The Liberty Hill Connection. Soaking Prayer Service Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-6:30 PM

Transcription

1 The Liberty Hill Connection Volume 26, Issue Soaking Prayer Service Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-6:30 PM Palm Sunday (Communion) Sunday, March 20 at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Maundy Thursday Service (Communion) Thursday, March 24 at 6:00 PM Maundy Thursday Chili Supper Thursday, March 24 following service Sunrise Easter Service at Lakeside (Communion) Sunday, March 27 at 7:00 AM Easter Breakfast on the Hill Sunday, March 27 at 8:30 AM Egg-stravaganza Sunday, March 27 after breakfast Easter Service on the Hill (Communion) Sunday, March 27 at 11:00 AM

2 In the Gospel of this radiant night of the Easter Vigil, we first meet the women who go to the tomb of Jesus with spices to anoint his body (cf. Lk 24:1-3). They go to perform an act of compassion, a traditional act of affection and love for a dear departed person, just as we would. They had followed Jesus, they had listened to his words, they had felt understood by him in their dignity and they had accompanied him to the very end, to Calvary and to the moment when he was taken down from the cross. We can imagine their feelings as they make their way to the tomb: a certain sadness, sorrow that Jesus had left them, he had died, his life had come to an end. Life would now go on as before. Yet the women continued to feel love, the love for Jesus which now led them to his tomb. But at this point, something completely new and unexpected happens, something which upsets their hearts and their plans, something which will upset their whole life: they see the stone removed from before the tomb, they draw near and they do not find the Lord s body. It is an event which leaves them perplexed, hesitant, full of questions: What happened? What is the meaning of all this? (cf. Lk 24:4). Doesn t the same thing also happen to us when something completely new occurs in our everyday life? We stop short, we don t understand, we don t know what to do. Newness often makes us fearful, including the newness which God brings us, the newness which God asks of us. We are like the Apostles in the Gospel: often we would prefer to hold on to our own security, to stand in front of a tomb, to think about someone who has died, someone who ultimately lives on only as a memory, like the great historical figures from the past. We are afraid of God s surprises we are afraid of God s surprises! He always surprises us! The Lord is like that. Pope Francis, Easter Vigil Homily. Sermon, Vatican Basilica, Vatican. March 30, Accessed February 29, w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2013/documents/papa-francesco_ _veglia-pasquale.html. 2

3 Highlights of the work of the Session at the Stated Meeting on February 21, 2016 Collins Elliott Chicklo, granddaughter of Del and Jodie Elliott (and Collins sponsors), was baptized January 24, 2016 during the 11:00 AM worship service. Collins was added to the Baptized Members Roll. The Music Report was given by Gene Ghent who noted that attendance in choir is down partly due to aging. Weekly rehearsals are ongoing. Holly Hayes is a new choir member. Currently the choir is working on Easter music. The Moderator presented the following report on how the Church Office will handle requests for sharing information to the congregation/friends of the Church in regards to non-church related items: In regards to formulating a LHPC policy to address the Church s response to requests made to the Church office to disseminate non-church related information, e.g. items for sale, special events, etc., either via electronic means or printed matter, the Office Manager will send the request to the Pastor who will decide how the request will be handled. Thorough discussion took place regarding the Country Store and it was noted that the building is decaying. Mike Clark will discuss with Tommy Hayes the estimated costs of repairs, including painting. George Harkins will meet with the Historical Society in Camden to see if they might be interested in the building as to its possible historical significance and perhaps provide funding. There are also remaining books in the store that need to be dealt with. The 2015 Annual Statistical Report was reviewed and discussed. Some anomalies were also discussed, e.g. children count. As to Youth involvement in the Church, Session discussed several ideas to involve more young attendees, e.g. Movie and Pizza Nights. It was noted that Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday was a big success with $ received in donations. Session appointed a Designated Prayer Team made up of twelve men and women from our church who will be given prayer requests made through the church office for people who are not part of the worshiping community of LHPC and not immediate family members of the worshiping community of LHPC. The Prayer Team is committed to pray for them. All other prayer requests will be sent electronically via the church s distribution list. Rob Jones presented a proposed Lakeside seating plan. Session will meet at Lakeside after the 11:00 AM worship service on March 6 to discuss this issue further. For Easter services the seating will run the length of the pavilion with Mary D. standing with her back to the lake. The audio system will be configured for the best possible sound. As to New Business: a potential fundraiser for Camp in a Van was presented by Laura Horton. Session approved Laura s request to meet with Strictly Running organizers for more information. Session approved having a Prayer Box in the sanctuary into which prayer request forms, which will be available in the pew racks, can be placed. Prayer requests will be sent either to the Prayer Team or to the congregation electronically. 3

4 Pam Granger Anderson (Sandy Granger) Baby C (Page Kardack) Becky (Derhonda Ross) Charlie Bailey Jenny Biggers Charles Blackmon (Lisa Knight) Rachel Blackmon (Lisa Knight) Cory Blackmon (Harold and Ruby Kershner) Allen Brown (Walt and Betty Riggan) Brenda Brown (Evelyn Finch) Chris and Brenda Burns Rose Calder (Ed and Pat Bunch) Gladys Catoe (Carol Catoe) Sandra Catoe Joan Clark Mike and Linda Clark Polly Davis (Terry Hoffman) Jim and Jackie Delozier Peggy Dillard (Sandy Granger) Bud and Arlene Eldreth Rick Eldreth (Bud and Arlene) Phylis Elliot Jessica Faulkenberry Maurice Fore (Jenny Hernandez) Charlie Rae Gribble (Chris and Brenda Burns) Nicholas Hallman (Jerry and Trish Flynn) Joanne Hartley (Ed and Pat Bunch) Glenda Harper (Belle Bailey) Paul and Armalee Hinson Jim Hornsby Maxine Hunter (Bernice Branham) Rachel Lee (Page Kardack) Johnny and Suzanne Jackson (Sandy Granger) Allie Jeffords (Gene and Carol Ghent) Linda Macdonald (Doug and Nancy Macdonald) Dana Couick McGuirt (Caroleene Couick) Mildred McCaskill (Bernice Branham) Pat Moree (Pat Bunch and Jeanette Robinson) Andy Morrison (Bernice Branham) Susan Mosley (Harold Williams) John Mullis (Terry Hoffman) Ann Myers (Sandy Granger) Deneen Neubauer and her family (Neal and Delisa Clark) Colleen Ogburn and the Ogburn Family (Ina Horton) David Ogburn (Ina Horton) Darlyn Owens (Ruby Kershner) Douglas Owens (son of Jack and Barbara Owens) Alan Patterson Elaine Plyler (Bernice Branham) Lisa Pratt (Joan Ward) Elaine Robertson (Benny and Vivian Ray) Morrison and Jeanette Robinson Janice Rogers Hope Rollins (Sandy Granger) Bonnie Sullivan (Ina Horton) Kendall Trudeau (Merilyn Roll) Margaret Truesdale (Merilyn Roll) Doug Tyndall (Joan Ward) Unnamed Family (Sandy Granger) Unspoken Request (Terry Hoffman) Van White (Page Kardack) Carol Wallace (Bonnie Jones) Harold Williams Betty Young Josh Kershner Harold and Ruby Kershner s grandson Daniel Scruggs and his shipmates on the USS Carl Vinson Neal and Delisa Clark s son Please call the church office with answered prayers or prayer requests so that the list can be updated. 4

5 Long Ago at Liberty Hill By Sylvia Hudson WATEREE MESSENGER: March A lovely party honoring Misses Mary and Sara Cunningham and Ann Thompson, whose birthdays occurred during the past week, was given by Mrs. J. G. Richards at her beautiful home {the Governor s Mansion} in Liberty Hill Tuesday afternoon. There were two tables of Rook. Dainty refreshments were served after which the honored guests were presented with a sunbonnet sewing bag. The hostess entertained her guests with several piano selections. The guests consisted of Misses Mary and Sara Cunningham; Lila and Annie Mae Cureton; Edith Richards; Ann Thompson; Annie Jones and Willie Mae Peach. WATEREE MESSENGER: March 27, 1939 A tea party on Saturday evening at the Library was very much enjoyed by the patrons of that popular and worthwhile WPA institution, of which Miss Louise Johnston is the popular and efficient custodian and manager. And, judging from the number of books we saw a lady returning a few days ago quite a number must be read by our people each week. CAMDEN-CHRONICLE: March 19, 1940 According to Madam Rumor who is an adept at knowing things a wedding of much interest will occur here in the not very distant future. Just wait and see. {Editor: Research may help divulge who this is!} CAMDEN CHRONICLE: March 26, 1940 At the Presbyterian Church Sunday {evening} Rev. A.D. Betts exhibited a talking picture showing alcohol in the making, and giving examples of the damaging effects it has on physical life when taken internally. Although the weather was cold and quite unpleasant, {the} service was well attended. A number of colored people were present at the night service and were requested by Dr. Betts to sing a Spiritual. They responded with Get Right with Jesus, which was well received by the audience. CAMDEN CHRONICLE: March 18, 1941 At the conclusion of the Presbyterian church service, a well-attended congregation meeting was held to consider church matters, but as the Heath Springs congregation the other member church of this charge - was not represented and their wishes not fully known, no definite action was taken at this time. CAMDEN CHRONICLE: March 3, 1944 An airplane crashed on Sunday a few miles from here and the student aviator was killed. Many people went to the scene of the accident in the evening, but we did not learn the name of the unfortunate young man or his home town or state. CAMDEN CHRONICLE: March 7, 1952 Liberty Hill s weather continues to be wet and stormy. Rain has poured in torrents from Sunday night through Tuesday. There was thunder, lightning and high winds Monday night. EDITOR: In the March 9, 1956 issue of the Camden Chronicle there appeared an article by Women s Wear Daily. It reads: Easter, 1956, means the prettiest, most feminine fashions for girls of all ages. Easter, 1956, means plenty of basic navy; it also means the introduction of new yellow or mint green for fashion interest. It means highlighting slim sheath dresses and caftan coats for fashion minded sub-teens and teens. Elegance is the word that typifies the spring season. Renewed emphasis on the dressmaker detailed suit and coat, the importance of the ladylike Empire silhouette, the refined prettiness of new floral prints, and the luxurious character of fabric, whether cotton, rayon, nylon or silk, express youthful sophistication for all size ranges. 5

6 On Prayer Elder Article contributed by Trish Flynn By recommendation of the Administration Team and approval of Session, we ve started a new Prayer Team dedicated to praying for the needs of the friends and extended family of LHPC. The prayer warriors have agreed to receive these requests by or by postal mail to lift these folks up in prayer. We also have printed prayer forms in the sanctuary available for prayer requests. Please fill out with appropriate information and then place the card in the offering plate or the Prayer Box in the front of the sanctuary. A member of the Prayer Team will reach out to the person by telephone or postal mail. Prayer requests for members with permission given to send out the request will be ed to all those on the church-wide and community-wide distribution list as usual. The only difference is that prayer requests for friends of members will now be sent to the dedicated Prayer Team. I would like to encourage each of us that The Power of God is in each one of us as a believer in Jesus Christ living on the inside of us through the Holy Spirit. By praying for one another, we become like vessels that allow the love of God to flow through us to others. The blood stripes of Jesus Christ have paid for all of our sins and for our healing in full. I know we have a lot of people with prayer needs and I would like to start out by reminding you what is said in Psalm 107:28-30: 28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. God gives us peace and understanding through the reading and hearing of his word. I want to give a big shout out to the Call to Discipleship Bible Study Group that meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30 with Mary D. teaching the word of God verse by verse and special guitarist Dave leading us in singing and worshiping God. You will receive a blessing by worshiping our Lord and Savior with us. If you ever come just once, you will be hooked and will not want to miss because you will have a better understanding of God s word. I can t leave out Soaking Prayer. This is a group of praying people that come together from 5:30 6:30 PM on the 3 rd Wednesday of each month in the LHPC sanctuary to soak those who come in prayer and goodness. This reminds me of this verse in James 5:14-16: 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. The Intercessory Prayer Group is a group of people that meet every Sunday morning in the Education Building from 8:15-8:45 to pray for our world, church family and the needs of all. This reminds me of Philippians 4:6-7: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I know that there are a few of our homebound folks who think they don't have a purpose anymore because they are not able to do the things that they have done in the past. They may even ask God, What is my purpose? I feel helpless, useless. I would like to encourage you by sharing a story that was told to me by G Moore after visiting with his mother, Mae Moore, for several weeks and listening to her talk about all of the things she could no longer do. Week after week she was still trying to figure out what was her purpose. G said about three weeks had passed, and, like every afternoon, he d walk into her room expecting to hear how she didn t have a purpose and she couldn t do the things she had grown accustomed to doing, but he was surprised to see her with a smile on her face. An excitement filled the room as she began to share that she had finally figured out what she could do. G was eager to hear just what she was talking about. She began to tell him how she might not be able to those things she used to do, but she could PRAY. "I can pray. That s it, G, I can pray! That is what I am supposed to do. That is it! she told him with a gleam in her eyes and continued, I ll pray in the morning and pray in the afternoon. And pray she did! She prayed every moment for people she knew and people she didn t know until she was picked up by Heaven s Train, 1st stop: Jesus. Thank You Lord for all the praying people in the world and Liberty Hill Church. I would like to encourage each of you to pray for one another. If you already are, GREAT; don't stop. Pray especially for our pastor; she needs each and every one of us supporting her and encouraging her through our prayers. 6

7 So you see there are a lot of opportunities for you to come together as a group to pray for one another. I have heard many in our community say that if you have the Liberty Hill Church Family praying for you, you have got something going on The Bible is the word of God and is powerful and life changing. The promises of God start with 2 Timothy 3:16 when God tells us that all Scriptures in the Bible are inspired by God. With this promise of God in hand, we can then be assured that what we learn in the Bible comes from Him! Thanks be to God for all of His special people. These are a few verses that have always been special to me: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24) And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:13-14). Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, Tabitha, get up. She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. (Acts 9:40) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord s people. (Ephesians 6:18) Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. God s voice in response to mine is its most essential part. ~ Andrew Murray Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ~ John Bunyan The fewer the words the better the prayer. ~ Martin Luther Prayer is an effort of will. ~ Oswald Chambers Don t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees. ~ Corrie Ten Boom May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus... Love in Christ, Trish Thank you All of Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church, On behalf of our entire family, we want to thank you for allowing our daughter [Collins Elliot Chicklo] to be baptized in the church [on January 24]. You have outstretched your loving arms, not only to my parents, but to us and our children. We shared what can only be described as a pure, precious moment on Sunday as Collins was baptized. Thank you for your love, support and guidance as we have grown as a family and in our walk with Jesus Christ. God Bless, Brian and Ashley Chicklo 7

8 Gale Jent Melinda Clyburn Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Birthdays are in italics. 8:15 AM Intercessory Prayer (Education Building) 9:00 AM- Worship Service 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM- Worship Service :00 PM Choir Practice 8:00 AM Men s Prayer Breakfast Morningside, Lancaster Amy Kahler Frank Henderson 6:30-8:00 PM Call to Discipleship Bible Study Miss Bettie Richards Hall 7:00 PM Choir Practice 8:00 AM Men s Prayer Breakfast Morningside, Lancaster Daylight Savings Time Begins :15 AM Intercessory Prayer (Education Building) 9:00 AM- Worship Service 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM- Worship Service 6:30-8:00 PM Call to Discipleship Bible Study Miss Bettie Richards Hall 5:30-6:30 PM Soaking Prayer LHPC Sanctuary 7:00 PM Choir Practice Patti Nah Nah Barrett 8:00 AM Men s Prayer Breakfast Morningside, Lancaster Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday 24 Good Friday COMMUNION 8:15 AM Intercessory Prayer (Education Building) 9:00 AM- Worship Service 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM- Worship Service 6:30-8:00 PM Call to Discipleship Bible Study Miss Bettie Richards Hall 7:00 PM Choir Practice 6:00 PM Maundy Thursday Service (Communion) LHPC Sanctuary 6:30 PM Chili Supper Miss Bettie Richards Hall Brenda Burns Lisa Knight Easter Sunday COMMUNION 7:00 AM Easter Sunrise Service (Lakeside) 8:30 AM Breakfast on the Hill 10:30 AM Egg-stravaganza 11:00 AM- Worship Service Nan Carter 6:30-8:00 PM Call to Discipleship Bible Study Miss Bettie Richards Hall 8:00 AM Men s Prayer Breakfast Morningside, Lancaster Sampson Parker Jeanette Robinson 8

9 Chandra Smith Evans and Gayle (Bobo) Johnson Memorials David Hunter James and Wynne Potash Hugh Smitty Smith Emily Best Carolyn Braswell Mickey and Melinda Clyburn Pat Gillis-Bunch Walter and Ann Hunter Evans and Gayle (Bobo) Johnson Bonnie Jones Caroline Meredith Robert and Barbara Anne Moody Tony and Millie Plyler Morrison and Jeanette Robinson Merilyn Roll Beckman and Marilyn Schroder Ronnie and Jan Small Sidney and Suzanne Thomas John and Ruby Wood-Kelly Benny Martin Merilyn Roll Mae Todd Moore Bonnie Jones Morrison and Jeanette Robinson Peggy Sneed Betty Young Alternative to Healing Mae Todd Moore Hugh Smitty Smith Benny Martin No thing remains alive That allows its wounds to grow. If it be plowed, it crops, Or blows to desert; If it be body, it heals, Or starts its sure decay; If it be all of life together, It finds God, Or no stitch is strong enough to be the reconciling. (Via, Jr., Bernard S., "Alternative to Healing." The Christian Advocate. N.p.: Methodist House, N. pag. Print.) Reprinted with permission from Prayer Prints: A Guide to Inner Peace, 2016 by Harriet Nichols of Snowy Owl Press, 2613 Craig Road, Columbia, SC

10 Gatherings: Opportunities for Growth, Gratitude and Giving In March, the Gatherings Youth Group with celebrate Jessica Faulkenberry s participation in Chrysalis with food, music, games and sharing. Stay tuned for details about the date, time and location. A big thank you to all who gave so generously to the 2016 Souper Bowl of Caring Offering. We received a total of $ which we distributed to the following LOCAL food banks and charities: Christian Community Ministries $ KARE $ HOPE $ Salem United Methodist (Backpack Buddies) $ Kershaw Baptist Association (Sacks of Love) $ Total Received $ Since 1949, the Presbyterian Church (USA) has joined with many ecumenical partners in sharing God s love with people in need through One Great Hour of Sharing. Presbyterians gifts help God s children know hope in their time of need and despair. These gifts help people to find safe refuge in order to start their lives anew, to learn new trades and skills to feed and support themselves and their families, and to obtain better healthcare. Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our brothers and sisters around the world find the hope for a brighter future. We will receive this offering on Easter Sunday, March 27th. 10

11 Camp in a Van June at the Windward Pointe Lakeside Campus Camper and Family Cookout on Sunday, June 19 at 5:00 PM During the Kickoff Cookout, we enroll campers, distribute tee shirts and provide information about the week ahead. This year we will offer online registration as well as conventional registration. $5.00 discount for registrations received by April 30, Total Cost: $25.00 per child (Children K-6) Bible Stories, Crafts, Games, FUN! Christian Counselors Certified Life Guard Snacks and Lunch provided Helpers needed. Call the church office to volunteer and/or to request a registration packet. EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA ON THE HILL The Easter Egg-stravaganza will begin after our Easter breakfast on the hill. We will have craft time and an egg hunt for the children. 11

12 Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church 20 Meeting Lane P.O. Box 170 Liberty Hill, SC RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: Fax: Nonprofit Org. US Postage Paid Liberty Hill, SC Permit #1 We're on the Web! Liberty Hill Civic and Improvement Association Fundraiser to Improve the Liberty Hill Community Center Building 1/2 Chicken Bar-B-Que Plates with All the Fixings Saturday, March 5 11 AM until 2 PM Tickets May Be Purchased at the Door 12