Monday, August 21, 2023

SHOUT OUT for the Pax Pres Paddlers!


Many thanks to the Pax Pres Paddlers for participating in the 2023 Solomons Dragon Boat Festival races to benefit Southern Maryland Community Resources, Inc. (SMCR)! Thank you all for shining the light of Christ and building bridges in the community! Pax Pres won a special prize for being the only team to participate since the very beginning! And we came in 7th place out of 20 crews! 

Results here!


Captain: Matt Brennan

Co-Captain: Amy Collins

Advisor: Grant Graessle

Team Logo Designer: Anelisa Graessle

Coordinator of Team Headquarters: Emese Rashka

Drummer: Veronica (Ronnie) Cooley

Crew:

Matt Brennan

Dianne Bergmann

John Bergmann

Patrick Cole

Amy Collins

Ron Dufrensne

Rachel Fisher

Kathy Frankle

Kevin Frankle

Jill Gaskin

Shane Guilford

Heather Hamtak

Cindy McCreary

Allison Moss

Vern Poole

David Porter

Phillip Ramon

Wulfe Retzlaff

Briana Roorda

Monica Simpson

Volunteers:

Jamie Cooley

Stacey Fisher

Monday, August 7, 2023

Back to School Prayers

 BACK-TO-SCHOOL PRAYERS

I pray that my children would understand their need for Jesus and rejoice in the good news of the gospel. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death” (Ps. 68:19–20).

I pray that my children will love learning, that their hearts would seek to understand the world you’ve created. “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly” (Prov. 15:14).

I pray that as they learn about your world, they would behold the majesty of your glory. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge” (Ps. 19:1–2).

I pray that you would surround them with friends who make wise choices and encourage their faith. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Prov. 13:20).

I pray that their teachers would be wise and gentle. “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. . . . A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Prov. 15:2, 4).

I pray that they would work with diligence and put forth their best efforts. “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied” (Prov. 13:4).

I pray that they would be thoughtful with their words and respectful in their replies. “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things” (Prov. 15:28). 

I pray that you would free them from the pressure of trying to be like everyone else, instead instilling in them the confidence to know they’re uniquely made by you. “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Ps. 139:14).

I pray that they would receive correction well. “The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence” (Prov. 15:31–32).

I pray that they would share their faith with others. “They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom” (Ps. 145:11–12).

I pray that when they do what’s wrong, they would bear consequences that lead them to repentance. I pray that when they do what’s right, you would bless their obedience that they may learn to love your ways. “The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways” (Prov. 14:14).

I pray that your Word would be on their hearts and in their minds as they learn. “Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD” (Prov. 16:20).

I pray that they would be kind to others. “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor” (Prov. 21:21).

I pray that you would give them the grace of self-control. “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Prov. 25:28).

I pray that your grace would rest upon them. “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” (Ps. 90:17).

I pray that you would protect them from all evil. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life” (Ps. 121:1–2, 7).

More than anything else, may their lives glorify you. “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever” (Ps. 86:12).

O Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

(created by Melissa Kruger, Vice President of Discipleship Programming for The Gospel Coalition)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Team-Building Museum Day for the STELLAR VBS Volunteers!


On Sunday, May 21st, our VBS Leaders – Janice Dixon and Amy Collins – led a STELLAR VBS Volunteer Team Building mission at the Paxuxent River Naval Air Museum! The army of 40 volunteers took on three important missions:

1. Hard-scaped gravel and rock border around the new electronic sign. Pulled up a small tree. Lots of sweat and muscle, but it was great to work alongside one another as a team!  

2. Washed five aircrafts: T-34B Mentor; TH-1L Iroquois; T-2C Buckeye; AV-8B Harrier; Starboard side of the CH-53A Sea Stallion! Several VBS Volunteers brought their children, which was awesome since VBS is all about sharing love with kids. There was so much water, laughter, and everyone was soaked and loved it all! 

3. Primed three picnic tables outside of the museum for volunteers, workers, and guests to all enjoy this summer!  

What a blessing to have Kevin Smith, Bill Posnett, and Dave Bailey join us and lead us on a personal tour of the museum! These three amazing men are faithful members of our Pax Pres Church family and official volunteers at the museum.  

A special SHOUT OUT to the amazing Kristin Friscia, Administrative Coordinator at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum! She was so gracious and grateful – she consistently checked on our team, had plenty of water for everyone, invited us back to serve and tour the museum, and thanked us about 1,000 times! 

SHOUT OUT to our VBS Volunteers who shared the light of Christ in big ways!

Adult and Youth VBS Volunteers

Janice Dixon

Jim Dixon

Jaclynn Dixon

Amy Collins

Craig Collins

David Porter

Russ

Steve Kays

Ann Barnes

Stephanie Thomson

Emese Raschka

Diana Pooley

Matt Pooley

Nathan Pooley

Summer Montuoro

Kristin Lawrence

Rachel Portillo

Patsy Schumacher

Tom Schumacher

Peter Schumacher

Courtney Cuthbertson 

Leah Cuthbertson 

Tyler Cuthbertson 

Kevin Smith

Bill Posnet

Dave Bailey

Kelly Thurber

Eric Thurber

 

Children:

John Dixon

Clara Collins

Caleb Collins

Audrey Collins

Lucy Raschka

Nayla Pooley

Caleb Pooley

Emma Pooley

Max Thurber

Eli Thurber

Jack Thurber


Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Congratulations, Class of 2023!


Congratulations to our high school and college graduates!
You are a child of God and a child of this church.
Take pride in how far you have come.
Have faith in how far you can go.
And don’t forget to enjoy the journey!

Joshua Philip Blottenberger

Leonardtown High School graduate.

He will attend Liberty University

to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. 

He plans to be an engineer and would love to work

in the area of robotics or aerospace building rockets.


Eliza Eschenbrenner 
Chopticon High School graduate,
Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (Theatre).
She will attend Salve Regina University
in Newport, Rhode Island to major in Theatre Arts.

Robert Portillo

York College of PA graduate.

He earned his B.S. in Economics 

and Minor in Finance and Legal Studies.


Ashley Nicole Smalley

Great Mills High School graduate.
She will attend West Virginia University, 
Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering
and Mineral Resources. 

She plans to major in Biomedical Engineering

and possibly pursue medical school.


Ethan Peter Wolfe
Leonardtown High School graduate.
He will attend Villanova University
to study Business & Psychology.



A Prayer for Graduates
“We send you forth into the world
confident that God will go with you
wherever you may go.
We have faith that Christ will lead
and guide you in all your endeavors.
We praise God for your presence among us
and we send you forth
praying that God will continue to bless you.
May the grace of the Lord be with you,
the love of God surround you,
and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide you.
Amen.”

Monday, May 8, 2023

Building Bridges for the Gospel... in our community

Our dedicated crew of 17 Pax Pres volunteers participated in this year’s St. Mary’s County Christmas in April! In just eight short hours, they accomplished a tremendous amount of work to spruce up Tolerance Hall at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds… dusting ceilings, cleaning windows, and cleaning and re-hanging more than 100 framed photos of the Queens of Tolerance. Armed with paintbrushes and rollers, they painted the interior 4,000 square feet two shades of blue - light blue on the top and dark blue on the bottom. All trim work and doors were repainted from tan to dark blue to better match the space.

Many thanks to the following for sharing their time, muscle, and cooperation:

Jim & Janice Dixon

Chris (CIA Ministry Leader) & Kristin Lawrence

Edward & Sarah Lorek

John & Diane Bergmann

Dave & Leo Eschenbrenner

Chris & Luke Harritt

John Dixon

Leon Anderson

Patty Smith

Rita Reeves

Scott McLellan


Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Prayer of a Civil War Soldier


"A letter attributed to a Civil War soldier expresses God’s prayer priorities and the ultimate desires of the heart shaped by the Holy Spirit: 

'I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might humbly learn to obey. 

I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. 

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise. 

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. 

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. 

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. 

I among all men am most richly blessed.'"


Footnote in Bryan Chapell's book says:

"From personal correspondence of Bill Kuh, November 24, 2003. The letter is alleged to have been found on the body of an unknown soldier after the Battle of Gettysburg. The letter appears in many sources. 

Chapell, Bryan. Praying Backwards (p. 195). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 


Monday, April 3, 2023

Easter Flower Dedications


The Easter Azaleas and Lilies are given to the Glory of Almighty God in Memory/Honor/Thanksgiving of: 


Anonymous

In honor of Patsy Schumacher, my secret sister.


Coralie Adams

In memory of husband. John Adams,

and parents, Raymond and Kathryne Whitman.

 

Jim Barton

In memory of my parents, Louise and Bob Barton.

 

Gloria Brady

To celebrate our risen Savior.

 

Danielson Family

To celebrate all of the blessings from God, our Father.

 

Patsy Davidson

In celebration of our risen Lord and the blessings of family and friends.

 

Densford Family

In memory of beloved (Great) Grandparents:

Mary, Tom, Dorothy, and Bascom.

 

Jim and Janice Dixon

In memory of Helen Dixon and in honor of Debi Klump.

 

Eschenbrenner Family

To celebrate Eliza’s 18th birthday.

 

Doug and Sarajayne Fraley

In memory of Dr. S. Fraley, Jr.

 

Jarod Grant

In honor of Archie Forsythe and Gary and Diane Grant.

 

Marie and Scott Hankinson

In honor of our family.

 

Rev. Robert F. Hardin

In memory of Robert M. Hardin and wife and Mansel Hardin and wife.

 

Lynne Hawkins

To celebrate the rising of Jesus.

 

Carolyn and Dick Huff

In memory of Dick’s mom, Vivian Bolling.

 

Agatha Lakin

In loving memory of Toby Lakin

and his parents, Toby and Pansy Lakin

and in loving memory of Aggie’s parents, Leonard and Bonnie Cochran.

 

Lawrence Family

In memory of our loved ones.

 

Glenda Lytle

In loving memory of my husband, Allen Lytle,

our son-in-law Ian Seely, and my parents.

 

Frank and Kathy Mazur

In memory of Bonnie Clark

and to celebrate our risen Savior – He lives!

 

Phil and Sue Menthe

In honor of Patuxent Presbyterian Church.

 

Mierzwa Family

To celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and Mia’s 1st birthday.

 

Christine Neurauter

In memory of my dad and sister.

 

Donald and Deborah Patterson

In memory of Donald and Barbara Lanning,

and Merle and Elsie Patterson.

 

Bill and Genie Posnett

To celebrate the birth of Gabriel Posnett.

 

Bill and Diane Quinn

In memory of Bill’s parents, Janette and William I. Quinn

and Diane’s dad, Kenneth Thompson.

 

Jean Reamy

In memory of Ken Reamy.

 

Kathryn Rivers

In memory of Jay Rivers and father, Dr. L. Spencer.

 

Patsy and Tom Schumacher

In memory of Paul J. and Peter S. Van Bloem Sr.

and Charles Schumacher.

For the Reamy family.

In honor of the Garden Club for all they do.

In honor of our “Flower Lady” Carolyn Huff.

In honor of our Youth Leaders,

Robbie Romano, Amanda McKinley and Tom Schumacher.

 

Marilyn Sheldahl

In memory of my first husband, Pastor Fred Illick,

and my second husband, Rick Sheldahl.

 

Patty Smith

In memory of Larry Smith, wonderful husband, father,

grandfather, and man of God.

 

David and LuAnn Smouse

In memory of loved ones who are always in our hearts

and to celebrate Christ’s resurrection and a promise of renewed life.

 

Rich and Kelly Tygrett

To celebrate upcoming births of baby Nardo and baby Murphy,

and in memory of Kelly’s dad and sister, Clint and Jeannie Posey.

In memory of Rich’s dad, Tom Tygrett.

 

Mac and Tina Watts

To celebrate the gift of Jesus’ suffering for us.

 

Don and Beth Wright

To the glory of our Risen Lord.

In honor of our ministers and musicians.

In memory of Don parents, Helen and Don Wright Jr.

and Beth’s parents, Dorothy and Walter Frazier.

 

Maureen and Geoff Wysham

To the glory of God.