Highlands Highlights. In Loving Memory. Welcome New Member. Highlands ARP

Transcription

1 Highlands ARP Volume XIII, Issue VII Highlands Highlights July, 2017 Inside this issue: In Loving Memory Emily Christopher passed away on June 9, Her memorial service is planned for July 23rd at 11am following Sunday morning worship. Elizabeth Gill passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of June 20, Her funeral service was June 22nd at Tim Stewart funeral home in Snellville. From the Pastor 2 Young Family Ministry 3 Family Retreat 4 Edmondson s 25th Anniversary 5 VBS 6-7 Up coming Events 8-10 Youth 11 Special points of interest: July 9 12 youth mission trip July 10 Soup Nite 4-7 July 13 youth lake day July Young family play date at the lake Welcome New Member Vickie Fledderjohann joined the church on June 4 by transfer from Christ Presbyterian Church in Boise, ID. Her favorite song is "To God be the Glory" and her favorite verse is Matthew 25:21. Vickie is retired. She enjoys quilting, singing in the choir, reading and crochet. Please welcome Vickie to our church family here at Highlands. July 16 Luncheon for Kristy & Ricky Summer s baby July 23 Memorial for Emily Christopher July Family Bible conference July 24 Soup Nite 4-7

2 From the Pastor I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9 ESV) We all know what it s like to enter a room through a doorway. Sometimes there s just an opening through which we pass and other times we have to open a door before we pass through the doorway. There are also times when a door is locked and a key is needed in order to open so we can enter the room. The point, of course, is that when we wish to enter any particular room we must do so through the doorway that leads to that room. Jesus is using this analogy in speaking of Himself as the only doorway through which we must go if we re going to enter into a relationship with our Heavenly Father. The Apostle s Peter and John, as quoted by the writer Luke in the Book of Acts, tell us: And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 ESV). There is no one else and nothing else that can bring about our redemption. Only through Jesus, and belief in Him and His finished work on the cross, will we be saved from the judgment to come. This is a very difficult truth for many people to accept in our world of various religions and personal beliefs. Just recently, there was a Christian who had written a blog regarding this very subject and who was now being appointed for a cabinet position in the federal government. One of the Senators examining this appointee was appalled that someone would actually claim that Jesus is the only one who brings us salvation. The Senator reprimanded and even maligned the Christian for believing such a thing and then claimed that he was unsuited for the position because of his personal beliefs in Jesus. People simply cannot grasp that Jesus alone saves us because The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:14 ESV). When we come to saving faith in Jesus, it s then that we begin to enjoy the abundant life He promises. He tells us that we will go in and out and find pasture using the metaphor of sheep being led to genuine spiritual life. By this statement, Jesus is telling us that we re completely safe and secure in our relationship with Him and that He will see, not only to our needs in this life, but more importantly, to our eternal destiny. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38, 39 ESV). Pastor Mark Page 2 Highlands

3 June play date Picnic in the park Invite a friend or Or family member to join The fun! See Pastor Chris For more details! Volume XIII, Issue VII Page 3

4 Family Retreat The 2017 annual congregational retreat at Bonclarken Conference Center was held June 3rd and 4th. Located in Flat Rock, NC, Bonclarken has been the meeting place and campground of the ARP denomination since Approximately 45 people from 15 families attended, some of whom were visiting Bonclarken for the first time. Although most of the weekend was devoted to fellowship, guest speakers were hosted on Saturday morning. Dr. Boyce Wilson, former missionary to Mexico and ARP minister; Lynn Rogers, child of missionaries to Mexico and Bonclarken Staff member; and Dr. Reynolds Young, former medical missionary to Pakistan and Tanzania, all spoke briefly. Retired ARP minister Dr. Chuck Evans led the group in worship on Sunday morning. Many attendees commented on the presentations and events enjoyed. Thanks to Chris and Michelle McCoy for event planning and advertising, Alex McGill for coordination, George O'Farrell for all aspects of the cook-out, Bonnie Hornby for child care, and Kristy Summers for music. What a joy to belong to a church where individuals volunteer their talents. The 2018 retreat is planned for June 2nd and 3rd. We hope you can join us. Rob Kuykendall Page 4 Highlands

5 Omar & Sharon Edmondson s 25th Wedding Anniversary On June 10th Omar and Sharon Edmondson renewed their wedding vows in honor of celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. They had just returned from taking their family to Jamaica to celebrate with family there. Then here at Highlands had a beautiful ceremony and celebration with family and friends in a roaring 20 s theme. Congratulations! Volume XIII, Issue VII Page 5

6 VBS Over the last few years of directing and/or volunteering with Highlands Vacation Bible School, God has continued to surprise me with His faithfulness in providing all we need. It shouldn't be a surprise any more, I know. I should KNOW that God will provide all we need for the week. But graciously He continues to grow my faith in His all-sufficiency. This week was no different. At Vacation Bible School, we spent the week learning about 5 different "I am" statements of Jesus. I put these verses to simple tunes and the kids did a really amazing job of memorizing them, with the added encouragement of some starburst candies! We also had daily puppet shows, Bible stories, crafts and snacks. Page 6 Highlands

7 That being said, I feel that there are so many people I need to thank. Michelle McCoy- thank you for designing the logo, the postcard, handling all the website affairs, and registration. Thanks also for coming to help decorate even with sickness looming upon your family. Chris McCoy- thank you for rallying the youth and running the recreation as always. The kids expect to have fun with you and are always satisfied. Bonnie Hornby- thanks for all the behind the scenes stuff you do: from knowing where everything is to putting everything away when the week was over to shepherding our youngest class. It truly was hard to get by without you. Pastor Mark- thanks for recording the scriptures and puppet shows even so last minute. Thanks for enduring to turn on the sound each morning even through sickness. Jane Statham- thanks for teaching God's Word so faithfully. And for always encouraging me and challenging us all with new ideas to share Christ with our community. Thank Stephanie for me for coming to help out on Monday and Tuesday. We enjoyed her company and needed her help! Bob Statham- thanks for picking up a lot of loose ends for us: running the sound, moving heavy objects, refereeing the water slide, and so many other needed helps. Gail O'Farrell- thanks for being flexible with your teaching materials and for going out of your comfort zone. George O'Farrell, Stan Whitaker and the men of the church- thanks for another great cookout that you manage so well that I don't even have to think about it. And Frank Sexton - thanks for setting up the water slide! Lea Whittle- thanks for coming up with wonderfully simple and fun crafts based just on some scripture verses from me. Your service is always a blessing. Robert and Caralee Whittle- thanks for supporting our church by serving the kids at VBS. Y'all are becoming great leaders! Brianne Jones- thanks for the fish and bread cookies. You set the kids craft expectations high! The kids loved it. And thank you for being flexible to serve wherever we needed you each day :) Andrea Ecklund- thanks for managing the kitchen alone and keeping the kids using their manners! Sonja Woodham- thank you for agreeing to run the nursery and then doing so much more. Thank you for continuing to serve even in different than promised circumstances. Emma Caughman- thanks for your excitement to serve. These kids look up to you so much. They will remember you all year for it! And thanks for calling Chad to get him out of bed. Chad Miles- thanks for showing up two separate days only to find out upon arrival that you were in charge of recreation those days. You were an answer to prayer before you even knew it. Sharon Edmondson- thanks for answering my SOS on Wednesday and continuing to come back to keep the older groups in line and on schedule. Your unexpected service was what we needed. Tyler Edmondson- thanks as well for answering my SOS and for serving in recreation as well on very little sleep. Thanks for stepping forward. Carrie Macaluso- thank you for allowing Highlands access to your creative gifts. The John puppet and puppet stage were perfect. Lena Nkefor- thanks for volunteering your time on Wednesday! Your service came at our time of greatest need. Jessamy Jacques- thank you for offering to stay and help on Friday and then staying! Your service also met a need just at the right time. Alexia Cundey- thanks for coming on your day off to volunteer on Wednesday with our littlest group. And then for keeping up with the offering on the final days! You took a load off my shoulders. Rob Kuykendall- thank you for encouraging me as I wrote the puppet shows, for listening to me as I stressed out about unforeseen circumstances, and for reminding me that when crisis arrive it is the job of the church to come together. We also had two teenagers from other churches, Jonathan and Adrienne, come with younger siblings to faithfully serve each day and were a huge blessing! Thanks to the congregation for your prayerful support and encouragement. We all couldn't have done it without you! Vacation Bible School is one of our greatest missional opportunities of the year and a great opportunity to bless our community. I would encourage you, if you've never served as part of a Vacation Bible School before, to serve next year and be blessed through your service. May God continue to teach us each about His all-sufficient grace and how He will meet all our needs even in ways we might not expect. Thanks! Corie Kuykendall Volume XIII, Issue VII Page 7

8 Kristy & Ricky are Registered at Buy Buy Baby Prayer Corner I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and the ladies of the church for supplying meals for my family during the times after my surgeries. Even though we have only been members a short time, I feel that we have been blessed with a very caring church family that truly prays for its members. Mary Ashe Remember the Blandshaw family as Caridad s Husband Jacob is recovering from a very bad car accident and is out of work. Please be in prayer for the families of Emily Christopher and Elizabeth Gill as they both passed away in June. Keep Doris McInnish with health issues in your prayers. Lee Ragas as she is healing from shoulder surgery A note of thanks and praise to our father God Thru Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for answered prayer concerning my good friend's neighbor Cliff Miller who fell and hit his head. Cliff went from days of very dim outlook to responding to the doctors commands for leg, arm, and eye movement to now being transferred to Rehab. My friend sent his thanks for all prayers. God Is Awesome, Earl Thomas Page 8 Highlands

9 Volume XIII, Issue VII Page 9

10 Soup Nite Can you believe that June is almost over??? To me, it was filled with fun and excitement and that is probably why it went by so fast. Let me tell you about it. Our first serving in June was on the 12th. It was Pizza in a Pot night and always a big hit with our guests. I was not in town at the time but still a great nite for the Soup Nite team. It's a good thing that we had so much help from Faith Church because we were able to serve many guests! Couldn't have done it otherwise. God always provides, just when it's needed. No need to fret or worry... The summer is a busy time over at the CoOp so we know that these 3 months will be packed with new and old guests to Soup Nite. Missing that lunch meal in school puts a huge strain on the family unit during the summer. On this evening's Soup Nite, we served Chicken Teriyaki over Rice. It was AWESOME! Again, we had help from Faith Church, who help make rice and cookies for us. Dewey manned the drink table and the ladies served. Our team has changed faces and grown and once again, God always provides. We had Emma and Mary Ashe come and help tonite as well. So glad that they were able to help when Lee Ragas left. Please continue to pray for healing as Lee's shoulder is still recovering from shoulder surgery. Once again, we were blessed by Mr. Winfrey praying with us and for Xavier saying that for the past 5 years that he has been coming to Highlands, he has always been welcomed and has felt like a part of a family. That is community, ya'll. It doesn't get any better than that. I won't tell you how many meals we served, but it was EPIC! Some prayer requests and praises...remember Ms. Baxter with her son in prison? Well, he has taken some classes leading to certification credits! She said that it has been the best thing for him!!! Wow, powerful answer to prayer when times seem so bleak. We also found out that Tinley, a little girl of 5 years old is now been officially adopted by her foster mom! Mom has been waiting for this day for 5 years!!! Please pray for these families as they continue to grow closer to God in their challenges and struggles. Jane and Bob Statham made it through this Soup Nite awaiting for their grandchild to be born, but please pray for a speedy delivery and fast recovery for their daughter in law in the days ahead. Now that Soup Nite is over, we expect an announcement any time, for God's timing is Perfect! And we know that HE is ALWAYS good. It was a wonderful night and I look forward to July's Soup Nites and to see what God does next. Can you tell that I am just giddy?? In July, we are serving on the 10th, Turkey Burgers, Mac N Cheese and Baked Beans. On the 24th, we will serve Lasagna Bites, Salad and Garlic Rolls. I hope you can come and help us on these days. It's always fun and filled with "you never know what is going to happen" events during the hours of 4 to 7 pm. Come see. Thank you for all the donations of storage bags! It's been a treat to see the overflow of bags that we need. Thank you for your willingness to serve and glorify God in all that we do Carrie Macaluso Page 10 Highland

11 The Youth did a great job serving during VBS! Robert did a great job helping with the opening recreation time, and with recreation. Caralee helped with crafts, and Emma helped with registration, music, and was a class leader! We had some visitor Youth that helped with recreation and as class leaders. The visiting Youth also want to participate in our Youth mission trip! Thank you for praying for our Youth. Mission Trip July 9-12 Youth Lake Day July 13 Family Bible Conf July Church Lake Day August 5 Rally Day August 6 Youth Sunday School Aug 6 Volume XIII, Issue VII Page 11

12 Page 12 Highlands

13 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Millie Kuykendall 2 10:00 Worship 3 4 Mike Miles :00 Worship Soup Nite Youth Mission Trip Brock Barham, Nate Edmondson Youth lake day Young Family Play date at the lake Mary Barham Emilia Coker 10:00 Worship Alicia Avitabile Bobby Barham, Bridgett Barham 11:00 Luncheon for Summer s baby 23 24Soup Nite :00 Worship 11:00 Memorial Service for Emily Christopher Sal Macaluso Family Bible Conference Kaity Wright :00 Worship Volume XIII, Issue VII Page 13

14 Worship Times And Activities Sunday: 10:00 AM combined worship Important Phone Numbers (770) Phone (770) Fax Thursday: 7AM Men's Prayer Breakfast at Main Street Restaurant on Hwy 78 in Snellville Pastor: Associate Pastor: Mark Hornby Chris McCoy Music Director: Bonnie Hornby Wednesday: 6:30 PM August 30, Cook Out Secretary : Alexia Cundey Highlands Highlights July, 2017 Newsletter Candle Lighters: July 2 Nate Edmondson July 9 John Mark Avitabile July 16 Nate Edmondson July 23 John Mark Avitabile July 30 Nate Edmondson CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Warmly Welcoming our Members & Visitors each week: July 2 Frank Sexton, Stan Whitaker, Ricky Summers, Sal Macaluso July 9 Bob Statham, Rob Kuykendall, John Avitabile, Earl Thomas July 16 Robert Whittle, Bill Houston, Lee Hunt, George O Farrell July 23 Paul McInnish, Glenn Martin, Charles Roberts, John West July 30 Robert Whittle, Bill Houston, Lee Hunt, George O Farrell