February 2018
From the Moderator
The thing most heartening for me during this interim period is the way people are stepping up to do what needs to be done. People are taking on duties they haven’t tried before, and they’re showing they know what it takes to do the job.
We don’t exactly have a chair for Fellowship, but Becky Ferrell has volunteered to serve as communications link between me (and the Board) and the women who are our fellowship leaders. The talent and dependability of these women is renowned.
At this time the duties of the Worship Ministry have been divided up among three women—Joan Mannell, Mary Lee Walden, and Fay Leach. Joan has accepted the responsibility for scheduling our supply preachers. She is giving serious thought to how we will manage between now and the time we get an interim minister. Fay and Mary Lee are making sure our worship services are in good and proper order.
Linda McKittrick has taken on the leadership of the deacons, which includes the unenviable task of rounding up enough deacons to cover the bases. Attrition among our deacons is the problem, not the loyalty of those who remain. Gladys Prince, Jimmy Walden, Mary Lee Walden, plus Jean Ward have come forward to help fill the gap.
These leaders and ministries and others I haven’t mentioned are taking care of the church in the present. We also have what you might call our Ministry of the Future. The more common name is the “Search Committee.” And search is really the right word. They must shine the light of Philippi into the future to see what (or who) is out there that might be useful to us.
The Search Committee is composed of Ahmet Anday, Chair; and Joyce Mills, Secretary; Betsy Hudgins, Betty Prince, Walter Deagle, Dani Shelly, and one more. Amanda Harris had to drop out for personal reasons. Becky Harris, Amanda’s mother, whom I know to be thoughtful and devoted, has volunteered to serve in her place. She is sitting in now, and I will take her name to the Board at its next meeting.
At the first meeting of the Searchers, Ahmet did a good job keeping the meeting on track, and Coretha Loughridge, our Regional Minister, reemphasized the importance of a close relationship between the Searchers and the congregation they represent. I encourage everyone to speak with individuals on the committee, who can then carry observations and concerns to their next meeting.
Concerning all our duties and responsibilities and all in our church family who are fulfilling them—those both new and experienced—I offer that old British expression—Keep Calm and Carry On. There will doubtless be some rough waters ahead, but if we have the Spirit we’ll make it through.
The following ministers have been engaged to lead our services in June:
Sanctuary June 3rdMark Anderson
FellowshipJune 10thWyatt Portz
Sanctuary June 17thBill Palmer
FellowshipJune 24th Fred Rothermel
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Stewardship Report April 2018
DateTotal Income
04/01/18$4782.00 Easter 158.00
04/08/18$1512.00
04/15/18$2879.00 Easter 95.00
04/22/18$1657.00 Easter 75.00 Carl Prince 50.00
04/29/18$864.25 Easter 75.00
04/19/18Wilson $3666.63
Total$ 15360.88
Income needed each month: $15928.55 (5 Sundays)
Total income (monthly)$15360.88
Total expenses$(12753.86)
Overage/shortage $2607.02
June
Summer God, you dance in on golden sunbeams. Like soil that must be plowed or turned over, so I must prepare to receive your warmth and the planting of your message in my heart. Open me to receiving the seed of hope and promise of growth. Plant your Spirit deep within me and make my life fruitful and bountiful. Amen
HOW TO PRAY CREATIVELY
24-7 Prayer Rooms have helped people all over the world learn to pray by finding new ways to connect and speak with God. Talking with Jesus in interactive and creative ways has engaged all generations; particularly young people in filling an hour with prayer. Embrace creativity when designing your prayer space. If this doesn’t come naturally to you then here are some tips to help create an engaging prayer space.
- Find the artistic and creative people in the community and ask them to help you.
- Thin k about why you are praying. If there is a vision, call or verse that is at the heart of your 24-7 Prayer Room design your space around it to help people to focus and pray.
- Keep it simple and bold. Creative doesn’t mean cluttered. If in doubt make the room welcoming, colorful and include prayer guides or stations to interact with people need them.
- Make room for other people’s creativity. Leave a large space for drawing, writing, painting or sculpting and allow your community to shape the room as they pray.
- Engage all five senses. How could you use inspiring images and verses to catch the eye, music and sound to inspire or facilitate worship, things to touch or hold to focus the mind or things to taste and smell to help people consider what they are praying.
Next Month “CREATIVE PRAYER STATIONS”.
June2018
Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday
1 / 2
10:00 Every Sunday
Combined Service / 8:30 Food Pantry
3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
Sanctuary
Youth Group / 4:45 Lectionary
Group
Sting Ray Stitchers
6:30
Cub Scouts
Sting Ray Stitchers / 4:00 Elders
10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 54 / 16
Fellowship Hall
Youth Group / 4:45 Lectionary
Group
6:30
Cub Scouts / 7:00 Board Meeting
17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23
Sanctuary
Youth Group / 4:45 Lectionary
Group
6:30
Cub Scouts
24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 2929 / 30
Fellowship Hall
Youth Group / 4:45 Lectionary
Group
6:30
Cub Scouts /
Elders: Lucina Crittenden, Nan Parker, Dani Shelley
Deacons: Craig Dozier, Linda McKittrick, Joyce Saunders, Gladys Prince
Up Coming Events and Programs
173rd Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA
May 31 – June 3, 2018
Craig Springs Camp and Retreat Center
Beyond Belief, The Universe of God
June 25 – 29Nature Camp
July 1 – 6Special Camp
July 8 – 13First Triple
July 16 – 21AMPDD Camp
July 22 – 27Second Triple
July 29 – August 3New Covenant
August 3 – 6Family Retreat