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1 Presbyterian Connection JANUARY 2015 Volume 22 Issue 1 LAUNCHING OUT INTO 2015 The New Year is here! Are we going places or are we going to stay in the security of our personal comfort zones or launch out on an exciting adventure? I plan to launch out into 2015 with the expectation of it being an exciting adventure. I want 2015 to be an exciting adventure on The Jesus Road for our church. To insure that this happens I think the following is something for us to personally consider and make its implications an active part of life. I don t remember where I found this gem, but I want to share it with you and thank God for the one who wrote it. A Believer and a Disciple Which Are You? Here are some of the differences between the one who believes and the one who walks the path of discipleship. I trust that you will find them both helpful and challenging. A believer praises the Lord in good times,... the disciple at all times. The Holy Spirit resides in the believer...but shines through the disciple. A believer loves God with heart and mind,...while a disciple commits the will. A believer loves God and others, but they are the disciple's life. A believer lives in hope, but for the disciple,...god's hope is certain. A believer seeks forgiveness for sin,...but the disciple also determines not to walk that path again. A believer has faith in God...but the disciple's faith is tempered in the fire of testing. A believer loves the Lord,...but the disciple's love is unconditional. The believer serves the Lord in strength,...but the disciple is made perfect through weakness. God is part of the believer's life,...but the central focus of the disciple. A believer forgives,...but the disciple also forgets. A believer communicates with God at their own convenience,...but the disciple's heart is open to the Lord at all times. While none of us can lay claim to living up to all these principles, all of the time - for we have not yet reached perfection - they can remind us of the direction in which we are to go Let's try our hardest to make our words and actions mirror images of each other. Let s walk the Jesus Road together this year. 1

To: The Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals, Thanks for all your prayers,& cards for my mother. She tells me every week about them.

They sure brighten my day! Thank you for having me on your prayer chain. I certainly am feeling blessed.

Love, Sandy Kerr My new address is: - John Ulmer My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfect in weakness.

80005 Thank you to my wonderful church family for all your prayers & cards while I was ill.

2 To: The Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals, Thanks for all your prayers,& cards for my mother. She tells me every week about them. We are hoping she will be able to return to Care Free Living. I want to thank everyone that sent cards & prayers my way. They sure brighten my day! Thank you for having me on your prayer chain. I certainly am feeling blessed. My dad and Mom coming home is the best blessing of all! Love, Sandy Kerr My new address is: - John Ulmer My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 John Ulmer W. 87th Drive Arvada, CO Thank you to my wonderful church family for all your prayers & cards while I was ill. Love & God Bless you all, Faye November Income - $4, November Expenses - $5, Connection Online If you would like to read the Connection newsletter online, go to our website; Click on the Info Center tab at the top, then on the dropdown menu, click on Presbyterian Connection, then choose the month of the newsletter you would like to read. The most recent newsletter will be at the top. Coffee & Fellowship Be sure to drop in for coffee, maybe a Danish or cookies and wonderful fellowship on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in Memorial Hall! Our church face book page Our church address presch@suddenlinkmail.com 2

WORSHIP IN JANUARY January 4th The Road to

COMMUNION January 11th The Road Through the

LUCK January 18th The Road to Becoming Fishers of

BLESSING OF THE FOOD PANTRY January 25th The Road

3 WORSHIP IN JANUARY January 4th The Road to Repentance Psalm 146, Romans 3:1-8 Luke 3:1-20 COMMUNION January 11th The Road Through the Wilderness Psalm 30, Mark 4:1-11 Luke 4:1-13 POT LUCK January 18th The Road to Becoming Fishers of Men 1 Samuel 3:1-10, John 1:43-51 Luke 5:1-11 BLESSING OF THE FOOD PANTRY January 25th The Road to Growing Luke 8:4-15 Psalm 62: 5-12, Philippians 2:1-11 MINUTE FOR MISSION 3

CHURCH USHERS/GREETERS January 4 - Irene Bere & Ken Hobart January 11 - Linda Allensworth & Amy Johnson January

Vernon, Pea Ridge First, Huntsville January 18 - First, Benton Active Ruling Elders & Deacons January 25 - Unv.

4 CHURCH USHERS/GREETERS January 4 - Irene Bere & Ken Hobart January 11 - Linda Allensworth & Amy Johnson January 18 - Irene Bere & Sandy Erickson January 25 - Bob & Gloria Wiles COMMUNION SERVERS Ed & Peni Lloyd PRAYER LIST FOR CONGREGATIONS, PRESBYTERY OF AR January 4 - First, Clarksville Park Hill, North Little Rock January 11 - Mt. Vernon, Pea Ridge First, Huntsville January 18 - First, Benton Active Ruling Elders & Deacons January 25 - Unv.of Ozarks, Clarksville Faith, Horseshoe Bend PLEASE NOTIFY PAT ERLEWINE IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO SHOULD BE ON OUR PRAYER LIST. January January 2 - Dot Pitts January 9 - Mary Kerr January 19 - Bob Hobbs January 19 - Rich Danderson BIRTHDAYS February February 7 - Paula Sheppard February 21 - Bonnie Monroe February 27- Bob Richardson ANNIVERSARIES January 10 - Freida & Rich Danderson January 28 - Ray & Pat Erlewine No February Anniversaries 4

LIBRARY LINES JANUARY 2015 Two non-fiction books have been donated to the library: BIBLE TRIVIA by J. Stephen Lang and SIMPLY UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE by Irving L. Jensen.

Readers who want to survey the Bible quickly may then follow the First Reading level through the sixty-six books.

BIBLE TRIVIA will test you on more than 4500 questions and answers about the world s most famous and fascinating book! Some of the answers you may know immediately.

5 LIBRARY LINES JANUARY 2015 Two non-fiction books have been donated to the library: BIBLE TRIVIA by J. Stephen Lang and SIMPLY UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE by Irving L. Jensen. SIMPLY UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE offers three levels at which to approach do-it-yourself Bible study: The Getting Started level provides helpful background information on each book of the Bible. Readers who want to survey the Bible quickly may then follow the First Reading level through the sixty-six books. Those willing to spend more time in Bible study will want to explore the Building Tools level. Here Dr. Jensen helps readers get started on their own programs of personal discovery in God s Word. BIBLE TRIVIA will test you on more than 4500 questions and answers about the world s most famous and fascinating book! Some of the answers you may know immediately. Many of the questions will make you smile. Most of them will keep you guessing, and the answers will really surprise you! These books can be found in the non-fiction section of the library. We have a host of wonderful books about the Bible as well as many Bibles. These are on a book case in the back of the library. Please feel free to take and read these books. There will be a sign up sheet posted for signing out those books that do not have library cards. The list will be found on the wall in the non-fiction section. Faye Brackett, Librarian 5

MISSION MINUTE JANUARY-2015 AGUA PRIETA, Son. Borders are often divisive but they can sometimes also help bring people together, as with Frontera de Cristo.

6 MISSION MINUTE JANUARY-2015 AGUA PRIETA, Son. Borders are often divisive but they can sometimes also help bring people together, as with Frontera de Cristo. The bi-national Presbyterian ministry was born in 1984 out of the idea of having two churches on both sides of the border truly working together, said founding member Jerry Stacy. We wanted to learn how to build bridges of common understanding and friendship, he said. Frontera de Cristo is one of seven bi-national ministries of the Presbyterian church from San Diego/Tijuana to McAllen/Reynosa. It s one of the most progressive, Stacy said. They ve even gone beyond the border. The idea is to not only address the humanitarian issues related to immigration, but to also address the root causes of why people come in the first place. The ministry helped start six coffee co-operatives, called Café Justo, in southern Mexico and in Haiti to help coffee growers have better control of their product and the profit. They shared a vision of if we could control our coffee... said Mark Adams, the U.S. coordinator. And that s what it means to be bi-national, he said. It s the intentionality of folks from both sides of the border coming up with goals together, he said, discerning God s will together. Frontera de Cristo works with churches from other denominations and with groups that are not faith-based. We have strong partners labeled as progressive and conservative, said Adams. Folks from across spectrum and that s a real gift for us. It has a migrant center where deported immigrants and those in transit can stop by for information, a change of clothes and a warm meal. In about eight years, the center has served more than 80,000 migrants. It also partners with a local rehab center and welcomes groups to learn directly about the border. More than 6,000 people have participated in its education ministry. The exchanges are particularly important for Jocabed Gallegos, the Mexican coordinator who became involved with the ministry when she was just 11 years old and her father had taken the reins. When groups come for the first time, this is the first time they ve been at the border. They get to see and realize how everything is interconnected, she said. It s also important for Mexicans to realize that yes, the United States is a country with a lot of blessings but has also gone through its own crisis, she said. Immigration will continue to be a strong component of its mission, Adams said, but going forward the ministry also wants to start to address the issue of younger children being recruited by the drug cartels in Agua Prieta. We are trying to figure out how do we respond proactively, not reactively, Adams said. The challenge is to figure out what that looks like to us. None of us want to get killed but realize we need to respond in a faithful way. As a starting point, they will open a cafe in partnership with Café Justo and the rehab center to bring youths together and do outreach in schools and parks. - The Mission Committee 6

Till We Speak Again I must say I m disappointed, but not surprised that no one responded to my November Column. Some people are doers and others aren t.

7 Till We Speak Again I must say I m disappointed, but not surprised that no one responded to my November Column. Some people are doers and others aren t. It just proves that when you think or wait for someone else to do it; they were waiting for you to do it also, and therefore it doesn t get done. I probably won t try that format again. Now down to business. Question: How can we worship God aside from the service at church? Millie: Good Question! Guess I ll really need to put my thinking cap on. Worship means reverent love and devotion accorded a deity. True worship takes place on the inside, in the heart or spirit of the worshiper. Worship pleasing to God must be unfeigned and genuine, offered with a humble and pure heart. We can worship God daily in the little things we do. We can set aside a quiet time for devotion and Bible reading before prayer. I like to do this first thing in the morning with my coffee, and watch the sun come up. Each day with each sunrise I am reminded of God s great power, love, grace and mercy. We worship him each time we do good works or give of our financial resources in his name. When we are awestruck by the beauty of nature and attribute it to God, we worship him. When you put God first, others second and yourself last worship comes more easily. God appreciates worship and praise as well as prayer. I do hope this has answered your question. Luv, Millie aka-meg Thought for the Day: God is great, God is good, and we must remember to thank him for our food!! (At each meal) 7

8 JANUARY PUZZLE 8

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Fund Raisers From Presbyterian Women For The Year 2014 Ice Cream Social Potato Bash Total $585.00 $805.04 $1,390.04 Mission Projects For 2014 Food Pantry Flippin School Lunch Ass t.

9 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Fund Raisers From Presbyterian Women For The Year 2014 Ice Cream Social Potato Bash Total $ $ $1, Mission Projects For 2014 Food Pantry Flippin School Lunch Ass t. Haiti Education & School Supplies Vera Lloyd Our Church Food Pantry Christmas Boxes Baxter Day Care Bridge Bash Food Pantry Our Kids Christian Clinic Kindness, Inc. Total $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $50.00 $1, Monies P.W. Meetings Birthday Least Coins Back Pack Project Sunshine Fund Total $55.87 $52.43 $ $48.54 $ HeadStart Program - 20 children $ Personal Items For Food Pantry - 354lbs Collect Best Choice Bar Code - Redeem for Cash - Est. cost - $ to $1, $60.00 Items collected and purchased for Food Pantry Christmas Giveaway such as: Crocheted Scarves, Gloves, Hats, Socks, Dickies, Bubbles, Theme Paper, Notebooks, Crayons, Glue, Pencils and more. - Est. Value is $1, As this is my last report as Mission Chair, I would like to extend my THANKS to all of you for assisting P.W. over the years. Thank you! - Betty Aaron 9

Cook on low 4 hrs or until heated through and the cheese is melted. *I use a little more cheese. (2 more slices).

10 RECIPE FOR JANUARY CHEESY CORN INGREDIENTS 3-16 oz. pkgs. Frozen corn 1-8 oz. pkg cream cheese, cubed 1/4 cup butter, cubed 3 Tbs. Water 3 Tbs. Sugar 3 Tbs. Milk 6 slices American cheese, cut in squares. DIRECTIONS - Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Mix well. Cook on low 4 hrs or until heated through and the cheese is melted. *I use a little more cheese. (2 more slices). I don t know how this keeps as I ve never had leftovers. - submitted by Pat Erlewine -- INSIDE OUT CAKE INGREDIENTS 1 box Lemon cake mix 1 can Lemon Icing 3/4 cup Oil 4 Eggs 1 cup water DIRECTIONS - Mix all ingredients & Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. *Can frost, but not necessary 10

11 THIS WE BELIEVE for JANUARY True worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. John 4:23 ~MISSION STATEMENT~ We will be scripture-based to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spiritually led to guide all people to be active doers of the Word Approved by Session on November 16, 2007 CHURCH STAFF Pastor: Fred Taylor, Clerk of Session: Vicky Bair, Church Treasurer: Ken Hobart, Secretary: Christi Partee, Financial Secretary: Dick Sass, Asst. Financial Secretary: Elaine Miller DEACONS Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Pam Hobart Sandy Erickson Ed Lloyd Dick Sass Pat Erlewine Amy Johnson ELDERS Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Ken Hobart Vicky Bair Meg Simons Steve Broskovak Jini Sass Peni Lloyd Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals P.O. Box 305 Bull Shoals, AR

Presbyterian Connection

Presbyterian Connection November 2015 Volume 22 Issue 11 RECENT FACEBOOK POSTINGS THAT HAVE IMPRESSED ME This is what the Apostle Paul was talking about in Colossians 3:12-17, where he summed it up with