in 1582 to account for the fact that it actually takes a
little longer than 365 days for the earth to revolve around the sun. So our current calendar is called the
Gregorian.
There have been many proposals for alternative calendars over the years, mostly for the sake of con-
sistency in financial interest calculation. Some of these function by adding leap days, as ours does now,
or extra weeks, depending on how many days occur in each month. The tricky part is reconciling the tra-
ditional 7-day pattern for a week with these models. If such discussions interest you, start here: https://
www.wired.com/2011/12/rational-calendar/
As Christians, we do well to observe the movement of God throughout time as we know it, and to recog-
nize the timelessness of God. The Presbyterian Directory for Worship (part of The Book of Order) says
"Time, space, and matter are all created by God, redeemed by Christ, and made holy by the Spirit.
Through Christian worship—at certain times, in particular places, and with material gifts—we participate
in God’s plan for the redemption of time, space, and matter for the glory of God." (W-1.0201)
So, whether we are in our own personal downtime, or are seeking to ramp up another season of busy-
ness, we do well to remember who orders time for us, and for whom we are called to make time in wor-
ship and loving service to our neighbors. Nothing can be more august (marked by majestic dignity or
grandeur) than considering this simple call and commandment.
5 The Markham Messenger
Hey Impact! By: Clayton and Cassidy
We hope everyone enjoyed Impact’s month full of adventure! We went to Wekiva Island, Funspot, and
Battle-Ground Orlando! July was packed with lots of fun but sadly the time has come to go back to
school. But no worries, we still have lots of fun events coming up. Check out the information below to
learn about what is happening in Impact for the month of August.
Date Event Time
August 7 Paint the Rock Night! I know it has been a while but PAINT THE 6:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.
ROCK IS FINALLY BACK! High school juniors and seniors are invited
to this event. We will be enjoying dinner before we paint the rock in
front of the Student Center. Pastor Joe will be talking about the appli-
cation process for the Mary Hall Scholarship.
August 13, 20 & 27 Impact! On Fridays from 6:30-8:30pm in the Student Center. We will 6:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.
be having a scripture lesson, serving dinner, and playing games.
October 1-3 Youth & Family Retreat! Let’s go camping! October 1-3 we are going
to Camp Sparta. In the upcoming weeks I will be giving out more infor-
mation about the pricing of this event, but I thought I would share the
fun news and give everyone enough time to mark their calendars.
Welcome to August! By: Cindy Anderson
The summer has flown by and school will be starting very soon! The end of summer and the beginning of school
mark the time to reconnect with the activities of the church. On Sunday, August 29th, MWPC will be hosting their
annual Connection Sunday, but this year it is more of a RE-Connection after having been virtual for more than a
year. We were created to be in relationship with each other, and this is accomplished in many ways. One way is
with our church community. Being a member of a church can be overwhelming, especially if you are new or, in our
case, socially distanced for a long time. Having been a member of MWPC myself for more than 10 years now, I've
made connections in a number of ways. First was joining the moms group, then of course, was attending the Sun-
day services. Both of my girls attended the MWPC pre-school (as it was called back then) and I have taught Sun-
day School and was a VBS Volunteer (my favorite week of the year). I've attended Alpha, Disciple 1, and the Mar-
riage Course; as well as having been a member of the Missions Committee. Furthermore, my eldest daughter and I
attend the History of Christianity class. My girls have both been VBS youth volunteers as well as a part of the IM-
PACT Youth Group. My youngest daughter volunteers on the soundboard every Sunday during the contemporary
service. My husband can be seen on campus making repairs and grilling on special occasions. The place where I
feel most connected with the church is through my small group women's Bible study: Salt & Light (aka Salty Sis-
ters). Oh, how I'm looking forward to our weekly gatherings again to learn more about Jesus, grow in our faith, and
pray for and support of each other.
My point is not to say, "look at what I've done", because not everything has been for me. If I hadn't joined in and
tried different activities, I wouldn't have discovered what does suit me. Nonetheless, I have met wonderful people in
our church community and that has been a blessing to me and our family. Hopefully, I've been a faithful servant too.
There is something for everyone in the family regardless of age and availability of time. I encourage you to prayer-
fully consider the options MWPC has to offer for you and your family; and reconnect with the church family this fall!
Many blessing to you and your family.
4 The Markham Messenger
By: Chris Leinenkugel
Re-Connection DAY – WHAT’S NEW THIS FALL?
Re-Connection Day (usually Connection Day) is Sunday August 29, 2021 beginning at 11:00 a.m. after the single
service at 10:00 a.m.
You can learn about all the ways you can RECONNECT this fall. Tables will be set up in Anderson Hall to display
how to participate in the life of the church. Those not able to join in person may sign up online.
Here are some of the courses, programs and committees you can learn about and register for:
Children & Family ministries Disciple 3 – weekly Monday mornings
Follow Me Bible Study (Multiple 4 week sessions) – Weekly Tuesday
HCA (Heathrow Christian Academy)
Evenings (NEW)
Student Ministry Youth Group G.O.D. Time Study – Weekly Sunday mornings
Deacons ministries History of Christianity – Monthly Sunday afternoons
Committees Men’s Bible Study – Weekly (Wed or Thurs) Nights (NEW)
Men’s Prayer Breakfast – Monthly Saturday mornings at Cracker
Prayer connection team
Barrel
Scouts Men’s Small Group Bible Study – Weekly Tuesday mornings
Music ministries Women’s Hope Circle – First Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m.
Adult Bible study – weekly Monday nights
Women’s Salt and Light Bible Study – Weekly Monday nights
(parables) (NEW)
Alpha And much more….
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY COURSE
Join us on August 22, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. in the Doshi Room. Rev. Jody Mask will be our presenter of this
class. Everyone is welcome. Typically the class meets on the third Sunday of the month. Stay tuned for future
speakers and topics. For more information, contact Chris Leinenkugel at cleinenkugel@mwpcusa.org.
Women’s Retreat
PrimeTimers’ August 2021 – May 2022 Events
Contact: Chris Leinenkugel at cleinenkugel@mwpcusa.org
2021 2022
Lunch and castanets show with Dolores
19-Aug To be determined 20-Jan
Kellam
16-Sep To be determined 17-Feb Leu Gardens
St. Patty’s Day celebration (TBD location
21-Oct Sunrail ride to Winter Park with lunch in Winter Park 17-Mar
and event specifics)
18-Nov Birds of Prey (Audubon Society) 21-Apr Wild Florida’s Drive—Safari Park
16-Dec Lunch and The Swadlings’ Christmas magic show 19-May To be determined
Men’s Prayer Breakfast August 21 at 7:45 a.m. Cracker Barrel Mark Roberts at 407-718-7837
Sanford, FL
Blood Drive August 29 MWPC Front Circle Don’t forget to register for a time
Big Red Bus will arrive slot. https://www.oneblood.org/
at 8:00 a.m. donor-portal/login.stml
6 The Markham Messenger
By: Missions Committee
Missions Update
The sewing group has set another goal of 100 bags for 2021. If you are interested in joining us, we will be
meeting monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 10 a.m.—Noon in the class rooms behind the
kitchen. We also will be planning a once a quarter Sunday event from 1 p.m.—4:00 p.m.
If you would like to help in another way, we always need material donations and/or monetary donations to
help continue our ministry. For more information, please feel free to contact Patti Lovette, Kathy Rewis or
Cheryl Doyle.
These are the items needed for the Love Mission bags (human trafficking survivors):
Most Needed Items: Additional Items Needed:
Towel and Wash Cloth Hair Ties Shaving Cream
Blanket Body Spray Sanitary pads or Tampons
Journal and Pen Toothbrush and Toothpaste Comb/Brush
Lotion Bar Soap Deodorant
Devotional Homemade Card Shampoo and Conditioner
Socks
Teddy Bear Thank you for donating full size toiletries for the Love Mission Bags.
Missions work is never ending…
Missions will be continuing our work providing food and volunteers to the Grace n’ Grits food program as
well as the Friday Hot Meals.
The Sharing Center is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year! One of their current projects is raising
funds to expand the Oasis Center (homeless drop in day center) and its services. The Oasis has seen
almost a 40% increase in requests for services this past year.
Want to get involved? Contact Jane Allingham at jaham56@yahoo.com. There are many ways to help
our neighbors in need.
Join us for Rockin’ Toddlers on August 23 at 9:10 a.m. in the Markham
Woods Presbyterian Church nursery room.
This is a FREE weekly class for toddlers and their parents, grandparents
or nannies. Get ready to laugh, sing, play instruments and get to know the
families of toddlers in your community!
Join us every Wednesday for Rooted Kids class program. This free weekly
program begins September 1 in Anderson Hall from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Children in kindergarten through fifth grade learn and actively participate in
Bible stories, crafts, games, and snacks.
The Markham Messenger 7
2 Peter and Ana Lorie 51 1 Charles Bullard 18 Mabry Amsler
3 Robert Leichliter & Becky Downing 36 1 Jonah Flint 18 Eric Dauphinee
5 Bob and Patricia Joyner 43 3 Carol Ann Dove 18 Samuel Whitehead
7 Tom and Allison Menziuso 28 5 Randy Erdman 19 Mark Bras
5 William Smith 19 Barbara Fuller
7 Bill and Donna Wehner 56
6 Jeff Kemp 20 Jim Leavitt
8 Greg and Paula Fry 24 7 Benjamin Goerdt 21 Susan Pantelias
17 Brian and Cheryl Doyle 47 7 Zac Kurtz 22 Betty Bruestle
18 Mike and Michelle Bryan 20 8 Robert Conklin 22 Joanne Mize
9 Alex Long 22 Camden Parks
24 Mike and Anne Andrews 50
9 Linda Lucas 22 Shanna Posey
29 Chris and Kim Flint 7 9 Venisha Lyon 22 Justin Reviczky
31 Bob and Val Swadling 58 10 Nate Timmons 24 Sam Beaton
31 Mike and Kelli Timmons 30 10 Sean Timmons 24 Robert Bernheim
10 Tyler Timmons 25 Kim Marie Dove
11 Amber Glass 26 April Anderson
13 Dawn Ball 27 Robin Reininger
13 Karen Kemp 28 Carly Gagne
14 Elayne Pisarik 28 Bill Wehner
15 Cash Thornton 30 Paul Anderson
17 Dave Holt 30 Claudina Bernheim
17 Dan McCoy 30 Patricia Fry
17 Madison Paladino 30 Hazel Perinchief
17 Aaron Staley 31 Cindy Winzeler
Thank you to all at MWPC for the Mary Hall scholarship recognition and
many kind words of encouragement. It's a blessing to be a part of such a
caring congregation and I'm honored to be selected.
Maggie Pisarik
I'd like to express how much your visits, emotional support, cards and
notes, phone calls and prayers have meant to me - not only during the last
few weeks but for the entire time I was Mother's primary caregiver. I am
so grateful God led me to the caring community of MWPC. Thanks to all!
Elayne Pisarik
Rooted Kids kick Off Party
Wednesday, August 25 from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Our Rooted Kids program will begin another amazing season with a party!
Waterslide, games, and food! All grade school age children are welcome! For
more information, please contact Cindy Teetzel at cteetzel@mwpcusa.org.
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
5210 Markham Woods Road US POSTAGE
Lake Mary, Florida 32746 PAID
MID-FLORIDA
Growing the Faith of the Whole Family of God PERMIT #0064
Inwardly Strong, Outwardly Focused
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
The MWPC Pumpkin Patch is returning for our third year. The pumpkins
will be delivered on October 9 at 9 a.m. We need lots of volunteers to help
unload the truck and set-up the patch.
Last year we were able to replace the chain link fence around the youth
playground with funds raised. We are busy evaluating projects to deter-
mine where this year’s funds will go.
Volunteer sign ups will begin on August 29th during our annual Connection
Day event. Contact Cheryl at cheryl.beck@hcamwpc.org if you have any
questions.
A great big thank you for granting all the wishes from the Wish Book! To name a few
wishes...the tractor has arrived and is assembled for the children to return in the fall,
the television is all set-up, the blinds, the pop-shot-basketball game is ready for the
youth, the piano cover, the handbell mallets and storage shed.
Thank you for fulfilling all these wishes!
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