Stone Chippings. ld tone resbyterian hurch January 2018

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1 ld tone resbyterian hurch January 2018 Stone Chippings ) We are people of the Word- people who believe that the Bible is fundamental to understanding our lives as children of God and disciples of Jesus Christ. How do we share that which is most important with our children? What are our hopes for their relationship with the Bible in their own lives of faith? Susan R. Garrett and Amy Plantinga Pauw (co-authors of Making Time for God: Daily Devotions for Children and Families to Share), remind us that: There are times when you're going to reach for the Bible, and if you only use it in times of emergency, you're not going to have the kind of comfort with it that will make it a resource in times of difficulty. It helps us to see the world in a different way, to see ourselves in a different way. And, The Bible is an invitation to share life with God. You get into the world of Scripture and you discover things about yourself and your relationship with God. There's no other place to do that. Where do you start? The three Children s Bibles pictured above are good beginning points (they are listed youngest oldest, left right). From engaging children who need both physical as well as mental interaction to the Bibles for older children that tell a wider spectrum of stories, these are strong places to begin (or continue) engaging and encouraging your children to learn and explore. It s not enough, of course, to have the Bible. You have to read it with them. You don t have to know all of the stories or have all of the answers, the most important thing is to be there, ask questions, explore the stories together, and consider the ways in which God s love is woven through the stories as well as through your life together as a family. If you have questions, would like to know more- or if you d like a more directed reading guide- I hope that you ll stop by and see me. The Word of God is too good not to share! Continue reading on the next page 644 Church Street ~ Lewisburg, WV ~

2 What is your devotional life going to be like in 2018? I can t tell you how many times I ve started the new year thinking that this is the year I will read the Bible from cover-to-cover, Genesis-to- Revelation. The problem is that the Bible wasn t intended to be read that way, and, proving the point, I inevitably make it somewhere into Kings before I find myself looking for a new way. Assuming you already have a Bible that you are comfortable using (if you don t, come see me!), I ve selected some practical help that you can see at the top of the page. The first, Daily Feast is a series of daily devotionals based on the lectionary and uses quotes and references from the Feasting on the Word commentary series. Surviving the Bible is also based on the lectionary, but in this devotional Christian Piatt has put together a devotional that allows us to read through major parts of the Old and New Testaments and finally understand them in plain English. Every week has several Scripture readings, explanations of confusing terms, a story, a deeper dive into interesting themes, and a closing prayer. Gift and Task is a collection of the writings of Walter Brueggemann, so the majority of the text is made up of his writings. Bruggemann is a well-known Presbyterian theologian who has a reputation for his blunt, challenging, and visionary way of explaining the text. Whenever I ve heard him preach I ve left feeling both convicted and inspired. Finally, Centering Prayers, is made up of short prayers intended to lead you in deepening your spiritual life. The prayers are not long, but neither are they simple. As you develop your prayer muscles the words will continue to challenge, comfort, and embody God s hope and grace for your life. These are, of course, just a few of hundreds of options. If you d like to explore other options for you to increase your Biblical literacy and strengthen your relationship with God, please stop by to see me! Peace, Rev. Anna Page #2

3 You say it s your birthday? On the first Sunday of each month we invite any child or youth who has a birthday in that month to bring coins to place in the birthday bank during the Time for Young Church in worship one coin per year. When the bank is full it is emptied and the proceeds are donated to mission. January Birthdays January 2 Merle Shank January 15 John Foster January 3 Mike McClung January 17 Rodney Weikle January 6 Charley Gillespie January 18 Beverly Kucera January 8 Marcia Leitch, Corbin Long, January 19 Joey Nemcik Chris Meldrum January 21 Tracy Monti January 11 Miriam Knight January 22 Linda Monti January 12 Kirby Funderburke, Amy January 23 Hanno Kirk Meadows, Grace Brown January 24 Jeremy Proctor, Jacob Christie January 13 Suzanne Snyder, Tim Hofmann January 27 Nancy Greenstreet January 28 Fielding Foster January 30 Megan Kirkham, Olivia Plybon Heartfelt Thanks I would like to take this time to let everyone know in the congregation of Old Stone Presbyterian Church that, if you didn t already know, you have the most beautiful, kind, generous and loving people in God s creation. I had my right shoulder replaced in October but I have, also, been working with The Cleveland Clinic to receive some very much needed help with my lower back. The assistance I ve received concerning Cleveland is beyond belief because it is behind the scenes that can t be reiterated at this time but, it is can be classified as Divine Intervention. Since my shoulder surgery, I have received so many lovely cards, notes, s, phone calls and just plain overall kind words from so many people. It might not be a surprise, that, most of these came from our Church folks. When we are all true followers of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, it is only second nature for us to try to imitate how our Father s Son lived His life here on earth. It is hard for me, as a member of this fantastic group, to not brag to everyone to which I come in contact. Thanks so much; just know that people like Mrs. Amy Brown who has me on the wall of her War Room can make BIG things happen through the Power of Prayer. Joe Taylor Welcome New Members! Jessica Irons ~ 1301 E. Washington Street ~ Lewisburg, WV ~ ~ jessicarwil@gmail.com Beverly Johnson ~ 244 Court St. S. ~ Lewisburg, WV ~ ~ beverlyjohnson97@gmail.com Scott McClelland ~ 140 Lightner Ave. ~ Lewisburg, WV ~ ~ rmcclell@mail.roanoke.edu Page #3

4 Fearless Giving- Update! So far, the faithful congregation of Old Stone has made 90 pledges towards the 2018 general fund for a total of $438,840. Among those who pledged in both 2017 and 2018, we re seeing an average increase of 5% in pledges. Wow! And, if those who pledged in 2017 but haven t yet pledged in 2018 let the office know of their intention by February 1, it s possible our pledges will see a 10% increase from last year. That s phenomenal! To those of you who haven t pledged before, you are invited you to consider making a pledge to the church, a pledge to respond to God s faithfulness, a part of your New Year s intentions. Who knows what God has in store for us if we can increase our outreach due to your generosity? If Christmas teaches us anything, it is that with God, all things are possible. Stock Gifts Old Stone Presbyterian Church is now partnering with the Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation and the City National Bank Trust Department to receive gifts of appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, and mutual funds). The Trust Department will (as is our policy) sell any donated securities and transfer the funds to the church. CNB and GVCF are providing this service without any fees or other deductions. If you would like to make a stock gift to pay your pledge or make a donation please be in touch with the church office- we can give you the DTC# and other specifics, as well as the name of our contact at CNB (Glenn Murray) in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly. What does your giving accomplish? During the first half of 2017, the Robert C. Byrd Pediatric Clinic completed 1355 well-child visits for children aged 6 months through 5 years old. 585 age-appropriate books were distributed to these children through the national Reach Out and Read program sponsored by Old Stone Presbyterian Church and paid for, in part, by your giving. Presbyterian Women's Council will not meet in January. Presbyterian Women s November Circle Meetings, Wednesday January 10 Afternoon Circle will meet at 1:00 p.m. with Susan Graham (location TBA) Evening Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Hayes Room with Pam Lewis. Presbyterian Women will host the Dinner and Devotion in January in the Church s Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, January 23rd from 6-8 pm. All women are invited - please bring a friend for a Soup and Friends Dinner and Devotional! Do you have a chronic illness? Arthritis? Diabetes? High Blood Pressure? Live Well, a Self- Management Workshop is a six-week program to help you learn skills to manage chronic conditions for better health. Classes start on January 11, 2018 at the Saint James Episcopal Church. For more information, contact Cheryl Workman at 304, or cherylworkman@hotmail.com. Page #4

5 Flowers If you would like to dedicate sanctuary flowers, there are many Sundays available. The cost is $35.00 made payable to Presbyterian Women. Call the church office to reserve a date and share what you d like the bulletin dedication to say. Notes from Chuck Lewis Sunday School Class: Greetings from the Sunday School Class led by Chuck Lewis. Our scripture focus for January will be the book of Daniel. Our lesson titles are: A Sincere Faith, A Bold Faith, A Prayer for an Obedient Faith, and A Strong Faith. Supporting scriptures come from Psalms, 1 Kings, Jeremiah, Matthew, Revelation, Acts, Esther, Nehemiah, Joel, Genesis, Joshua, and Ezekiel. Questions for reflection and discussion are included in each lesson. Our first one is, "What are times when Christians, and churches, need to trust God in obedience?" Join us at 10:00 each Sunday in the Conference Room. The poinsettias in the sanctuary during Christmas were dedicated to the Glory of God and in loving memory of: Loved ones by Joan and Ed Yarid Loved ones by Ruby and Bob Mareneck Joe Black and Mary Hayes by their family Ed Babcock by Linda Babcock Mr. & Mrs. Carter Gallagher and Mr. & Mrs. Riley Satterfield by the Satterfield Family Harry R. Marshall, Mary B. Carter, Guy B. and Ginny Montgomery by Dick, Bonnie, Mary Page, Joey, Lucy, Ray, Hallie, Coriann, Zachary and Abby Margaret Lyle MacCorkle and Myrna Helen Cummins by Lyn MacCorkle Bill & Margaret Mary Lewis, Cynde Lewis Kish, Dr. & Mrs. E. W. Rasmussen, Glenn Gilkerson, Karen Gilkerson McDaniel, Sandra Gilkerson Cochran & Elizabeth Meece by Pam and Ben Lewis Edward D. Knight, Jr. by his family Nancy & Bill Coleman by Jane Coleman Ed and Katie Freeman, Patty Freeman, Sam and Vida Pearis, Samuel P. Pearis by Herb, JoAnn and Bill Pearis Jim Scarborough by his grandchildren Howard and Ruth Coleman and Leora and W.W. McClung by Karen Lee and Mike McClung Our Parents and loved ones by Sue and Ed Rock Coat Drive The Middle School and High School Sunday School Classes are collecting coats, gloves and hats again this year. A large box will be located right outside the church office for your convenience. Giving Envelopes for 2018 are ready to be picked up in the Activities Room. If you want envelopes and do not see yours on the table, please contact Debbie in the office as soon as possible. Thanks. Page #5

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