The Warrenton Presbyterian

Transcription

1 Warrenton Presbyterian Church The Warrenton Presbyterian February 2016 Hello & Thank you from the Nominating Committee We all know that a new year is a time of beginnings but for church officers who have completed their terms, it is a time to say goodbye. Elders serving another term: Gary Light, Fred Gleason Deacons serving another term: Donna Calhoun, Kirk Heydt In this article, the WPC Nominating Committee would like to acknowledge the service of those officers who are retiring, say thank you to those officers who have agreed to serve for another term, and offer a special hello to all our new officers. Retiring elders: Audrey Allen, Laura Cline, Bethann Rome Retiring deacons: Starr Thomas, Paul Bennett, Tom Thompson The Nominating Committee of Warrenton Presbyterian Church would like to thank you for your service. Your generosity of time and talents is greatly appreciated. Again, thank you for making WPC a servant community. The Nominating Committee of Warrenton Presbyterian Church would like to thank you for your continued service. New elders: Judy Slaughter, Sherry Hawkins, Danny Smedley New deacons: Joe Marshall, Jacquelin Pinilla, Michael Housley, Jackie Whisenant Yongue, Nate Hunter The Nominating Committee of Warrenton Presbyterian Church would like to welcome you and to thank you for your willingness to serve. The committee would also like to remind the congregation that we have seven vacant deacon positions to fill. Please let the church office know if you are interested in more information about service as a deacon and someone from the committee will contact you. Or provide names of those you think would make a good deacon.

2 A Message from the Interim Pastor Dear Friends. It never fails! There are always a few folk who greet me in January by saying, bet you re sure glad the Advent/Christmas rush is here. Now in January you can relax some. Well the true facts are, January, for pastors, is the time to put in the hours and effort to finish training of new Church Officers, to get the Church Organization re-organized, elect Session Clerk and Deacon Moderator and have all the Officers and Church Committees set goals for the next 12 months. And all of this leads to FEBRUARY! And this is the month in the life of a church we set plans for the year s mission efforts, the Mission Trips, and all the programs from now through the summer. June is when we work the details for Fall Programming and Thanksgiving and Advent and Christmas. So this is the time for ALL Church Members to make good on their promises about how to actively be involved in this 2016 Ministry of the Warrenton Church. Now is the time to sign on! And while we are busy praying and making choices and doing, guess what? This is the year that the Lenten Season starts early, February 10 th is Ash Wednesday. This Lenten time of prayer and practicing the disciplines of our faith is fast upon us, getting ready for Palm Sunday and Holy Week and Easter, which is March 27 th this year. And before you think I m looking for sympathy or trying to tire everyone out just as the year gets started, look and see how the organizing/planning dovetails with the paying attention to and our choosing where and how we wish to be involved in this ministry. Now is the time to claim it in your heart and to share it with God AND the rest of us. See you in church. ~~Phil Sommer As I See It When I first came to Warrenton to serve as your 2 nd Interim Pastor (and having two is not all that unusual!), I spent the first few weeks listening and observing what was going on in the life of this Church Family. I saw many good things that impressed me and that I have shared in this space with you. One of those observations was how physically and emotionally tired the Session and Deacons were.. We spent time together sharing the events of the past year. We shared and named some items that we needed to address. And we spent the Fall doing much of this as well as getting to know each other. This January, I have been greatly impressed with how well both Elders and Deacons have re-focused, found new energy and are completely committed to being the Servant/Leaders this Church Family needs and can have pride in and can trust with leading all into the future. The spiritual depth and maturity they display speaks well of the long history of fine and full ministry in this place; and bodes well for the future. That s as I See It.

3 February Sermon Schedule (may change due to weather) February 7, 2016 Transfiguration of the Lord Sacrament of Holy Communion 8:45 & 11:00am Children s Time: Nuts In A Jar Read: Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 II Corinthians 3:12-4:21 Luke 9:28-43 Homily: Down In The Street February 10, 2016 Ash Wednesday 7:00pm Read: Joel 2:1-2, Psalm 51:1-17 II Corinthians 5:20b-6:107 Matthew 6:1-6, Sermon: Before God February 14, st Sunday in Lent 8:45 & 11:00am Children s Time: Temptation Read: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13 Sermon: Temptation February 21, nd Sunday in Lent 8:45 & 11:00am Children s Time: How God Leads Us Read: Genesis 15:1-12, Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 Sermon: Courage February 28, rd Sunday in Lent 8:45 & 11:00am Praise Team/youth led Worship Reconciliation - Humility Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday, February 7, Noon The Warrenton Presbyterian Church is called to the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, February 7, 2016, immediately following the 11:00 am Service of Worship in the Sanctuary, for the purpose of hearing the annual report of the church. By order of the Session, Laura Cline, Clerk

4 Living Missionally February 2016 Judy Pease Mission Elder As disciples of Christ, we go out in mission locally, nationally and internationally with the good news of God s love and grace. In faith we will identify mission opportunities and provide hope and support to all God s children. Gift of the Heart Kits are assembled and sent to Church World Service, of which Presbyterian Disaster Aid is a disaster relief partner, for distribution to communities recovering from natural disasters, to economically and disadvantaged families, to victims of Domestic Violence, for use with Immigration and Refugee Programs, and for distribution to foster care teens and young adults. You are cordially invited to Fellowship Hour with a Purpose Sunday, February 14 th The Mission Committee is teaming up with the Crafty Ladies and the Kid s Club to organize this community outreach project during the Fellowship Hour after the 11am service on Valentine s Day to assemble Hygiene Kits and School Kits. Last year our Kid s Club decorated bags that held the school supplies as one of their first mission projects! We ll provide the supplies, but if you would like to make a donation each kit costs about $15.00 to assemble any donation amount will be appreciated! If you have been thinking about what to give up for Lent this year, may we suggest instead you give something something like a Gift from the Heart! Fauquier FISH Food Pantry donation request list for February 7: Fauquier FISH Food Pantry located in Old Town Warrenton at 24 Pelham Street Soup and Cash will be collected by the Confirmation Class for SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY. Thank you for assembling 200 Snow Day Packs on January 10 th during the Fellowship Hour. Our timing was pretty good for the 120 currently identified Fauquier school students needing food over snow days! The Weekend Power Pack wish-list of food items for February: Ramen noodles; Individual fruit cups (usually 4 6 fruit cups per package); any variety Jelly: In plastic Containers (any flavor, brand, or size, squeezable ok) Peanut Butter: 40 oz. plastic jars (check out Wegman s for best value) Pasta sauce (Hunt s canned pasta sauce usually costs about $1) Thank you for supporting the winter Red Cross Blood Drive on January 29 th in the Fellowship Hall. This community outreach was in memory of Bill Bundy. Thanks also to the WPC Deacons for sponsoring and volunteering at the blood drive CROP Hunger Walk Results by the numbers: $4,710 total raised; $4,050 by WPC 5 church participated 1 Boy Scout troop, Pack 957, Den 2 50 walkers; 42 from WPC 12 volunteers; 9 from WPC 25% of total raised remains locally ($1,177.50) Thanks for your generous support. ~~Joan Broughton Thank you from Joan Broughton Thanks for your generous donations of treats for the jail ministry. The treat packages were prepared and delivered on Christmas Eve and were placed on the food trays on Christmas Day. Each had a message of God Bless You, Warrenton Presbyterian Church. Also, there were enough treats to share with the Haven Family Shelter.

5 Mission News (cont d) Mission Trips WV Mission Trip: Remember to contact Jake Muscar or the church office if you are interested in joining the 2016 WV Mission Trip set for May The mission of WVMAW is to offer the opportunity for discipleship by partnering with those in need whose lives have been devastated by natural disasters or by the disaster of poverty in areas of West Virginia. The WPC team will spend a week doing repairs on a home of someone identified by WVMAW as needing assistance. For more information go to or contact Jake. Most expenses are covered. Baja Mission Trip: FAQ Document with registration forms for the 2016 Mission Trip to Baja is online at Joan Bundy and Jesse Montgomery are returning in Individual expenses include travel to and from San Diego and any overnight expenses before the team heads to Baja on July 17 and ends July 23. There is no registration fee for a member or active participant of a congregation in Shenandoah Presbytery. Age minimum is 14 with parent or legal guardian. Registration ends March 1 st. Youth In Mission News Cub Scout Wolf Den, 2 nd graders, will be setting up a display with information and collection boxes for their community service project. They are asking that we help them collect clean used medicine bottles to be sent to the South African country of Malawi. Health clinics there are desperate for containers to distribute medicine. Heifer International Camp Youth Mission Trip Please contact Lucy Lindsay, the church office, or any member of the mission committee if you have a student in 5 th to 11 th grade who might be interested in attending Heifer International Camp. We anticipate taking two years to educate, plan, and save for this trip. Boy Scout Troop 92 The Scouts had a Court of Honor in January. This ceremony recognizes Scouts for their advancement in rank, completion of merit badges, and election to leadership positions as well as to provide incentive for other Scouts to advance. The Court of Honor was followed by dinner in Fellowship Hall. A special thank you note was read to Troop 92 for their adopting one of the Salvation Army Children at Christmas. The troop leadership continues to emphasize the importance of community service.

6 ALTERNATIVE GIVING TREE The Middle School Sunday School Class humbly thanks those of you who purchased Christmas cards and ribbons for the Alternative Giving Tree. Through your generosity, Church World Service will be able to bring help and hope to others both here and around the world. We have been able to purchase the following items for a total of $13, sand dam & 3 borehole wells 19 hygiene kits 20 mosquito nets 7 sewing machines/training 12 literacy training 11 seeds and tools and training 2 Vitalita 25 bio-sand filters 74 blankets The following members of the congregation purchased bows for the Alternative Giving Tree. The Middle School Sunday School class would like to give Preschool class mosquito net three cheers for the wonderful K-1st grade class blanket people in our church. You helped 2nd-3rd grade class sewing machine Santa to come to 100 children in 4th-5th grade class 4 blankets, 3 mosquito nets our community, and you changed Middle School class sewing machine, bio-sand filter lives through your support of Carol Woodbeck sewing machine Church World Service. Anne Loftis blanket, mosquito net, hygiene kit, bio-sand filter in honor of Lucy Lindsay Kathleen & Nick Buranych mosquito net, hygiene kit, bio-sand filter in honor of their children Nicolle Jones 10 blankets Jones family 5 literacy training Poppie (Clint) & Gigi (Judy) Pease literacy training in honor of Rhys Carson Pease Elmer & Penny Magyar borehole well in honor of Lucius Magyar (their grandson) Eva Richardson bio-sand filter in memory of Bill Richardson Rosemary Schneider mosquito net in honor of Darryll and Dustin Nancy Babb 3 bio-sand filters in honor of my family Samuel & Evan Torpy 2 mosquito nets in honor of Joan Broughton, Beverly Broadfield, Quentin Jones, and Renata Kamp Eileen Berger 3 bio-sand filters Amanda Stephens & Gary Light bio-sand filter in memory of Gene Light Stacy Stevens blanket in memory of Christopher Schreher Daniel Nellis blanket in honor of Sam Murilla Daniel Nellis hygiene kit in honor of Molly Murilla Daniel Nellis seeds & tools in honor of William Murilla Sondra McTarnaghan blanket in memory of Jack McTarnaghan Marianne Artherholt 2 bio-sand filters Anne Loftis blanket, mosquito net, hygiene kit, bio-sand filter in honor of Mary Hall Anonymous 2 literacy training in memory of Isabel Carrico Anonymous sewing machine Chris & Mark Headly sewing machine in honor of our children, Maggie & Susanna Debbie Armstrong 2 bio-sand filters in honor of her family and friends Tom & Sherry Hawkins 3 bio-sand filters in honor of the church staff Chris Gatti literacy training in memory of Lana Taylor and Bill & Angie Sudduth Housley family bio-sand filter in memory of Allan Housley and Thomas Astin Catherine Cox 5 blankets & 5 mosquito nets in honor of my grandchildren Joan Bundy 5 bio-sand filters in honor of Sondra McTarnaghan John & Barbara Sylvester mosquito net, vitalita, seeds & tools, bio-sand filter in honor of Jan Williamson & in memory of Margo Sylvester Crafty Ladies sewing machine in memory of Isabel Carrico Philip & Ludmila McBride blanket, mosquito net, hygiene kit in honor of our kids Benjamin Povelones 2 mosquito nets David & Mandi Hazel sand dam in honor of their sons David & Mandi Hazel & proceeds from the Living Waters CDs borehole well in honor of all those whose lives will be saved because of access to clean water Thank you and God bless you.

7 Membership Committee News Interested in learning more about membership? - Call the church office or simply check Interested in Membership on the attendance pad and we will contact you. Membership Committee: Chairperson Sherry Hawkins, Laura Cline, Stacy Stevens, Donna Calhoun, and Mary Hall Food & Fellowship Opportunities Mark your calendars: Sunday, February 7, Spaghetti Lunch and Dessert Auction rescheduled; the lunch is free but reservations are required; donate a dessert to be auctioned to raise money for youth summer camps and conferences Sunday, February 14, Coffee Hour at noon; bring a finger food to share (sweet or savory); enjoy food and fellowship. Each person who attends the Coffee Hour will be invited to pack Gift of the Heart school and hygiene kits. Kit items will be provided. We just need you to provide the labor. Sunday, February 28 at noon, Chili Cook-off AND Cookie Bake-off Fundraiser: bring your best chili and/or cookies and those who attend the event will vote for the winners by placing their tickets in a cup. Whoever has the most tickets in their cup by the end of the event will be declared the winner. All funds raised will benefit the Pastors Discretionary Fund which helps those in need in our church and community. Tickets are just 25 each. Women of the Church: The meetings for the women of the church will resume in the Spring. But we will host the February 14 coffee hour, deliver meals to the free clinic monthly, and participate in the 40+ Fabulous and Fun Fellowship Group (more info below). 40+ FABULOUS AND FUN FELLOWSHIP GROUP Inspiration needed for February events. If you want to attend a movie, play, concert or other event, submit ideas to Mary in the church office ( ). Possible March event: Piedmont Singers present Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo by F.J. Haydn on Tuesday, March 22, at 7 PM at Emmanuel Church in Middleburg, Virginia. This will be part of a Holy Week Eucharist service. Contact Diana Bennett for more information.

8 CRAFTY LADIES NEWS Happy New Year and welcome to winter. Thankfully, it did not appear until we had finished our catering responsibilities. First, we had our usual monthly brunch for The Christian Women s Club on Thursday, January 14 th. Thanks to Andrea Brooks, Sandra Brown, Lois Hollar, Nanci Marshall, Kay May, Joyce Mills, Judy Pease, Joyce Teague, Barrie Wince and Jackie Young we fed 61 delightful ladies. On Friday January 15 th we served approximately 170 guests at a luncheon following the funeral service for Mr. Bill Richardson. Thanks to Beverly Broadfield, Andrea Brooks, Sandra Brown, Betty Hadden, Sherry Hawkins, Lois Hollar, Creola Loyd, Nanci Marshall, Kay May, Sondra McTarnaghan, Joyce Mills, Judy Pease, Suzanne Taylor, Joyce Teague, Barrie Wince and Jackie Yongue. Thanks to everyone who provided desserts. They were much appreciated. Lastly, on Tuesday, January 19 th, we served a light reception for Mr. Gerry DeHoff. Once again, Beverly Broadfield, Andrea Brooks, Sandra Brown, Kay May, Sondra McTarnaghan, Joyce Mills and Joyce Teague handled everything beautifully. To all those who provided food we say thank you. In every event, we are grateful for the help of Mary Hall and Jeanette Walker. Soon we will be serving Lenten Lunches and will need help. Time involved is usually from 10:30 until about 2 pm. The first one is Ash Wednesday, February 10 th. We are planning to serve Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Chips, Beverage and a dessert (to be decided). We will be serving the lunches every Wednesday until Easter. The following morning we serve the Christian Women s Brunch. Time involved here is 8:30 until about noon. Menu is scrambled eggs, ham, biscuits, fruit cup, juice and coffee. PLEASE give serious consideration to volunteering your time for either or both. On February 14 th we will be joining the Mission Committee to fill Gift of the Heart bags for Church World Service. During the coffee hour we will fill freezer bags with a hand towel, wash cloth, soap, nail clippers, a comb, tooth brush, emery board and band aids. These bags are collected by Church World Service and distributed to disaster areas in the US and around the world. Crafty Ladies have participated in this project for more than 15 years. Many thanks to Pastor Phil for the Chicken Pot Pie recipe that everyone enjoyed. We have had many requests for the recipe. It was published in the December newsletter but if you cannot find it let me know and we will be happy to provide a copy. Please make a note of my new address. coxcabc@outlook.com Catherine Cox ( )

9 Worship Committee News Communion servers (past and present ordained deacons & elders) are needed for both services each month. Sign your name to the sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you are willing to serve, or contact the church office. A training session for serving communion and one for preparing communion will be held in February. Please contact the office to sign up for one or both training sessions. The next worship committee meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 13, after the 11 AM service. Committee members can grab a bite to eat from the Deacons Tea and head to the meeting. See the flyer on the following page for information about Lenten and Easter services at WPC. FROM THE FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE December 2015 Financial Summary Actual Budgeted Surplus/(Shortfall) Monthly Expenses $45,457 $49,806 ($4,349) Monthly Income $60,533 $49,806 $10,727 Year to Date Expenses $550,890 $597,680 ($46,790) Year to Date Income $512,746 $597,680 ($84,934) Monthly Change in General Fund Balance $13,687 $0 $13,687 General Fund Balance $144,272 $158,150 ($13,878) I m pleased to report that December was a strong financial month for WPC. Monthly income exceeded our monthly budget and, due to prudent spending across several budget areas, allowed our general fund balance to rise for the second consecutive month. We ended the year with total annual income of $512,746 but managed to limit the drop in our general fund to $13,878 for the year. Thank you to everyone who has pledged their financial commitment for As of January 23, we have received 102 pledges for $364,450 for the General Fund and 38 pledges for $27,546 for the Building Fund. If you have not yet submitted a pledge card for 2016, please do so as soon as you can. Our 2016 budget of $511,686 will be presented at our next congregational meeting but additional details are available upon request.

10 SEE FOLLOWING PAGE FOR MORE INFO ON THE NOON SERVICES Thank you from Eva Richardson Thank you to our church friends who have blessed us during this very difficult time...to the middle school class whose baskets of cookies and candy have touched my heart; to Sondra for her weekly cards; to Kathleen McClelland for her delicious apple sauce; and most of all to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. May God bless you. In Christ s love, Eva

11 Wednesday Lenten Services Noon Theme: The I AM s of Jesus Ash Wednesday February 10, 2016 I Am The Bread of Life John 6:27-38 (Don t forget the Ash Wednesday evening service at 7 PM in the Chapel) February 17, 2016 I Am The Light of the World John 8:1-12 February 24, 2016 I Am The Gate John 10:1-10 March 2, 2016 I Am The Good Shepherd John 10:11-18 March 9, 2016 I Am The Resurrection and the Life John 14:1-10 March 16, 2016 I Am the True Vine John 15:1-8 March 23, 2016 Judas John 13:21-32 Don t forget the Seder & Tenebrae Service (two events in one service) on Maundy Thursday, March 23, at 7 PM, starting in the Fellowship Hall and ending in the Historic Chapel

12 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Be sure to pick up the Christian Education Brochure with more information on classes, curricula, and class location; available in the narthex. Classes for all ages are available each Sunday morning. Children s classes begin at 9:45 in the chapel with Jeanette Walker, then dismiss to their classrooms. Youth and adult classes meet in the scheduled spaces for their groups at 10:00 AM. Sunday Morning Adult Classes for February Study of the Creeds and Confessions begins on January 31, led by Susanne Taylor in the Fellowship Hall Presbyterian Worship, led by Dr. Sommer in the Historic Chapel Other Opportunities Book Discussion Group 4 th Wednesday, 7:00 8:00 PM, Coordinated by Cheryl Crow Young adult group, Christians Doing Stuff 1 st and 3 rd Tuesdays, Women s Lounge, Coordinated by Kristin Heydt Men s Bible Study, Saturdays at 8:30 AM in the youth lounge, coordinated by Don Broadfield 40 + Fabulous and Fun fellowship group, contact the office with activity ideas Disciple class, Introduction to the Old Testament, taught by Susanne Taylor, Tuesdays, in February and March Book Group, every 4th Wednesday at 7:00 PM February 3: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton at Cheryl Crow s house February 24: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simison March 23: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr April 27: Astronaut Wives Club: a true story by Lily Koppel May 25: Arthur & George by Julian Barnes June 22: I am Malala: the girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai Kid s Club (2 nd 5 th graders) February 13: 11:00 AM 1:00 PM in the church fellowship hall, hosted by the Toothman family Thank you to the Trask family for hosting the January 10 skate at Rollerworks The next Christian Education committee meeting is Monday, February 15, 2016 at 7:00 PM. Please bring any ideas, comments or concerns you may have to the attention of the Christian Education committee, to the Chair, Chris Headly, or to the DCE, Lucy Lindsay.

13 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (cont d) SOUPER BOWL OF CARING The youth from the confirmation class of 2016 will collect cans of soup on Souper Bowl Sunday, February 7, They will join young people in churches across the country to collect soup and money for those who are hungry and hurting, by participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring. Cash donations are also welcome. All of the money and cans of soup collected are donated to a charity selected by the participant. Please support the youth of our church in this effort to love our neighbors by dropping your dollar in the soup pot or bring cans of soup to donate on February 7. All donations will be given to the local FISH organization. Acolytes All middle school students and 4th & 5th graders are encouraged to sign up for an opportunity to serve as acolyte for the 11:00 AM worship service, September through May. A signup sheet is posted on the bulletin board in Memorial Hall (between the sanctuary and chapel). SPAGHETTI LUNCH AND DESSERT AUCTION (SNOW DATE) Indulge your sweet tooth! Plan to support the youth group by attending the spaghetti luncheon and dessert auction on FEBRUARY 7, 2016 at 12:00 noon. Plan to make and donate your favorite dessert or try a new recipe. The desserts will be auctioned to the highest bidder after lunch. The friendly competition is a lot of fun and you may get to take home a delicious masterpiece to enjoy yourself. Prices may get a little inflated, but it s all for a good cause. Plan to come and enjoy the fun. All are welcome even if you don t bring a dessert. (donations are accepted). Watch the bulletin for reservation information. There is no charge for lunch but reservations are necessary for planning and preparation. Shenandoah Presbytery Senior High Retreat February 5 7, 2016 Massanetta Springs Harrisonburg, Virginia Prayer Inc.: Registration information is available. Contact Lucy Lindsay for details

14 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (cont d) Youth Group Schedule of Events January ski retreat - Canaan Valley, West Virginia February 5 7 Senior High SPYCE retreat at Massanetta February 6 Spaghetti lunch preparation and set up, 2-4 PM February 7 Souper Bowl of Caring AND February 7 11:30 2:00 PM - Spaghetti Lunch and dessert auction February 12 Middle school cookie bake 4:00 PM February 20 SPARC service for Warrenton Community Youth hosted by WPC youth - 7:00pm in the sanctuary Appetizers by the deacons at 6:00 PM February 21 6:00 8:00 PM Youth Meeting, Dinner by (Volunteer* needed) February 27 9:00 11:30 AM, Youth Sunday rehearsal February 28 Youth Sunday, both morning services Thank you to those generous volunteers who provided food for the Progressive Dinner: The Caines, The Pinillas, and staff of Warrenton Presbyterian School *Additional dates for dinner volunteers remain. Please contact Lucy Lindsay for information. February 21 April 3 March 6 - The Youngs and the Pinillas April 10 March 13 April 17 More Dates for your calendars: Ski retreat at Canaan Valley, West Virginia, January Senior High SPYCE retreat at Massanetta, February 5-7 Spaghetti lunch and dessert auction, February 7 Souper Bowl of Caring, February 7 Warrenton Community Youth worship service, planned and led by SPARC, February 20 at WPC (see poster ion following page for more information) Youth Sunday, February 28 SAVE THE DATE Vacation Bible School for 2016 is June Classes are offered for children age 3 through those who have completed 5 th grade. The leadership team is beginning to plan and make decisions for the fun week. Volunteers are needed in many areas and we will be recruiting to fill all those positions in the next few months. Contact Tracy Mazurkiewicz or Lucy Lindsay (educate@wpcva.org) for more information. Summer Opportunities Fred Camp for 2016 is July 3 9. We have 8 spaces for youth and 2 for adults. If you are interested in attending, please see Lucy Lindsay as soon as possible. Registration information is now available. If you can attend this worthwhile week, please talk with Lucy Lindsay or Phil Montgomery. Massanetta Middle School Conference Registration information is available for the summer s conference for middle school students. Those completing 6 th through 8 th grades are invited to attend this 4 day event in nearby Harrisonburg, Virginia. The dates for this year s trip are July This is a great opportunity for worship, fellowship and spiritual growth presented to middle school age youth in an energetic environment directed to their interest and needs. See Lucy Lindsay for details.

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16 DECENTLY AND IN ORDER An Ever Present Help in Times of Trouble I have been sitting here for quite some time, hands poised above the computer keyboard, waiting for a stroke of inspiration that has not been in evidence. Pondering the blank screen, and occasionally fending off Liesl s attempts to write this for me, I have thought about a lot of things. In reviewing the last year, I have to admit that a lot of the subjects have been somewhat less than happy. I have experienced a lot of personal grief, as has our congregation. There has been upheaval and a lot of drama, locally and in the denomination. Our world seems to be becoming a more dangerous place all the time. It s frightening; it s mind-boggling. I wonder how we as a church face it all, and remain constant in our faith, perhaps even strengthening it. As with most learning experiences, I look to history. For our church, looking to our past contained in our creeds and confessions may hold some clues as to how we go forward in our times of confusion and fear. Our Book of Confession, Part I of the Constitution of the PCUSA, contains the church s statements in times of confusion, discord, disagreement, war and injustice, as well as one of great rejoicing. Each is based in theology, and seeks to articulate or perhaps clarify the church s position in each instance. Our denomination has undergone upheavals, dramas and discords before. There have been splits and reunions. The Church - - as in Christianity - - has borne witness to many wars and periods of injustice for centuries in many countries. Many times, she has been moved to put pen to paper and outline a response to these events based on Scripture and collective understanding of where Christ would have us go and what He would have us do. The PCUSA has adopted many of these and made them the leading part of our Constitution. Recently, the PCUSA has added one coming out of South Africa and one of the worst modern day injustices imaginable - - the Belhar Confession in response to apartheid. We will be looking at these Confessions from the perspective of an overview during the Church School hour starting January 31 in the Fellowship Hall. Our study will take us through Palm Sunday. If you happen to have a copy of the Book of Confessions, please bring it. We will have some available for use during class. I do hope to see you there to discuss these courageous documents. Peace be with you! Susanne Hooker Taylor CREEDS & CONFESSIONS USING THE BANNERS SUNDAYS AT 10 AM, FELLOWSHIP HALL Jan 31 Mar 20 PNC UPDATE FOR FEBRUARY The Pastor Nomination Committee (PNC) has reviewed over 50 Pastor Information Forms (PIFs) and now has begun a second round of reviews of those PIF's the PNC believes best meets the needs of the WPC. Even though the PNC is now engaged in a second review (short list of candidates), the PNC continues to receive new PIFs each week which we also give due consideration through research, prayer, and discussion as we continue to move forward, in seeking the person who God has called to be our new Pastor. ~~Rich Crow, Chairperson

17 Warrenton Presbyterian School Serving Christ and God s Children in the Heart of Warrenton, Virginia Stacy Stevens, Director Incorporated 2009 stacy.stevens@wpcva.org. or (540) Happy Valentine s Day! 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE REGISTRATION for the 2016/2017 Registration for next year is now open to church and preschool families. The following preschool classes will be offered: 1-Day Class (Wed/9am-12noon) for 2 year olds 2-Day Class (Tues and Thurs/9am-12noon) for year olds 3-Day Class (Tues-Thurs/9am-12noon) for 3-4 year olds 3-Day Class (Tues-Thurs/9am-1 pm) for 4-5 year old 4-Day Class (Mon-Thurs/9am-1pm) for 4-5 year olds Please contact Stacy Stevens ( or stacy.stevens@wpcva.org) for more information. THANK YOU WPS would like to thank everyone who participated in our pot pie fundraiser! Please contact Stacy Stevens to arrange to pick up your order. New playground at WPS A big thank you goes out to the following church members who helped unload playground equipment from the delivery truck: Steve Torpy, Jim Cantrell, Joe Marshall, Jake Muscar, Jesse Montgomery SAVE THE DATE: Come Celebrate PANCAKE DAY with Us! WPS will be hosting our annual pancake supper on Tuesday, February 9, in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring your family and friends for food and fellowship anytime between 5:00 and 7:00pm. See reservation forms on following page and in weekly bulletins.

18 Warrenton Presbyterian School Pancake Supper Tuesday, February 9, :00-7:00 pm RESERVATION FORM Pancake Reservation Forms: one for you and one for a friend $5 adults and children 6 years and older $2 children 2-5 years Free children under 2 years $5 adults and children 6 years and older $2 children 2-5 years Free children under 2 years Warrenton Presbyterian School Pancake Supper Tuesday, February 9, :00-7:00 pm RESERVATION FORM Name Phone # Reservations: x $5 = $ (# of gluten free eaters) x $2 = $ (# of gluten free eaters) under 2 Total $ Please make checks payable to WPS Name Phone # Reservations: x $5 = $ (# of gluten free eaters) x $2 = $ (# of gluten free eaters) under 2 Total $ Please make checks payable to WPS

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20 Warrenton Presbyterian Church 91 Main Street Warrenton, VA Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage Paid Warrenton, VA Permit Main Street Warrenton, Virginia RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Help us keep our mailing list up-to-date. Please contact the church office with corrections, additions, or subtractions at or Look for the snowflakes throughout this newsletter to remind us that winter has arrived. In the event of inclement weather, please check the church website ( or call the church ( ) after 6:00 AM to check the message on the answering machine. If schools are closed, most church activities will be canceled that day or evening. Individuals and groups may choose to meet if road conditions improve during the day. Please always use best judgment for your safety based on conditions in your area.