Bethesda Banner. Bethesda Presbyterian Church. One Spirit ~ One Body ~ Many Gifts

Transcription

1 March 2018 Volume MMXVIII Issue 3 Bethesda Presbyterian Church Bethesda Banner Bethesda Presbyterian Church 4858 McConnell s Hwy. York, SC Sunday School 9:45 Worship Service 11:00 One Spirit ~ One Body ~ Many Gifts Christian writer Kathleeen Norris in her book, Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, recalls a conversation she and her husband once had in a local steak house with one of their South Dakota neighbors, a grandson of dirt-poor immigrants who now owned several thousand acres and bought new cars for his family every year; a man who had now begun treatment for a probably terminal cancer. That night this man of few words, who usually spoke about business when he did speak, began telling about receiving a wedding gift, many years before, from his devout grandfather. Norris says: His wedding present to Arlo and his bride had been a Bible, which he admitted he admired mostly because it was an expensive gift, bound in white leather, with their names and the date of their wedding set in gold lettering on the cover. I left it in its box and it ended up in our bedroom closet, Arlo told us. But, he said, for months afterward, every time we saw Grandpa he would ask me how I liked that bible. The wife had written him a thank you note, and we d thanked him in person, but somehow he couldn t let it lie, he d always keep asking about it. Finally, Arlo grew curious as to why the old man kept after him. Well, he said, the joke was on me. I finally took that Bible out of the closet and found that Grandpa had placed a twentydollar bill at the beginning of the Book of Genesis, and at the beginning of every book over thirteen hundred dollars in all. And he knew I d never find it. I know that you won't find that kind of money if you open your Bible, but I do know that you will always find treasure that is beyond price. Opening yourself up to God Word's is a wonderful thing to do and Lent is a perfect time to do it. People think that Lent is a time where you are supposed to give something up and that isn't a bad thing. But in a real sense it can also be a time to take something up. To take up a mission or task is what Lent is all about. And making it your task to open up God's Word with passion and discipline is one task you will never regret. This is a publication of the people of Bethesda Presbyterian Church York, South Carolina 2018 God Bless, Doug

2 P a ge 2 V olume MMXVIII I s s ue 3 The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. -Max DePree Session Highlights The Bethesda Session met on February 18, Items covered at the meeting included the following: Received monthly committee reports Received the financial report Approved recommendations from the Worship Committee for changes in the Order of Worship and the participation of a Liturgist in the worship services Met in Executive Session to consider the renewal of the Covenant with an Interim Pastor Received the Pastor s Report Update from Holy Conversations Team Throughout the past year, a group of church members has been meeting, praying, reflecting on God's Word, and seeking His will for His church at Bethesda. We have learned that a Holy Conversation is not done quickly. Discernment takes time, discussion and consideration of many factors. Many of you have participated in this process with your prayers, feedback and encouragement. The committee has taken an honest look at who we are as a church, and with your help have identified our strengths and those areas in which we have room for growth. In February, the committee finished our directional discussions. We are now moving forward with preparing a report for the Session and the congregation. The next three months are significant in the life of the Christian church and especially for Christ's church at Bethesda. As Christians, during the Lenten season we will move through the prayerful reflection on the death of sin and the resurrection of our Lord. Following his resurrection, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to fill and indwell our hearts. Let us all use this Lenten season of preparation for prayer, reflection and self sacrifice to remember the life and purpose of our Lord Jesus Christ. During this time, let us ask God to reveal His will for each of us at Bethesda and in the world. May we prepare and anticipate with great joy the new life found in the Easter story. To God Alone Be the Glory. February Attendance Worship Sunday School Feb Feb Feb Feb March Elders on Duty Ralph Adams Mark Boyd Steve Childers

3 B ethesda V olume MMXVIII I s s ue 3 P a ge 3 March 25 Palm Sunday March 29 Maundy Thursday 7:00 March 30 Good Friday April 1 Easter Sunrise 7:00 Worship Service 11:00 A Covered Dish Lunch will be held following the worship service on March 4. It is sponsored by the Administration and Stewardship Committee to celebrate the stewardship campaign. Bring your 2018 Sessional Committees Administrative and Stewardship Committee Cheryl Forlines, Chair Todd Russell Johnny Walker Faye Boyd Child Development Center Advisory Board Todd Russell, Chair Christian Education/Youth Committee Karen Percival, Chair Debbie Darby Congregational Life and Care Committee Steve Childers, Chair Mark Boyd Property Committee Trey Amick, Chair Darius Alexander Worship Committee John Nettles, Chair Stacy Russell Ministry Report Available At the Congregational Meeting on February 11, each family received a copy of the annual Ministry Report. If you did not attend and would like one, copies are available in the vestibule of the sanctuary. The Bethesda Banner is also available in the vestibule, or you may request that a copy be mailed to you by contacting the church. March A Lenten Prayer favorite dish! God, we come with hesitant steps and uncertain motives to sweep out the corners where sin has accumulated and uncover the ways we have strayed from your truth. Expose the empty and barren places where we don t allow You to enter. Reveal our half-hearted struggles where we have been indifferent to the suffering of others. Nurture the faint stirrings of life where your spirit has begun to grow. Let your healing light transform us into the image of your Son for You alone can bring new life and make us whole. In Christ s name, Amen -Author unknown

4 P a ge 4 V olume MMXVIII I s s ue 3 Congratulations! Congratulations to Carolann Bull, Elizabeth Bull, and Reagan Hall for having Perfect Attendance in Sunday School for the month of February. We are so proud of them for their commitment to Sunday School at such young ages. Sunday School begins with children s choir practice with Ms LaRayne at 9:45 am in the choir room. Called to Lead In the Book of Order we are told that worship is a collective activity of the people of God and an expression of our common life and ministry. God pours out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon each Christian in Baptism, and all are called to use these gifts for the glory of God. Therefore it is appropriate for any member of the church to pray, read Scripture, or assist in worship in other ways according to his or her gifts. In 2018 the Elders of Bethesda are committed to helping members find and grow in their God given spiritual gifts, encouraging their participation in the worship service. We are seeking and training volunteers to serve as Liturgist during worship. He or she will take an active part by leading us in prayer and selected parts of the worship service. If you would like to participate in worship as a Liturgist, contact your elder shepherd, the pastor or the youth director. - Worship Committee PW Celebrate Spring On March 17 the Bethesda Presbyterian Women will hold their Annual Spring Retreat in the Fellowship Hall. Ladies, wear your St. Patrick s Day green and come celebrate Spring with the PW and guests. Joy Messner from Thornwell Children s Home will be the guest speaker. A baby shower will be held to collect new, unused items for residents of the Teen Mom/Maternity Cottage at Thornwell. Gifts should be unwrapped. Please take time to review the list in the vestibule of baby items needed. Each attendee will make a craft she will take home, and there will be a drawing for two gift baskets. Registration for the retreat begins at 9:00 am. Lunch will be served at noon. Our Newest Member We welcome our newest member of the church, Eden Grace Shannon, who was received by baptism on February 18, She is the infant daughter of Christina Hibbard and granddaughter of Wes and Susan Hibbard. The Rev. Doug Blaikie performed the ceremony with Elder Steve Childers assisting. A Calendar Reminder When scheduling events on the master Church Calendar, there are three things to remember: Coordinate, Coordinate and Coordinate! Please check with Pat in the church office before you schedule events. Many are important to folks in each age group who want to join in the life of our church. Let s try to avoid conflicts as much as possible. Child Development Center A Ministry of Bethesda Presbyterian Church Happy Spring from Bethesda CDC! The children have enjoyed these warm days of very early spring. Please remember to have your child dress in weather appropriate clothes. The Center will be closed on Monday, April 2 in observance of Easter. Don t forget the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31 at 2:00 in the gym. Bring your basket! We are currently taking K-4 enrollment deposits for the school year as well as deposits for our school age summer camp. Spots in both programs are limited, so contact Cindy or Dawn for more information or to register your child. We would like to thank Ms. Cindy (24 years) and Ms. Elizabeth (15 years) for their years of service. Happy Birthday to: Conor G, Nariah E, Landon D, Bryson S, and Aubrey Q.

5 P a ge 5 V olume MMXVIII I s s ue 3 Children and Youth Ministry Sunday March 4 Youth will meet in the gym from 5-6:30 for Bible study, games, and snacks. Bring a friend! Sunday March 11 We will go to see The 4th Cross at NarroWay Productions in Fort Mill. We will leave right after the worship service and return around 5:00. We will eat lunch at Freddy s before the show. Sunday March 18 Our Youth group will host Common Ground from 4:30-6:30 in the gym. Other youth groups in our Presbytery will join us for games, dinner and worship. Bring a friend! The more the merrier! Sunday March 25 We will meet at the church at 5 pm and then go to I. C. Juicy Ice Cream Roll for rolled ice cream. We will return to the church at 6:30. Cost is $5. The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 31, at 2:00 pm. This is a great event to invite your neighbors and family to! Children will meet in the Family Life Center where there will be a special Easter story. Then they will be divided into age groups and led outside to hunt eggs. Refreshments will be served in the Family Life Center after the egg hunt. The congregation can help with this event by providing eggs filled with candy, small toys, coins, etc. On Sunday, March 4, there will be bags of empty eggs that can be picked up and taken home to be filled. Please return them to the container outside Sarah's office or the church office by Sunday, March 18. There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex for cookies and cupcakes to be served after the egg hunt. Easter Egg Hunt Sat. March 31 2:00 Don t forget your Bethesda Buddy at Easter! Look for opportunities to spend time with your buddy and share God s love with him or her. Chefs Mike, Steve and Doug planned the perfect menu for Sunday Night Pancake Breakfast on February 25 in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone joined in the awesome games after the meal. Thanks to the Christian Education Committee for sponsoring this event.

6 P a ge 6 V olume MMXVIII I s s ue 3 From the Worship Committee Welcome all to the House of God! When we enter the sanctuary we come before a Holy God. Here God dwells among us where two or three are gathered in his name. In the sanctuary, There is the convergence of awe, reverence, adoration, honor, worship, confidence, thankfulness, love, and yes, fear. (Rev. Dr. Robert Strimple, Moderator of the General Assembly 1986). In God s House, the actions and attitudes of authentic worship should befit the King of kings and Lord of lords. Welcome, all. With this in mind, have you ever wondered why we worship the way we do? Why is the worship experience ordered in a particular progression? Why do we have announcements, passing of the peace and a prelude? Why do we take up an offertory after the sermon? Have you observed that the order of our worship takes us on a path from preparation to cleansing our hearts; from the assurance of forgiveness to the reading and teaching of his Word; from responding to the Word to going forth into the world to serve. Why does it happen that way? Teresa Lockhart Stricklen, Associate for Worship Presbyterian Church (USA), explains in an article "The Order of Worship" the five elements of worship. Over the next few months the Worship Committee will share each of these with you in the Bethesda Banner. The five parts of worship as described by Ms. Stricklen are: WE ENTER, CONFESSION OF SIN AND RESPONSE, TO HEAR A WORD FROM THE LORD, TO RESPOND IN JOYFUL SERVICE, TO GO FORTH TO SERVE Part 1 We Enter To Greet One Another in Love The church is not an institution but the gathered community of faith. Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, Jesus said, there am I in the midst of them. The church is a gathering of people who need God and are interested in participating in the journey of faith in Jesus Christ, the Way. When we gather together in worship, we are watching the body of Christ assemble like Ezekiel s dry bones coming together in the resurrection power of God s Holy Spirit. We should greet one another in love like family, for even if we haven t met, in Christ we are brothers and sisters, children of God. As we come together, there may be announcements, instructions regarding the service, family news. To Be Still and Know that God is God / Prelude A musical prelude provides a way of entering into a more meditative, receptive mood to examine our hearts as we prepare to meet our Maker. The prelude is like a curtained door into another place where we can meet God. Times of silence in worship are for your individual prayer and meditation. The prelude is a time to get quiet in your soul to prepare yourself to meet God in worship. Open yourself to God and ask God to speak during worship as you prepare to give God glory. Call to Worship This is usually a brief responsive reading that basically says, Hey, let s worship God! It is God s invitation to enter into the divine presence. The call to worship calls us to leave our daily cares behind to focus on what s really important God, the Creator of all; Jesus Christ, the divine and eternal Word; and the Spirit which binds us all together as brothers and sisters yoked in Christ. It is often responsive in form so that one person calls, and there is a response.this represents God's call to us and our response-ability to respond to the divine.though the words may be from human beings, it is ultimately God (through even the likes of people like us) who calls us into right relationship,god whose loving call initiates our response. Hymn(s) of Praise We enter into God's presence delighting in the glory of the Lord and reveling in the humbling notion that the Almighty actually wants to be in relationship with us. So we sing praise with all we've got (even if that's a little out of tune), just enjoying God for who God is. As we open up the pathways of breath to sing praise, we make space for the Spirit breath to fill us. Next month: Part 2 Confession of Sin and Response

7 Spring Forward B ethesda V olume MMXVIII I s s ue 3 P a ge 7 The Adult Choir will be presenting The Colors of Grace for the Maundy Thursday Service on March 29. We are hoping some additional voices will join us for that service. Practice has begun, but we will still welcome anyone interested in joining us. The Hand Chimes will play for the 11:00 service on Easter Sunday, April 1. We have also started practicing, but it s not too late to join us, whether you are new or experienced to the chimes. We practice on Mondays at 6:30 in the Ladies Parlor. The Children s Choir will also sing on Easter Sunday. Questions? Contact LaRayne at larayneha@gmail.com or Thank You from Our Scout Leaders Thank You to all the Scout parents and leaders for the hearty Soup Lunch held on February 11 for the congregation and visitors. If you missed the delicious soups on that cold and rainy Sunday, there s always an opportunity to donate to our scout program at any time. A sincere Thank You to all those who continue to generously support Troop and Pack 161 with your donations and time. The money will be well spent on camp fees, equipment and scholarships. The boys participated in the Polar Bear Campout this past weekend in Pisgah Forest. With temperatures in the mid 70 s Saturday afternoon, the boys really enjoyed their 7 mile hike to Lookout Falls. - Bob Niehaus, Denny and Tina Davis, Wade Baker, Daniel Adkins, Floyd Sweatt, Leisel Webster, Charles Williamson, and John Nettles 3 Alan Smith, Sr 4 Edie Nettles 5 Christina Hibbard 6 Lane Russell 7 Robin Muse 7 Joni Walker 7 Kenny Williams 9 Mills Sharpe 10 Taylor Adkins 12 Jason Melton 12 David Nettles 13 Trevor Coxton 18 Charles Williamson IV 19 Anne Caveny 19 Conor Goodband 22 Irvin Jones 25 Katie Childers 26 Ainsley Darby III 27 Dorothy Williamson 28 Steve Dickson 29 Chad Russell 30 Jonathan Brown 31 Karen Boyd Hey Guys, SHHHHH!! It s time for church to start! MARCH 11

8 P a ge 8 B ethesda V olume MMXVIII I s s ue 3 MARCH SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Committee Meetings Admin/Stew March 11 6:00 SR CE March 4 6:30 LP Congregational Life March 11 6:00 FH 4 Covered Dish Lunch for all after worship service 11 Youth Narroway Play in Ft. Mill right after church 18 Session Meeting 7:00 5 Boy Scouts Evening Circle 6:30 SR 12 Boy Scouts 19 Boy Scouts CDC March 13 6:30 SR Worship March 11 6:00 LP 6 Cub Scouts 13 Prayer Shawl 6:30 LP Inside Cub Story Scouts Headline 7:00 FH 20 Cub Scouts 1 TGI Wed 7 TGI Wed Morning Circle 10:00 FH 14 TGI Wed 21 TGI Wed MOC 8 Bible Study 15 Bible Study 22 Bible Study Breakfast 8:00 am FH 25 April 1 Easter Sunrise Service 7:00 26 Boy Scouts 27 Prayer Shawl 6:30 LP Cub Scouts 7:00 FH 28 TGI Wed 29 Maundy Thursday Service 7:00 30 Good Friday 31 Egg Hunt 2:00 Meet in gym Remember in Prayer At Bethesda Geraldine Blackmon Bill Dover Michelle Melton Steve Rawdon Family of Vic Adkins Family of Edna Pinson Family of Martha Costner (Liz Blackwell s mother) Our Session The Holy Conversations Team Our Pastor Homebound Amelia Simmers Robert Jones In the Community and Beyond Larry Rockholt Pat Jones Reeves Christine Roberts Dorothy Hazard Beverly Sledge Laney Allen Chris Brackett Reed Wagner Elsa Carabello Eva Bailey Tristan Blanton Luke Gunter Bobby Griggs Nickie Anthony Walt Bratton Bob Dickson Anne M Lane Casey Lane A P and Net Plexico Family of Billy Graham Randy and Virginia Medley Families of victims in Florida shooting Pat Jones (safe travels) Our Global Mission Partners Matias Family Palacios Family Driggers Family

9 One Spirit ~ One Body ~ Many Gifts Bethesda Presbyterian Church 4858 McConnells Hwy. York, South Carolina Phone: bethesda@comporium.net Website: Our Pastor: Rev. Doug Blaikie Our Elders: Ralph Adams Darius Alexander Trey Amick Ernice Bookout Mark Boyd Steve Childers Join Us for Easter Sunrise Service April 1 7:00 am Breakfast Immediately Following Debbie Darby Cheryl Forlines John Nettles Stacy Russell Todd Russell Johnny Walker Clerk - Ernice Bookout Treasurer - Todd Russell President of the Corporation - Ralph Adams Our Mission We celebrate the sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ who is the head of the Church. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we are God's servants dedicated to the nurturing of all people in faith, service and fellowship; providing service to those in need; comforting the bereaved; ministering to the sick; offering solace to the troubled; and always seeking the lost. We invite all believers in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to share the communion loaf and cup of communion as symbols of our unity and service to the Risen Lord. Bethesda Presbyterian Church Staff: Head of Staff - Rev. Doug Blaikie Secretary/Bookkeeper - Pat Jones Director of Music Ministry - LaRayne Hall Director of Children/Youth Ministries - Sarah Childers Established 1760 Caretaker - Mike Percival Sexton - Donna Hagler