NEW ADDRESS: 555 S.W. MAYNARD ROAD

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1 NEW ADDRESS: 555 S.W. MAYNARD ROAD Newsletter of The First Reformed Church of Cary Pastor: Rev. Dr. Charles Wiessner Mailing Address: P.O.Box 4373 (919) Web Address: Editor: Clair Coddington The last six months or so on Consistory have been the most frustrating that I have ever experienced and I have been on Consistories many times. However, I had never experienced the purchase of a new building and the sale of a previous one. When our church first went on the market, there were quite a few groups that were interested in purchasing it, but for some reason or another we ended up with about five that were good possibilities. I was asked to be present when one group wanted to visit our building, and that group was known as Sha arei Shalom, a Jewish congregation. They asked me if I would tell them a little about our building and I told them that several years ago we had opened our doors to another Jewish congregation and we had a Mezuzah on our door, and for three years during a spring holiday of theirs they had planted the three fruits trees that stood alongside our entry driveway. They also their holidays in our celebration room and were very kind to watch our children in the Nursery during our Christmas Service. They were the congregation of Beth Shalom who now have their own place to worship, but for many years it was a great experience for both our congregations. They were very happy to hear about this partnership and they spent a great deal of time looking over our building and they seemed very excited about the possibility of owning it. However, when we had shown the building to everyone interested, they were not the group that had the finances that we needed to move on to our new building. We had been blessed in that two larger churches in the area were for sale and our congregation was given the opportunity to examine both. There were many opinions and reasons for choosing one over the other, but when it came down to it, a price we could afford was the biggest consideration. Then the Cary Alliance Church gave us a price that was below what they were asking and we decided that this was the one we really liked and this was the one we chose. We had paid $135,000 to the Cary Alliance Church in earnest money because we planned to purchase their church building. Then we thought we sold our building with $10,000 earnest money they paid us, which was only returnable if they could not get a loan. Everything was going great and we were planning to sign all the legal paperwork around September 2 nd, and move into our new building around September 2-5 th. Then about three weeks before all the legal work was to be completed our initial buyer came and told us they could not get a loan. So now we had to return the earnest money, put the building back on the market and turn to the people that were previously interested. Well to make a long story short, Sha arei Shalom was the final owner. I was so happy for them and also for me, for I felt that our building that we had worked so hard for many years ago was going to be placed in the hands of people that would care for it and appreciate it as we had. Hopefully this experience will allow me to remember again that everything does work out BUT what is the most important thing is that things happen in God s time not in our time. AMEN! Clair Coddington, Editor 1

2 I am the Church; you are the Church; We are the Church together. All of God s people, all around the world, Yes, we re the Church together. The Church is not a building The Church is not a steeple, The Church is not a resting place, The Church is a people. This song was written, if memory serves me correctly, by Avery and Marsh, a Presbyterian team who served in the Hudson Valley. Their music was popular in the late 1960 s and 70 s, as part of the first wave of what would grow into the Contemporary Christian Music movement. I understand that this song was the theme song of FRCC back in the early years. It was a fitting song when we had no building and worshiped in the Masonic Lodge. It reminded everyone that we were a church; we were a people called together to serve God in this area. The church is not a building; the church is a people. So we were a church! The song continued to play an important role as the building on Old Apex took shape and finally became our home. It was (and is) a wonderful building, a great place to worship, and a place where many have experienced God s presence. At this point the song helped to remind the congregation that a church is not just a building. A building is a place for people to worship and from which a people minister. A building is a tool used by people to enhance and strengthen their service to God. But a church is not a building; the church is a people! We continued to be God s church! And now we move to a new building. Just like 700 Old Apex was a gift that God gave us to use in his service, so too 555 SW Maynard is a wonderful gift! But as we move into this marvelous new space, as we enjoy all of it benefits, we need to remember that the church is not a building. I am the church; you are the church; we are the church together. And together we are called by God to use this amazing new tool that he has provided in order to serve him better. Yes, we re the church together! Pastor Chuck 2

3 OUR MISSIONS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER La Iglesia Trinidad Is a Spanish Reformed Church congregation that we have supported before. Their ministry is one of helping the poor and unchurched people surrounding their church. They provide all kinds of help, including financial, clothing, child care, and also bring the people to Christ. Clair Coddington has met the preacher of this church, Madeline Fuentez at General Synod several years ago and they keep in contact with us via their newsletter. They are doing God s work and they are very grateful for any support we offer. We plan to allocate 50% of our Mission funding to them. Refugee Family through Brianne Casey of the Lutheran Family Services in Carolinas (LFSC) there are refugee families coming to NC from: Burma, Bhutan, and Iraq. The families will need things like furniture, food, and small amounts of financial support; which includes items like: Security deposits for apartments, deposit for Utilities; specifically electric service, and possibly assistance with the first month's bills. We plan to allocate 25% of our Mission funding to them (approx $200). Reins from Above - Reins from Above is a program to provide: Horseback-Riding for handicapped and mentally challenged children. The Sponsor Organization is: Jolly Raleigh Klown Alley (JRKA); this group will also be participating in our New Neighborhood Celebration on Sept 27 th. Their service is free; however they request a donation (at least $100; $150 recommended) to go to their charity. We plan to allocate 25% of our Mission funding to them. (approx $200). 3

4 Recently, Steve & Rodie Slager visited Morocco, and their daughter Katherine (Kat) joined them from Mauritania, Africa where for the past year she has been a Peace Corps Volunteer. Kat had a Mauritanian tailor Create a traditional 3-piece complet for her mom. Here she is with NC Congressman David Price who was visiting the area Here is a photograph of our beautiful young lady Kat Slager Here she is with her dad, Steve and a McDonald s where they later went so Kat could devour a huge hamburger!! 4

5 NOTE: I received a note from Kat Slager but it was too late to put into this months Family Times but I will include it next month. Clair Coddington, Editor The Sandpiper...by Robert Peterson She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea. "Hello," she said. I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child. "I'm building," she said. "I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring. "Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand." That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper glided by. "That's a joy," the child said. "It's a what?" It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy." The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed; my life seemed completely out of balance. What's your name?" She wouldn't give up. "Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson." "Mine's Wendy... I'm six." "Hi, Wendy." She giggled. "You're funny," she said. In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me. "Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day." The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat. The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed. "Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?" "What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance. "I don't know. You say." How about charades?" I asked sarcastically. The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don't know what that is." "Then let's just walk." Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face. Where do you live?" I asked. "Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages. Strange, I thought, in winter. "Where do you go to school?" "I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation." She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed. Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home. "Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of breath. Why?" she asked. I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, my God, why was I saying this to a little child? "Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day." "Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and-oh, go away!" Did it hurt?" she inquired. "Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself. When she died?" "Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off. A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door. "Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was." "Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please accept my apologies." "Not at all-she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said. "Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she didn't tell you." Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath. "She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly." Her voice faltered, She left something for you, if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?" I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues-a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed: A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY. Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I uttered over and over, and we wept together. The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six words one for each year of her life-that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love. A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand - who taught me the gift of love. NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and 5

6 each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less. Life is so complicated; the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important or what is only a momentary setback or crisis. This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses. Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us? And, I wish for you, a sandpiper. 6

7 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart Luke 18:1 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26 Carrying Each Others Burdens and Praying Always By Nola Boezeman We take a vow as a community of faith when young people are baptized into the life of the church, making a promise to nurture the child s faith. When my own children were baptized, this knowledge and assurance that I am not alone provided great comfort and continues to strengthen me today as I rely on a whole community to share in prayer with me for my children. I have two sons and I pray daily for their physical and spiritual well-being, asking God to protect them, keep them safe, and for them to have a deep knowledge of how much God truly loves them. When my younger son, Matthew, broke his leg at age two, I prayed for healing and strengthening of his bone. My heart was warmed in knowing that my church family was also committed to intentionally praying for Matthew. When he broke his leg again at age three, we continued to pray for healing and strengthening and added to the prayer, asking God to keep him safe from breaking his leg again. At age six, he broke his leg for a third time. He was diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia, a bone disorder in which scar-like (fibrous) tissue develops in place of normal bone, making him more susceptible to fractures. Matthew is nine now and we will continue to pray always for him. I believe wholeheartedly that God hears our prayers the first time, in fact, he knows the deepest desires of our hearts before we even verbalize them to him. So, why does God need us to request a prayer more than once? Why does he need us to pray always? When I ask these questions, I m asking the wrong questions. God does not need our persistent prayer at all. God doesn t need us. We need him! God doesn t need to hear our prayer. We need to pray it! We need to pray always and not lose heart, not because God didn t hear us, but rather because God transforms us through prayer. He shows us that at times our prayers are awfully shallow and selfish. He even goes a step further and guides our prayers in a new direction. He teaches us patience, shows us where we need to forgive or ask for forgiveness, helps us to love those who are difficult to love, shows us where we need to take action instead of idly waiting for someone else to help, and God deepens our trust and strengthens our faith in Him through prayer. God doesn t always answer our prayers the way we ask. A skeptic of prayer might say, Why bother? God didn t give you what you asked for, so why pray? Isn t it all just random, a course of nature? You pray specifically for your son s physical well-being and he broke his leg three times. God isn t answering your prayer. What s my response to the skeptic? I completely disagree! I believe that even though God doesn t always give us what we ask for, he is answering our prayer. God is drawing us into a closer relationship with him. Through persistent prayer, God often gives a brand new perspective to the same old situation. He let s us see our circumstances in pristine light. When Matthew was six he told me how lucky he was because he only had to be in a wheelchair for a little while when others are confined to one their whole lives. He told me that if he decides to be a doctor when he grows up, he thinks he will be good at helping people with broken bones since he knows how they feel. He insisted on having a Knight party for his birthday. Instead of letting his wheelchair inhibit him, he pretended that the wheelchair was his horse and had one of the best parties ever! I ve been blessed by having an entire church family pray for Matthew over the years and I am very appreciative of these prayers. But, just as God doesn t need us to repeat our prayers, he doesn t need to hear them from more than one person. He hears even one lonely voice crying out to him. It is us, you and me, brothers and sisters in Christ, who need to pray with and for one another. In this way, God transforms us and brings us into closer relationship with each other and with God. He transforms us into more compassionate disciples. God helps us as we follow the Apostle Paul s instructions in Galatians 6:2 to Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. We often experience an indescribable divine energy and unity as we pray together in community. And, we rejoice collectively as God faithfully answers our prayers in his perfect way and in his faultless timing. Jesus brings healing to our whole and inseparable being; our body, mind and spirit. And, it is Jesus himself who teaches us of our need to pray always and not to lose heart! This prayer was written by Nola Boezeman, who has been attending FRCC with her husband John and her two sons. When she sent me this prayer article I was so moved by it that I thought it would be a great item for the FT, so I asked her if she would object to it being a part of our newsletter and she said she would be happy to have it included. I hope you enjoy it as I did and I look forward to future articles. Clair Coddington, Editor 7

8 A note from Jennifer Matthews, our Student at Western Theological Seminary This summer I have been interning at Theresa Presbyterian Church in the Thousand Islands. This opportunity has been one of the most amazing learning experiences. As I started this internship, I was very reserved and nervous about it. After an experience with a church that left a bad taste in my mouth, I told God I never wanted to work in a church ever again. When my dean came to me about interviewing for this internship at the church in NY, I thought to myself I do not think so! Somehow, God led me down the path of interviewing for the internship in Theresa. The pastor and people were amazingly nice, welcoming, and really portrayed lives that were dedicated to serving God. I had to make the decision of staying in Holland with my husband and working for the summer, or venture out of my comfort zone and go to Theresa. After a lot of prayer, Mickey, my husband, and I felt that this was a chance of a life time for me, and I could not pass it up. As I arrived in Alexandria Bay, my stomach was filled with butterflies. Pastor Bob came out to greet my mom and me and we went into the house to meet the welcoming and loving family. The next day, we moved my stuff into the Manse in Theresa which is about a block away from the church. The Manse was huge and great for just one person. Downstairs there were five rooms and upstairs four, and as I settled in I got to spend great time with my mom. The first week I spent time with Pastor Bob in planning what my jobs would be for the summer. Then came the first Sunday at the church! I was so nervous but during the service, Pastor Bob introduced me to the whole church and allowed me to tell a little bit about myself. After the service, we had coffee time, and the people gave me a wonderful warm welcome to Theresa! This church reminded me of my church in NC and brought back wonderful memories. I knew that first Sunday that this church was going to be a great experience. Throughout my time at Theresa Presbyterian, I have spent time with the congregation, studied Scripture, put together worship services, wrote sermons and preached, attended meetings, taught crafts at VBS, worked with the youth group, and led a prayer/bible study. They not only taught me, but they challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. Preaching at this time may not be my strong point, but this experience has challenged me to work at it and become more creative. One thing I have learned is that it is not about me but about GOD! One of the most amazing things I have learned while at Theresa is that a pastor is to be a person who is dedicated to serving God and living out their calling while following the ways of Jesus Christ. Not only is he/she to serve God but to serve the people of the church. A pastor should have a certain transparency about him/her and be able to show love and compassion for the people while being able to intellectually stimulate and challenge the congregation through God's word. As my time here is ending I look back and thank God for the wonderful loving congregation and mentors he has blessed me with. As I write this, I am listening to the song, I Saw God Today by George Strait. This song has really touched my heart and stimulated a lot of thoughts in me. I look back at all the memories I have of my time in Theresa and think to myself of how many times I saw God in my life and in the lives of others! At Bible study this week, we talked about God's presence in our lives. Sometimes we go throughout our lives and never think about how God is present in any moment. This song really reminded me and made me think of how many times I saw God in my daily life. God is present with us at all times, but there are precious moments that will make us believe and feel God is here right now with us. Throughout my time at Theresa Presbyterian Church I have found the love and blessings of God, and truly am able to say I SAW GOD TODAY! As I get ready to finish my last two weeks here, I am joyful and so thankful for all that I have been blessed with while here. But there is another feeling of sadness because I have to leave this wonderful congregation that has blessed me and filled my heart with so many gifts. I have truly enjoyed my time here, but I am ready to go home to Holland and be reunited with my husband and friends, but I will never forget this wonderful Christian family that I have come to know and love! Jennifer Matthews CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN ACTION 8

9 *For 40 Years* Did you Know? Childcare Assistance was the first mission of Christian Community in Action when it began. Before public kindergarten and school integration, a group of Christian women provided pre-school experience for families in need, both white and black. Several Cary churches helped with expenses, providing volunteers. It was partly to help raise transportation costs and daycare fees for this kindergarten that CCA began The Dorcas Thrift Shop. The Shop s success, along with church support, has made continued help possible for many more children through the years. Financial Help may provide daycare (short term), preschool (4 or 5 year-old), before- or after-school care that would prevent a child being left unsupervised, and camping assistance which will allow education, social, and personal growth. To apply call to get an application; complete and send/take to CCA/Childcare Assistance, 1231 NE Maynard Rd., Cary, (office is in The Dorcas Thrift Shop). ************************************************************************************** ***** Listed below are the various ongoing needs for our Worship Services on Sunday mornings, please consider offering your help with any of the following areas by talking with the person listed. OFFERING COUNTERS: DAVID FRANCIS FELLOWSHIP: COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: BOB OLSON WE ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPLY GOODIES FOR OUR FELLOWSHIP TIME AFTER WORSHIP. IF YOU HAVEN T SIGNED UP RECENTLY, THEN SIGN UP ON THE LIST POSTED BY THE KITCHEN WINDOWS. GREETERS: DOT KURZAWA Sept. 7 - Heidi Wilson, Nancy Dey Sept Hardy &Ann Rothrock Sept Lyn McElroy Sept. 28 Olson Family USHERS: NANCY DEY Sept. 7 - Bob & Libby Burton, Bob & Dot Kurzawa Sept Pete & Barbara Nickel, Hardy & Anne Rothrock Sept David & Ward Francis, Sylvia Hansen, Zandt Johnson Sept Kris Grande, Noriko Hawk, Bill & Sabra Leadbitter NURSERY: MELISSA MATSON Sept. 7 Vicki & Natalie Sherwood Sept. 14 Sherri Meder & Kristin Ellison Sept Kevin & Kelly Joldersma Sept Ed & Melissa Matson REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS The Empty Nester s Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at area restaurants (Due to the move to a new building there will be no meeting this month, we will continue next month) Meals on Wheels is the 4th Friday of every month 11AM at Resurrection Lutheran. Consistory Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM at the Church. The Women s Group meets the first Monday of the month. Our first meeting will be held at the home of Paula Pynaker, if you need directions give her a call. 9

10 First Sunday in our new Church Home Sunday Sept 7 Worship 11:00AM Sermon: What Do These Stones Mean? Joshua 4 Nursery available during worship Children in Worship Program Fellowship Time follows worship Sunday Sept 14 - SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:15AM (ages 3 Adult) Worship Service 11:00 AM Sermon: Blessed Be God Ephesians 1:1-14 Nursery available during worship Fellowship Time follows worship Sunday Sept 21- Sunday School 9:15Am (ages 3 Adult) Worship 11:00AM Sermon: Saved By Grace Ephesians 2:1-10 Nursery available during worship Children in Worship Program Luncheon after Worship Sunday Sept 28 - Sunday School 9:15Am (ages 3 Adult) Worship 11:00AM Sermon: A Prayer For You Ephesians 3:14-21 Nursery available during worship Children in Worship Program Fellowship Time follows worship No one has ever become poor by giving. ----Ann Frank 10