January 2015 Session Digest

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1 February already! When I think of February I think about birthdays (sister and brother), annual meeting of the congregation, Valentine s Day, Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent. So, here s a list of special events in the life and work of the church. Sunday, February 1 we ll be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion together. Sunday, February 8 is our annual meeting when we will look back over the past year and look forward in this not so new year. Saturday, February 14 Valentine s Day, a time to give thanks for our love of one another and especially God s love given to us through HIS Son, Jesus Christ. You might consider sending Valentine Cards to our home bound members and friends. Wednesday, February 18 Ash Wednesday; the beginning of Lent. Saturday, February 28 John Calvin Presbytery meeting at First Presbyterian Church, Branson, MO (9:30 3 pm). Here s some specifics on some of these events: The Annual Congregational meeting will take place immediately following worship in the sanctuary. This will be a time to look back at some of the accomplishments of 2014 and some of the areas of concern. It will also be a time for beginning our look forward into 2015 and beyond. The Annual reports are available online at compresby.org. Even if you can t join us for this important meeting, please read the report to see what we accomplished last year. Denise did a great job putting many pictures in this report, which is in full color when you download it. Brings back good memories. The Ash Wednesday service will take place in the fellowship hall on Wednesday, February 18. We ll begin gathering at 5 pm. Have a potluck/agape meal together and then share in the reading and hearing of God s word as we begin Lent. Turkey Noodle Soup will be provided by the Parish Activities Committee. We ll conclude our gathering with the imposition of ashes to remind ourselves that from dust we came and to dust we shall return. Now a little about the meeting of presbytery in Branson on February 28. This is an excellent time to come and observe the larger church at work. We ll worship together. Take a look at our connectedness through the different committees of presbytery and our churches. Then in small groups talk about how we are connected and how we can be more connected. At some point in the day we will also be voting on the different overtures from the General Assembly. You can view the different overtures at the J ohn Calvin P resb yt ery w eb si te b y g oi ng t o: Just a little side note. A majority of the 173 presbyteries is needed to approve changes to the Book of Order. It takes 2/3 of the presbyteries to add a confession to our Book of Confessions. Make time to come over, even if only for an hour or so, to the presbytery meeting in Branson. If lucky you ll get to see me moderating the meeting. At first it didn t seem that much but actually it is going to be a busy month. Happy Valentine s Day to one and all, and most importantly may we celebrate God s love and HIS call for us to love others as we love ourselves. Dennis

2 January 2015 Session Digest The session met on Saturday morning, January 3, from 9 to noon and then also on Thursday evening, January 8, from 6:30 to 8:30. This was the annual planning meeting for the year. It s a time to get organized, get a focus for the year and come together as a group. Only one elder could not be with us and a couple had to miss one session because of illness. For our devotions/educational time the pastor showed a couple elder training videos from our Synod; the Synod of Mid-America. They were both very helpful. One of the learnings is that the pastor is the teaching elder, then there are the ruling elders and then all the ministers of the church (that s all of you). Friday evening was a goal setting time for the elders. Immediate goals are the reseeding of the front lawn and cleaning up the annex building from fallen down ceiling (White River Historical Society makes a donation to us for the use of this space as storage). Short term goals are: seeking a source of revenue/income from possible rental property. Obtaining estimates on electrical and plumbing upgrades to the sanctuary and old Fellowship Hall. This is so we can inform the congregation of estimated costs to protecting and enhancing the sanctuary and old fellowship hall areas. Attracting new families. One idea is to offer a breakfast to children and youth who come to Sunday school. Then on Thursday evening we gathered to go over what we had done on Saturday and make committee assignments for the year. The session restructured the committees and assigned an elder to only one committee. You can see where they volunteered and how you can serve on a committee in this newsletter. The session then reviewed the final financial report for Expenses were more than income but thanks to some generous donations wasn t as bad as it would have been. We continue to work at ways to increase income and reduce expenses. A full financial report will be included in the 2014 Annual Report. A summary is in this newsletter. The elders approved that the wedding of Tom Blackstock and Sherry Mathes be held at the church on February 7 at 3pm. All weddings held at the church have to be approved by the elders. This is a Book of Order requirement. The elders approved the putting out of donation baskets in the hospitality room and fellowship hall to assist with expenses. The elders approved the use of the church fellowship halls by the local 4-H group for their Achievement Day in late May or early June. A good start to this new year. The annual planning meeting was adjourned with prayer lead by Pastor Dennis. Next meeting of the session Thursday evening, February 19 at 6:30 pm. PLEASE READ! In the event of a Winter Weather ADVISORY there will be a message on the church answering machine as to whether Sunday School and church will be held. In the event of a Winter Weather WARNING all Sunday church activities may be cancelled. Again, a message will be on the church answering machine regarding the status of Sunday services. 2

3 Does not include end of month salaries or expenses Benevolence Fund Report: During January we helped 15 families: 4 with utilities, 1 with transportation, 7 with rent, 2 with prescription medicine and 1 with family/ household needs. We also received several donation to the fund thanks to Ed Legge s wonderful CD! Thank you! If you would like to make a donation to the Benevolent Fund, please do so by marking your check special gift - benevolent fund. Those who receive our assistance greatly appreciate your gifts! Diabetic Focus Group The next monthly meeting of the Diabetes Focus Group will be on Monday, Monday, February 2, at 10:00 a.m. Group member Karl Krueger will be the spotlight speaker. Please remember to bring any items of interest to the group. See you then if not before --Y all come! John Keith 3

4 Sunday lectionary Readings for February. Feb. 1: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111:1-10; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and Mark 1:21-28 Feb. 8: Isaiah 40:21-31; 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 and Mark 1:29-39 Feb The Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 and Mark 9:2-9 Feb Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:1-2, or Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b- 6:10 and Matthew 6:1-6, Feb Lent 1: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22 and Mark 1:9-15 March 1 - Lent 2: Second Sunday of Lent: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25 and Mark 8:31-38 Annual Meeting of the Congregation The Annual Meeting will take place immediately following worship on Sunday, February 8, The printed Annual Report Booklet is available to pick up at church or you can download a full-color PDF of the booklet on our website at On the first page of the website is a picture of the booklet. Click on the picture and the PDF will download to your computer. (Be advised that the file is large, 3.78 MB, so DSL or cable internet would work the best for downloading.) If you do not have a PDF viewer on your computer, you can get a free one at The Bookies Book Club The next meeting of the Bookie Club is scheduled for Thursday, February, 5, 2015 at 10:30 AM in the hospitality room at Forsyth Community Presbyterian Church. We will be discussing John Grisham's new Legal Fiction thriller, Gray Mountain. Furloughed Wall Street attorney Samantha Kofer is offered an unpaid year-long stint at an Appalachian legal aid clinic with the slim chance of returning to her old job when done. Entering the murky world of coal mining, Samantha is soon engulfed in litigation that turns deadly. Please join us and bring a friend! 4 Mackenzie Winzenried is selling Girl Scout Cookies! If interested in purchasing, please contact Grandpa Dennis at Cookies are $4 per box. Varieties are: Thanks-A-Lot, Cranberry Citrus Crisps, Lemonades, Shortbread, Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Caramel delites, Peanut Butter Sandwich. Sponsored ad paid for by Grandpa Dennis!

5 February is one of those in between times. We are getting tired of winter and spring seems so far away. Most years, Ash Wednesday is also in the month of February and this year it is on February 18 th. It may seem like the time between our celebration of the birth of Jesus and the time we begin to look at the events leading up to his death is very short compared to the actual time-line of his life. I believe that is a good thing. As a matter of fact, there are many people who like the shadow of the cross on the manger as the baby Jesus sleeps peacefully. We cannot really celebrate the birth without realizing the reason Jesus became a human being. Our salvation began in a manger and that beginning was not separate from the reality of the cross. So while it seems like we are rushing through so much, perhaps we are just trying to work on the strong connection between the two events. As you walk through the Lenten Season, remember the celebration of the birth, the beginning of a promise that would be fulfilled through the cross. Rev. Susan Rosenbaum Pastoral Presbyter John Calvin Presbytery A Taste Of Heaven Cookbook! The book contains over 600 recipes submitted by members and friends of the church. Cost of the book is a very reasonable $12.50 each. Also, if you have friends or family out of town, they can be ordered online at (There is a small shipping fee when ordering online.) Wednesday, February 18, :00 P.M. We ll gather in the Fellowship Hall, starting at 5:00 P.M. Turkey Noodle Soup will be provided. Bring a covered dish to share a potluck supper together. (The small group study will continue the following week.) 5

6 This Service Had Bite to It POTLUCK! Sunday, February 22, :30 A.M. Hot dogs will be provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share! Raelien Clark, Unit Director, Forsyth Boys & Girls Club will speak briefly about the Boys & Girls Club. Looking forward to you joining us! My Grandpa was a minister for over 36 years, and we were never allowed to miss one of his sermons unless we were ill. That was fine with me, Grandpa was a very demonstrative, animated preacher, and he was loud! The parsonage where Grandma and Grandpa lived was next to the church and only a few minutes walk. For this reason, Grandpa would usually wait until the last minute to get dressed for church, after having studied his message for most of the day. One Sunday, these last-minute preparations caused Grandpa to forget something. It led to a service that no one who was there will ever forget. Dressed in his almost-new Sunday suit, vest and gold railroad watch and chain, Grandpa delivered his usual fire-andbrimstone sermon. As he neared the resounding climax, waving his hands to make the point, something white and pink flew out of his mouth. Grandpa never missed a beat. He caught the object, put his hand to his mouth and continued. If anyone in the congregation noticed and realized what happened, there was no evidence. When it happened the second time, I realized Grandpa had forgotten his denture adhesive, and it was his false teeth that had come flying out. I could no longer keep my composure and started to laugh. Pretty soon my mother and dad started up. Then Grandma, the last person I expected to come down with the giggles, couldn t stop herself. Our laughter soon spread to the entire congregation, but Grandpa kept going until his sermon was finished. After the service, he took his customary post by the door to shake hands with the parishioners. To the few who mentioned what had happened, Grandpa replied, Well, the Lord s blessed me with quick reflexes. After everyone left, I watched as Grandpa removed his false teeth, placed them in an inside pocket and walked home with Grandma still chuckling! 6 Ken Meek, Carrollton, TX From Reminisce Magazine

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8 I would like to volunteer on the following: BIRTHDAYS 8 Frieda Staake 9 Becky Roberts 11 Max Merrell 13 Deidre McCormick 19 Cheryl Cleveringa 24 Bonnie Pinet 25 Lera Warren, Shannon Hart 27 Buddy Roberts ANNIVERSARIES 9 Don & Helen Clotworthy, 65 years 14 Bob & Gerri DeBres, 45 years 14 Ken & Juanita Elders, 45 years 16 Bill & Janell Winkert, 2 years 20 Howard & Judy Gathman, 61 years 23 Charles & Linda Worster, 47 years My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God s side, for God is always right. --Abraham Lincoln (Check one or more committees you would like to serve on and fill in your name and preferred phone number at the bottom of the sheet. Brief committee definitions are below.) Worship & Education: Co-chairs: Vera Hardin, Reed Click Evangelism & Mission: Co-chairs: Ken Bavuso, Ed Legge Building & Grounds: Co-chairs: Ralph Taylor, Len Clifford Parish Activities: Co-Chairs: Nancy Czerniak, Pat Seals Budget & Finance: Co-Chairs: Georgia Roe, Buddy Roberts Care Committee: Co-chairs: C.J. Gailey, Mary Parr Name: Contact Phone #: Brief definitions of committee work: Worship & Education: To assist the pastor and choir director in providing excellent worship to God. Includes, but not limited to, obtaining ushers/greeters, lay leaders and preparing/ assisting in communion. To assist program development of adult and youth education. Evangelism & Mission: To share Jesus Christ in word and deed. Inviting people to the church and reaching out to help others. Building and Grounds: To see that the building and property are kept in good working order and appearance. Includes, but not limited to, a periodic walk through of the church to list any repairs or items needing attention, provide longrange operational plans. Parish Activities: To plan and carry out functions and activities of the church. Includes potlucks and special event dinners such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Budget & Finance: To be good stewards of the money entrusted to the church. Includes, but not limited to, preparing a yearly budget for approval of the Session and congregation, recommend investment or disbursement of funds to the Session on behalf of the congregation, auditing of financial records. Care Committee: To care for the congregation of the church, as well as those without a church home. Includes, but not limited to, making calls, writing letters or cards, arranging transportation to attend church activities. 8

9 Ushers/Greeters TBA Liturgist TBA Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Every Sunday: Sunday School 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am 2 Diabetic Meeting 10:00 am Lectionary Bible Study 3:00 pm 8 9 Esther Circle 11:00 am Lectionary Bible Study 3:00 pm 3 Yoga 9:00 am Video Series 5:30 pm 10 Yoga 9:00 am Chamber Lunch 11:30 am Video Series 5:30 pm 17 Yoga 9:00 am Exercise 4 Wmn s Breakfast Men s Breakfast Hannah Circle 1:00 pm Small Group Study 5:00 pm Choir 7:00 pm 11 Wmn s Breakfast Men s Breakfast Calico Cutups 10:00 am Small Group Study 5:00 pm Choir 7:00 pm 18 Wmn s Breakfast Men s Breakfast 5 The Bookies 10:30 am Bar Assoc 11:30 am CHIMES Deadline Lectionary Bible Study 3:00 pm 23 Video Series 5:30 pm 24 Yoga 9:00 am Ash Wednesday Svc 5:00 pm Choir 7:00 pm 25 Wmn s Breakfast Men s Breakfast Session Meeting 6:30 pm Potluck with a Purpose 11:30 am Lectionary Bible Study 3:00 pm Small Group Study 5:00 pm Choir 7:00 pm Religion is as necessary to reason as reason is to religion. The one cannot exist without the other. A reasoning being would lose his reason, in attempting to account for the great phenomena of nature, had he not a Supreme Being to refer to; and well has it been said, that if there had been no God, mankind would have been obliged to imagine one. George Washington 9

10 COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.O. Box 486 Forsyth, MO C O M M U N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H PO Box Main Street Forsyth, Missouri (417) Dennis Winzenried, Pastor Website: compresby@centurytel.net Community Presbyterian Church Staff Members Pastor...Dennis D. Winzenried Secretary...Denise Carr Choir Director.Arliss Stillings Organist.Linda Stillings Custodian....Paul Weeks Sunday School Sunday Worship Service 9:00 am 10:30 am 10