Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
The Beacon - January 2012
Citation preview
The BeaconThe BeaconThe BeaconThe Beacon APUBLICATIONOFERINPRESBYTERIANCHURCH200LockettRd.—Knoxville,TN37919—(865)588-5350—www.ErinPresbyterian.org
PASTOR
SESSION
Mr.CharlesSnodgrassClerkofSession
CONVENERSJoyBornhoeft,Fellowship
KelliCrisp,[email protected]
DavidEggers,[email protected]
LouLTate,[email protected]
DaleWebb,[email protected]
STAFFNancyBerry,Organist
MicheleMeer,Administrator
CindiStooksbury,Nursery [email protected]
JoeJaynes,ChoirDirector
ChristianEd.,[email protected]
YouthDirector,[email protected]
January,2012
A Message From The Pastor
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
Dear Friends,
As we step into a New Year, let me challenge you with this
ques�on: what do you believe? You might think it is strange of
me to ask that of you, especially a%er serving this church for over 16 years. Surely
by now, I would know completely what everybody in this congrega�on actually
believes about God, Christ, and the Church. The truthful answer is that I don’t.
Unlike God, I cannot know what you truly think in your head and what beliefs you
carry in your heart. Only God knows and in the end, that is all that really ma1ers.
The reason that I am bringing this to Erin’s a1en�on is that the Session is about to
embark upon a journey of faith to define what our church believes. We say that we
are Chris�ans, but what does that actually mean? We call ourselves Presbyterians,
but how is that applied in our lives? We believe that we are Reformed,
but how is that expressed to our community?
All over the world, churches are struggling. Some are engaged in cultural
confronta�ons that are dividing faith communi�es. Some are desperately
seeking a pastoral niche in their neighborhoods to confirm their iden�ty.
Others are wallowing in the past and fear the future. Some even say that we are
living in a post-Chris�an era, so it’s only a ma1er of �me before Chris�anity is
phased out completely.
I’m now in my last decade of full �me ministry. I personally want those years, if
God allows, to be the best that I can give to Christ and His people. I want to pass on
a church that is strong, resolute, and determined to carry on the life, ministry, and
teaching of Christ to this community; but unless we all know what we truly believe
and express that belief together, we will be aimless and miss the mark that God
has set for our congrega�on.
New Years are generally about new beginnings, fresh promises, and making resolu-
�ons. We have accomplished a great many things through the blessings of God in
recent years.
Have we the courage and constancy, as well as the grit and determina�on to
move forward into an era of new hopes, dreams, and visions?
Rev. John Stuart
Con�nued on pg. 5...
1
BIRTHDAYS
Jan3—JoeTateJan4—MaudHooverJan4—SuzanneLeveringJan4—JamesMontgomeryJan4—JohnMoxhamJan4—LanieWebbJan5—GaryBlackburnJan6—MaryNelleCateJan6—TracyFosterJan6—JeffWatersJan6—ChloeWebbJan10—MaeveSmithJan11—PatFitchJan11—AleeStrandJan12—KelliCananJan15—JoseLuisVowellJan16—ShaneCrispJan17—LeslieCrawfordJan17—J.RossMcKenryJan19—TaraLinkJan19—LaurieStapletonJan19—LouLTateJan20—AnnieGetzJan21—EvelynStuartJan21—AlWallinJan24—JadaCableJan28—MikeJacksonJan29—ThomasPearsonJan30—AndyJaynesJan30—CarlMcHargueJan30—DanaMcKenryJan30—LoraYardJan31—KathyMcClellan
NEWSLETTER
Submissionsto“TheBeacon”aredueonthe20thofeachmonth.Yourarticlesmaybesubmittedbycalling588‐[email protected].
PRAYERCHAIN
Wouldyouliketoreceiveweeklyprayerrequestsbyemail,phone,oreventextmessage?CalltheChurchOf icetosign‐upforthecommunicationofyour
choice!
UPDATEYOURINFOIfyourcontactinformationhaschanged,pleasecalltheChurchOf iceorcompletetheenclosedformtoupdate
yourinformation.
Charles Snodgrass: Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) I have accepted a call to serve as CRE at First Presbyterian Church of Rockwood star ng on January 1. This will include leading worship on Sundays, modera ng mee ngs of session and pastoral care. The Presbytery guidelines for service as CRE includes the encouragement to stay connected to the life of the home church; I intend to do so. My membership at Erin is important to me and has been rewarding beyond belief. Erin is my family. I will con nue to be an Erin member and elder, and will par cipate in ac vi es as me allows. I hope to con nue as elder ac ve on session through 2012, but my service as Clerk of Session is complete at the end of 2011. Service on the Discipleship ministry team may be challenging, but will be facilitated by employment of a CE staff member.
-Charles Snodgrass
A Farewell Message from Robin Cuany, as Convenor of SAM I have been the convener of the SAM Council since I was asked by Hugh Jaynes in 1999 to succeed him in that role. I have found that my chronological age of 85 has caught up with me in various ways so that my efficiency is less and my ideas and planning are coming less easily. I think a new person could get the organiza on on track which the members will welcome as the program gets more exci ng. I have been greatly helped by the support and abili es of Donna Schall and Allyson Streckfuss who have carried on the du es of Scribe and Coordinator. I think all of us could use new friends to expand the dimensions of our objec ve: to provide s mula on and entertainment as well as relevant Informa on for our age group. Also we want to increase the inter‐age fellowship and mutual apprecia on of us Seniors and our school and college age youth, as well as the many families which span the years of 20‐60. My place of dwelling will not change neither will my ac vity in the Erin Choir and in the Senior Adult Ministry mee ngs and trips, but I will remain available as a Re red counselor, off whom you could bounce your ideas any me. We will be talking to some of you
whom we would like to invite to the Council. Let us look forward to 2012!
-Robin Cuany
2
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
The DuBois were received with big smiles at the Morgan-Scott Project. They delivered 89 coats to the distribution site at the community center. The Outreach Committee would like to extend a heart felt thank you to everyone who helped place warm clothing on the needy this year. ~Ron & Sonja DuBois
FURNITURE MINISTRY UPDATE The dates for Erin's participation in the Compassion Coalition Furniture Ministry have changed. Erin now serves once a quarter (February, May, August and November) on the third Saturday of month. Our next opportunity to serve is February 18, 2012. Please mark this date on your calendar. Thanks for your continued support of this Outreach activity.
~Mike Pierce
WINTER IS UPON US! Do you drive a 4x4? If you are willing to be added to a list of people that can be called upon by other members for assistance in the event of inclement weather, please contact the office by email at [email protected], or telephone at 588-5350.
Erin Snow Policy Reminder In the event of cancellation of services due to inclement weather, we will update at WBIR Channel 10. We will also send an email on the morning of the canceled service. If Cedar Springs is closed, Erin is closed. **IF YOUR HOME HEAT STOPS WORKING, please know that you are always welcome at the church. Bring a book or your laptop, and be warm while you are waiting for your heat to be repaired.
What a wonderful group of carolers on the Sunday before Christmas. Thanks to all the children and adults, who came singing their hearts out, then too, all the hugs and best wishes. It was so special to me, especially this year without Charles, showing their love and how much Erin cares! Too, it really brought back
my memories of all the years Charles and I went caroling from Erin. Thanks too, from Peggy and my neighbors, who listened with joy! Thanks to all!
~Love , Mary Scarbrough
3
~DISCIPLESHIP~
Discipleship Annual Planning will be on January 7, 2012 at the home of Kelli Canan from 9am to 12 pm.
CONFLICT MINERALS Presbyterian Women –Circle IV
In our PW Circle Bible study this year, Confessing the Beatitudes, we have been confronted with applying the Beatitudes to our own lives and to really thinking about whom Jesus was speaking to then and now. Last month’s study was on Matthew 5:5, blessed are the meek. Meek is also interpreted as humble. The author of the study used the people of the Congo and the mining of conflict minerals as an example of a humbled people. As a group we were surprised to learn of this situation, and felt moved to share this issue with the church.
Have you ever heard the term “conflict minerals”? We hadn’t either. Conflict minerals are minerals that are mined in conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses. One of the most common of these minerals is Columbite-tantalite, a metal ore from which the element tantalum is extracted. Once again, something you’ve probably never heard of, but I bet most of you are probably using a product that is made with it. Check your pockets and purses. Have a cell phone, a laptop, or a digital camera? Hearing aids, pacemakers, or even an airbag in you car? Tantalum is used in all of these things, among many others. In the Congo, warring militia groups control the mines and use forced labor, including young children, to work them. The working conditions are poor, with armed guards at many sites. Mudslides and
tunnel collapses also endanger the workers. The militias control the people by violent means, including systematic rape, mutilation, and murder. When we hear of injustices like this, we want to do something, but we often feel powerless. There are things you can do. Spread the word. If you had never heard of conflict minerals, then your friends probably haven’t either. Write to your lawmakers about your concerns. Write to corporations that produce electronics. When you are purchasing new electronics, ask questions about the source of the materials. Spending your money on ethically sourced products is one of the best ways to make your voice heard. I encourage you all to do further research on this issue. Check out the Enough Project at www.enoughproject.org and www.raisehopeforcongo.org. Google the terms conflict minerals” or “blood minerals”. Please educate yourself on this terrible problem. As Christians, it is our responsibility to shine a light on this darkness. ~Farrah S. Linkous
Presbyterian Women: PW Circle IV will meet Monday, January 9th at 7 pm at the home of Mary Scarbrough. PW Circle II will meet Tuesday, January 10th at 10 am in the Parlor.
Men's Breakfast and Unhanging of the Greens: Saturday, January 7th, 8:30 am The Men of the Church invite everyone to a hearty breakfast in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 7th. After breakfast, we will be “unhanging” the greens in the Sactuary and Narthex. We need many volunteers to take down Christmas decorations and carefully pack them away for next year. We appreciate all the help we can get for this important job!
4
Pastor’s Message ...(Cont.frompg.1) Arewereadytodiscover,discuss,anddecidewhatwetrulybelieve?Andarewewillingtoadheretothosebeliefsineverythingthatwethink,say,anddoforJesusChristatErinChurch?OnlyGodknowsandtimewilltell.MayGodbewithusandblessusthroughChristthroughoutthisNewYear.
-John ____________________________________EverySunday,PastorStuartteachesaSundaySchoolclassintheNoah’sarkRoomfrom9:45AMto10:30AM.Eachmonth,hetacklesadifferenttopicandleadsaBiblestudydiscussion.ThefollowingisJanuary’stheme.Jan8–Jan29,20124weekseries: EndofDays2012seesthecompletionoftheancientMayancalendarandsomepeoplebelievethattheworldisgoingtoend.ThisshortBiblestudyserieslooksatPaul’sunderstandingoftheEndTimes,ascontainedinhisSecondLettertoTimothy.Jan8 2Timothy1Jan15 2Timothy2Jan22 2Timothy3Jan29 2Timothy4
Everyoneiswelcometoattend!
S.A.M.SackLunchThenextmeetingofErin’sSeniorAdultMinistry(SAM)isThursday,January19at12:00pmintheFellowshipHall.Wewillbewatchingpartsofthemovie“PaperClips”,aprojectaboutWorldWarIIveterans.Bringyoursandwich,andwewillsupplychips,drinks,anddessert.Allarewelcome.Let’slearntogether!
BreadbreakersDinnerOurnextdinnerisSaturday,January21.PleasecallSuzanneLeveringat766‐0909forlocationinformationortohostanupcomingdinner.
WinterGameNights Feelingalittlebluenowthattheholidaysareover?TiredofFridaynightre‐runsonTV?Lookingforsomethingnewandexcitingtodo?Thenjoinusonthe irstFridayofeachmonthforGameNightfellowship,popcorn,andsoftdrinks!Bringafavoritegametoteachothers;joininarousingcardgameofHandandFoot;ortryaroundofMexicanTraindominoes.Novicesarewelcome!Thefunstartsat7:00pmintheFellowshipHallandlastsuntilthegamesaredone!Popcornandsoftdrinksprovided.Ifnurserycareisneeded,lettheOf iceknowbyWednesdayofgameweek.
Let’s Do Dinner! Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 5:15 pm Cracker Barrel, Cedar Bluff Contact Mary Scarbrough at
691‐8658 or Barbara Brazelton
at 693‐3749.
WNDResumes!January11at5:45pmBravethecoldandjoinusforadelicious,homemade,hotmealatWednesdayNightDinner.IfyouhavenevercometoWNDbefore,thenmakeityourNewYear'sresolutiontojoinusthisyear.Weguaranteeyouwillenjoythefood,fellowship,andespeciallythedesserts!Don'tforgettosignupweeklyintheSundayWorshipBulletinorcontactthechurchof icebye‐mailorphone.
OUTOFTHEMOUNTAINOFDESPAIR,ASTONEOFHOPEMusicisourchisel...ThePresbyteryofEastTennesseePeacemakingCommitteejoinswiththegreaterKnoxvilleMartinLutherKing,Jr.CommemorativeCommission&othercommunityorganizationstosponsoraneveningofthemusicofsocialjustice—thesongsthathavesustainedmovementsthroughlong,nonviolentstrugglesforchangearoundtheworld.Guy&CandieCarawanandAvonRollins,whowalkedwithDr.KingandJessieJackson,andwhoisnowtheDirectoroftheBeckCulturalExchangeCenter,willleadtheprogram.
FridayJanuary13,2012 6:00pm‐8:30pm BeckCulturalExchangeCenter 1927DandridgeAvenue,Knoxville,TN LightRefreshmentsat6:00pm...Yes,wewillsing!
5
Jan 1 - Dec 27, 11 Jan 1 - Dec 27, 10
Income
Creative Exp. Income 7,560.04 8,261.05
Discipleship Income 2,718.50 6,341.59
Fellowship Income 8,306.96 7,625.91
Stewardship Income 403.00 24,466.94
Memorial Income 13,440.00 720.00
Outreach Income 6,319.82 5,384.39
Offerings 321,523.69 345,302.95
PW Income 910.25 459.25
Total Income 361,182.26 398,562.08
Expense
Creative Expressions 24,253.43 22,268.83
Property Team 69,647.57 43,349.67
Discipleship Team 17,069.39 22,259.03
Fellowship Team 13,327.14 13,165.81
Outreach Team 34,708.43 48,537.43
Stewardship Team 116,045.46 163,419.20
Worship Team 3,220.01 3,144.20
Pastoral Ministry 102,304.16 108,756.58
Memorial Expenses 16,875.34 3,764.77
Session 797.55 924.66
PW Expenses 246.50 479.50
Total Expense 398,494.98 430,069.68
Net Income -37,312.72 -31,507.60
GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET Profit & Loss Year-to-Date Comparison
(Through December 28, 2011)
6
First- Fruits Giving
Most simply stated “First-Fruit Giving” is most closely associated with a lot of firsts. The first of the week, first of the month, first of the year, but most importantly the first fruits of our labor. Think of picking the very first ripe, red, and juiciest fruit of the season off your vine. By offering our fruit at the alter for God who brought it forth from seed with praise and Thanksgiving allowing us to have abundant crops and blessings both now and forever. Year-End Stewardship Challenge: let us all take out our checkbooks and, starting three months back, read through it like a book. What story does it tell about our priorities? What story does it tell about our relationship with God? Take stock of all that Christ has done for us, and remain faithful to our pledge to give back the tithes that God has blessed us with. (1 Corinthians 16: 1-2) – Now concern-ing the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” This psalm is popular because its simple affirmation that God cares for God’s children, God pursues us in goodness and mercy, and will not rest until all God’s children are home. ~The Stewardship Team
Please consider leaving a percentage of your Estate
to Erin in your Will.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUSTAIN THE
FUTURE OF ERIN CHURCH?
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: Profit & Loss Report (Through December 29, 2011)
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: Statement of Cash Flow (Through December 29, 2011)
Through Sept 28, 11
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income 865,366.88
20000 · Accounts Payable 52,349.35
Net cash provided by Operating Activities 889,037.27
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
13001 · Building
13002 · Kitchen
1,323,248.35-30,932.20
Net cash provided by Investing Activities -1,354,180.55
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
25000 · Line of Credit 485,238.82
Net cash provided by Financing Activities 485,238.82
Net cash increase for period 48,774.50
Cash at end of period 48,774.50
Through Sept 28, 11
Income
40000 · Capital Campaign
41800 · Non-Pledged Giving 82,649.04
41900 · Pledges 921,737.00
45000 · Memorials 5,558.48
Total Income 1,009,944.52
Expense
60000 · Expenses
60100 · Administrative 41,983.97
60200 · Building and Property Security 102,593.67
Total Expense 144,577.64
Net Income 865,366.88
Capital Campaign Update We are now a little over two years into the Line of Credit for the Capital Campaign. At the end of August, the terms of the Line of Credit changed from Interest-only payments to a standard monthly payment which will be figured on the LOC maximum draw amount of $1,000,000 over the next 13 years at 5.5% interest. This is an adjustable rate and the interest will be calculated on a total of approximately $508,000, which is how much we have drawn so far and not yet paid back. Our monthly payments will be a little over $9,000. At this amount, we will pay off the LOC in less than seven years. As a church, you pledged to support the Campaign with approximately $1.2 million, and we have taken in a little over $921,000.00 in pledges. Most of the work has been completed, and we have spent ap-proximately $1.3 million. Our goal is to pay the loan off as soon as possi-ble, therefore we ask for your continued support to the Campaign with your pledges. If you have not pledged and would like to help, please write a check to Erin Presbyterian Church, and in the memo line note that it is for the Capital Campaign. Thank you, Erin Stewardship Team
7
OURVISION:To be a hearth of faith; a lighthouse in our community; a beacon of God’s Word.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
2 Church Office
Closed
Such Is The Kingdom 10:00 am
Journey 7 1:00 pm
AA
7:30 pm 9
PW Circle IV 7:00 pm
9, 16, 23, 30 Body Recall 4:00 pm
3 Let’s Do Dinner
5:15 pm
Discipleship, Fellowship, & Property Team
Mee ngs 7:00 pm
10
PW Circle II 10:00 am
Staff Mee ng
6:15 pm
Stewardship Mee ng 7:30 pm
24
Worship Team Mee ng 7:00 pm
4 Outreach Team
6:30 pm
4, 11, 18, 25 Body Recall 4:00 pm
(No class on 4th)
Handchimes 5:00 pm
Chess Club 5:00 pm
Wednesday Night Dinner (Beginning on
11th) 5:45 pm
Adult Handbells
6:30 pm
SonShine Co. 6:30 pm
Pioneer Club 6:30 pm
(Beginning on 11th)
Oasis Bible Study
6:45 pm (beginning on
11th)
Choir 7:30 pm
5 Sanctuary Team
7:00 pm
12 MOPS 9:15 am
19
SAM Council 10:30 am
SAM Lunch 12:00 pm
Session 7:00 pm
26
MOPS 9:15 am
6 Game Night 7:00 pm
6, 13, 20, 27 Bulle n Team 10:00 am
Body Recall 4:00 pm
(No class on 6th)
AA 8:00 pm
7 Men’s Breakfast & Unhanging of the Greens 8:30 am
Discipleship
Annual Planning 9:00 am
21
Breadbreakers 6:30 pm
28
Session Retreat 9:00 am
Sonshine Co. 10:00 am
1 Worship, Nursery, &
Planet Worship 11:00 am
Communion & Peacemaking 11:00 am
Personnel Team
4:00 pm NO CEX ON 1st
8 Gi s of Children
Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Convener Mtg 12:30 pm
CEX Team 12:30 pm
Outreach Team
12:30 pm
8, 15, 22, 29 SS & Nursery 9:30 am
(Pastor‐led SS at 9:45 am)
Worship, Nursery, &
Planet Worship 11:00 am
DaySpring 3:00 pm
Journey 7 4:00 pm
EPC Youth 5:00 pm
Such Is The Kingdom 5:00 pm
Erin Express 7:30 pm
January 2012
ERINPRESBYTERIANCHURCH200LockettRoadKnoxville,TN37919‐4808Ph:(865)588‐5350 Fax:(865)584‐7775www.ErinPresbyterian.org RETURNSERVICEREQUESTEDPOSTMASTER:D M .P D B JANUARY1,2012.
8
