The Bell and the Well

Transcription

1 The Bell and the Well March 2017 Volume 51 Number 2 Why Your Pastor Wants You to Read A Book During Lent During the Season of Lent, a period of time beginning on March 1, Ash Wednesday, and culminating with Holy Week (April 10), I want you to have your heart, mind and nose in a book. Lent is a time for reflection, honest reflection. Lent is a time to take your spiritual temperature, to evaluate your spiritual health. One of the best ways to gauge your spiritual health is by reading a book that will encourage you as well as challenge you, spiritually. There are many devotional books to choose from, but I want to highlight two, both by well-known authors. Leighton Ford lives in Charlotte. He has led our leaders on two leadership retreats. He considers himself to be an encourager, a mentor of Christians. He knows quite well the need to be encouraged in one s pilgrimage of faith. Leighton also knows the importance of paying attention to the risen Lord and to one s spiritual health. In 2008, Leighton published his book, The Attentive Life. It is a must read. The premise of the book is found in II Peter 1: 19: You will do well to pay attention [to the gospel]... until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Pay attention. Two key words when it comes to growing in Christ and growing in faith that Christ is risen. The alternative is to be distracted, and distracted by what? You name it, and it is a distraction. I assure you The Attentive Life will not disappoint. It will encourage you. It will also challenge you. You may well need a spiritual challenge during Lent of The second book is by the late Henri Nouwen. In the Name of Jesus is a short but profound read on living the Christian life and doing so with open eyes. Not a few of us stumble along in the Christian life without much intention. Henri points out what we need to be aware of by claiming Christ as Lord in the twenty-first century. He points us in the direction of three pitfalls/temptations. You will recognize them. No doubt, you are well acquainted with all three. In the Name of Jesus is short enough to read at least twice if not three times during Lent. Each read will afford you new insights. The harvest for your spiritual life will be rich. Please, please don t go through the 40 days of Lent without reading a Christian devotional that encourages and challenges. Allow Lent (lent=spring) to be what the church has intended Lent to be for us, an opportunity to bring new life into our spiritual life. A well-used Lenten season will prepare one for a well-celebrated Resurrection Day and many more days, thereafter. Both books are available in a variety of ways (e.g., Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.). If you can t find them, I will loan you my copy. Faithfully, Gus Succop, Pastor

2 PAGE 2 Every year the Mission Committee has the privilege of directing a portion of our giving within the church s approved budget. Such giving is to support and assist individuals and agencies in the mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ while meeting basic human needs of food and shelter along with emotional and psychological needs. In addition, the committee directs a small portion of the budget towards the education of Christian leaders. Most giving is informed by direct congregational communication that results in both local and global giving while avoiding duplication of Presbytery giving. The committee hopes to work with a budget of $14,300 in Please join us by contacting Waldo Miller ( ; waldofay.miller@att.net) for meeting dates and times if you feel called to serve on the Mission Committee. New Members On Christmas Day, confirmand Justin Samuel Aelick, along with New Members, Barbara Gromelski and Janet Moldenhauer, were presented by the Session as full and active members of QHPC. Express your welcome to Justin, Barbara and Janet! You do not come to us as strangers but as a brother and sisters in Christ; for together, we are the church, the very body of our risen Lord. Justin Aelick Barbara Gromelski Janet Moldenhauer

3 PAGE 3 The Session, upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, has approved an unbalanced mission budget for 2017 (Session action, February 16, 2017). There is a budget deficit of $25,284 in expenses versus pledges. However, the church has a surplus of $26,727 from 2016, and the surplus can be used to offset the 2017 deficit. A Congregational Meeting will be held on March 19, 2017, to seek the concurrence of the congregation Stewardship Pledges 89 (of 119) Pledges; 75% received Total: $254,416 In order to be faithfully the church God has called us to be at QH, we must have a financial response from every member and friend. As the above numbers reflect, we are far from reaching the needed giving levels to meet our 2017 mission budget. Your 2017 Giving Card is needed. Please return yours today. Reminder from the Finance Committee Please remember that all fundraising activities need to be approved by the Finance committee in advance of being scheduled.

4 News, Events, & Happenings March 2017 Church School Church School meets 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. on Sunday in the Youth Room. We are currently studying, It s Not What You Think: Why Christianity Is About So Much More Than Going To Heaven When You Die. Communication Quail Hollow Youth leadership is continuing to gather contact-info for our youth and their parents. If you have a rising 6th- 12th grader, please be in touch with Becky Aelick (beckya@earthlink.net or ) to be added to the Holla communications lists: weekly s, Holla Facebook, and Remind text blasts. If your student has graduated and s/he (or you) should be removed, please let her know. If you are interested in serving with the Youth, please send an to Adam Stricker. (ws56309@yahoo.com) to discuss the opportunities available. Upcoming Events: Sunday Morning 9:45-10:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Wednesdays 6:00-6:30 p.m. Dinner at QHPC 6:30-7:30 p.m. Holla *The 1st Wednesday of every month is Food & Fellowship from 6-7 p.m. Watch for a Remind text with the location. Confirmation Class Sundays 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Feb. 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 Sunday, April 2, 12:15pm - meet with Session Thursday, April 13, 7:30pm - participate in Maundy Thursday service Sunday, April 16, 11:00 am - presented in worship to the congregation.

5 PAGE 5 KAIROS WALK #35 March 23-26, 2017 We have this hope, so we are very bold. (II Corinthians 3:12, NCV) My first thought when reading the above verse were to boldly go where no man has gone before, part of the opening lines of the original Star Trek series. Sort of silly, but it got me thinking. That s exactly what Paul was telling the people. Step out in boldness, away from legalism, and spread the Word of a living, loving Christ to all who will listen and hear. In his book, Outlive Your Life, author Max Lucado wrote A Prayer for Boldness. He prayed: O God, you created all that exists, and you sustain all through your infinite wisdom and boundless power. Yet you invite me to come to you in prayer, boldly and with the expectation that you will hear and answer me. Teach me, Lord, to take full advantage of this privilege, especially in regard to reaching others with your love. Give me a heart for those who have yet to experience the fullness of your grace, and prompt me to pray for them and for their welfare, both in this world and in eternity. Lord, bring me to the front lines of this battle. In Jesus name I pray, amen. (Emphasis added.) The Prayer Vigil Sign-Up sheets should be in each pew and in the choir loft by now. The men and women of the Kairos Walk #35 team covet your prayers. They are made bold by your prayers as they endeavor to bring the Message to men who are angry, disillusioned, lonely, sad individuals who may or may not have heard of Jesus and His love. (Please leave the sign-up sheets in the pews. There is a separate take-away with suggestions on specific areas for prayer.) The cookie bake will be on March 19, 2017, immediately following worship. We will send out a web-blast of specific ingredients needed closer to that date. As always, we need lots of eggs and sticks of unsalted butter. I will provide lunch. Come join in the fellowship. (Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.) If you have questions, please feel free to contact me (Le Johnson) by text or call me at OASIS is our weekly meal-&-class ministry, which takes place most Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Martha Rand is our leader along with her faithful servants. Please fill out a reservation card found in the pew rack. Are you willing to serve at OASIS? Call Martha ( ).

6 PAGE 6 The Week of the Young Child Erin Gillis, Director QHPS will be celebrating The Week of the Young Child, March Our wonderful Preschool has been in existence for almost 40 years! The school and the QHPC faith community have a rich history that boasts many long-time teachers, a legacy of students that include children and grandchildren of former students, and, most of all, fond memories of almost 40 years of child development What better way to celebrate then a fun-filled week of activities. On Thursday and Friday, March 16 and 17, there will be a walk in support of JDRF. We have several staff members with children who have Juvenile Diabetes; we have also a staff member with Diabetes. We are excited to support JDRF, and we want your support! Won t you help us? Please come cheer on our Preschool walkers on Thursday and Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Each class will be dressed up, and they will love to have you cheer them on as they walk to support JDRF. Immediately after the short Preschool walk, Preschool parents, church members and other supporters are invited to walk in fellowship around the neighborhood. Refreshments will be provided upon return. The PW Officers for are: Moderator - Georgene Sherer Treasurer - Phyllis Brown Secretary - Cheryl Mims Missions Coordinator- Mary Hice Search - Carol Crumbley Morning Circle Leader - Peggy Warstler Morning Bible Moderator - Grace Mitchell Evening Circle Leader and Bible Moderator The Evening Circle The Quail Hollow Presbyterian Women will meet Tuesday, March 14th in the Betty Lambeth Parlor for Bible Study & Fellowship Morning Circle 10:00 a.m. Evening Circle 7:00 p.m. We will continue our study entitled, "Who Is Jesus? What a difference a Lens Makes," written by Judy Yates Siker. All ladies come join us! Also, Circle members are invited to bring snacks to our meeting so the snacks may be given to our the Southminster Hospice Unit, especially to the visiting families of Hospice patients.

7 PAGE 7 SEARCHING FOR JOHN KNOX Dr. Adrian Bird, a native of Scotland and currently Assistant Professor of Church History at Union Theological Seminary, Charlotte, invites you to join him in September in Scotland for a Presbyterian Heritage Bespoke Journey to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Beginning in Glasgow and ending in Edinburgh, you will follow the trails of history to the creation of The Church of Scotland. For 10 days, the once-in-a-lifetime journey will take you through sites of religious importance to the Scottish Reformation including the church where John Knox preached some of his fiery sermons. What a trip from Glasgow to the Isle of Iona, to St. Andrews and finally to St. Giles Cathedral, The Mother Church of Presbyterianism! As an added bonus, you will learn about Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style he created as well as visiting castles and traveling from West to East across a land of beauty and history. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to the availability of Dr. Adrian Bird, and created especially for him by Paul Tickner, President, Custom GB, at the request of Waldo Miller, ACC, DS, a Member of The Gifted Travel Network. Please contact Waldo Miller, ACC, DS, ( ) for additional information. Holy Land Pilgrimage 2018 A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a faith-deepening and lifechanging experience. Ask Beth and Pastor Gus Succop about their recent pilgrimage. Along with 9 other QH members, Beth and Gus had the unique experience of visiting the places where our Lord once walked and visited. Might the Lord be calling you to embark on your pilgrimage? The next Holy Land pilgrimage will depart Jan. 9, The Holy Land is the Fifth Gospel. Pray about your pilgrimage and discern the Lord s nudge. Ask those who have made their pilgrimage: Stephanie Burns, Grace Mitchell, Sherrie Young, Linda Patterson, Janet Stephens, Nancy & Renny Marshall, and Beth Succop. Brochures will soon be available in the Narthex and church office. There is available also a DVD that presents an overview of the places the pilgrimage will take you: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee, Caesarea, and many other locations that are holy and sacred to the Christian faith. Please note the July 1 deadline to register.

8 PAGE 8 QHPC will host Room-in-the-Inn on the following dates: 3/18 & 3/25 Your Last Opportunity To Sign Up for Room-in-the-Inn! Sign-up sheets for the different tasks are on the table in the Narthex. All types of servants are needed to make RITI run smoothly. We need help with set up, drivers, overnighters, kitchen help, breakdown and clean up. The approximate time for each task is listed on the sign-up sheet. Please be a servant for one or more of the tasks. They are fun and easy when many are helping. Community Conversation - March 19, 2017 What is a Community Conversation? A Community Conversation is a Session convened conversation. The Session holds Community Conversations to facilitate transparent and effective communication between the Session and congregation. Each conversation will have no specific agenda, although one subject may prevail at certain times. Co-clerks, Rich Bonnell or Joel Aelick, serve as moderator. The congregation is invited to bring questions, comments, complaints, and compliments. When necessary, the Session may convene a Community Conversation at a specific time to impart specific information to the congregation. Each conversation is convened after worship, lasts about an hour, and is held in the Sanctuary. The Community Conversations for 2017 are: March 19, June 11, September 17, and November 19. Dear Quail Hollow, Thanks so much for the opportunity to serve as your Finance Secretary for the past 3 years. You have truly made me feel part of a family here at Quail Hollow and I will miss the cheerful smiles and witty banter. As I leave on March 15th to move to Virginia, I feel comforted, both by warm memories of my time here, and the knowledge that you will be in good hands with Debra Coles, as my replacement. Continued Blessings, Carol Robinson

9 PAGE 9 March Scripture Lessons Indeed, the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4: 12) March 1, Ash Wednesday: Matthew 6: 1-6 Pastor Succop preaching: Openly March 5, Lent I: Romans 5: (Holy Communion) Pastor Succop preaching: Reign March 12, Lent II: The Rev. Gerry Potoka preaching (Chaplain, Kershaw Correctional Institute) March 19, Lent III: Romans 5: 1-11 Pastor Succop preaching: Boast March 26, Lent IV: Ephesians 5: 8-14 Pastor Succop preaching: Pleasing April Scripture Lessons The Bible is alive -- it speaks to me; it has feet it runs after me; it has hands it lays hold on me. (Martin Luther) April 2, Lent V: Romans 8: 6-11 Pastor Succop preaching: Righteousness April 9, Palm Sunday: Matthew 21: 1-11 Pastor Succop preaching: Who Is That? April 16, Resurrection Day (7 & 11 a.m.): Matthew 28: 1-10 Pastor Succop preaching: B.M.W. Time April 23, Easter II: Psalm 16 Pastor Succop preaching: Proven April 30, Easter III: Luke 24: Pastor Succop preaching: The Eyes Have It!

10 Waldo Miller March 2 Evan Bellamy March 4 Elton Parker March 4 Carl Bordner March 6 Anna Succop March 6 Peggy Nelson March 7 Jeanne Owens March 7 Ann Litaker March 9 Luann Parmelee March 9 Pettus Lilliott March 11 Katie Stone March 20 Melanie Jones March 22 Zhanna Stone March 26 Dick Davis March 28 Peggy Warstler March 28 John Peeples March 29 Sue Barnes March 31 Jan Federal March 31 James Kurani March 31 Holy Communion is celebrated on the 1 st Sunday in Lent, March 5, 2017 March 1 March 18 March 19 March 19 March 25 Ash Wednesday Worship Service Room-in-the-Inn Community Conversation/ Congregational Meeting Kairos Cookie Bake Room-in-the-Inn the church website: April 2017 Newsletter Articles & Information Deadline: Friday, March 17, 2017 New Study for Christian Lifestyles Class On March 19, 2017, the Christian Lifestyles Class will begin the book "30 Events That Shaped the Church: Learning from Scandal, Intrigue, War, and Revival" written by Alton Gansky. The events include the Pentecost in AD 30, Paul's Conversion in AD 35, the First Council of Nicaea in 313 and on up to the modern day atheistic movement. Inexpensive paperbacks can be ordered online through used book dealers. We hope you'll grab a copy and come join us. Submit your articles to qhpcnewsletter@gmail.com New Address: Jeanne Hayes has a new address and phone number. Please contact the church office is you need this information.

11 PAGE 11 March Ushers Nancy Geiter, Renny & Nancy Marshall Usher Coordinators: Allen Smith & Steve Nelson January 2017 Financial Report January Tithes and Offerings $45,113 YTD Tithes and Offerings $45,113 YTD Budget for Tithes & Offerings: $23,961 YTD Actual Tithes & Offerings vs. Budget $21,152 Gifts were received from the following members & friends of QHPC: Ruth & Gary Keefer in memory of Fred Johnston Debt Retirement Update Outstanding Loan balance: $280,814 Reminder: If a portion of your giving is meant specifically for Debt Retirement, please indicate your intent on your check. QHPC Members & Friends Copies of the current The Bell & The Well are available on our website ( and in the Narthex. If you prefer to have the newsletter mailed to you, please call the church office ( ). Are you receiving the Weekly Update? If not, call Debby Coles (church office) to be put on the e- mail distribution list. New address? New mailing address? New phone number? Please notify Debby Coles (debra@qhpc.org; ) of your changes. Transportation Ministry Debby Coles, Ministry Assistant Through the kindness of the Southminster Retirement Community, we have use of a shuttle that allows us to pick up for worship members and friends from who live at the Southminster and Regency Retirement Communities and Sharon Towers. Drivers rotate their ministry every so many weeks. If you feel called to participate in this ministry, speak with Debby ( ; debra@qhpc.org) in the church office. To drive the smaller van requires a standard driver s license.

12 Class of 2017 Joel Aelick, Co-Clerk Rich Bonnell, Co-Clerk Bill Navarro Linda Patterson Session Class of 2018 Virgil Adkins Fay Miller Loving God...loving neighbor Class of 2019 Larry Ferguson Jim Hudson Jack Rand Janet Stephens Moderator: Gus Succop, Pastor VISIT US ON THE WEB! Visit us on Facebook! CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday: 9:00 to 12:30 p.m. Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church (USA) Learning Hour: 9:45 a.m. Worship: 11 a.m. Church Office: Preschool: Office Fax: Newsletter published monthly from Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church 8801 Park Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28210